APR/MAY 2016
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
Celebrating South Etobicoke’s Best in Food & Drink...
#LIVELOCAL
This is not intended to solicit property under contract with another Brokerage or a Buyer Representation Agreement
430 HORNER AVE westcitysnackbar.com 647.348.1400
Moving? Downsizing? Clutter getting you down? Then it’s time to Ease Up.
SUSAN QUAGLIERI Sales Representative
Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
move management simplifying downsizing decluttering organizing staging
IT CAN BE EASIER. easeup.ca 416.819.1576
EDITOR’S NOTE South Etobicoke is brimming with great places to eat and drink. In this issue, we highlight a few of our favourites. With no shortage of options, we were kept very busy ‘researching’. photo: bysummerleigh.com
I hope this Food & Drink edition serves as a reference the next time you’re wondering where to eat locally. As always, thank you for reading. Roger Tumminieri, Editor Etobicoke Lakeshore Press print magazines: free for pick-up at local merchants in South Etobicoke digital magazines: read them at issuu.com/the_el_press social: follow us @the_el_press etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com 416.788.0716
FOOD + DRINK EDITION
APR/MAY 2016 on the cover:
GREAT LAKES BREWERY photo: Roger Tumminieri
FIAT LUX MEDIA
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MADE IN LONG BRANCH All Rights Reserved
Travis Perraton Financial Planner Investment and Retirement Planning 416-579-3023 travis.perraton@rbc.com
Define Retirement Your Way. Start the Conversation Today.
Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2011 Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. 45808 (09/2011)
WHAT’S NEW: THE STOP REHEARSAL STUDIO
Owners, Owen & Jasmine Denham Jam, record, dj, dance, and sing your hearts out at The Stop, South Etobiocke’s newest popular music space. Located at Kipling and The Queensway, The Stop is a place where kids, teens, adults and professional musicians come together to create music. The husband and wife team of Owen and Jasmine Denham treat artistry as a whole entity by building on the foundations of making music, songwriting, performance, recording and social media. You can book the 1800sf sound-treated 6
room for hourly sessions, birthday celebrations, or rehearsal time. The studio features a 20ft stage and the latest sound equipment. Check out their website for package deals. If you have kids, you may want to read up on The Stop’s “Jam & A Movie” nights. Registration is now open for kids’ summer camp sessions. ---
#LiveLocal
30A Zorra St 647.932.2536 / thestop.ca thestoprehearsalstudio.com
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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ARE YOU A LOCAL FOODIE? I’ve lived in South Etobicoke for over a decade and I’ve seen the area go through a lot of change over that time. One of the most striking differences has been the number of new restaurants and cafes that have opened. We have fantastic options for pizza, Indian, Italian, Canadian, Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Polish, as well as pubs, bakeries, and coffee shops. There’s really no need to go into the city any longer to have a great evening out. My wife and I love to try new local businesses and are rarely disappointed. I’m happy to help with recommendations. Feel free to connect with me to share your local favourites.
By: Chris Logan
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chris@chrisloganhomes.com 647.204.2039 / @ChrisLoganHomes chrisloganhomes.com
FBI PIZZA Check out the Pizzanatomy menu at Mimico’s own, FBI Pizza. It’s full-blooded Italian. Visit their re-designed space on Lake Shore for some of the best, most authentic pizza anywhere in the city. FBI is a popular haunt for locals and delivers anywhere in South Etobicoke. They offer more than just pizza, though. Salads, sandwiches, pasta, chicken and wings are among their other offerings. ---
2336 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.251.0101 / @FBIPIZZATO fbipizza.com 8
Planning a local event? Get FBI to cater it. They do that, too.
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WEST CITY SNACKBAR
You don’t find food like this just anywhere. Kudos to the team at West City SnackBar for a fantastic job serving up some of the finest family-friendly comfort food in Toronto.
Favourites include the Long Branch Burger ($8.25), Seasonal Kale Salad ($6), and Orange-Chili Beef Taco ($4). The ultimate kid favourites: Grilled Cheese ($3.50) and Fried Brussels Sprouts ($5). Go figure.
West City SnackBar is a throwback to simpler times, tipified by the photographic motif inside. In line with this pioneering spirit, prices here are surprisingly low. You can get The Family Fun Pack which feeds 4 and includes crispy fried chicken, hand cut fries, southwest chopped salad and house sauces for $30. Located on Horner Ave between Brown’s Line and Kipling, it’s a quick detour off the Gardiner. Eat in or take out. Orders can be ready for pick-up in as little as 10 minutes.
For dessert, or whenever you feel like it, we recommend the Ice Cream Sandwich. It’s $4 worth of chocolate-chip-cookie goodness. You’ll have to try it for yourself. With a handful of local beers on offer, West City SnackBar has all your bases covered. “The food’s good. The beer’s cheap,” says owner, Joshua Hendin. “Come make it your own.” --430 Horner Ave 647.348.1400 / westcitysnackbar.com insta: westcitysnackbar
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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TIMOTHY’S PUB
The menu is creative and includes items such as Wasabi Steak Salad, Hickory Pulled Pork Sliders and Loaded Leprechaun Fries. The vibe is always upbeat and cheerful and you can guarantee that you’ll receive a friendly greeting when you walk in. Tim Brem and his wife, Robin, live in Alderwood and have been operating the pub since To start, live entertainment acts 1998. They are strong community run from Wednesday to Sunday. supporters who have to date raised Couple that with a pint from among the many beers on tap or over $160,000 for the Salvation a glass of your favourite wine, add Army’s South Etobicoke Chapter. Follow Timothy’s on Facebook, some jumbo wings and you’ve Twitter or Instagram for live entergot yourself a good time. tainment listings and updates. --If sports are your thing, Timothy’s 344 Brown’s Line has a great set-up. With TV’s all 416.201.9515 / @TimothysPub around, you can watch the game timothyspub.ca from anywhere in the bar. It’s probably fair to assume that Timothy’s on Brown’s Line is wellknown to most South Etobicoke residents. If you haven’t been in a while or perhaps you’re newer to the neighbourhood, here are a few things you should know about this friendly Alderwood pub.
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122 FORTIETH ST 647.435.5003
Woodfire Catering
dCATERING and EVENTS
www.WOODYSBURGERS.ca 3795 Lake Shore Blvd W
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Follow us on Instagram and Twitter!
416-546-2093
@ woodysburgersTO
@ woodys_burgers
kiera@woodfirecatering.com
WOOD'*3&$"5&3*/( ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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THE PIE COMMISSION
We can thank Etobicoke natives, Patrick Blessing and Mike Dahm, for this neighbourhood gem. The word is definitely out that The Pie Commission is the place to go for the best meat (and veg) pies in the area, if not the city. We interviewed several of their customers to find out what all the hype was about. We spoke with meat-eaters and vegetarians whose sentiments were all very similar. We were consistently told that the pies were unlike anything they had experienced before. The fillings were “to die for” and the crust was “unreal”. With a second location now open at 887 Dundas St. W., expect to 12
see a lot of happy hipsters eating pies in Trinity-Bellwoods Park. “If you have a tendency to overindulge at times, proceed with caution,” explained one customer. “These pies are too good. They’re borderline addictive.” Not to deny ourselves the pleasure, we ordered a few pies to test. The Beef N’ Beer, Butter Chicken, Veg-ilicious, and Pulled Pork made it to the sampling table and were paired with a few cans of beer from neighbouring Great Lakes Brewery. The result: a pending intervention. ---
935 The Queensway (entrance at back) 416.848.7424 / @PieCommish piecommission.com
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FIRKIN ON THE BAY
Noted for its distinctly British decor, Firkin On The Bay is a relatively new addition to the continually expanding Humber Bay Shores neighbourhood. Staying true to its “Keep Calm, Eat & Drink On” kind of vibe, Firkin On The Bay is a traditional British Pub with a twist. With flat screens and 17 beers on tap for the sports crowd, kids menu and kid-themed brunches for the family, as well as DJ and dancing on special event nights, Firkin On The Bay caters to the whole community. “Our brunches feature a do-it-yourself Caesar bar which is a huge hit,” explains General Manager, Bobby Schuette. “Everybody has a great time.” 14
Their menu is full of delicious British pub fare. They also have fantastic food and draft beer specials every day of the week. Firkin On The Bay should also be commended for its patio - one of the biggest along the waterfront. With some of the nicest views in the city, their patio is expected to be packed this spring and summer, and will likely be one of the centres of activity in Humber Bay. Follow Firkin On The Bay on Twitter for special promotions and info on upcoming events. --68 Marine Parade 647.748.8877 / @firkinonthebay firkinpubs.com/firkinonthebay
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Follow the lads to the second floor...
INSPIRASIAN FOODS Did somebody say “Dumplings?”
Dumplings are made-to-order and come in delightful little lunch boxes. InspirAsian Foods is the brain child of owner, Karlene de Freitas. Her creations keep local families coming back for more. It’s safe to say that South Etobicoke kids love dumplings! Conveniently located on the north side of Lake Shore between Twenty Fourth and Twenty Fifth streets, InspirAsian Foods is also a hit with Humber College students and staff.
photo: Isabella Tumminieri
Now we’re talking. The next time you feel the urge for fast and tasty take-out, check out Long Branch’s InspirAsian Foods.
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3288 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.255.1285 / @InspirAsianFood
inspirasian.ca
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GREAT LAKES BREWERY
Putting passion in every pint, the good people at Great Lakes Brewery continue a family legacy of local brewing excellence.
Speaking of cases. Did you know you save about $10 when you buy 24 cans from their brewery store? Not too shabby.
Awarded the Canadian Brewery of the Year in 2013/14. GLB’s “fiercly independent” spirit has produced such everyday favourites as Canuck Pale Ale and Pompous Ass English Pale Ale. Celebrated seasonal beers include 666: Devil’s Pale Ale and My Bitter Wife IPA. If you think the names are great, wait ‘til you see their designs. Let’s just say that whoever is handling the marketing over at GLB is doing a fine job. Case in point, the design for Hanlan’s Point Coconut Coffee Porter. Curious? Check out their gallery of beer can designs.
Firm believers in supporting local businesses, GLB decided to stay on-shore when they bought 3 new tanks from a manufacturer around the corner on The East Mall. The increased capacity will help them keep pace with rising demand. GLB brands are flying off shelves across Ontario at the LCBO and participating grocery stores. Drink them locally at Cellar Door, The Refinery, 850 Degrees, and Good Lake. --30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd 416.255.4510 / @GreatLakesBeer greatlakesbeer.com
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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HEALTHY CHOICES
By: Jonathan Nhan, RPh, CDE
Sometimes making healthy choices isn’t always as easy as we would like. When it comes to your diet, careful consideration should be observed, especially if you take medications. For example, diabetics should pay special attention to portion sizes as well as the types of foods to avoid. Reduce your consumption of simple sugars like those found in white bread and soft drinks. Increase your consumption of complex sugars from fruits and legumes. Supplements are another consideration. If you have any questions about your diet, my team and I are happy to advise.
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3634 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.255.5243 / @nhanjonathan shoppersdrugmart.ca
FAMILY FRIENDLY FAVES DUNDAS STREET GRILLE 5238 Dundas St W 416.239.6244
SUGAR FOR MY HONEY
3399 Lake Shore Blvd W 647.933.2099 / sugarformyhoney.ca insta: sugar.for.my.honey
WEST CITY SNACKBAR
430 Horner Ave 647.348.1400 / westcitysnackbar.com insta: westcitysnackbar
WOODY’S BURGERS
3795 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.546.2093 / woodysburgers.ca insta: woodysburgersto
APACHE BURGERS 5236 Dundas St W 416.233.3046
FIRKIN ON THE BAY
68 Marine Parade 647.748.8877 / @firkinonthebay insta: firkinonthebay
JACK ASTOR’S SHERWAY
1900 The Queensway 416.626.2700 / jackastors.com
All Natural Hair Care in The Kingsway
visit our website for promotions
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
By: Marlene Sammy
CAT
CHILD’S POSE
COW
ALIGATOR
YOGA RECIPE 10 deep & mindful breaths 5 cycles Cat-Cow A dash of Child’s Pose A pinch of Alligator
Once smooth and elastic, draw your hips to your heels in Child’s Pose. Walk your hands to the right side and lightly twist for 10 breaths. Repeat on the left.
At Branch Yoga we believe movement is the spice of life! Ease tummy trouble by following this Yoga Recipe to feel good physically and feed your soul. Roll out your yoga mat and find a comfortable place to rest. Combine the above ingredients from top to bottom. Take 10 deep breaths, slowly stirring away tension from your day. Once settled, come to table top. Round your spine like a cat and arc your spine like a cow to knead out any kinks. 20
Lie on your belly in Alligator and bake until soft and relaxed. Let cool in a meditative seat for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea. We recommend chamomile, ginger, lemon or peppermint. For a fun variation, try our powerful Spa Teas by Thalgo to improve digestional transit, promote weight loss, and eliminate excess water. New to Branch Yoga & Wellness? Try our intro pass and get 30 days of unlimited yoga for $40. Follow us for updates and inspiration: @branchyoga & branchyoga.com.
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BLOSSOM PURE ORGANIC BlossomPure Organic provides the finest food from local farmers within a 100-mile radius of Toronto. It all started when owner, Fahim Alwan, wanted to help his family and friends stay healthy by avoiding toxins found in most mass-produced foods. He felt that the most effective way to protect his loved ones from illness was to source pure, wholesome and nutritious foods that were ethically raised and slaughtered. Today, BlossomPure Organic continues to be Etobicoke’s trusted source for fresh, wholesome, halal, grass-fed meat, and organic poultry.
VITAL PLANET HEALTH SHOP
Herbs Vitamins Organic & Gluten-Free Natural Body Care & Cleaning Products
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100 The East Mall 905.891.2005 / @BlossomPure blossompure.com
Combining therapy and fitness to help you achieve optimal health
BootCamp Yoga Interval Training Dance Kids’ Fitness Registered Massage Therapy Physiotherapy Acupuncture Holistic Nutrition
Proudly Serving the Lake Shore Village Community 416-251-0553 | 2789 Lake Shore Blvd W www.mibody.ca | 2788 Lake Shore Blvd W | 416.301.7586
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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THE FIX + CO Not just a juice shop, The Fix has developed a reputation for being one of the heathiest grab-andgo spots in the city. Their diverse menu of vegan and gluten-free options includes salad bowls, smoothies, soups, cold pressed juices, and cleansing kits created by their in-house nutritionist. Hit up their Long Branch location for lunch, a quick snack, or have them deliver right to your doorstep. They even offer catering services. The Fix also helps educate the community by providing seminars on topics like natural body care, fermentation, and vegan eating.
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1 Thirtieth St. 416.259.7525 / @TheFixTo thefixandco.com
VITAL PLANET HEALTH SHOP This New Toronto staple is a meeting place for the neighbourhood’s health-concious. Located on the south side of Lake Shore just east of Third Street, Vital Planet sells everything from gluten-free and organic foods, natural body care and cleaning products, to vitamins and a collection of herbs. Vital Planet’s welcoming vibe make it a great place to shop and learn about nutrition. Owner, Shawn Sage, and his knowledgeable staff will help you find whatever you need to keep you and your family living healthy. You can even get 10% off with this mag. 22
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2789 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.251.0553 facebook.com/VitalPlanet
GLUTEN-FREE FAVES CAKE STAR
3431 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.259.9053 / @CakeStarGirlz cakestar.ca
VITAL PLANET HEALTH SHOP
2789 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.251.0553 facebook.com/VitalPlanet
FIT ORGANIX
730 Brown’s Line 416.995.7904 / @FitOrganiX fitorganix.com
ORGA NI C JUI CERY + SN AC K BA R O r g a ni c Col d Pre s s e d Ju i c e s | Sm oo t hi e s S a l a d B ow l s | Sou ps | Snac ks | Te a s
S TO R E F RO N T K I TC H E N
850 DEGREES PIZZA
F I N D YOU R F I X
#1 - THIRTIETH STREET, TORONTO
www.thefixandco.com
[Corner of Lakeshore + Thir tieth St,
info@thefixandco.com
Nor theast block of Shoppers Drugmar t]
@thefixto #thefixinthesix
3455 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.503.0850 / @850Degrees 850degrees.ca
THRIVE ORGANIC
3473 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.252.7700 / @thrive_organic thriveorganic.ca
THE FIX + CO
1 Thirtieth St 416.259.7525 / @TheFixTo thefixandco.com
FBI PIZZA
2336 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.251.0101 / @FBIPIZZATO fbipizza.com ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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THE EMPANADA COMPANY
The Empanada Company is one of the best bets for a fast, tasty, crowd-pleasing meal. Located on Fortieth Street behind Woody’s Burgers and across the street from Fair Grounds Coffee, it’s proving to be another area icon. Call ahead for pick-up or eat in at this quaint little restaurant that’s steps from Marie Curtis Park and Long Branch station. Owner, Cristian Heise, has cornered the gourmet-on-the-go empanada market and every parent within a 10km radius should have his phone number on speed-dial. They’ve saved the day countless times when you just need a quick, wholesome meal for the family. 24
Kids love the mini, cheese-filled variety. Those who have a more discerning palate are encouraged to be adventurous. We highly recommend the Curry Coconut Chicken, Smoked Chorizo Sausage, Cajun Pulled Pork, and Leek and Prosciutto full size empanadas. The minis are $11/dozen. Full size start at $3.50 each. The Avocado Fries are a must-try. They’re sliced, breaded, deep-fried and come with dip for $5.75. Feeding a small army and don’t feel like cooking? Try the pre-baked empanadas. Just heat and serve. --122 Fortieth St. 647.435.5003 / @EmpanadaCompany empanada.ca
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TAKE-OUT FAVES BURRITO BOYZ burritoboyz.ca
3803 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.251.2699 1197 The Queensway 416.354.2699 21 Jutland Rd 416.503.2699
THE EMPANADA COMPANY
122 Fortieth St. 647.435.5003 / @EmpanadaCompany
empanada.ca
Gordon Prior, Owner
LONG BRANCH OPTICAL Serving our community since 1972.
REPAIRS DONE ON PREMISES 3348 LAKE SHORE BLVD W
416.255.0445
THE PIE COMMISSION 935 The Queensway 416.848.7424 / @PieCommish piecommission.com
RANU THAI
3308 Lake Shore Blvd W 416.255.3830 / ranuthai.ca
SANREMO BAKERY
1 Thirtieth St 416.255.2808 / @SanRemoBakeryTO sanremobakery.com
IL PAESANO PIZZERIA 396 Brown’s Line 416.251.7080 ilpaesanopizza.com
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS
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GEARING UP
By: Andrew Norris & Allan Mallouk
Gearing up for summer driving performance? Here’s how to ready your vehicle after a harsh winter. TIRES When switching from winter to summer tires, inspect for weather cracking, worn treads, and ensure they are properly inflated. AIR CONDITIONING We’re going to need it soon enough. Be sure there are no leaks so you don’t get caught without when those hot days do come.
BRAKES They may need to be serviced, re-lubricated and adjusted to remove salt and water which can cause them to rust and seize. Don’t forget, we’ll inspect them for you at no charge. REGULAR MAINTENANCE Avoid that Check Engine light. Have your oil changed regularly.
5517 Dundas St W 416.239.7775
(416) 239.7775
5517 DUNDAS WEST AT SHORNCLIFFE
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Come and see us at ACTIVE GREEN + ROSS
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CHRIS LOGAN SALES REPRESENTATIVE
PROUD MIMICO RESIDENT SPECIALIZING IN SOUTH ETOBICOKE REAL ESTATE
647.204.2039 chris@chrisloganhomes.com