“King West is now the heart of the sunrise. It has a pulse, a feeling that the future of the neighbourhood will be looked upon with great reverence and fond nostalgia”
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The King West area has become a growing and vibrant destination for those looking to tantalizing their taste buds in a variety of local cuisines. From Waterworks, the smell of cultured cuisine will guide you right to some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Owned by Ralf Madi and located on the corner of Portland and King, Portland Variety caters to the locals in the area providing everything from early morning coffee and biscuits to delicious entrees and tasty cocktails. The Tap sat down with Jo Castrinos, Head Chef at Portland Variety to talk about the menu, the locals and the allure of the King West area.
The Tap: What roads led you to become a chef?
Jo Castrinos: I’ve always been a creative person, and cooking gives me a creative outlet to satisfy this desire. Hospitality is of great value to my family and culture. In Greek, “hospitality” literally translates to “befriend the stranger”. So by being a chef, I’m part of a greater responsibility to be a positive force in one’s society and to help others.
The Tap: Does the neighbourhood and its patrons have an influence on you when you are coming up with new dishes?
Jo Castrinos: I feel that a menu should reflect and be influenced by the chef, his environment and the desires of his patrons. I truly believe innovation is driven by the individual hoping to better serve his community. Chefs should be leaders and they often need to be the guide influencing their guests and by doing so, they too are often influenced by those for whom they are cooking. So really, I think we influence each other.
The Tap: What dish or cocktail do people come on in and get the most? What is a fan favorite?
Jo Castrinos: Food wise it has to be the octopus. To me it is a perfect dish. Just the other day, a woman came and ordered two octopuses to go. She told me that it was for someone in the hospital who was craving it. A magic moment. As for drinks, our tequila bong has been with us since the beginning and it is the most popular and my favourite.
The Tap: What is it about Portland Variety that draws the community in?
Jo Castrinos: I think it’s an inviting casual feel that offers a variety of exceptional food and service. But it’s also the lack of stiff formality which to me is more genuine.
The Tap: When guests come in, what’s the first thing they’re going to notice?
Jo Castrinos: Usually the pastries in the cafe part. In my opinion some of the best in the city. Then usually me, giving orders, or laughing or and often being colourful with my words.
The Tap: Since Portland Variety is very much a variety – where would one find you if you visited as a customer – the bakery? The bar? The restaurant?
Jo Castrinos: Easy, the bar. It’s where I prefer to eat most of the time in any establishment.
The Tap: What would you say makes this neighbourhood special?
Jo Castrinos: The energy and intensity. It has become the centre of Toronto, the nexus if you will. The west end was where everyone wanted to be, but I feel King West is now the heart of the sunrise. It has a pulse, a feeling that the future of the neighbourhood will be looked upon with great reverence and fond nostalgia. I truly feel that we are a part of urban history that is nowhere near it’s zenith.
Jo Castrinos is head chef at Portland Variety. Portland Variety is located on the corner of Portland and King at 587 King Street West only a 6-minute walk from Waterworks.