If you’re a schnitzel lover, run — don’t walk — to the Schnitzel Queen on Queen Street East.
I have passed this establishment so many times over the past year and been curious but, given the area, I was not very optimistic. However, encouraged by my enthusiastic, food-loving nephew, Alex, I agreed to meet him at the restaurant.
On entering, it presents as a clean, pleasant but very small room with stools at the counter (where we sat) for only three.
My nephew ordered a schnitzel sandwich with cheese and sauerkraut and devoured it. I ordered the schnitzel plate which came with German potato salad and sauerkraut. The schnitzel was wonderful, very crispy and the pork was tender. The crispy breading was nicely seasoned and very slightly tart.
Overall, it was one of the best schnitzels I have enjoyed anywhere, and I have been to Austria many times over the years. The potato salad was also very tasty and dotted with small chunks of dill pickle. I also enjoyed the sauerkraut. Everything went well with the schnitzel and, despite my current diet, I ate everything with gusto!
On a side note, take out is also a big part of this business, managed in the front by the charming Teresa and the cuisine by Chef Bernard.
237 Queen Street East Toronto, ON M5A 1S5 – (416) 861-9793
Dr. Josh Josephson is the owner of The Cookbook Store and Josephson Opticians. He is a chevalier of Les Chevalier du Tastevin and the Le Chaine des Rotisseurs, a member of L’ordre Mondiale and a member and former president of the International Wine and Food Society, Toronto chapter.