Off The Eaten Track

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Nothing calms me more than being near, or on the water as I was born under a Zodiac water sign. So when my friend called and excitedly told me she had purchased a sail boat she immediately became my best mate.

We agreed to meet at Bluffer's Park, and I was really looking forward to smelling the sea breezes. After a bracing sail, I offered to take her for a beverage at the Dogfish. I haven't been there for at least 15 years, and it still looks the same, really nothing fancy. But the patio has a beautiful view and waterfowl glides serenely by. There's lots of activity at the docks to keep you amused.

We relaxed over a super fresh draught beer ($6.50) and a basket of really good onion rings ($4.50). Other fare is straightforward, such as a roast beef sandwich ($7.95) fish on a bun ($7.95) and chicken cacciatore ($10.95).

Later on, we strolled up to the posher Bluffer's Restaurant, and again engaged a lovely patio seat. The menu is large and varied and offers fish, fowl and meat. Two daily soups are offered, a hot version (creamy tomato that day) and a cold one (gazpacho) for $3.95.

I started with an escargot fricassee ($10.95) which I had to return to the kitchen as there was just too much going on the plate. The menu description listed garlic and red wine, but there was also tomato, tomato sauce, artichokes and olives. The escargot just got lost. Sometimes simple is best. It was graciously removed from my bill.

It seemed appropriate to order the Captain's Plate ($25.95) and I was rewarded with two giant seared scallops, shrimp and a large moist salmon filet. Side veggies were fresh. Roasted potatoes completed the plate.

Maggie ordered salmon as well, however, her portion was saut�©ed in an almond crust ($21.95). There is pasta to choose from, steak with mushroom and peppercorn sauce ($28.95) a pork tenderloin selection ($22.95) and of course, surf and turf ($30.95). There is something for everyone here.

We skipped dessert as we were stuffed, although they had a good selection, such as orange cr�¨me carmel and cheesecake ($5.75 each). As I overheard someone say this morning, don't blink or summer will be gone.

It's worth a visit to these spots to capture the essence of the season.

Bluffer's Restaurant

The Dogfish

7 Brimley Rd.

Phone: 416-264-2337.

Wheelchair access: Step up at doors at Dogfish; no barriers at Bluffers.

Hours: Bluffers is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. The Dogfish is open seven days a week.