location, location, location!

Congrats to the newbie to the Stratford food scene; Big D's has taken on the challenge of one of the most cursed locations in the city.

Into the 90's, House of Gene (which occupied the space at 104-108 Downie st.) was a big hit.  A half decent Chinese buffet with good egg rolls and questionable lighting.  Gene's was a dual location mammoth at that time - and quite a popular family dining destination.  But somewhere along the line, when Gene's left, the building was seemingly condemned to its current fail-rate.

Without missing a beat, a new restaurant takes over the location at the corner of George & Downie (kitty corner to the Avon) in whole or part and promptly runs itself into the ground.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Perhaps a second season is achieved by one of these new places but rarely beyond.  It seems that there is a great deal of unpreparedness, hasty openings or poorly thought out partnerships associated with this location.  The season in Stratford is short and it seems like restaurants scramble to be ready for opening week.

There is certainly more than one location around the city that seems to be cursed with turnover.  27 Market Place where the new Backstage will be opening.  38 Erie st. which currently is being nicely maintained by County Food Co. (great 'bucket' picnic lunches available to enjoy by the river).  107 Downie st. has settled down for now with Downie st. Burgers grabbing a great niche market recently (arguably the best burgers in town?).

But though some of these others seem to have found their niche, that location at 104-108 Downie st. has one of the worst track records in recent history: Bistro 104 became Garlic's became Gilt became Olive's became Tantara has become Big D's.  I wish them luck, but God help them!

give yourself a Hanh

An oft forgotten delight resides adjacent to the shell station on Erie st. Thai-Vietnamese cuisine is offered for dine in or take-out (I'd suggest taking out, as even the delightful 'Ms. Hanh' doesn't think it's a nice place to eat in - fluorescent lighting makes everyone look garish)  She says, "You take home! It not so nice here, but food is GOOD!" and she is right!

We had a great conversation while waiting for the take out to be ready - though the language barrier presented some difficulty.  She claims that quite the list of local celebrities frequent her little corner shop for take-out.  The likes of Neil Baxter (head chef of Rundles) and one of the owners from Pazzo are mentioned (she recognizes them from her days at the chef school! who knew?).

Most dishes are available in varied levels of heat.  Pad thai is great for those not overly adventurous and recommended mild by Hanh.  One shrimp makes it to the dish without being de-veined but the flavour is spot on so all is forgiven.  Beef stirfry is also recommended, this time hot, served on udon noodles.  The heat is great - we sweat just a little- the beef tender and the vegetables cooked just so, firm texture but not too crunchy.

Spring rolls are hand made and delicious - pastry is crisp and golden brown served with sharp tasty fish sauce, you have to get two of your own or you'll be left craving a second one for weeks to come!

The pho, ordered with a few spring rolls, is a perfect take-away lunch.  It's CASH ONLY so grab a few bucks, chop sticks and some rooster sauce and prepare for the best (and only) Thai food in town.