Family-owned Toronto diner just got a huge shout-out on a major podcast
A Toronto diner that's been a neighbourhood landmark for 40 years just got a special shout-out on the world stage thanks to a rising star that's particularly close to the operation.
The average person may recognize actress Miku Martineau for her work on a variety of shows and movies over the years, including, most recently, Netflix's Crew Girl, but to longtime residents of Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood, the actress has a much different claim to fame.
Martineau, who grew up in the neighbourhood, just so happens to be the daughter of Beacher Cafe owners Peter and Kumiko Martineau, who've run the iconic local diner since 1999, before Miku was even born.
Growing up around the restaurant — a true neighbourhood landmark — evidently left an impression on Martineau, as in an appearance on the Zach Sang Show podcast, she gave her parents' business, and the neighbourhood it serves, a huge shout-out.
Discussing her upbringing in Toronto, Martineau shocks Sang by telling him she grew up in the "Beaches of Toronto"; the fact that Toronto has beaches evidently coming as a surprise to the host.
"No one knows this!" Martineau laughs. "It's a community in the East End, and it's gorgeous, [...] I loved growing up there."
She then goes on to shout out her parents' restaurant by name, explaining its significance in the community.
When the podcast posted a clip of the conversation to its Instagram account, the comments were quickly flooded with fellow Beachers expressing their love and appreciation for Martineau's parents and their restaurant.
"@miku.martineau as fellow Beachers we thank you and your family for the Beacher Cafe. The best Pre-band practice spot," locally grown band Down With Webster commented on the reel.
"What a great shout-out to beautiful Beaches—East York! The @thebeachercafetoronto is a local legend — and one my family's favourite spots," wrote former CTV News reporter-turned aspiring City Councillor Natalie Johnson.
And you can take it from one more Beacher: the Beacher Cafe is all it's cracked up to be, and, even if Miku's star is on the rise internationally, Peter and Kumiko will always be just as famous to me.
The Beacher Cafe is located at 2162 Queen St. E.
Beacher Cafe
