Yes, we know that nobody really wants to eat at World MasterCard Fashion Week but you kind of have to. Here’s where you can do so and stay skinny…
Let’s be real for a second – if you have worked your butt off (perhaps literally) to look your best at World MasterCard Fashion Week, chances are you’ve got the discipline it takes to say a big, fat no thanks to some of Toronto’s decandent pizzarias and burger joints #HowDoesSheDoIt?
It was a young, waif-like Kate Moss who coined the phrase ‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels’, and her words will never ring more true than during World Matstercard Fashion Week.
You’re more likely to eat the burger if it’s on the menu, so we recommend sticking to restaurants with carb-free options and Parisian portion sizes. Might as well save all those calorie points for cocktails at fashion parties, can I get an amen ladies?
If you want to keep your life more Prada than pasta, here are the best restaurants to eat and stay skinny.
El Caballito
Directly across King Street West from the excitement of David Pecaut Square, El Caballito is close enough to all the excitement that you can walk there without having to ditch the fabulous stilettos. You won’t be seduced by the cheesy nachos when you can just as easily opt for the squally delicious traditional ceviche, or the baked fish or spicy shrimp tacos. Remember to trade in that tortilla shell for a lettuce leaf, girl!
The Shore Club
Fish is low on the fat that goes to your thighs, and high on the kind that goes to your brain. The Shore Club (adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton Toronto and directly behind David Pecaut Square on Wellington Street) is a refined option for getting your poisson plate for lunch or dinner! During WMCFW, The Shore Club will hosting a variety of specials including buck a shuck deals, $2 jumbo prawns, $5 pints of Session Saison by Sweet Grass Brewery and $7 glasses of wine everyday from 4pm – midnight in the lounge!
Thompson Diner
If you’re finishing late at the tents, take a quick stroll down Wellington Street to The Thompson Diner. It’s open 24/7 and offers great skinny bitch options including killer salads, a turkey burger that will likely leave your more satisfied than beef ever could. FYI, you can get salad OR fries on the side (not half and half), wrap your burger in a lettuce leaf, it’s all about minimizing the buns.
Patria
What’s the ultimate portion controller? Tapas, duh. Patria’s menu features traditional Spanish options such as fish, goat cheese, and vegetarian plates. The more friends you bring along, the harder it is to indulge in more than your fair share.
Earls King Street
Earls King Street is open late and offers some seriously satisfying salads, we recommend the Black Cajun Chicken, the Steelhead Salmon, and the Chicken Avocado Salad. Nutritional information for all Earl’s dishes can be found online so you can decide in advance and forego the last-minute temptation!
Freshii
Looking for an on-the-go option that won’t bloat you or give you instant greasy-face? Freshii has an impressive selection of salads, wraps, and bowls apportez. Check out their website for nutritional info as well.
Fresh Off The Boat
While it may not be easy to look away from the fried options at Queen West’s hottest seafood joint, Fresh Off The Boat, their variety of fresh grilled fish options will prove that dieting can also be delicious.
Volos
Volos is our favourite spot in Toronto for whole grilled fish, done Greek-style! The Mediterranean diet is notorious for its health benefits and is generally easy on the waistline. Volos’ menu is packed with veggies, seafood, olive oil, and other healthy fats.
Rodney’s Oyster House
It’s time to be selfish with some shellfish. Oysters are perfectly petite portions and negligible calorie-wise. Your wallet may suffer if your eyes are bigger than your stomach, but your waistline won’t. Specialists say spicy foods have been known to speed up the metabolism so get creative with the imported and house-made hot sauces available.
Portland Variety
Located conveniently at Portland and King Street West, this neighbourhood favourite won’t make you sacrifice cool factor and a good vibe for diet-consciousness. With options like the Hippie Salad (think red kale and chia seeds) and a killer starter featuring chickpeas, saffron, and sweet potato, you won’t believe you’re eating healthy.
Wilbur Mexicana
If you’re no longer satisfied by the average quinoa and kale salads offered at just about every restaurant in the city? Take your greens to the next level with Wilbur Mexicana by adding chicken, steak, pork, or Baja fish.
How will you be staying skinny this Fashion Week? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
