The Bristol Yard
Upon my arrival, I couldn’t help but notice the lack of commercial stores around the area. The only other store nearby was a grocery chain that I have never heard of, and yet, there was a line up at the front door of the restaurant. Located close to Christie station, it’s a brunch/lunch cafe with a UK twist. Needless to say, it’s a popular spot.
The second I entered the restaurant, I immediately noticed the shrine-like décor that donned both sidewalls. Each wall was covered with portraits of famous British movie stars, black and white, of course, and one giant portrait of Queen Victoria giving the Derek Zoolander “Blue Steel” face.
The atmosphere of the entire place was very pleasant. Not only do they serve brunch on the weekends, but they also open the restaurant to the public Monday to Friday as a café, serving house made scones and other sundry items. The cafe seats less than 30 people at a time, and the fact that it’s located on a side street and still busy on a Saturday afternoon really says something about the quality.
I was lucky enough to grab a seat front and centre at the bar. A bartender with a UK dialect greeted me graciously and presented me with a small brunch menu. The menu is set up with paragraphs describing in detail every menu item while providing a comical, yet informative back-story about each dish. The menu is well thought out, authentic, and creative.
There were so many dishes on the menu that piqued my interest and made my mouth water, but ultimately, I chose the Maradona. Although not a traditional British dish, the meal was delicious. The Maradona is served with a fluffy South American fried bread called a torta, a piece of steak, and two poached eggs on top. It’s then dressed with a beautiful house made Argentinian chimichurri (made with parsley, garlic, cilantro, oregano, olive oil, red wine vinegar, chilies and other spices).
The torta was smooth on the inside and crispy on the outside, the steak thin, but delicious, and the chimichurri gave off the heat and acid I was looking for to elevate the entire dish. The massive portion of the main was served with a side salad, grilled tomato (brilliant) and homefries, priced at only $14. I was astonished by how delicious and affordable the entire meal was!
I had a chance to speak briefly with my server at the bar, and he informed me that he genuinely loved the food that he serves, savouring the combinations of each dish. At his advice, I am going to make it a point to go back to Bristol Yard and indulge on more of their wonderful food.
Be sure to “Like” The Bristol Yard on Facebook and “Follow” @BristolYardie
146 Christie St
Toronto, ON
M6G 3B3
(647) 716-6583
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