A fabulous new find!

Words by Tara Pepper

Friday night was hair night and as always, I was out at Salon Crave having another great conversation with my stylist, Jerry. If you haven’t been there yet, get on the phone and make your appointment. Both Jerry and Dino, the owners of the salon, are great and your hair will never be the same again!

Anyway, as usual our conversation turned to food—we always have great chats about where to go for something a little different and where we’ve been lately.

I almost don’t want to tell you about this place Jerry suggested because I want to keep it a hidden gem, but it was so good that I just have to! Jerry mentioned how outstanding the grilled calamari was at Fred’s Bar and Grill and I knew we just had to try it out. Fred’s is not a big place and it was packed when we got there. Everyone was laughing and having a good time.

The first thing that I noticed was how very friendly the staff were. They went out of their way to get us a table and take our drink orders right away. At the front of the room there’s a huge bar and then tables in the back for diners. It was comfortable and relaxed with TV screens everywhere. Whatever sports event you wanted to watch was sure to be on one of them.

The menu looked very interesting but we knew what we were there for. We ordered the grilled calamari and I have to tell you, it was incredible. Tender, delicious pieces of calamari in olive oil, garlic, lemon and tomatoes with a sprinkling of crunchy breadcrumbs on top—everything was in perfect balance. It was served with a basket of fresh bread for sopping up the ample sauce—oh, soooo yummy! I’ll go back for that again and again and again!

We also decided on some wings; I mean, really, if you’re in a sports bar, you gotta try the wings! We were not disappointed. They were fantastic! Huge, moist, meaty and crispy with a delicious sauce—I can’t wait to go back and try them in different flavours. They really were excellent.

There were lots of other things on the menu that I’d like to try. We’ll definitely be heading back there very soon. And to top it off, it’s on my way home from work ; this could be a new stomping ground for me! Apparently, there really is a Fred and I hope to meet him next time. Come on out, give it a try—I know you’ll be glad you did!

’Til next time,

Tara

Salon Crave
295 Eglinton Ave. E., suite 12
905-507-3571

Fred’s Bar and Grill
636 Bloor St.
905-279-0097