On October 29th, The Harbord Room will serve their last burger (best in Toronto), and turn the lights off for a last time after a decade. This little restaurant with pink walls, exceptional service and real food has helped me celebrate at least 7 of my birthdays and, my great-grandfather’s 100th-103rd birthdays (another photo here ) and has always made me feel great. It was one of the first restaurants that I reviewed and has been the home of my favourite burger since that first time, no matter how many great ones I have tried.
I would like to commemorate the Harbord Room with a look back on all of the reviews I have written on them (even though I ate there many more times, including this time alone with my sister just a few months ago).
I would also like take a moment to mention the INSANE kindness of one of the owners and greatest chefs, Cory, who has been super-supportive ever since my first visit, when he gave me the “Oxford Companion to Food” – he took the time to walk out of his very busy restaurant’s kitchen and out to Harbord Street to our car that rainy night to give me the book! He has been part of my school projects twice, giving me his time and energy and always made me feel welcome. He has also always taken the time to shake my great-grandfather’s hand, and even has the energy with his busy schedule to entertain and be entertained by my little brother. Thank you so much Cory!
To Dave Mitton, one of the other owners and the bartender that first taught me the basics of how to mix good drinks when I was only nine years old, thank you so much, and don’t worry, I still don’t drink.
As soon as I saw the news online, besides being devastated, I made a final reservation to enjoy one last meal on Harbord Street at this special restaurant. I enjoyed my burger immensely, I even ordered a second one, because I had to (and the second half of the second one was lunch the next day).
As I bid a sad farewell to one of my favourite eating spots in the city, I wish all of the owners good luck in their future ventures!
