Country girl duo, The Lovelocks, comprised of Ali Raney and Zoë Sparrow, has been striking cords with listeners across Canada in the past couple of years. Named after the iconic love locks positioned across the famous Parisian bridge Pont des Arts and being musically-inspired by the beauty that is Paris, it's no wonder these girls have great taste in food as well.
The Lovelocks are woven together with a desire to create music that gives voice to both the bitter and sweet in life, just like food. The Lovelocks first caught the attention of the Canadian country music industry when they won the CCMA Discovery Series in 2014.
This year, the girls have received their first CCMA Awards nomination in the Roots Artist of Group of the Year category. With the main event taking place in Hamilton on September 9th, the 2018 CCMA Awards will be preceded by CCMA Country Music Week, where an array of Canadian country music talent will be performing all over the energetic city.
Their latest single, the fun loving “Staycation”, melds the duo’s soaring vocals and striking harmonies, celebrating the adage that life is what you make of it, whether sprawled out on a beach or cozied up in your bedroom with the one you love.
Listen to the girls hottest hits now while you read up on their favourite eats.
Breakfast
Raney: My favourite breakfast in the city is Easy in Roncy. My husband and I love grabbing weekend brunch there at least once a month. It’s the perfect local greasy spoon and the vats of delicious coffee are overflowing! Their Huevos Divorciados is to die for.
Sparrow: Ohhh... I hesitate to share my favourite spot because it’s the best-kept secret in Toronto! But I will share the joy. There’s an awesome spot called Dirty Food in The Junction. It’s as delicious as it sounds, and their hash browns are to die for!
Lunch
Raney: Bread and Roses in Bloor West Village is the sweetest spot for lunch on the go. There’s always a line-up out the door and the homey vibe is super comforting and welcoming. My go-to order is the turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce on 12-grain bread. They serve it all year long like every day is actually Christmas! I dare you to not order a dessert while you wait. When I want to eat my feelings, Bread and Roses is the only place to go.
Sparrow: The Beet. It’s delicious, healthy, comfort food close to my house! I swing by there on the regular.
Dinner
Raney: I love Byblos downtown, right by the Royal Alex. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is my absolute favourite. The decor is goals worthy and the ingredients are so fresh; every bite is better than the last. I make a lot of audible noises while eating at Byblos because the food is just so damn good!
Sparrow: Enoteca Sociale. I’m a sucker for a good Italian meal, and there is no better restaurant for it than Enoteca Sociale for it! My hubby and I go there on special occasions, so many happy memories have been made on their sweet little patio. And of course, their pasta and service is perfection. My husband has to roll me out of the restaurant after having a meal there.
Drinks
Raney: I got to go with The Ace, which is a sweet and romantic spot in Roncesvalles that has so much character and vibe. It has the coziest little booths and the mood lighting is on point. They also have great food, but the cocktails are top notch. My husband and I have spent many a late night scheming and dreaming about our future in the back booths by the kitchen. A special spot not to be missed.
Sparrow: This is a tough one because there are so many great options in Toronto for drinks, but I think Bar Raval is my favourite. It’s a little Spanish bar on College St. with awesome cava and mixed drinks! It makes you feel like you are in the middle of Barcelona with its tapas and Gaudi-esque wood bar and panels.
