The Boulevard Café

Annabelle Goodman —

161 Harbord St           416 961 7676

I was out of town for Mother’s Day and my family in Toronto wanted to take me out on my return. We immediately agreed that the Boulevard Café was the best choice. I don’t even look at a menu anymore. In fact the charming patron stated that she knew what I would order.

The Boulevard Café has been around for many years. I have dined at this favorite Annex spot for brunch, lunch and dinner. It is always fantastic. I like the small comfortable charming spot.
It has character. During the warmer months the large patio is always bursting with energy. A large canopy keeps you dry and comfortable. A few tables were already set up outside but threatening weather forced those clients to come inside.

The bread is crusty and obviously baked with corn flour. It makes for the best hardy bread. The dip was prepared with the finest extra virgin olive oil with spices and herbs. I could have licked the dish.

I often go for lunch and enjoy the Creole Salad ($11.95) made with fresh Boston lettuce, garbanzo beans, artichoke hearts, avocado, tomatoes and cucumber, olives. The vinaigrette is so delicious I could eat it with a spoon. The Peruvian Plate is tasty and healthy with a variety of steamed vegetables. ($14.95) The Huancaina sauce is worth the trip to the restaurant. Quesadilla Del Mar uses a flour tortilla filled with baby shrimp, jalapeno pepper, smoked gruyere cheese and topped with a tomato cilantro salsa. ($13.95)

At dinner I usually enjoy the Anticuchos. Chicken ($18.95), Shrimp ($18.95) or Beef ($23.00) is available. 6 large succulent shrimp were char broiled on a skewer. They had been marinated in wine herbs and spices. Every bite was magical. I love the oven roasted potatoes and decided tomorrow would be fine to think calories. My daughter-in-law chose the Chicken Anticuchos. There was a different dipping sauce. The sauces and vinaigrettes are all exceptional and made in house. It is the tiniest kitchen but the chef is masterful enough to produce gourmet wonders with a Peruvian flavor. My son had the largest bowl of Mariscos Al Vapor. ($18.95)  Fresh clams and mussels were served in a wine, garlic and coriander sauce. My son asked for more bread to finish that tasty wonderful broth. We all devoured our meals with great pleasure.

Even though the portions were more than ample we had to find room for the Key Lime Pie. It is always exceptional and beautifully plated. Three of us delved into that one slice with great pleasure. What a fitting end to a wonderful meal. The service is always friendly and efficient. The food is with a Peruvian flavor. It is subtle and oh so tasty. There are always specials listed on the board. Someday I must stray from my lack of originality and order something different. It is hard because my choices are always just what I love. This restaurant has been around for many years. It maintains the high standard of great flavors and a tempting menu.

The Peruvian touch makes me feel I am somewhere special. There is a reason this restaurant has been popular for so many years and hopefully many more to come.