When I was younger and single I ate out in restaurants quite often. I would make a point of frequenting my stand-by favourites on a regular basis and also checking out more posh eateries every now and then. It was good times for sure. I spent a rather large portion of my discretionary income back then on fabulous dinners, lunches, and brunches.

I can’t say I ever tired of it. To this day I still enjoy a nice meal out. But now I’ve noticed my tastes have changed somewhat. I don’t really make efforts to try all the trendy, hot spots anymore. One could say that I am not so dazzled anymore by dishes like “duck confit served on a bed of steamed veggies and garlic mash, drizzled with a raspberry reduction.” Sure, the food still tastes great and I appreciate the effort that went into preparing it, but I’m just not so keen to rant about how super-amazing it is at this point in my life.

No, now it’s all about the out-of-the-way hole-in-the-wall establishments. I will stake out those tiny, unknown eateries on the edge of somewhere. And most likely I know nothing about them, but I’ve driven by numerous times and always noticed their sign and have been curious about their menu offerings. Yesterday I had lunch with my friend Brian at the Dosa Grill on Canada Way near Kensington. It’s in a weird location and only has about 8 tables but it was extremely friendly and amazingly delicious and very affordable.

It’s no longer about giving up big money to experience fine-dining. I’ve done that time and time again. Now it’s about the challenge to find something different and unknown and be blown away for just a few dollars. Move over 5-stars, and hello mom and pop!