Weekend guide to Queens Quay

What's going on in our area (minus major league sporting events, you know about those). Know of any events? Leave a comment or mail queensquaylife@gmail.com

Harbourfront Centre (link to weekend)
Ives Ensemble with Continuum Contemporary Music - part of SHIFT - a festival of Canadian and Dutch arts
Saturday, February 28, 2009 7:30 PM
A concert of Canadian and Dutch works.

That Night Follows Day
Saturday, February 28, 2009 8:00 PM
Created by revolutionary theatre maker Tim Etchells, and featuring a cast of 16 children between the ages of 8 and 14.

Queen of Puddings Music Theatre presents INÊS
Saturday/Sunday Various times
Queen of Puddings Music Theatre in association with Harbourfront Centre presents the World Premiere of INÊS, a chamber opera inspired by Portuguese fado music.

National Home Show (link)
Direct Energy Centre
Find fresh ideas at the Centre Stage as kitchen, landscape, home décor and renovation experts along with celebrity guests gather to share the hottest trends, tips and advice.
100 Prince's Boulevard - Dufferin Street and Lakeshore Boulevard West

Well, Spadina Wavedeck didn't win

As we wrote about last month, the Spadina Wavedeck was nominated for has been nominated for a British design award. The winner was announced on the 25th and the winning architecture entry was the New Oslo Opera House.

The 'Wavedeck' look will be extended on the waterfront in the years to come.

With political will, there is a way

The Martin Goodman trail is clear this winter, paving the way for runners and cyclists to use the waterfront to commute back and forth or to get in their winter exercise. This has only started this year and we can thanks the political leadership for doing something that makes such a big difference and attempts at getting more people to shun their cars.

Of course, we noticed that Mayor David Miller is also using it this winter. In his Twitter account, he mentions a few times that he's going for runs on the trail.

And, I had a great run on the Matin Goodman trail - with cyclists, runners, walkers - what a great winter day.

So, regardless of why, we're happy it happened.

Photo the week: Reclaiming land

Construction continues on the WaveDeck (see the Spadina WaveDeck to get an idea of what this will look like. This was taken a few weeks ago at Queens Quay near Simcoe, across from the Rabba's.

Porter Airlines here to stay?

It's dire times in the airline industry again as the recession has hit travel Air Canada recently reported a huge loss and there are concerns it could again file for bankruptcy protection.

Meanwhile, on Toronto's waterfront, we have smaller Porter Airlines. A report in Airwise says the airline, which flies out from the island airport to such cities as New York and Ottawa, expects to weather the recession. Here's an excerpt from the story

"In spite of the economy and in spite of the downturn within the industry itself, Porter is actually doing quite well and continuing to thrive," said Deluce, former president of defunct airline Canada 3000.

Porter has two points working for it -- convenience and low operating costs -- said Jacques Kavafian, an airline industry analyst at Research Capital.

Porter is the only airline that flies out of Toronto's City Centre Airport, minutes away from the city's financial district. Its rivals fly out of Pearson International, up to an hour's drive northwest of downtown Toronto.

Weekend guide to Queens Quay

What's going on in our area (minus major league sporting events, you know about those). Know of any events? Leave a comment or mail queensquaylife@gmail.com

Harbourfront Centre (link to weekend)
Tshepang
Friday to Sunday
Lara Foot Newton's haunting and uplifting masterpiece of redemption.

COBA (Collective of Black Artists) | Banta
Friday, February 20, 2009 8:00 PM
Pushing the boundaries of tradition in Canadian dance with a unique physical language that ranges from African to contemporary.

Toronto All-Star Big Band - They're Playing Our Song!
Sunday, February 22, 2009 2:00 PM
Enjoy an afternoon of music and dancing from the 1930's and 40's!

Queen of Puddings Music Theatre presents INÊS
Sunday, February 22, 2009 4:00 PM
Queen of Puddings Music Theatre in association with Harbourfront Centre presents the World Premiere of INÊS, a chamber opera inspired by Portuguese fado music.

Power Plant (link)

SUNDAY SCENE
Tamara Toledo
Sunday, 22 February | 2 PM

Tamara Toledo is a visual artist and curator. She is a recent recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts Assistance to Culturally Diverse Curators Grant for Residencies in the Visual Arts and a co-founder of the Salvador Allende Arts Festival for Peace.

Air Canada Centre
Friday: Rock v. Bandits
Saturday: Leafs v. Canucks
Sunday: Raptors v. Knicks

The city budget: Show us the money

Last week, the city council brought forward a budget for hard times, the Toronto Cares budget. Although the mayor called for a 4% increases in taxes, critics are saying it's more like 10%.

Well, here on Queens Quay, we may have had a little bit of sticker shock in our latest tax assessments. This resident say a 20 per cent rise from the last assessment. All of this is to say that we're paying more, so what are we getting for return.

Here are a few items that are focused on our neighbourhood, from the budget's highlights

"Toronto's budget protects City services and supports residents and businesses

Lake Ontario Park, construction activities in the East Bayfront, West Don Lands and the Central Waterfront ($1.597M gross, $1.012M net. East Bayfront, of course, is the area to the east of the Redpath building where George Brown, Corus are making homes. In addition there will be residential, mixed use and two parks in there. The first parks are scheduled for 2010.

- Introduce next vehicle notification, automated customer notification, e-commerce and internet trip planning ($0.448M gross and net) Note they started this program at Spadina station and Union station for the 510 line.

- Provide overall operations at Union Station including 24/7 security ($13.182M gross, $0 net) Many of us commute through Union to downtown, lets see if this eventually makes it smoother.

For the longer term, the city's 2009-2013 captial budget (which we assume has not been approved, doles out quite a bit of cash for the waterfront area:

Waterfront Renewal, focussing on public investment in parks and public.
Develop West Don Lands and East Bayfront precincts including the introduction of transit

• Union and Mimico Parks (2009 $1.700 M, 2009 – 2013 $10.300

• Dev George Brown College academic/student residence campus (2009 $36.300 M, 2009 – 2013 $161.200 M).

• Complete Fort York Pedestrian Bridge (2009 $2.000 M, 2009 – 2013 $17.000 M).

• Complete EAs on the Gardiner Expressway (2009 $5.000 M, 2009 – 2013 $10.000 (Environmental Assessments)

• Develop the Central Waterfront Public Realm (2009 $11.500 M, 2009 – 2013 $29.800 M

Cycling through some ideas

Councillor Adam Vaughan's newsletter reminds of a upcoming cycling meeting next Wednesday.

---

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: TBA

Councillor Vaughan and the Toronto Cyclists Union invite Ward 20 Cyclists, residents and businesses to a public meeting on February 25, 2009. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce ward 20 residents and cyclists to the Toronto Cyclists Union. We also hope to build connections between cyclists, local residents' associations, local businesses, the Toronto Cyclists' Union, and Councillor Vaughan's office.

We want your feedback on ideas to improve cycling in Ward 20, from the Annex to the Waterfront. Comments from this meeting will inform a larger community consultation meeting to be held in the spring, at which we will ask Ward 20 cyclists to help determine priorities for the year ahead.

Please RSVP to Councillor Vaughan's office if you are able to attend by emailing councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca or calling 416-392-4044.

Eat local: $5 subs on Queens Quay - Round two, Quiznos v. Subway

Last time we posted about food, we wrote about the submarine sandwich wars. Just to stretch it, we decided to go with two rounds. First, the beauty round. Second, the tasting round!

To remind you, these two large subs cost $5, $5.65 with taxes.

Subway: Assorted
This sub was the heavyweight of the two, with a full 60 grams or two ounces more meat, bread and veggies.

Since Quiznos was toasted, we decided to also toast this one as well.

The sub had a good match of moistness (ever have a dry sandwich?) and bread, although not very pretty to look at, had a satisfying chew to it.

They were generous with the veggies but sometimes they tend to load on the lettuce, which masks the other flavours

Funny thing about assorted cold cuts is that as a whole, the indivudual cuts don't really stand out. We had honey-mustard sauce, which is lot fat and is understandably on the sweet side, and less mustardy.

All in all, a satisfying sandwich.

Quiznos: 5 meat

Yes, the toasted sesame bread actually has a taste to it, the seeds adding an extra texture and flavour. The bread is pretty light and good chewy/crunch mix.

We did feel that they went a tad skimpy on the meat, so all the fancy cuts, well, they didn't really jump out at you but you could taste the higher quality. One thing though, they went overboard with the mustard sauce, and nothing can overpower a submarine like too much sauce. Hint guys, go light unless we ask.

All in all, has higher fat content and you could taste it. Not as satisifying if you're hungry and a little more calories. A large puts down more than 1000 calories which is almost half the amount you need for a 2500 a day diet so go light or have this for dinner if you want.

Of course, you can load up on the veggies and get all in one meal

The winner, we'd have to give round 1 (beauty) for Quiznos and round two, just a slight lead for Subway. When it comes down to it, for value, go Subway, for a little extra fanciness, go Quiznos. You'll pay the same price.

Our winner, for these tough economic times: Subway

A romantic day on Queens Quay

It's Valentine's Day so lets quickly think up of things to do, places to shop.

Go skating at Natrel Rink: Cherry Bomb DJs Denise Benson and Cozmic Cat's Valentine's Day edition has Electro, Breaks, Techno, House and Hip Hop.

Shop: Flowers at Rabba, perfume or cosmetics at the Shoppers, chocolate at one of those stores on the Queens Quay Terminal.

Drink it up: Beer Store if you're drowning your sorrows, or maybe Vineyard Estates Wines.

Eat: Intimate dinner for two at the Ichiban sushi, or maybe Il Fornello.

Walk: The Martin Goodman Trail is pretty clear this weekend. Take a long walk.

Weekend guide to Queens Quay

What's going on in our area (minus major league sporting events, you know about those). Know of any events? Leave a comment or mail queensquaylife@gmail.com

Harbourfront Centre (link to weekend)

 Dancemakers - It's about time: 60 Dances in 60 Minutes
Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, 8:00 PM
Continuing the drive towards bold contemporary, collaborative and cross-disciplinary work.

Shakuntala
Friday, Feb 13 and Saturday 14th  8:00 PM
With exquisite costumes, enthralling music, a multicultural cast and dazzling choreography, Shakuntala is one of the world’s oldest love stories.


HarbourKIDS: Anansi the Spider Craft Workshop
Saturday, February 14, 2009 1:00 PM - 6:00PM
A multi-disciplinary, environmentally-friendly children's arts programme with Sistah Lois' creative capers.

A Different Booklist 10th Anniversary Celebration: When Words Dance
Saturday, February 14, 2009 2:00 PM
Celebrating Canadian authors at their best!



Caribbean Kebabs - Family Cooking Class
Saturday, February 14, 2009 2:00 PM
Rising Chefs present an Afro-Caribbean focused dish for families to learn and enjoy.

Kenny Robinson’s Nubian Disciples Comedy Crew
Afternoon Delight
Saturday, February 14, 2009 3:00 PM
An all ages, family-friendly comedy showcase hosted by Jean Paul.


The Muhtadi International Drumming Festival: 10th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, February 14, 2009 6:00 PM
Master drummer Muhtadi performs and leads an afternoon recital of international drumming.


DJ SK8 Night
Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:00 PM - 11:00PM
Special Valentine's Day event
February 14, 2009



Kenny Robinson’s Nubian Disciples Comedy Crew
The St Valentines Day Laughter Massacre hosted by Marc Trinidad
Saturday, February 14, 2009 9:00 PM
An adults-only show, packed with no-holds barred comedy!


Music with Bite, Aché Brasil
Co-presented by Jeunesses Musicales Ontario
Sunday, February 15, 2009 1:00 PM
Fusing music, dance and Capoeira into a dynamic, colorful, high energy performance.





Power Plant (link)
SUNDAY SCENE
York Lethbridge
Sunday, 15 February | 2 PM

Toronto-based artist, curator and writer York Lethbridge recently completed a Curatorial Internship at The Power Plant.

Free with admission


Rogers Centre
Feb. 13 to Feb 22: Canadian International Autoshow (link) : The Canadian International AutoShow returns to Toronto from February 13 - 22, 2009 with exhibitions at both Rogers Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
$20.00 Adults
$7.00 Children ages 7 - 12
$40.00 Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children)

Air Canada Centre

Feb 13. So you Think You Can Dance  (link)

Permit watch: Yet another Le Germain hotel?

We know well the Hotel Le Germain that's on Mercer Street, south of King near Wayne Gretzky's restaurant and across the street from Rain. It appears that they're working on a 8-story hotel at York and Lakeshore. Here's the permit


Location:
15 YORK ST
TORONTO ON

Ward 28: Toronto Centre-Rosedale
Application#: 09 104396 HVA 00 MS
Accepted Date: Jan 23, 2009
Project: Motel/Hotel

Description: HVAC - Interior alterations to floors 1-8 of new hotel building. Tenant - "Hotel Le Germain".

Photo of the week: Dark and light

View of the lake off Queens Quay

Lights back on at CN Tower

We wrote last week about the lights out at the CN Tower. The National Post's Posted Toronto followed up on it (and linked back here) and we're pleased to see that the lights are back on. Are we to thank for such a speedy response? No, probably not but we're happy to catch it.

Says the Post.

The power supply to the section, about midway up the tower, was lost late last week, and required a switch replacement, said Lisa Tompkins, the tower’s director of marketing and communications.
Maintenance crews were sent into the elevator shaft yesterday, she said.
“A small portion of lights are located inside the shaft of the elevator and this poses a challenge,” said Ms. Tompkins.

Confirmed: Sobeys Urban Fresh at CityPlace (Fort York)

We were walking by the CityPlace neighbourhood, west of Bremner, on Fort York beside Spadina. We can now confirm that work is just starting on the Sobey's Urban Fresh, just like we mentioned a little while back. According to a permit on the front door of the building, the project will take about 20 weeks to complete.

It started in late January and the estimated time for finishing is June 19, 2009. Interesting side note is that it says the costs will be $850,000.

Regardless, this will be a major addition to the neighourhood, and will likely be also used by Queens Quay residents. If you live on Spadina or west to Bathurst, the Sobeys at York and Queens Quay is a good kilometre to mile away. Meanwhile, if you live at CityPlace, you have a Rabba's, the Fresh & Wild on King Street and the M & M Meatshop. We think this new store will introduce a little more competition and variety.

Meanwhile you can admire the storefront of the Sobeys at Queens Quay.

Weekend guide to Queens Quay: Somalia, dancing marathon and interior design

What's going on in our area (minus major league sporting events, you know about those). Know of any events? Leave a comment or mail queensquaylife@gmail.com

WinterCity (link) and Winterlicious (link)
From Jan 30 to Feb. 12
See our post about Harbourfront restaurants participating in Winterlicious.
Wintercity showcases events and attractions that have discounted prices. See the list of events here and the coupons here. Locally we have free child admission at the CN tower with each paying adult and a 2 for 1 tour of the Steam Whistle Brewery.

Harbourfront Centre (link to weekend)Dance Marathon
Friday, Feb. 6 7:00 PM
An interactive, duration-based performance event inspired by the physically gruelling spectator sport of Depression-Era North America.

Shakuntala
Friday, Feb.  6, 2009 8:00 PM
With exquisite costumes, enthralling music, a multicultural cast and dazzling choreography, Shakuntala is one of the world’s oldest love stories.

Sabar Drum and Dance with Daniel Joof and Tamsir Seck
Saturday, Feb.  7 12:00 PM
Led by acclaimed Masters from West Africa presented with Baobab Afrikan Arts.

HarbourKIDS: African Wall Hangings
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 1:00 PM - 6:00PM
Create fabric wall hangings inspired by African arts and culture with artist Nazreth Mebrathu.

Griots with Katenen "Cheka" Dioubaté
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 2:00 PM
From the Mandé peoples of western Africa, enjoy the sounds of Katenen "Cheka" Dioubaté who will perform a variety of Griot music.


Somaliwood
Saturday, Feb. 7  2:00 PM - 8:00PM
Exploring Somali culture from the world capital of Somali filmmaking, Columbus, Ohio, with OLOL Film Production.

Shakuntala
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 2:00 PM
With exquisite costumes, enthralling music, a multicultural cast and dazzling choreography, Shakuntala is one of the world’s oldest love stories.

Screening: Somali Voices
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 2:00 PM
A compelling documentary featuring over one hundred Somali people from across the globe.

Benne Wafers - Family Cooking Class
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 2:30 PM
Rising Chefs Culinary Centre presents an African-focused dish cooking class for families.

Hiplife
Hosted by Trixx featuring Bonital L and Stevano UGO
Saturday, Feb, 7, 2009 5:00 PM
Music and dance in traditional Ghanaian fusion of highlife and hip hop.


Meet the Artists! Q&A
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009 5:30 PM
Learn about Somali culture and the making of Somaliwood with OLOL founder, Abdisalam Aato and actress Faduma Nakruma, Yasmin.


Screening: Ambad (Lost)
Saturday, February 7, 2009 7:00 PM
A tragic story of hope, triumph, and redemption with an all-star Somaliwood cast.


Kuumba Choreographer's Congress with five of Toronto's finest choreographers
Saturday, February 7, 2009 8:00 PM
African movement meets urban movement at Harbourfront Centre with five of Toronto's finest choreographers.


The Horn of Africa: A Musical Odyssey
Featuring Daniel Nebiat and Kemer Yousef in partnership with Batuki Music
Saturday, February 7, 2009 9:30 PM
The first Canadian concert by Kemer Yousef following his triumphant tour of Ethiopia



Power Plant (link)
SUNDAY SCENE
Izida Zorde
Sunday, 8 February | 2 PM

Izida Zorde is a writer, curator and the editor of FUSE magazine. She is a founding member of the Department of Culture. Her critical work explores politically engaged visual arts practices, neo-liberal economics and participatory democratic models.

Free with admission


Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place (Take the 509 streetcar)

Feb 5 - 8: Interior Design Show (link) (show's website): Canada’s premiere platform for contemporary residential design. IDS is the complete design experience. Since the show’s inception, over half a million design professionals, discriminating consumers and media have attended the IDS in search of new products, ideas and inspiration.
$10-$19
Saturday February 7, 2009 - 10am - 7pm. Open to the public
Sunday February 8, 2009 - 10am - 6pm. Open to the public.


Air Canada Centre
Feb 7. The Toronto Rock play the Edmonton Rush (link)

MLS-ing the neighbourhood

Oh, we're well aware of the site MLS which is now realtor.ca. For a real estate crazy city, it's the centre of home owning porn.

We couldn't help but notice that as usual, we're getting lots of junk mail delivered and if you have been looking at them before you toss them, many are sent by realtors looking to get you to rent, buy or, more likely, put your property for sale.

So paying homage to the whole genre of house hunting, we present an occasional look at properties going for sale on Queens Quay

Number of properties on sale today: 41
The cheapest: $229,900 for a two bedroom at 650 Queens Quay West. "This Address Extremely Sought After. Stunning Grande Entrance With Hotel-Esque Lobby. This Beautiful, Well Maintained 1 Bedroom Plus Den Has A Flexible Open Concept Layout With A Breakfast Bar!"

The expensive one: 739,000 for a 1500 Square foot condo at 251 Queens Quay West. " "Watch The Boats From The Admiralty Point! Lakeview From All Rooms! Renovated Suite With Attention To Detail. New Kitchen Designed For People Who Like To Cook And Entertain At The Same Time!" [Ed note: Could we spare the exclamation marks?]

The middle of the road: $349,000 for an address at 650 Queens Quay. "Great Downtown Location By The Lake. Close To Public Transit With Easy Access To Lakeshore & Gardenier. Steps To Restaurants And Entertainment Venues."

Favourite realtor line: "Buy In The Perfect Storm, Unbeatable Value. Prime Waterfront Location In Downtown Toronto With Breathtaking South View Of Lake & Islands"

Most interesting pitch: "Ideal Space For Young Couple, Artists Or Investors. Inherit The Creative Vibe That This Space Now Has Thanks To Its Present Owners. Bring Your Suitcase To This One...You Are Going To Want To Stay More Than One Night :)" [bonus marks for using a smilely face] 410 Queens Quay West, a $229,900 condo.

$5 subs on Queens Quay: Round one

Quiznos on the left and Subway on the right.

Okay, as we promised earlier this week, we would review the submarine price wars going on. Since Mr. Sub is still charging more than $5 (although they just put out a new sign offering a free drink) we thought we'd do a little head to head between Subway and Quiznos.

Both subs cost $5.65 after taxes. We'll do this in two rounds. First is the beauty round, second will all be about taste.

The contenders

Quiznos: Yes, we're well aware Quiznos is the new guy in town. They're a recent entry into the sub market here in Toronto and we've always been a little bit hesitant to drop too much money on these sandwiches. What is known is that they toast their bread, have fancy types of breads, and skew toward the gourmet crowd.

Subway: Mr. Sub is a Canadian original so Subway is that big U.S. export. They make the sub in front of you and bake the bread in house. That used to be the big perception about them. Then they became the place you ate when you wanted to lose weight, a la Jared. Now, it's a staple submarine joint in our fair city.

The sandwiches
Quiznos: 5 meat stack. Turkey, ham, genoa salami, pepperoni, spicy capicola, cheddar, mayo, lettuce, tomato and smokey mustard
"We backed up the meat truck on this one"

Nutritional:  1190 calories, 620 from fat (68 grams), 3510 mg sodium

Subway: Cold cut combo. Turkey, bologna, turkey ham and turkey salami. (With fat free honey mustard)

Nutritional: 1000 calories (sandwich 920 calories), 440 from fat (23 grams), 2860 mg sodium.

Winner? Hm, this is a hard one. In recessionary times, maybe the higher caloric value in Quiznos is what you want. If you're having this for dinner, beware both sandwiches as they do pack in the calories. Hint, add a lot of veggies cause this is all you'll eat!

Weigh in (using digital scale):

Quiznos: 415 grams or 14.5 ounces

Subway: 475 grams or 16.75 ounces (that's right more than a pound)

Winner? Subway for amount of food you get and Quiznos if you're trying to go 'light'.

Beauty shot:

Quiznos

Quiznos: Sesame makes it looks kinda pretty, as is the way they cut the bread. It's also cut well for toasting so it looks actually very appetizing. Crust is set and the bread is nice and soft.

Subway

Subway: This bread (white) was toasted but you can see the wrinkling on it. Because it's oversauced a bit, it's looking a little, we'll, ugly.

Next, the taste test

Community meetings: Clarence Square Park, railway lands bridge and a Toronto Island watermain

Emailed from Adam Vaughan's office about the Clarence Square Park, which is off Spadina, north of Front, and a proposed bridge at Spadina-Bathurst.

Community Meeting about Clarence Square Park
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Metro Hall, 55 John Street, 3rd Floor, Room 309

Councillor Adam Vaughan and staff from the City of Toronto, Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division would like to hear your feedback about proposed landscape upgrades for Clarence Square Park. Clarence Square Park is located at Wellington and Spadina.

Come out and see the draft design concepts of the proposed landscape upgrades, a review of the history of the square and an arborist's report on the local trees.

Please let us know if you plan to attend, either by phone at 416-392-4044 or by email at councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca.


A Community Consultation on Proposed Railway Lands West Pedestrian Bridge
Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Harbourfront Community Centre, 627 Queens Quay West

As part of the plans for the Railway Lands West, a pedestrian bridge is required to be built between Spadina Ave and Bathurst St, over the rail corridor. The bridge will link the Wellington Place neighbourhood to the north, with the new Railway Lands West neighbourhood to the south, and provide a new north/south link to the waterfront.

Please join Councillor Vaughan to hear about the proposal and provide feedback. Let us know if you plan to attend, either by phone at 416-392-4044 or by email at councillor_vaughan@toronto.ca.

Also, there's a meeting set to take place on Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Waterfront School at 635 Queens Quay West. It's about the watermain from possibly Queens Quay and Bathurst out to the Toronto Islands.

Photo of the week: Really old stuff

Seen at the Harbour Front Antiques

The sub wars of Queens Quay

These are hard times in the economy and what other way to combat it other than with cheap food? Well, maybe we're not in dire straights yet, as many a young professional lives on Queens Quay. We don't have a whole lot of choice (probably thankfully) when it comes to fast food but we have plenty of choices for those who want sub (submarine) sandwiches. Within a 350 metre stretch, you will find a Quiznos Subs, a Subway and a Mr. Sub.

Subway is offering $5 for one of five subs (cold cuts, meatball, veggie, ham and pizza) or for a 'fresh value meal'. Quiznos is charging $5 for 'everyday value subs' while Mr. Sub down the road is staying out of the price war, charging $5.89 for an assorted, salami, ham, pizza and meatball.

Clearly two of these players are trying to fight for your $5. We at Queens Quay Life have actually had subs at all three, but in the spirit of our 'Eat Local' theme, we're going to try a $5 (and $5.89) at each of the sub places. It may take a few weeks so look for our reviews of the three establishments.

Subway, 228 Queens Quay West (416-345-9494)

Quiznos Subs, 208 Queens Quay West (416-977-3121)

Mr. Sub, 258 Queens Quay West (416-777-9559)