Inspire Restaurant

Korean Sandwich with fries

My friend raved about a place on Main Street Markham called Inspire, calling it a fusion restaurant (the restaurant itself does describe itself as modern, fusion). I am generally skeptical regarding fusion foods cause generally is mediocre, and often a way to describe food that may have conflicting flavours.

This wasn’t the case here; Inspire actually reminds me of Banh Mi Boys, with a Asian spin on traditionally North American foods, but more restaurant-style than take-out counter. The items we tried were executed well, and is a welcome addition to the choices offered on Main Street.

Inspire Restaurant
Location: 144 Main St Markham, Unit 1
Markham, ON
L3P 5T3

Shiso Tree Cafe

Uni tagliolini

If you love more adventurous, unique pasta, Shiso Tree Cafe is the place to go. There isn’t quite anything like this in the GTA and their lunch specials are very reasonably-priced if you’re a bit unsure about the premise.

Shiso Tree Cafe
Location: 3160 Steeles Ave E, Unit 1
Markham, ON
L3R 4G9

La Banquise

La Classique

I should preface this by saying I’m not a poutine lover. I do like a few bites when my friends order it, but I’ve to date never finished a whole poutine order by myself, and La Banquise was no exception.

This is probably one of the most popular places for poutine in downtown Montreal, and expect lines if you’re going during peak meal time. They offer take-out but I would recommend sitting down unless you’re eating nearby, as poutine is definitely a dish best served hot.

La Banquise
Location: 994, rue Rachel Est
Montreal, QC
H2J 2J3

Frat Burger

Frat Burger with side salad

Who can resist a good burger? How about burgers made to order and from local ingredients? That is the promise of Frat Burger in Waterloo, Ontario. Located down the road from two major universities, it feeds a lot of hungry students, myself included.

Frat Burger
Location: 247 King St N
Waterloo, ON
N2J 4V2