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Peoples Eatery in Kensington is, like other local businesses in the area that keep people flocking to it, a tribute to what stood before it—in a trendy new way. Adrian Ravinsky and David Stewart, owners of the successful 416 Snack Bar on Bathurst St., opened Peoples last year with a focused vision in mind. Their menu, and the décor, pays significant homage to the neighbourhood and its history–Jewish delis that once filled Spadina Ave. and also the Chinese food, among other diverse cuisines, which fill the streets now. Here you will find Korean sashimi ($14), Greek salad ($12), and potato knish ($4) on the same menu.



Watermelon bites at Peoples Eatery

Having become accustomed to the pricey, small sharing plates found in trendy new restaurants, my group ordered a plethora of dishes—but we were not disappointed in the portion size in the slightest, a happy reminder that this is Spadina Ave., not King St. West. First off, the matzo ball soup ($8), was the only dish of the evening that required cutlery, and it was poured from a kettle by the server with a stout, crispy chicken skin propped out of an ice cream scoop matzo ball. The soup was comforting, albeit not really shareable, and warms you up from the bitterly cold winter streets. Similarly, their fresh Thai curry ($12) is not shy on the heat, with a notably creamy consistency and burn your mouth heat that'll have your nose running if you're not careful.



Quick lunch at Peoples Eatery

The general tso fu ($4) stole the show though, a perfectly sweet and spicy sauce lathered over tofu that melts in your mouth and could trick carnivores into converting. You know how you can try a dozen different general tso sauces and still long for one that hits both sides of the sweet and spicy spectrum? Look no further than these deep-fried cubes.



Tso Fu was perfectly sweet and spicy

As a main, the Peking duck three ways ($25 for two or three, $40 for four) was impressive and great for sharing as a group—each person got a shot glass of hearty duck consommé, a big bowl of shredded duck stir-fry with rice, and a platter with sliced duck with lettuce, matchsticks of pear, thin pancakes, and cucumber. The slices of duck were impressive—rare and meaty, with a glossy shine and a texture that melts in your mouth. Being able to "go crazy", as our server recommended, was quite a pleasure, like taco night but a thousand times better.



Peoples Eatery logo and cheerful staff

If you want to have a unique taste of Kensington in one fell swoop, Peoples Eatery is the place to go. The décor too, with its neon sign, patterned tables, and historic photographs on the walls, hints at remembering what once was, with whispers of what now is. It's a trip through time, with only the staff, if anything, bringing you back to reality with their hipster get-ups and demeanour. Though they were remarkably polite and laid-back when I was there, making the whole experience a positive one.

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