I cannot believe that I’ve been in Toronto for over 10 years and have never been to the Cheese Boutique.

I offered to bring a cheese plate to a baby shower. I had recently heard about the Cheese Boutique from a client, and was very eager to see what it was all about.

Rob and I walked in, and were overwhelmed by the enormity of the place and the walls of gourmet food. We took a walk around the store, admiring their selection of jams, teas, chocolates, antipastos, truffle sausages etc etc. Then we entered the Cheese Vault – where they age their own cheese and prosciutto. Finally, to the task at hand: choosing some cheese. We didn’t know where to start, but entrusted a friendly young cheese representative who filled us with sample upon sample. We were looking for variety – and that’s exactly what we got. Triple Cream Brie from Bordeaux (on special – half price), 10 year aged raw-milk cheddar from Quebec, Prima Donna – sweet & nutty from the Netherlands, Le Chevre Noir and more.

With 10 cheeses from various regions, 3 kinds of bread, and 2 types of crackers, the plate was a hit.

Le bar a soupe’s monthly menu offers a selection of 3 yummy soups each day of the week (minus Sunday). I chose to dine on a cold November Thursday which presented warm offerings of Pork Vanilla, Cream of Celery and Mushroom & Herb Potage. Just before close, they had run out of the mushroom. But the other two soups were delicious. In my opinion, they both needed additional salt, which I think is great because soups are often over salted. They also serve a small selection of sandwiches and salads. I recommend the grilled cheese (old cheddar on multigrain).

With its disposable tableware, it caters to take out but there are seats available for approximately six people. The owner Nathalie provided excellent, friendly service and even offered my boyfriend a clipping of the cactus plant he was admiring.

I've been going here for a couple years now. The thing I like about it is, you don't get the attitude and judgment that you often get at bike shops. Yes, I own a rusty old clunker, but it and I deserve the same respect as any other bike and owner. They're great mechanics, totally friendly (good bike or not), and the prices are reasonable.

This place has become popular, so you might want to call ahead before you squeeze your bike into their tiny place.

Canoe is way out of my budget. But the food is out of this world. They create flavours that my taste buds had no idea existed.

The food is generally extremely rich. If you're calorie conscious it's not the right place for you.

The service is exquisite. They take dining to a whole new level. As you can tell by my fav's, I do not usually frequent fine dining establishments, but I'm confident that the Canoe experience is a unique one!

- all you can eat $12 (weekdays) with great selection of rolls
- often very busy but they do take reservations
- good veggie selections (Bento C!)
- soundtrack, not so good (cheesy instrumental cover songs)
- take out... use far too much styrofoam
- try the deep fried banna desert with sesame icecream!!! AMAZING

Salad King has a great selection of tasty Thai eats and the prices are very reasonable.

But I would highly recommend getting takeout. The restaurant is like a zoo. People are tightly packed into stainless steel picnic style tables with paper placemats that double as menus. The sound reverberates and although you 19re sitting very close to the people you 19re dining with, you still find yourself shouting to be heard amongst the chatter.

I suppose if you 19re looking for a good dining experience you can try 1cLinda 1d, the upstairs, higher end version of Salad King. But I have yet to go.