Pronounce it how you want: Dell-ee, Dell-hi, it doesn't change the fact that this relatively new eatery in Guelph is serving up local fare with the experience and passion of a refined palette and a care for seasonal ingredients.
We had admittedly been yearning to eat at the Bistro for some time, but any chance we had seemed thwarted by some external force, causing us to miss the opportunity and salivate even more over the well-reputed reviews coming our way. Thankfully for us, however, opportunities are something that can often be controlled by the most persistent of cravings.
Aptly located on Delhi Street, just across from the hospital, this quaint and bright establishment forms itself at the hands of executive chef and co-owner Luke and his wife, who recently returned to Guelph with an idea, a touch of faith and a whole lot of dedication for what they clearly enjoy the most - good food.
Luke, who spent the past 9-years in Montreal earning stripes and slinging pans, has taken the time to craft their menu from locally sourced ingredients and agriculture. It is actually a note of interest that when we were there Famalicious was taking place and, while many other restaurants were challenged to create outside the box dishes to meet the criteria of such an event, Delhi Street Bistro simply had to continue what they already practice.
In regards to their menu, it should be noted here that, while it may seem limited and short, one should not read that as a negative; instead, see it as a positive sign that they aren't willing to over complicate your decision, that they are only going to put on the menu what they can guarantee, and finall, that they have given themselves the opportunity to change with the season, or, for that matter, week to week, even day to day. I mean, think of it this way: why put apples on a menu if apples aren't in season?
To speak on the dishes we specifically ate, we were both impressed and proud of our choices. Alison with her portabello and brie sandwich, me with my falafel wrap, with a side of fries and a house salad respectively, our plates were polished by the end of our lunch and, though we couldn't have comfortably forced down another bite, there was no getting around the fact that we would undoubtedly order the baco noir chocolate slice with creme anglaise for desert. I don't need to tell you how it tasted.
As for the decor - they've kept it charmingly simple, bright, open and comfortable. It paints itself as the perfect place to go for a cappuccino and light lunch, or brunch on a Sunday. And, perhaps my affinity for Neko Case puts me on the biased opinion side of the line, but the music was well suited to the personalities of the chef and owners and made our experience a welcoming and somehow familiar one.
Yes folks, it took us a while to get in there, but we did it and we are going to go back. Right now as a matter of fact; the way they described the savoury French toast demands it. So, check out the menu, drop in for lunch, bring a friend or the family and enjoy the Bistro experience with Luke and crew.
Gotta run....
-Phil
No comments:
Post a Comment