Tuesday, January 12, 2010

FRIDAY LUNCH AT HOLT'S

by Jennifer Grange

When most people think Holt Renfrew, visions of Armani, Chanel, and Klein begin to dance in the head. We think “Lunch!”  Since we can travel half the distance indoors, picking up lunch at Holts is particularly appealing during the winter.

A cup of butternut squash soup with mushrooms and pumpkin seeds is still steaming hot after being transported a block in the bitter cold. Though rather light in squash flavour and colour, it satisfies with its smooth but ungloppy texture. What we want more of is the accompanying chewy (complimentary) bread. Though we ordered a small serving , this quantity of soup was adequate for two people.

We have been disappointed with panini on several occasions lately. This one is just what we have been waiting for. Gilded to perfection on the outside, the prosciutto, arugula, gorgonzola, and fig butter filling is in perfect balance. The cheese gives a nice zing without overwhelming everything else. Despite both cheese and prosciutto, it is not too salty. The seeds in the fig butter add just enough crunch. Must have another soon!

Dessert is a chocolate chunk cookie large enough to share. Crisp but still pliable, the cookie is loaded with high-quality chocolate chunks. All we need is a glass of milk to go with it.

Soup, sandwich, and cook cost $14.58 at the lower level takeout restaurant.



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