Madame Marie’s Weekly Roundup: Toronto’s Best Takeout, Delivery and Dining During COVID-19 – March 13, 2021

As we inch closer to restaurant re-openings and patio season (maybe I’m being too optimistic!), here are some suggested local businesses to support this week.

Geste Croissanterie
1183 Dundas Street West
416-538-1710
geste-croissant.com

You’ll likely see the long line forming at Geste well before it opens – sheer evidence of the irresistible goodies it produces. This charming Dundas West croissanterie serves a variety of classic and unique croissants, nostalgic pastries and local drip coffee (because who doesn’t want that with a croissant?). While Geste is best known for its classic butter croissant made with local butter from Stirling Creamery, it’s the pain au chocolat that might be the finest in the city. Its buttery goodness, feathery flake and rich chocolate are the perfect trifecta.

With a daily rotating selection of baked goods that are almost too pretty to eat, there’s always a good reason to return. The raspberry and pistachio tart dotted with crème anglaise is as close as it gets to heaven. And, more unorthodox creations, such as the pesto and sundried tomato croissant and s’more cruffin are sinfully delicious in their own right. Individual treats run from $3.25 to $5.

Another reason to return: you get a full view of where all the magic happens – in the open bakery behind the counter.

Whether you’re in the neighbourhood, or making a special trip to snag a classic butter croissant, grab a treat (or six) and explore the ‘hood.

Constantine
15 Charles Street East (in The Anndore House)
647-475-4436
constantineto.com

Constantine is a Mediterranean restaurant inside The Anndore House. Named after Constantine the Great – the Roman emperor who designated Istanbul as the Roman capital, which remained the capital of the Empire for a thousand years – the restaurant pays homage to full-flavoured coastal Mediterranean cuisine.

Constantine recently took part in LocalLicious – a nationwide event organized by Save Hospitality. Together with 75 restaurants across Toronto, they offered a tasty three-course prix fixe meal kit, with $1 from each menu sold going to Covenant House, Canada’s largest agency serving at-risk youth. Constantine’s takeout kit impressed with its ease to finish at home and generous portion sizes. The meal started with a vibrant Citrus and Bitter Green Salad topped with roasted sunchoke, fennel and pine nuts. Kendal Hills Chicken Tagine was the main event. Spooned over mixed grain pilaf, it was hearty and packed with flavour. The bake-at-home Pear and Cacao Nib Tarte Fine with crème anglaise was a lovely way to finish the meal. While the LocalLicious kit is no longer on Constantine’s menu, they have plenty of other offerings including dinner for two, a wine dinner kit, and several pastas and flatbreads.

Chabrol
156 Cumberland Street
416-428-6641
chabrolrestaurant.com

At this classic French restaurant in Yorkville, Chef Doug Penfold curates weekly prix fixe menus for $55 per person. Available for pickup each Friday, this week’s three-course menu includes fennel, apple and basil soup, grilled Cornish hen and walnut tart. Are you salivating yet?

Bon appétit!

Bisous,

Mme. M. xoxo

Hungry for more? Check out my other weekly roundups.

Operations are subject to change during this crisis so please contact each restaurant for the most up-to-date information.