All collections in Toronto. Paradise Regained the restoration of the Paradise Theatre. Share. We also offer outdoor dining on our glass enclosed, heated Terrace/Veranda year-round. This was in late 50s and through the 60s so Im sure they both knew your grandmother. This chain first appeared at 234 Bloor Street West, in 1954, and in the years ahead opened over 200 eateries throughout Canada and the U.S. One of them was the Town and Country, which had opened in 1949 in the Westminster Hotel at Gould and Mutual Streets. 514 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M5N 1A5 Get directions. Also like Vetere's, the Pizza was phenomenal, and their 99 cent Root Beer floats with take home glass were the stuff of playground legend. 24. In the 60s we liked to meet at Queen and Yonge at Joe Birds, part of Diana Sweets. 80 Blue Jays Way. New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse 334 reviews Closed today Steakhouse, Cajun & Creole $$ - $$$ Menu "The Cajun Calamari were made to perfection and very tender." Enhance this page - Upload photos! Ask Vancouver's memory keeper, John Atkin, anything about Vancouver history, then hit "send.". We need more of these memories postedthe guitarist who played at the 33rd? This is a true eater's city. Vintage 1980's Toronto Skyline Framed Matted Photo Art Wall Hanging Island Ferry 1970's 70's 80's Cityscape Ontario Photograph Picture ad by HeartU2 Ad from shop HeartU2 HeartU2 From shop HeartU2. It was one of the most well-known restaurants in Toronto for over a decade, famous for its Leek and Stilton soup. There are many more Toronto restaurants of the 1960s and 1970s, as I have only listed the ones that either I visited or remember well. Thank you so much I was privileged to enjoy most of these wonderful establishments over three decades. Hope its still there. It was named the Normac. Our favorite memories included breakfast at Sassafraz. In my opinion, it was one of the best restaurants in Toronto ever. It eventually suffered from chain restaurant disease and become bland (cilantro/garlic-free salsa). We visited LHardys frequently, and when I asked a waiter if I could have a menu as a souvenir, he gave me one that had not been used. Lime Ricky's on Eglinton was the first to come to mind. We visited the restaurant after it relocated to Dundas Street West, opposite the Art Gallery (AGO), but it was not the same. They had the seafood restaurant upstairs. It opened at 375 Church Street in 1964. I have memories of falling asleep (on weekends when I could work in the coat check room to make dimes and quarters, in the back of the Dixie location waiting for banquets etc to end. Does anyone remember Bentleys restaurant in North Toronto? One note is that Carmans has reopened. It had a name like the Percy House, but nothing came up googling that. Could someone remember the name. I want to say the name may have been Kon-Tiki? Opening week, New City Hall Photographer: Toronto Fire Department,1965 Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue Photographer: Eric Trussler, 1962 O'Keefe Centre opening Photographer: Alexandra Studio, 1960 Waiting at traffic lights Napoleon restaurant was at 79 Grenville Street, a short distance west of Bay Street. Do you remember a delightful Greek restaurant that was on the west side of Church St. midway between Wellington and The Esplanade? Would certainly add the Vikings for relaxed but very nice dining; Frank Hansen was the owner/manager. For those of us who grew up in the city/suburban Toronto in the 80s and 90s: which ones were your favourites? The other Frans on College (which is still there) had the Spaghetti Cellar downstairs and it was nice too. "the kitchen sink," made of 16 scoops of ice cream and covered with crushed up candy bars), this was the place to be when hanging around the Eaton Centre. In the 1990s, it was a jazz bar frequented by celebs including Tony Bennett and Eartha Kitt, owned by matre d' to the stars, Louis Janetta. I remember the all-you-can-eat lobster buffet that was served on the top deck during the summer months. I started going to Switzers on Spadina in 1955. The restaurant was so successful that Ed Mirvish expanded and opened Eds Seafood, Eds Chinese, Eds Italian and Eds Folly (a lounge). Another bargain restaurant chain we frequented in the 1960s was the Steak and Burger. I am not certain of its location, but I believe it was on Dundas Street West, near Bay Street. Noticing the geography of your prefered restaurants, Im sure you must remember mine. Answer: Bonanza Ponderosa Both these were family steak houses owned by actor Dan Blocker who played HOSS on the tv hit series called BONANZA about the Ponderosa ranch. Used to be when it came to family dining out on a budget, Toronto was spoiled for choice. This was in September 1957. Georges Spaghetti House was a wonderful restaurant with a great menu. The Goulash Pot at Yonge and Bloor was another Hungarian restaurant. Photo of the front (insert) and the interior of Quo Vadis Restaurant, from Chuckmans Postcard Collection (chuckmantorontonostalgia.wordpress.com). It did not last long under the new management. - also score high on the nostalgic food-o-meter, primary thanks to their yummy deep fried ice cream, piping hot plates and cheap margaritas. Another fave of mine was The Moorings, best lobster thermidor in the city! I inquired if I should wear a tie and jacket and was told that they were unnecessary. When my friends and I attended theatres such as Sheas Hippodrome, The Imperial, Loews Downtown, Biltmore, Savoy or the Downtown, we sometimes splurged and went to the Chicken Palace at 404 Yonge Street, where we ordered deep fried chicken and french fries, served in a wicker basket. Today, I possess fond memories of this fine dining establishment. I remember going to Lime Rickey's (I think it was on Steeles?? Did you know him? Thankfully not all of our beloved retro chains have sad endings: Mothers Pizza Parlour & Spaghetti House, another fondly remembered family joint - returned from the grave back in 2013. Another fondly remembered chain also owned by Foodex Inc. of Toronto was Ponderosa. The president of the National Restaurant Association reported that the country's half million restaurants enjoyed rising sales throughout the mid-1970s, with 1975's take 16% higher than the year before. What was your maiden name or your fathers name who worked there? Joso's. Known for its curvaceous statuary, Joso's is Toronto's most famous Dalmatian restaurant. Which surprises me as it was a wonderfully bizarre experience. So many happy dining memories. You are using an out of date browser. . Does anybody remember the Club 12 in Toronto, I believe it closed in the late 50s. Maybe around Bloor St. and Avenue Rd. Just steps away from the Gardens. It is difficult to realize today how popular the Swiss Chalet was in the early-1960s. During the years 1980-1986, I did a lot of street photography in Toronto. The restaurants housed an authentic Cowboy styled atmosphere with saloon doors, stag horns, wood walls, yellow and brown uniforms for the staff and red and white checkered table clothes. I remember that when entering the restaurant, I walked over a wooden foot bridge that spanned a stream of flowing water. Funky, pre-gentrified Jack Astors. Any good substitutes? We had our wedding reception upstairs at Scotts on Bloor street it later became Scotts Chicken Villa and then KFC. " 20/06/2020 " Fabulous ice cream and gelato. Congratulations to anyone who grew up in Toronto in the 1980s you had it all! I believe they were licensed so you could order a fine wine or beer with Muddy York is still alive, albeit in the Rogers Centre. One chain you didnt list was pickin chicken and their VW delivery vehicles. The sign and awning are there but it closed long ago. A very interesting trip down memory laneso many of the spots that I had long forgotten about. Check their menu, reviews & rating, photos, price, location, cuisine, offers, and more. It was on the west side of Bay Street, a few doors north of Gerrard. The complimentary salad had a tangy garlic dressing. Fat Pasha. Toronto Gone - photos from 1980s Toronto. Loved reading this and all the great memories. The feature that I remember the most was the hors-doeuvres cart, which contained at least twenty appetizers, including escargot (heavy with garlic), trays of stuffed olives, stuffed mushrooms, wine-marinated anchovies, pureed cottage cheese with cognac and scallions, and quenelles of shrimp. I doyes it was very posh. We used to hop in a cab from Mississauga/Etobicoke and spend our pay cheque at the Ports of Call and always to the Bali Hi room and then afterwords, would go out to Yorkville to a bar. I remember cabbage rolls, meatballs with rice, beef stew & baklava for dessert. We won't fault you for getting misty-eyed over these failed fast-food chain restaurants from the 1980s. Fond memories of Georges Spaghetti House on Dundas St. famous for its pizzathis from visits from the late 50s to early 60sas well as the Jazz combo that played near the entrance. Pickin Chicken, Lake Shore Blvd West (1980s) by Patrick Cummins. The Ports of Call also had two bars the Singapore Bar (Asian) and the Batton Rouge Bar (French), the latter featuring dancing. Also, the deserts on display were always a sight to behold. UTPro Instant Reports: Residential Density Spiking in Midtown. When I came to Canada as a child from Denmark in the mid fifties Mermaid restaurant was called the Little Mermaid restaurant on Bay Street. However, my first experience with its barbequed chicken was at 362 Yonge Street, which remains in existence today. I was told that one of the oldest was the Geneva Restaurant on the north side of Queen Street East. The Old Fish Market Restaurant at 12 Market Street. Johns, which was moored on the east side of the Jadran. Remember JJ Muggs at the Eaton Centre? Regardless, this historic tavern is a reliable spot for beers and pub grub, imbued with Toronto history. Does anyone remember a restaurant called Le Mascaron at First Canadian Place? At the time it was what would be called a greasy spoon with a counter and those revolving bar stools. I am sure I saw and heard Moe Koffman on one of my visits. Joes and Moes Eglinton west of Bathurst For her, there was no turning back. Unfortunately, the boat was rammed by the Trillium ferry and sunk. Husband & wife moved and still operate a fine restaurant in the Gattineau area. Steakhouse, Lounge, Asian, Chinese, Alcohol Served, Gluten Free Foods. From the late-1960s until the 1980s, the name of the Maitre d was Tage Christensen. I remember the tunnel and the soft chocolate malted ice cream cones wed buy at one end of the tunnel. I also loved Michi on Church as mentioned in your article (chicken yakitori) and Graf Bobby and Acropole but we went to one just east of Yonge at St. Clair. A throwback to another time and era. They also served excellent salads. The stronghold of McDonald's, Pizza Hut , Burger King, and other giants of the '80s made the competition stiff. After attending the theatre, we visited Bassels where we usually ordered coffee and pie with whipped cream, or if we went to Bassels in the evening, before the theatre, we had a western sandwich and fries. Though shunned by the food elite, corporate chain . It was reported that John Turner had his own table at Winstons. The only place in the city where we could find the swiss fondue style menu (there was a restaurant out near Port Credit that also specialized in raclette fondue. As in big fat Lardys? Check out the list of all Restaurants in Eglinton Avenue East. Other places: an Italian restaurant at Bayview Village (where Il Fornello is now), Max's (now O&B) and before it was Max's, I think it was a pub called Charlie's (shut when I was six or so). The owner (whose name I cant remember) lived in a posh house in Mississauga with an indoor pool, which was a big deal in the 50s. I still have the silver tea service they gave my mom when she left. Memory sometimes plays tricks, so if I have committed errors, I hope that readers will be understanding. The restaurants housed an authentic Cowboy styled atmosphere with saloon doors, stag horns, wood walls, yellow and brown uniforms for the staff and red and white checkered table clothes. Dining in Toronto in past decades was far different to the culinary scene that the city now offers. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It closed up years ago. The Bagel King The original bagel place Eglinton west He explained that they required the dress code to prevent vagrants from across the street at the railroad yards from entering the establishment. Because Maple Leaf Gardens was a few blocks south of it, it was very busy on nights when the Leafs played home games. Toronto Gone represents the final photos, the ones I have not posted before or published. Either one might still be in place, albeit perhaps under different names; I havent been to the building since Simpsons went out of business, and havent been downtown in a long while, as well. Maxi owned the bar/restaurant and always greeted you at the door. that was a Toronto streetcar converted to an eating place? Brings back so many memories! They had a Polynesian/Chinese menu. Located in the heart of Hoggs Hollow just south of York Mills and Yonge, Toronto's famous Jolly Miller has been reborn as the Miller Tavern, complete with a bar lounge, elegant casual dining and one of the city's largest outdoor patios. From chef Akira Back, who garnered a Michelin Star for his restaurant in Seoul, his namesake Toronto restaurant offers an incredible experience, from the expertly crafted food and beverage program and the exceptional service right down to the show-stopping design. Remember, I said reasonably.. It specialized in seafood & served excellent fish & chips. Does anyone remember this restaurant? This was my first introduction to Chinese Food. Known as the best Jamaican restaurant in Toronto, Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen serves traditional Caribbean cuisine with healthy culinary twists. Brought back wonderful memories of the anniversary trips my wife and I took to Toronto from 1974 to early 2000s. I remember Floritine Court, first on west side of Church St. south of Adelade, then east side of Church St. just south of Richmond. When did smoking come to an end in Toronto's restaurants? Although it didn't hold up against Chili's, TGI Fridays, and Applebee's, there was a time when it was fairly ubiquitous throughout the states. This would be in the early 1950s. It was real nice. I spoke to a cook called Jimmy at the Dairy Freezer at St. Clair & Caledonia who told me he used to work at the Dixie Prime. Sep 13, 2019 - Restaurants that I ate at as a child..most no longer exist. Toronto Archives, F1257, item 0504. Menus, Photos, Ratings and Reviews for Seafood Restaurants in Toronto - Seafood Restaurants By using this site you agree to Zomato's use of cookies to give you a personalised experience. Pleasant??? One woman prepared in the kitchen. I am trying to remember a restaurant with very high ceilings, sky lights, lots of trees and hanging plants. South on Bay, down some steps, dark, red banquettes. The tables had candles in bottles dripping with years of wax. A very entertaining article. I have yet to find another place that makes battered shrimp as amazingly as they did*sigh*. The other favourite buffet in that decade was the Savarin Tavern, located at 336 Bay Street. Too much new construction going on and they tear all the old buildings down. They were fully licenced & served a specialty calledbobos. I believe the location was by the LCBO store by Yonge & Shaftsbury. Its intimate atmosphere and excellent food were delightful. What a awonderful interesting writing on Toronto restaurant memorabilia. The Restaurant Boasts Of Its Food And Location. Both the service and the food were beyond excellent. This is where I attended a wedding reception in its banquet room in the basement. 5 out of 5 stars (101) $ 50.00. Please read the cookie policy for more information or to delete/block them. The Black Bull Tavern also crowns itself as Toronto's oldest bar, dating back to 1833. It relates anecdotes and stories of the author and others who experienced these grand old movie houses. Roaring 1920s style decor with wood and decorated glass, Tiffany lamps, red and white gingham, and Black & White silent films playing on screens all around the restaurant guaranteed Mothers was a place that once visited was never forgotten. I remember if they sat you in the back you looked over the ravine. There were two famous buffet restaurants in Toronto in the 1960s. Upstairs was where everyone went for their delicious steaks! It was a bold venture to open a restaurant in that location in 1963, as the railway yards were on the south side of King Street. It had one of the first salad bars in TO. This sandwich was first introduced in the mid 1970s and lasted until the mid 1990s, representing the Bell's attempt at their own fast food hamburger. It was like dining in a beautiful forest. 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