RED CROW COFFEE 

211 James Street South, Hamilton, Ontario (905) 521-2124, for hours of operation see there website provided below.

Went to Red Crow with my son Tom for their Brunch and a coffee.  He had been here before and suggested we try their brunch.  It included a selection of omelettes, so we both selected their mushroom and potato omelette.  We were going to order an americano coffee, but Bob at the counter suggested we try their Red Crow version.  It was very strong and satisfying version that was just the way Tom and I like our coffee.

 The Brunch selections were written in a blackboard, and today the omelette selection was $5!  

It was accompanied by a nice salad, watermelon, and a multigrain toast.  It was a tasty brunch that was not greasy, but very tasty and good value for $5.  There are a variety of seating choices and it was quite full on a Victoria Day holiday Monday.

We sat at a bar table at the front window overlooking James Street South.

The inside is typical of many independent coffee bars.

The menu is posted on a board:

We found Red Crow friendly, inviting and reasonably priced.  The Red was a great coffee and we will definitely return.  It has a relaxing atmosphere and a good variety of food choices.

http://www.redcrowcoffee.com/

DIMMI BAR AND TRATTORIA 

140 Cumberland St.,  Yorkville, Toronto, On. (416) 975-1100, Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week

Three of us went to Dimmi late on a Sunday evening in May.  It was Mother's day and we arrived at about 8:30 to find the restaurant packed with patrons.  It was a very warm evening and the front patio was quite busy so we went inside.

side patio

There is a front and side patio.  The doors were open this evening and there was a mild breeze.  The inside was full of patrons at 9 o'clock.

We ordered a very nice, reasonably priced Chianti.

A nice selection of bread arrived that went well with the herbed olive oil at our table.

Mark (http://www.markallen.ca/) my son ordered the scallop dish on a bed of creamed chick peas and black olives drizzled with a reduced balsamic vinegar, for an appetizer and it was delicious.

He ordered gnocchi for a main and it was tender and a good portion.

My wife ordered the salmon.  It came with a wonderful salad that had a very tasty dressing.

I chose the evening's pasta special.  It was outstanding.  It included a half lobster tail, artichokes and calamari in a rose sauce that was fabulous. The fetuccine was perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth.

The three of us enjoyed our meals immensely.  The food was well presented, nicely cooked and very tasty.  The service was quick and efficient and the atmosphere was busy but at the same time unhurried. The prices were reasonable for the quantity and quality. We will definitely return to try other menu items here.

Well done Dimmi.

http://www.dimmibar.com/yorkville/home