Lemonade General Store

Lemonade General Store (Variety, 5525 Young), visited September 19. We were in the mood for a picnic, so we stopped by for a charcuterie box made on the spot. Staff had the foresight to ask where it would be consumed, and adjusted it so it could be easily consumed in the nearby Hydrostone Park. It featured a great selection of cheeses, crackers, meats, olives, nuts, spreads and dried fruits brilliantly packaged together in a small pizza box. Verdict: 4.5/5 (90%) chance of returning.

 

Charcuterie box from Lemonade General Store

Open City 2021 Recap

We posted photos from our Open City trek on Facebook and Twitter back on June 19, but here are our comments on each stop of our 7 km (door to door) jaunt:

Almonak (Brunch, 5659 Almon) had a savoury cornmeal & scallion waffle with BBQ pulled chicken and white BBQ sauce. It looked and sounded pretty good, but it inexplicably tasted like canned tuna on a sponge. Based on this experience alone: Verdict: 2/5 (40%) chance of returning, but given that Open City is a different-than-usual occasion, we’ll definitely give it another shot.

Chicken & Waffles from Almonak

 Café Aroma Latino (Latin American, 5780 North) had carne al pastor street tacos, which were simply delightful. This is another spot we’ve been meaning to visit, and based on this, we’ll be back! Verdict: 4.5/5 (90%) chance of returning.

Street tacos from Cafe Aroma Latino

Alteregos Cafe (Cafe, 2193 Gottingen) had a Reuben Sandwich & Lavender Lemonade special. The two didn’t work particularly well together, but were both tasty on their own. This is a cool little spot. Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning.

Reuben Sandwich & Lavender Lemonade from Alteregos

The Foggy Goggle (Casual Dining, 2057 Gottingen) had grilled Japanese-style hot dogs with miso mayo, nori, teriyaki, spicy gochujang sauce and toasted sesame seeds and green onion on a soft toasted bun. It was kinda weird, but really good! Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning.

Japanese-style hot dog from The Foggy Goggle

The Nook (Cafe, 2118 Gottingen) had chocolate chip cookies for $2. The only way it could have been better is if it had slid right out of the oven. Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning.

Chocolate Chip Cookie from The Nook

DeeDee's (Deserterie, 5668 Cornwallis) had a sundae special, and was a great way to end our culinary canvas of the North End – although we did stop by the newly-opened Boyd’s Pharmasave (2525 Agricola, Variety) on our way home to snap up some Faygo sodas. We had planned to head back out for round 2 for supper, but the skies opened up, dousing our plans. Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning.

Ice cream sundae from DeeDee's

 

A selection of Faygo sodas from Boyd's Pharmasave that Juggalos are sure to appreciate

Thanks to all of the businesses who participated, and to the organizers of Open City. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Triple A

Triple A (Variety, 6279 Jubilee), visited September 12. Upon inspection, we worried the crust might break our teeth, but it was surprisingly soft and chewy. This slice tastes better than it looks and has a decent amount of toppings. Verdict: 3/5 (60%) chance of returning.

 

A slice of pepperoni pizza from Triple A

Jubilee Junction

Jubilee Junction (Variety, 6273 Jubilee), visited September 12. Can you really expect a decent slice of a pizza from a convenience store? Apparently, yes! A big slice with a good ratio of crust, sauce, cheese and toppings. The sauce featured a spice we couldn’t quite put our finger on, which gave it a unique taste that really worked. And, at $3.45, it’s one of the best deals you’ll find in town. A student walked by and joked that she’d be back at 2:30 am. Perhaps we will be, too! Verdict: 3.5/5 (70%) chance of returning.

 

A slice of pepperoni pizza at Jubilee Junction

 

South Park Variety

South Park Variety (Variety, 1333 South Park), visited August 31. Just a block down from the delicious Dairy Bar, we noticed a modest sign on the corner near Le Bistro by Liz advertising ice cream scoops, so we decided to give it a whirl. For just under $6, we received a pair of what would equate to triple scoops on the waterfront – we were so surprised that we forgot to snap a photo! We enjoyed them across the street in Victoria Park. Summer may be over, but it’s worth checking out! Verdict: 4/5 (80%) chance of returning.