I've written before about the influence Jewish culture has had upon the cuisine available in the city. Schmaltz Appetizing is another example of this, bringing the concept of the "appetizing shop" from New York, LA and other Jewish cultural centres north to Toronto, and it's a very welcome addition.
Schmaltz is brought to you by Anthony Rose, whose restaurants Rose and Sons and Bar Begonia I've written about and love. Schmaltz is totally different- it's a little shop behind one of his restaurants on a side street - blink and you'll miss it. When you step inside, you're greeted by the friendly staff who take your order at the fish counter. Smoked fish and bagels are the focus here- first, pick your bagel, which are delivered from Kiva's, a famous bagel bakery in the city. Then, your "schmear" or cream cheese. Then, your fish- lox, gravlax, whitefish, sturgeon... the possibilities are vast and tasty. Perhaps you'd prefer one of their signature sandwiches, like the Chub Chub, which is smoked whitefish, gravlax, horseradish cream cheese and dill cucumbers. So. Good. Just don't make out with anyone afterwards.
If you're not in the mood for something so intense, my usual order is an everything bagel, untoasted (as any bagel connoisseur would do it, though there is fierce debate...) with a schmear of scallion cream cheese and some lemon dill gravlax. Grab it and go- no place to sit here, so wander to a nearby park, dig in, and recover from the night before.
Find your way with 145 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Broadview Espresso" in Toronto makes cappuccino just the way I like it -- almost scalding hot! I love sitting at the patio in the wooden seats...
by
"Toronto Reference Library" is Canada's largest reference library & a must-stop on any downtown tour, with plenty of exciting cultural secrets to discover.
by
"Maids' Cottage Butter Tarts" in Toronto makes some of the best butter tarts you can find in the city, and there's nothing more Ontario than eating them!
by
Not only do they have delicious coffee and delightful baked goods, but they also stock a solid selection of Canadian-made food and drink products...
by
Pick up a quick lunch at the front of this low-waste shop, which you can take away in your own or borrowed containers that can be returned later!
by
"Riverdale Farm" is an oasis of culture, nature, animals and trees at the heart of Toronto. I like visiting with my camera, especially for macro photos
by
I recommend ordering a few of their smaller dishes to try, which should definitely include their renowned Bang Bang Broccoli!
by
"Khau Gully" is my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Toronto. Street food is its thing but it's best to sit in for its beautifully painted dining room
by
From biodegradable bamboo products to personal care items that are better for both you and the planet, you can find plenty here for a more sustainable life.
by
It’s rare that I leave this store without having bought something, be it a beautiful ring for myself, or a unique piece of artwork to give as a gift.
by
With environmental sustainability in mind, Gia is a “plant-forward” restaurant, with the goal of sourcing produce locally, and organic when possible.
by
145 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 145 Insider Tips