Profs, politicians and the occasional celeb hit this Annex mainstay for its welcoming staff and simple Italian bistro fare. Wood-fired pizzas are excellent, one particularly fine rendition combining double smoked bacon, sliced portobellos, asiago chunks and a drizzle of truffle oil on a cracker-thin crust. A salad of Boston leaves, torn pieces of buffalo mozzarella and a roasted red pepper aioli isn't as harmonious on the plate as on paper, but the crackling skinned half capon is inspirational, shiny under its sweet honey glaze and deboned for easy eating. Well-seasoned frites sit upright to the side in a whimsical doily cone, accompanied by chipotle aioli. Beef tenderloin medallion, stuffed with succulent crab, is a winner. The ample wine list will win over even the most postured oenophile.

Toronto Life, November 2007

Best Eateries, Bar None
From Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island to tiny Bayport in Nova Scotia, here's where the locals go to chow down
Compiled by Bill Coleman, Weekend Post
Published: Saturday, March 03, 2007
Last fall, we asked eight foodies of our acquaintance to contribute to a guide of Canada's best restaurants. We were looking for both the legendary spots that everyone agrees are terrific as well as the hidden gems that magically capture the mood of their city or town. When we published the guide in November, we invited readers to nominate their favourite restaurants, along with a review of no more than 60 words and an estimate of the price of a dinner for two with a bottle of wine.
We received more than 200 responses (most of them quick e-mails offering only the name and location of the restaurant). But a good number did sit down and write brief thoughtful reviews. Here is a selection of reviews from readers. We're dubbing it our first annual People's Choice Restaurants.

ONTARIO
Bar Mercurio 270 Bloor St. W., Toronto; 416-960-3877, barmercurio.com The service is personal, the atmosphere is warm and intimate, and the food -- truffled duck with ragout pappardelle or homemade gnocchi, for example -- is perfection, all for a reasonable price. Italian ambience.

                                                                                         National Post , March 2007