Introducing: Marky and Sparky’s Smokehouse, a new spot for southern barbecue in the Junction
Name: Marky and Sparky’s Smokehouse Neighbourhood: The Junction Contact Info: 520 Annette St., 647-748-4227, Facebook Owners: Frank “Sparky” DiGenova (Butcher by Nature) and Marcus “Marky” De Simone
The Food: Slow-cooked southern barbecue made from meat from Butcher by Nature. The menu includes all the BBQ classics: wet or dry baby back ribs, chicken wings, brisket and pulled pork. All meats can be ordered on a sandwich, and there’s also a butcher platter, which includes every protein on the menu.
The Place: Marky and Sparky’s is in Butcher by Nature’s former digs, which burned to the ground two years ago and forced DiGenova to open a new shop across the street (he also accidentally started the fire; hence the nickname “Sparky”). The Food Network’s Restaurant Take Over redesigned the space.
The Numbers:
• 225-250°F the temperature range at which the meat is smoked • 140 pounds of meat sold on the first day of business • 9 dine-in seats • 3 hours to smoke the ribs with apple and hickory
Caroline Aksich, a National Magazine Award recipient, is an ex-Montrealer who writes about Toronto’s ever-evolving food scene, real estate and culture for Toronto Life, Fodor’s, Designlines, Canadian Business, Glory Media and Post City. Her work ranges from features on octopus-hunting in the Adriatic to celebrity profiles.
