loudlunch

This is Maple’s first entry blogging from fair Toronto, as part of her foreign assignment :)  More K/W reviews, as well as other Toronto reviews, to come! – Dariusz

I love crepes. They are like pancakes’ mysterious cousin – there are always hidden treasures in them. Even just a simple sweet banana and Nutella crepe, or the savoury ones with cheeeese, I love ‘em all. After trying out numerous crepe restaurants in Waterloo, Toronto and Montreal, I have yet to find one that is better than the The Art Square Cafe & Crepe, which is located right in downtown Toronto.

Located directly opposite the Art Gallery of Ontario, this cafe doesn’t have the look of a typical modern downtown restaurant. The signature red patio umbrella and crepe sign board with information of weekly specials is what I look forward to everytime I head over to Toronto.

Crepes with Illys coffee

Walking into the cafe, the outer half is an art gallery while the inner half is a cafe. There are many unique art pieces for sale for the art lovers. The cosy place only holds about 8 tables so reservation is recommended if heading there during the busy weekend brunch hours. There is also a nice enclosed patio which will be open when it is not -20 degrees.

Chef at work

Art Square Cafe has an open concept kitchen. You can see your order being freshly prepared with high quality ingredients. Having gone there countless times, I am proud to say that I’ve tried most of their menu items. With a wide variety of savoury and sweet crepes, I shall recommend two of my ultimate favourites.

The smoked salmon & goat cheese buckwheat crepe ($11.95) and chocolate fondue for two ($16.50).

You have a choice of white or buckwheat but I usually opt for the latter, which is nuttier and flavourful.

The smoked salmon is served with goat cheese and a small organic salad. There is a mystery green sauce spread between the crepe layers, which is made from dill, parsley, olive oil, lemon zest and garlic. I love how the dish comes with a whole chunk of cheeeeese!

The Art Square Cafe has various  dessert crepes with fruits, nuts or berries. There are also special desserts like the homemade truffles, profiteroles as well as Tiramisu with vodka flambe. However, the chocolate fondue still remains as my favourite. Made with rich dark chocolate, I was initially worried that two of us will not be able to finish the generous serving. However, that wasn’t a problem at all. It was SO GOOD!

What sets the crepes here apart from the rest is its texture. With savoury, the crepes are crisp and thin, yet not dry and too crunchy. With the sweet fondue, the crepes are extremely chewy and soft. Every bite feels like heaven (to me!).

Wow. Just wow.

Compared with other establishments where crepes are pre-prepared and stacked, waiting for orders, or where crepes are just made mindlessly without sincerity, this place shows them what a good ole’ crepe should taste like.

Anyway, off on my hunt for new crepe places!