Help Please: Starting from Downsview around 6:00pm.

For the past month, continuing through to the end of November, I will find myself carless (so looking for places accessible by TTC) at Downsview around 6:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays (but time variable, and unpredictable, even on the day, between 5:30 and 6:15pm, so reservations are impractical except last-minute). I’m looking to discover chow-worthy places that are worth the commute, and will be heading ultimately to the Yonge/St. Clair area.

Last year, my big ‘winner’ was Forget Me Not Vietnamese.

A couple of restrictions. I’m not interested in burgers, sushi or pizza (I have a strong aversion to tomatoes so Southern Italian is also probably out). But I’m looking to expand my list of (semi) regular places.

For this thread I’ll suspend my usual approach of not posting on places I’ve only visited once, as it’s only fair to provide feedback.

So far I’ve tried the following:

Buster Rhino’s: - excellent beverage selection, possibly the best of any BBQ joint I’ve tried. Ribs were a pleasant surprise (better than I recall from Whitby) with good smoke and ‘al dente’ – didn’t just fall off the bone. Will return.

The Battered Fish:- Disappointing. I went for the clams, which are soft and wet (like an oyster but warm), not firm like clam strips. However, if you’re an oyster fan then these may be far more to your taste. However, the major problem was the fries. Clearly made from old potatoes (last year’s?). Although I love Russet fries in the winter/spring, I find they develop a far-too-starchy texture if kept longer (yes, it’s the starch that makes a great fry if they’re fresh). When old, I find them mealy.

Kanpai Snack Bar: - Prices are good for what is served. But quality is only adequate. Sort of fast-food versions of dishes I enjoy elsewhere, but if in the neighbourhood, well worth a visit.

Savera Indian: - Mixed reaction. If I lived nearby, I’d certainly do takeout as everything is freshly prepared. But if dining, one has the option of Pukka a couple of blocks down the street, which has far more sophisticated spicing (at significantly higher prices). Onion Bhajia was disappointing (excess ‘flour’ which trapped the moisture from the onions making it soggy). Vindaloo had great texture with quality ingredients.

Loblaw’s St Clair West station:- Some sandwiches OK, but not particularly cheap.

More ideas please.