Swan Restaurant - grrrrrrreat brunch!

It isn't that often that I venture west of Portland, but last Sunday, I found myself rather hungover and seeking some much needed brunch.  Little did I know, I was a few blocks away from what is apparently, a Toronto landmark, located on Queen West..... the Swan Restaurant.  So I've been told.....this hot-spot, has been serving-up fresh eats for over ten years. Who knew?

Cute? Retro? Nostalgic? Antique heaven? However you want to describe it, Swan not only has an old-school trendy environment, but also has quality food (or at least brunch) that will keep me coming back for more.  Sit at the bar or wait for a table, the Cesar's are big and strong! I should also mention that each cup of coffee is made solo - hello euro style - and extremely tasty. So really, forget about the eats, who doesn't like waking up to some vodka, coffee and a paper?
 
 

 
All that said, Swan serves up excellent food with a rather odd (or perhaps not), combination of plates.  From your standard French Toast or Poached Eggs, to a yummy Huevos Rancheros or Eggs w/ Smoked Oysters and Pancetta. Can't say I've tried them all, but certainly recommend them all.
 
 

 
Advanced warning - you and your crew will inevitably have to wait for a table.... I can't comment on dinner options.... and the hash browns are mediocre at best.... but all that said, if you live in the area, check this place out, its worth it....
 
Location: 892 Queen St W

Open: Weekdays 12pm-10pm; Weekends 10am-10pm

Queen Margherita Pizza

Perched in Toronto's east-end, between Lesliville and The Beach, you can find this authentic pizzeria across the street from the Connaught streetcar bone yard. The atmosphere is comfy, in a lofty type space, with big windows for sun light and a hipster buzz on busy nights. The owners are a little intense, but let's be honest - Italians take their pizza making very seriously.

So what can be so unique about pizza you ask? Well, The Queen not only has a new menu everyday, but all ingredients are brought in-house fresh, on a daily basis. Combine fresh ingredients, a beautiful Italian gravy (tomato sauce) with a wood-oven crisp - perfection!

There is a set-menu offering, which I recommend. For $25, you have your choice of starter, pizza and small salad. Alternatively, there is a list of set-topping pizza choices that range between $14 and $18.

All I have to say, is that Pizza Libretto and Terroni's now have some serious competition in the mix.  The Queen brings a true Italian za to T.O., ensuring quality with its 6,000 pound Neapolitan oven, made of mortar and stone.

Location: 1402 Queen St. East
Tel: 416-466-6555
Website: http://www.queenmargheritapizza.ca/

Duff's watch out - Introducing... The Crown & Dragon

Don't be mislead by the location or the appearance, the Crown & Dragon wings give some of Toronto's best a run for their money.  With over 30 flavours, I guarantee there is a taste for everyone.

I highly suggest a batch of the award winning Dragon's Breadth.  A big spicy wing, nicely cooked, juicy and the perfect amount of sauce.  Other favourites I've tried include: Do The Jerk (a Caribbean spice); Key West BBQ (sweet, smokey and hickory); and Honeycomb Heaven (sweet honey garlic). There is a 'baked' wing option for those on a health kick, but let's be honest, I've obviously never tried them. Because I've only ever ate wings, I can't comment on any of the other food offerings; however the sweet potato fries I saw, did look pretty yummy.

My only real complaint and the one thing that the Crown & Dragon needs to improve on, is service.  Unfortunately the wait staff is limited in terms of numbers and very inattentive.  In fact, our waitress was socializing with a table of her friends for the better part of our dinner; not to mention, we caught her eating a few wings off their table - umm, not so sanitary.....

Make sure to check out half-price night on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Website: http://www.incommonproductions.com/dragonwings/