I have a soft spot for diners, but rarely do new ones get it right.
The Bloordale Pantry has the right idea — old-fashioned setup complete with red booths, without being too kitschy or cluttered.
The menu focuses on all-day breakfast, with sandwiches, salads and burgers also available.
I order B&E — two large eggs your way with bacon, served with onion potato hash and choice of toast ($6.99) and my companion gets a Jay Says Eat Your Veggies Panini ($7.99). We both order Fresh Squeezed Juice ($3.75), which is made to order.
The eggs are cooked to order, the bacon is crisp, yet still chewy. However, it’s accompanied by mushy, greasy onion hash and stale toast.
What won me over was the laid-back but extremely friendly staff. It felt comfortable and familiar, despite it being our first visit.
That’s the kind of place that you’ll return to.
Again and again.
