Meredith Hardie is a Toronto-based food and travel writer. When she’s not eating her way through her hometown and chronicling her adventures for local publications, she can be found in the kitchen attempting to be as good a cook as her husband.
What does a journey mean to you?
For me, a journey is when you return home with more than what you left with. I don’t mean in the material sense (though I do love a kitchy souvenir) but in the memories, perspective, and stories you carry back with you.
Where do you spend your day off in Toronto?
Bopping around my neighbourhood, Leslieville in Toronto’s East End. My three favourite brunch spots are Tatsuro’s for Japanese-style breakfast, pasta and toast; Hasting’s Snack Bar for pierogies served in the back of a barber shop, and Maha’s for Egyptian brunch. In the evening, you’ll probably find me at The Comrade’s happy hour, sipping something weird and wonderful at Lake Inez ,or searching for the city’s best pasta all’amatriciana, though I’ve yet to find one that tops Toronto’s Enoteca Sociale.
What should a visitor to Toronto not miss?
The neighbourhoods! Toronto is a patchwork of so many different neighbourhoods overflowing with local shops, restaurants and things to do. If you just stay in the downtown core you’re missing out. Hop on a streetcar west and check out Roncesvalles, Little Italy, Dundas West and Ossington. Then, take another streetcar east and stroll around The Beaches, Leslieville and Little India.
