Nothing like finding an excuse to gorge at a fine local place, especially when it's a hotspot in the trendy Dundas and Ossington area. We were celebrating a belated birthday dinner... OK, it's beyond belated. Belated to the point where it could be next year's birthday dinner, but I digress. Delux is one of the many gems in the urban hipster area that is Dundas and Ossington. The street is sprawled with young professionals looking to be seen and seeing those who don't want to be seen. Delux certainly fits that vibe.
A cozy loft environment engulfs you as the maitre d leads you to a small yet elegant marble table. Exposed brick walls and steel beams are the main backdrop along with art deco lighting and a large wooden winerack behind the bar. Delux offers a modest but tasty menu. We shared a friture of white fish with remoulade, roasted pears with bleu and arugula salad, and a charcuterie of duck breast with confiture. The white fish were light and delicate but with a bright seafood flavour, brought out further with the accompaniment of fried capers and parsley. The roasted pears were coaxed out of boredom with a sprinkling of coarse salt and the bleu de vain slices. The charcuterie of duck was beautifully presented but lacked the deep curing flavours of properly prepared salumi.
The mains followed a similar path of excellence and average. The cubano sandwich and frites was beautifully executed. Thin shavings of ham with melted cheese and grainy mustard are enclosed with crispy buttery bread. Frites came out golden and delicious. The roast chicken on the other hand didn't meet up to the menu description's hype. The flesh of the bird was cooked perfectly, however the skin was not crisp but rubbery. The chorizo sauce lacked the depth of flavour the sausage typically provides in terms of colour and spice.
The meal did end on a upswing when Delux's signature "milk" and cookies came to the table. A row of hot out of the oven chocolate chip cookies centre the table. Each bite of the cookie had rich buttery and chocolaty flavour. And what can pair with such a delectable dessert other than a cold glass of milk? This dessert is a must order on any visit.
Delux is one of those neighbourhood restaurants that will outlast any trend.
