[Review] Rosedale diner serves duck confit poutine!

Website: http://www.rosedalediner.com/
Address: 1164 Yonge St. Toronto ON
When I visited: August 2014, lunch, 3 people
Rating: $$, 3.5

The Rosedale Diner is a short walk from Rosedale station and can be spotted with their rose emblem at the front of the restaurant. The interior was a typical diner with a rustic feel. The patio where we sat was a bit more eclectic and was a mishmash of colours and themes, which is also reflective of their menu. There was typical diner fare like burgers and brunch (available on weekends), as well as Middle Eastern dishes.

I first heard of the Rosedale diner on an episode of Diners Drivers and Dives (DDD) where Guy Fieri ordered the duck confit poutine and Asian sticky ribs. After watching the cooks make both these items on the episode, I know that a lot of work goes into each dish, which is what intrigue me try it out.

To start, I had a Caesar and really enjoyed the fresh horseradish.

Next, I had the summer salad with watercress, watermelon, feta cheese and a berry dressing. Although the portion and presentation were great, the dressing was too bland for my liking.

To make up for it, the duck confit poutine (poutine au Canard) and Asian sticky ribs were incredible! The duck was tender and the gravy was flavourful. I tried my friend’s sticky ribs, and it had a nice balance of sweet and savoury. Totally worth the finger licking at the table!

Overall:

I am not in rush to return to Rosedale diner as lunch was expensive and out of my budget at the moment. I spent almost $40 (before tax) for a drink, salad and a poutine. However, when I do return, the ribs and poutine will be on my list again.  I have been recommended by a friend to try out their brunch menu and their coffee. If you have gone there for brunch, what do you recommend?