No, the name of this place doesn't refer to Jennifer Love Hewitt's vajazzled vajayjay. I'm not sure how it got its name but that's just one of the many questions I have about this kooky little deli/falafel shop, like:
- How can everything be so cheap here?
- How do they pay the rent?
- Why does the chalkboard menu look like Russell Crowe's conspiracy diagram from A Beautiful Mind?
- Does our trash really get sent to Michigan?
This place is inconveniently located for me and the food alone wouldn't be a draw but it's the owner, Elias, who I'd travel to see. This guy is a real character. He'll chat you up like you're long-lost friends and tell jokes that'll make even the most PMS-ey Eastern European with jacked-up Brit chompers sport a big toothy grin.
Then there's all the writing on the walls. When asked about the "Super Wonita" on the menu, we're told, "Wonita asked for a raise and I said to her: You want a raise or a sandwich named after you? She chose the sandwich."
Other little zany gems I found:
"Extra toppings cost more unless you bring it from home."
"WASTE: Michigan Bound" on the trash bin.
"It's a pita we're leaving -- we really falafel." (Huh?)[1]
"All above items includes GST
- Stories free
- Advice
- Worth a camel"
If you go, get a falafel and throw in some homemade hummus and smushy lentils. It's a massive sandwich that is tasty and filling--but reconsider if you have to sit through a long meeting in the afternoon since the contents are highly legumous. I should also warn you that the optional spice is really spicy. I tried to find out what it was and Elias told me it's LOVE. So, I guess sometimes love hurts.
But you really can't get any cheaper than this: a falafel + egg & cheese on a bagel + a bottle of juice came out to $9.50. Since Kat F. brought me as her friend, I was entitled to a free hug but Elias gave us each hugs AND a free slice of apple cake!
BOTTOM LINE: You can get some ridiculously cheap eats here but you're really going in order to experience a wack-a-doodle Toronto institution. Elias is a role model for business owners. We could all do with More Quirk and Less Jerk around the city.
====================================
[1] O.M.G. I just got this!