Food + Drink
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Seven Smoky Single Malt Scotches to Sip on a Cold Winter Day
The Danforth community has access to some of the loveliest single malts (not blended) in the city. With 5 distinct whisky regions in Scotland, sampling a glass at Allen’s on the Danforth or Feathers Pub on Kingston Rd. is the best way to begin. Smoky scotch is mostly produced on Scotland’s frosty Atlantic coast. For those going to bars, here are some of the most diverse, affordable, and high quality scotches that are great for sipping on a cold winter day.
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Have Your High and Eat it Too
Last month, Canadians were able to legally purchase edibles at their local cannabis dispensary. We’ve all heard, or experienced, pot brownie horror stories – I witnessed a friend gasping for breath because he thought he was the couch and couches don’t breathe – but edibles are a viable alternative to smoking or vaping cannabis. Edibles are products infused with cannabis extracts or concentrates that contain active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) ingredients. These products include beverages, gummy candies, dissolvable strips, baked goods, and even butter. What happens if I take edibles? While cannabis was legalised in October 2018, edibles were not until the following year and were not available for…
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Is Veganism For Me?
While researching popular health trends in 2020, one that continued to reoccur was meatless proteins and the vegan lifestyle. In Toronto the meatless market is taking the food industry by storm. Since the release of the Beyond Meat burger at A&W, many other fast food joints and even grocery stores have followed suit. You can now find a meatless meatball sandwich at Subway, a plant-based section at Loblaws, and entirely vegan restaurants with a vest menu selection.
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Mom’s Basement: For Nerds and Nostalgia
The rush of warm air greets customers’ rosy cheeks as they step into the bar from the winter’s chill on Danforth Avenue. The glow from the fluorescent lights and TVs playing classic ‘80s movies surround the patrons as “Teenage Dirtbag” by Wheatus echoes through the room on the sound system. The bartender says a friendly “hello” and welcomes them to Mom’s Basement; from then on, they’re home. Derek Van Dyken and Jon Bratt worked in the service industry for years and always talked about how one day they would own their own business. All it took was “a bad day” in early 2019 for them to realize that they were…
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Five Baked Treats to Beat the Winter Blues
In the season of icy sidewalks and soggy grey skies, there exist only two things which can instantly lift the winter damper from my frostbitten spirits: the prospect of a movie marathon in bed, and a good ol’ fashioned bakery snack. Cakes, puff pastries, cinnamon rolls and pies; I spend much of the year answering to the beckonings of zucchini and tofu blocks, but when the winter blues hit you as hard as they’ve been hitting me, I’d say it’s time to ditch the sprouts and reinvigorate yourself with a pastry or three. Luckily, the Danforth community is full of bakeries, all of which offer delightful treats at friendly prices.…
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Finding Meaning in the Mundane
Throughout my undergraduate studies I worked at a burger place. Situated across from a hospital, I served many customers, who were waiting out a turbulent moment in life and finding brief respite in a bite and a beer. Often until 3 a.m., I would serve patrons on the all-too-typical intoxicated quest for sustenance, saving them from their otherwise inevitable morning malady. Over the four years I worked there, their faces underwent the gradual shift from unknown to familiar. On occasion, walking down the street and observing those around me, I’d be panged with the querying nudge of almost-recognition–––the foggy notion that I knew that face––– and, suddenly, I’d remember them…
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The Perfect Danforth Lunch
The Danforth is a place that is as diverse as it is charming—and nowhere is this as evident as in its restaurants. Counting the number of delicious, international cuisine options along our neighbourhood’s bustling streets would require a lot of fingers—and stomach space. And while finding a recipe that would combine all of these cuisines proved impossible, we have managed to test—and approve—a lunch inspired by the Danforth’s Greek, Italian, and Canadian influences. What are you waiting for? Take advantage of the long summer days and head to your local farmer’s market to stock up on these ingredients. Summer Salad with Greek Dressing Greek(ish) SaladPrep Time: 15 minsServes: 6 Ingredients:1…
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Danforth à la Mode
We all scream for ice cream––especially when it comes with more dessert.
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Five Places to Go if You Love Cafés but Hate Coffee
Coffee and cafés go hand-in-hand, so the frustration for non-coffee drinkers is too real—especially when cafés in the city are fun to hang out in. Visit these Danforth cafés that cater to both coffee and non-coffee drinkers alike.
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I Broke My Fast at Square Boy on the Danforth: Why a Burger Was My First Meal in Months
One woman's quest for a burger worth waiting for.