Rating: NNN
LA PALETTE (256 Augusta, 416-929-4900) Forget the bistro hype and hubbub. Here’s a funky low-key neighbourhood boite serving no-nonsense cafe classics that just happens to be French. Couple suave service with a young chef with a deft touch with grilled meats, and this unpretentious spot defies food fads. Best: superb 10-ounce triple-A Black Angus sirloin topped with sun-dried tomato brandy butter and hand-cut Yukon Gold fries herb-crusted New Zealand rack of lamb with silky yet textured mash and butter-brushed veggies mixed grill — deboned quail, pork tenderloin, chicken breast strips with cranberry compote sided with roasted spuds, snowpeas and peppers Salade Basque — foie gras-like port-glazed chicken livers and mushrooms over greens in red wine vinaigrette $23 three-course prix fixe specials. Complete dinners for $35 per person, including all taxes, tip and a glass of wine or aperitif. Open daily for snacks 2 to 6 pm, for dinner 6 pm to midnight, late menu to 2 am. Fully licensed. Access: three steps at door, washrooms in basement. Rating: NNN
LA PALETTE (256 Augusta,
416-929-4900)
