Many many years ago, the Village on the Grange was home to a most unusual restaurant. It was called Ginsberg and Wong; a family spot that offered Jewish-style deli and Jewish-style Chinese food on different sides of the same menu. The concept was unique, and I imagine if it had been located in Thornhill it would have done tremendous business, especially on Christmas eve. Sadly, it was not to be.
Some might say that the spirit of Ginsberg and Wong lives on through the eclectic offerings in the food court that now dominates the VoG. If your tastes, like Carmen Sandiego, run across the globe, chances are you'll find something here you haven't tried before. Most places are indy outposts; a few mini-chains, and of course, the odd multi-national corporation (McFlurries rock, don't judge).
One of the best options is Karines, whiich may or may not have more than one location, and for $5 serves one of the best breakfasts in the city. They also serve a fine selection of vegan items, fresh salads and hearty soups...but I can make salad or soup when I get home. I rarely have time for a full breakfast spread.
And what a spread it is. Start with coffee. Seriously. Because it's good, and unlike the aforementioned multinational corporation, they offer free refills. I'm sure it's awesome for the local OCAD kids, but also helps the grizzled adults. It's regularly hot and fresh, if a lighter roast than I'd brew myself.
The plate itself is a thing of beauty.
Eggs any way you like, but generally a bit overcooked unless you specify (I like my scrambled eggs on the runny side).
Bacon is brunt to hell as requested, or opt for sausage grilled to crispy-skinned perfection and sliced on the bias.
Did you order a side of fruit or a glass of OJ? No? Good. You get a trip through the produce section with your order, anyway. We're talking full on fruit salad, all ripe and bursting with healthy goodness-less a garnish than a dessert in and of itself, occasionally featuring exotics like star fruit or dragon fruit. It's the best thing this side of Cora's, for less than half the price of their breakfast place.
To balance all those anti-oxidants, one needs some deep-fried free radicals, and Karine's is happy to oblige. Enter properly francais skinny, amber frites in mass quantities, perfect for spearing into over-easy egg yolk, or dousing in one of their selection of hot sauces (this alone is worth a star), or, if you must, in ketchup.
If you're feeling dangerous, you can order them tossed with raw garlic and chopped parsley, which makes them fierce enough to forgo the hot sauce (and probably means you'll be Netflix-and-chilling alone for the evening).
If you're a breakfast fiend, you should go to Karine's. If not, find some other excuse and go anyway. Vive la difference. read more