A good colleague of mine, Angus, invited me to lunch at a new little bistro called Radius, located downtown at 11011 Jasper Avenue. Radius is a contemporary deli-style restaurant that specializes in traditional and more creative crêpes.

Angus eats here quite often and likes the Lox Crêpe, consisting of salmon, cucumber, dill and crème fraiche. The Turkey Crêpe caught my fancy, as I was curious about a turkey, Swiss Cheese and cranberry spread flavour combination.

It was very good and very filling, with the flavour being pretty much what I hoped for. However Angus’ Lox Crêpe was quite exceptional.

The variety of crêpes is as wide for the vegetarians as it is for meat and fish lovers. There are pesto, veggie, and sun-dried tomato/spinach/feta crêpes as well. Crêpes are whole wheat, unless you specifically request otherwise.

Dessert crêpes range from Nutella, to berries, to melon/mint/whipping cream and even a “Caramilk” Secret. Although one crêpe is more than enough to satisfy a hearty appetite, we decided to share the Apple and Cinnamon crêpe.

This was delicious. There was a generous portion of nicely cooked apples in a rich apple-cinnamon sauce. A sweet crêpe and a coffee in the afternoon or early evening would make quite a pleasant treat on its own.

The décor is very modern and the place itself is quite small. While many stay to eat, as we did, Radius also operates as a take out, allowing patrons to enjoy the nice summer weather while it still lasts.

Service is friendly and you can watch your crêpes being made from pretty well anywhere in the place, as well as from the window if you happen to be passing by.

Most crêpes range between $5.00 and $7.00 and definitely constitute a substantial meal. If you go and share a dessert, count on about $11.00 per person, plus whatever you drink.

They serve beer and wine, but specialize in various coffees, lattés, teas and exotic juices. There is literally something for everyone.

BEST POINTS:
The Lox Crêpe, reasonable prices and friendly service.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT:
Nothing major. They might pick up the speed in making some of the crêpes a bit, and I think I would personally re-arrange the seating.

RATING CATEGORY:
Compared to other bistros and deli-style restaurants, I have no problem giving it an 8 out of 10. Radius is a fun place. Try it!