The Wallace Oasis
I have a favourite eatery that’s nestled amongst the modest homes of what could be considered the Junction East neighborhood. Yasi’s Place is situated on the south east corner of Wallace and Campbell.
For a few years I’d pass by the vacant building admiring the “Comic Books", “School Supplies” and “Cigarettes” lettering stenciled in the window imaginiung what the shop must have been like when it was actually in business. One day someone started working it and I was mildly disappointing at first that this great untouched history was about to be violated …. but then Yasi’s Place appeared.
Yasi makes an eggs benedict I could eat 3 times a day, wicked hamburgers, very passable coffee/latte and a ton of other great stuff on the menu including a huge Turkish breakfast, french toast of the day, decadent grilled cheese and other comfortish type foods. They use local organic ingredients, and even grow some stuff in the front garden that makes it’s way into the food. Green Shift take out packages, movie nights, local artist work on display, eclectic salt and pepper shakers, a great patio and tons of people on weekends so get there early (10 a.m. opening)
The food is incredible. The atmosphere is slovenly comfortable, and the crowd is interesting and friendly. The proprietor Yasi is super nice, but doesn’t take any shit and she works with a host of characters that rotate on a fairly regular basis it’s never stale.
The introduction of business back into residential areas is so very awesome. I think Mitsi’s on Sauraren is one of the first I was ever aware of. It’s pretty good but way too small and busy. Julie’s Cuban Food at 202 Dovercourt is great, but call ahead for reservations. They make the best Mojitos one could hope to drink. There’s a pile of other places, and hopefully more and more establishments will nestle in amongst the living rooms of the city. I know many people would welcome the return to a business model that seems to have been sadly eclipsed by the car driving idiocy that dominates our city culture.