Good ol’ fashioned home cooking

Shannon Rose

March 2009

When we walked into Fireside, a friendly family oriented restaurant on the corner of Van Horne and Victoria, we were showered in hospitality. The smoky smell of meat cooking was mouthwatering. The walls were adorned with paintings of landscapes and orange lighting that would put any diner at ease. Anyone over 50 will feel like they’ve stepped back into their youth.

We were seated immediately in a comfortable booth, with high backs to give the illusion of privacy. As we were removing our outer gear, we were presented with a generous portion of tangy coleslaw, two giant pickles and four slices of rye bread to munch on while we perused our extensive menus. Both my guest and I ordered from the table d’hôte, which includes soup, dessert, and coffee or tea. We chose from chicken, filet mignon, lamb chops and burgers, among other offerings. Our waitress was friendly and catered to our every need almost immediately.

Both the beef and barley and the chicken noodle soups were and flavourful – obviously homemade. My chicken brochettes, done to perfection, were served with french fries and salad. The home-style fries, made with real potatoes, were crispy outside and soft inside. The salad was served with a house dressing that was both light and savoury. The portions were so large that we took home leftovers. My guest ordered the grilled chicken breast with mashed potatoes and salad. The meat was juicy and tender. It was well done – but not burnt – well-seasoned and flavourful.

For dessert my guest had rice pudding that was thick and fresh. I ordered a baked apple, sprinkled generously with cinnamon. Both were tasty blasts from the past. Another dessert option was prunes. For a good old-fashioned meal, Fireside is definitely a good choice.

The prices for the dinner special range from $12.50-$28.95, with appetizers starting at $3.25. Fireside is located at 4759 Van Horne, corner Victoria. Call 514-737-5576.