Whenever people go away for long periods of time, they spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about leaving their friends and family. What they don’t realize they will miss are the everyday things that are so common and convenient, they’re almost invisible. I am trying to avoid these oversights and become more aware of the things I will leave behind with each passing day. My hour-and-fifteen-minute bus/subway ride on the TTC everyday, copy editing class, salt stains on the bottom of my jeans: these are things I am only too happy to leave behind. But there are also those things which I hesitate to leave behind and will miss dearly while I am gone.
This is why I will dedicate my last two weeks to dining at my favourite Toronto establishments. It is with pleasure and sadness I introduce the Last Suppers. This is the first in a series of heartbreaking and savoury goodbyes.
New York Subway
520 Queen St. W. / 416-703-4496
The name is a misnomer; New York Subway is the go-to place for burritos. Some people will swear that Burrito Boyz is the best burrito joint in town. I have heard this testimony often and do not take it lightly. However, I still haven’t had a chance to try out the Boyz. But for those of us who have no reason to be in the Richmond/Adelaide area and avoid going there unnccessarily, I am happy to go on believing.
Their sandwich board advertising a spinach burrito for $3.99 attracted to eat here for the first time, and, to this day, it remains my favourite. The main cook is a stoic man but makes a burrito just as mean as he sometimes comes off. When he asks you how spicy you want it, keep in mind their sauce is more rich and creamy than mouth-burning. Their burritos are a perfect example of spicy flavourful and not spicy hot. The only burrito I’ve tried and haven’t liked was the cheese and eggplant burrito. It sounded good in theory but was just bland.
This is a popular lunch take-out place, so during your wait expect to see people who walk in after you to get their food before you. Preparation takes an eon in retail job lunch time, even when there is no line. Call ahead if you’re in a rush; this is anything but fast food. That isn’t a dig at the service, but a reminder that gourmet burritos, like all gourmet food, are best enjoyed with leisure.
