NDG Luncheonette: Quickly Becoming a Neighbourhood Go To

I get my hair cut at a little place downstairs on Fielding at King Edward called Pat's.  The owner and sole barber there - Pat - or Pasquale - is a wonderful man - and very adept with a pair of scissors.  He has had his shop here for over 40 years and doesn't plan on stopping anytime soon!

Across from Pat's is NDG Luncheonette.  Before they opened - Pat told me about his friend - Mike Griffin - owner of Honey Martin's Pub on Sherbrooke and one of the greatest boxing referees in the world - who was spearheading a campaign to open an all day breakfast place in that spot.  Well the idea has come through - in spades!

The place is operated by Sophia Kahlil-Griffin - and is likely the hottest thing in the NDG community since its opening about a year ago.  It is a small place - with only 3 booths for 4 people max each and a counter with about 10 stools.  In warmer climates there are several outdoor tables on a new terrace the owners have created.

It is no wonder the place is the success it is - they have all their bases covered!  The menu offers a number of breakfast and lunch classics.  My favourite always was their French Toast - served with sliced bananas - pomegranates - honey hazelnuts and oodles of real maple syrup.  In the summer they have taken this off the menu in order to make way for other options.  J.J.'s Breakfast is my go to now - featuring really creamy scrambled eggs - sausage - bacon - home-baked beans - home fries and really great rye toast.  My last time there - this past Sunday - I decided to go for the Pancakes - which come with thinly sliced strawberries and a dollop of Greek yogourt - and again liberally soaked with real maple syrup - they were awesome!

So that is a part of the mix.  But I would say equally as special are the people who work there.  Starting with Sophia - who has been ever present and it is obvious to anyone to see how much she loves this place.  The main cooks - Andrew and Adil - are experts at what they do and are always ready with kind word whether you are dropping in for a meal or just to say HI!  The two waitresses I have had the most contact with - Anja and Sarah - are the face of the place to me.  I live three blocks away from the Luncheonette and walk by it twice daily.  They are forever inviting me in for a coffee and a chat!

From a price standpoint, taxes are included in all their meals.  French Toast was $14.  Pancakes are $15.  A great burger with chips is $15.  The number of people who line up to be a part of this on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays is testament to the fact that they have created something amazing - and lasting.  My hope and dream for them is that they can expand - and make the dining area more than two times the existing size.  They have the space available.  In my 'crystal ball' - I see it happening!  The owners deserve it.  The patrons deserve it.  The community deserves it!

Wishing you peace, love and joy always...





RossG3.ca











 

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