Toronto Free Press Restaurant Guide

C'est Cheese:

C'est incroyable

Vanessa and Laurie's pride and joy

C'est Cheese 305 Roncesvalles St. Toronto 416-516-5748 Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Having met eight years ago at the Movenpick, Vanessa Chuvalo and Laurie Anne Brennan thought nothing of the fact that they worked together.

When Vanessa and Laurie Anne met for the second time at Jump, where they worked together again, they knew that they were meant to be together. In business that is.

It seemed as though they were always meeting up in the food business, and that was enough motivation for them to open C'est Cheese, located at 305 Roncesvalles Ave.

After graduating from university, Vanessa needed a way to make money. C'est Cheese was the result.

"We both wanted to own our own business, so we decided to grab the bull by the horns and dive in."

What started as a food emporium, soon blossomed into a rather happening place to grab a bite to eat, especially around lunchtime.

While once a dumpy area, Roncesvalles has rapidly evolved into quite an up-and-coming area. Soon to be the next "downtown", it is not uncommon to see bistros and cafes opening up left, right and centre, all with their own, individual style and ambiance.

C'est Cheese and its provencal atmosphere was a much-needed addition to the area.

It also helps that the value of the homes in the area is going up. There are lots of young families moving in, which provides most of C'est Cheese's patronage. In fact, within a week of establishing themselves, Vanessa and Laurie Anne noticed that they had already earned the appreciation of the community. They immediately had the ever-coveted "regulars." While speaking with Vanessa, I couldn't help but notice that she exchanged a few words with almost everyone who walked by. (Guess Vanessa inherited her people skills from famous Dad, Canadian boxing champ George Chuvalo.)

Having grown up on a farm, Laurie Anne really appreciates the Roncesvalles community. "Everyone is so friendly and we have been well-received."

With a liquor license and patio, how can anyone resist C'est Cheese? Located on such an interesting street, this is the perfect place to plop down after some serious shopping and chow down on the fantastic food. If you don't have time to sit, Vanessa and Laurie Anne will not hesitate to pack up your order and send you on your way.

With that in mind, it would be important to mention the menu, which changes from day to day. Sandwiches, fish, salad, pasta and meat are made available, as well as soup, coffee and pastries. None of the meals cost over $15 because in Vanessa's words, "There is no reason why anyone should have to pay more than that." I definitely agree. Why pay more when you can pay less? There is also the retail section, which provides imported foods from France, Italy and Scotland. Of course, they feature cheese.

Although neither Laurie Anne nor Vanessa have their "chef's papers", they both come from mothers who love to cook. But you would never know, as the food is so well prepared.

Using only the best olive oil and herbs, C'est Cheese is guaranteed to please even the pickiest diner.

"The freshness is incredible and we only use top quality products."

With items such as Veal Piccata with sauteed mushrooms and greens ($9.25), Tomato Bruschetta topped with goat cheese ($4.95-$6.95) and Tuna Salad with avocado ($5.75), you must be out of your mind to refuse such an tasty experience.

Special mention goes out to the Sliced Tomato and Bocconcini with basil pesto sandwich ($5.25), which just so happens to be my personal favourite and I took it to go because being the food-bag that I am, I could not resist. Besides, Vanessa would not let me go without sampling their fine creations.

Plans for the future include focusing on their catering services. Presently, they do not have a catering menu, but people can come in, take a look around and together with Vanessa and Laurie Anne, decide on something that will fit their budget.

Currently they are looking for a chef so that they can go out and do some public relations business. Having been open only a month (since June 3, 2001), Vanessa and Laurie Anne want to get as much attention as possible. Because they only have one employee, Jody, they are constantly tied up.

Vanessa also mentioned the washrooms, which she is very proud to say are immaculate. "People come in and tell me that these are the cleanest bathrooms they have ever seen!"

Seating approximately 30 people, C'est Cheese should prepare for a rather busy summer. With their great patio and amazing ambiance, patrons will be flocking to their establishment in order grab some grub or simply enjoy the experience.