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Lucia: We chose The Junction because there was nothing going on here. We saw the potential and wanted to help improve the area. But I’ve been living here for 10 years now and the junction used to be a very raw place. I’ve seen the changes. We have such a bond with the community; the café really means something to people. Everyone cares and it’s not just about money.
The café’s concept is about simplicity.
Lucia: The simpler the better, right? We stick with local and mostly organic suppliers for our food and make everything fresh.
Highlight: Homemade coleslaw, served with warm garlic bread. Trust us, when we tell you to try the coleslaw salad.
Michelle Vella did not always have a goal to open up an eatery like The Beet (2949 Dundas St. West). I guess you could say it happened naturally
.
Michelle: I am a nutritionist and my business partner is a homeopath. We found there was a need from our patients to eat well but did not have the time to read labels and prepare nutritious meals.
Their initial plan was to have a take-out place, but after having such an amazing reaction from the neighbourhood, Michelle and her partner decided to evolve it into a sit down café.
Cool Hand of a Girl
The two had to ask Anant about the butter chicken as they swear it is like heaven.
Anant: It is one of our most popular dishes. I think it’s because it suits the North American palate the most. It’s a bit milder and it’s creamy and buttery.
Lucky for me, I ended up finding out later that night just how heavenly it was.
Highlights: Aloo Tikki, crisp potato patties with herbs and spices topped with curried chickpeas and tamarind sauce. Saag Paneer, a blend of spinach and mustard greens cooked with select spices and cubes of cheese. Chicken Tikka Masala, marinated and roasted chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce flavoured with peppers and garlic, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and ginger strips. All dishes served with the finest aged basmati rice flavoured with cardamom and cloves, and fresh, tandoor oven-baked naans.
The Junction - Part 1
Writer Alex Brown
Photographer Issha Marie
Known for being situated among four rail lines built in the 1800s, The Junction (Dundas St. West and Keele St.) is the new trend spot for artists, independent shop owners and families to live. The area, resembling a small village, has been a popular real estate topic in 2009 thanks to affordable rent, easy access to transit, and close proximity to beautiful landmarks like High Park. Last week, DS photographer Issha and I spent an afternoon with Juli and John meeting some of their new neighbours and eating at their new favourite joints. At the end of the day, with my belly stuffed and visual senses stimulated, I can honestly say Juli and John could not have picked a better location for their design shop and a home to call their own. Without further gloating, here is your November guide to this “West Toronto Diamond.”
Where to get your morning brew:
The corner location of Crema Coffee (3079 Dundas St West) is a little gem in the Junction designed with exposed wood flooring, vintage tables, and a light airy feel. Owner Geoff Polci opened the café in April of 2008 after running a restaurant in Costa Rica.
Geoff: Opening in The Junction was a bit of a shot in the dark, but my wife and I could see it developing into a great neighborhood that needed its own neighbourhood cafe.
Geoff takes coffee very seriously by using as many organic and fare/direct trade product as possible. However, he has no rigid stance on where his product is roasted as long as he can produce great tasting coffee for his loyal customers.
Where to brunch:
Opened May 2006, Cool Hand of a Girl (2804 Dundas St. West) has a laid-back design concept, making it easy to chill out and enjoy homemade dishes that owner Lucia and her staff serves up daily. The café is like that cool girl whose been wearing those Dr. Martins before it became cool again.
The Beet
Michelle: We have everything from vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free and gluten-free items available. As well, we try to be as organic, local and environmentally friendly as possible.
The café produces less than a bag of garbage a week; they have tables made from sunflower seed shell and trimmed with bamboo; the floors are the original bank tiles, and they have automatic lights and water to conserve on energy.
DSM/Juli & John: What makes The Junction Dead Sexy to you?
Michelle: Oh my, I think the people. They are cool because they’re cool, you know?
Where to Dine:
Anant Singh (owner and chef) opened Curry Twist (3034 Dundas St. West) 8 years ago in The Junction because he and his partner saw a lot of potential in the area. They saw the area was growing and change was taking place.
I have to admit when we arrived I thought I would have to pry Juli and John off the floor due to their sheer love for this curry hot spot. According to my calculation, the two have only eaten there one other time. And unbeknownst to me, they secretly planned a rendezvous for that night they later told me. (Of course, they invited us along!)
Curry Twist
Coleslaw Salad, Cool Hand of a Girl
Tofu Burger
Top Left: Naans, From Left: Saag Paneer, Chicken Tikka Masala
