Some Black-owned restaurants in the area that you will love

July 11, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Members of the community have been asking for some Black-owned restaurants in our community so they can support them in these trying times.

South Etobicoke is rich with dozens of African, West Indian, Hakka and other restaurants whose chefs take pride in their food, skills and facilities.

Here are a few Black-owned eateries that are good and have been tried and tested.

MANGOES RESTAURANT, 2491 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-253-1920

Co-owner Shoan Baker’s passion for cooking led to her starting Mangoes in Mimico four-years ago.

“It took some time but we are getting the support of the community and they love our food,” Baker says of her daily hot meals of curry goat, stew and jerk chicken and oxtail with recipes from her native Jamaica.

I like the stew chicken, but all the food is fresh, tasty and steaming hot.

GOLDEN COOK CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT – 2955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-259-3003.

Owner Garnell says she’s been at the same Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Islington Ave. corner for about 20-years and was one of the first Caribbean style restaurant in the area. “People keep coming back for our good food,” she says.

The restaurant carries ‘real Jamaican’ ackee and saltfish, curry goat, stew, jerk and curry chicken, oxtail and other dishes. The curry goat is a fave here since you can taste the assortment of flavours and well-cooked meals. At Golden Cook you can get a good serving, that is well-worth it.

CARIBBEAN QUEEN ROTI HUT, 2957 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-503-3419

Owner Eva has been making and selling her delicious rotis for almost 20-years at the same location. She has many regular customers who love her well-cooked and fresh rotis filled with curry goat, stew chicken or tasty beef. Add a little pepper, with a soft or alcoholic drink as the venue is licenced.

The rotis, which are made by Eva, are great and most cost under $10. Its all take-out at this time.

MICHAEL’s WEST INDIAN FLAVOUR, 3067 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 647-343-3611.

Yes, there is a Michael and his flavourful jerk chicken seems to be a favourite at this small take-out restaurant. You can expect to find a lineup here at lunchtime as area workers, in buses, trucks or taxis pull in for some of his delicious takeout.

“People know that they are getting good, honest, home-made food here,” Michael boasts. “We take pride in all the food we cook.’

The Lake Shore Blvd., and Eleventh Street eatery carries nice-tasting jerk chicken, curry goat, curry or stew chicken and tasty oxtail. It is worth checking out if the line-up is not too long.

TRINI GARDENS RESTAURANT, 3266 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-252-0794

Hard-working owner Elsie takes pride in her restaurant and her customers, many who have been returning for 20-plus years. The licenced establishment is known for its good food, whether it may be the standard fare of curry goat, stew, jerk or pepper chicken. It also carries some great soups and chow mein.

Trini Gardens has many fine reviews and people dub it a “little gem in the west end,” with many returning customers.

DUCKY’s ROTI, 3296 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-252-5858

This iconic roti shop has been around for quite a while and is known for its consistent, top-quality food. Ducky and his staff work hard to make fresh roti that can be filled with curry goat, shrimp, stew or jerk chicken, fish, beef and home-made currants roll.

The shop has been closed for COVID-19 has a dining area. It is worth a try when it reopens. Ducky is a long-time ‘Roti man,’ and his rotis are fresh and consistent.

Eight Street Skatepark survey and new murals this summer

July 11, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

The Eight Street Skatepark is a home for many young people during the summer.

A short survey is being circulated online by Eight Street Skatepark to collect community feedback for new murals being added this summer to the park.

Top muralists like Moises Frank (Luvsumone), Fatspatrol, Peru, Chris Perez and Nick Sweetman have their art proudly displayed in the Skatepark. Some of the art has faded from the weather and has to be redone.

Artists as Frank, Perez and Sweetman are in high-demand in Toronto and elsewhere. Many were recently involved in a Black Lives Matter Graffiti Alley that took place during the marches for equality last month.

“We plant to create four new murals to the skatepark this summer and provide maintenance to an already existing mural,” Skatepark officials said on Facebook. “This year’s project will focus on providing mentorship in the field of mural art.”

The project will provide an opportunity for artist assistants and a mural art project coordinator to be mentored, in an effort to build up the mural art talent in Toronto.

“Our goal is to collect community feedback so that the new murals being added to the Skatepark this summer reflect the community needs and ideas,” they said. “We have to ensure they are enjoyed.”

Located at Eight Street Park, at the corner of Eight St. and Birmingham St., the concrete community skatepark has a mix of flow and street, with a tough 5’ peanut-shaped bowl. This skatepark includes various sized quarterpipes, banks, stairs, rails, hedges and granite capped hubbas.

For further information contact skateparkmurals@gmail.com

Here’s some good news right in the ‘hood

July 8, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Area resident Moma Monica is today thanking her many mask buyers.

She took it upon herself on the outset of COVID-19 to launch a campaign to study and make her own line of face masks, which she then sold to friends, family and others to raise $1,170 which has been donated to the Black Health Alliance.

“I would like to thank everyone who bought a mask from me,” Monica told her supporters online.

The good news was applauded and shared by many on social media.

“Awesome thank you for your donation to a great cause,” Lystra Lewis-Bowles wrote.

“Thank you for doing this incredible fundraiser and letting us take part,” says Lisa Cunningham Davis. “Also, the masks are so comfortable!”

Penny Kyysalak O’Hare notes that the campaign benefits two causes.

It “provides masks to protect us and also to mental health resources which is very much needed,” she says. “Kudos.”

The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.

The movement continues to build innovative solutions to improve Black health and well-being, and mobilize people and financial resources to create lasting change in the lives of Black children, families and communities.

Alderwood couple launch Ear Saver project for frontline workers

July 8, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Alderwood residents Erik and Lynn Graham have created and donated more than 4,000 “ear savers” to area hospitals and are seeking support to produce more.

The 3D-printed plastic combs are designed to prevent painful ear chafing caused by mask elastics. They make a big difference for health care workers and volunteers who must wear protective gear all day. Recipients include workers at the Hospital for Sick Kids’, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Etobicoke’s Dorothy Ley Hospice.

The Grahams have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help defray the costs of producing this equipment and would welcome support in any amount. So far they have raised just under $1,000.

“I am a retired small business owner who is currently 3D printing a form of PPE (personal protective equipment) known as Ear Saver,” Graham says. “My purpose is to raise funds to support the purchase of two more Prusa 3D printers and defray the expenses of the PLA filament and shipping costs.”

Eric has invested $2,700 in the project so far and would like to raise $3,500 to keep the initiative going.

“My intent is to make this campaign completely and utterly revenue neutral, any residual funds will be donated,” to a list of hospitals, he says.

Many health care workers agree that wearing the masks for long periods of time is “spectacularly uncomfortable.”

“Nurses in particular are now reporting that they are getting physical sores from the rubbing of the elastic bands on the soft tissue behind their ears,” his material says.

The Ear Savers are printed using plant-based filament, biodegradable polymer and are easily sanitized with soap and water in the work place. They are durable and have been designed to be a “one size fits all” device.
You can make a donation at their Go Fund Me page at https://gf.me/u/yc79a2

Major condo project proposed at Kipling & Queensway Aves.

July 7, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

A mega condo development that will provide more than 800 residential units and dozens of stores is being planned for the Kipling and Queensway Aves. area.

A proposal is being considered on July 14 at Etobicoke York Community Council and is expected to get a green light.

Council will vote if a parcel of land at 1306 to 1310 The Queensway, on the north-west corner of Kipling Ave., should be deemed residential for the construction of the development to begin.

Architect Giannone Petridcone Associates says the 1306 The Queensway Condos “will be unlike anything we have ever seen.”

“The development will be built in all white materials,” the architects say on their website. “The first six floors will have dark brown panels and tinted visors on the sixth floor to protect residents from the sun.”

The complex will feature two high-rises connected by shared podiums reaching 31 and 24-storeys.

A total of 845 residential units are proposed, comprised of: 95 studio units; 491 one-bedroom units; 167 two-bedroom units; and 92 three-bedroom units.

Tower A will be 31-storeys high and face The Queensway and Tower B will be 24-storeys and overlook Kipling Ave. according to the plan.

The developer, KingSett Capital is known for creating residential suits that offer space and the most modern features and finishes which give residents the chance to enjoy a high-end living experience.

The application also proposes a public park at the southeast corner of the site, a stratified park and landscaped courtyard.

The site consists of two lots that are each occupied by a 1-storey commercial building used for an automobile dealership.

A total of 835 parking spaces would be located, of which 709 are proposed for resident use and 126 for commercial and visitor parking. A total of 636 bicycle parking spaces are proposed.

The plan will have to have to undergo input from the community in public meetings.

The units are expected to begin in the $400,000 price range, according to realtors.

Upscale boutique hotel planned for Humber Bay Shores

July 7, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

A premiere upscale hotel is being planned for Humber Bay Shores and what used to be called the Motel Strip.

A plan by Stay Inn Hospitality to build a 13-storey luxury hotel at 2157 Lake Shore Blvd. W. is up for consideration on July 14 by the Etobicoke York Community Council.

An Official Plan Amendment is sought to amend the Motel Strip Secondary plan to allow an increase in the maximum permitted density and building height.

The proposal, if approved, will see the hotel rise from a vacant staging area that is being used to build a 10-storey and 39-storey mixed used highrises.

The hotel, if it receives the green light, will have 165-suites and a ground-floor restaurant.

Plans show there will be a total of 54 parking spaces in a one-level underground parking garage.

City Planners have ruled that public community consultations for the project has to occur before the building is approved.

“The redevelopment of the lands within the Humber Bay Shores Development Area (also known as the Motel Strip) has resulted in a new mixed use, high density community that provides the surrounding area with a new waterfront destination,” the developers say.

Ironically, the site was previously occupied by the Silver Moon Motel, which was demolished in 2008. It was one of more than a dozen mostly family-run motels that once thrived in the area.

Stay Inn brochures says it “offers a selection of room types for every traveller, from classic rooms to executive Jacuzzi suites, you will enjoy modern accommodations with top amenities and hotel features at a fabulous rate.”

Residents complain of dozens of fires being set on our beaches

July 5, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Irate Humber Bay Shores residents say little is being done about the illegal fires and boozing that goes on most nights on their beaches.

Resident Joel Batters says enough is enough in a letter posted on social media to Councillor Mark Grimes in which he says he “ventured out into basically a full-out rave.”

There were “literally hundreds of people having fires, drinking, bbq’ing and partying on our beaches.”

“This has got to stop,” Batters pleaded. “Our neighbourhood is becoming an excuse for groups of people to come and do essentially whatever they please, and apparently even having a Toronto Fire presence isn’t making a difference.”

Toronto Police say dozens of fires are being set nightly by partiers in all our major parks, which includes Marie Curtis, Col. Samuel Smith and Humber Bay Park, which has the largest density of people living nearby.

Police have launched an educational campaign to remind residents that lighting fires in the parks are illegal and can lead to a fine of $360.

Fire officials have received dozens of calls in recent weeks about fires being illegally set in different parks as part of drinking parties that can include up to 20 or more people.

Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong says some of the fires are left lit by departed partiers and can possibly cause bush fires.

Police and firefighters took part in inspecting some of the worst areas on July 4.

“We want to let people know that it is illegal to light a fire in city parks,” Jondong says.

Police say the situation is so bad that more than 60 fires were burning at some points on July 1 in area parks.

“There were people coming in to the parks with bundles of wood.” he says. “It is very dry out there and these fires can easily get out of hand.”

Officers are also advising park users they must leave by 11 p.m.

Former Reeve Ozzie Waffle was Etobicoke’s top salesman

July 2, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Former Etobicoke Reeve H. O. (Ozzie) Waffle was an Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, car salesman and top booster of our community in a time of expansion.

Waffle, the owner of Islington Ford dealership at Dundas St. W. and Islington Ave. for more than 40-years, was a Reeve for the township of Etobicoke from 1957 to 1962, when things were booming.

He is timely today since during his two terms Etobicoke was busy catering to a post-war population explosion that led to the township offices being moved to a new civic centre at 399 The West Mall, which served us well for more than 50-years.

The Etobicoke centre is being moved again to the former Westwood Theatre site at Six Points. The new location will be closer to transit and is slated to include a recreation centre, library, child care centre, public square and improved office space.

Waffle loved flight and served as chair of the Metro Civil Defence Organization and Queensway Hospital. It was under his tenure in 1958 that a young Queen Elizabeth visited Etobicoke to be met by thousands of her adoring subjects.

He is described ‘as a self-appointed leader of his community,’ for helping others during Hurricane Hazel in October 1954, when he organized a shortwave radio communications centre during the flooding to help others obtain clothing, food supplies and fuel.

“He helped to provide emergency heating for the children’s hospital and as one of Etobicoke’s leading auto dealers, got a truck convoy system working,” according to news at the time.

Waffle made a name for himself in 1958 by voting for a monorail system, rather than a subway, which was approved by Metro Council. Then Toronto Mayor Nathan Phillips was pushing for a subway which council approved 16 to 8.

Waffle, and partner, George Ledingham, started Islington Ford in 1946 after returning from military service after WW11. The dealership was merged with others in 1985 to create Thorncrest Sherway Inc.

He passed away in March 1980 and a tribute was paid to him in the Ontario Legislature for his love for Etobicoke.

“He was a great salesman for Etobicoke,” MPP John Palmer MacBeth said in the House. “He put Etobicoke on the map in the days of its expansion.”

MacBeth said: ”I guess there wasn’t a conference around Canada he didn’t attend and make well known where he was from. He was a builder in Etobicoke, a man of optimism.”

He said Waffle suffered from a debilitating disease that kept him handicapped for the last 10 years of his life, and yet continued to contribute to the welfare of the community.

Health and Wellness with fitness expert Adrianne Szabo-Payne

July 1, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Allow your body to start from scratch.

What is it about Spring or Fall cleaning that gets you excited? Do you feel uplifted, lighter, freer?

Now consider how cleansing your body periodically would make you feel. I’m not talking about the obvious showering, brushing your teeth, etc. I’m talking about a nutritional cleanse to help move out toxins and provide the body with a good reset. Unless you engage in daily self-care and eat a super clean diet, overtime your body will retaliate and show signs of early aging, chronic illness, or disease.

The environmental, physical and psychological stress and toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis take a toll on our organs and systems. Periodic cleansing can lead to clearer thinking, elimination of allergies, better energy levels and sleep quality, and releases stubborn fat.

A number of cleanse programs exist on the market today. The key is to find what resonates with you and works with your lifestyle.

You can start with the basics – removal of processed foods, refined sugars, artificial foods, caffeine, etc.

Anything that is deprived of nutrients should be eliminated. From there you can take a number of different paths. There are kits you can pick up at your local health food store that can support your major organs through the cleanse, but these aren’t specifically necessary.

Most cleanses incorporate an element of fasting and tend to be comprised of juiced fruits, vegetables, roots and herbs, so they are nutrient dense and loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Depending on the cleanse you select, be mindful of the number of calories you are taking in. Most cleanses can be low in protein and fat, leaving you feeling hungry, craving sweets, and low on energy.

You may also experience headaches and spontaneous 24-hour colds if your body is detoxing too quickly.

Therefore, it is important to drink lots of cleansing fluids like water, lemon juice, and herbal teas. You can also consider adding a spoonful of chia to your cleanse drink to help boost fibre for better elimination, and provide protein and fat for energy.

Whichever path you choose, make sure to consult your family physician or a nutritionist if you are already living with compromised health.

Completing a cleanse 1-2 times a year is a good idea. Cleansing and supporting your organs and systems makes it easier to fight infection, handle stress, and can help prevent more serious issues down the road.

If you would like more information on nutritional cleanse programs, or would like to join our cleansing community, feel free to drop us an email at info@monkeytreewellness.com.

Happy cleansing.

Also connect with Adrianne on Facebook at @monkeytreefitness or #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram or visit her site at www.monkeytreewellness.com

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