Therese de Grace—winner of reality series The Pressure Cooker and restaurant reporter for Toronto Living—and her partner in crime, Lady K—Karen Balcom, formerly of Pope Joan’s—are keeping it local and seasonal with menus that reflect currently available produce, and the upon-a-whim changing temperature outside.

The pumpkin bisque is the embodiment of spicy warmth, with the flavours of cumin and cardamom cooled by swirls of cream and offset by the crunch of pumpkin seeds. Crackling trout, cooked masterfully with just enough rare to satisfy, is rounded off by a light apple fennel salsa atop a leek and spinach puree. Grilled striploin is accompanied by a divine wild mushroom and smoked bacon hash—an ultimate rib-sticking indulgence.

Must tries? Butternut squash and black walnut ravioli; lunch time artisan pizzas that run the gamut from twice cooked bacon with apple, cheddar and arugula, to a vegan featuring a tomato hemp pesto; the sweet spring roll with caramel dipping sauce; and an assortment of vegetarian options. Instead of going speakeasy, the ladies spent their time sans-alcool to get the brunch menu sorted, with attractive results – a slew of egg options, three styles of French Toast, and vegerrific dishes abound – hell, even the potatoes are described as sexy.

A front patio, 16-foot windows, exposed brick chimney and the occasional ghost story (don’t fret—a whisperer has already intervened) only add to Lola’s gastronomical appeal.