So yesterday I arrived home from working on the Island quite late and we were hungry (well I am eating for 2). The small dinner I had on the ferry back just didn't cut it! We were both feeling tired..there were no groceries in the house, so we put our shoes on and decided to go to the Naam. I felt like something healthful and fresh.
We walked down to the restaurant only to find a line up out the door...dang that place. Its not even that fabulous...but it is a vegetarian haunt, and all of the cheap collage kids and Kits hippies love it, so we were out numbered and decided to march on. We walked one block over and were going to search for something else, when we past this little bistro that looked so cozy and bustling inside, we stopped in our tracks. We had never seen this place before, yet it was obviously quite popular as almost every table was full. The name was Cafe Regalade which apparently means to enjoy, or drink freely from the bottle...something like that.
What a charming, authentic French resto...the decor was simple, European style, yet comfortable and homey. The tables were narrow and close together which was a little awkward to get in and out of without shoving your ghetto bootie in the next tables dish....but that's the European flair for you. It certainly made for easy browsing, as we checked out our neighbours food picks for the evening.
The crowd was mixed in age, but everyone was dressed well...which was so nice for a change. Kits has a serious dining problem...the problem is, it is mainly composed of pub after pub filled with Uni kids or little mediocre Asian, Greek and Japanese quick stops....the neighbourhood has really lacked a mid-range upscale resto. There used to be Lumiere, which was too over the top....but this is just right. The food...ah yes, the food was absolutely amazing. I wasn't starving so I ordered the trio of salads...one with Quinoa, mango and basil. Another with beautiful tender beets and the most delicious tomato confit I have ever tasted...I loved the simple combination and it was exactly what I was in the mood for. Although that didn't stop me from sneaking bites of Ivan's rich, and robust Le Cassoulet de la Regalade. Beautiful, fall off the bone lamb, with hunks of streaky bacon and sausage simmered in a bath of herbs with tender/firm white beans...what a beautiful dish.
They also have a very french charcuteries and cheese selection, wine selection and pastry selection...and the most amazing thing about this charming little place....not ONE menu item is over $20!!!!! So next time you are looking for a romantic, yet easy going place to feast..try Cafe Regalad and Enjoy!!!!
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