Italian music, the twinkle of cozy candlelight and fresh, classic Italian fare lure Annex regulars to this chic but unpretentious trattoria. An entire page of daily specials rivals the main menu in variety and flavour. Respectable ceasar salad tosses large, firm romaine leaves in a creamy homemade dressing, while honey-roasted walnuts and parmesan add flair to a succulent plate of carpaccio. Seven thin-crust pizzas feature adventurous combinations such as apple, caramelized onion and fois gras. Pizza Mercurio is a little slice of heaven, with mozzarella, mushrooms and prosciutto over rich tomato sauce. From four rich pasta dishes comes truffled duck ragout pappardelle. (Many gluten-free dishes are available, from pizzas to pasta.) One hundred interesting bottles on offer mostly Italian; all wines under $45 available by the glass. House made ricotta cheesecake makes a sinful finale. Save room for a glass of Averna on the rocks. Unhurried but attentive service.  

                                                                                         Toronto Life Magazine, November 2005

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