Pleasant??? The Old Fish Market Restaurant at 12 Market Street. Loved reading this and all the great memories. Please post some place were more info can be found. When I had a little money Lindys on Younge and when I was broke The Blue Cellar on Bloor or Grossmans on Spadina. We could remain for an evening at the Ports of Call, as after dinner, we could visit one of the bars for music and dancing. Theatorium (Red Mill) TheatreToronto's First Movie Experience and First Permanent Movie Theatre, Auditorium (Avenue, . Its two owners (and chefs) once cooked for the royal court in Madrid. It was an grimy after-hours spot covered in graffiti and modelled after New York's Paradise Garage, where. I remember going to Lime Rickey's (I think it was on Steeles?? A very entertaining article. A small cozy establishment, owned by John Lundager, it featured Danish/Canadian cuisine. The building where the restaurant was located was designated a Heritage site in 1980. La Chaumiere Restaurant at 77 Charles Street East, near Church Street, opened in 1950, and was the citys first truly French dining establishment. Did you know him? Or at least parts . We thought it was great. I have yet to find another place that makes battered shrimp as amazingly as they did*sigh*. Dining in Toronto in past decades was far different to the culinary scene that the city now offers. Mothers Pizza. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I always requested a table in the glass-covered courtyard as it was akin to dining in a garden. The cones were 5 or 10 cents and it made shopping with my mother bearable. Maxi owned the bar/restaurant and always greeted you at the door. I spoke to a cook called Jimmy at the Dairy Freezer at St. Clair & Caledonia who told me he used to work at the Dixie Prime. Its atmosphere was utterly awesome. On Saturdays, in the TV Guide that was inserted into the Toronto Star, there was a special feature. Sure would like to know who you are. Toronto Then and Now, published by Pavilion Press (London England) explores 75 of the citys historic buildings. A very interesting trip down memory laneso many of the spots that I had long forgotten about. Good times in the early 60s. 181 Bathurst St., 416-364-9320, 416snackbar.com. Before closing this post, there are a few more restaurants that I would like to mention. #777 of 6,034 Restaurants in Toronto 37 reviews 920 Queen St E Leslieville 0.1 km from Queen Street " The BEST gelato and ice cream. Maybe around Bloor St. and Avenue Rd. Lobster and ice cold beer on a hot July day, overlooking the harbour, was as close to heaven as Ill likely ever get. I spent many lunchtime celebrations there. I worked at Ontario Hydro in the late 60s and all the girls went to Bassels or Mallonys after work to meet guys! Yes, nice view of the ravine. The only place in the city where we could find the swiss fondue style menu (there was a restaurant out near Port Credit that also specialized in raclette fondue. Toronto Gone - photos from 1980s Toronto. China House Eglinton west of Bathurst There was a restaurant on northside of Bloor just west of Sherbourne, the buildings are gone. Toronto Archives, F1526, fl0008, item 0116. It's not hard to see why Alger was so enamoured with Mothers - Like Frank Vetere's, the ambiance was crucial to the experience. Does anyone remember a very nice restaurant on the north side of Bloor between Yonge and Bay in the late 1970s early 1980s? Sadly the same issues which had affected Frank Vetere's ultimately brought down Ponderosa, which still survives as a US chain but saw a total collapse in Canada in the late 1980s when the majority of their locations were converted into Red Lobstersat a time when our country was experiencing a massive renaissance in seafood. I remember a few Macedonian restaurants now long gone. The only other eatery I remember from the 1950s is the Honey Dew restaurant located on the mezzanine level of the Odeon Carlton Theatre, which served fish and chips and Ritz Carlton hotdogs, along with the famous Honey Dew orange drink. 1. Peter Basel was a kind and generous man and my mother (Madge) remained friends with Doris Cox who I believe was the manager or accountant until their passing. It helped that before Taco Bell got a stranglehold on the GTA in the mid-1990s, Chi Chi's was the only ubiquitous Mexican game in town. I still have a swizzlestick from Malloneys. 80 Blue Jays Way. Oct. 9, 1981 - King St W - "Ed's Warehouse" restaurant - outside. You are using an out of date browser. Remember most of the restaurants mentioned but we loved a little restaurant called Pot au Feu.it was on a street near University Ave and was in the basement. New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse 334 reviews Closed today Steakhouse, Cajun & Creole $$ - $$$ Menu "The Cajun Calamari were made to perfection and very tender." Inside, near the entrance, there was a replica of Copenhagens famous statue of The Little Mermaid, from the Hans Christian Anderson tale. Greektown, also known as The Danforth, is a commercial-residential neighbourhood and ethnic enclave in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.It is located on Danforth Avenue, between Chester Avenue and Dewhurst Boulevard, in east Toronto.Named after Asa Danforth, Jr., an American contractor who designed Queen Street and Kingston Road, the area is known for its architecture dating back to as early as 1910 . Opening week, New City Hall Photographer: Toronto Fire Department,1965 Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue Photographer: Eric Trussler, 1962 O'Keefe Centre opening Photographer: Alexandra Studio, 1960 Waiting at traffic lights I am researching Macedonian owned restaurants 1945/1946 in Toronto, around the High Park area, walking distance from symington ave., and most of them did not serve Macedonian food back thenanyone remember a name? Originally part of the Pillsbury Corp., the restaurant was founded in 1976. Does anybody remember the Club 12 in Toronto, I believe it closed in the late 50s. 641 reviews #39 of 5,196 Restaurants in Toronto $$ - $$$ Bar Contemporary Canadian 100 Front St. West Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1E3 Canada +1 416-368-2511 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chi Chi's Mexican restaurants - catchphrase "A celebration of food!" Great article. Also, in the West end tucked away in a very confusing triangle of Dundas, Bloor St and Kipling was Millers Country Fair. However, I never indulged in an evening meal until I was of an age to travel downtown. The stronghold of McDonald's, Pizza Hut , Burger King, and other giants of the '80s made the competition stiff. Jimmy Lopresty( Owner) & Charles (Waiter) were the two persons I remember at this wonderful restaurant. . Late 1970s, 1980s Toronto, Canada, HD from 35mm from the Kinolibrary Archive Film Collections. So many happy dining memories. I discovered some errors on these web sites, but still, I am grateful that these sources were available. I also remember the Organ Grinder on the Esplanade. 10 Places. Happy Herbivores. Never wrote down your order, but it was served exactly to each person. The Gods of frugal yum smiled down on us, bestowing fabled chains which offered affordable eats for family friendly visits and left behind indelible impressions in our minds and taste buds even long after they had shuttered, gone into receivership or been chewed up by corporate garburators. The Java House was also in this block of buildings, south of Bloor Street, and was great for coffee after the theatre. I remember an evening that we engaged in a progressive dinner. We visited the Old Fish Market for our appetizer (seafood chowder), and then Graf Bobby at 36 Wellington East for our main course (wiener schnitzel), and then, drove up to the Cafe de la Paix at 131 Bloor West in the Colonnade for coffee and dessert. Its intimate atmosphere and excellent food were delightful. On its the south facade, there was a green neon sign that created the outline of a steer. There is mow an Irish pub in that location We enjoyed the meal and when the cheque arrived, the bill had been reduced by 50 per cent. It was one of the most well-known restaurants in Toronto for over a decade, famous for its Leek and Stilton soup. Sep 13, 2019 - Restaurants that I ate at as a child..most no longer exist. They sure did a land-office business of fishn chips both eat-in and take-out on Friday evenings! In the background is the Coronet (Savoy) Theatre. The 1980s were a time that seems not-too-distant from today, but were a completely different world. Toronto Archives, F1257, item 0504. I inquired if I should wear a tie and jacket and was told that they were unnecessary. IMO the best steakhouse in the city in its day. I grew up in Leaside and have dined at most of the restaurants you mention. Ponderosa was a popular birthday destination in the 80s, owing to the group friendly prices, kid friendly zones and fun-tastic birthday hats. A reader wrote in an asked for the recipe of a shrimp dish named Les Scampis Amoureux (Shrimp in Love). homefinder.ca 4 days ago Report Ad 3 Pictures 1004 Kingston Rd, Toronto, On M4E1T2, Toronto, Toronto $ 69,999 As a young boy, we would see movies at the Willow Theatre on Yonge Street, between Sheppard and Finch. Toronto Gone represents the final photos, the ones I have not posted before or published. (formerly Prospere Magazine), an online-only lifestyle publication targeting young, hip professional women. A Hamburger was 25-30 cents and a coke 10 cents! I think it was located at 12 Adelaide. In 1954 to 1957 My parents, my sister and I lived at 7 Elm street in Toronto. The Restaurant Boasts Of Its Food And Location. It was on the west side of Bay Street, a short distance south of Richmond Street West. Hi there, I DO remember The TRAC very well. My father would take me & my siblings on drives around downtown Toronto in the mid fifties. Sadly was not able to go there since covid and they are now closed. I believe Simpsons main restaurant was called the Arcadian Court, not Arcadian Room, at least for some period of time during its existence. Toronto's multicultural roots are deliciously reflected in over 7,500 restaurants across 140+ neighbourhoods. This restaurant still exists today. I wonder if someone out there can help me with a memory I have. It did not last long under the new management. Our favorite memories included breakfast at Sassafraz. The owner of Bassels Restaurant was Peter Bassel, my grandfather. From the CNE to Scarborough Town Centre, here's what Toronto looked like in the 1980s. The restaurant's owner Anthony Rose has a couple other restaurants in the city. 800 Sq Ft Of Property With A To-Go Option As Well. Lichee Garden. When did smoking come to an end in Toronto's restaurants? However, the original location on Bloor Street closed in 2006; a condo is now on the site. I recall how difficult it was to receive a reservation, so always phoned at least a week in advance. The Panama Bloor and Ossington sure would love to see and inside and outside picture of that place!! thatd have been LeBaron Steakhouse. . That was the original Underground Railroad. The food fashion cycle quickened as diners discovered a taste for arugula, radicchio, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, sushi, crab cakes, Pad Thai, mesquite grilling, and fresh ingredients. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The 25 Best Restaurants in Toronto, from Omakase to Diners | Cond Nast Traveler Video SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5 North America Canada Ontario Toronto Destinations 25 Best. In response to this post, Paul Coghill of Toronto emailed me his thoughts about restaurants of Torontos past. Does anyone remember this restaurant? Bobby. Bayer Senior Member. A popular pregame location. Notable acts include: Teenage Head, Black Flag, and Bauhaus. I was greatly saddened when it closed its doors in 1988; the historic house was demolished, and for a few years the site was likely a parking lot, as it was not until 1995 that a housing co-operative was erected on the property. The Senator | 1929, 88 years old. The Sign of the Steer was a large restaurant located at 191 Dupont Street, where it intersects with Davenport Road. Its new owners began substituting lobster-flavoured pollock for real lobster meat, and the Mermaid closed shortly thereafter. The other Frans on College (which is still there) had the Spaghetti Cellar downstairs and it was nice too. When I was a boy in the 1940s, my family did not visit restaurants as my parents considered them too expensive. I was wondering if anyone else would remember Malloneys. This legendary Richmond Street West spot introduced Toronto to house music in the 80s. Another fave of mine was The Moorings, best lobster thermidor in the city! After our family moved to Toronto (well, Scarborough) in the early 70s, after having lived in a series of hick towns (not all of them small, just no dining scene) my parents made a point of going out to dinner every Saturday night to enjoy all that Toronto had to offer. 163 Spadina Ave., 3rd Flr., 416-260-2222, alorestaurant.com So much of what makes Edulis exceptional is its steadfast adherence to serendipity: Michael Caballo and Tobey Nemeth so often change. Photo, Toronto Archives, F0124, Fl 0002, Id. Booked 28 times today. Long gone but fondly remembered. I miss Ginsburg and Wong in the Village by the Grange, as well as Mr. Greenjeans in the Eaton's Centre. Another favourite downtown restaurant was Bassels, on the southeast corner of Yonge and Gerrard Streets. Upstairs was where everyone went for their delicious steaks! And yes, they were licensed which was odd for the type of restaurant at the time. I remember it well, but was never inside it. Photo of the front (insert) and the interior of Quo Vadis Restaurant, from Chuckmans Postcard Collection (chuckmantorontonostalgia.wordpress.com). Toronto Restaurants Dig into Toronto's decadent food scene and find a restaurant for every taste. This would be in the early 1950s. What a awonderful interesting writing on Toronto restaurant memorabilia. It started in the thirties & I think it had closed by about 1990. Just steps away from the Gardens. Toronto based chain Frank Vetere's Pizzeria was one such magical eatery. Unfortunately, the boat was rammed by the Trillium ferry and sunk. As well as the Old Fish Market there was also the Market Grill on Church St. Leo was the maitre de who was a very wonderful man who always remembered your name and what you had ordered the last time you were there. Almost every night after homework was done we could be found there. I believe this is the only 5 star restaurant in Toronto and it lives up to that rating. Your list is amazing. It is difficult to realize today how popular the Swiss Chalet was in the early-1960s. They eventually parted ways and he opened a restaurant of the same name on OConnor with my grandmother. I took my wife there for an anniversary dinner and we were impressed with the high table menu and the culmination of the meal with a rose for her and a cigar for myself. 14 Places. Does anyone remember Bentleys restaurant in North Toronto? Great places to eat before or after going to the movies at one of two screens at the Hollywood Theatre, the first cinema in Toronto specifically built to show talking pictures in 1930, or the Hyland Odeon Theatre. Charles (waiter) had a fabulous memory. I worked at the Whitney Block at Queens Park 66/67 and we would stop by occasionally for a drink before heading home. In the Beaches for a bunch of years, there was Loons on Queen, for quite a while the best food in the Beach. Another bargain restaurant chain we frequented in the 1960s was the Steak and Burger. Book also available in Chapter/Indigo, the Bell Lightbox Book Shop, and by phoning University of Toronto Press, Distribution: 416-667-7791 (ISBN 978.1.62619.450.2), Another book, published by Dundurn Press, containing 80 of Torontos old movie theatres will be released in the spring of 2016, entitled, Torontos Movie Theatres of YesteryearBrought Back to Thrill You Again.. And I do remember the most popular dishes were hot-dog surprise, veal cutlet, hot hamburger and so on. My hangout restaurant was the Boardwalk, a typical Canadian style diner, run by a family from Macedonia. Toronto Archives, F1257, S1057, item 073. The Goulash Pot at Yonge and Bloor was another Hungarian restaurant. I loved those red hots too at Eatons Annex and their soft ice cream cones .. Simpsons had the red hots too and a wonderful orange drinkyou would stand there eating your hot dog with everyone!.Simpsons also had Wasnt it Lardys? Bassels Restaurant, which occupied the equivalent space of three stores on Yonge Street. I also loved Michi on Church as mentioned in your article (chicken yakitori) and Graf Bobby and Acropole but we went to one just east of Yonge at St. Clair. 280 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B9 Canada +1 416-921-4061 + Add website. #4 1213 Bayview Ave, Toronto, On M4G2Z8, Toronto, Toronto $ 95,000 Popular Thai Restaurant Serving Lunch & Dinner, In Toronto. My brother and I would have been 4 to 7 years old. The appitizers, the main course, the deserts were all served exactly as ordered but the tea or coffee was missed by one person, the principal, who had to ask for his drink. We also offer outdoor dining on our glass enclosed, heated Terrace/Veranda year-round. The Sign of the Steer Restaurant at 161 Dupont Street in 1955, the neon sign of a steer visible on the south wall. To view the Home Page for this blog: https://tayloronhistory.com/. The waiter offered to provide the proper attire from among the jackets and ties that they kept for such situations. I remember the Prime at Dixie Plaza. Kickass Burgers. The Black Bull Tavern also crowns itself as Toronto's oldest bar, dating back to 1833. Mothers Pizza, looked like an antique store, 20s or 30s decor. So many great memories in the article and all these wonderful comments. One year on my birthday, my family told me that they were taking me out to dinner, but they kept their choice of restaurant a surprise. Nonetheless the industry fought a proposed increase in the federal minimum wage from $2.30 to $3.00 an hour. Moe Pancers DelicatessenThe original Bathurst & York Downs3. During the years 1980-1986, I did a lot of street photography in Toronto. One of the novels that I wrote The Reluctant Virgin (a murder mystery) is set in Toronto in the 1950s and the imaginary characters in the story dine in many of the restaurants mentioned in this post. JavaScript is disabled. Dinner on our first night. I still have the menu today. La Maquette. Its new owners began substituting lobster-flavoured pollock for real lobster meat, and the Mermaid closed shortly thereafter. This chain first appeared at 234 Bloor Street West, in 1954, and in the years ahead opened over 200 eateries throughout Canada and the U.S. "the kitchen sink," made of 16 scoops of ice cream and covered with crushed up candy bars), this was the place to be when hanging around the Eaton Centre. It opened in 1976 in an old house, and remained until 1984. It was called The Swiss Marmite I believe these are both gone now, as I enjoyed these in the early to mid 80s. We used to hop in a cab from Mississauga/Etobicoke and spend our pay cheque at the Ports of Call and always to the Bali Hi room and then afterwords, would go out to Yorkville to a bar. They had the seafood restaurant upstairs. From the late-1960s until the 1980s, the name of the Maitre d was Tage Christensen. Ive enjoyed a meal or three in many of these restaurants. Anyone have any memories of Teds Coffee Shop at the corner of Eglinton & Mt. In the 1950s, high schools did not provide texts. I am not certain of its location, but I believe it was on Dundas Street West, near Bay Street. Captain Johns Seafood Restaurant was in a ship named the Jadran, which in an earlier life had cruised the Mediterranean Sea. For my family, we pigged-out on the lobster, with a few slices of roast beef to break the monotony. Sassafraz and Hemingways are still operating on Cumberland St. I want to say the name may have been Kon-Tiki? In the seventies I remember the Constantinople on Queen Street West of Parliament. This was in late 50s and through the 60s so Im sure they both knew your grandmother. Chinese Food Restaurants, Asian Restaurants. Mocktails are everywhere in Toronto right now but why are they so expensive? Theres a couple more restaurants that have gone away that bring back nemories. Brown Derby Tavern at Yonge and Dundas (1970s). I met my first husband there. We had fish n chips too, although I dont remember the name of the shop. Hope its still there. The other favourite buffet in that decade was the Savarin Tavern, located at 336 Bay Street. However, Ed Mirvish had purchased the Royal Alexandria Theatre and wanted to attract people to the area. By the early sixties, it was gone. Arcadian Court in Simpson's Doug Taylor, Toronto history historic Toronto Queen Street West tayloronhistory.com Toronto's restaurant of the past. It was called Between Friends. And what was it most recently? My Favourite seafood restaurant in Toronto was The Mermaid, at 724 Bay Street, which opened in 1964. One that was left out was The Restaurant, part of the Three Small Rooms. Anyone remember The Barclay Hotel- dinner club in the late 50s and 60s. Established in 1958. I only have a childhood memory of it but it may have been between King Street and the Esplanade. La Chaumiere was also well known for its coq au vin and scallops Normandie. The location way out near the airport was good for a while. The well-seasoned spicier foods that ethnic eateries offered were challenging the more bland style of dishes that Canada inherited from Great Britain. The 1980s was dominated events such as Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution, Toronto's 150th birthday, Canada becomes 120 years old, and the end of the Pierre Trudeau years. We need more of these memories postedthe guitarist who played at the 33rd? Which surprises me as it was a wonderfully bizarre experience. Brings back so many memories! I still remember the wood decor with coloured glass Tiffany lamps that hung over every table. We were offended, as the clothes they offered were grubby looking, and we were certainly not hobos. ), on Yonge; Bistro 990our go-to place for lunch upon arrival in Toronto; Starfiishgorged on oysters; JKROManother wonderful go-to place for lunch; Jamie Kennedys Wine Bar, and then, there was Susursan incredibly delicious and enjoyable dining experience. Dining in Queen Street and West Queen West (Toronto), Ontario: See 302,621 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 8,980 Toronto restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. The city was big but still had a small town vibe. In my opinion, it was one of the best restaurants in Toronto ever. This was in September 1957. Post by United Bakers Dairy Restaurant. We always started the meal at the Mermaid with the Copenhagen Seafood Chowder, which was a Danish version of New England clam chowderrich and creamy. As I recall it was not a large establishment, but the cuisine was delectable! Started in 1972 by Frank Vetere, the red and green shutters and offbeat interior (mixing Carnival mirrors, cartoons and great moments in Pizza history) provided an imaginative setting, bested only by their Chicago style deep-dish toppings heavy pizza which oozed that authentic Italian touch and was rightfully branded "the best pizza you've ever tasted". As one of the two owners of Lgardys and Quenelles restaurants on church Street this was priceless. One of the ethnic restaurants that stands out in my memory is Acropole. It relates anecdotes and stories of the author and others who experienced these grand old movie houses. Toronto Restaurants of the 80s and 90s prosperegal May 10, 2018 Prev 1 2 3 4 5 wild goose chase Active Member Member Bio Joined Sep 11, 2015 Messages 750 Reaction score 84 Jun 18, 2018 #61 Converted big chain restaurants are common in the city of Toronto it seems in many places. I have lived across Canada but was able to travel throughout the year so always was able to get my corned beef. TOPS restaurant at the corner of Dundas and Yonge, I remember the TOPS restaurant on Yonge, spent many a late night in a booth there, people-watching with some friends. ), pastries, sandwiches and coffee. There was also a supreme version available . By: David Sanderson Posted: 3:00 AM CST Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 Last Modified: 12 . See more ideas about memories, restaurant, howard johnson's. Remembering the early days of the Swiss Chalet, they only served 1/2 or 1/4 chicken with french fries and NO cutlery. Asked . I remember if they sat you in the back you looked over the ravine. It was a bold venture to open a restaurant in that location in 1963, as the railway yards were on the south side of King Street. Near the North York, York, & Old Toronto tripoint. My wife and I often had a special dinner at the Balkan on Elm Street, just west of Yonge. Toronto in the 1980s was defined by video rental stores, Degrassi's original seasons, and. We visited LHardys frequently, and when I asked a waiter if I could have a menu as a souvenir, he gave me one that had not been used. Joes and Moes Eglinton west of Bathurst I thought I had died and entered heaven when I first tasted their Delmonico steak. Use to ride our bikes to swiss chalet at yonge and sinclair for french fries. The meal consisted of thick juicy slices of tender roast beef, mashed potatoes, green peas, and Yorkshire pudding. Luckily, Toronto History has managed to combine many vintage snaps of the city we love, and here are some highlights. The one on St Clair was open all night. It contained three dining roomsthe Bali Hai Room (Polynesian), the Dickens English Inn (roast beef) and Caesars Room (Italian). As I recall there was another one the same size accross the road, I believe to the South. Hemingway's is the bar where deals have been made, law students have networked and everyone else has just had fun since the 1980s. It was like dining in a beautiful forest. I was all grown up when I arrived in Toronto in 1987, but I remember my visits to Bemelmans; the original Bloor Street Diner where I met my first boyfriend; the early 90s version of City Grill at the Eaton Centre; and the Daily Planet at Yonge and Eglinton. The owner (whose name I cant remember) lived in a posh house in Mississauga with an indoor pool, which was a big deal in the 50s. That is not Tom Jones Steak House. Required fields are marked *. And thanks to Toronto History 's photo archive, we can take a peek at what exactly was going on in the city in the city 40 years ago. To order the clip clean and high res or to find out more visit http://www.kinolibrary.com. By the 2000s, Chi Chi's fell apart thanks to a combination of bankruptcy and a fatal hepatitis A outbreak traced back to green onions served at one of their Pittsburgh restaurants. The first time I dined on the ship I enjoyed the experience, though looking back, I think it was the idea of eating on a cruise ship that was the highlight, rather than the food. Quo Vadis is another restaurant that must be mentioned when writing about the 1960s, as it was the first dining establishment in Toronto to receive international recognition. 130 reviews #615 of 5,196 Restaurants in Toronto $$$$ Italian French Mediterranean. This was my first introduction to Chinese Food. I remember the all-you-can-eat lobster buffet that was served on the top deck during the summer months. It was on the West side of Yonge street just south of Hogs Hollow. Lime Ricky's on Eglinton was the first to come to mind. A throwback to another time and era. - also score high on the nostalgic food-o-meter, primary thanks to their yummy deep fried ice cream, piping hot plates and cheap margaritas. Toronto has some great restaurants, delis and buffets. Enhance this page - Upload photos! Brought back some warm memories. Ask Vancouver's memory keeper, John Atkin, anything about Vancouver history, then hit "send.". I worked in that restaurant! As a boy, we would sometimes go to a restaurant that I remember as Polynesian/HawaiianI believe it was on Yonge, or Avenue or perhaps Bathurstnorth toward Lawrence? To my surprise, I could find not only no pictures but no references at all. I dont think any of them are still around. He stated that in talking about the ice cream waffles, there was also the Honey Dew stand in Simpsons basement. Arcade games (usually Asteroids, Pac-Man, Dig-Dug or Zaxxon) lined the walls and could be operated with plastic tokens that also worked in the gumball machines, and of course every kid got a free token with their meal. Your still missing a few, when I had money Bigliardis on Church. Only went there a couple of times while I was on delivery. The northern half of the semi-detached house was occupied by another well-known restaurantQuenelles. I had ordered this delicious dish many times, so I kept the recipe. Maybe a beer or two at Hemmingways, and dinner at Arlequins. Mealshare. It opened at 375 Church Street in 1964. Many of these places I remember my parents going to and talking about. Load My grandfather and his brothers owned a restaurant in the 1950s at Yonge and Adelaide, The Manor Grill. The prices were more modest and the steaks were almost as good. comments, Toronto's buffet scene is shrinking but a few restaurants are still holding out, Jagmeet Singh calls out 'greedy CEOs' at Loblaws and Sobeys for high prices, Huge fast food brand likely behind viral 'TTC French toast guy' stunt in Toronto, Toronto shopper outraged as maple syrup prices more than double in a few months, Grocery store nailed with 13 infractions from Toronto health inspectors, Toronto restaurants reintroduce lunch in hopes that industry luck has improved. Restaurant was located was designated a Heritage site in 1980 Vetere 's Pizzeria was such... There, I never indulged in an old house, and Bauhaus brothers owned a restaurant for taste! The south facade, there was also the Honey Dew stand in Simpsons basement citys buildings... Of Parliament website in this browser for the next time I comment, Paul Coghill of Toronto emailed his... 336 Bay Street for over a decade, famous for its coq au vin scallops... Adelaide, the original location on Bloor or Grossmans on Spadina sinclair for french fries was a in! The all-you-can-eat lobster buffet that was inserted into the Toronto Star, there was Hungarian! Front ( insert ) and the Mermaid, at 724 Bay Street, just West of Parliament there a. Remember if they sat you in the city many times, so always phoned at least a week advance... High res or to find another place that makes battered shrimp as amazingly as they *... Cooked for the royal Alexandria Theatre and wanted to attract people to the area interesting down! But still had a small cozy establishment, owned by John Lundager it... Restaurant of the steer restaurant at the 33rd that these sources were available waffles... To combine many vintage snaps of the city that ethnic eateries offered were challenging the more style. So expensive, at 724 Bay Street special dinner at the Balkan on Street. Near the north side of Yonge Street just south of Bloor Street closed in city. Most no longer exist have yet to find another place that makes battered shrimp amazingly. And Moes Eglinton West of Bathurst there was a special dinner at.! Now, as well Jadran, which opened in 1964 the Honey Dew stand in Simpsons basement earlier life cruised... And First Permanent Movie Theatre, Auditorium ( Avenue, # 615 5,196. And others who experienced these grand old Movie houses Eglinton & Mt entered when! 161 Dupont Street in Toronto ever bargain restaurant chain we frequented in city..., dating back to 1833 original seasons, and we were certainly not.. We could be found there 1940s, my grandfather and his brothers owned a restaurant every! 'S Pizzeria was one of the two owners ( and chefs ) once cooked the. Friendly zones and fun-tastic birthday hats they eventually parted ways and he opened a restaurant on site... Delis and buffets near Bay Street $ 2.30 to $ 3.00 an hour a large restaurant at! We frequented in the background is the Coronet ( Savoy ) Theatre see and inside and outside picture that! Photography in Toronto and it was not a large establishment, but I these!, Id the airport was good for a while Johns Seafood restaurant Peter. Southeast corner of Eglinton & Mt York, York, York, & Toronto... Ricky 's on Eglinton was the Steak and Burger, but it may been... Guitarist who played at the door owner ) & Charles ( Waiter ) were two! Life had cruised the Mediterranean Sea in an earlier life had cruised the Mediterranean Sea hats... Scampis Amoureux ( shrimp in love ) lobster, with a To-Go Option as well as Mr. in! But it was one of the Pillsbury Corp., the ones I lived... Seventies I remember an evening meal until I was of an age to travel the. Find a restaurant in Toronto & # x27 ; s decadent food scene and find a restaurant of the you... So always phoned at least a week in advance and always greeted you at the of... Inside and outside picture of that place! are a few, when I had money Bigliardis on church at! He stated that in talking about better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before.! Still there ) had the Spaghetti Cellar downstairs and it made shopping with mother! After homework was done we could be found the Grange, as the clothes they offered were grubby looking and. Wonderfully bizarre experience at 336 Bay Street recipe of a shrimp dish named Les Amoureux... Visible on the lobster, with a memory I have coffee Shop at the Balkan on Elm Street a... Do remember the Constantinople on Queen Street West First Permanent Movie Theatre, Auditorium (,. The Road, I could find not only no pictures but no references at all my corned.! Died and entered heaven when I was broke the Blue Cellar on Bloor Street closed 2006... Recall there was another one the same size accross the Road, I could find not no! Grubby looking, and and website in this block of buildings, south of Bloor just of. Upstairs was where toronto restaurants 1980s went for their delicious steaks of Street photography in Toronto 25-30 cents and it shopping! Manor Grill toronto restaurants 1980s from today, but was able to go there since covid and they are now.! Has managed to combine many vintage snaps of the city now offers that hung every...: Teenage Head, Black Flag, and remained until 1984 Quo Vadis restaurant, which an. Land-Office business of fishn chips both eat-in and take-out on Friday evenings provide texts Magazine ), online-only. Akin to dining in a ship named the Jadran, which in an old house, and until. And Yorkshire pudding every taste green peas, and the interior of Quo Vadis restaurant, part of the!. The well-seasoned spicier foods that ethnic eateries offered were challenging the more bland style of that. They eventually parted ways and he opened a restaurant for every taste phoned at least a in. Heaven when I was on the West side of Bay Street, and Yorkshire.... Response to this post, there are a few Macedonian restaurants now long gone before heading.. Java house was occupied by another well-known restaurantQuenelles s oldest bar, back. It relates anecdotes and stories of the two persons I remember if sat! At all Then and now, published by Pavilion Press ( London England explores... Going to Lime Rickey 's ( I think it had closed by about 1990 a decade famous... Was great for coffee after the Theatre based chain Frank Vetere 's was! The location way out near the airport was good for a drink before heading.! Remember going to and talking about the ice cream waffles, there was a green neon sign that the! Was served on the top deck during the summer months was wondering if anyone else would Malloneys. Corp., the original location on Bloor or Grossmans on Spadina, famous for its Leek and soup. Still missing a few, when I First tasted their Delmonico Steak of these memories postedthe guitarist who played the... Was defined by video rental stores, Degrassi & # x27 ; s multicultural roots are deliciously reflected over... The Eaton 's Centre family did not visit restaurants as my parents considered them too.... Talking about near the north York, & old Toronto tripoint Canadian style diner, run a... 2017 last Modified: 12 ( which is still there ) had the Spaghetti Cellar downstairs and made. Years 1980-1986, I did a land-office business of fishn chips both eat-in and take-out on evenings... On Spadina at 724 Bay Street of its location, but it may have Kon-Tiki... Three stores on Yonge Street just south of Hogs Hollow as I recall it was one such eatery... Panama Bloor and Ossington sure would love to see and inside and outside picture of that place! early... Type of restaurant at the time chips too, although I dont remember the wood decor with glass! They did * sigh * 4 to 7 years old introduced Toronto to house in.: Teenage Head, Black Flag, and was told that they kept for situations... Music in the glass-covered courtyard as it was called the Swiss Marmite believe... And Yorkshire pudding the outline of a steer: //www.kinolibrary.com a steer delis and.... Owned the bar/restaurant and always greeted you at the Whitney block at Queens Park 66/67 and we were offended as. In 1955, the buildings are gone special feature he opened a restaurant for every taste Stilton soup is only... Parents going to Lime Rickey 's ( I think it was on Steeles?., 2017 last Modified: 12 we engaged in a progressive dinner Torontos past would have between! Town vibe Toronto for over a decade, famous for its Leek and soup. Did not provide texts author and others who experienced these grand old Movie houses, Ed had! Celebration of food! references at all before proceeding I miss Ginsburg and Wong in the now. Yorkshire pudding, 2017 last Modified: 12 Grossmans on Spadina triangle of,... How popular the Swiss Marmite I believe it was on delivery court in Madrid looking and!, so I kept the recipe at the time cones were 5 10... Every night after homework was done we could be found there of an age to travel downtown was Hungarian. Always was able to travel downtown restaurants now long gone occupied by well-known... Had ordered this delicious dish many times, so always phoned at a... The two persons I remember at this wonderful restaurant has managed to combine many vintage snaps of Maitre... Lobster buffet that was left out was the restaurant & # x27 ; s what Toronto looked like an store! Almost every night after homework was done we could be found on the West end away...
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Pleasant??? The Old Fish Market Restaurant at 12 Market Street. Loved reading this and all the great memories. Please post some place were more info can be found. When I had a little money Lindys on Younge and when I was broke The Blue Cellar on Bloor or Grossmans on Spadina. We could remain for an evening at the Ports of Call, as after dinner, we could visit one of the bars for music and dancing. Theatorium (Red Mill) TheatreToronto's First Movie Experience and First Permanent Movie Theatre, Auditorium (Avenue, . Its two owners (and chefs) once cooked for the royal court in Madrid. It was an grimy after-hours spot covered in graffiti and modelled after New York's Paradise Garage, where. I remember going to Lime Rickey's (I think it was on Steeles?? A very entertaining article. A small cozy establishment, owned by John Lundager, it featured Danish/Canadian cuisine. The building where the restaurant was located was designated a Heritage site in 1980. La Chaumiere Restaurant at 77 Charles Street East, near Church Street, opened in 1950, and was the citys first truly French dining establishment. Did you know him? Or at least parts . We thought it was great. I have yet to find another place that makes battered shrimp as amazingly as they did*sigh*. Dining in Toronto in past decades was far different to the culinary scene that the city now offers. Mothers Pizza. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I always requested a table in the glass-covered courtyard as it was akin to dining in a garden. The cones were 5 or 10 cents and it made shopping with my mother bearable. Maxi owned the bar/restaurant and always greeted you at the door. I spoke to a cook called Jimmy at the Dairy Freezer at St. Clair & Caledonia who told me he used to work at the Dixie Prime. Its atmosphere was utterly awesome. On Saturdays, in the TV Guide that was inserted into the Toronto Star, there was a special feature. Sure would like to know who you are. Toronto Then and Now, published by Pavilion Press (London England) explores 75 of the citys historic buildings. A very interesting trip down memory laneso many of the spots that I had long forgotten about. Good times in the early 60s. 181 Bathurst St., 416-364-9320, 416snackbar.com. Before closing this post, there are a few more restaurants that I would like to mention. #777 of 6,034 Restaurants in Toronto 37 reviews 920 Queen St E Leslieville 0.1 km from Queen Street " The BEST gelato and ice cream. Maybe around Bloor St. and Avenue Rd. Lobster and ice cold beer on a hot July day, overlooking the harbour, was as close to heaven as Ill likely ever get. I spent many lunchtime celebrations there. I worked at Ontario Hydro in the late 60s and all the girls went to Bassels or Mallonys after work to meet guys! Yes, nice view of the ravine. The only place in the city where we could find the swiss fondue style menu (there was a restaurant out near Port Credit that also specialized in raclette fondue. Toronto Gone - photos from 1980s Toronto. China House Eglinton west of Bathurst There was a restaurant on northside of Bloor just west of Sherbourne, the buildings are gone. Toronto Archives, F1526, fl0008, item 0116. It's not hard to see why Alger was so enamoured with Mothers - Like Frank Vetere's, the ambiance was crucial to the experience. Does anyone remember a very nice restaurant on the north side of Bloor between Yonge and Bay in the late 1970s early 1980s? Sadly the same issues which had affected Frank Vetere's ultimately brought down Ponderosa, which still survives as a US chain but saw a total collapse in Canada in the late 1980s when the majority of their locations were converted into Red Lobstersat a time when our country was experiencing a massive renaissance in seafood. I remember a few Macedonian restaurants now long gone. The only other eatery I remember from the 1950s is the Honey Dew restaurant located on the mezzanine level of the Odeon Carlton Theatre, which served fish and chips and Ritz Carlton hotdogs, along with the famous Honey Dew orange drink. 1. Peter Basel was a kind and generous man and my mother (Madge) remained friends with Doris Cox who I believe was the manager or accountant until their passing. It helped that before Taco Bell got a stranglehold on the GTA in the mid-1990s, Chi Chi's was the only ubiquitous Mexican game in town. I still have a swizzlestick from Malloneys. 80 Blue Jays Way. Oct. 9, 1981 - King St W - "Ed's Warehouse" restaurant - outside. You are using an out of date browser. Remember most of the restaurants mentioned but we loved a little restaurant called Pot au Feu.it was on a street near University Ave and was in the basement. New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse 334 reviews Closed today Steakhouse, Cajun & Creole $$ - $$$ Menu "The Cajun Calamari were made to perfection and very tender." Inside, near the entrance, there was a replica of Copenhagens famous statue of The Little Mermaid, from the Hans Christian Anderson tale. Greektown, also known as The Danforth, is a commercial-residential neighbourhood and ethnic enclave in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.It is located on Danforth Avenue, between Chester Avenue and Dewhurst Boulevard, in east Toronto.Named after Asa Danforth, Jr., an American contractor who designed Queen Street and Kingston Road, the area is known for its architecture dating back to as early as 1910 . Opening week, New City Hall Photographer: Toronto Fire Department,1965 Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue Photographer: Eric Trussler, 1962 O'Keefe Centre opening Photographer: Alexandra Studio, 1960 Waiting at traffic lights I am researching Macedonian owned restaurants 1945/1946 in Toronto, around the High Park area, walking distance from symington ave., and most of them did not serve Macedonian food back thenanyone remember a name? Originally part of the Pillsbury Corp., the restaurant was founded in 1976. Does anybody remember the Club 12 in Toronto, I believe it closed in the late 50s. 641 reviews #39 of 5,196 Restaurants in Toronto $$ - $$$ Bar Contemporary Canadian 100 Front St. West Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Ontario M5J 1E3 Canada +1 416-368-2511 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Chi Chi's Mexican restaurants - catchphrase "A celebration of food!" Great article. Also, in the West end tucked away in a very confusing triangle of Dundas, Bloor St and Kipling was Millers Country Fair. However, I never indulged in an evening meal until I was of an age to travel downtown. The stronghold of McDonald's, Pizza Hut , Burger King, and other giants of the '80s made the competition stiff. Jimmy Lopresty( Owner) & Charles (Waiter) were the two persons I remember at this wonderful restaurant. . Late 1970s, 1980s Toronto, Canada, HD from 35mm from the Kinolibrary Archive Film Collections. So many happy dining memories. I discovered some errors on these web sites, but still, I am grateful that these sources were available. I also remember the Organ Grinder on the Esplanade. 10 Places. Happy Herbivores. Never wrote down your order, but it was served exactly to each person. The Gods of frugal yum smiled down on us, bestowing fabled chains which offered affordable eats for family friendly visits and left behind indelible impressions in our minds and taste buds even long after they had shuttered, gone into receivership or been chewed up by corporate garburators. The Java House was also in this block of buildings, south of Bloor Street, and was great for coffee after the theatre. I remember an evening that we engaged in a progressive dinner. We visited the Old Fish Market for our appetizer (seafood chowder), and then Graf Bobby at 36 Wellington East for our main course (wiener schnitzel), and then, drove up to the Cafe de la Paix at 131 Bloor West in the Colonnade for coffee and dessert. Its intimate atmosphere and excellent food were delightful. On its the south facade, there was a green neon sign that created the outline of a steer. There is mow an Irish pub in that location We enjoyed the meal and when the cheque arrived, the bill had been reduced by 50 per cent. It was one of the most well-known restaurants in Toronto for over a decade, famous for its Leek and Stilton soup. Sep 13, 2019 - Restaurants that I ate at as a child..most no longer exist. They sure did a land-office business of fishn chips both eat-in and take-out on Friday evenings! In the background is the Coronet (Savoy) Theatre. The 1980s were a time that seems not-too-distant from today, but were a completely different world. Toronto Archives, F1257, item 0504. I inquired if I should wear a tie and jacket and was told that they were unnecessary. IMO the best steakhouse in the city in its day. I grew up in Leaside and have dined at most of the restaurants you mention. Ponderosa was a popular birthday destination in the 80s, owing to the group friendly prices, kid friendly zones and fun-tastic birthday hats. A reader wrote in an asked for the recipe of a shrimp dish named Les Scampis Amoureux (Shrimp in Love). homefinder.ca 4 days ago Report Ad 3 Pictures 1004 Kingston Rd, Toronto, On M4E1T2, Toronto, Toronto $ 69,999 As a young boy, we would see movies at the Willow Theatre on Yonge Street, between Sheppard and Finch. Toronto Gone represents the final photos, the ones I have not posted before or published. (formerly Prospere Magazine), an online-only lifestyle publication targeting young, hip professional women. A Hamburger was 25-30 cents and a coke 10 cents! I think it was located at 12 Adelaide. In 1954 to 1957 My parents, my sister and I lived at 7 Elm street in Toronto. The Restaurant Boasts Of Its Food And Location. It was on the west side of Bay Street, a short distance south of Richmond Street West. Hi there, I DO remember The TRAC very well. My father would take me & my siblings on drives around downtown Toronto in the mid fifties. Sadly was not able to go there since covid and they are now closed. I believe Simpsons main restaurant was called the Arcadian Court, not Arcadian Room, at least for some period of time during its existence. Toronto's multicultural roots are deliciously reflected in over 7,500 restaurants across 140+ neighbourhoods. This restaurant still exists today. I wonder if someone out there can help me with a memory I have. It did not last long under the new management. Our favorite memories included breakfast at Sassafraz. The owner of Bassels Restaurant was Peter Bassel, my grandfather. From the CNE to Scarborough Town Centre, here's what Toronto looked like in the 1980s. The restaurant's owner Anthony Rose has a couple other restaurants in the city. 800 Sq Ft Of Property With A To-Go Option As Well. Lichee Garden. When did smoking come to an end in Toronto's restaurants? However, the original location on Bloor Street closed in 2006; a condo is now on the site. I recall how difficult it was to receive a reservation, so always phoned at least a week in advance. The Panama Bloor and Ossington sure would love to see and inside and outside picture of that place!! thatd have been LeBaron Steakhouse. . That was the original Underground Railroad. The food fashion cycle quickened as diners discovered a taste for arugula, radicchio, goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, sushi, crab cakes, Pad Thai, mesquite grilling, and fresh ingredients. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The 25 Best Restaurants in Toronto, from Omakase to Diners | Cond Nast Traveler Video SALE: SUBSCRIBE AND GET 1 YEAR FOR $21.99 $5 North America Canada Ontario Toronto Destinations 25 Best. In response to this post, Paul Coghill of Toronto emailed me his thoughts about restaurants of Torontos past. Does anyone remember this restaurant? Bobby. Bayer Senior Member. A popular pregame location. Notable acts include: Teenage Head, Black Flag, and Bauhaus. I was greatly saddened when it closed its doors in 1988; the historic house was demolished, and for a few years the site was likely a parking lot, as it was not until 1995 that a housing co-operative was erected on the property. The Senator | 1929, 88 years old. The Sign of the Steer was a large restaurant located at 191 Dupont Street, where it intersects with Davenport Road. Its new owners began substituting lobster-flavoured pollock for real lobster meat, and the Mermaid closed shortly thereafter. The other Frans on College (which is still there) had the Spaghetti Cellar downstairs and it was nice too. When I was a boy in the 1940s, my family did not visit restaurants as my parents considered them too expensive. I was wondering if anyone else would remember Malloneys. This legendary Richmond Street West spot introduced Toronto to house music in the 80s. Another fave of mine was The Moorings, best lobster thermidor in the city! After our family moved to Toronto (well, Scarborough) in the early 70s, after having lived in a series of hick towns (not all of them small, just no dining scene) my parents made a point of going out to dinner every Saturday night to enjoy all that Toronto had to offer. 163 Spadina Ave., 3rd Flr., 416-260-2222, alorestaurant.com So much of what makes Edulis exceptional is its steadfast adherence to serendipity: Michael Caballo and Tobey Nemeth so often change. Photo, Toronto Archives, F0124, Fl 0002, Id. Booked 28 times today. Long gone but fondly remembered. I miss Ginsburg and Wong in the Village by the Grange, as well as Mr. Greenjeans in the Eaton's Centre. Another favourite downtown restaurant was Bassels, on the southeast corner of Yonge and Gerrard Streets. Upstairs was where everyone went for their delicious steaks! And yes, they were licensed which was odd for the type of restaurant at the time. I remember it well, but was never inside it. Photo of the front (insert) and the interior of Quo Vadis Restaurant, from Chuckmans Postcard Collection (chuckmantorontonostalgia.wordpress.com). Toronto Restaurants Dig into Toronto's decadent food scene and find a restaurant for every taste. This would be in the early 1950s. What a awonderful interesting writing on Toronto restaurant memorabilia. It started in the thirties & I think it had closed by about 1990. Just steps away from the Gardens. Toronto based chain Frank Vetere's Pizzeria was one such magical eatery. Unfortunately, the boat was rammed by the Trillium ferry and sunk. As well as the Old Fish Market there was also the Market Grill on Church St. Leo was the maitre de who was a very wonderful man who always remembered your name and what you had ordered the last time you were there. Almost every night after homework was done we could be found there. I believe this is the only 5 star restaurant in Toronto and it lives up to that rating. Your list is amazing. It is difficult to realize today how popular the Swiss Chalet was in the early-1960s. They eventually parted ways and he opened a restaurant of the same name on OConnor with my grandmother. I took my wife there for an anniversary dinner and we were impressed with the high table menu and the culmination of the meal with a rose for her and a cigar for myself. 14 Places. Does anyone remember Bentleys restaurant in North Toronto? Great places to eat before or after going to the movies at one of two screens at the Hollywood Theatre, the first cinema in Toronto specifically built to show talking pictures in 1930, or the Hyland Odeon Theatre. Charles (waiter) had a fabulous memory. I worked at the Whitney Block at Queens Park 66/67 and we would stop by occasionally for a drink before heading home. In the Beaches for a bunch of years, there was Loons on Queen, for quite a while the best food in the Beach. Another bargain restaurant chain we frequented in the 1960s was the Steak and Burger. Book also available in Chapter/Indigo, the Bell Lightbox Book Shop, and by phoning University of Toronto Press, Distribution: 416-667-7791 (ISBN 978.1.62619.450.2), Another book, published by Dundurn Press, containing 80 of Torontos old movie theatres will be released in the spring of 2016, entitled, Torontos Movie Theatres of YesteryearBrought Back to Thrill You Again.. And I do remember the most popular dishes were hot-dog surprise, veal cutlet, hot hamburger and so on. My hangout restaurant was the Boardwalk, a typical Canadian style diner, run by a family from Macedonia. Toronto Archives, F1257, S1057, item 073. The Goulash Pot at Yonge and Bloor was another Hungarian restaurant. I loved those red hots too at Eatons Annex and their soft ice cream cones .. Simpsons had the red hots too and a wonderful orange drinkyou would stand there eating your hot dog with everyone!.Simpsons also had Wasnt it Lardys? Bassels Restaurant, which occupied the equivalent space of three stores on Yonge Street. I also loved Michi on Church as mentioned in your article (chicken yakitori) and Graf Bobby and Acropole but we went to one just east of Yonge at St. Clair. 280 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3B9 Canada +1 416-921-4061 + Add website. #4 1213 Bayview Ave, Toronto, On M4G2Z8, Toronto, Toronto $ 95,000 Popular Thai Restaurant Serving Lunch & Dinner, In Toronto. My brother and I would have been 4 to 7 years old. The appitizers, the main course, the deserts were all served exactly as ordered but the tea or coffee was missed by one person, the principal, who had to ask for his drink. We also offer outdoor dining on our glass enclosed, heated Terrace/Veranda year-round. The Sign of the Steer Restaurant at 161 Dupont Street in 1955, the neon sign of a steer visible on the south wall. To view the Home Page for this blog: https://tayloronhistory.com/. The waiter offered to provide the proper attire from among the jackets and ties that they kept for such situations. I remember the Prime at Dixie Plaza. Kickass Burgers. The Black Bull Tavern also crowns itself as Toronto's oldest bar, dating back to 1833. Mothers Pizza, looked like an antique store, 20s or 30s decor. So many great memories in the article and all these wonderful comments. One year on my birthday, my family told me that they were taking me out to dinner, but they kept their choice of restaurant a surprise. Nonetheless the industry fought a proposed increase in the federal minimum wage from $2.30 to $3.00 an hour. Moe Pancers DelicatessenThe original Bathurst & York Downs3. During the years 1980-1986, I did a lot of street photography in Toronto. One of the novels that I wrote The Reluctant Virgin (a murder mystery) is set in Toronto in the 1950s and the imaginary characters in the story dine in many of the restaurants mentioned in this post. JavaScript is disabled. Dinner on our first night. I still have the menu today. La Maquette. Its new owners began substituting lobster-flavoured pollock for real lobster meat, and the Mermaid closed shortly thereafter. This chain first appeared at 234 Bloor Street West, in 1954, and in the years ahead opened over 200 eateries throughout Canada and the U.S. "the kitchen sink," made of 16 scoops of ice cream and covered with crushed up candy bars), this was the place to be when hanging around the Eaton Centre. It opened in 1976 in an old house, and remained until 1984. It was called The Swiss Marmite I believe these are both gone now, as I enjoyed these in the early to mid 80s. We used to hop in a cab from Mississauga/Etobicoke and spend our pay cheque at the Ports of Call and always to the Bali Hi room and then afterwords, would go out to Yorkville to a bar. They had the seafood restaurant upstairs. From the late-1960s until the 1980s, the name of the Maitre d was Tage Christensen. Ive enjoyed a meal or three in many of these restaurants. Anyone have any memories of Teds Coffee Shop at the corner of Eglinton & Mt. In the 1950s, high schools did not provide texts. I am not certain of its location, but I believe it was on Dundas Street West, near Bay Street. Captain Johns Seafood Restaurant was in a ship named the Jadran, which in an earlier life had cruised the Mediterranean Sea. For my family, we pigged-out on the lobster, with a few slices of roast beef to break the monotony. Sassafraz and Hemingways are still operating on Cumberland St. I want to say the name may have been Kon-Tiki? In the seventies I remember the Constantinople on Queen Street West of Parliament. This was in late 50s and through the 60s so Im sure they both knew your grandmother. Chinese Food Restaurants, Asian Restaurants. Mocktails are everywhere in Toronto right now but why are they so expensive? Theres a couple more restaurants that have gone away that bring back nemories. Brown Derby Tavern at Yonge and Dundas (1970s). I met my first husband there. We had fish n chips too, although I dont remember the name of the shop. Hope its still there. The other favourite buffet in that decade was the Savarin Tavern, located at 336 Bay Street. However, Ed Mirvish had purchased the Royal Alexandria Theatre and wanted to attract people to the area. By the early sixties, it was gone. Arcadian Court in Simpson's Doug Taylor, Toronto history historic Toronto Queen Street West tayloronhistory.com Toronto's restaurant of the past. It was called Between Friends. And what was it most recently? My Favourite seafood restaurant in Toronto was The Mermaid, at 724 Bay Street, which opened in 1964. One that was left out was The Restaurant, part of the Three Small Rooms. Anyone remember The Barclay Hotel- dinner club in the late 50s and 60s. Established in 1958. I only have a childhood memory of it but it may have been between King Street and the Esplanade. La Chaumiere was also well known for its coq au vin and scallops Normandie. The location way out near the airport was good for a while. The well-seasoned spicier foods that ethnic eateries offered were challenging the more bland style of dishes that Canada inherited from Great Britain. The 1980s was dominated events such as Terry Fox Marathon of Hope, the patriation of the Canadian Constitution, Toronto's 150th birthday, Canada becomes 120 years old, and the end of the Pierre Trudeau years. We need more of these memories postedthe guitarist who played at the 33rd? Which surprises me as it was a wonderfully bizarre experience. Brings back so many memories! I still remember the wood decor with coloured glass Tiffany lamps that hung over every table. We were offended, as the clothes they offered were grubby looking, and we were certainly not hobos. ), on Yonge; Bistro 990our go-to place for lunch upon arrival in Toronto; Starfiishgorged on oysters; JKROManother wonderful go-to place for lunch; Jamie Kennedys Wine Bar, and then, there was Susursan incredibly delicious and enjoyable dining experience. Dining in Queen Street and West Queen West (Toronto), Ontario: See 302,621 Tripadvisor traveller reviews of 8,980 Toronto restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. The city was big but still had a small town vibe. In my opinion, it was one of the best restaurants in Toronto ever. This was in September 1957. Post by United Bakers Dairy Restaurant. We always started the meal at the Mermaid with the Copenhagen Seafood Chowder, which was a Danish version of New England clam chowderrich and creamy. As I recall it was not a large establishment, but the cuisine was delectable! Started in 1972 by Frank Vetere, the red and green shutters and offbeat interior (mixing Carnival mirrors, cartoons and great moments in Pizza history) provided an imaginative setting, bested only by their Chicago style deep-dish toppings heavy pizza which oozed that authentic Italian touch and was rightfully branded "the best pizza you've ever tasted". As one of the two owners of Lgardys and Quenelles restaurants on church Street this was priceless. One of the ethnic restaurants that stands out in my memory is Acropole. It relates anecdotes and stories of the author and others who experienced these grand old movie houses. Toronto Restaurants of the 80s and 90s prosperegal May 10, 2018 Prev 1 2 3 4 5 wild goose chase Active Member Member Bio Joined Sep 11, 2015 Messages 750 Reaction score 84 Jun 18, 2018 #61 Converted big chain restaurants are common in the city of Toronto it seems in many places. I have lived across Canada but was able to travel throughout the year so always was able to get my corned beef. TOPS restaurant at the corner of Dundas and Yonge, I remember the TOPS restaurant on Yonge, spent many a late night in a booth there, people-watching with some friends. ), pastries, sandwiches and coffee. There was also a supreme version available . By: David Sanderson Posted: 3:00 AM CST Friday, Nov. 10, 2017 Last Modified: 12 . See more ideas about memories, restaurant, howard johnson's. Remembering the early days of the Swiss Chalet, they only served 1/2 or 1/4 chicken with french fries and NO cutlery. Asked . I remember if they sat you in the back you looked over the ravine. It was a bold venture to open a restaurant in that location in 1963, as the railway yards were on the south side of King Street. Near the North York, York, & Old Toronto tripoint. My wife and I often had a special dinner at the Balkan on Elm Street, just west of Yonge. Toronto in the 1980s was defined by video rental stores, Degrassi's original seasons, and. We visited LHardys frequently, and when I asked a waiter if I could have a menu as a souvenir, he gave me one that had not been used. Joes and Moes Eglinton west of Bathurst I thought I had died and entered heaven when I first tasted their Delmonico steak. Use to ride our bikes to swiss chalet at yonge and sinclair for french fries. The meal consisted of thick juicy slices of tender roast beef, mashed potatoes, green peas, and Yorkshire pudding. Luckily, Toronto History has managed to combine many vintage snaps of the city we love, and here are some highlights. The one on St Clair was open all night. It contained three dining roomsthe Bali Hai Room (Polynesian), the Dickens English Inn (roast beef) and Caesars Room (Italian). As I recall there was another one the same size accross the road, I believe to the South. Hemingway's is the bar where deals have been made, law students have networked and everyone else has just had fun since the 1980s. It was like dining in a beautiful forest. I was all grown up when I arrived in Toronto in 1987, but I remember my visits to Bemelmans; the original Bloor Street Diner where I met my first boyfriend; the early 90s version of City Grill at the Eaton Centre; and the Daily Planet at Yonge and Eglinton. The owner (whose name I cant remember) lived in a posh house in Mississauga with an indoor pool, which was a big deal in the 50s. That is not Tom Jones Steak House. Required fields are marked *. And thanks to Toronto History 's photo archive, we can take a peek at what exactly was going on in the city in the city 40 years ago. To order the clip clean and high res or to find out more visit http://www.kinolibrary.com. By the 2000s, Chi Chi's fell apart thanks to a combination of bankruptcy and a fatal hepatitis A outbreak traced back to green onions served at one of their Pittsburgh restaurants. The first time I dined on the ship I enjoyed the experience, though looking back, I think it was the idea of eating on a cruise ship that was the highlight, rather than the food. Quo Vadis is another restaurant that must be mentioned when writing about the 1960s, as it was the first dining establishment in Toronto to receive international recognition. 130 reviews #615 of 5,196 Restaurants in Toronto $$$$ Italian French Mediterranean. This was my first introduction to Chinese Food. I remember the all-you-can-eat lobster buffet that was served on the top deck during the summer months. It was on the West side of Yonge street just south of Hogs Hollow. Lime Ricky's on Eglinton was the first to come to mind. A throwback to another time and era. - also score high on the nostalgic food-o-meter, primary thanks to their yummy deep fried ice cream, piping hot plates and cheap margaritas. Toronto has some great restaurants, delis and buffets. Enhance this page - Upload photos! Brought back some warm memories. Ask Vancouver's memory keeper, John Atkin, anything about Vancouver history, then hit "send.". I worked in that restaurant! As a boy, we would sometimes go to a restaurant that I remember as Polynesian/HawaiianI believe it was on Yonge, or Avenue or perhaps Bathurstnorth toward Lawrence? To my surprise, I could find not only no pictures but no references at all. I dont think any of them are still around. He stated that in talking about the ice cream waffles, there was also the Honey Dew stand in Simpsons basement. Arcade games (usually Asteroids, Pac-Man, Dig-Dug or Zaxxon) lined the walls and could be operated with plastic tokens that also worked in the gumball machines, and of course every kid got a free token with their meal. Your still missing a few, when I had money Bigliardis on Church. Only went there a couple of times while I was on delivery. The northern half of the semi-detached house was occupied by another well-known restaurantQuenelles. I had ordered this delicious dish many times, so I kept the recipe. Maybe a beer or two at Hemmingways, and dinner at Arlequins. Mealshare. It opened at 375 Church Street in 1964. Many of these places I remember my parents going to and talking about. Load My grandfather and his brothers owned a restaurant in the 1950s at Yonge and Adelaide, The Manor Grill. The prices were more modest and the steaks were almost as good. comments, Toronto's buffet scene is shrinking but a few restaurants are still holding out, Jagmeet Singh calls out 'greedy CEOs' at Loblaws and Sobeys for high prices, Huge fast food brand likely behind viral 'TTC French toast guy' stunt in Toronto, Toronto shopper outraged as maple syrup prices more than double in a few months, Grocery store nailed with 13 infractions from Toronto health inspectors, Toronto restaurants reintroduce lunch in hopes that industry luck has improved. Restaurant was located was designated a Heritage site in 1980 Vetere 's Pizzeria was such... There, I never indulged in an old house, and Bauhaus brothers owned a restaurant for taste! The south facade, there was also the Honey Dew stand in Simpsons basement citys buildings... 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toronto restaurants 1980s
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