For about 8 months, I have been keeping a keen eye on the empty space at Howland and Dupont with anticipation of the arrival of the newest addition to my neighbourhood, Fanny Chadwick's. For the majority of those very long months there was a buzz in the area, but very little was actually known about what the space would be, until one day the following letter was posted to the areas residents:

Fanny Chadwick’s

Dear Neighbours,

Since the 1940’s, 268 Howland Ave has been a restaurant serving not only Annex residents but students, shoppers and people that work in the area. From Angelo’s Diner in the 70’s and 80’s, to a series of Diners and Asian style restaurants and now with Fanny Chadwick’s.

We will be opening soon and we look forward to carrying on this tradition. We are residents of the Annex with young children of our own and wanted to create a friendly restaurant that reflects the needs of the neighbourhood.

Fanny Chadwick’s will serve lunch, brunch and dinner, the hours of operation will be Tuesday – Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturdays 11:00 am to 11:00 pm and Sundays 10 am to 10 pm. The menu will focus on seasonally influenced quality comfort food. We are currently seeking out small artisan producers and local farmers to make up the menu. The restaurant will be warm, cozy an extension of home with friendly knowledgeable staff.

The name for the restaurant was found while reading Jack Batten’s book The Annex The Story of a Toronto Neighborhood. Fanny Chadwick is described in Mr. Batten’s book as a true Annex socialite. Not only did she grow up on Howland Avenue but also she was a playwright and musician who used to perform plays in her home which quickly became a favourite neighbourhood hangout.

It is with this nod to Annex history that we look forward to being a part of it’s future.

We hope to see you at Fanny’s.

 

Sincerely.

Leanne Martineau & Sarah Baxter

Proprietors

Fanny Chadwick’s

This just made me even more excited for the rejuvenation of a great space that once housed a diner where the local residents congregated. I love my neighbourhood, and the only thing we have really been missing was a place just like this. A place where neighbours meet over some well-prepared, seasonally-influenced comfort food and drink. 

I love the philosophy of Leanne and Sarah in creating what they felt was missing, and I am excited to see the area embrace Fanny's and make it the popular hangout that I know it has the potential to be. 

At the very heart of Fanny Chadwick’s lies their founding principle: "To exquisitely prepare and serve the freshest and the best food and drink available." They source their meat and fish from small suppliers with direct links to the farm, favouring naturally raised meats and sustainable fish whenever possible. I know first hand they have forged strong relationships to achieve this. The menu is made up of seasonal comfort food, all made from scratch. The taps also flow with the best of Ontario’s craft breweries, and the wine list features wines from some of the world’s best producers and regions, including some homegrown options. 

I have been working closely with the ladies at Fanny Chadwick's in the weeks leading up to the opening. I was really excited to have the opportunity to attend the opening and finally try some of the food that I know their team has been working so hard on. The vibe was so warm and welcoming, and the place was packed when we walked in and were welcomed by Leanne and Sarah. It is really great to see what the space had been transformed into, and to see it come alive and full of local faces. 

The menu is simple, but it was really difficult to decide what to order with so many great choices. Here is what we tried:

Chicken Terrine

Mac and Cheese (Yes, that is whipped cream on top)

Corned Beef, Cabbage, Pierogies

Burger

Club Sandwich

I can objectively say that we all really enjoyed our food, and I would be proud to share a drink and some grub with anyone who wants to come and visit. The gentleman who was sitting at the table next to us stated, "This is an excellent burger, and quite possibly better than the burger at Bymark". I don't know this man, or his taste, nor have I had said Bymark burger, but I think that is a pretty strong and convincing statement, no? I did order the burger, and I quite enjoyed it, the fresh cut fries, and the salad that came with the most delicious dressing. Also, one of my dining partners exclaimed that the club sandwich was "the best I have had. Ever. Such a great version of a sandwich that is so often a cop-out by kitchens everywhere." Our other friend was so entranced with her mac and cheese that she didn't even offer me a forkful. How rude! Guess I will just have to order it next time I am in.