I think that the father-son duo sold it, and it has now closed. Too bad, as they made great falafel sandwiches.

We were there last week and sadly this place does not have it. The plates are very small and uninspired. Avoid the pasta fredda at all costs.

A colleague and I are going to be in Vancouver next week. We are planning on Vij's for one night, but the other two are open. Here's the tricky bit. He likes meat, I eat meat but would like to try seafood too. He doesn't drink alcohol, I like wine with a meal. Any thoughts?

-----
Vij's Restaurant
1480 11th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6H1L1, CA

Table 17 has private dining, but I'm not sure it has room for 30 people. May be worth a call.

-----
Table 17
782 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4, CA

Edward Levesque is worth a try. Check his website for the Winterlicious menu.

I agree that Canoe is your best bet. I was there in July, and while t-shirts and jeans are probably a bit too casual, I think the summer crowd is a little less formally dressed. Also, it should be pretty lively after 9:00. Enjoy!

Although I read Chowhound most days, I somehow missed Jam Cafe, at 195 Carleton Street, a block or so west of Parliament. I went there this week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Attentive, professional service, an interesting and varied wine list with a good selection by the glass, and a reasonably small menu of dishes thoughtfully prepared. I had the buffalo mozzarella salad and a seafood stew of sorts, with scallops, shrimp and clams. Best of all, the prices are very reasonable. I gather Jam Cafe offers a $19 prix fixe. Curious to hear if others have enjoyed it as much as I did.

Thanks again! We do, but mainly to art galleries during the day. Had planned to be in lower Manhattan (if I have the terminology right) during the evening.

I didn't try Opentable, but rather called and naively asked for Saturday, to no avail. The woman I spoke with said they accept walk ins.
I should add that we are not wed to a particular type of food, but are more interested in the New York experience, especially Soho and the Village.

Thanks MMRuth. We are booked at Union Square Cafe on Friday night. Thought about Lupa and perhaps Il Cortile.

Arriving in NYC Thursday, staying in Soho for four nights. We tried to get a reservation at Balthazar, but they had 6 or 10 (too early and too late). So now have an 8:00 at Pastis, but the reviews are scathing. We would like to go to a place with great food and wine and a good vibe, without the attitude. Any suggestions?

I have been a loyal Mercury customer since it opened, but the other morning I waited at least ten minutes for my coffee! They really need to speed it up, especially on week days. Dark Horse makes a very decent coffee in less than half the time.

Very sorry to hear about Cafe Vert - a great brunch spot!

If you are venturing to Leslieville, I would pass on Pop Bistro and Table 17. Perhaps try Pic Nic, a wine bar on the south side of Queen, east of Broadview. A decent selection of wines, and a reasonably priced mix and match cheese, meat and garnish plate. This spot is not in the Crush or JKWB class, but a worthwhile stop if you are in the east end.

Agree that Chef of India at Yonge and Eglinton is a great lunch place. I just had southern Indian cuisine for the first time, in London England. Does anyone know if Toronto has this fantastic vegetarian fare?

Each December my colleagues and I have a lovely pub lunch at PJ O'Briens, behind the King Edward Hotel. Not sure about the live music, but worth checking out.

I had two bad experiences of late at the Alex Farms on Danforth. I ordered a Riopelle, and then a Calvados Camembert, only to find they were both stale. I usually taste before I buy, but was in a hurry the first time, and bought a wheel of the Camembert. I understand that the stores have been franchised. About Cheese on Church Street is my new fave. On the wine pairing, a simple rule of thumb is to choose cheese and wine from the same region.

Check out Spencer's at the Waterfront on Lakeshore Road in Burlington. Not cheap, but a lovely setting and decent fare. The web site is very good.

The bar is called the Curzon. I hear that they will be serving food in the next month or two. Great lounge space for drinks, and very much needed in the 'hood.

Has anyone tried Hanoi 3 Seasons, on the south side of Queen, east of Pape? The interior looks much nicer than at the Gerrard Street location, but what about the food?

Thanks for this essay, badtaste! I was a big fan of Lady & Son, but agree that too often there was a lack of stock. Any word on when the new shop is opening?

Perogy, I'm in the same boat, with an anniversary coming up, and looking for great food and a romantic atmosphere, without spending obscene amounts of money. I am a big Weezies fan - my only caveat is that it may be a little too low-key for this occasion. That said, the food is terrific, and it is probably quite convenient for you (it's at King and Power).

After much searching, I have decided on Amuse-Bouche at 96 Tecumseh Street. Other Hounds like it, and the menu looks divine - see their website. They have a 4 course degustation at $60.

Perhaps you can let us know where you end up. Happy Anniversary!

Perhaps try Weezie's at King and Power - well loved by Chowhounds.

Try Sandwich Box, on the south side of Richmond, just west of Bay - great made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Not terribly cheap, but fresh and tasty.

I've had the spicy chicken soup at the Eaton Centre location. The soup is assembled while you wait with mediocre ingredients - not worth trying. If you are downtown, the Sandwich Box on Richmond, just west of Bay has decent soup, and very good sandwiches and salads.

My recent experience has been hit and miss. First visit about 2 months ago - fantastic food, mediocre service. On returning 3 weeks ago, the food was just ok, service indifferent. It does have a pretty boisterous vibe, which shouldn't rule out the 60 year olds. I think it will depend on the night whether you get a decent meal.

I second the warning about Vagabondo - one of the worst meals I've had.

Consider Tomi-Kro at Queen and Leslie. I ate there on Wednesday, and the food was fantastic. Lots of seafood options if that works for your vegetarian friend.

Weezie's at King and Power - check out previous posts.

Dear 'hounds,

I am in D.C. next week on business, staying near Massachusetts and Vermont. Wondering if you can recommend nearby restaurants with great food and wine, and an ambiance which is comfortable for eating alone. I don't mind sitting at a bar (as a colleague did recently at Central).

Ideally I would be able to walk or take a short cab ride. Lots of wines by the glass a bonus.

Thanks!