The Reveal – Pollyanna
The Gist
From the folks behind Leslieville’s Eastside Social and The Thirsty Duck, comes a neighbourhood eatery featuring eclectic bistro fare, boozy cocktails and wine that won’t break the bank, in the most charming room.
Grub
Traverse Italy, Spain, France and the Middle East in one sitting.
Dishes ranging from $12 (Cauliflower Croquettes) to $29 (12oz. Cast Iron Seared Rib Eye)feature bright notes of black currant, salted lemon curd, plum and pickles, mingling with smoky flavours of saffron, garlic ancho chili jam, chorizo and spicy xo aioli.
Choose seriously healthy fare such as Roasted Eggplant Dip ($16) or head straight for the Polly Wanna Burger ($17) with double smash patty and house-made process cheese. A selection of vegetarian, seafood, meat and poultry options are also available.
Libations
Classic sippers such as an Espresso Martini ($14), Aperol Spritz ($12) and Dark n Stormy ($12) are part of the five signature Polly Wanna Cocktails.
The focused wine list (gls $12-$14, btl $53-$100) and two brews on tap ($8) makes drinks with dinner accessible.
Fixtures and Fittings
Co-owner Cherie Stinson has been a lead designer at international design firm YabuPushelbergfor 20 years. From designing high-end hotels and restaurants across the globe to working onRestaurant Makeover – as well as her own eateries – Stinson knows how to set the stage.
She, her husband/co-owner Joey Skeir, and their longtime contractor, Leonard, 72 years young, did all the work themselves. Renovations took just two-and-a-half months.
From exposed brick walls, high ceilings and Celadon green tufted leather banquettes to vintage thonet chairs and marble tabletops, the room has a decidedly NYC vibe. Feminine and romantic, too.
Psst – you’re going to want the custom art deco lighting and vintage shades for at home.
Off the Menu
Lavender Brown Butter Bourbon ($14)
One sip of this floral bourbon elixir with house-made lavender honey and fresh lemon, and you’ll be hooked.
Halibut Tartare ($16)
This isn’t your grandma’s tartare. Diced raw halibut gets added crunch from crispy leeks, quinoa crouton and pink radish, while charred avocado, peach habanero sauce and tomato oil amplify the demersal fish.
Cauliflower Croquettes ($12)
Crispy croquettes with a soft, pillowy interior are accompanied by saffron aioli and sweet chili sauce.
Bruleed Bone Marrow ($13, additional bone $6.50)
Bone marrow with the classic accoutrements – grilled sourdough garlic toast and a pile of fresh parsley and pickled onion salad to pile on with abandon.
Dukkah Crusted Avocado Salad ($15)
Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Entice your palate with dukkah-crusted avocado, salt-roasted red beets, pomegranate, horseradish yogurt, salted lemon curd, kohlrabi and fresh dill.
Black Fettuccine ($21)
Crispy octopus and chorizo, garlic roasted cherry tomatoes and ricotta salata are set atop a pile of thick inky noodles.
Crisp Pork Belly ($24)
Two thick slices of slow roasted crisp pork belly nestle into heap of creamy, chunky polenta. Plum relish adds bright tart notes.
Deets
Pollyanna accommodates 46 guests for dinner and drinks (with room for 42 on the back patio – weather permitting). Five seats are available at the bar every evening for walk-ins, no reservations required.
Note: Payment is cash + debit only. No credit cards.
At the Stove: Chef Amber Farrell, Executive chef Stefan Skeene
Head Honchos: Cherie Stinson & Joey Skeir
Map it: 1054 Gerrard St. E. (at Jones)
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Phone it in: 647-952-2024
How Cool is This?! A patio and garden out back will open once the weather returns. And all-day Sunday brunch starts January 2018.
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Check out our Facebook page for more photos.
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