Barque Up The Right Tree

Early on a holiday Monday morning, I headed over to High Park for the cherry blossoms. I figured I had missed the peak bloom last week-end. Heading along the more picturesque walking trail on the west side, I finally arrived at Grenadier pond. With leaves already filling in, the trees weren't gloriously impactful. But there were still a few with mostly full bloom. This early, there weren't too many people: a few nature photographers, and small groups taking romantic shots of engaged couples. By the time I left, the crowd was starting to arrive, including some in traditional Japanese garb.

I headed over to nearby Roncesvalles for brunch and settled at Barque, one of the smokehouse that opened during Toronto's BBQ craze a few years back. All gleaming tables and wood, the place included personal touches like mismatched coffee mugs to seem less like a mini-Kelseys. I ordered the beef brisket sandwich ($14) for brunch.

The spinach side order was enlivened with bits of citrus fruit and crunchy nuts. The sandwich also had crunch from the slaw and fried onion. The brisket was reasonably tasty, though on the dry side. This wouldn't be the best smokehouse in the city, but a good choice for the neighbourhood.