This question is Toronto-based. I need a place where I can take someone out for an inexpensive, relaxed meal and conduct an interview.
In New York City, I used to do my interviews in coffee shops - what would be called a diner in the rest of the country (even across the river in New Jersey). Coffee shops were perfect: large menu, decent food, I could afford to pick up the tab, and no one ever rushes you. The relaxed atmosphere, unpretentious and anonymous, helped people feel comfortable talking.
But do coffee shops or diners exist in Toronto? I haven't seen them. I don't want to go to a Tim Horton's or a Starbucks, I need something with a decent menu for dinner. Maybe what I need in this town is a pub? There certainly are a lot of good pubs in T.O.
In any case, pub, diner or coffee shop, those are the requirements: inexpensive, decent food, relaxed and informal atmosphere where we won't be rushed. And preferably near College & Spadina. Any ideas?
8 comments:
My sister went to school near relatively near there, and Future's Bakery on Bloor was a favourite. http://www.dine.to/futures
I used to spend a lot of time at a restaurant called Momo's, at the corner of Robert St and Harbord. Robert is one block west of Spadina, and Harbord (as I imagine you know) is not at all far north of College.
It has a nice relaxed atmosphere, not too upscale or downscale...just about right, actually! Generally full of U of T ppl, the food is very inexpensive and (was?) quite good. Not a coffee shop though at all, so doesn't have five million flavours, or croissants/snack food etc. But a great place for lunch (I ate lunch there almost every day for about 6 years...and really, the place just screams LUNCH:)
It has a largely "generic Middle Eastern" menu, but nonetheless is pretty varied, and the food was (when I used to go there often) really really good. Caveat: the last time I went there, there was an unfamiliar cook, and the food was not what it was a year ago. May have been an off day though. Hard to say, I haven't been there regularly in a long time.
It's a good choice as well if your lunch companion is veggie....though also not a problem if he/she is not.
Oh, just saw another response: yes, Future's on Bloor and Spadina is also a GREAT choice. Broader menu, but also good inexpensive food....bit of a focus on Eastern European dishes.
Thank you both very much.
Another reader also emailed a suggestion: Moonbeam Coffee, in Kensington Market.
All other suggestions welcome, for this and future interviews.
I have no practical suggestions, but I just have to ask: if you call a diner a coffee shop, what do you call a coffee shop?
if you call a diner a coffee shop, what do you call a coffee shop?
In NYC, a coffee shop is a place open 24 hrs, with a big menu, where you can eat anything you want at any time of day.
Places that mainly serve coffees and desserts are called cafes.
Starbucks is just called Starbucks, aka the Evil Empire, as they have completely taken over New York.
Now I'm stuck on what the difference between a coffee shop and a cafe is in my own dialect. My instincts tell me there is a difference, but I can't articulate it.
The Red Room is also a good choice. Its a student hangout a few doors south of college on spadina on the west side.
Its quite inexpensive ($6-$10 for food) and is good for the price.
Jacob, sounds perfect for what I need, especially long-term. Thank you!
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