Insider Intel

/By Mariam Ahmed / Sep 13, 2019

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What makes an evening at the theatre better? Nothing. Except an evening at the theatre preceded or followed by dinner and/or drinks.

This week: Meridian Arts Centre (formerly known as Toronto Centre for the Arts)

Deli/Kosher

Delis:

Pancer’s Original Delicatessen

• Pancer’s Deli is a family-owned Delicatessen and has been around since 1957! It’s become a go-to spot for everyone and I mean EVERYONE. Celebrities like the legendary actor John Candy and bands like RUSH and Anvil, as well as many other movie stars and hockey players, have gathered here and have called it a “family home away from home”. Many recipes are European family staples and have been passed down from generation to generation. The spices for the meat are all custom-made recipes brought in from Europe. They offer appetizers and small plates, home-made soups, salads, deli sandwiches, platters, breakfast, a kid’s menu, along with drinks and desserts. They also cater for parties. Only an 11-minute drive from the theatre, there’s something here for everyone – and it’s kosher. 

• Address: 3856 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M3H 3N4. Driving distance to theatre: 11 minutes. Open 7 days from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Wolfie’s Deli

• Another classic Jewish deli, Wolfie’s Deli specializes in overstuffed smoked meat sandwiches that use brisket from Montreal, served on Styrofoam plates. First opened in 1975 by current owner Dave Gelberman’s father-in-law, Zev Zimmerman, whose first name literally means “wolf” in Hebrew. They offer corned beef, pastrami, or Montreal-smoked meat that is all Lester’s brisket – an inexpensive cut of meat that yields great flavour when cooked slowly for a long time. Sides include mashed potatoes and vinegary coleslaw that are essential with the sandwiches. There’s ample seating so you’ll be sure to get a comfortable spot and a great meal!

• Address: 670 Sheppard Avenue West, Toronto, ON M3H 2S5. Driving distance to theatre: 7 minutes. Open Monday, Friday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Tuesday – Thursday 9 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Dr. Laffa Restaurant

• Dr. Laffa has kept the tradition of baking Laffas alive until today and continues to give off a feel-good family vibe. Laffa is a type of chewy bread, similar to pita bread but thicker, and often used to wrap meats like kebabs and shawarma. The restaurant offers a myriad of flavourful items like chicken schnitzel, kebab, lamb chops, tabouli salad, hummus msabbaha, falafel, baba ganoush, and kosher dishes along with their famous Moroccon fish as an alternative to meat. They also have a kid’s menu and cater for any and all social or corporate events. Once you go Laffa, you won’t go back!

• Address: 3023 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M6B 3B5. Driving distance to theatre: 15 minutes. Open Monday – Thursday + Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Saturday CLOSED.

Tov Li

• Tov Li is a family-run restaurant since 1992, specializing in dairy and Mediterranean food without compromising on quality ingredients. Serving two locations, this restaurant accommodates all your needs with things like pizza, pasta, fish, soup, sandwiches and salads, and more. They also cater office parties, Shiva meals, or any type of larger function or event. Their food is prepared fresh every day and everything is kosher. They cook one of the best pizzas in the area!

• Address: North – 5982 Bathurst Street, North York, ON M2R 1Z1. South – 3523 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M6A 2C7. Driving distance to theatre: 10-12 minutes. North Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 9 a.m.- 9 p.m.| Thursday 9 p.m.- 10 p.m. | Friday  8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Saturday – 45 minutes after Shabbat – 12:30 a.m. | South Hours: Sunday – Wednesday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | THUR 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Friday 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Saturday CLOSED.

Caribbean Cuisine and Catering

Scothill Caribbean Cuisine

• The name Scothill is inspired by a street in Moneague, St. Ann, Jamaica, where the love of making meals really took root. Family-owned, Scothill offers great Caribbean cuisine in a classy atmosphere. Both chefs have over 40 years of experience each and they create delicious meals from Caribbean favourites like ackee and saltfish, to jerk chicken, roti, red snapper, and curry shrimp. They also have homemade soups and desserts as well as tropical ice cream! If something isn’t on the menu, you can ask the staff and they will do their best to accommodate your request. Scothill will take their time to create the best meal you’ve ever had while making your event or night out a really memorable one. 

• Address: 1943 Avenue Road, North York, ON M5M 4A2. Driving distance from the theatre: 10 minutes. Open Monday – Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m | Thursday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Sunday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Ephiphany Restaurant and Catering Service

• This restaurant initially opened on Arrow Road, North York as a lunch and dinner service for Caribbean expats in Southern Ontario, and is now a full-service catering house and restaurant. Phyllis James has made it her mission to provide the very best of menu choices, but she adds a flavour that is unique and different. Epiphany serves food like wings, jerk chicken, southern fry chicken, curried goat, and more! You can ask for as much or as little food as you’d like, all quantities are available, and you can even make reservations on their website.

• Address: 55 Beverly Hills Drive, North York, ON M3L 1A2. Driving distance from theatre: 18 min. Open Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 11:00 p.m | Friday 8 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. | Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.

BBQ and Dessert options

Saryo Café

• Saryo is one of the most famous Japanese dessert shops in Japan—and now in Toronto. With options like a yummy parfait, rich matcha ice cream, seasonal house-made cake, or the drool-worthy brownie, you’ll be able to fulfill any sweet-tooth craving. The restaurant offers a wide variety of desserts and they make sure to find you whatever it is you’re craving on their menu. 

• Address: 5051 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N 5P2. Walking distance from theatre: 3 min. Open Sunday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Friday and Saturday – 11:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 

Mr. Tonkatsu

• A traditional restaurant named after its main dish “tonkatsu,” one of the classic authentic dishes of the world. It is made of deep-fried pork cutlet served with shredded raw cabbage and a sweet sauce. Mr. Tonkatsu also has a wide variety of other options like soba noodles, crispy chicken thigh, tsuyu katsu, squid, karaage chicken wings, and more! The restaurant opened first in Toronto, and now has four locations – three in Toronto and one in British Columbia. 

• Address: 4895 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N 5N4. Walking distance to theatre: 6 minutes. Open Monday – Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Friday – Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Pujukan BBQ

• Pujukan means “to butcher” in Korean. They offer BBQ’d pork—and Korean style BBQ is this restaurant’s specialty. Table-top cooking BBQ and side dishes like cold noodles, steamed egg, and rice bowls at affordable prices that will make your mouth water! Toronto gets to experience authentic BBQ from Korea with high-quality meat and highly experienced chefs. Established in 2018 and family-owned, the restaurant has something for everyone and is open to all kinds of social events and gatherings. 

• Address: 4852 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2N 5N2. Walking distance from theatre: 7 minutes. Open Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. | Friday 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m. | Saturday 5:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. | Sunday 5:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Healthy/Vegetarian/Gluten-free options

FLOCK rotisserie + greens

• A really healthy and filling option if you don’t want fast food. FLOCK not only offers rotessierie chickens that are raised hormone and antibiotic-free, but they are also halal and free run. They offer nutrient-packed salads and sides that are healthy, with the option of choosing paleo, gluten-free, vegan or dairy-free. Each location offers dine-in and take-out service, all locations serve lunch and dinner, and they have a catering service for groups of 15 or more. A really great and fun place for a healthy night out! 

• Address: 4841 Yonge Street, North York, ON, M2N 5X2. Walking distance to theatre: 8 minutes. Open 7 days a week 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

BASIL BOX

• A buffet style build-your-own-meal restaurant inspired by the street markets of Thailand and Vietnam. You can mix and match ingredients like rice, noodles, greens, veggies, proteins, sauces, and many other toppings to build your own box. Basil Box is the perfect choice for healthy and filling food while reintroducing Asian cuisine in an authentic way. You’ll satisfy your cravings and your conscience – Basil Box takes care of your mind, body, and soul!

• Address: 5607 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2M 3S9. Driving distance to theatre: 5 minutes. Open Monday – Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Burger/Burrito options

Fresh Burger

• Fresh Burger offers the freshest burgers—that are all made fresh. And I mean every single thing! The meat, vegetables, and bread are all fresh and Fresh Burger doesn’t compromise on quality. They also offer combos that come with fries and a drink and sides like mouth-watering poutine. Totally worth the walk to indulge in these amazing burgers!

• Address: 5025 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2N 5P2. Walking distance to theatre: 3 minutes. Open Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. | Saturday – Sunday 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

barBURRITO

• Another amazing mix-and-match restaurant where you can choose what you want in your burrito, quesadillas, and tacos with sides like chips, fries, guacamole, dessert, and lots more! They have gourmet and fresh ingredients that offer a healthy alternative and are “nuevo-authentic”—which means that their food combines everything you love about old-fashioned cuisine with a new twist. They’ve literally raised the bar for what Tex-Mex cuisine should be!

• Address: 6464 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2M 3X4. Driving distance from theatre: 8 minutes. Open Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday 12:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m.

Transit & Parking

Location: 5040 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N 6R8

• The Meridian Arts Centre is located in North York near both Sheppard-Yonge and North York Centre Station – Northbound platform subway stations. 

Parking

• There are a number of parking garages around the centre The closest parking space is on Beecroft Road and it is not underground though it is paid parking.

• Accessibility

• The theatre is fully accessible. For more information click here.

Actually by Anna Ziegler, plays at the Meridian Arts Centre (formerly the Toronto Centre for the Arts) from Sept. 14-29. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

WRITTEN BY

Mariam Ahmed

Mariam is Associate Editor at Intermission. Mariam earned her Honours BA in English literature from York University and recently completed a Graduate Certificate program from Centennial College in Book and Magazine Publishing. When she's not busy reading books and plays, she takes pictures of books for her "Bookstagram", watches as many movies and shows as she can, and is a self-proclaimed Chocoholic.

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