Fair Weather Trends

This past week, Toronto's weather has been heavy and muggy until rain on Thursday reduced the humidity. So although both Friday and Saturday were still quite hot, they were pleasant and perfect summer days. I haven't been to the Kensington Market since late April so I wandered over to that neighbourhood. It has reverted somewhat back to its usual bustling self. No social distancing was possible on these narrow streets with pedestrians, a greater uptick of indigents hanging out (common everywhere now), construction blockages, and delivery vehicles parked on the sidewalks. There were even new restaurants such as Abu Hummus. I thought about grabbing one of the tiny outdoor tables at Veggie D'Light or Eat Nabati, both plant-based eateries. But with the sun in my face and barely any gaps for passer-bys, I'll return on a quieter day. I opted instead for empanadas from Jumbo Empanadas. The chicken one has increased to $6.50 while the smaller cheese one remained a $2.50.

But people seemed to crave patio space. Osteria Rialto at The Paradise Theatre has re-opened with a side patio. Restaurants and bars without a formal one have also taken to setting up tables in the car parking lanes. The city has blocked off short sections all along Bloor Street between Lansdowne and Ossington. Having dinner or drinks while cars pass by close enough to touch feels unpleasant to me, but apparently not to everyone.

Saturday morning, I was invited to brunch. There was less conspiracy talk than last time but perhaps it was due to some new faces. These included a retired senior who has recently accomplished their teen-age goal of becoming fluent in 5-6 languages. There was also an Eritrean immigrant who not only resembled a younger Obama but was equally eloquent in their speaking style. They had just received their citizenship but with Covid-19 delaying their Canadian passport, a trip to Addis Ababa to visit family was up in the air. I found their experiences more interesting than talks about mandatory vaccines and home cures. The brunch itself, a variation of a typical Ethiopian platter, was delicious though I struggled a bit with the liver. I haven't had that much organ meat in a while.