Introducing: Bistro 896, Richard Henry’s latest French restaurant in Leslieville
Name: Bistro 896
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
Contact Info: 896 Queen St. E., 416-625-2653, bistro896.com, @bistro896TO
Owner/Chef: Richard Henry, owner of nearby bistro Le Rossignol and now-defunct Le Canard Mort, which was overhauled to create Bistro 896
The Food: Bistro standards like steak frites and white wine–steamed mussels, as well as burgers and sandwiches. A picnic-inspired plate comes with fried chicken, devilled eggs and potato salad.
The Drinks: French wine, craft beer and a winnowed down version of Le Canard Mort’s encyclopedic cocktail list. The summery Clover Club combines gin with fresh raspberries, lemon and egg whites.
The Place: The space has been given a modest revamp with new leather banquettes and tiled floors. A bronze duck on the bar pays tribute to the old moniker.
The Numbers: • 3 retro recipe books pulled apart to paper the walls of the ladies’ washroom • 2 years (to the day) between the openings of Bistro 896 and its predecessor Le Canard Mort • 1 Szechuan dish on the mainly French menu: Kung Pao calamari
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