We'd been trying to get over to the Toronto Islands all summer long, and we finally had the chance on Friday afternoon. And seeing as how our visit began during lunch hour and our cycling was inducing hunger pangs, no further excuse was needed to drop by The Rectory Café!
Although this was our first visit, The Rectory is a place that's been on our radar for several years. According to the restaurant's own published history, the house was built in 1948, survived the municipality's cottage demolition blitz, and then housed the minister who presided over St. Andrew-by-the-Lake church at Centre Island, this latter stage in its life providing the place with it's current moniker.
The restaurant is open year round, but it's principal calling card is it's beautiful outdoor terrace. Large and well- shaded, it reminded us of many of the magical gardens we've dined in while visiting off-the-beaten-path restaurants in rural France.
The menu (check it out here) is not overly ambitious, but is sophisticated enough to lift it above other run-of-the-mill cafés. We opted for a pulled pork panino from the sandwich section of the menu. The pork was juicy and tender with just the right amount of barbeque sauce. Unlike many cloying varieties out there, the sauce deftly balanced sweetness and tangy acidity. The pork was topped with smoked mozzarella and served on a nice ciabatta roll. A dollop of garlicky mayo finished it all of. Alongside the panino was a small serving of tender greens and a (rather unnecessary) garnish of reduced balsamic vinegar and herbed olive oil.
We very much enjoyed our lunch at The Rectory. We would say that it accurately reflects our conception of a Ward's Island sensibility- good quality without pretension. And, of course, it's setting on a warm summer afternoon can't be beat. The terrace invites a leisurely-paced meal, and much like a trip to the islands in general, you can't help but let the stresses of the city melt away as you drink in the nature-infused air. Quite magical, really!
*******
The Rectory Café
102 Lakeshore Ave
Ward's Island, Toronto
416-203-2152
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