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DECA Exec and Ward 32 Debate

Are you interested in learning more about the DECA executive committee?  We’re lots of fun and we have our meetings in a bar!  We’re meeting this Sunday (Oct 17th) evening to talk about the 2011 DECA executive committee.  If you want to learn more let me know and I’ll send you the details.

Ward 32 Debate

A few weeks ago DECA held a debate for candidates in Ward 31 (north of Danforth).  It was a very informative evening.  Thanks to East York Mirror columnist, Joe Cooper, for stepping in to moderate after our own local historian, Steve Wickens, fell sick with the flu.  And thanks to the candidates (most of them) for making it out on a rainy, cold night.

This Tuesday join us for the Ward 32 debate (south of the Danforth).  It’s Tuesday, October 19th beginning at 7 p.m. at the Kimbourne Park United Church at 200 Wolverleigh which is two blocks north of Danforth, just east of Coxwell.  (Mind the parking signs around the church, it is well patrolled.)  Thank you very much to the Globe and Mail’s Jeff Gray for moderating the debate.  We’re accepting questions online at ward32debate@gmail.com or you can fill out a question slip when you arrive.  There won’t be questions from the floor.

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Danforth Gem – Emerald Restaurant

Emerald Restaurant, on what I’m now calling ‘Cafe Corner’ on the southwest side of Danforth and Woodbine, is serving Indian food.  One of DECA Diaries’ favourite local restaurant critics, Paul (he eats out a LOT) went tonight and promptly sent this review…

 

I have just returned from my dinner with friends at Emerald Restaurant, the new Indian place at Danforth and Woodbine. The chef is from Goa, and is enthusiastically planning to include dishes from that part of India; as of yet the menu is still in development, but includes a variety of standard Indian fare and some international dishes, such as spring rolls and ribs. I am a vegetarian and the chef was very helpful and accommodating with my questions. We began with a variety of samosas and kebabs; the samosas were really excellent, cooked to order, with a mix of vegetables and fresh coriander, and very crispy but not at all greasy. For the children with my group, the chef recommended the mild shami kebabs, and they too were much enjoyed. The curries we ordered for our main courses came with fresh-cooked naan breads, and a basmati pullao rice. I loved my cauliflower curry and mixed vegetable curry combo, and my friends’ chicken tikka masala was pronounced “the best ever.”  A gigantic serving of chicken biryani had to be mostly taken home! As all the curries are prepared to order, the chef helpfully suggested that one could call ahead to order; their preparation took quite a while, but the rewards of freshly prepared food are obvious to the tastebuds. The drinks are currently limited to pop or water while the restaurant awaits its’ beer and wine license… a selection of juices and lassis would be welcome…along with perhaps a nicer selection of music… the radio station playing in the background didn’t provide much in the way of ambience. With the very reasonable prices and the welcoming, friendly service, Emerald restaurant provides good home-style Indian cooking to our neighbourhood.

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Toronto Police And You

The Toronto Police would once again like residents to know that they very much want to hear from members of the public about crimes in the neighbourhood (even very minor ones) or any mischief.  Every call is recorded and included in local crime data.  That helps police determine where to put resources.  Please report any untoward activity to:

54 Division – North of Danforth – 416-808-5400 or 55 Division – South of Danforth 416-808-5500

If you would like to be more informed about what’s happening in our neighbourhood, sign up for TPSlinks.  Through your landline or cellular phone, TPSlinks will send informative messages ranging from city events to safety notification and emergency incidents.  Visit the Toronto Police website to learn more and sign up.

In 55 Division, there has been an overall decrease in crime.  However, there was a rash of car thefts (especially Dodge Caravans and Honda Civics) over the summer.  Car thefts are down 5%.  A suspect was arrested who had 60 car charges to his name so police feel this is an important development.  Graffiti occurrences are down 60% and robberies were also down.  There were several bank robberies over the last 18 months – all by the same criminal -who has now been arrested.

Also – a neighbour sent me a note about a fundraising scam.  Three boys arrived at the door claiming to be fundraising for a school basketball trip to New York.  The skeptical homeowner called the school where the boys claimed to be from and it turns out there is no such fundraising campaign or trip.  Be wary.

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Danforth Gems

Bistro Camino – 2750 Danforth Ave. at Dawes Road


Stop what you’re doing and make plans to go to Bistro Camino.  When I asked our excellent server what the heck this restaurant was doing at Danforth and Dawes Road, she said “we get that question a lot.”  I could write about our whole meal, but the good people at Now Magazine wrote it already and I couldn’t agree more.

“At dinner, the prix fixes begin with warm, linen-draped baskets of French bread and cruets of both balsamic vinegar and olive oil. An appetizer platter follows: delicate china cups of creamy asparagus soup, tapas-style slices of Atlantic sole in citrus escabeche, house-smoked salmon and prosciutto of no particular provenance, figs marinated in red wine, mini-croquettes stuffed with Brie, and cheddar biscuits dressed with tobiko flying fish roe. Read the rest of the review here.

Caketown – south side of Danforth, just west of Woodbine

I haven’t made it in myself, though I hope to soon.  All reports are that the pastries are incredible.  Peter says: “it’s the best brownie I ever ate.”  I’m also told through the grapevine that the decor is simply delightful.

Emerald Restaruant – south side of Danforth, steps east of Caketown

I know even less about this restaurant except to say that it is open and serves Indian food including, yes, samosas.  The one report I’ve received is that it is clean inside.

O.k. so these aren’t the most well-rounded Danforth Gems that have ever graced this site, but now you know about these places.  So if you can shed more light and share your experiences, post them here.


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Ward 31 Debate – This Tuesday

Come one, come all to the ward 31 candidates debate on Tuesday (that’s tomorrow) October 5th.  You can ask questions of your candidates there or you can e-mail them to ward31debate@gmail.com.

Ward 31 – October 5th 7-9 p.m. Kimbourne Park United Church at 200 Wolverleigh Blvd. at Coxwell and Danforth

See you there!