YOUR WEEKLY DIGEST OF TORONTO FOOD NEWS |
Dear reader, I have a love-hate relationship with Hamilton. You see, for years now, it’s been slowly stealing my friends and family members, who have made the move west in search of (slightly) more affordable housing. Every time I watch another U-Haul pull away, a pal at the wheel, I curse Steeltown. (Fun fact: another one of Hamilton’s many monikers—and my personal favourite—is Lunch Bucket Town, a nickname adopted in the 1920s because of the city’s working-class roots.) After spending more time in Hamilton since the Great Friend Migration began, I’ve grown to appreciate it for the same reasons I have a soft spot for places like Buffalo and Detroit—historically blue-collar cities with burgeoning art, music and culinary scenes. Eric Robertson, co-owner and chef of Restaurant Pearl Morissette, is a big fan too. A Hamiltonian for the past 10 years, Robertson took us on a tour of his favourite restaurants and bars in the city’s downtown core—including the Brain, one of my favourite places on the planet to have a pint. To see where he indulges in freshly shucked oysters, deep-dish pizza, chicken wings and cocktails, keep scrolling. Also in this week’s newsletter: the city’s hottest tasting menus, a monthly supper club in a Parkdale bar, everything there is to eat and drink at this year’s edition of Union Summer, and more. |
|
|
| —Rebecca Fleming
Food-and-drink editor |
|
|
When Robertson isn’t busy blowing people’s minds with the food at Pearl Morissette or winning awards for having the best restaurant in the country, he can be found eating and drinking his way through his hometown of Hamilton. He took us for a tour of his favourite spots. |
|
|
| Despite the cost-of-living crunch, tasting menus aren’t just surviving; they’re thriving. Why are these multi-course meals (which can cost as much as a car payment) still launching? For chefs: control, creativity, less waste. For diners: a night out with a narrative and value that feels personal. |
|
|
| Most days, Rolando Argueta slings sandwiches from Coire, his teeny-tiny kitchen in the back room of Parkdale’s Danu Social Club. But, on the last Sunday of every month, he hosts an affordable, casual, family-style supper that’s less club, more community. The menu changes every time, but when we popped by, a cool $32 got attendees a feast that included a spread of salads, bratwurst burgers, beer-brined roast chicken, and the choice of a beer or cocktail. Find me a better deal. |
|
|
| In true Toronto style, the weather went from light jacket required to YOU’RE GONNA DIE OUT THERE in the span of a week. Wouldn’t access to a pool be something? Introducing Sun Club, a new reservation service that will guarantee access to 1 Hotel’s usually private rooftop oasis—but, of course, there’s a catch. |
|
|
| Whether you need to catch a train or not, you can visit Union Station for a first-class culinary journey—including some of the city’s most hyped restaurants—no ticket required. Starting June 25, Union Summer, the transit hub’s alfresco food court and bar, is back. |
|
|
Follow us for the latest from Toronto Life |
Copyright ©2024. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. Toronto Life is a registered trademark of SJC Media
15 Benton Rd.
Toronto, M6M 3G2
You're receiving this email because you signed up for a Toronto Life newsletter. Unsubscribe
Safe Online Sharing |
|
|
|
