One Day in Toronto: actor Claire Rankin of CBC's 'Son of a Critch'

A celebrated Canadian actor shares her favourite spots in Toronto  

Photos provided by CBC.

From her humble roots in Prince Edward Island, touring the country with a national tour of Anne of Green Gables at a young age to 15 successful years in LA to now being happily planted in Toronto, Claire Rankin's triple-threat resume (or is it quadruple threat when you do stage acting and on-screen acting?) tells a tale of a career most can only dream of.

With a huge array of film credits, the talented actor has shared the screen with superstars like Kevin Costner, Jessica Chastain, Denzel Washington, Famke Jansen and even Dick van Dyke (whom she had the pleasure of singing with between takes during production). She says her favourite film roles include Molly’s Game, The Swap, One of Our Own, In Quiet Night and Root of the Problem.

Rankin has also shone in 50+ recurring or guest-star roles on television series such as The Mentalist, House, Charmed, and Suits. Most recently, though, she stars as Mary Critch in CBC's popular sitcom Son of a Critch which is currently in its second season.

Created by comedian Mark Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes), the charming series is set in the mid-1980s in St. John's, NFLD.It offers a big batch of nostalgia along with the aforementioned east coast charm and, of course, plenty of humour.

When she's not filming or on a stage in a production like Dear Evan Hanson, Claire Rankin is likely enjoying some great food...or even better wine. While living in California, the actor attended the Professional Culinary Institute in California and became a certified sommelier followed by a certified specialist of wine with the Society of Wine Educators.

With all of this said, there's no doubt that you'll want to take note of Rankin's recommendations for where to eat and drink in Toronto.

Breakfast

Maha’s does a great Egyptian brunch with the best shakshuka in town.

Try their honey cardamom latte too, and make sure to get there early because there’s always a lineup!

Lunch

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rita Cugini (@ritacug)

Mattachioni is my favourite casual Italian spot [thanks to their] gorgeous salads, wood-fired pizza and homemade pastas. They also have a fabulous market with Italian treats to-go.

Dinner

Le Select Bistro has been a staple in the city since the 70s, and it serves great classic French cuisine with a killer wine list. 

Drinks

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bar Raval (@bar_raval)

Bara Ravel [is a great spot for] tapas and cocktails. It has the most beautiful mahogany bar that is a complete work of art.

Watch: Son of a Critch Season 2 Trailer

Son of a Critch Season 2 airs Tuesday nights at 8:30 p.m. (9 p.m. NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.