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Restaurants

Come and Get It

  • Currently 2.87/5

Rating: 2.9/5 (15 votes)

Posted by Ryan Spencer / Reviewed on February 17, 2012 / review policy

Come and Get It RestaurantCome and Get It is the latest pop up to throw its hat into the "here today, gone tomorrow" restaurant scene. Located at Queen and Spadina, "Get it" is temporally squatting in the former Ackee Tree space that's slated for — surprise! — a new condo development called FAD. When asked about how long the restaurant will likely have to operate, staff confessed that the timeline is very much up in the air. But, lucky for us, the condoization process doesn't literally happen over night (though it might seem that way), because this spot is fun and tasty with a unique personality.

Come And Get It TorontoThe space may be something of an assault on the senses for some but I found the interior playful with its energizing fuchsia walls and the '90s era nostalgia peppered throughout (think of an iMac G3, Nintendo 64 and Simpsons lunch boxes). The decor doesn't, however, come across as some sort of gimmick that you'd find at a corporate spot or as some trend that's run amok. They're pandering to a certain demo they know all too well — themselves.

Come and Get It RestaurantGiven that the place is usually packed, we stopped by on our lunch break in the hopes of avoiding a wait. The well-selected and simple menu offers four options prepared three ways. Chipotle short ribs, Hawaiian pork belly, granny smith Caesar chicken and herbed green beans come as either a sandwich, salad or poutine. We went for the pork belly sandwich and short ribs poutine. Within five minutes of ordering, our food arrived in biodegradable take out containers — yes, that fast. On this day we actually had enough time to enjoy our lunch away from the office, so we took a seat at one of the communal picnic tables.

Come and Get It TorontoThey nailed the short ribs. Melt-in-your-mouth! The dish has the perfect ratio of topping to fries, and the crispy fried onions offer an added shot of sweetness that enhances the gravy. Although it wasn't missed, we couldn't taste much by way of heat from the chipotle. Still, given how good it was, I wondered if it wouldn't have been even better in sandwich form.

Come and Get it TorontoThe pork belly sandwich, which comes with a sweet and sour slaw, features bits of crackling that adds the necessary crunch when the iceberg lettuce inevitably wilts a touch. Between the hoisin sauce and pineapple salsa, it's a bit on the sweet side, but both the slaw and our side salad adds the requisite tartness to balance everything out. The pork itself is delicious with a hint of five spice that adds some welcome depth.

Come and Get It TorontoCome and Get It is taking a new approach to the lunch rush in the Entertainment District. They're having fun, and it shows. Given that the review process for the condo development hasn't even started yet, the window of opportunity to try it may last into the summer. But, better safe than sorry, as the proverbial dinner bell is a ringin'.

Come And Get It Restaurant

Discussion

34 Comments

Swipe Design / February 10, 2012 at 11:55 am
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We had this for lunch yesterday, and loved it so much, the folks who didn't work yesterday are going there today!
Edam / February 17, 2012 at 09:28 am
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This corner needs a hot dog stand. I love hot dogs.
Adam / February 17, 2012 at 09:38 am
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So good. I liked it. yayayayay.
FoodLover / February 17, 2012 at 09:39 am
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I really hope this place stays open for as long as possible. I have been a number of times now and have tried almost half the menu! BIG FAN.
Me / February 17, 2012 at 09:39 am
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I don't live anywhere near there.
The Other Neil / February 17, 2012 at 10:50 am
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I am totally going there.
DickNee replying to a comment from Edam / February 17, 2012 at 11:56 am
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HaHa, yeah.......
Simon / February 17, 2012 at 12:11 pm
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Anyone tried the green beans yet?
terre / February 17, 2012 at 12:22 pm
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Uncle Moe's Family Feedbag!
Collin / February 17, 2012 at 01:53 pm
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i know what i'm having for dinner tonight! hope it's not a condo by 8pm.
Randy / February 17, 2012 at 02:32 pm
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lol @ condo development named "FAD". Is that a commentary on our housing market bubble?
Jordan / February 17, 2012 at 03:18 pm
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It takes a long time before a condo goes from drawings to construction - I've a feeling this place will be around a year or two before things go bust.
grace replying to a comment from Edam / February 17, 2012 at 06:36 pm
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There is a hot dog stand at Queen and Spadina! It's the NE corner, by the bank.
S / February 18, 2012 at 06:17 am
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@grace. The hot dog stand at Queen and Spadina has been there for at least 15 years and open 24/7. I like my street meat crispy on the outside and they will do it. Um.

Note: This is not for the salad crowd. LOL!
kitcta / February 18, 2012 at 10:37 am
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I went there friday afternoon for a poutine and I was turned away at the door and was told that they had a busier than expected lunch and needed a few hours to recuperate. I personally do not think there is anything more annoying than having an establishment opened that cannot provide its reasoning for being.

You sell food, if you are unable to sell food why are you there to begin with?


Needless to say I will never return, regardless of what the food is lik.e
jj / February 18, 2012 at 11:34 am
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@kitcta:


WAH WAAAH
stefan replying to a comment from kitcta / February 18, 2012 at 01:28 pm
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bitter? you need to show some empathy
andrew replying to a comment from kitcta / February 18, 2012 at 05:36 pm
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"I personally do not think there is anything more annoying than having an establishment opened that cannot provide its reasoning for being."

I feel the same way about people.

Loosen up.
kitchta / February 18, 2012 at 08:52 pm
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Empathize with the person who made plans to go there for lunch and was turned away

With Fusaros half a block a way, you guys are right, I really don't have any reason to be bitter.

:)
Chino / February 19, 2012 at 08:29 pm
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Lazy + Lame = Closed on Sundays.
Shawn replying to a comment from Chino / February 19, 2012 at 11:27 pm
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Many places aren't open on sundays: Sukhothai; Burger Priest, California Sandwiches, etc.

They damn well better be open when I show up during operating hours.
sparrow replying to a comment from kitchta / February 21, 2012 at 03:07 pm
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End of the day you sound kinda like a spoiled brat who's bent out of shape because you didn't get what you want when you wanted it. Most people never return to a place for rude service, terrible food, or seeing rats running around. Essentially you got turned away because they are doing better than they expected. Boo hoo for you.
Chino replying to a comment from Shawn / February 21, 2012 at 09:49 pm
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yeh i get that. and good for them i guess. but unless you have all your overhead expenses covered for the next three years, you should be open on sunday. especially as a start-up.
WavyGrass / February 23, 2012 at 10:11 am
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Chino, keep in mind that when you open you have to pay staff and prep food. If no one comes in, you still have to pay your staff and some of the food you prepped will end up being wasted. It actually makes more sense for businesses who haven't covered their start up costs to stay closed on days that aren't busy enough. Believe it or not, most restaurants, even small ones, have business plans... they do research and run numbers to figure out how much the need to bring in to make opening for the day worthwhile, and whether or not they are likely to get that many customers.
Robin replying to a comment from kitcta / February 23, 2012 at 03:43 pm
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looks like kitcta was on their period last week....

Come and Get it RULES!
Erika replying to a comment from kitchta / February 23, 2012 at 04:20 pm
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Who knows? Maybe they were running low on ingredients? I've seen this happen with lots of new restaurants.

I don't think anyone has a reason to empathize with you, kitcta. They are a new business testing out the waters. Give them a break.
v79 / March 1, 2012 at 07:14 pm
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Stopped by the other day and tried the chipotle short rib poutine. It was a good sized portion, and well worth the price, but taste wise it wasn't anything special whosoever. While the ribs were cooked to perfection, the fried onions didn't add anything to the dish, the gravy was under-seasoned and the chipotle was MIA. Decent, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat there again.
Jaeda Laurez (@DarthJaeda) replying to a comment from kitcta / March 6, 2012 at 10:35 pm
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A place so good it ran out of food? Oh, I DEFINITELY wouldn't eat there. *blank stare*

Anywho, I had the chicken sandwich, which was nice and garlicky- would have liked a little more acid to balance out the flavors, but the slaw helped with adding some texture and needed crunch, the chicken was super juicy, and it all tasted lovely and fresh.

If you don't want to go, then more for me!
keven / May 16, 2012 at 01:23 pm
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Went here today and had the Chipotle Beef Rib Sandwich. Great flavour and reasonably priced. They also had homemade ice tea, which was really on a warm day :)

Def going back.
Jack / August 7, 2012 at 01:54 pm
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meh...it was ok. There are better options in the hood.
JD / January 15, 2013 at 11:43 am
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Love this place. I work right next door and come here at least once a month.
Generous portions, cool atmosphere...
I can never finish the sandwich +fries + drink combo, but I get it every time because these are the BEST french fries I've ever had.
SandwichJoe / January 23, 2013 at 08:07 am
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Went there yesterday - first time. Had the short-rib sandwich. Delicious. Needed some hot sauce (mostly to add some vinegar tang). The bun was amazing. Really enjoyed. Staff was nice.
BlogTOcop replying to a comment from kitcta / February 22, 2013 at 07:54 pm
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@kitchta
You are the biggest loser and biggest coward on the planet. Honestly move to Antarctica and go hunt food for a living. You don't deserve to live somewhere where there are restaurants. You have no idea what its like to run a restaurant that is quick service and does not take reservations and is extremely busy. It is impossible to plan how much to prepare. See its morons like you who would complain if the food is not fresh or if it was frozen but then complain when they run out of something. The world doesnt fucking revolve around you you narcisictic fuck. They are doing their best. Everyone seems to really like them GO TO FUCKING LOBLAWS AND GET A COOKED CHICKEN. YOu don't have a clue what it takes to make good food so you don't deserve to eat it. HONESTLY ITS STUPID FUCKS LIKE YOU WHO MAKE THIS CITY SHIT!!!!!!!
Jenkie / February 28, 2013 at 02:33 pm
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My girls and I started a dance party outside of here on Nuit Blanche - they had a wicked DJ and the front windows were open with him spinning into the street. Haven't had the food but will defs be back here :)

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