Globe Bistro Review

From farm to table this local serves sophistication and good food

By: Stephanie Thompson

I’m “between things” at the moment: that is to say, I’m in school and unemployed.  This means missing out on some of the finer things in life. Much to my benefit, I have family members who are not so much “between things” as they are “on top of things,” like my lovely brother and my sister-in-law who were kind enough to treat me to dinner at Globe Bistro.

Globe Bistro has been wowing patrons with modern Canadian cuisine, a constantly evolving menu, and local, seasonal ingredients since it joined the Danforth community in 2006 at its location just south of Broadview Station. The restaurant can accommodate groups of up to 300, and in the warmer months, the elegant rooftop patio seats up to 60. Ed Ho, owner of Globe Bistro and sister restaurant Earth Rosedale, has brought something special to the neighbourhood.

I can only say good things about Globe Bistro. The food, simply put, is incredible.  The marriage of flavours and textures makes for a truly unique dining experience well worth the price. Entrees run between $19 and $35. Globe Bistro has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence five years and running and has offerings for the amateur sommelier and wine newbie alike. The service is impeccable: prompt, welcoming, and friendly. The ambiance is warm and sophisticated—fitting for a romantic evening, family affair or birthday celebration.

As we perused the menu, Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Birds played on silent behind the wine bar, accompanied by soft piano music. Our meal started with fresh bread and truffle-infused butter. Shortly after ordering, a complementary eggplant and olive amuse bouche was offered, followed by the Victoria Farm Greens ($9) topped with Niagara apple, watermelon radish, and roasted pepita seeds. The maple vinaigrette, bitter greens, and sweet fruit combined perfectly with the crunchy texture and smoky flavor of the seeds.

As a pescatarian (I don’t eat meat but I eat fish), I often find myself limited to fish, pasta, and the dreaded vegetarian burger. Globe Bistro answered my dietary-restricted prayers with the Vegetarian Cotechino ($19). Traditionally, cotechino is a meat item akin to salami. The vegetarian version at Globe Bistro consisted of grains and walnuts sitting atop Algonquin corn grits, topped with chili rapini and peach mostarda. The earthy taste of the cotechino mingled with the spicy rapini and creamy grits to create exquisitely layered flavours.

My generous dining companion opted for the Muscovy Duck ($28), comprised of seared breast and duck liver sausages, celeriac risotto, kale, and pickled grapes. My sister-in-law enjoyed the Perth County Suckling Pig plated with charred scallions, asparagus, crème fraiche potato puere and five onion jus ($27). I may not eat meat, but both dishes looked and smelled tantalizing enough to tempt me.

I am a notoriously slow eater and will often take home what remains on my plate when my dinner company has finished. When our server witnessed this he asked if something was wrong with my meal. After explaining he seemed satisfied but skeptical. I suspect that he rarely sees anything but empty plates and happy faces.