Lucy told you about the upscale places but our favorites are the ethnic restaurants, by a long shot. Here goes.....

For Chinese food, the best is probably Lee Garden on Spadina but the downside is that there is always a waiting line, unless you go _really_ early. Unfortunately, they are not open at the lunch hour.

Lee Garden 331 Spadina Ave. 426-593-9524

Connections, where we've had a number of our Toronto get-togethers, is our choice for Portuguese food. It is open for lunch and dinner every day except Tuesday.

Connections Bar &Grill 1370 St. Clair Ave. W 416-657-8789

For an upscale, pricey Portuguese meal, best choice is Chiado.

Chiado Restaurant 864 College Street 416-538-1910

For delicious Italian food in a fun environment you might try Marcello's on St. Clair West. The pastas, pizzas and sandwiches are all delicious. We have never had a real main course there.

Marcello's 1163 St. Clair Ave., W. 416-656-6159

For great salads, delicious breads and pastas, Grano (the GTG venue) is an excellent choice.

Grano 2035 Yonge Street 416-440-1986

The Senator is a great place for all-day breakfast, a sandwich or a delicious hamburger. It's a small place and very popular.

Senator Restaurant 249 Victoria Street 416-364-7517

Probably the best steak (it used to be our favorite but we haven't been there in years) is Carman's, a Toronto institution. Oh, yes, it is ethnic - steaks are chargrilled as only the Greeks can do.

Carman's 26 Alexander Street 416-924-8697 or 416-924-8558

Le Paradis is our favorite French restaurant. http://www.leparadis.com 166 Bedford Road 416-921-0995

For Afghan traditional cuisine, head to the Danforth (Greek area) and wait 'til you taste their homemade bread!

Chopan Kabab House &Restaurant 798 Danforth Aveue 416-778-1545

For Greek, also on the Danforth, Avli is your best bet for contemporary

Avli Restaurant 401 Danforth Avenue 416-461-9577

and Zorba's for traditional Greek cuisine - but no atmosphere whatsoever.

Zorba's 681 Danforth Avenue 416-406-1212

For homemade Greek yogurt, it's Acropol Bakery on the same street. Specify that you want "sakoula yaorti" (the thick one you can stand a spoon in).

Acropol Bakery 713 Danforth 416-465-1232

For dessert:

Dufflet Pastries 787 Queen Street West 416-504-2870

Vince, if you're willing to drive for a _great_ south Indian meal, my suggestion is Madras Palace. The food is outstanding and the price so low, it is worth the drive. Be warned though, South Indian food is very spicy - and the place is somewhat of a dump. (Don't order the naan, it is tough and chewy.)

Madras Palace 1249 Ellesmere Road Scarborough 416-759-5400

Need a fix of real homemade gelato?

La Paloma 1357 St. Clair Ave., W. 416-656-2340

You now know all our secrets enjoy!

Cheers! Linda