FOOD & DRINK: In the 6ix (Toronto) Cooking…

With the Wizards-Raptors series commencing last weekend, it seemed like the perfect excuse to cross the border and see what all the fuss Drake makes about The North.  Home to over 2.7 million people, Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America.  With over 30 percent of its residents speaking a language other than English or French at home, Toronto is a multicultural mecca.  And my palate was the beneficiary.

Duff’s Famous Wings
Anchor Bar may have invented the world’s most famous wings, but Duff’s perfected them.  Crispy wings covered in a spicy sauce.  What more could I ask for?  Maybe a beer or ten because these wings bring the heat but were perfect.

Banh Mi Boys
After Canadian customs tried "to take the wave from a...", the Banh Mi Boys helped me achieve temporary amnesia.  You can never go wrong with duck confit, pickled carrots & daikon, jalapeño, and cilantro stuffed inside of a crusty baguette.  I also inhaled the five spice pork belly bap before I walked it off wandering down Queen Street West. 
Weslodge
On a Friday night after a hard winter, King Street attracts some of the most beautiful people in the city and Weslodge did not disappoint.  There was a ton of eye candy in the modern saloon. But more importantly, Weslodge was slinging out some interesting cocktails featuring homemade tinctures.  Solid! 

Trinity Common
A recent addition to Kensington Market, Trinity Commons is bringing microbrews and cocktails to locals and tourists alike.  I appreciated the huge offering of Canadian brews on tap.  Attentive and hilarious at the same time, one of the mixologists went off menu and made the perfect Final Ward.  I loved this place for people watching and the picnic tables outside are prime real estate.

Church Apertivo Bar

I wasn’t sure if I walked into a restaurant or a nightclub with bottles popping and hordes of fashionistas roaming everywhere.  At this modern Italian restaurant, I’m certain most people were losing their religion on this evening.  While the cocktails were decent, the food left a lot to be desired.  The branzino with mixed salad was reliable but not unforgettable.  Even still, I would give this place another chance. 

Come And Get It
The line at Toronto’s staple brunch spot, Beast, was a behemoth and I really can’t be mad at everyone with items like challah french toast topped with duck confit and a pork belly breakfast sandwich on an apple fritter.  Short on time, I ventured back to Queen Street West and found the hidden gem, Come And Get It.  My nephew settled on the buttermilk fried chicken and waffles with caramelized apples while I devoured the jerk chicken frittata.  By the taste of what the kitchen was dishing out, the next time I’m in Toronto I guarantee it won’t be so easy to grab a table.

 
Honorable Mentions: Zoe's, Firkin on King, The Beaconside, Bamiyan Kabob   
Although Paul Pierce did not want to go through customs again, I'll be back on the 6 side very soon.  The food and bar scene in Toronto was definitely worth the initial hassle.  And my apologies to Raptors’ fans because if you’re reading this, it’s too late.