Toronto is about to play host to basketball’s biggest event — the NBA All-Star Game — so we gathered up restaurateurs from our ’hoods to showcase their finest finger foods, perfect to tuck into while cheering on your favourite team.
Smoked & Cracked’s lobster roll
“Our hot lobster roll is the number one roll in the city,” says co-owner Ron Raymer. “It’s what we’re known for!” For All-Star parties, they’re doing a mini-version of the roll that’s ideal finger food. Every day, live lobsters — caught in government-regulated areas 34 and 35 in the waters off Nova Scotia — are flown in. They’re steamed and cracked, sliced to order and served in a specially made Epi Breads bun (it took eight attempts to get the bun right) with hot butter with lemon and a little fresh tarragon. Order the minis in advance.
516 Mt. Pleasant Rd., 647-748-5722, $12
Uncle Betty’s ultimate nachos
No sports game is to be watched sans nacho platter. At Uncle Betty’s, co-owner Samara Melanson does the ultimate take. For the dish, tri-coloured baked corn chips act as a box spring to a robust mattress of tomato, avocado, green onion, peppers, black olives and aged cheddar. The goods are topped with salsa and sour cream with fresh lime zest and finished with grilled chicken, homemade chili or slow-cooked pulled pork, done in a house rub. Don’t ask what goes into the rub: “It is such a secret only two people know,” Melanson says. “I won’t even share it with my husband!”
2590 Yonge St., 416-483-2590, $14
Milagro’s Milanese torta
Uptown’s Mexican mainstay, Milagro, is the place to head for authentic eats. Chef Arturo Anhalt’s Milanesa torta is a must-try, filled with the most trad ingredients. Starting with a classic bolillo roll, the bread is smeared with refritos, followed by breaded chicken enhanced by a touch of chile morita. Sliced tomato, avocado, red onion and plenty of chipotle crema finish it off, with house-pickled jalapenos on the side. “It’s my favourite street-style torta,” Anhalt notes. “All of the stands in Mexico sell it.” Pair with a spicy michelada for the proper experience.
3187 Yonge St., 416-487-2855, $13.50
Sea Witch's haddock & chips
Known as the best fish and chips in town, fare from this Hillcrest Village locale wows with every bite. Co-owner Kevin Kowalczyk, who cut his teeth at the now-shuttered Penrose, recommends the haddock. Using the Canadian Atlantic varietal, brought in multiple times a week, the fish is coated in their secret batter and then deep-fried in beef drippings. “Animal fats are nice to cook with,” he says. “We’re pretty traditional in our approach.” Thick-cut russet spuds are used for the chips, which emerge from the fryer with a creamy centre and crisp shell.
636 St. Clair Ave. W., 647-349-4824, $12
