For a band on tour, what's the next most important thing to performing? Eating, of course! Every band that has hit the cold roads of Canada has its favorite restos, diners, coffee shops and steakhouses. Tastes of the Tour Bus features these road-tested recommendations. Today, singer-songwriter, Justin Rutledge.
Justin Rutledge is a pillar in the current alt-country scene in this country. He has four albums under his belt, and has made Toronto his home for most of his life.
Rutledge has a love for good song writing, and good writing in general. His most recent album, The Early Windows, was highly influenced by literary icon Michael Ondaatje and his book Divisadero. The two talents worked together on a theatrical production of the book as well.
When he isn't singing or writing, Rutledge is on the road. Some of your best memories may come from that great restaurant you ate at while on vacation. Guys like Rutledge get to eat on the road all the time.
Miranda Mulholland sat down with Rutledge to talk burgers, Mexican and more as he explores Tastes of the Tour Bus.
VANCOUVER, B.C.
The Elbow Room - 560 Davie Street
JR: "They are sort of famous for telling you to eff off. We went there and everyone was really nice, we had our meal. When we were leaving I said, 'I don't really get it, no one was really mean to me?' My friend went and told the manager what I thought. I have never been so berated in my whole life. He was tossing every curse word at me in the book. Everyone in the restaurant was clapping and loving it. He basically tossed me out and told me to never to come back!"
CALGARY, Alta.
Diner Deluxe - 804 Edmonton Trail Northeast
JR: "That's my favorite diner. It's not to diner-y. It's modern. They have a really cool 50s seafoam green thing going on. They have really good breakfasts. I usually just get the standard. I like bacon and eggs, sausage and eggs. Give me white toast in the morning."
YELLOWKNIFE, N.W.T.
Bullock's Fish & Chips - 3534 Weaver Drive
JR: "It's right on the wharf and it is the best fish and chips you will ever have in your life. That's all they do. It's expensive. It's this hut and there are all these bumper stickers all over the walls. It's run by these two women. There's two catches of the day. Salmon or trout. It's $26 but everything is expensive up there."
KINGSTON, Ont.
Denny's - 33 Benson St
JR: "When you are going through Kingston, stop at the Denny's for a Grand Slam."
Chez Piggy - 68 Princess Street
JR: "It's fantastic, with a great courtyard, great vibe and the food is fantastic."
Pan Chancho - 44 Princess Street
JR: "It's a great bakery with a great patio."
LONDON, Ont.
True Taco - 789 Dundas
JR: "I'm a big fan of Mexican food. I've had some of the best Mexican food in Los Angeles. This place comes the closest to really great Mexican and Salvadorian food."
TORONTO, Ont.
Mitzi's Cafe - 100 Sorauren Ave
JR: "It's just a great little place, in a great little neighbourhood. I get coffee there every day on my way to the park. It's always a good feeling in there."
PhoLinh - 1156 College Street
JR: "I have Vietnamese at least once a week. I think most musicians do because it's so good and so cheap. You walk in and it's all Vietnamese people. There is something in the broth, there's crack in the broth."
Chino locos - 4 Greenwood Avenue
JR: "They do buritos but with Chow Mein. It's Thai/Mexican. It's unbelievable. It's a tiny little place. They spicy pork with chow mein is crazy."
HALIFAX, N.S.
The Economy Shoe shop - 1663 Argyle Street
"You have to go there!"
LOS ANGELES, CA.
Laurel Tavern - 11938 Ventura Blvd - Studio City
JR: "L.A. is such a burger town. People have fights over the best burger in L.A. Friendships have been ruined over that argument. My favorite burger is the Laurel burger at the Laurel Tavern in Studio City in L.A."
The Apple Pan - 10801 West Pico Boulevard
JR: "My friend Dan's favorite burger is the Apple burger. I haven't had it yet."
Umami Burger - 50 South La Brea Avenue
JR: "It's a real experience. It's really simple but really really good."
Listen to Miranda Mulholland's entire tasty conversation with Justin Rutlege by hitting the 'PLAY' button
Related:
Justin Rutledge CBC Music page
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