By Mark McAllister
Discovering a piece of the island culture in Toronto is supposed to be an easy venture. No problem. Just make my way to Eglinton West where the shops and restaurants are often busy and “everything cook and curry.” Ya mon. I was looking to capture some of what my family and I had just experienced in a recent trip to Jamaica. Grab some good food and get a sense of how much the feel good Rastafarian way of life has carried over into the local community here.
First stop was actually the shop where the sign outside stood out above all others at Treh-Jah-Isle Records. Look around inside and it’s easy to see – or hear – the connection this place has with Bob Marley and the reggae movement. Kim’s behind the counter with the radio playing while posters, t-shirts and a variety of trinkets make up the perfect place for those in the area to drop in and feel the vibe.
Directly across the street is the one and only Rap’s for some jerk chicken but I was told to make my way up to the corner of Oakwood and stand in line for a spicy patty at Randy’s Take Out. Between the two are a few retail and barber shops where everyone gathers to pick up on the latest happenings. Then the lineups as always for a fresh beef, chicken or veggie patty for lunch. Toni was there to serve up only the best-of-the-best Jamaican oxtail and salt fish for the truly authentic experience as well.
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Head outside and there’s a crowd gathered on the corner. Ask a couple of the older guys what’s going on and the man known on the street as ‘Fire’ is quick to tell me what’s “really” happening. Things aren’t quite what they used to be in these parts. Some businesses have changed owners and the people that used to frequent the local establishments have moved on. It’s a different crowd. Not like it was back in the 70’s when those new to Canada had each other’s back. That said, it still seems to be pretty easy to find what you need. A little rum can always be made available at the B&B restaurant half a block up, I’m told.
As it happens, the place making news as of late isn’t in Little Jamaica at all. The Real Jerk sits at the corner of Queen and Broadview in Riverside – for now. Recently, word came out that the new building owner wanted the popular restaurant to move on. Now, there’s a push to keep it in place. A campaign has been launched asking those in the neighbourhood and others who have eaten there to sign a petition. Have a look at http://www.savetherealjerk.com/ and let us know what you think.
Perhaps there’s room for a little more sunshine along Eglinton West if a move is in order. After all, the local Jamaican community is all about support for one another. No worries, right?
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