Where to find the best curries in Toronto

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12:10 pm

If you’re in the mood for an authentic curry, Toronto is one of the best Canadian cities to find it. We’re bursting with options as far as South Asian cuisine goes, which can sometimes make it tricky to narrow down a restaurant. Whether you’re a meat-eater, a vegetarian, or a vegan; prefer yellow, red, or green curries, or mild, medium or spicy flavours, here are five restaurants that serve up authentic Indian and Thai curries.

Indian Street Food Co.

Indian Street Food Co. offers you the colourful and energetic culture of street markets in Mumbai. It is a comfy and classy place to go on a date or evenly a friendly gathering. Their selection of curries are vast and are meant to be explored on multiple visits. The coastal prawn curry is a stunning main dish that’s inspired by the coastal area of south India, and mixes sweet, ripe mango with South Indian spices and fried tempered prawns. If you’re not too full, be sure to try one of their samosas, too, which come topped with red and green chutney.

Khao San Road

Owner Monte Wan ordered tiles directly from Thailand to build a high ceiling interior that makes the dining experience of Khao San Road sublime. Their varieties of curries offer all curry lovers something to indulge on. Main meals sit at $20.96, with your choice of chicken, veggie, or tofu veggie. Their delectable red curry, though, made of kabocha squash, red bell pepper, Thai basil, fresh market lime leaf and coconut milk, is a popular choice for first-time visitors.

Sukho Thai

Sukho Thai results from a chance love affair, with a couple at the heart of showcasing authentic Thai cuisine. Run by power duo chefs Nuit and Jeff Regular, who also run popular spot PAI Uptown, have a style that is professional and sleek, which adds to the flair of their delicious cooking. Their curries on offer include green curry, masaman curry, Panang curry, yellow curry, and of course, the classic red curry. The sweet blend of coconut with squash will be sure to satisfy.

Benares Cucina Indian

This beautiful restaurant is located smack dab in the heart of Toronto, right on Front Street. It’s a place that’s often bustling, but their traditional use of cooking methods, herbs and spices give it a good reason to be. The setting is classic, the food beyond memorable. Their chicken curry chicken is cooked with ginger, garlic, onion, tomatoes, and an assortment of spices. Other curry options, such as chicken Goa curry chicken or chick korma chicken cooked in a cashew curry sauce, will satisfy.

The Host

The Host, located in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood (as well as a location in Richmond Hill), offers an entire menu page of curry selections, giving the consumer the option to include meat in the dish or to order something from the vegetarian section. It isn’t easy to make a decision. Highlights of their curry meal include Patiala curry, which includes a tangy sauce of onion and tomato, raisins and nuts. But if you’re searching for more spice, vindaloo with chicken, lamb, or shrimp is your best selection.

Toronto just got a hip hidden tiki bar with Hawaiian eats and boozy drinks

By

Megan Gallant

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3:03 pm

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With snow on the horizon, holiday movies flooding cable television, and Mariah Carey on repeat, (and coming soon to Toronto), we all know a long, cold Canadian winter is imminent. But that’s not stopping Toronto’s tropical oasis, Paradise Grotto, from keeping the heat going all season long.

Crafted by the creative minds behind Toronto’s liveliest establishments like St. John’s Tavern and Melrose on Adelaide, Paradise Grotto has emerged as the newest addition to the scene. The spot has taken over the whole corner at Adelaide and John with a stunning space offering private events, a rum-forward cocktail list and a range of Polynesian and South East Asian dishes.

The restaurant features a spacious back patio, nightly live DJs, a menu of share plates and platters and one-of-a-kind vibes.

Island fried rice Photo: @paradise.grotto/Instagram

“We just wanted to do something that was a getaway from Toronto something that brought you outside the city and made you feel like you’re being transported to some other place that was tropical,” says Phillip Allain, one of the owners, adding that once you’re out on the back patio, it doesn’t feel like you’re in the city any more. “When you’re back there you just feel like you’re at someone’s backyard party, or it feels like a cook-out.”

Though the beach theme put Paradise Grotto on the map as a go-to summer restaurant, the restaurant is proving they can be a year-round destination with a hearty new winter menu and a line-up of nightly events to look forward to.

“You can expect a lot more spicier options to add some heat to the cold,” says chef Mark Owen, of the new menu, which will launch on November 12.

While Owen remains tight-lipped about other new menu items, he does share a sneak peek. Get ready for additions like Szechuan noodles, lamb noodle dishes, and locally crafted dumplings, made just under two kilometers away from the restaurant.

Before the menu launch, however, guests will have to settle with the current dishes — though they likely won’t be too disappointed. Some of the most popular items for the warmer months included the chicken katsu curry (made with carrots and potatoes in fun shapes like stars and hearts) and the papu platter (which includes coconut shrimp, baos, kalua pork sliders, crispy karage, and yaki skewers).

“Everything is very balanced and still good for the winter,” says Owen.

“There’s definitely some hardier dishes that will leave you feeling full,” adds Allain. “It’s designed to be shared amongst friends and I think the best thing to do is come in with four or five friends, get a large format cocktail, order a platter, and maybe a couple dishes on the side, and you’ll get a variety of everything that we have to offer.”

In addition to the updated menu, Paradise Grotto will be launching an all new brunch menu. Keeping the Polynesian and Filipino-forward influence on classic dishes, items on the brunch menu include eggs benny with spam and, on the side, the restaurant’s “notorious” Paradise fries, but re-vamped as hashbrowns.

“We’re very much trying to funk it up,” says Owen “but also stay true to the flavours of those regions.”

Owen adds adds that there will also be chicken with waffles, adding a play on the scallion pancake (a Chinese dish) but in a waffle form.

“Everyone expects a lot from brunch, and I think this is the newest brunch I’ve seen in the city,” says the chef. “And I eat a lot.”

Paradise Grotto regulars may be feeling the absence of Sundays in Paradise, featuring a lively DJ lineup on the patio each week. But fear.

“Hopefully, that will get the same amount of excitement that we did from our backyard parties and just give something for people to do on Sundays in the city,” says Allain. “It’s going to be a worthwhile event.”

Following the two rounds of bingo, the afternoon will progress into an evening of R&B slow jams, for a laid back Sunday evening.

“We still want it to be a fun, sexy event,” says Paradise Grotto’s Director of Operations, Jenny Ly. “We have the back room which is absolutely gorgeous, and it will have more sitting in your seat, swaying with the DJ music.”

Before the night heats up, Paradise Grotto’s happy hour, available every day (except Sunday) until 6 p.m., offers $12 daiquiris, $6 Red Stripe and Coronas, $12 appetizers, and a 50 per cent discount on over 60 diverse rum bottles

Paradise Grotto is open seven days a week at 270 Adelaide Street West.

Groovy new store and pop-up market is bringing good vibes to midtown Toronto

By

Julia Mastroianni

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12:45 pm

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Step back in time to an era of peace, love and groovy vibes as Good Vibes Collective makes its debut in the heart of midtown Toronto’s Mount Pleasant Village. Founded by the Amanda Wells, this indoor collaborative space and pop-up market is a kaleidoscopic journey that’s as far out as it is down-to-earth.

The term “collective” in the Good Vibes Collective reflects the market’s dual identity: a pop-up market on weekends and a community space during the week. Wells says that while vendors can sign up to sell out of the space on Saturdays and Sundays, from Monday to Friday, others can request to use it to host workshops — such as wreath making or making custom welcome mats — have photoshoots or use for other creative outlets.

“I wanted to do something that supported small businesses,” Wells says. “I wanted to create a little hub for people —and this was birthed naturally.”

The journey to creating this vibrant pop-up space has been a labour of love. Armed with a background in retail and a deep passion for supporting small businesses, Wells wanted to create a space that would emulate an era she’s so passionate about.

A vendor herself, Wells runs Pretty Well Packed, a local business of eclectic vintage finds she’s been selling out of her vintage trailer. And with a passion for the groovy era of the ’60s and ’70s, it’s no surprise she wanted to channel that into Good Vibes Collective.

Amanda Wells’ Pretty Well Packed trailer.

“I see the passion and hard work everyone puts into these events and their beautiful set ups,” she says. “But sometimes, they’ve been impacted by the elements — like raining during outdoor markets that ruin what they’re selling — so I wanted to create an indoor space to fight against that.”

Every weekend the market will host a mix of six to eight vendors, creating an intimate retail atmosphere. The products on display range from handmade and curated items, including pre-loved vintage pieces, handmade macrame or even eclectic graphic tees. The focus is on exclusivity and diversity.

And for Wells, the midtown location was perfect for the pop-up. While downtown Toronto hosts many weekend markets, north of the downtown core was in need of a similar space and event.

“Overall, Good Vibes Collective is a commitment to the community in midtown Toronto. It’s something to do on the weekends for those in the general community and something closer to home for certain vendors,” she says.

Looking ahead to 2023, Wells plans to utilize the space during the spring, launching again for an Easter market, complete with a lovely patio space for even more vendors.

While she mentions the Collective will be on pause in January and February, she’ll be starting it up again in March, also offering the patio space as an area for people to sell from.

Good Vibes Collective opens on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 700 Mount Pleasant Rd. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The sandwiches are so good at this Toronto shop there’s only two on the menu

By

Erica Commisso

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12:24 pm

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Aki Erenberg and Ricky Barrientos initially launched BEAR Steak Sandwiches in 2021 as a pandemic-inspired passion project, intending it as a temporary venture to cook for family and friends. Operating out of backyards, they offered their steak sandwich every Sunday in Little Italy.

But then something incredible happened. People loved it. And they wanted more.

Erenberg and Barrientos never let go of their dream to open a full-fledged sandwich shop, and today, they’ve turned that dream into a reality.

After years of searching for a permanent location, fate intervened, leading them to discover the perfect spot just steps away from where the BEAR Steak Sandwiches journey began: 550A College Street.

“A roast pork sandwich and hand-cut tallow fries have made their way onto the menu as mainstays,” explains Erenberg, but “the ethos of the business has remained the same: provide high quality, local ingredients to the neighbourhood with care.”

Priced at $16, the roast pork sandwich features pork shoulder, sharp provolone, and rapini on a sesame roll. True to their promise, the recipe for the original steak sandwich, available remains unchanged, featuring sous vide flank steak and housemade chimichurri on a papo secos (Portuguese roll) for $18.

“Not complicating the menu allowed us to hone our craft and produce and serve a consistently delicious product every service,” Erenberg said when the temporary operation opened in 2021. “We initially wanted to do different toppings, but Ricky’s homemade chimichurri is absolutely divine, and we decided this was the only other condiment worthy of our sandwich.” Evidently, their method worked.

BEAR Steak Sandwiches will officially open – or rather, reopen – to the public in its new permanent digs on November 4, and the first 25 attendees will receive a freebie. The celebrations will run all day, from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., though the soft launch is already in full effect.

BEAR Steak Sandwiches is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m.

The 10 items to buy in Toronto to build the perfect capsule wardrobe

By

Julia Mastroianni

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2:25 pm

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fashion-2 — L-R: hilarymacmillan.com, dorianwho.com, hilarymacmillan.com

Curating an effortless wardrobe is a task that takes time and persistence. For some, it takes years to finally piece together a closet full of clothing that you can genuinely say you adore. However, that may take hundreds and hundreds of dollars and time that you may not have. Enter the capsule wardrobe trend: A timeless 8-10 piece collection of clothing gathered over time and worn with the goal of eventually creating a wardrobe that works seamlessly together.

Some of the other perks are include removing the decision fatigue that you may experience when getting dressed and opting out of the excessive consumerism of fast fashion and constantly cycling trends. For a seasonal 8-10 piece wardrobe, it breaks down to two to three shoes, two to three pairs of pants, three tops and two to three pieces of outerwear.

Below you can find a sample 10-piece collection that moves away from the general minimalist aesthetic that most creators piece together. All of the garments can be purchased at boutiques in the city and are unique to the Toronto aesthetic.

Shoes

L-R: Courtesy gravity pope.com, kith.com

For a fall capsule, a dressed-up boot and athletic sneaker is ideal. The Cougar Swinton from Gravity Pope is a waterproof, elevated take on the classic Chelsea boot. The rounded toe makes for a more relaxed aesthetic which will sit well under pants. It can be purchased in cream or black, but the latter is recommended in order to easily keep them clean.

The Salomon XT-6 is an obvious choice for sneakers. With its sleek silhouette coupled with an all-terrain sole, that makes it a terrific choice to be worn out and about in Toronto. The aloe wash colourway from KITH caught our eye and would contrast well with the black Swinton boot.

Bottoms

L-R: uniqlo.com, trinitygallery.ca, goodnbr.com

Pants can make or break your outfit and in this instance, your bottoms are here to take a back seat role. The first admission into your capsule wardrobe can be a pair of dark-wash blue jeans. Check out Good Neighbour for a vast selection of high quality jeans in every shape and style, but we recommend a straight leg fit for the most versatility. Like a vintage car, your jeans may patina perfectly and evolve with age as they grow with your wardrobe.

The next pair is a beige pleated trouser from Uniqlo. The Japanese brand’s quality varies from piece to piece, but as long as you care for them, their pants will have some longevity. These particular trousers are a bit of a wider fit than the jeans, offering comfort and a more relaxed look. If you’ve got a looser budget, head to Blue Button Shop, Toronto’s best spot for Japanese fashion, where you’ll find a whole selection of super cool trousers — like these cotton ones, these classic plaid ones, these amazing jacquard pants and these wide leg paper bag ones.

Finally, your show-stopping pants are a pair of lethal trousers. Trinity Gallery has a pair of vegan leather trousers that will sit over or cuffed just above both of your shoe options at an affordable price. Leather pants are a trend in the womenswear department that has stayed surprisingly popular as the years go on and will likely stay there for the foreseeable future.

Tops

L-R: kotn.com. bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca, theirishdesignhouse.com

Picking fall tops can be quite difficult and depends a lot on your lifestyle. Someone who frequents Paris Texas on a Friday night will likely want something different to the person at a jazz club, or their own house wrapped up in a blanket with a glass of wine.

However, everyone needs a t-shirt. Kotn has a little ’90s T-shirt that will suit the aesthetic of all three pants. Paper white is a good colour selection as the focus of this capsule is to have the materials do the talking. If a tighter top isn’t your style, Kotn is Toronto’s go-to for basics, so you can opt for the essential crew or the box crew.

Next up is a cable knit sweater. Having something warm that exudes timelessness is one of the key features of the capsule wardrobe. A good first investment would be the Aran knit from Cuileann, found at Irish Design House. Feel free to play around with thicknesses as you shop but the Aran is a terrific baseline for people experiencing Toronto weather.

Finally, a long-sleeved body suit will merge all three tops into a trifecta that can’t be stopped. Wool is capable of elevating any piece of clothing due to its intricate weaving and Banana Republic has a ’90s-inspired one. If money is no object, Woolfords has a simple cotton one that will go with anything not matter which colour you choose.

Outerwear

L-R: hilarymacmillan.com, dorianwho.com, hilarymacmillan.com

Jackets and outerwear are fundamentally designed to be brilliant. They’re rarely worn indoors and are the most seen piece when outside. Why not show off your personality a little?

Dorian Who is an eclectic designer from Toronto who has created some jaw-dropping garments. Her green and white varsity jacket is a cool investment piece for those who want to turn their outfit more streetwear — and the oversized style can be great for layering. The patterns adorning the midsection is a conversation starter to say the least, and her quality is unmatched.

On the flip side, Hilary MacMillan does formal well and puts her own spin on classic designs. This particular jacket is a snakeskin trench coat made to elevate your most relaxed outfits. For a less neutral trench, this two-tone one also from Hilary MacMillan will do the trick of adding some colour to even the most basic look.

This Michelin-starred Toronto restaurant was just named Canada’s best

By

Jennifer Schembri

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12:30 pm

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Earning a Michelin star already posed a challenge for snagging a reservation at Toronto’s Kappo Sato, and now, claiming the top spot on Air Canada’s 2023 list of the nation’s best new restaurants will make it even harder!

Under the culinary guidance of Chef Takeshi Sato, the Japanese establishment, known for its tasting menu prepared before guests, was closely trailed by Wild Blue in Whistler and Marilena Cafe and Raw Bar in Victoria, securing the second and third positions, respectively.

The top 10 list will be featured in the November issue of Air Canada’s enRoute magazine and online.

Selected by food critic Amy Rosen, author of Canada’s Best New Cookbook, the 2023 list features restaurants opened between late spring 2022 and June 2023, promising exceptional experiences in food quality, service and culinary creativity.

Kappo Sato

On December 20, 2022, a new Japanese restaurant opened its doors in Davisville. The first of its kind in Toronto, Kappo Sato serves up traditional Japanese eats masterfully made by a chef that has over a decade of experience in Kappo-style cooking. Kappo, which simply means “to cut and to cook,” is a cooking method by which expertly trained chefs use cutting and boiling techniques to make the food, in addition to having a deep understanding of the tea ceremony and flower arrangement culture prevalent in artful Japanese cuisine and culture. Becoming a Master of Kappo usually involves 10 to 15 years of steady training, which is why it is uncommon to find Kappo restaurants in North America. Armed with his education and passion for Kappo-style cooking, the new spot echoes simplicity and quality with every decision made from cooking equipment to utensils to décor – intentionally chosen. The food is prepared right in front of the diners at an open-facing counter in a relaxed atmosphere with Japanese-inspired design. The restaurant accepts eight reservations per seating — either at 5:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. — and serves just 16 people per day, which allows the team to focus on quality, delivering an intense, highly perfected experience for guests.

Celebrating its 22nd year, Air Canada’s cross-country restaurant ranking stands as the longest-running, relying on a single, anonymous reviewer.

The top 10 also includes notable entries including Matty Matheson’s Rizzo’s House of Parm in Crystal Beach, Ontario.

Rizzo’s House of Parm

Helmed by chef Andy Donofrio (formerly of Meat + Three), there’s also an abundance of classic pasta dishes including linguine and clams, Carol’s chicken cacciatore and Matty’s bolognese Rounding out the menus is traditional Italian sides (rapini, polenta and marinated hot and sweet peppers), soups and salads, as well as a kids’ menu with loads of pasta options. This is not Matheson’s first foray into the Fort Erie food scene. During the pandemic, The Bear star opened up Matty Matheson’s Meat + Three, a now defunct pop-up serving up delicious BBQ which raised more than $6,000 for Women’s Place of South Niagara.

Celebrating its 22nd year, Air Canada’s cross-country restaurant ranking stands as the longest-running, relying on a single, anonymous reviewer.

Here are the 2023 additions:

1. Kappo Sato (Toronto, ON)

2. Wild Blue (Whistler, BC)

3. Marilena Café and Raw Bar (Victoria, BC)

4. Rizzo’s House of Parm (Fort Erie, ON)

5. Petit Socco (Winnipeg, MB)

6. Bonheur D’Occasion (Montreal, QC)

7. Folke (Vancouver, BC)

8. Le Molière par Mousso (Montreal, QC)

9. Espace Old Mill (Stanbridge East, QC)

10. Darlings (Bloomfield, ON)

A recent addition to the annual awards includes a diverse array of special mentions, featuring Trailblazers of the Year, Dish of the Year, Dessert of the Year, Cocktail of the Year, Tableware of the Year and Design of the Year.

Tanya Tagaq and 4 more of the coolest artsy happenings in Toronto this month

By

lindsaylow

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11:06 am

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arts happenings Toronto Tanya Tagaq — Tanya Tagaq

Experience Toronto’s vibrant culture scene this month with five must-see arts events, from captivating performances to film festivals and iconic concerts. Don’t miss out on the city’s cultural richness.

1. Go to Tanya Tagaq

Critically acclaimed Inuk improvisational singer, artist, author and avant-garde composer Tanya Tagaq will be performing as part of the Royal Ontario Museum’s 16th annual Eva Holtby Program on Contemporary Culture on Nov. 14. The program begins with a moderated discussion between Tanya Tagaq and multimedia artist Omar Rivera, who operates under the moniker Driftnote. Together, they will delve into the inspirations behind their latest project, an immersive film titled Ajagutaq/Parhelion. This film will have its North American debut as a part of this program. The evening also features a performance by Tagaq alongside Inuit performers Nancy Mike, Varna Marianne Nielsen Apaloo and Charlotte Qamainq.

2. See the Reel Asian Film Fest

The Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is back for 2023, aiming to connect cultures and foster community through the power of cinema. The festival will kick off with the debut feature, The Queen of My Dreams, directed by Fawzia Mirza, a Canadian filmmaker. Scheduled from Nov. 8 to 19, this year’s festival includes an exciting array of 15 feature films and 57 shorts from various countries. Deanna Wong, executive director of Reel Asian, expressed the importance of sharing Asian stories in a global context. Highlights include The Taste of Mango, Okiku and the World, Small Fry, In Flames, River and We Will Be Brave. For the complete festival program and schedule, please visit reelasian.com. Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival continues its mission to bring diverse and impactful stories to the forefront. The festival takes place at six downtown venues including the TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

3. See Depeche Mode

Toronto, get ready for an unforgettable evening with the iconic Depeche Mode. This celebrated new wave band has been shaping the music landscape for decades, and their 2023 North American tour promises to be a must-see event. They’re returning to Toronto on Nov. 5 for a rare concert appearance at the Scotiabank Arena. Depeche Mode’s music has transcended generations, and their electrifying live performances are known for their energy and timeless hits. Depeche Mode’s latest album, Memento Mori, marks their first release since the passing of keyboardist Andy “Fletch” Fletcher.

4. Go to The Bright Divide

The Bright Divide is an intriguing concert experience that presents Morton Feldman’s Rothko Chapel and the world premiere of Mark by Cecilia Livingston, featuring original text by Duncan McFarlane. This artistic endeavour draws its inspiration from two influential figures in the world of art and music: Mark Rothko, an iconic 20th-century painter, and Morton Feldman, a significant composer of the same era. The event will take place at the TD Music Hall on Nov. 10 and 11 as part of the Soundstreams immersive music series.

5. Go to Good Mourning Fest

Evergreen Brick Works presents its inaugural Good Mourning Festival on Nov. 4 and 5, offering two distinct yet interconnected days of reflection and celebration. The festival aims to unite diverse communities and cultures to honour and share their experiences of death and grief, reaffirming that these emotions are a vital part of life. The first day encourages open conversations and explorations of the universal themes of grief and death. The program offers an array of interactive installations, workshops for meaningful dialogues and artistic creations celebrating the human experience. On Day 2 Evergreen’s beloved Day of the Dead festivities return, highlighting Mexican and Latin American culture. This day is a vibrant explosion of colour, featuring activities for all ages, traditional celebrations, an artisan market and mouth-watering food and drinks. This joyful event will bring communities together through music, dance, storytelling and cultural sharing. The festival offers a special opportunity to come together and reflect on the profound aspects of our existence in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

The best steak sandwiches in Toronto according to a Michelin chef

By

Jennifer Schembri

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2:43 pm

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There’s nothing quite like a steak dinner, but sometimes you just want something less formal. Chef Anthony Rose provides an unpretentious guide to the city’s seven best steak sandwiches.

Winner: Top Gun Burgers

“This is a good-looking sandwich, and I love this bun; it’s so soft and gushy! The steak is tender and the aïoli is a nice touch. It’s very good overall.” 251 Augusta Ave., Eagle Sandwich, $17.99

Runner-up: BEAR Steak Sandwiches

“The flank steak is cooked very well, and it’s a nice choice for a sandwich. The chimi churri is homemade and delicious. I really like the simplicity of it.” 550 College St., $18

Black Camel

“This is really great beef and I really like this bun. I like that this is served cold but I find the barbecue sauce is very overpowering.” 4 Crescent Rd., $12.75

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

“Very steak-housey steak. I wish the bread had a bit more flavour to it, but this is a great cut of meat and I could totally eat this whole thing.” 365 Bay St., $36.75

The Burger Shack

“This is a cool looking sandwich. The steak is really good. I like the flavours and the pickles and fried onions, but I wish they were cooked a bit more.” 233 Eglinton Ave. W., $13.15

Bardi’s Steak House

“I like the hot garlic toast and this top sirloin tastes really good. The meat is well-seasoned and well cooked. It’s really simple. It would be nice if it had a horseradish or horseradish cream with it.” 56 York St., $33

Anthony Rose is Post City’s tasting chef and the Michelin- recommended visionary behind Fat Pasha, Schmaltz and Fet Zun.

The Michelin star journey of Quetzal chef Steven Molnar

By

Kaitlin Narciso

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7:01 pm

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Toronto’s Quetzal hit the upper echelons when it was awarded a Michelin star. The first Mexican restaurant in the city to achieve such an honour.

That Michelin moment launched a new phase in the career of chef Steven Molnar.

Now, Michelin and Molnar are collaborating with car sharing marketplace Turo, on an exclusive limited time only experience that allows guests to book one of two eligible Drive to Table vehicles hand picked by two of Toronto’s Michelin star chefs Molnar and Rob Rossi.

@streetsoftoronto

We interviewed Michelin starred Chef Steven Molnar about life as a chef, his creative process in creating new dishes, and the Turo x Michelin Drive to Table partnership that he’s a part of. Full interview available to read on streetsoftoronto.com.

♬ original sound – Streets of Toronto

We caught up with the Michelin star chef of Quetzal to talk about his culinary roots, his Michelin moment and his new partnership with Turo.

Who was the first person you told about your Michelin star? My mom.

What is Quetzal’s most innovative feature? We only cook over fire.

What dish of yours would your family recommend people try? My mom enjoys seafood, so on the menu right now, I’d say the whole grilled sea bream.

Can you tell us about the moment you knew you were receiving a Michelin star—where you were, what your reaction was, and who was the first person you told?

We didn’t find out that we were getting the Michelin star until we were at the event.

At the inaugural event in 2022, I remember there was a period where they invited all the chefs to sit down—and there were very few chefs there. Maybe 20 seats.

They start going through the bib gourmand category, and so far, no mention of Quetzal.

Then, we got into the one star category. That’s when I realised that they were going in alphabetical order. This gave me a lot of anxiety because Q is further down in the alphabet.

I’m tracking the alphabet in my brain, thinking “when is Q coming up here?”. When they said Osteria Giulia is when I realised Quetzal would potentially be next.

Excitement came over me. Next thing I saw was Quetzal’s name on the screen. Incredible feeling. The first thing I thought about was not tripping on my way up to the stage. It was a very surreal moment.

I’m 33 years old and I’ve been working in restaurants since I was 13. The vast majority of my life has been spent in restaurants. It’s something that I’ve always worked towards: a high level of excellence and trying to offer the best experience for our guests. To receive that kind of recognition was something that truly meant a lot to me—and I was just so excited to share the news with the team.

And who was the first person you told?

My mom. For sure, hundred percent. You know, because obviously she’s been there since day one. She’s seen all the incredible sacrifices that I’ve made throughout my life just to get to this point. Missing family events and things like that. A lot of things that chefs do. You work on weekends. You work the holidays. So to share this with her and have that moment together on the phone, it was just very, very special. I don’t remember exactly what we said.

What inspired you to become a chef?

Another really big inspiration for me was my grandmother, my Hungarian grandmother, my dad’s mother.She would spend an entire week preparing a meal for the family. Every Saturday we would go to her house and we would all sit down and we’d have this incredible meal. You could just tell that she put so much thought, love and care into the food that she was making for us.

It really was a very meaningful thing for her, to have us sit down together, have conversation and have that communal vibe of sharing a meal together. That really led me into the understanding of how important a meal can be.

My mom was a single mother of four boys. She worked super hard in her life to provide for us. Any time we would all sit down together was always a special moment.

I started cooking for my brothers and I at a young age. Something that was really important to me was to make food that they enjoyed. When I made something they enjoyed, it was a nice feeling and became something that I wanted to continue as a profession.

Can you describe your creative process when developing new dishes or concepts?

One of the biggest things at Quetzal is that we only cook with fire and we don’t have any gas in the restaurant.

We don’t have any traditional stoves or ovens. Everything we do is over an open flame, including our oven. So that’s something that really takes the focal point of how we are going to prepare this dish.

In terms of inspiration, I always start with a singular ingredient. Something that’s in the season and then I’ll just start cooking it over the fire and see how the fire kind of accentuates the ingredient. Everything reacts differently. Everything takes on the smoke and heat in a different way. That feeling of being in tune with that product in the fire opens up a world of ideas for me. From there, I add other ingredients, a sauce, different things, tasting along the way until I start to understand what is going to accentuate the dish and make it a delicious overall plate.

Can you tell us why you chose this specific Turo vehicle?

CHEF: I was given a list of potential vehicles to choose from. A lot of interesting cars out there, but one really stuck out to me: the 1987 Mercedes SL 560.

I remember growing up and my mom was always talking about this car. We would see one on the road and my mom would say, “that’s my dream car.”

A few years ago she purchased that car for herself after working so hard in her life and doing a great job of raising us. It was a special moment for her.

When I saw it on the list, it was a no brainer for me. A full circle moment.

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Those who book the aforementioned vehicles on the Saturdays between now and Dec. 16 will unlock the Turo x Michelin Drive to Table experience, receiving not only the Turo rental, but also a Toronto itinerary made by the chef, a dinner for two at the Michelin-star restaurant that is paired with that vehicle, and a one night stay at The Hazelton—all for only $250.

To learn more about the Turo and Michelin partnership, visit turo.com.

How They Met: Almost 1 million follow this local celebrity couple on TikTok

By

Julia Mastroianni

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3:35 pm

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Shawnee and Jen Kish are an Ontario power couple. With over 800,000 TikTok followers, two-spirit Mohawk musician Shawnee has been delighting fans with her powerful music, and former Canadian rugby player Jen has gone from leading her team to an Olympic bronze medal in 2016 to an inspiring career in mental health advocacy. Now, following the release of Shawnee’s newest and most vulnerable EP yet, the pair share how destiny helped them find love together.

How they met

Jen: Shawnee and I first connected online back in 2015. Shawnee was performing nearby while I was playing rugby at the Pan Am Games. Destiny works in mysterious ways because in 2019 we reconnected online, and it was like no time had passed at all. A few months later, we both decided to do what many lesbians do — we grabbed a U-Haul together!

The courtship

Jen: One of the most amazing experiences I had with Shawnee was when we decided to unplug for Christmas 2019. I spontaneously hopped on a flight to Toronto, and it turned out to be the most incredible Christmas I’ve ever had. That was the moment when I realized she was the person I had been searching for.

Shawnee: What a Christmas! We are always up for spontaneity that creates such special memories and adventures with each other.

The proposal

Jen: We actually got engaged in April 2020, right in the midst of the pandemic. It was a really special moment because we were just lying in bed, having a nice chat, when I suddenly felt like it was the perfect time to ask her.

Shawnee: Jen is the most hopeless romantic I have ever met. Which I think, looking back, is what drew me to her so strongly. Her proposal was no surprise to me, seeing as within the first few months she stated that marrying me was her intention and spending our lives together was the plan.

The wedding and honeymoon

Jen: The ceremony took place at Alexander Circle in Glenora [in Edmonton] on a Saturday, May 15, 2021. We had the privilege of having former Alberta premier, Rachel Notley, officiate the ceremony. Due to the COVID, we postponed our honeymoon and travelled to Mexico one year later.

Shawnee: I feel like we planned three weddings and tossed ideas upon ideas back and forth. We came down to the realization that we only needed each other and it would be special for its intimacy.

Balancing careers and a relationship

Shawnee: One of the things I love about our relationship is how ambitious we both are. We both are caregivers to my stroke-surviving mom, and that comes with a lot of physical demands on us both. We are also currently fully self-renoing a home to fit our family’s needs. There is a lot that pulls on the relationship, but taking time to get dressed up, laugh, connect and be silly together is so crucial to this relationship. We schedule it in, if we have to, and the busy life requires us to plan for that time together.

The future

Jen: We talk about our future all the time. We imagine a close-knit family, growing older together as we support our future child in pursuing their ambitions. Amidst it all, we embark on crazy journeys around the world, while Shawnee captivates audiences with her heartfelt music.

Shawnee: Jen forgot to mention wheelchair racing. She promised me we would do wheelchair races in our old age.

The best grilled cheese in Toronto

By

Jennifer Schembri

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2:44 pm

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Grilled cheese has evolved beyond childhood dishes and late-night university eats, catering to all tastes from casual to gourmet. Whether you crave comfort or a sophisticated twist, the city offers a variety of options.

Here are the top 6 places in Toronto for the best grilled cheese sandwiches.

Uncle Betty’s

Whether you’re looking for sweet, savoury or a something in between, Uncle Betty’s Diner is the place to go when looking for a hearty midtown meal. he vibrant diner sits on the corner of Yonge Street and Albertus Avenue and is unmissable with its sky-blue painted storefront. The menu is stacked high with breakkie and lunch treats, including the four cheese blend grilled cheese sandwich as well as the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich comprised of Mac and cheese, cheddar cheese and in-house smoked brisket served on your choice of bread.

Stuff’D Grilled Cheese & Tots

At Stuff’D Grilled Cheese & Tots, diners can indulge in delicious soul food through their jam-packed grilled cheese sandwiches. Mouthwatering options include the double cheese burger tots, the Jamrock grilled cheese and the Bombay Bad Boy.

Leslieville Cheese Market

Along with a delicious selection (we’re talking more than 100) of local and gourmet cheeses, Leslieville Cheese Market also has three grilled cheese sandwiches in-store, each with its own dipping sauce. Whether you’re a classic cheddar lover or enjoy a gourmet twist, they’ve got the flavours (and then some!) you’ll adore.

Meltwich

At Meltwich, they’re obsessed with cheese: “the way it melts, the way it tastes, the way it elevates the flavour of everything it touches,” says a statement on their website. So it’s no wonder that the Etobicoke eatery is churning out sandwiches with premium ingredients and are leading the way in creativity. Along with the classic grilled cheese, they also have a tasty vegan version too.

Insomnia

Indulge in the perfect pairing at Insomniac in the Annex: the Bacon Grilled Cheese. Packed with cheddar, tomato and your choice of peameal or crispy bacon on multigrain toast. Opt for turkey bacon if you’re not a fan of red meat.

Flo’s Diner

Embark on a grilled cheese adventure at Flo’s Diner, where gooey perfection meets variety. Choose from the classic cheddar or elevate your sandwich with tempting add-ons like tomato or ham for an extra layer of flavour. Craving bacon? Dive into options ranging from the savoury simplicity of bacon grilled cheese or the deluxe combo of bacon and tomato. For a taste of sophistication, opt for the Grilled Ham & Brie.

Haunted houses for charity to visit in and around Toronto on Halloween

By

Julia Mastroianni

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8:30 am

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homes-thornhill-haunted-house — © @thornhillwoodshauntedhouse

There’s something chilling and thrilling (and giving) in the Halloween air! These houses in and around Toronto are getting spooky to collect donations for local charities, including SickKids and Mackenzie Health.

An immersive haunted experience in the GTA

The Thornhill Woods Haunted House at 1 Krisbury Ave. is transforming their entire home into an immersive, ghostly experience including a nightmarish cemetery scene on their front yard plus a haunted walk-through from Oct. 28-31. The family brings their scariest monsters, witches, ghosts and more, turning their front yard into a massive cemetery. Experience the haunted house itself with themed rooms that are sure to get a scream or two out of even your most stoic family members. For the faint of heart, opt to watch the fun (and fear) unfold from the front yard, where you’ll be greeted by spine-chilling music and ghostly ambient lighting. Happy haunting!

A spooktacular projection show

Brought to life by the family who was behind the long-running Scary Springs Drive, Freaky Farrell Road is a Halloween home haunt that focuses on the fun side of the haunting holiday! Enjoy a stunning outdoor projection show on Halloween night, taking inspiration from the The Twilight Zone, Disney’s Haunted Mansion and The Munsters. Best of all, the display is free — but they’re accepting donations that will all go directly to SickKids Hospital!

A neighbourhood art installation

For those of us less inclined to enjoy the scary side of Halloween, Forest Hill’s Heddington Halloween offers a street full of life-sized paintings of pop icons and other enchanted Halloween decor. Resident Barb started the event in 1998 and it has grown into an artistic installation involving 30 homes along the street, where Barb and her neighbours display all of her past art pieces along the street and create a trail of Halloween fun. Visit Heddington Avenue on Oct. 31 for a glimpse of all the art! Visitors are encouraged to donate to the the team’s fund for SickKids at the event itself or online. And this year, Home Depot Canada is donating five super-sized animatronic characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas for display — after which interested attendees can enter into a raffle or auction for them, with proceeds going to SickKids.

For more haunted houses in Toronto, click here.