LADIES LUNCH

After years of settling for mediocre caesars and overpriced niçoise, we
have finally found two Yorkville lunch spots that whip the rest.

Brimming with character, Mela dishes out tasty Italian fare for the
veggie hungry. Try the Arborio rice pie or a Quinoa salad loaded with
colourful vegetables (mains $6-$9). Owner and chef, Robert Granata will
toss together a mean pastaciutta if you ask. The blueberry pie (from
Wandas Pie) ends things sweetly.

While the weather lasts make your way to the pretty back patio at Carens
Wine and Cheese, where Moroccan style lanterns hang from elegant trees.
Enormous slabs of warm baguettes are stuffed with grilled chicken, sweet
peppers and Sao Miguel cheese. The Stilton burger or the spicy baked mac
‘n’ cheese fill the hungriest of humans while lighter dishes such as
salads and nibbles hit the spot (mains $14-$30). Wash it down with a
glass or two from the generous wine list.

Just dont get too trolleyedyou might regret splurging on those hot pink
suede Louboutins.

Mela, 7a Yorkville Ave., Toronto, 416-916-0619.

Carens Wine and Cheese, 58 Cumberland St., Toronto, 416-962-5158.