With a total of six JUNO Award nominations in her career (and counting), including one for the impending 2023 JUNO Awards in Edmonton this weekend, the Jamaican-Canadian singer Ammoye continues to prove she a musical force to be reckoned with.
Ammoye's music is both unique and captivating, incorporating old-school rocksteady, dancehall and dubstep with elements of gospel, soul and R&B. Her most recent album Water is currentlt up for the 2023 Reggae Recording of The Year and features 13 reggae-fusion tracks that collectively make for a dynamic listen.
She calls Toronto home, but has seen much of the world as well, performing as an independent artist at things like The Grammy Showcase during Grammy week in Los Angeles and the New Skool Rules Music Festival in Rotterdam. The talented reggae artist performed alongside Kirk Diamond and Tome at the 2021 JUNO Opening Night Awards in Toronto, and has shared the stage with reggae icons such as Ziggy Marley, Freddie McGregor, Beenie Man, Sean Paul, and many more.
From a fantastic espresso bar to an iconic French bistro, here's where Ammoye loves to eat and drink in her home base of Toronto.
Breakfast
My own home-cooked breakfast is typically my favourite choice! However, whenever I’ve had to go out for a quick bite in the early morning one of the places that comes to mind is the coffee at Gatto Nero.
It closed during the pandemic and [had] the best Italian coffee—latte, Cappuccino and Espresso—bar none, and it is missed.
Lunch
Rasta Pasta is a Jamaican restaurant located in Kensington Market, and the reason I love this restaurant is because everything about it reminds me of back home in Jamaica. I eat there so often they know me by name.
They do the jerk chicken the original way it’s done back home, in a drum right outside the restaurant doors, so when you get onto that street you are instantly hit with the aroma of the meats being smoked and slowly jerked from the drum.
Every dish on the menu there is absolutely finger-licking delicious! Shout out to the owner and now friend of mine Magnus!
Dinner
Sotto Sotto is one of my most favourite restaurants to do dinner at because of the people who have become like family to me over the years. I know the executive chef Massimo, who is an absolute master at what he does, and he always comes out to say hello whenever I dine at the restaurant.
I love all the quality succulent dishes served here too! I also enjoy the intimate atmosphere of the dining room as well because I feel transported into a place outside of Canada instantly. The energy and the feeling of being in a different world [while dining] is very intriguing and intoxicating for me.
I’ve never been to Italy yet, but I feel and I’ve been told that the atmosphere and experience all 'round is like being in an authentic Italian restaurant in the heart of Rome.
Drinks
I love Bar Chef for the unique cocktails and drink menus they create. Each one is a moment of its own. Very creative presentations when served and absolutely tasty and delicious mixes of ingredients, you’re just never bored.
La Palette is one of absolute favourite places to pop into for a late night cap with friends or my partner because it’s always buzzing with good vibes and the sounds of music. From early jazz and the 1960s gypsy music serenading you that transports you to a different period and time zone.
The owner and his wife decorated the entire restaurant with elements and art from their travels in Europe and around the world that each tells you a story of a place and time. So, as a dreamer and creative myself, I get stimulated by always checking out the pieces on the walls and hearing the stories told by co-owner Shamez as I sip from a well-recommended drink.
Both of these establishments are on Queen Street and a quick and easy walk from my apartment in the heart of downtown Toronto.
