toronto restaurants 1980s
I remember so many events and celebrations over the years at these restaurants with family and friends.Thank you. Specialties: Classic Cantonese Cuisine - all served in a truly iconic, retro room. They sure did a land-office business of fishn chips both eat-in and take-out on Friday evenings! floor of the TD building. Another favourite downtown restaurant was Bassels, on the southeast corner of Yonge and Gerrard Streets. When it changed hands it cheapened the quality of the food but increased the prices. I am sure I saw and heard Moe Koffman on one of my visits. I grew up a bit north of you, near Oakwood and Eglinton. Bayer Senior Member. There was a restaurant on northside of Bloor just west of Sherbourne, the buildings are gone. 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. Also was Western Sizzlin Sizzler Red Lobster was starting to come into it's own There were 2 UK fish & chips houses that we. Does anyone remember a restaurant called Le Mascaron at First Canadian Place? Those were the days!! In the background is the Coronet (Savoy) Theatre. 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. Charles (waiter) had a fabulous memory. One woman prepared in the kitchen. Oh for the good old days. LHardys restaurant at 634 Church Street opened in 1973 and remained until 1987. In the early-1950s, my family moved to the west end of the city, near Jane Street and Lambton Avenue, and our local fish and chips shop became Golden Crip Fish and Chips, at 1364 Weston Road. Closed now : See all hours. Popular during the 70s and early 80s, the sandwich consisted of taco meat, shredded lettuce, mild "border sauce" and diced onions. Toronto Archives, F1257, S1057, item 073. Toronto Archives, F1526, fl0008, item 0116. Find the best Toronto restaurants in Toronto, ON. 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. However, I never indulged in an evening meal until I was of an age to travel downtown. A popular pregame location. ), 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. your dinner. Oct. 9, 1981 - King St W - "Ed's Warehouse" restaurant - view is east from Duncan. So disappointed when it closed. Check out the list of all Restaurants in Eglinton Avenue East. Running restaurants, especially, three, must have been tough with the long hours etc. 8.Chef Lawrence La Pianta's Cherry Street Bar-b-que brings the barbecue traditions of the American South to Toronto in an attractive 1920s brick building that was once a . That is, until 2008 when Bennigan's went bankrupt. When I asked for something not on the menu, it was no problem. #4 1213 Bayview Ave, Toronto, On M4G2Z8, Toronto, Toronto $ 95,000 Popular Thai Restaurant Serving Lunch & Dinner, In Toronto. Canary Restaurant, Cherry St. by Patrick Cummins. The City's most internationally acclaimed restaurant, Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto has been awarded a Michelin Star in the inaugural Michelin Guide - Toronto 2022. Located in the heart of Hoggs Hollow just south of York Mills and Yonge, Toronto's famous Jolly Miller has been reborn as the Miller Tavern, complete with a bar lounge, elegant casual dining and one of the city's largest outdoor patios. Do you know if it was open in 1945? I remember the Toronto Radio Artists Club well. Anyone remember any Macedonian owned restaurants in 1945? I was only about 28 or 29 at the time. I remember a few Macedonian restaurants now long gone. There were two famous buffet restaurants in Toronto in the 1960s. Its well-advertised all-you-can-eat French buffet was highly popular, though it was not particularly French. Toronto based chain Frank Vetere's Pizzeria was one such magical eatery. It did not last long under the new management. 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. He stated that in talking about the ice cream waffles, there was also the Honey Dew stand in Simpsons basement. Fentons was at 6 Gloucester, a few doors east of Yonge Street. 1 review Deli. Also Ford Drugs on Yonge for the cheapest burgers around. Paradise Regained the restoration of the Paradise Theatre. Larry's Hideaway. 10 Places. Both the service and the food were beyond excellent. - also score high on the nostalgic food-o-meter, primary thanks to their yummy deep fried ice cream, piping hot plates and cheap margaritas. To view previous blogs about movie houses of Torontohistoric and modern, and Torontos Heritage Buildings: http://tayloronhistory.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/links-to-toronto-old-movie-housestayloronhistory-com/. 1 of 4. Joso's. Known for its curvaceous statuary, Joso's is Toronto's most famous Dalmatian restaurant. . At the time it was what would be called a greasy spoon with a counter and those revolving bar stools. The 1980s were a time that seems not-too-distant from today, but were a completely different world. Also, the deserts on display were always a sight to behold. Following a disastrous fire, it was not rebuilt. Late 1970s, 1980s Toronto, Canada, HD from 35mm from the Kinolibrary Archive Film Collections. It had great food and was so cosy and warm on winter nights. The last one was OTooles. In fact, Frank Vetere's actually trademarked the name "Deep Dish Pizza". Located on Young, just north of Wellesley He later added the Stables, entrance off St. Nicholas for more casual eating . Inside, near the entrance, there was a replica of Copenhagens famous statue of The Little Mermaid, from the Hans Christian Anderson tale. However, it has only been called The Black Bull since the 1970s, prior to which, it was called Clifton House. Save. It relates anecdotes and stories of the author and others who experienced these grand old movie houses. Read more See all (124) Ratings and reviews 4.5 641 Restaurants of the 70-80s in TO by barb Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:29 pm Yes, The Gasworks, the Yonge Station, The Colonial, The Embassy, The Elmacombo, The Isabella House, The Ports, Sammy's Cellar, The Plaz Bigalle, Nick's Underground, The Queensbury, Did I drink too much back then? The last time that I visited the. Toronto has some great restaurants, delis and buffets. A very interesting trip down memory laneso many of the spots that I had long forgotten about. The dessert was spumoni ice cream. By the time it lost its hilariously terrible nameit was re-branded "Toby's. Bassels on the southeast corner of Gerrard and Yonge Streets in April 1954. Almost every night after homework was done we could be found there. 800 Sq Ft Of Property With A To-Go Option As Well. 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. One simple one was the RED HOT stand in the annex of Eatons hot dogs and mustard with a napkin and orange pop loved them. My mother and grandfather worked at Bassels and thats where my parents met. On the north side just East of Parliament was Macedonian Village. A more recent example, but there's Paul's Tomato Pie on Marlee between Viewmount and Stayner (which disappeared some time during the early 2010s). It was called The Swiss Marmite I believe these are both gone now, as I enjoyed these in the early to mid 80s. I remember the first time I went there with a friend. I still have the silver tea service they gave my mom when she left. (formerly Prospere Magazine), an online-only lifestyle publication targeting young, hip professional women. It may have moved to the west side of Yonge at some point; my recollection is from the late 50s and early 60s! The 1980s were unkind to Mothers, and even though Blue Jays Ernie Whitt, Loyd Moseby and Cito Gaston invested in the company (there was even "Ernie Whitt Specials") and helped market it along with Duel dodger Dennis Weaver! View this Spot. The owner of Bassels Restaurant was Peter Bassel, my grandfather. Just steps away from the Gardens. NW corner of Yonge and Bloor, and IIRC there was another on Bloor near Spadina. Great Breakfasts. One of the walls had a huge hand drawn mural of Leonardo himself. 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. My father would take me & my siblings on drives around downtown Toronto in the mid fifties. Answer: Bonanza Ponderosa Both these were family steak houses owned by actor Dan Blocker who played HOSS on the tv hit series called BONANZA about the Ponderosa ranch. Pickin Chicken, Lake Shore Blvd West (1980s) by Patrick Cummins. Our children liked to say that we were married at KFC. Because it was considered a classy restaurant, we felt very grown-up whenever we went there. One of them was the Town and Country, which had opened in 1949 in the Westminster Hotel at Gould and Mutual Streets. I think le Select is now on Wellington St. Images are not to be reprinted, reposted or used for any purposes whatsoever outside of the Urban Toronto forum without my express consent. As I recall it was not a large establishment, but the cuisine was delectable! 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. Or the broken pieces of crispy crunch chocolate bars, sold by the pound at Eatons candy counter, which wed munch as we walked the tunnel. . Remember JJ Muggs at the Eaton Centre? Eds restaurants and the Royal Alex were the impetus that started the gentrification of King Street West. Rhodes had a front area on the north side of the entrance fronting the fine dining room that featured local jazz musicians Thursday to Saturday evenings. Brought back wonderful memories of the anniversary trips my wife and I took to Toronto from 1974 to early 2000s. The president of the National Restaurant Association reported that the country's half million restaurants enjoyed rising sales throughout the mid-1970s, with 1975's take 16% higher than the year before. The only food that was prepared outside our home was a take-out order of fish and chips from Oakwood Fish and Chips, located on Oakwood Avenue, north of Rogers Road. The well-seasoned spicier foods that ethnic eateries offered were challenging the more bland style of dishes that Canada inherited from Great Britain. Mr. Tonys Place at 100 Cumberland Avenue in Yorkville was also highly popular, even though it offered no printed menus. During the years 1980-1986, I did a lot of street photography in Toronto. Toronto Gone represents the final photos, the ones I have not posted before or published. La Chaumiere was also well known for its coq au vin and scallops Normandie. Though shunned by the food elite, corporate chain . I have memories of falling asleep (on weekends when I could work in the coat check room to make dimes and quarters, in the back of the Dixie location waiting for banquets etc to end. The one on St Clair was open all night. But I remember many of the restaurants youve mentioned here, some of them only now that youve written about them again, like the Mermaid. When I commenced working full time, in the 1960s, I had a few more dollars to spend. 80 Blue Jays Way. 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. This was in September 1957. As a former resident of Toronto I remember these restaurants with fond memories. It opened in 1976 in an old house, and remained until 1984. Having said that, they did offer some higher end items on their menu that I understand were very acceptable, which may have warranted the sale of beer and wine. Remember, I said reasonably.. The restaurants housed an authentic Cowboy styled atmosphere with saloon doors, stag horns, wood walls, yellow and brown uniforms for the staff and red and white checkered table clothes. The Florentine Court was on Church near Dundas. Your still missing a few, when I had money Bigliardis on Church. Always lots of men in suits lol. That is not Tom Jones Steak House. La Scala on the southeast corner of Bay and Charles was great Italian food; it was frequented by the Ontario Cabinet of Bill Davis. 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. Also remember the Prime, Salernos and the Sky Ranch. We enjoyed the meal and when the cheque arrived, the bill had been reduced by 50 per cent. The prices were more modest and the steaks were almost as good. In the 1990s, it was a jazz bar frequented by celebs including Tony Bennett and Eartha Kitt, owned by matre d' to the stars, Louis Janetta. Required fields are marked *. The Graf Bobby Restaurant on Wellington Street. They were everywhere in the '80s, but the Toby's Good Eats at Yonge and Bloor was the quintessential downtown snack shop. Read the 10Best Toronto reviews and view user's restaurant ratings. Dining in Toronto in past decades was far different to the culinary scene that the city now offers. Back in the 80s/90s a lot of corporate chain restaurants had unique distinctive decor. This sandwich was first introduced in the mid 1970s and lasted until the mid 1990s, representing the Bell's attempt at their own fast food hamburger. I remember that when entering the restaurant, I walked over a wooden foot bridge that spanned a stream of flowing water. It started in the thirties & I think it had closed by about 1990. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. " 20/06/2020 " Fabulous ice cream and gelato. Sassafraz and Hemingways are still operating on Cumberland St. However, memories of food cooked beyond our kitchen, during my boyhood years, include the hot dogs and the aroma of the ice cream waffles in the tunnel under Albert Street. In response to this post, Paul Coghill of Toronto emailed me his thoughts about restaurants of Torontos past. That was the Underground Railroad. 5 out of 5 stars (101) $ 50.00. I believe that the coupon had a value of $20, and it covered the entire cost of the meal. One of the first restaurants my friends and I visited was the Swiss Chalet. Bell Beefer. Dads were happy to sink their $2 steins of house lager while the legendary free-with-dinner Frank Vetere's soda glasses can still be found at local thrift shops. My dad was a bartender there and then the maitred. I cannot recall the prices but I think it was reasonably priced when compared to similar restaurants downtown. The names of the dishes so were unfamiliar to most Torontonians that menus at the Acropole were useless. It was another enterprise of Harry Barbarian, who owned the famous steak house on Elm Street. I just walked by the old Tom Jones Steakhouse building just east of Yonge on Colborne St. Toronto Restaurants of the 80s and 90s prosperegal May 10, 2018 1 2 3 4 5 Next prosperegal Senior Member Member Bio Joined Jan 31, 2009 Messages 1,140 Reaction score 45 May 10, 2018 #1 For those of us who grew up in the city/suburban Toronto in the 80s and 90s: which ones were your favourites? "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. Thanks for the memories! In 1948, owner George Nicolau renovated and expanded the Busy Bee and renamed it the Senator. 10 Places. Yonge St east side next to the cut rate jewelry store Lindys Steak House somewhere you could get a steak with 1200 pees and yesterdays roll and the waiters always wore a tie. 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. See more ideas about memories, restaurant, howard johnson's. La Maquette. Garlic bread and dill pickles were included. 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 . So many great memories in the article and all these wonderful comments. It felt safe, clean and seemed to provide endless exciting. Our favorite memories included breakfast at Sassafraz. In the 60s we liked to meet at Queen and Yonge at Joe Birds, part of Diana Sweets. What a awonderful interesting writing on Toronto restaurant memorabilia. It had a name like the Percy House, but nothing came up googling that. . The tables had candles in bottles dripping with years of wax. From the late-1960s until the 1980s, the name of the Maitre d was Tage Christensen. homefinder.ca 4 days ago Report Ad 3 Pictures 1004 Kingston Rd, Toronto, On M4E1T2, Toronto, Toronto $ 69,999 We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. 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. My first experience with a steak house of quality was Barbarians, on Elm Street. During the '50s when dining out meant Chinese food or steak and more. Thank you for this post. Brown Derby Tavern at Yonge and Dundas (1970s). Your email address will not be published. Ponderosa was a popular birthday destination in the 80s, owing to the group friendly prices, kid friendly zones and fun-tastic birthday hats. Hi there, I DO remember The TRAC very well. It was called The Ports of Call. Does anyone remember Griffiths on Queen Street East in the Beach(es)? That was the original Underground Railroad. It was expensive, but the food was wonderful. 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. Other exotic foods of my childhood were the free samples and greasy treats at the CNE, which we loved. I also remember the Organ Grinder on the Esplanade. Funky, pre-gentrified Jack Astors. For an exceptional dining experience, opt for the wine pairings, matched by wine director Christopher Sealy. Id add a few restaurants: Scaramoucheespecially if you called a month ahead for a window table, with Roberto as your server; Canoea spectacular restaurant with wonderful food, service, and views: Auberge du Pommiera long-time favorite; Arlequins (sp? Please post some place were more info can be found. On Saturdays, in the TV Guide that was inserted into the Toronto Star, there was a special feature. But my favourite was Truffles, at the old Four Seasons, before and after the 1990s renovations. It was where we purchased our high school texts each September. Another fave of mine was The Moorings, best lobster thermidor in the city! Sure would like to know who you are. Which surprises me as it was a wonderfully bizarre experience. Id completely forgotten about the Spaghetti Cellar at Frans but I used to go, must have been on weekends, with my friend Karen for an all you can eat special they had. The Bagel King The original bagel place Eglinton west I inquired if I should wear a tie and jacket and was told that they were unnecessary. It was fab to have Italian food like that as a kid. Memory sometimes plays tricks, so if I have committed errors, I hope that readers will be understanding. . I worked at Ontario Hydro in the late 60s and all the girls went to Bassels or Mallonys after work to meet guys! In my eyes, the buffet was lobster-lobster-lobster. By now I am certain that you have guessed that I LOVE lobster. 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. 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. Napoleon restaurant was at 79 Grenville Street, a short distance west of Bay Street. My Grandmother waitressed there for decades, in the 60s a special treat was to head down from the burbs (Scarberia, Vic. It was an grimy after-hours spot covered in graffiti and modelled after New York's Paradise Garage, where. This was in late 50s and through the 60s so Im sure they both knew your grandmother. I still have the menu today. Too much new construction going on and they tear all the old buildings down. Yes, nice view of the ravine. Truffles Restaurant. It was surreal, could have been designed by Dali himself. In my memory, there was a small deli at the front with a curtained door in the rear that you parted to enter a parallel universe. In the seventies I remember the Constantinople on Queen Street West of Parliament. " 16/05/2020 Cuisines: Canadian Reliable Halibut & Chips #1,836 of 6,034 Restaurants in Toronto 40 reviews 954 Queen St E 0.2 km from Queen Street Theatorium (Red Mill) TheatreToronto's First Movie Experience and First Permanent Movie Theatre, Auditorium (Avenue, . Loved reading this and all the great memories. I miss Ginsburg and Wong in the Village by the Grange, as well as Mr. Greenjeans in the Eaton's Centre. The Hungarian Village at 900 Bay Street served Hungarian food and featured live Gypsy violinists. They had wonderful fried chicken and collard greens. Frank Vetere's actually trademarked the name "Deep Dish Pizza". This steak House is still in business. Thanks. I am not certain of its location, but I believe it was on Dundas Street West, near Bay Street. It was my first experience with Japanese food. thatd have been LeBaron Steakhouse. Puppy Palace teen hangout on north Bathurst St. Another bargain restaurant chain we frequented in the 1960s was the Steak and Burger. Menus, Photos, Ratings and Reviews for Seafood Restaurants in Toronto - Seafood Restaurants By using this site you agree to Zomato's use of cookies to give you a personalised experience.
