Since winning iTunes’ Songwriter of the Year in 2010, Toronto-based musician Royal Wood has been able to successfully evolve and reinvent his sound throughout the years, thanks in large part to his continued growth as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer.
With two albums debuting in the Top 30, multiple Juno Award- and Canadian Folk Music Award-nominations, and a slew of well-received records and singles in the time since, Wood recently found himself with some free time in the studio and began experimenting with the classic 80s hit “Tainted Love”.
Despite rarely endeavouring into the world of covers, Wood’s recent rendition of “Tainted Love” has been a certified success that has only increased the anticipation for his upcoming full-length studio album this fall.
With Wood fresh off a Western Canadian tour and a new single slated for release later this week, we decided it would be a perfect time to chat with the multi-talented Toronto-based musician about his favourite food and drink spots in and around his home base.
Breakfast
I have many places I could list, but I guess Mildred’s Temple Kitchen in Toronto is one of my favourites right now. I had brunch there with my wife recently and loved it.
In particular they do a take on Eggs Benedict that was delicious. It’s called Veda’s Choice. It’s a classic soft poached egg on a flakey croissant with your choice of smoked salmon, double smoked bacon, or avocado, topped with béarnaise sauce, and served with mixed greens.
Lunch
I have always tried to live a balanced healthy lifestyle, which is certainly important while on the road and living the recording studio life. Because of that goal, Impact Kitchen is a chain of eateries that I seek out. There is one in the east end of Toronto near a block of recording studios that I frequent regularly.
Dinner
Of course in Toronto there are so many places to name, but my wife and I had a small service in Trinity Bellwoods Park when we got married years ago, and a dinner for our invited friends at Terroni’s Restaurant on Queen Street West.
Since then we regularly go for dinner, or at least order pizza for take out from there every other week. As a result, it certainly holds a top ranking for me on many levels.
Drinks
I’m a coffee, wine and beer snob. All to say, I seek out the best, and try a lot of new things regularly while touring the world. Right now my favourite beer is an IPA made in Saskatchewan by Nokomis.
My favourite coffee I drink daily is actually made by Kicking Horse called Hola. I use it in my espresso machine and for drip coffee as well. It’s a lighter smoother coffee than some of the other’s they make.
As for wine? I am a huge Italian fan. In particular anything from the region of Piedmont in the northwestern corner of Italy. My go to drinkers are Barolo and Barbaresco.
