MARZANNA outside her Viking Fish and Chips, one of the only ones left in Mimico. Photo by Tom Godfrey.
South Etobicoke has been described as the ‘fish and chips capital’ of Toronto.
Tastes have changed and today many long-time residents miss the many busy fish and chips eateries that once dominated the South Etobicoke landscape.
Many have shut down over the years leaving about six fish and chips outlets struggling to make ends meet in Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch.
“At one time we had fish and chips places on every block,” says Marzanna Campbell, an owner of Viking Fish and Chips, which is well-known in the community for its tasty fish and chips for seven decades.
The deluxe fish house opened in 1952 with a busy dining spot on The Queensway. It was purchased by Marzanna and her husband, and the business moved to 2416 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Superior Avenue, which is undergoing work to replace streetcar lines.
LONG-TIME customer Charles waiting for an order of his favourite at New Toronto Fish and Chips.
“At one time there were lineups on Fridays by people outside the store and down the street,” she recalls. “We still have our regulars who come in every day for fish and chips.”
She insists that Viking was at one time the ‘the number one fish and chips place in Etobicoke.”
Marzanna believes the fall of the fish may be due to the many new immigrants, who bring to Canada their own taste, foods and restaurants. Fish back then was a preferred dish on meatless Fridays by the many British and other Europeans arriving in Canada.
“I love fish and chips and can eat it every day,” she says. “We are proud to be one of the oldest fish and chips restaurants in Etobicoke.”
A favourite for many these days includes New Toronto Fish and Chips, at 146 Fifth Street and Halibut Fish and Chips, 2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
COLUMNIST and Retired Judge Lloyd Budzinski grew up selling fish and chips in Long Branch.
Retired Judge Lloyd Budzinski, a columnist for the South Etobicoke News, at one time worked at his dad’s store The Boulevard Fish and Chips, which operated from 1965 to 1971 near Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Thirty Third Street.
“There are less fish and chips stores in the area now compared to back in the day,” Budzinski reflects. “The price of fish has increased so much and it is less a blue-collar dish.”
He says area residents many years ago included many “blue collar working people,” to whom fish was popular and affordable.
He recalls back when fish lovers could purchase a piping hot order of halibut and fries for 45 cents. Today the same meal cost $15.