I walked to Coxwell on Friday for some groceries. Passing through Little India, I noticed there were still numerous businesses but more and more gentrified shops have settled in. On a drizzly Saturday morning, I entered one such café that has established itself on the edge of the area at Redwood and Gerrard. Apparently Le Conciliabule has been here for about 3 years. It was a tiny space with only patio seating (in better weather). However, it carried a good variety of bread and pastries (that it makes off-site) as well as other items like wine, jams, and dips. I chose a classic butter croisant ($2.75) and a mustard and cheese twist ($3.50). The regular croissant had a nice, fresh buttery-ness but didn't quite have that multi-layered crackle of the best croissants. I liked the twist, too. Its form gave it more toothsomeness and the cheese/mustard combination added an earthy fragrance.
In the evening, I headed in the other direction to visit a neighbourhood stalwart: Com Tam 168. This Vietnamese restaurant had many regulars who knew the owners. A father and son dropped in to the excitement of the staff. It was their first visit in 2 years since they had moved to Scarborough. This was an old-style place that had pages of menu choices. This being my first visit, I stuck to what should be their strength and chose a bowl of pho ($12.50).
It was a filling bowl with good broth and noodles. The meat wasn't as good as Ca Phe Rang: the beef slices blander, the brisket mostly fat, and the beef balls were typical. With taxes and tip, it was only a few bucks cheaper. So I'd visit if I was in the neighbourhood but this wasn't a destination spot for pho.
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