John's Fish n' Chips

Tucked into the Dundas st. strip malls, just west of Kipling. Good ol' John's... wipe away the typical Fish & Chip joint images of boiling oil leeching from mini golden logs and turning cones fashioned from yesterday's newspaper translucent. John's is not limited to the deep fryer and offers tender flakey fish specials in pan fried, grilled and yes, deep fried fish dinners. Choice of sole, halibut, salmon and Bobby's personal favourite, orange roughy (I like it pan-fried with a greek salad and rice). Take a chance and explore other acquoutrements dotting the menu - calamari, spinach dip etc. Long standing , family owned, friendly lunch and dinner restaurant - John's Fish n' Chips is a guaranteed winner.

Price: Reasonable
Rating: B++

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Big Papa's - The Kingsway

The place looks good from the street on Bloor at Royal York, but once inside, Big Papa unfortunately disappoints overall. The prices are average but the food is too average and although the staff are relatively friendly, the service is the pits - forgotten orders, disorganization, long waits and screw ups. How hard is it to keep pizza and pasta in line??? Several visits have noted a progressive decline in "customer experience" and proper service follow through. They even stopped giving out small toys to amuse the kids - cheap move Big Papa - time to get it together, the place needs to be brighter, smarter and the game lifted across the board. There will be no return visits until there is visual evidence that something new has happened or someone convinces me otherwise - I'm listening...

Price: Fair
Rating: C-

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Falafel World

Had to satisfy a falafel sandwich craving after revising a blog post about Babaz at the behest of one loyal reader - (see below) - unfortunately, I was forced to "cross the Humber" to do so. Check out Falafel World on Bloor, just East of Jane for classic Falafel, Kibbi, Warma and Shawarma plates and sandwiches - don't be afraid to also grab a bunch of stuffed vine leaves and some Tabouleh, "Queen of Salad "if you have the capacity. Good enough prices and great food from a beat up, but legendary Bloor West landmark,

Price: $3.75 / Falafel
Rating: A

PEOPLE!! Are there any places to find a decent falafel in Etobicoke South proper? - Please let us know - Thanks, Bobby

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Vatra Cheese - Queensway

The Mrs. was kind enough to pick up some perogies and schnitnzel to go from Vatra Cheese at their new location on the south side of Queensway west of Royal York. I warmed the perogies with a light oniony fry-up and promptly engulfed them in sour cream with a dash of seasoning salt, pepper and thinly chopped chives. The schnitzel was tossed upon a Vatra bun and kept safe for later. Both really hit the spot at their respective consumption times and tasted like ..... well, perogies and schnitzel on a bun - I find few things wrong with such tastes. Staff were reportedly very nice and the store was clean and roomy with a large selection fresh, frozen, preserved and hot table options. Good to know for quick, easy meal options.

Price: resonable
Rating: C

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Burrito Boyz - Lakeshore

Another Burrito Boyz has opened on Lakeshore near Brownsline - that made me happy because I love their chow. The place is typical Burrito Boyz fashion and fits in nicely with the colourful Lakeshore scene. I ordered their signature "Hally" (Large Halibut Burrito) with everything. Service was a bit slower and disjointed than previous BB missions at other locations but it should come together in time - definately to return
Burrito Boyz features small and large quesadillas & burritos in Chicken, Steak, Veg, and only burritos for Haddock and Halibut. They've got a delicious array of toppings including, beans, guacamole and zingy burrito sauce. Don't be a whimp! - get the large - the second half tastes great cold.

Price: Approx $10
Rating: B

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West End Meats - Steaks!

On the corner of Kipling & Chauncey (right around where about a million hydro lines have not powered the semi-iconic WESTWOOD theatre sign for decades) you'll find West End Meats. Heavy Greek influence and fresh meat at outlet prices are available amongst an array of unique local and imported food products. I went right to the counter and picked up a few choice looking Striploin cuts and some Macedonian Hot Sausages for a sunny Labour Day BBQ. Both came out excellent and were enjoyed under a cloudless sky with friends right on the same patio they were grilled upon. And that was a great relief because sometimes WEM can be a bit hit n'miss. In the past there have been some incidences of overspicing and boring Kalamata olives have been scooped but nothing that can't be forgiven (check Sobey's for good Olives). Their village grade vinegar is a cupbord staple for livening up fresh veggies - It's the best thing to spend a twoonie on at $1.99. Thick, homestyle tsatzikie and yoghurt seem to be a draw, as do their chicken wings, and back ribs - WEM is all about the succelent lamb at Orthodox Easter to help enjoy the resurrection in style when that time comes 'round .... why are there so few long weekends...?
Kids get a free drink!

Price: Good
Rating: B-

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