Casual & Quality Italian

Terroni
105 Victoria Street
Toronto, Ontario
(416) 955-0258

Since living in Bologna, Italy for a year in 2000, I have been really picky about eating North American influenced Italian food. However, whenever I have a craving for inexpensive and above average Southern Italian cuisine, we often head to Terroni.

Basically, the menu choices are pasta and pizza. The pastas are always served perfectly al dente – and the wood oven cooked pizzas are large enough for two. All meals are served with bread and extra virgin olive oil. This oil is so good that we bought a bottle to eat at home. For appetizers, try the prosciutto and melon, or the lightly battered calamari. For dessert, make sure to save room for the flourless chocolate cake, which is rich and satisfying. The daily specials are usually quite attractive options.

On the downside, as a result of the good food - the restaurant is often crowded and very loud, and the tables tend to be close together. Be prepared to line up if arriving at peak meal times – timing is everything. Dinner for two runs approximately $60. Usually, Teronis is good place to head for a late supper…

Another suggestion for Italian in the downtown vicinity is One of a Kind on Queen Street, which for years was formerly located on Bloor Street, across from Yorkville. Chinese born chef and owner Raymond still serves a wide variety of affordable, tasty, and generous pastas dishes.

Thirty-Five Elm is located in a building formerly occupied by Il Fornello, and did a good job of hosting our recent office Christmas party. We had a choice of vegetable soup or mixed salad, squash filled ravioli or a oven baked pizza. Dinner was completed with an assortment of small finger like sized pastries, and a choice of coffee or tea. Cost was $28 per person not including tax, tip, or drinks.

The Perfect Veal Sandwich

California Sandwiches

244 Claremont Street
Toronto, Ontario
416-603- 3317

California Sandwiches is one of my favorite places to have lunch - home of the best veal sandwich I have ever consumed. The long line ups during the lunch hour for take out (its all take out BTW) are a testament to the high quality, and legions of believers. I still go to the original location - a hole in the wall located in a residential area in little Portugal.

My all time favorite is the sweet veal with cheese and mushrooms. All sandwiches are simply massive. I have noticed that many burger places are downsizing portions - but not California. The buns remain large and fresh, and provide an excellent base for the perfectly fried veal, tomato sauce, and extra toppings. Cost is approximately $8 each, and worth every penny. They also have hot chicken and meat ball sandwiches, but I've never tried them...

Three helpful hints. Firstly, take care when consuming the sandwich - many a shirt and tie have been stained with the overflowing toppings and sauce (Do not eat while driving - I'm speaking from experience here). Secondly, there is the distinct possibility that you will suffer from a food coma - this is not a light meal. Thirdly, call ahead to place your order, otherwise you may not be stuck waiting in line for what may seem like eternity - you can smell the sandwiches but it'll be awhile before you get one... this experience can be described as pure torture.

If you are a vegetarian, I'd avoid California... although they do have olives. It is also difficult to walk to this location - I've never done it before... Happy eating!