Freshwood Grill Dining Experience

If you don't live near or around Roncesvalles, than you have probably never heard of the glory that is Freshwood Grill. This place isn't out to impress anybody, because it knows it doesn't need to. It's got the goods, and it knows it's got the goods, and it knows that you'll know it's got the goods once you've tried out the goods... that are quite good. Alright, let's look at atmosphere first. Freshwood is the epitome of self-aware confidence. The first thing you see when you walk through the entrance is the kitchen behind a wonderfully cluttered bar. You see the chef, plying his craft so easily with the flare of an artist, perhaps even a surrealist. It can be hypnotising, but try to keep moving through. Beyond this kitchen pit is the humble seating area and bar, reminiscent of the 1950s cafe ideals we watch on television screens. Their liquor menu(s) hang from the ceiling listing their abundant choices. I recommend the sangria. Or, if you're not jiving to the booze tune, order one of their many freshly squeezed juices (Mango juice is a-okay, let me tell you). Beyond the clutter of chairs and tables (quite movable for any sized party), is the patio. Oh the patio. It's like kicking it in your pal's backyard, all green and sunny. Don't forget your shades if you're going so spend an aft in this green alcove. Apart from the rugged bouquet of fresh yellow daisies that sit on the bar, Freshwood doesn't subscribe to pointless trinkets or other material symbols of status. Other than the giant and wonderfully kitsch swordfish that graces the back wall - since they are known for their sea-food - Freshwood has an interior design scheme similar to... hmmmm... a functional, frugal, yet intrinsically hip Bohemian loft. Also, the servers will always remind you of the person you wish you were, if you were cooler and slightly more attractive. Ha!
And now to discuss the food. FOOD! Mmmmmm. As I've already mentioned, Freshwood is well known for its seafood, as well as its pizza. I, however, recommend an omelet. Their omelets are the all-time hands-down I'd-bet-my-stomach-on-it best omelets EVER. With ingredients like goat cheese, portabello mushroom, and feta, you can't go wrong (especially when the price is so right). Their sweet potato fries are also bang-on fantastic. Don't forget to order some mayo, like their roasted garlic, for dipping!
So all in all, Freshwood Grill will never fail to awe. It's got everything anyone could ever need when strolling down Roncesvalles Ave. on a brisk Spring evening. It is one of the most down-to-earth places this up-to-sky girl has ever had the pleasure of dining. I can only hope that Freshwood will never sell-out, and give itself up to The Man. NEVER!

Check it out.
The Freshwood Grill


Technorati Tags: Freshwood Grill, omelets, seafood, swordfish

Welcome to Roncy!

Roncesvalles Avenue is hipper than hip. It's true. This small little street is tucked away in the central west end of the city of Toronto, and is quickly becoming quite the hub of all things verging on trendy. It's unpretentious air is the heart of its charm, like some sort of mellow brick road. And I can assure you, this road can be followed all the way to coolness. No heel clicking required. The pubs and restaurants of Roncy are humble and simple, not hiding behind any showy images of minimalist design or uncomfortably elegant furniture. Roncy is truth, I say. What you see is what you get... until you order some food. The food is FABULOUS! I can honestly say I had the greatest omelet of my life on Roncy. No word of a lie. But more on that later.
The architecture of Roncesvalles is also a reason to visit. The homes that line the side streets are beautiful examples of early city building styles, dotted with churches and walk-ups that decorate the lovely Roncy village with classic designs.
As far as the TTC is concerned, Roncy is readily available. It is fully streetcar equipped, extending out of the Dundas West subway station at Bloor and Dundas W. Just hop on the tram, and go from Bloor to Queen, letting you take in Roncy in its entirety. However, I urge you to walk along Roncy. The window shopping is superb, with old fashioned cobbler shops and a revered statue of Pope John Paul II. And if you need a break from city walking, just walk a couple of blocks west and you'll find yourself looking upon the forested walls of High Park. Walk around. Smell some trees. Can't go wrong.
I am lucky enough to live at the top of Roncesvalles, and spend the majority of my free time walking up and down its sidewalks people-watching and strutting. You'll generally always find me having a pint in The Local, catching a movie at The Revue, or sipping a latte in Alternative Grounds. And so, I will spread my love of Rocy and record my wonderful Roncy experiences here. Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Toronto, Roncesvalles, The Local, The Revue, TTC, High Park