Cozy, casual joint with comfort food

Stephanie Dickison/for Metro Toronto

Pork cutlets wth Dijon Cream Sauce ($12).

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Urban Foodie by Stephanie Dickison

Published: December 03, 2009 12:07 a.m.

Last modified: December 09, 2009 9:55 p.m.

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Pop Bistro
686 Queen Street East
(416) 461-9663
www.popbistro.ca

Rating: *** 1/2
Dinner & drinks for 2: $55

Now that it’s getting colder, it’s time for a little comfort food. And there’s no better place than a cozy neighbourhood joint.

Pop Bistro is a former 24-hour restaurant/diner. The stainless steel pass-through, stools, counter and pie fridge still remain.

It’s small — under 30 seats — and simply decorated, and the atmosphere is laid-back and casual. The two owners — server and chef — are the only staff here tonight, Wed at 7 p.m., which adds to the easygoing feel of the place.

And though it touts itself as a French bistro, the menu is decidedly a medley of European dishes.

Everything on the menu is prepared and presented simply.

The Warm Spinach and Bacon Salad ($10) is tossed in a barely-there dressing, and the Escargots Provencal ($10) drift in melted butter.

A dense blend of pork and beef under a mantle of thick tomato sauce make up Homemade Meatloaf ($12), and the Pork Cutlets with Dijon Cream Sauce ($12) are thin, delicate and just right.

The items are deceivingly plain looking, but the flavours more than make up for the simplistic dishes.

It’s nice to get away from fussy and fancy fare and just eat good food in a nice place for once.

Dining out

Bar Food
Disgraceland (965 Bloor St. WW.) isn’t a high end bar in the least. It’s where you go to get your drink on, to hang with friends. But they also serve brunch on Saturdays and Sundays and have an inventive selection of hot dogs and fries including vegan poutine and Chip Butty’s — french fry sandwiches.

Shakira Shake
Are you looking for something a little more than just dinner? Then go to Tabülè Middle Eastern Cuisine for an exhilarating Belly Dancing Show! The shows are half an hour — Fridays starting at 8:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 p.m. Reserve your table online at tabule.ca or call (416) 483-3747

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