Ask any chef about the pc28food scene and they’ll wax poetic about the merits of its uniquely diverse offerings. Egypt-born Monika Wahba, co-owner and chef at Ѳ’s, may know this better than anyone. After immigrating to Canada in 2000 when she was just 10 years old, she says the cultural sights, smells and tastes of pc28were irresistible. “I remember the first neighbourhood I was exposed to as a child was Greektown,” says Wahba. “We never missed a chance to go to Taste of the Danforth.”
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Witnessing, and falling for, the city’s gastronomic expanses helped lead Wahba to open her east end institution, Maha’s. Serving up inventive Egyptian brunch for the last decade, her restaurant — named after Wahba’s mom and the home cooking that defined Wahba’s childhood — is a family dream realized. “My brother Mark and I became really inspired by the idea of recreating our own ‘Little Egypt’ one day, and this inspiration was poured into Ѳ’s,” she says.
The coffee order
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, 807 Gerrard St. E.
“It’s hard for me to get coffee just anywhere since I am truly spoiled by my brother, but Alice Marie makes a mean cortado. They just opened up shop a couple of months ago and are quickly becoming an east-end favourite. Rachelle (Cornish) is an amazing baker and Aaron (Hubley) is a sandwich and salad master, plus they both love coffee, so really, it’s a match made in heaven.”
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The date night spot
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, 505 College St.
“I love the romantic atmosphere in this one-of-a-kind space. Their cocktails are perfect — my partner and I like to order four different ones and share. It’s hard not to order everything on the menu. I love the shrimp à la planxa, and the croquettes are probably the best I’ve ever had. Their kitchen bread is a must to soak up all the juices from the dishes.”
The new favourite
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, 597 College St.
“Owned by my dear friends Martine and Jonathan (Bauer), Vinoteca Pompette does not miss. Chef Martine and I actually met on the TTC a couple of years ago and we bonded over owning restaurants. Truly everything on the menu at Vinoteca Pompette is scrumptious — particularly the seasonal squash ravioli dauphiné — and the service is absolutely excellent.”
The divine dessert
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, 362 King St. E.
“Roselle is owned by the most lovely couple, Stephanie (Duong) and Bruce (Lee). All of their desserts are incredibly hard to resist. Their Pumpkin Chiffon is perfectly airy and just oh so scrumptious.”
The breakfast place
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, 678 Queen St. E.
“The White Lily Diner is a humble little place with incredible house-made everything and wonderful produce from their farm. I always order the Southern Breakfast, which comes with two eggs, bacon, grits, gravy, fermented greens and a buttermilk biscuit.”
The next on her list
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, 3953 Jordan Rd., Jordan Station
“Restaurant Pearl Morissette—I’ve been dying to go! The space looks incredible, the menu is ever changing and innovative, the farm looks like a dream come true and the people behind it are wonderful — need I say more?”
The easy dinner
, 1280 Kennedy Rd.
“Pho Vietnam in Scarborough is hands down my favourite Vietnamese spot in Toronto. It’s relaxed and casual with very friendly service. I always order their classic shrimp and brisket cold rolls — which are truly unmatched — and P15, their pho with grilled chicken.”
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