This weekend in Toronto..
KidProcrass
107 Posts
So im heading down to see some family over the weekend (Danforth and Coxwell). Figured id ask around if there is anything happening as far as dj sets (soul, funk) or any other worth while entertainment. Would like to get a bit of diggin done also, kind of strapped for cash so im looking to hit mostly thrifts and flea markets. Saw a article about the Junction flea, is it worth checking out? Also any cheaps eats or bar recommendations would be most welcome.
Alex
Alex
Comments
Big dub night at Izakaya Sushi (294 College) tonight - featuring THIS homemade system:
You're staying in Little Ethiopia - I recommend the veggie platter and the cha cha at Rendez Vous.
Not sure if North Pole is open on Sundays, but they do great treats and have good home cooked Italian food at lunch time for cheap: http://www.blogto.com/bakery/north-pole-bakery-toronto
Danforth Pizza House is the pie (920 Danforth).
Head down to Gerrard and Coxwell for good cheap Indian food - try Udupi Palace for their dosas or Lahore Tikka House for their lamb kabobs.
Get on the subway and head over to Scarborough for good Value Village/Goodwill experiences.
Check the Waterfront Festival this weekend, too. Free and good bands.
I think I'm going to head over for some naan and chana tomorrow. Damn I'm hungry just thinking about it.
Ketan - never ventured to scarborough before, any specific station or area have more thrifts? Kennedy looks pretty promising. Also any stations to avoid at all cost?
I'm not really great at diggin advice in town... (kinda feel lame admitting that lol)... I don't have any secret spots or go-to places. I stop at Kops (Queen and University area) a lot cuz it's on my way home from work. Nice selection across genres. Ok prices. Loads of 45s upstairs. Sonic Boom (the Honest Ed's location at Bathurst and Bloor) has a lot of records and good prices.
These places will not net you uber raer stuff. If you're looking for heavy pieces and willing to pay $$$ you should head to Cosmos.
My thrift game is hella weak. I've never even thought about venturing out to Scarborough for fleas/thrifts/etc.
For Goodwill, try their Community Reuse Centre at 350 Progress Ave, just west of Brimley Rd.
Henry's Records in north Scarborough for the reggae 45s, although he has lots of soul, disco, funk and rock 45s, 12s and LPs. PM me if you need any more details.
So you're actually a bit east of the ethiopian stretch, and also a bit east of THE ONLY, which is a great little bar.
what orips said, basically. scarborough is home to a lot of west indian folks (afro, indo, chinese), so there's a lot of great, cheap food everywhere. try some hakka chinese or goat roti. but scartown is not very walkable, and shops are spread pretty far apart.
You should check Nicey's on Victoria Park, Drupati's on Bellamy and ACR on Lawrence E. for W Indian fare.
As mentioned, Scarborough doesn't have too many strips/pockets the way some areas in the west end does, but Little India along Gerrard St. (which is more East York) and Pacific Mall at Kennedy and Steeles are concentrated enough.
Pride Weekend in Toronto is already nuts. This year, World Pride is here so it will be especially special. I recommend making the trip downtown to take it in. Toronto rules, sorry you have only two days here.
He moves the party around - check for Dub Connection Sound System on FB.
Yeah I just realized that my post could seem like Pride is to be avoided. That's not what I meant at all. It's one of the biggest/happiest celebrations that happens in the city. Catching the parade on Sunday is highly recommended, especially since this year it should be completely over the top production-wise. Just important to plan travel time accordingly that weekend since the city will be rammed.
@bassie - I too wish i was staying longer. I go to Toronto about once a year but its always just for a few days and most of my time is spent catching up with relatives and this weekend is no different. Hopefully i can do a proper week or 2 sometime soon.
I might stay a little longer to go see Ali Shaheed Muhammed spin at Tattoo bar on monday night. Anybody thinking of going?
I'm gonna be in MTL next week for work, so please PM if there's anything fun happening Mon-Thurs, or any exhibits worth checking at the moment. Thanks!
Thats me on the right.
Mix media on a stainless steal base
This will help you find food trucks all over the city.
http://montreal.streetfoodquest.com/?n=53caf42feb496
Also dont forget to drop by st-viateur for a proper bagel or 12.
Every time I'm in Montreal, I hit them up and try to eat only ONE bagel on the way back to the hotel. I always fail. Fresh poppyseed with even just some plain ass philly cream cheese?? That shit is HEAVEN!!
That "behind the bank" record spot was on Queen, right?? That pops up occasionally through the summer and I have grabbed quite a few records. Like you said - nothing heavy, but clean cheap common records worth picking up!
Awesome to see you chillin with your gramps!! None of my grandparents are alive anymore and I'd love to be able to hang with them now as an adult. Family is important.
That's summer in Toronto for you. (Has Beau's crossed the border into MTL yet?)
Lahore is good, but there's better if you find it too oily. Scarborough and Mississauga have some amazing spots for Indian food...
Thanks for the MTL tips! I'm staying down by the palais des congres, and someone suggested these restos nearby - whaddaya think? Anything else to check down there?
Qing hua
Suite 701
Garde manger
Le local
Le Cartet
That would be the one. Started at 8am, got there by 7:45 and 3-4 guys already had piles so im sure there is good stuff to be had.
It was so much fun, he's still witty as hell and always has a song to sing. Without knowing my aunt ended up buying a house in the neighborhood where he grew up, went to the school on the corner, got married a few blocks down, etc.. so there's a crazy story around every corner.
Haven't seen any over here yet but i have had some in TO and it was great.
It was actually a lot less oily than anywhere i have been in MTL, wouldn't mind a few recommendations for next time tho.
NP for the tips, Your actually perfectly situated for most things I recommended. I have some downtime at work today so i'll send you a google maps with points of interested and suggestions so you can get a better idea of how close you are to everything. Now to restaurants:
Qinh hua is out of your ways a bit and you have a much better dumpling spot right next to you in Mai Xiang Yuan.
Suite 701: I have never been but from my understanding it's a lot more of a business crowd, 5 a 7 type spot which usually means overpriced food and drinks but i can't comment on if that's true or not.
Garde Manger: Good food, great atmosphere (gets louder as the night goes on).
Haven't tried the other 2 but have heard good things. Money isnt really flowing in these day's so my fine dining experience has been lacking. If money isnt a issue tho i would rate Toqu├® over any of these if you can get a table.