Pick Nick

With patios now allowed to open in Toronto, I headed to Madras Masala on Saturday. First, with its small outdoor space, there probably won't be more than 1-2 tables available so I should be safe. Second, I have been craving dosas, a dish that doesn't do well as take-out. But alas both Madras and its sister restaurant Banjara were only open for pick-up.

So I headed south to Little Italy where The Fish Store did have its tiny patio open. I ate a halibut sandwich while watching other restaurants. It was a bit strange to see waitstaff in mask bringing beer to patrons. But not as disconcerting as a server with full face shield bringing out entrées at Free Times café. I had walk over to the area to get some pizza from Fresca. While there, I caught up with the co-proprietor.  She stayed home for safety reasons over the last two months while her husband kept the business running.

On Sunday, I returned to Bloor St. to check out the store with the generic "Vegan Donuts" signage I saw on my way to Madras. They were actually Machino Donuts. Looking over their selection through the window display, I settled on the simple cinnamon sugar donut ($3). I found a spot at Christie Pits to eat my falafel shawarma and donut. With its hilly amphitheatre setting, this park is great for sledding in winter and outdoor music and movie shows in summer. Otherwise, I don't actually enjoy being here to sit and lounge about.

The donut was good: soft, chewy, flavourful without being oily. This could be a good sign that their more extravagant options won't be a mess.