Happy Shiny People

My regular dining candidates are usually locations I've been to several times. But Thursday night, I decided to test out a new spot for me: Bar Begonia at Dupont and Spadina. This French bistro is another addition to the resto empire of the Rose and Son people. Its signage is a smiling emoji, reminiscent of Lite Brite. Its inside is packed with young, trendy people drinking, eating, and laughing.

I opted for a beef bavette ($28), frites ($7), and a half-pint of Steam whistle ($5). The very dim lighting, perfect for chatting up a pal or love interest, doesn't permit a good photo of the food. The beef is quite good, tender, with a rich wine sauce. The fries are acceptable, but not really memorable. Begonia is a good place to meet someone though it won't make my regular dining list. First, given the prices, it's not possible to put together a meal for under $30. Second, it may be a bit too noisy for some place you'd want to drop by after work. Finally, a French bistro that charges separately for (rather average) fries for its version of steak-frites? Come on.