A Whole New World

Early Wednesday morning, I went to Uncle Sid's Deli for a breakfast wrap ($7.25). As I enjoyed my food on Bloor St, I watched the morning rush. It was clear that despite millions of daily public transit trips, close to 75% of Toronto commuters drive. Yet I dislike drivers here less than Ottawa because they weren't oblivious and dangerous behind the wheel. I observed the smooth give-and-take with bikers, pedestrians, and other vehicles. Though there were separated bike lines, cyclists still needed to merge in from the side streets. And ditto all the cars coming and going from these residential roads. Whether at intersections, flashing crosswalks, or simply a random location on the street, adult commuters and teenage students were everywhere. All this hubbub kept drivers alert and diligent.

After working my half-day, I headed out to meet a friend for lunch. As I exited my unit, I ran into the owner of the rentals. I've been on the fence about the social impact of AirBnB. With their embrace of the "free-market" against regulations and government oversight, I realized we hold different world-views.

I met up with my friend at Ethio Natural Coffee (formerly Techniques Hair Salon) for some bean-based Ethiopian foul. They have had some health issues recently but problems have compounded. Two years back they were sideswiped by a car. Then just a month ago, they were a passenger in a car that was hit by a stolen vehicle. My friend was currently taking prescription pain killers for her shoulders and lower back.

The good news was that in August, their brother had finally immigrated from Addis Ababa after 5 years of sponsorship, delayed by the Syrian refugee crisis and then Covid pandemic. He was currently enrolled in ESL classes. But afterwards, they were hopeful that his years of carpentry experience will be a sought-after skill in the workforce.

In the evening, I set out east along Bloor then north via Perth to a small strip mall in The Junction Triangle. Two taco places have set up shop across from each other. I was interested in the plant-based Taqueria Vegena and ordered a chorizo trio for $19.99. The tacos were delicious: fragrant shell, smokey potatoes, sweetly caramelized fried onions, and a house-made "chorizo" that had a convincing grilled texture. It was on par with the meat tacos from El Pastorcito. In fact, the double-layer corn shells was superior.

But Vegena's tacos were $2 more than most other places though 85% of the flavour came from cheap ingredients. If the cost came from the vegan chorizo, I'd be happy with mushrooms, rapini, or some other earthy substitute. Otherwise $25 (tax + tip) for 3 tacos is too steep for a regular dining spot.