Tag: Entertainment District

Marvelous by Fred

A different take on French desserts

Let’s get the bad news out of the way. The English name for this bakery is awkward and cringeworthy. The original French name is better: “Aux Merveilleux de Fred”. Although “Marvelous by Fred” is a technically correct translation, it doesn’t invoke the same personal touch.

Marvelous by Fred is a chain bakery originating from Lille, Northern France. Their signature dessert is the namesake merveilleux (pronounced mair-veh-year; marvelous in English). It’s a unique creation of their own consisting of a meringue shell with bits of goodies inside it.

Exterior of Marvelous
Marvelous by Fred
Pastry counter of Marvelous
Pastry counter

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Makan

Malaysian-inspired baos and rice bowls

Makan stands out as the only Malaysian restaurant in downtown Toronto. Ok, it’s Malaysian-inspired rather than actual Malaysian. The only recognizably traditional dishes are their nasi lemak (coconut rice), rendang (dry coconut curry), and chicken curry. Still, it is a welcome change from the usual chain restaurant and food court fare. The food is above average and well-priced to boot.

Exterior of Makan
Makan. Fugo, a dessert store, is also co-located there.

The food

The menu can be summarized as (1) stuff on baos or rice and (2) tater tots. Tater tots are an oddball for the restaurant’s concept. I didn’t try them for this review. I would have preferred Malaysian sides like begedil (croquettes), curry puffs (curry pastries), or rojak (savoury fruit salad).

Beef rendang and Filet Not Fish baos from Makan
Beef rendang and Filet Not Fish baos

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Grand Cru Deli

Deli classics with a French flair (belated Winterlicious edition)

Summerlicious and Winterlicious can be a great time to try new restaurants. The trick is finding a restaurant that offers superior value or limited time dishes that interest you. For most restaurants, these events are equivalent to a free dessert. If you are not a fan of desserts, you might want to give them a pass.

Grand Cru Deli is a new entrant to Winterlicious, having opened in March 2019. Billing itself as a wine bar, you might be forgiven for thinking the food is an afterthought. I went in not knowing what to expect and came out impressed.

Exterior of Grand Cru Deli
Grand Cru Deli

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