A Taste of Italy: Pizzeria Libretto

I've been to Pizzeria Libretto twice now. Both visits were a while ago which makes this post overdue. Luckily I made some notes after each visit.

The initial drive to go to Libretto was that everyone kept talking about it. Also, since I had been to Queen Margherita's Pizza (view my post) which is often spoken of in the same breath as Libretto, I figured I had to go.

The one thing I always heard about were the wait times to get into Libretto so I wanted to try and go at a time I thought would be quieter. The first time I went was on Tuesday right at noon and it was delightfully quiet. I took a seat at the front window so as to give my something to look at while I ate, as in people watch. The man that greeted me noticed that I might need something to occupy myself with and offered me a paper. It's not that often that restaurant staff seem to think of this for single patrons so I was impressed with the service right away.

I ordered the mushroom pizza so that I could try to compare with my Queen Margherita's Pizza experience. There was plenty of flavour in Libretto's pizza. There was also plenty of garlic. I actually took some of it off since I'm overly conscientious about my breath. I definitely enjoyed the pizza and I thought it may have had a little more flavour the Queen Margherita's. This pizza also suffered from tip sag, not that I personally care but some other people obviously do. I do care about thin crust pizzas and it was nice and thin, just the way I like it.

The second time I went to Libretto I got to try 4 pizzas since there were 4 of us sharing. The thing I was most impressed with on that visit was actually the arugula and pear salad. It was really good. I might just go back and have more of that. The wait staff was also good on the second visit and offered lots of advice as we enquired about items on the menu. On that visit I went on a Monday evening at 5:30 and there was no line. Perhaps the hype is starting to die down or perhaps the beginning of the week is the best time to go to avoid a crowd.

Overall I like the place. It's a little out of the way for me to get to though. Their new location on the Danforth isn't any better for me.

Brick Street Bakery

There is a bakery in the distillery district that I've walked past many times and that on a nice summer day is packed with people trying to place their orders.  I had always assumed that it was just baked goods because whenever I poked my head in and could see the display case I only saw desserts and breads.  I never spotted any other menu.  Turns out the menu is posted on a chalkboard on the side wall on the right. 

The prices for the sandwiches seemed a little high given they don't come with anything, but the day I finally decided to try one I discovered the price posted included the tax.  I also discovered the sandwiches were quite big. 

I ordered the coronation chicken sandwich.  It is chicken mixed with a curried mayo, apricot pieces, almond pieces and topped with granny smith apple slices and lettuce.  Since they are a bakery, I am assuming they baked the bread themselves.  It was very good and very fresh.  The sandwich was very big for me.  I only at half of it while relaxing at one of their tables outside.  I wrapped the other half up in the wax paper the sandwich had come in and took it home.  I don't know if you can order a half sandwich but if it's possible I'll be doing that next time.

One thing to note.  There was a sign by the cash register that said "Cash Only" and it seemed to be stuck on top of another sign that said no credit cards.  So if you are going to try it out, arrive with cash.

Just looking at the Brick Street Bakery website I notice they have a location in FCP (First Canadian Place) that  I've also walked past many times.  Might have to go there for a work lunch sometime soon.