Goodbye Dizzy, Hello Grazie at Yonge/Eglinton

March 19, 2010

My friend Sara adores the neighbourhood of Yonge and Eglinton. She sums up the vibe by pointing out there are six Starbucks within walking distance from Yonge 'n Eg, and between each of them are great shops operated by caring personable entrepreneurs.

Along squeaky-clean streets (with virtually no cracks in the sidewalks like other parts of downtown), glassy office and residential towers burst with the 'young and eligible' set. This part of the city feels a lot like Vancouver...streamlined, modern and devoid of anything marginalized, with a wide variety of retail and food services for singles and families alike. It feels really safe.

One night Sara and I decided to grab a bite after work. Having asked her to choose our dining destination we purposely strode along Yonge Street chattering away when Sara suddenly stopped, baffled, in front of a vacant storefront. Where had her beloved pub 'Dizzy Gastro Pub' gone? Unfortunately, for many food establishments, one minute they're jammed pack and the next they're closed, with no rhyme or reason. Wiping back her tears (ok, maybe I'm being a tad dramatic), we went to Grazie Ristorante instead...a 'southern italian' pasta shack that is more or less an institution on Yonge north of Eglinton.

Operating for around 20 years, I've always known of Grazie since its inception. In fact, I used to work for the original owners in their first cafe - Ciao - whilst I was putting myself through university.

The concept is simple, tried and true. Create palatable affordable plates of pasta and other italian fare, add wine by the litre for a reasonable price, keep the energy 'up' with music pumping, and make your profit turning tables.

Grazie is the kind of place you pop into before a movie, or maybe pre-bar-hopping (by filling up on carbs you help your system absorb the booze you're about to consume), or as a place to take a date. It's rambunctious, flavourful, and the wait staff comes across as friendly graduates of The Keg. There's nothing offensive at all about the place - the food is tasty but doesn't compete with the real reason you're out - to enjoy the company of your friend. In fact, it was the perfect place for us to catch up and bond.

While sometimes you wanna get all fancy, other times a glass of wine and plate of pasta is all you really want. When you want homespun comfort and casual, this is where to hang your hat at Yonge and Eglinton.