Gentrifacation IMHO Is Destroying Neighborhoods

Especially those neighborhoods that are home to single people whose home is a single room and their social relationships revolve around "greasy spoons" and bingo halls.

The only hash here is on the plate
Rib-sticking food, no drugs at eatery
January 17, 2007
Joe Fiorito

Now, finally, to the Cabbagetown Restaurant, scene of the alleged crime, for a cup of coffee in the middle of an idle afternoon.

As you know from previous efforts, the restaurant is under siege from the neighbours who live nearby. The neighbours want the liquor licence pulled. There are allegations of drugs sold on the premises, and of drunken rowdiness and other misdeeds.

I saw no crimes at the scene; no dealing of drugs, no unruly drinking, no harassing of the gentry.

I found instead a dozen regulars cracking wise, talking sports, and staring through the window at the dull grey afternoon. One old fellow sat by himself, lost in reverie, taking his privacy in public with a pitcher of beer and a side of fries. Had I been hungry, I might have joined him in some fish and chips, or a bowl of chili.

That's the kind of place it is.

Or I might have had the Super Breakfast: three eggs with four slices of bacon, home fries, juice and coffee for $4.75; had I skipped the juice, downsized the eggs by one and lost some of the bacon, the breakfast would not have been so Super, but it would have been a dollar cheaper and I might have had it with a beer.

The kind of place it is.

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