Provence Delices

By Annabelle Goodman –

Authentic French! Outstanding food! I just enjoyed the best omelet ever. That may sound like nothing. There are so few ingredients in an omelet. However it is tricky to keep the omelet moist and fluffy. This was perfection.

I invited my cousin out for lunch. She enjoys French food. (Who Doesn’t?) This was spectacular. Provence is on a side street looking out on quaint houses in Cabbagetown. It is quiet and serene. The restaurant has the feel of a charming inn. It is bright and cheery.

We forgot our diets and indulged in the Luncheon Prix Fixe for $25.00. Every bite was magic and every morsel was demolished.

The crusty baguette was warm and delicious. We ate so much bread and still managed to enjoy all the food. My cousin started with an Artichoke Soup. It was a generous portion. The soup was creamy and so flavorful. There was no cream in the dish even though it had a creamy texture. I chose the Du Puy Lentil Salad. It was so beautifully presented topped with watercress gently sprinkled with vinaigrette. I was pretending I was in Provence France and had nowhere to go. We spent quite a few hours savoring our delicious lunch.

My cousin ordered the House Authentic Toulouse Pork Sausages with frites and Dijon. I had the perfect Cheese Omelet with the best frites I have ever tasted. The omelet was filled with melted cheese. Every time I thought of the calories I was consuming I ate more.

Crème Brulee was the dessert offered for the Prix Fixe. Yummy says it all. My cousin winked her eyes and sweetly asked for the Marquise au Chocolat. I didn’t know how I was going to get out the door but was already thinking what I would have on a return visit.

I was tempted with the Roasted Beets and Celeriac Remoulade Salad.($11.95) On a former visit I enjoyed the Atlantic Salmon marinated with orange and star anise and served with Coho salmon caviar on a tartine of Ezekial bread with frisee salad.($14.95) Steamed Mussels are prepared in white wine, cream and served with petites lardoons and frites.($19.95) Mustard Flank Steak Frites is a specialty of the house.($!8.95) Calf’s Liver is sautéed with onions and served with those delicious frites and a frisee salad.

The frites are really magnificent. You might not want to know that they are double fried in the traditional French way. They are also matchstick in shape so become very crispy when fried.

Elie Benchitrit is the chef and owner. He is delighted to discuss the menu with the patrons. He offers cooking classes on Monday evenings. There is a maximum of 7 people for each class. There is 1 session each Monday evening.

I started my lunch with an interesting luncheon guest. I finished the luncheon satisfied with the wonderful flavors and the charming atmosphere.