Introducing: Around the Corner, the west end’s new gluten-free café and breakfast spot
New Toronto—that little pocket of post-war bungalows at Islington and Lakeshore—is teetering on the brink of gentrification. Just off the tired, time-worn main strip, new residents are tearing down the dinky houses to build dream homes by the water. Stepping in to feed these folks is Mark Ali, the enterprising foodie-locavore who has owned and operated The Village Butcher for the past three years. At his new café, Around the Corner, Ali shifts his devotion to all things fresh and local to the world of gluten-free eating.
Running an all-day, organic, gluten-free eatery wasn’t part of his initial plan. It took a sales rep to convince Ali to carry a few celiac-friendly products at the butcher shop, and once he saw customers’ reactions—joy, gratitude, relief, excitement—and a space became available around the corner (get it?), he knew the opportunity was too good to pass up.
The sun-drenched café has mint-green walls, bright orange banquettes and a slate floor. It seats 40 inside and another 30 on a bare-bones patio. In the short time since he opened on June 20, the place has been rammed. “The first weekend, it was stupid in here,” he told us. “Some people waited up to an hour for their food.” He and his chef, Jack Clift, have since worked out all the glitches.
Clift is a natural fit for New Toronto. He had a blue-collar upbringing in a small Ontario town (Brights Grove, near Sarnia) and started working in restaurants at the age of 15. With some diverse training under his apron strings—Hooters, Easy on Roncesvalles—he pumps out all-day breakfasts that are filling and healthy: French toast with sautéed berries and cream ($12), water buffalo short-rib hash ($9.50), house-cured Berkshire bacon and eggs from small-flock, free-run hens. A customer favourite is the freshly squeezed organic royal gala apple juice ($4). Beer and pop are not available, however. Ali explains, “It’s not part of my vision. I want this to be a healthy place for families with lots of screaming kids.”
Around the Corner, 132 6th St. (at Lakeshore Blvd. W.), 416-503-9555.
Yeah for somewhere that offers gluten-free!!! Keep the movement going. Can’t wait to try it.
As an active member of the online allergy community, it is always amazing to see new eateries offering gluten-free, and even more amazing to see it being recognized in a publication like this. Thanks!
A place with lots of screaming kids you say? no thanks….
Thanks for this news. will visit both gladly.
Live nearby and tried Village Butcher about 5 years ago
sounds like an improvement. am looking also for grass- fed beef or chicken.
I will try this new wonderful place asap It would be great to have my breakfast etc. in a resturant and have my food the same as everyone else’s for a change so sick of having to ask what is in the foods which they have on
their menu’s and them not being able to give the info algeries suck and it is time some one has noticed and done something abour it Thank-you Thank-you
I was so excited when I heard this place was opening up. I loved the idea of a “healthy”, neighbourhood breakfast spot. I had been to the healthy butcher quite a few times and found the meat to be high quality – expensive – but good.
When I walked into the very tiny restaurant area, it was packed. There was a line up at the door and none of the staff seemed organized. Screaming kids did you say? YES, very much so.
After being seated in a very cramped, uncomfortable booth, it took about 45 minutes to get my food. The menu is not that exciting, new or GOOD.
I had 2 eggs, gluten-free toast and some fruit and organic coffee (way over priced – 16.00). For all the noise, uncomfortable seating arrangements and uninspired food…I suggest going elsewhere.
Originally from Vancouver – I’ve only been in Toronto for a year and 1 month – I’m so pleased to know that Toronto is moving ahead in terms of nutritional / gluten-free stores and now a cafe! I plan to head here for breakfast one day!
Thank you Ali!
And thanks to Toronto Life for adding this article.
good job ali !!about time you open, great place and great food thanks.
Glad that there’s a new organic food place “around the corner” Just hope it’s not a Village Butcher clone — very high on hype and price, not too hot on the substance! The owner is more snake oil than truffle oil…
Absolutely loved the breakfast at Around the Corner. The Eggs Florentine were delicious, the yolks tasted like a REAL egg yolk. Also had a taste of my spouce’s organic whipped cream on the French toast was to die for. We felt so energized for hours after, and NO bloating. Now I understand this is not some new fad but a healthier life style. The kids we saw were happy and well behaved!
This is a fantastic place. I think the slow unorganized service upon opening was just due to it being newly opened, and I know they’re trying to iron out the kinks. We went there for breakfast a week ago and it was lovely. The coffee there is infinitely better than the standard sludge they serve at most breakfast places.
Man, I wish I lived in Toronto!! I have Celiac disease and am not eating gluten because I will have massive health problems if I DO eat it. I love the idea that more and more places are catering to those of us who cannot eat gluten. You need to open more out this way (Hamilton/Niagara Region) so we can enjoy the food!
Peggy- there’s a place around Hamilton/Stoney Creek called my silver lining or something like that… Totally gluten free. Eat in or take out. Delicious food too.
Sweeeeeeeet !
After reading this review, I was very excited to go try out this restaurant. I was so impressed with their menu and the food was absolutely delicious. It is such a treat to go to a restaurant that caters to a gluten free diet and not have to worry about cross contamination.
For those who are interested, I posted the menu on my website – http://www.katieskitchen.ca.
I went to Around The Corner about 2 weeks ago on a Saturday morning with friends. We arrived about 10am. There were only about two other tables with people. I absolutely loved this place. The service is incredibly relaxed, and there is no rush at all. If you are looking for a place to get in and out, this is not the place for you. Our very young waiter was fantastic. Our drinks were always filled, and he brought our meals out in courses so to not over crowd the table wit multiple plates. Sure, the meals can be a little bit on the expensive side for a breakfast 12-18 dollars, but the food is fresh from scratch and 100% organic. Not only did I feel great about supporting a local business, but I also felt great knowing that I wasn’t eating a disgustingly greasy breakfast that is served at most other places. I would highly recommend this place and will be back without a doubt!
Had brunch here with my daughters yesterday. Only one waiter, so order took about 30 minutes to get to the table. Bathroom, intersting..not private. Large portions, fresh fruit was great, eggs are amazing, large portions! Paying system, interesting as well, if you dont have cash, you have to go around the corner to the butcher place to pay…no big deal but still odd. Good experience but not sure I would go back, but it was fun to try.