Posted by Irene Ng in events, neighbourhoods on June 25, 2008 at 7:29 am

When the windows in my apartment start rumbling just a little bit harder from the usual pulsating beats on Church Street, I know Pride Week is nearing!

From both friends and strangers, I have always heard the line, "Church Street is all about the scene, not about the food," and since moving here a few years ago, I reckon there is some truth to this rumour. However, my time in this neighbourhood has led me to find some favourites, whether for a night out, fast take away or a lazy brunch. Through trials of good and bad eating experiences, plus insider tips from other food-savvy folk familiar with the Gay Village dining scene, here follows my top picks for satisfying an appetite while partaking in Pride Week festivities.

To avoid the crowds, yet also allowing one to partake of the neighbourhood's energy prior to Sunday's parade, there are several restaurants in the area available for a nice evening out without the rush. Sambuca's on Church (489 Church Street) offers an extensive menu with Italian fare, as well as daily specials. In addition, from Mondays to Thursdays, they offer up a prix fixe menu for only $24. I am sure the crowds craving Japanese and wanting to splurge will flock to Kaiseki Sakura (556 Church Street), where they're known for their omakase tasting menu. With the recent mention in the Toronto Star about their brunch, expect the place to be filled this weekend.

Looking for Thai food? Only a skip away from the Church and Wellesley intersection, Pi-Tom's Thai Cuisine (6A Alexander Street) is a place I have already touted in a past review. I will repeat myself again - their pad thai and cashew chicken are stellar.

A visit to the neighbourhood would not be complete without stopping into Zelda's (542 Church Street) for a beverage. Their long list of cocktails includes Zelda originals such as the "Bitch Slap", a concoction of sour fruit-flavoured liqueurs with cranberry juice, topped off with gummy bears as a garnish. For food here, I would suggest the California Dreamin' Dee-Lite Sandwich, which includes layers of grilled chicken, bacon, guacamole and swiss cheese between slices of egg or whole wheat bread.

There are many places for a quick bite between people watching (or gawking) and dancing in the streets. A favourite is Ginger (546 Church Street), which provides slurp-to-the-last-drop noodle soup (the tofu and vegetable version is my staple), fresh salad rolls, and fruit smoothies at very affordable prices. If hankering for a schnitzel in a bun or bowl of goulash, take a step into Reither's Fine Foods (530 Church Street). They also have a large variety of salads and many European chocolates to choose from. For lighter fare, Crepe It Up! (507 Church Street) supplies sweet and savoury filled crepes.

Those partying into the late hours can head to A La Turque (558 Church Street) and try one of their gigantic chicken doner or falafel wraps. Sometimes as an added bonus, they will have additional Turkish items like burek (savoury filled phyllo pastries) and stuffed eggplant. Finally, cap off the night with a chocolate truffle and a scoop of homemade gelato (try Nutella or mango) at Adam & Eve Chocolatiers (97 Maitland Street), tucked away on Maitland Street east of Church.

For recovery from this frenzied and eventful week, Hair of the Dog (425 Church Street) is a destination for brunch. Try to grab a seat on their lovely patio and enjoy dishes like Easy as Pie, a bottomless serving of scalloped potatoes topped with poached eggs and breakfast meat of your choice.

As much as Church Street is all about the scene, especially during Pride, there are still plenty of choices for good food in the area while partaking of the festivities. Happy Pride Week!