Introducing: Elle M’a Dit, Baldwin Village’s modern take on traditional Alsatian food

Introducing: Elle M’a Dit, Baldwin Village’s modern take on traditional Alsatian food

Outside Elle M’a Dit, the new Baldwin Street Alsatian bistro (Image: Karolyne Ellacott)

Elle M’a Dit, a new Alsatian restaurant, is the latest spot to open up on the popular Baldwin Street strip. Husband-and-wife team Gregory Furstoss and Tory Yang opened their doors in early June, and are hoping to put a modern twist on staples from France’s northeastern Alsace region, renowned for its melting pot cuisine.

Furstoss was born and bred in Alsace (“he’s been cooking all of his life,” Yang notes), while Yang–who hails from Seoul–cut her teeth at the George Brown Chef School. The two met working at Bistro and Bakery Thuet, where Furstoss was the sous chef, and planned to eventually find a place to call their own. When the location opened up on Baldwin, which reminded them of a charming village street, they leapt at the chance.

The décor is uncomplicated: white walls with red accents, chalkboards outlining the menu and antique cooking utensils. A patio out front sits beside a playful  and eye-catching mural, and inside, the main floor houses a pint-sized bar and a prime seating location, with another set of tables upstairs.

Both Furstoss and Yang agree that the tarte flambé is the most popular—and versatile— item on the menu. The traditional version boasts a thin crust topped with fromage blanc, gruyère, caramelized onions and bacon ($10), while a Mediterranean variant contains pesto, sundried tomatoes, bocconcini and olives ($11). The pair have also put their signature on an obligatory Canuck staple: their extravagant poutine comes with seared foie gras and duck confit, and is topped with both gruyère and queso fresco ($20). To cool off on hot summer days, they recommend their “Basil Bomb” cocktail, made with vodka, fresh basil, wild flower honey and lime.

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Elle M’a Dit, 35 Baldwin St., 416-546-3448, ellemadit.com.