In Toronto, if you're not west west west of Yonge, you're nowhere. I can really see the motivation behind the gentrification of such a colorful area: in just a few city blocks, you've got over-priced condos, CAMH, some of the city's shadiest parks, a thriving hipster scene, and not to mention, as my good friend Adam says, a great view of the Price Chopper from the top of the Gladstone.A couple years ago, a night out at the Drake for GG and company would have led to a pizza slice at Cora's. Now, since it's so cool, why not take a walk up Ossington to Dundas and hit up Lakeview?
Lakeview isn't exactly a new place, first opened in 1932. In 2008, it looked as if newspaper was going to cover the windows for the last time, until it was saved again. Today, the new owners are really making up for lost time by being open 24/7/365. I personally think diners are museum-worthy relics that should be preserved in all their glory, along with delis and bbq spots - as long as they're GOOD. There's nothing more upsetting to me than a skinny, cold, dry corned beef sandwich, or a tough rib. Nothing.
Thankfully, it looks like the new management agrees with me. Lakeview is good. When you're stumbling around at 5 a.m. looking for food but not sure what you're craving, it's this place. I'm a bit of a sucker for a pulled pork sandwich, and Lakeview's rivals the best I've had. Theirs is seasoned in a million-dollar secret rub of 50+ spices and braised in beer. The braising liquid then forms the base of the sauce which is by no means traditional - containing umami-rich hoisin sauce, tomato, chipotle, and maple. Am I salivating?
If pulled pork isn't your thing, even though you're crazy, the classic diner breakfasts may be more up your alley. With no shortage of cheese, egg, and peameal and sausages worthy of committing a deadly sin, I can't really think of a better way to soak up the Pabst you drank at Sweaty Betty's. Their sweet potato fries are spot-on with ancho chili garlic mayo, and their quattro grilled cheese with asiago, cheddar, havarti, and feta is just that good.
Wait, pulled pork poutine? Looks like you just might need an elastic waist on those skinny jeans.
If pulled pork isn't your thing, even though you're crazy, the classic diner breakfasts may be more up your alley. With no shortage of cheese, egg, and peameal and sausages worthy of committing a deadly sin, I can't really think of a better way to soak up the Pabst you drank at Sweaty Betty's. Their sweet potato fries are spot-on with ancho chili garlic mayo, and their quattro grilled cheese with asiago, cheddar, havarti, and feta is just that good.
Wait, pulled pork poutine? Looks like you just might need an elastic waist on those skinny jeans.
The Lakeview Poutine = EPIC
ReplyDeleteGreat review. I hope the people at Lakeview give you a free pulled pork sandwich for such a glowing review!
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