They served Tortierre, Roast Chicken and Sausages with Chutney. I remember the first time I went there with a friend. Another restaurant I remember fondly, always appropriate for special occasions, was Winstons at 120 King Street West. Bring your appetite so you can sample culinary experiences for every taste and graze on boundless options . I recall how difficult it was to receive a reservation, so always phoned at least a week in advance. Here are just a proposal for a correction, and a recollection of my own. Member Bio Joined Mar 14, 2008 Messages 1,656 Reaction score 1,524. 1980s - Restaurant patios at Ontario Place or marina. The Java House was also in this block of buildings, south of Bloor Street, and was great for coffee after the theatre. 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. I recall Bentleys as being on the east side of Yonge, a block or two south of Teddington Park. We also offer outdoor dining on our glass enclosed, heated Terrace/Veranda year-round. Back in the 80s/90s a lot of corporate chain restaurants had unique distinctive decor. [.] I also remember a time when Lonestar Texas Grill (Simcoe Place) was really, really good. La Maquette. Please read the cookie policy for more information or to delete/block them. On the corner of College St and Palmerston Ave, in Toronto's lively Little Italy, sits Bar Raval, a Mecca for Spanish tapas and pintxos (with a Raval twist), a wide selection of wines (both old world and new), cocktails, micro-brews and ciders. I discovered some errors on these web sites, but still, I am grateful that these sources were available. Late Night Restaurants. A very interesting trip down memory laneso many of the spots that I had long forgotten about. Great Breakfasts. 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. This was in September 1957. In the 1950s, high schools did not provide texts. I miss Ginsburg and Wong in the Village by the Grange, as well as Mr. Greenjeans in the Eaton's Centre. From the CNE to Scarborough Town Centre, here's what Toronto looked like in the 1980s. This is where I attended a wedding reception in its banquet room in the basement. The Florentine Court was on Church near Dundas. Greek cuisine was not well known in the 1960s. Another bargain restaurant chain we frequented in the 1960s was the Steak and Burger. It eventually suffered from chain restaurant disease and become bland (cilantro/garlic-free salsa). 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. Eds Warehouse, big prime rib, fun decor. Also, the deserts on display were always a sight to behold. Those were the days!! Also like Vetere's, the Pizza was phenomenal, and their 99 cent Root Beer floats with take home glass were the stuff of playground legend. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300. Toronto Archives, S0372, SS058, item 2482. 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. These restaurants were favourites when we visited Loews Uptown or the Town Cinema Theatre on Bloor Street East. Following a disastrous fire, it was not rebuilt. Sure would like to know who you are. Yes, nice view of the ravine. 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. As I recall it was not a large establishment, but the cuisine was delectable! Park & Lawrence) & have the the Maple Leafs sign Polaroids of us sitting on their knees, we were that young. You are using an out of date browser. I still have the silver tea service they gave my mom when she left. Named after the ranch in TV's long running oater Bonanza, Ponderosa offered up affordable chopped steak, baked potatoes, all-you-can-eat salad bar, coconut cream pie and mushroom gravy smothered fries. Kickass Burgers. 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? The Swiss Chalet at 362 Yonge Street. He knew the chain from Montreal and was watching for my expression when they didnt bring cutlery. I have fond memories of time spent at the restaurant with my family when I was a child. A popular pregame location. I remember being treated to lunch there by a friend, prior to my departure for a holiday. Another memory is The Raclette which was on Queen st W, probably east of Spadina on the south side. The Boardwalk was our hangout in the 60s and early 70s. A Comfort Inn. Please post some place were more info can be found. We had our wedding reception upstairs at Scotts on Bloor street it later became Scotts Chicken Villa and then KFC. I recently read an article about it but dont recall where! Georges Spaghetti House was a wonderful restaurant with a great menu. 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.. However, I never indulged in an evening meal until I was of an age to travel downtown. Mothers Pizza. In the 60s we liked to meet at Queen and Yonge at Joe Birds, part of Diana Sweets. The main courses we enjoyed the most were Lobster Newburg, Lobster Cardinale, Lobster Thermidor, and Seafood Newburg. I remember Floritine Court, first on west side of Church St. south of Adelade, then east side of Church St. just south of Richmond. My favourite was the Paragon Restaurant on St. Clair West, near Oakwood Avenue. And then there was Seniors Steakhouse and Restaurant on the south east corner of Yonge and Pleasant Blvd. Ahhh- In the late seventies The Geneva on Queen E of Parliament north side for breakfast feta and onion omelette to die for. My grandad was the bartender and my mother the cashier. When did smoking come to an end in Toronto's restaurants? In the seventies I remember the Constantinople on Queen Street West of Parliament. "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. The Hungarian Village at 900 Bay Street served Hungarian food and featured live Gypsy violinists. Images courtesy Patti Habib, The Big Bop / Reverb, Myke Dyer, Citysonic, Wrongbar, David Waldman . The restaurant was so successful that Ed Mirvish expanded and opened Eds Seafood, Eds Chinese, Eds Italian and Eds Folly (a lounge). The well-seasoned spicier foods that ethnic eateries offered were challenging the more bland style of dishes that Canada inherited from Great Britain. Upstairs was where everyone went for their delicious steaks! also, Town Tavern, I think was on Queen just east of Yonge. very posh at the time!! I doyes it was very posh. It specialized in seafood & served excellent fish & chips. Toronto Gone - photos from 1980s Toronto. From the late-1960s until the 1980s, the name of the Maitre d was Tage Christensen. One of the first restaurants my friends and I visited was the Swiss Chalet. Your list is amazing. A lot of artists frequented it. It had old world charm. Those who were there lovingly explore its lasting legacy. On its the south facade, there was a green neon sign that created the outline of a steer. La Scala on the southeast corner of Bay and Charles was great Italian food; it was frequented by the Ontario Cabinet of Bill Davis. There were two famous buffet restaurants in Toronto in the 1960s. From chef Akira Back, who garnered a Michelin Star for his restaurant in Seoul, his namesake Toronto restaurant offers an incredible experience, from the expertly crafted food and beverage program and the exceptional service right down to the show-stopping design. Enhance this page - Upload photos! Add to Favorites 1980's Toronto Blue Jays Sticker Collection Starliner Permanent Stickers Collectible . I am not certain of its location, but I believe it was on Dundas Street West, near Bay Street. 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. Save. Another favourite of many Torontonians was the Georgian Room on the 9th floor of the old Eatons store at Queen and Yonge Street. I remember my father saying that it had a bad reputation as a gang hangout. The Silver Rail Tavern in the 1950s, located at 225-227 Yonge Street. To order the clip clean and high res or to find out more visit http://www.kinolibrary.com. The Ports of Call also had two bars the Singapore Bar (Asian) and the Batton Rouge Bar (French), the latter featuring dancing. Yeahthat was great. Post by United Bakers Dairy Restaurant. It was on the West side of Yonge street just south of Hogs Hollow. During the mid-to-late-1970s, Yonge Street was the main artery of Toronto gay social life (it would shift to Church in the mid-1980s). Swiss Chelet bright red/white colours, i remember some locations had the Swiss alps wallpaper mural. They eventually parted ways and he opened a restaurant of the same name on OConnor with my grandmother. 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). Anyone remember any Macedonian owned restaurants in 1945? It was called The Swiss Marmite I believe these are both gone now, as I enjoyed these in the early to mid 80s. I loved Frans on Yonge St across from Sams. [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] W. K. Lis. Mothers Pizza, looked like an antique store, 20s or 30s decor. Share. Eds restaurants on King Street in 1981. 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. 15 Places. Sadly was not able to go there since covid and they are now closed. This restaurant suffered the same fate as the Mermaid. Harrys Steak House on the southwest corner of Church and Granby Streets opened in 1961. Images are not to be reprinted, reposted or used for any purposes whatsoever outside of the Urban Toronto forum without my express consent. Eastside Mario's had the faux new york city decor. For those of us who grew up in the city/suburban Toronto in the 80s and 90s: which ones were your favourites? Does anyone else remember the Balkan? Nothing fancy but I remember great cabbage rolls & chicken stew there in the seventies. It closed up years ago. Join the conversation In my eyes, the buffet was lobster-lobster-lobster. By now I am certain that you have guessed that I LOVE lobster. I grew up a bit north of you, near Oakwood and Eglinton. It was surreal, could have been designed by Dali himself. In the space recently vacated by Menalon, the 50ish-year-old Greek diner and dive bar, is Paradise Grapevine, Bloorcourt's favourite new wine bar . House of Chan The best steaks in North Toronto Chinese Food Restaurants, Asian Restaurants. Readers were encouraged to write the Star and request their favourite recipes from restaurants. Toronto Gone represents the final photos, the ones I have not posted before or published. Would certainly add the Vikings for relaxed but very nice dining; Frank Hansen was the owner/manager. Does anybody remember the Club 12 in Toronto, I believe it closed in the late 50s. La Chaumiere on Charles Street, near Church Street in the 1960s. Toronto Archives, F1257, S1057, item 073. Sep 13, 2019 - Restaurants that I ate at as a child..most no longer exist. Cherry Street Bar-b-que. that was a Toronto streetcar converted to an eating place? Required fields are marked *. Rumours circulated that members of the mafia had been turned away at the door, and had put out a hit on the place. The Goulash Pot at Yonge and Bloor was another Hungarian restaurant. I remember a few Macedonian restaurants now long gone. It did not last long under the new management. It was eventually re-floated and towed to Cleveland, where it became a seafood restaurant for that city. For more than half a century, the House of Chan, a steakhouse and Chinese restaurant near the corner of Bathurst Street and Eglinton Avenue West in Forest Hill, has stood as a de facto living. 1 of 4. Oct. 9, 1981 - King St W - "Ed's Warehouse" restaurant - outside. I believe this is the only 5 star restaurant in Toronto and it lives up to that rating. We thought it was great. The meal consisted of thick juicy slices of tender roast beef, mashed potatoes, green peas, and Yorkshire pudding. Your email address will not be published. Load Late 1970s, 1980s Toronto, Canada, HD from 35mm from the Kinolibrary Archive Film Collections. Bassels Restaurant, which occupied the equivalent space of three stores on Yonge Street. Another popular restaurant was the Three Small Rooms in the Windsor Arms Hotel. We ordered a very expensive bottle of white wineLoved the place. One of them was the Town and Country, which had opened in 1949 in the Westminster Hotel at Gould and Mutual Streets. My hangout restaurant was the Boardwalk, a typical Canadian style diner, run by a family from Macedonia. What was your maiden name or your fathers name who worked there? A very entertaining article. And some fan favoriteslike Burger Chef, G.D. Ritzy's, and Howard Johnson'sfell by the wayside. I was wondering if anyone else would remember Malloneys. It was dark and expansive, with stuffed seagulls and angels and god-knows-what else hanging from the ceiling and booths on multiple levels. Opened in 1958, China House is the last of the remaining classic, fine dining Chinese Restaurants remaining in Toronto. Thank you so much I was privileged to enjoy most of these wonderful establishments over three decades. I just walked by the old Tom Jones Steakhouse building just east of Yonge on Colborne St. This would be in the early 1950s. 1980-90 - Water's Edge restaurant at Harbourfront Centre. Our favorite was the Savarin on Bay for lobster. Actually my fondest memory as a child was the chocolate (malted) soft ice cream cone in the basement of Eatons near the tunnel to the Annex, the discount or clearance Eaton store. One man served. Today, I possess fond memories of this fine dining establishment. Settle in for the blind, multi-course tasting menu in either the dining room or at the kitchen counter helmed by chef de cuisine Nick Bentley. Popular during the 70s and early 80s, the sandwich consisted of taco meat, shredded lettuce, mild "border sauce" and diced onions. Only went there a couple of times while I was on delivery. 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.. Captain Johns Seafood Restaurant was in a ship named the Jadran, which in an earlier life had cruised the Mediterranean Sea. Specialties: Classic Cantonese Cuisine - all served in a truly iconic, retro room. 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