Best Shawarma in TO

Meat lovers, you're in for a treat! I found the most delicious chicken and beef shawarma restaurant in Toronto's west end; The Empire (not to be confused with Shawarma Empire) at 1018 Bloor Street West.  If you're like me in that you usually choose falafel sandwiches over shawarma because the meat is looking sub-par (ie: dry...fatty...overcooked as though it's been roasting on the skewer for days...) then you'll be happy to hear that the chicken and beef shawarma at Empire is succulent, juicy, fresh and melt-in-your month tender. Not sure what makes this place so different, but they're one of the only Sudanese restaurants in Toronto. I was so excited, I got a mixed beef and shawarma plate, for only $7! Added bonus: there's always free tables to eat at, unlike other falafel joints and you get a true taste for the middle east by watching Al Jazeera on the TV. Finally, if you are into falafels, theirs is pretty delicious and offers more toppings, spreads and spices than your average falafel place...but the quality runs neck and neck with the falafel at Ghazale and Sara's in the Annex. 

S.

Where do you go for wifi?

So, I moved neighbourhoods, and I'm a little bit in love. I have no internet at the moment, so as someone who has three part-time jobs, and works a lot from home, I'm dependent upon venues with free wifi. The best workspace I've come across in Toronto yet -if you haven't already checked it out- is the recently renovated Bloor-Gladstone public library (formerly known as the Dovercourt branch). The outside of the building still retains the old 1920's architecture, but the inside has been renovated to include huge glass windows, a learning centre, and a glass balcony from which you can peer down onto the central foyer on the first floor. It is the most laptop friendly building I've ever been too, with plugs galore at large desks, comfy arm-chairs and bars at the windows. You can even book study rooms, and watch the news (without sound). It's super open concept, with really high ceilings, white-washed walls, and lots and lots of light. Like all libraries, there is a community feel to it. (pics courtesy of ERA architects- consultants on the redesign). Click here for more pics, and click here for some social commentary...seems like the online community has lots to say about this haven of a space.

See you there for our next study date,
S.