Top 100 Restaurants by Anthony Rose

In honour of the Top 100 Restaurants in Canada and the 100 Greatest Restaurants in the World coming out recently, I would like to congratulate the following restaurants and appetizing stores with an accolade of their very own:

The First Annual List of the 6 Best Restaurants and Appetizing Stores in the World, As Chosen by Our Prestigious Panel of Judge.

Wait, you haven't heard of these awards?

As the inaugural awards publication by yours truly, I am pleased to tell you that I have personally searched the world over this past year to find my contenders. From Barrie to Brantford, Etobicoke to Scarborough, and as far as Temagami and Prince Edward County. Such a trip seems crazy, I know, but my business is food and hospitality, after all, and someone offered to cover 20% of my gas costs, so I figured it was a good idea.

Being the sole judge was actually a lot easier than expected. Other than feeling lonely a good part of the time, I was able to reflect on questions of such existential importance as: Who am I? It was also cheaper for my food sponsors at Reach Fitness not to have to feed me while I undertook this journey (thank you Ben and team).

But now, on to the process: I made reservations for two people at each restaurant under the pseudonym Billy Shears. I wore a disguise in all establishments so as not to be noticed. Sometimes my disguises were biblical and sometimes they were simply distracting and creepy.



I ordered two appetizers, two entrees, one bottle of wine, two cocktails and two desserts. I assured the waiter that I was on a second date and that she would be arriving any minute. This turned out to be a genius move, as my fictitious date never showed, and I was able to play the sympathy card.


Credit: Picture of fictitious date who never showed.

All in all, I ate in over 10,000 establishments over the course of my year and below are my findings for the 6 Best Restaurants and Appetizing Stores in the World, in no particular order:

1. Rose and Sons

For those who have been to what I think is the best greasy spoon in the world, this # 1 pick will come as no surprise. If you like NOMA and Alinea, then this is for you. The biggest surprise of my visit here was something called “Bacon and Eggs.” I know it sounds weird, but trust me on this one. Another sweet surprise: they fry the potato hash in fucking chicken fat! Schmaltz! Take note chefs, as I do not for the life of me know why no one has thought of this before. The decor is like the Pompidou Centre in Paris, just letting it all hang out.

Chef Jesse Grasso coincidentally also leads the kitchen of my # 2 pick—he is that good. If you mixed an early Jerry Garcia with a late Jerry Garcia, and added in some youthful good looks, without the beard, he is who you’d find.


Credit: Picture of early and late Garcia combined.

2. Big Crow (just behind Rose and Sons)

While traversing this great world, I did a ton of camping to save money as my hotel sponsor, Ashley Madison, backed out at last second. Every time I was grilling over an open fire under the stars, all I could think to myself was “why can't someone just do this?” Lo and behold, one day my prayers to the moon were answered in Big Crow BBQ. Interestingly, this establishment was named after a lake in Algonquin Park where I spent much of my infant years learning how to camp and canoe from my dear mother.

Unbeknownst to me (and Hawaii apparently), Big Crow is the birth place of the now-ubiquitous Poke Bowl. Also unbeknownst to me (and Italy apparently) Big Crow is the birth place of Garlic Bread. Lastly, unbeknownst to me (and Jonathon Waxman apparently) Big Crow is the birth place of the JW Chicken.


Credit: Picture of Jonathon Waxman Bird - AKA JW bird

It is now my mission to show restaurant-goers that this hidden gem has given the world its most wonderful flavours: charcoal, wood, whiskey, Chef Jesse, and smoke. What more could you ask for?

3. Fat Pasha

I should start by saying that I have eaten at more Shawarma or شاورما or shwarma or שַׁוַארְמָה places around the globe than I even thought possible, from Timmins to Sarnia, I tell you. When some local Rabbis sent me to Fat Pasha in Toronto, I had very little hope for this House of Jewish Food. But, as the popular expression goes, vi bald vi ikh gezen jeri garsya vi mshh gezegenung der suf im, ikh gevaust dem iz geven di faktish handlen. I heard that the Chef Jeremy, is a devout Christian so his take on this jewy side of cuisine
was stunning.


Credit: The Grateful Dead in 1970, from a promotional photo shoot.
Left to right: Bill Kreutzmann, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Phil Lesh.

I later learned that Meghan Markle has graced (without His Grace) these chairs on many occasions. So #3 it became. I mean, it was the Holy Quadrinity of Jerry Garcia, Hummus, Manischewitz and Meaghan Markle? Magic man, pure fucking magic. And, the food is wicked good! Like, oy gevalt, I can't kvetch about a thing good. I would definitely hold a bris here.

4. Schmaltz Appetizing

It’s important to know that Schmaltz is not a bagel shop, nor is an appetizing store ever a place to buy bagels. Schmaltz Appetizing, by definition, is a place to buy things that go on and/or with bagels. Schmaltz is not Kosher nor is Josh, the chef, circumcised. In fact, Josh will yell at you, demean you, throw things at you, call you names and tell you what to order. Sounds like any other 4-star Michelin chef, if you ask me. Your best bet here is to order the Bagel-Farshtunken, toasted and heavily-buttered pumpernickel bagel with schmaltz herring and onions. Kiss me!


Credit: Josh, some guy and some guys son from another marriage

5. Swan by Rose and Sons

Walking into the Swan is reminiscent of the MOMA and Nashville all at the same time! MIND BLOWN. The owner’s personal art collection crowds the walls with Basquiat, Phish, a surfboard and, oddly, the hood of a 1967 Trans Am (my personal favourite). Apparently the Art Gallery of Ontario is so jealous they are looking to add their own Anthony Rose personal collection wing.


Credit: Jean-Michel Basquiat

The concept of “Meat and Three” is by no means new, but it is the first of its kind in Canada, and also it’s the best. The hot fried chicken melts in your mouth as the lard drizzles down your arm. Kiss me deep Chef Sean!!!

6. Bar Begonia

As my loyal fans will know, I am very, very comfortable with nudity of all types: male, female, goats . . . you name it and I want to see it naked. You can imagine the delight I felt while sitting in Bar Begonia, surrounded by nudes, sipping some of the best cocktails I have ever had, and eating oysters and steak tartare. All of a sudden, I had taken off all my clothes and started singing Serge Gainsbourg, dancing like a French madman. It is THAT good. This Best Restaurant may be 6th on my list, but I’m pleased to tell you that it's #1 when it comes to French food in the world. Chef Julian has a way with flavors and has finessed this Frenchified bistro in a way that is truly stunning. Plus, his witty banter and overall muscle tone are hard not to love.


Credit: Selfie

7. Madame Boeuf


Credit: marta mckenzie

This burger bar has, bar-none, the best burger I have ever tasted. The restaurant has yet to open for the general public, so the truth is that I haven’t really seen or tasted any of the menu offerings, but believe you me, I love it all. From the cocktails on tap, to the house-personalized Madame Boeuf red and white wines, to the bocce ball and horseshoes, this place is truly spectacular. An issue to note: they did offer lawn darts at one point, but someone got too competitive and ruined the fun for everyone, ahem Matt Maslow, I am looking at you. Bring the whole family and check out the Flea Market once a month, and buy some used vinyl and comic books.

Thank you very much for listening to me, dear readers. I appreciate you and love you and hope to see you soon at one of Best Restaurants and Appetizing Stores in the Whole Wide World as voted by me and me alone.

Bon Appetit,

Anthony Rose

Early Summer Calendar of Events:

Rose and Sons - May 31. Ladies Whiskey Feast w/ Dave Mitton and Anthony Rose - Call Desi to
reserve (647-342-0356).

Fat Pasha - June 7. Shabbat Dinner Feast with Bonnie Stern and Anthony Rose - Call Desi to reserve
(647-342-0356). 

Bar Begonia - Feast TBD - its coming and we will announce it soon. 

Madame Boeuf -  Opening day May 26th and the First Flea market is on May 27th.

All Restaurants - Patios are all open. 

PS. Here is an extra shot because I like it.


Credit: Michael Stadtlanders outhouse