It was a cold and snowy day and all through Toronto not a soul was to be seen. The Minus was chilling our bones and we looked for a place to warm ourselves, have a good meal and top it off with some mind involving conversation. We found just the place: The HotHouse Cafe in Toronto on Church Street.

OK, so we did not just randomly bust into this place. It was recommended by a good friend and long time resident of Toronto. It was a day off for Canadians but not very crowded at 3pm. The space is very bright and airy. We had seats right next to the 'floor to ceiling' windows. It was wonderful to be in a warm, colorful and comfortable restaurant while mere inches away there unravelled a winter wonderland.

Our lunch included salad, thin crust gourmet pizza, pasta, beer, sparkling water, water, iced tea ... Each dish was well presented, light and very tasty. Salad was fresh and crispy, just seasoned enough. Pizza had the right combination of herbs and spices. I did not personally try the pasta but from the empty plates around me I concluded that it was right on the spot. We felt pleasantly full at the end and satisfied. Our server was pleasant and not pushy.

If I did not live accross the continent I would make this my regular hangout and lunch stop. Definite recommendation. Go there!

Info as of: Jan 4 2005
HotHouse Cafe
35 Church St. (Market Square)
Toronto, ON M5E1T3
Phone: (416) 366-7800
Fax: (416) 366-7804