Dino's Wood Burning Pizza

 Below is a Review of Dino's from Amy Pataki at the Toronto Star
I too enjoy Dino's Pizza and his shop - although there have been occasions when I tried to order some pizza and for some reason didn't connect and ended up having to go to Pizza Nova instead.  
Hopefully Dino fixed his telephone and great wood fired pizza is flying out the door. Have a read of Amy's excellent write-up then go check out Dino's and enjoy delicious pizza
- Bobby
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Dino's Wood Burning Pizza
(out of 4)


Address: 820 The Queensway (near Royal York Rd.), 416-259-0050
Chef: Dino Ari
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations: Yes
Wheelchair access: Washrooms downstairs
Price: Dinner for two with pop, tax and tip: $30

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There must be easier things to tend all day – colicky newborns, say, or David Hasselhoff – than the wood-burning oven at Dino Ari's Etobicoke pizzeria.
It's a 12-hour babysitting job, six days a week. Ari comes in at 9 a.m. to care for his two-metre-long charge. He starts by raking out the ashes and gently mopping the insides with a damp cloth. Then he lays down kindling (his preferred starter is the Toronto Star). Once the kindling catches, Ari slides in huge chunks of Manitoba maple that he chops and cures himself.
All day, he stokes the 1,000-degree fahrenheit oven, hot enough to cook a pizza in three minutes. Sometime before 10 p.m., Ari closes the metal doors and puts the fire to sleep.
"It's a big job. With an electrical pizza oven, you just turn it on," Ari says. "But I love fire. It's relaxing to me. People go and buy artificial fireplaces. I watch the real thing all day."
The pleasure is shared by all of us. Dino's pizzas – both Italian and Turkish – are gorgeously crusty and delightfully restrained.   READ MORE

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Creme de la Creme - Kingsway

On Bloor just east of Royal York.

This is one of the Kingsway's only traditional breakfast joints and down to
Earth cafes. The steady weekend morning rush of family outing walkers,
Hangover remedy seekers and of course... The almighty after-churchers is
enough to sustain any business model. This is a clean and cozy
hash-slinging house delivering a menu we've all seen many times before and
will undoubtedly crave many times in the future. Paid a visit recently with my sidekick Kindergarten Critic who had the French Toast - I went for the peameal bacon and eggs with coffee. Staff was friendly, service was quick - great start to the day!

Price: approx $20
Rating: B

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High Seas Diner

On Islington, Just North of Norseman ...

True to it's name, this is a classic G-Spoon diner land locked between Timmy Ho's and Mr. Sub - it is old school Fish n' Chips, All Day Breakie, Souvlaki and "CheeseBurga-CheeseBurga-CheeseBurga-PepsiNoCoke" kinda place.  Took the kids on a few occasions and sampled the Grilled Halibut, Toasted Western, Fried Cod and Chips and Greek Salad.  The food was great and the staff took good care of us providing earnest, quality service.  On the occasions I've been there it has been fairly busy and the facilty clean and well kept - all good signs. It's great to try the new age spectrum of fusion and fancy foodie avant gardity available out there but there is always a place for honest neighborhood eats - enjoy.

Price: good
Rating B+

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King Henry VIII - Kingsway

King Henry VIII on Bloor, just East of Montgomery

--- Guest Submission by Jeff the Dream Crusher -----

As it has since its opening several years ago, King Henry's maintains a
clean and welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of whiskeys and beers
(both bottled and on tap). With a great front window pouring in the light
and nice pubby stuff on the wall, King Henry's has a great vibe and is a
nice place to be.

However, of late, the fare on offer at King Henry's has become decreasingly
reliable. While at one time a strength, the lack of quality control from
the kitchen has resulted in one too many wilty salads and soggy fries.
Given the simple menu, there is really no excuse and given the competition
in the area, this should be a real cause for concern for the owners.

If you are up for a good pint and a nice view of morons in SUVs jockeying
for Starbucks parking, you've got the place.  Unless, however, there's a
change in the kitchen, give the food a pass.



Price: Fair
Rating: as a pub: A, as a restaurant: D

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