Salt & Pappa
This weekend Tim and I explored Roncesvalles in the High Park area of west Toronto. The street is lined with many European, mostly Polish bakeries and delicatessens. Ever since Keil's Delicatessen on Eglinton East closed a few months ago (Keil retired, much to our chagrin) Tim and I have been searching for an equally good place to buy smoked meats, coldcuts, and stinky cheese--cheese, being my particular weakness.
With the wind chill, it was about -20 degrees, but we let the cold air invigorate us as we walked, swinging hands and skipping to the beat of our hearts--alas, I exaggerate slightly.* Our first stop was a Polish deli where we bought some gypsy ham, and 3 of the best selling pepperettes the store had to offer. We also bought a side of ribs for dinner which we later marinated in a honey, garlic and sesame paste.
Further down the street we went in search of a mom and pop restaurant for our very late lunch. We ended up at Café Chopin, also known as Salt & Pappa. The decor was made up of an old piano of course, some mismatched seats, and one or two paintings of Arles, of all places. We chose the window spot with two high back chairs (Frank Lloyd Wright-ish) across a square table with copper etching--remniscient of Babel Fish, honey, no? There we sampled perogies, schnitzel, potatoe pancakes, cabbage rolls and beet salad.
One of the things we love most about Roncesvalles is that aside from the usual bank kiosks everywhere in the city, there's only a Second Cup and Subway along that strip. The rest are all independent vendors, each with such character.
One of my favourite windows is "The Cobbler Shop" where there are all kinds of wonderful shoes and sandals on display. Smack in the middle of the floor is an old fashioned cash register. Neat-o. I think the only other shop window that compares is the one on the east side of Spadina, south of College. It's a Barber/Tattoo shop with a spic and span, black and white tile motif, and tres cool paraphernalia.
Despite the hectic pace of Toronto life, it's nice to now and then discover the little pockets of old and new world charm, both the odd and the unique. That which makes home, home.
* Tim's rolling his eyes at my humour right now. Amateur.
With the wind chill, it was about -20 degrees, but we let the cold air invigorate us as we walked, swinging hands and skipping to the beat of our hearts--alas, I exaggerate slightly.* Our first stop was a Polish deli where we bought some gypsy ham, and 3 of the best selling pepperettes the store had to offer. We also bought a side of ribs for dinner which we later marinated in a honey, garlic and sesame paste.
Further down the street we went in search of a mom and pop restaurant for our very late lunch. We ended up at Café Chopin, also known as Salt & Pappa. The decor was made up of an old piano of course, some mismatched seats, and one or two paintings of Arles, of all places. We chose the window spot with two high back chairs (Frank Lloyd Wright-ish) across a square table with copper etching--remniscient of Babel Fish, honey, no? There we sampled perogies, schnitzel, potatoe pancakes, cabbage rolls and beet salad.
One of the things we love most about Roncesvalles is that aside from the usual bank kiosks everywhere in the city, there's only a Second Cup and Subway along that strip. The rest are all independent vendors, each with such character.
One of my favourite windows is "The Cobbler Shop" where there are all kinds of wonderful shoes and sandals on display. Smack in the middle of the floor is an old fashioned cash register. Neat-o. I think the only other shop window that compares is the one on the east side of Spadina, south of College. It's a Barber/Tattoo shop with a spic and span, black and white tile motif, and tres cool paraphernalia.
Despite the hectic pace of Toronto life, it's nice to now and then discover the little pockets of old and new world charm, both the odd and the unique. That which makes home, home.
* Tim's rolling his eyes at my humour right now. Amateur.
posted by nina-and-tim-gregg at 12:30 PM
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