Lucky Dip – Monday, October 17th, 2011

You know that theory about doing one thing well? Tim Horton’s doesn’t believe it. Now with more … lasagna? [Toronto Star]

Dear processed meat manufacturers… do you really think that informed consumers are stupid enough to be tricked by you calling your products “natural”? [Globe and Mail]

The logistics of Cask Days. Raise a pint to the guys at barVolo. [Toronto Sun]

When it comes to pastry shops, vegan is still a dirty word, even if things like vegan cupcakes look and taste the same (or better) than those with eggs and dairy. [Wall Street Journal]

Despite all the recent furor over deal coupons, some restaurants still think of them as a great way to advertise, even if it comes at a loss. [Toronto Star]

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Lucky Dip – Monday, August 29th, 2011

“First you get the sugar, then you get the money…” I once passed up the opportunity to ride from Toronto to New Orleans on a molasses barge. Should have done it. Life aboard a boat full of sugar sounds pretty sweet. [National Post]

The hipster barista takes himself very, very seriously. Especially when you turn him into a meme. [Eater]

Just when you had your coffee to sugar to cream ration perfect – Tim’s goes and changes the cup sizes. Rather, they’re getting rid of the small 8 oz cup and adding a 24 oz cup. You people and your huge things of coffee freak my shit right out. Seriously. [Toronto Sun]

Remember the mess that was “new Coke”? Twinings is set to do the same with a “more wonderful” Earl Grey tea. Nobody is amused. [Telegraph]

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Golden Tap Awards. [Canadian Beer News]

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Hail to the ‘Dale

gatefishPeople don’t really think of Parkdale as being a foodie paradise. And yes, if you’re looking for high-end health food items, organic meat or artisanal bread or cheese, you’d be mostly out of luck. But as one of the most multi-cultural neighbours in one of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, we’ve got a lot of variety working in our favour.

Most folks tend to think of the ‘Dale as a low-end neighbourhood full of nothing but greasy spoons and burger joints. For sure, we’ve got two of the best. The Gate (1206 King Street West) sits at the corner of King and Dufferin and offers up filling breakfast, burgers and some damn fine fish and chips. Peggy, the waitress who’s been working the tables here since the late 60s when she came to Toronto to be a go-go dancer, tells regulars to help themselves to coffee. Further west along Queen, The Skyline (1402 Queen Street West) is about as retro as you can get in terms of diners, with that famous neon sign out front, and fast and efficient service inside from the flurry of activity that is Doris, once voted “best waitress in Toronto”. Other places that serve up a mean burger or all-day breakfast includes Harry’s Burgers (160 Springhurst Avenue) and Stavros (1530 Queen Street West).

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