Food Before the Game

Richtree - BCE Place
42 Yonge St.
Toronto, Ontario
(416)366-8986

Formerly known as the Movenpick Marche, the renamed Richtree, has maintained the same standards of unremarkable food. A few years ago, my Mom referred to it as a high priced cafeteria. While this criticism could be viewed as a little harsh, there is some truth to her observation. Upon entry, patrons are given a internal credit card to purchase meals and drinks at different food stations (pasta, salad, sushi, bbq, dessert etc) in a Market atmosphere. This place has been around forever - I use to come here when I was in high school.

The best thing about Richtree is its location. It is a good place to go when you are downtown and need to grab a quick bite before the Leafs/Raptors/Jays game or ballet at the Hummingbird Centre. Located in the BCE Place, its themed rooms and decor hasn't changed since I can remember - sit in the atrium if there is space.

This is a nice place to meet with a large group of friends for two reasons. Firstly, since everyones individual bill is already divided up, this ensures you won't get stuck paying for someone else's Martinis or expensive steak when it comes to dividing up the bill (we all have experienced this). Secondly, there is never any rush from the staff to vacate your table/space - so if friends are just 'dropping by', it is ideal place to meet.

While most of the main course offerings are standard and not memorable, try the pan friend Swiss rosti potatoes with smoked salmon - its not something you find on menus at other restaurants, and it’s a lot of work to make at home. Breads are usually fresh too. The dessert offerings are quite good - there is always a wide variety of pastries, cakes and pies. My favorites are the waffles/crepes that are loaded with fruit (strawberries and bananas), topped with ice cream, and covered in warm chocolate sauce or maple syrup. Unfortunately, they don't serve the Movenpick brand ice cream any more, but the portions are larger, and the prices are significantly cheaper now (about $3) from a few years ago.

There is always seems to be a large number of tourists around, and it remains a good place to people watch. However, at times, the market atmosphere tends to get a little crowded, and it is annoying to have to protect your food while trying to get back to your table in one piece. Also, when you go and pay for your bill, they tack on an additional 15% service gratuity fee (does this really go to the workers?), which always leaves me wondering... what service? If I remember correctly, I picked up my own food...

Reasons to eat here: if you are meeting a large group, want good dessert, happen to need food late at night, or don't want a sit down meal but need to avoid fast food before a downtown event.