Deadpool
It's Deadpool for Mel's Montreal Delicatessen, Taste of Magic, Somethin's Fishy, Minnow and Bass, Abstract Tree, Speedy Burger
An Annex institution is no more. Mel's Montreal Delicatessen, a late night spot on Bloor both loved and reviled by residents of this city, has closed its doors. Or rather, had its doors locked by the landlord after reportedly failing to pay rent that was months in arrears. Deli fans will remember Mel's came in 5th in our poll of the best delis in Toronto and readers let us have it. Margaret commented that Mel's "was the worst experience at a deli/restaurant/service place I have ever been involved in." Others gave it a pass for their smoked meat poutine.
A few blocks west on Bathurst the space formerly hosuing The Taste of Magic is for rent. The restaurant served Korean style Chinese cuisine but never seemed to draw in huge crowds; and priced itself too high for students who flock for cheap pork bone soup, bibimbap and other good eats in Koreatown.
Somethin's Fishy Fish & Chips was a great little spot on Augusta in Kensington Market and was 9th on our list of the best Fish & Chips places in Toronto. But I'm not convinced management was ever that into it. The restaurant shut down for the winter and this Spring its future became uncertain when a Business for Sale sign popped up in the window.
Elsewhere in Kensington, eco-fashion emporium Heart on Your Sleeve has bit the dust, both online and at their retail location. I guess locally made, environmentally friendly clothing isn't as easy a sell as it should be.
At the foot of Augusta at Dundas, the short-lived Minnow and Bass gallery space sits empty. Their blog hasn't been updated since June so not sure if a move is in the works.
On Roncesvalles, Abstract Tree restaurant is no more. Could it be there are now too many dinner options in the area?
At Queen and Parliament, Mr. Tasty had occupied this corner location for as long as I can remember. Signs went up months ago promising a renovation but recently a new sign was put in place announcing that Peter's Corner will be opening soon. I suspect that the owners of Peter's Cajun Creole Pizza next door are expanding their empire.
Speedy Burger, the greasy-spoon in the strip mall just east of Queen and the DVP has closed after 25 years in business. The whole lot will be making way for a new condo development.
And finally, at Queen and Coxwell, Pachira Asian cuisine got decent reviews - including one on this site - but the restaurant never seemed too busy and has now closed after a few years in business.
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Scary now how big a wave deadpools are going in, did the Gelato place on Ronce get a mention? It's gone tits up too...
The smoked meat combo with a beer for like $10.
That was sweet.
Anyhow, for smoked meat i hit up Centre Street Deli.
Yes, the website currently shows an 'account suspended' page, but that's a problem she's had for ages due to her web provider and is not something she has control over. I don't have all the details there (obviously) but I bet she'd tell you if you asked.
Her blog and twitter account still exist, although neither have been updated in a while: http://wearyourheartonyoursleeve.blogspot.com/ and http://twitter.com/FollowHeart
For Mel's style smoked meat hash type of food, if you're in the mood, I'd suggest checking out the Retro Cafe on St. Clair on the south side of the street just a few doors west of Vaughan Road. Retro is cash only (or maybe they take credit cards too) so plan ahead.
just curious because I live 3 minutes away, but never went...
Never set foot in it after that.
If so, it's a real shame. Granted, I haven't been there in almost a year (see notes about the horror that is St. Clair these days) but still ...
Those were the days. Not my present life, but everyone should have that opportunity, it's a toronto rite of passage. RIP.
@Dead Robot: If you want cretons, try Cora's - every outpost I've been to serves them. Or maybe that Taste of Québec place in the Distillery...
speedy burger was not fantastic, but it was there before gourmet (bullshit) burger joints. Dangerous Dan's was worth a block's walk east and to a lesser degree Pete's (John's) Open Kitchen two blocks west
What has closed on St. Clair? A dozen dingy run down sports bars patronized by the last three old Italian men in the neighbourhood. Crappy restaurants that never had customers and never would have.
9/10 small businesses don't last a year. The only difference on St. Clair is they have a convenient scapegoat. This project has rejuvenated the neighbourhood by clearing out the deadwood that had been able to cling to life for far too long.
I have too many friends and collegues from outside the neighbourhood who won't return, even to places like Ferro and the Rushton, until the ROW is finished just because the street is such a disaster. They want to come back, but they will wait until it's done. We're lucky that the Wychwood Barns has opened up as a magnet, but I am unsure how that is affecting nearby businesses. Once the project is done, I expect life to go back to some normalcy, but it has gone on for too long. That cannot be laid at the feet of a five month injunction by NIMBYs (or if you prefer local community groups). The city of Toronto has been the project manager. They've done a lousy job. That missigning of Wychwood as Oakwood kind of sums up the whole thing.
Mihevic should enjoy his remaining months at the trough, bet he loves to watch the movies he made with his camera on his Projector and Movie screen at home.
I've cancelled going to anything along the unfinished part too. There's no hope of getting anywhere on St Clair in time for assigned meeting times.
It's one enormous mess. I won't go there, even when it's finished unless I have NO CHOICE.
It could be that LJ has closed - I haven't been by there in a while to see. But their attempts at selling the business isn't enough evidence on its own to put them in the deadpool.
R.I.P. mel's. i loved you for so many reasons other than your smoked meat.
i didnt think weight gain could be possible by eating birdseed...my two cents
As for the lack of blogging, i was not in the virtual world more stuck in the real one. We have been on the search-moves for our new location (still in the works). I have updated the blog since-thank you for the reminder.
Also, sincerely - thank you for missing us the way you may be missing 'something's fishy'.
-faye of minnow & bass.