When TS and I were looking for property… what… 10 years ago, she insisted that we be no more than 1 day’s drive from the big smoke (Toronto). I couldn’t understand that need. I was looking at property around Lake Superior… or at the very least… Manitoulin Island. I now see the wisdom in that criteria. The Northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula has ended up being a fantastic choice. It’s a geographical dead-end. There’s no way a bridge could be spanned across Georgian Bay (and remain structurally sound). Lake Huron (and the Bay) moderate the site’s climate. It causes some strong winds. And it can become the marine graveyard of all kinds of watercraft — thus the existence of Five Fathoms Marine Park (Dr. Emery, thank you again for helping set up that park [I’ll help keeping it clean]). I enjoy living in a part of the world where large bodies of water can stir up foul weather (and easily sink large watercraft). I cannot afford to SCUBA dive (and own property) on the Atlantic nor the Pacific coast, however, Lake Huron is the next best thing!
Here are SOME Restaurants or take-away that I think deserve your patronage (as of August 20, 2023):
- Ethiopian Cuisine. Wazema, on the Danforth (1360 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1M9). It’s where the locals enjoy their meals. Order extra injera. Link to their map.
- Kostas Greek Bakery. Near Warden and Ellesmere (265 Ellesmere Rd, Scarborough, ON M1R 4E4). Steel yourself & grid your loincloth — the entire plaza has a very Greek attitude. Link to their map.
- Sushi. Hamaru, on Leslie… just north of York Mills (1865 Leslie St, North York, ON M3B 2M3). This eatery weathered the Covid onslaught and remained in business. Their sashimi is fresh and expertly cut. I prefer their red dragon rolls. I usually ask them to put the mysterious hot sauce on the side (as it can become overpowering). Apparently, their name roughtly translates to ‘addictive’ or ‘obsessive’ — yep! Link to their map.
- Meat. The Friendly Butcher, Yonge… north of Lawrence (3269 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 2L5). Fresh turkey. More meat! They also offer various ready-to-heat meals . Link to their map.
- Okonomiyaki. Okonomi House, near the Bay and Bloor intersection (under the UofT family housing complex [23 Charles St W, Toronto, ON M4Y 2R4]). My brother-in-law introduced me to this place. My spouse and I have frequented this eatery for ~30 years! It’s worth the trek downtown, and me resisting the urge to visit Bay Bloor Radio to gawk at all the HiFi! Link to their map. Aaaand, a link to THAT (Bay Bloor Radio) other Hi-Fi place.
- Firehouse Subs. 865 York Mills Rd #6, Toronto, ON M3B 1Y6. They offer sandwiches that do not taste mass-produced. They have franchises in both Toronto and Owen Sound(!?). Link to my most frequented shop.
- Shawarma. There can be only 1 place for your next fix — Shawarma Empire (website under construction — go there in person for best results), just east of the Lawrence and Victoria Park intersection (south side [be prepared for some hair-raising parking, eh]). 1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R 2Y3. Order an extra side of french fries — It’s the oil (fresh). And be willing to pay a bit extra for extra sauces (at this high quality level, don’t be a cheapskate). Link to their map.
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