Emily Schultz is a writer living in Toronto’s Parkdale. Her novel, Joyland, released last spring, and was called “mesmerizing” by the Globe and Mail. Her newest release is a book of poems called Songs for the Dancing Chicken, partly inspired by films.

You’ve got $10 to buy lunch - where do you go?

Mother India (1456 Queen Street West) is my new favourite. It’s in my neighbourhood, and I like to support local. What Ghandi (554 Queen Street West) is to Queen West, Mother India is to Queen West West. The butter chicken roti is especially satisfying on a rainy day. It’s maybe a dollar or two more, but there’s enough to share with a friend.

The budget’s unlimited, someone else is paying and the choice is yours - where do you pick for dinner?

I don’t let other people take me places I can’t afford myself. A relaxed atmosphere, a good surrounding neighbourhood, flavourful and filling are what I go for. El Camino Real (2848 Dundas Street West) in the Junction is my favourite Mexican joint, and Nataraj (394 Bloor Street West) is my choice for a sit-down Indian meal.

Tell us some of the food shops you frequent when buying groceries to cook for yourself.

I’m more of an eater than a cook. But as you might guess from the title of my first collection of stories, Black Coffee Night, I do like my caffeine. The best espresso is bought bulk in Kensington Market. And I can’t pass Global Cheese (76 Kensington Avenue) without nipping in.

When ordering in for a quiet night at home, what’s your favourite place for take-out or delivery?

Tibet Kitchen (1544 Queen Street West) for Jasha Curry and Ting Mo.

Oh, no, relatives are coming to Toronto from out of town - where do you take them?

My parents are smokers so a patio is essential. And as far as patios go, the Cadillac’s (1296 Queen Street West) the place.

Your favourite place to grab a couple of drinks and hang out where everybody knows your name?

Not a big drinker. A bottle of wine at a friend’s place is more my style.

Tell us what’s coming up for you.

I’ll be doing a less traditional, but more intimate reading of my poems at Onward Ho
at Buddies in Bad Times on Friday, June 8th.