Long celebrated for her songwriting abilities alongside striving for social justice and environmental awareness, Amai Kuda of Amai Kuda et Les Bois' latest album EmUrgency! has garnered plenty of traction since its release in November 2022.
Kuda is no stranger to the Canadian music scene, having opened with her band for notable acts like Kellylee Evans, Joel Plaskett, and Sarah Slean. They have also earned a mix of recognitions over the years from past annual awards programs like the Toronto Independent Music Awards as well as CBC Music's SearchLight (2015).
Whether you're taking in a track like "Listen Child" from the band's new album, watching the captivating animated video for "Which Way", or catching them live at an upcoming performance, all songs are meant to be contemplative to listeners, encouraging healing of one's self, our community and the earth.
Recently, Kuda took some time to share her favourite places for food and drink in Toronto. From ackee and cod in Kensington to refreshing water kefir, she offers up plenty to of thoughtful suggestions for our taste buds!
Breakfast
Even though I’m not Jamaican, I would start my day with Jamaica’s national dish, ackee and codfish with veggies, from Rasta Pasta in Kensington.
Lunch
For lunch, I’d head to La Bella Managua on Bloor for their delicious ceviche, and I’d share a bunch of sides with a friend. It’s better to share since it’s too hard to pick just one or two of the sides.
There’s tostones, fried sweet plantain, fried yucca, cabbage salad, avocado salad, etc...The salads are refreshing and help to balance out the heavier fried food.
Dinner
For dinner I’d go to Lalibela on Bloor West, and share a vegetarian platter for two with a friend or family member. Part of the beauty of this food is sharing it with others and eating with your hands also adds to the experience and the taste.
I always end up feeling like I need someone to roll me out the door, though.
Drinks
I’m going to give a nerdy answer here as I don’t drink alcohol right now: GoodyGut [sells] amazing water kefir and smoothies. The water kefir is actually [ever so slightly] alcoholic, so it can give you a mild buzz if you’re a total lightweight, but most importantly it’s really good for your digestive health and tastes great!
