Just home from a stop in at the new South African spot, Plan B, in the Kingsway area (West Bloor West) here in Toronto. What an incredible braai (South African BBQ) treat.
As a South African born Canadian, it’s almost impossible to find a good South African restaurant. I’ve been to one in New York City and we’ve been able to do our own braai with delicious meats and treats from places like Florence Meats in Oakville. But to enjoy it like this, is a real treat.
Thanks to a friend sharing the BlogTO article with me on Facebook, Plan B was brought to my attention. A quick share with all South Africans I know in Ontario and the excitement began. As a person who just can’t wait I had to visit Plan B right away, even if it meant I was going to be having two lunches. A ‘hardship’ I was ready to endure for the good of all the others.
From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the most lovely owners and that special South African accent, which I don’t get to hear enough anymore. With a mention of the South African connection, the conversation turned to one of all the favourite dishes, flavours and memories of a good braai.
Making a choice here is a tough one, with burgers, boerewors (South African sausage) or a full plan of a braai platter, to choose from. Knowing that this was just the first of many visits, I decided to go big and get a small taste of it all with a Mixed Braai Platter for 1 with one side. That included homemade boerewors, lamb chops and chicken with braai spice and a side of pap with tomato chutney. Just the right size of meal. As I had to make sure I left space for a few beloved koeksisters, a traditional South Africa dessert of fried dough infused in syrup, served freshly cooked and warm.
The tastes of this meal made me feel that I was right back in South Africa at a braai with friends and family. All that was missing was the warm South African sun and maybe some delicious South African wine. But with the LCBO just across the street, I could stop in and pick up a nice South African Chenin Blanc or a Shiraz to enjoy later while I savour the memory of this good meal.
As I was told, every item on the menu is named with a special meaning or memory for the owners as they are connected to their lives and times back in South Africa.
For as much as Plan B will be a huge draw for all South Africans within a 100+ km radius, don’t let that scare any non-South Africans away. The lovely South African owners are so welcoming and humble, you’ll feel right at home as soon as you walk in the door. Everyone will love the delicious food on offer here. With veggie options and everything being halal, there is a treat for all to enjoy.
You can eat-in or take out and there is parking right outside the door. Or if you come by transit, like me, just get off at Royal York station and exit out the Grenview Blvd end of the platform (east end) and head south. Plan B is on the south side of Bloor St West, just east of Grenview.
For me, I’m already making a few dates to go with both my South African and non-SA friends.
Plan B – Burgers, Boerewors and Braai
2943A Bloor Street West, Etobicoke, ON
© 2019, Anne-Marie Marais. All rights reserved.
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