We asked some local personalities how they get the most bang for their buck.
Liz Ikiriko, owner, The Arthur
“I’d start by going to Capital Espresso in Parkdale for a coffee and a berry-mascarpone muffin. It’s just a muffin but it’s so freakin’ good! So that’s $4.75 gone. Then I’d bike to the LCBO on College and Euclid and give $2 to the busker who’s always outside there. He plays the slide guitar and I love hearing it. You’ve gotta pay it forward! Then I’d head to Kid Icarus in Kensington and buy one of their $3 postcards that have a picture of the Great Lakes on it and say, ‘You’re Great!’ I’d take it to Christie Pits to people-watch and write a postcard to my friend in New York.”
Gary Rideout Jr., co-owner, Comedy Bar
“I would go to a movie at Rainbow Cinema Market Square. I’m willing to take a flyer on a movie I might not otherwise see, and you can get a drink and popcorn combo—which is essential to the movie-going experience—for under 10 bucks, too. Or I’d go to Empire Shawarma—you can get two of them and share!”
Rob Gentile, executive chef, Buca
“Two words: High Priest.* It’s from The Burger’s Priest. It’s the most gangster burger you could eat. Give me one of those and I’m a happy man.”
*On the restaurant’s secret menu
Odessa Paloma Parker, editorial director, Plaid Magazine
“I’d get a Campari soda and a pickle from Sweaty Betty’s. Campari soda is my favourite drink. After I have a couple of those I usually get hungry, so I’d get a nice, salty pickle. I love food. I’m pretty [savvy about] pickles and had one at Sweaty Betty’s and was like, ‘This is the best pickle ever!’ They’re so nice and sour.”
