Location:
520 Queen Street West,
Toronto
Cost: $4-10
It's definitely NOT a sub. Not sure why they call it one, but one thing is certain, it's so tasty you won't be able to stay away. You'll wonder why you have pregnant-woman-cravings in the middle of the day, and you'll find yourself ditching your friends (who are heading out to Burrito Boyz - stupid them) so that you can savour the goodness that is a New York 'sub'.
Sure, it's a hole in the wall and when you sit down at one of the tables, your world will be slighted tilted..but what NYS lacks in ambiance it makes up for in taste. If you like Gandhi's, you'll like NYS...they're owned by the same person and both share the same great zest for flavour and spice. A NY Sub is almost like a roti of sorts...or a wrap...a wroti, if you will. It doesn't matter WHAT it is...alls I know is that it makes one delicious meal!
The beef burrito/sub/whachamacallit.
The shrimp burrito/sub/whachamacallit.
My ultimate favourite, the chicken burrito/sub/whachamacallit......Oh man, the photographs are giving me those cravings.....I'll be right back!
Urban Restaurant: For the Urbanite
If one is to go back in time, to the 19th century, a time when the Phantom haunted the Opera Populaire in Paris (if only in reality is three hours of musical theatre), one may as well eat as urban as possible prior to it, in 21st century Toronto.
The Boiler House is smokin'
Address: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, (Distillery District)
Cost: $30 pp for brunch (live jazz included)
Brunch served from 11am - 3pm on Sunday only
www.boilerhouse.ca
One of our early anniversaries landed on a beautiful Winter's Sunday which we celebrated by brunching at The Boiler House in the Distillery District.
A high vaulted ceiling and bright airy light greeted us as we walked in. We were also greeted by the hosts who helped us out of our coats and hung them on the clothes rack off to the side. The bare bricked walls and raw wooden booths are offset by the bright purple seating at the far end of the room. The interior is minimal playing up on the rugged, steel style of the old warehouse with its iron beams and concrete floors, making them much a part of the decor as the delicate white orchids perched upon the wooden booths.
We were seated at one of these said booths which, although not uncomfortable, wasn't especially cosy. The once airy ambiance now felt drafty and cold. No matter, food should warm us up, right?!
Brunch had been set up in a little alcove not far from where we were seated, so we sauntered over to set our sights on the menu!
Oh and were our sights ever satisfied!
There was an incredible array of breakfasty and lunch items. A wonderful omelette stand (made to order) and then a generous spread of bacon, sausage, prime ribs, ham, home fries, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, crepes, hot pasta, croissants, bagels, waffles, custard tarts, danishes, muffins, fruit, smoked salmon, tomato & boccocini, shrimp, potato salad, pasta salad and mixed greens salads.....AND....a dessert table with assorted cookies, tarts, mini-cakes and other treats. PLUS coffee or tea.
All while being entertained with a wonderful jazz band just above us.
Incredible, ya? Yes.
The only complaint we did have was that the service wasn't the best (I know, you're thinking "but Atims, didn't you serve yourselves?) Yes, but when we actually NEEDED someone (like, you know, to pay the bill?) it was difficult to get his attention! We even had to go over to the bar/cash to pay! *grumble*
Still, we were thoroughly stuffed by the end of it all and had an enjoyable anniversary! I'd definitely recommend The Boiler House to family or friends (or first dates!) for brunch 'cause not only do you get a tasty meal but you get to walk around in the beautiful Distillery District afterwards...what better way to spend a Sunday afternoon?