We are Anita Bostok and Norman Hathaway and we’re proud to contribute this regular feature where you get to know the people and businesses that make Cabbagetown so special. If you’d like to be featured or would like to nominate someone please get in touch.
Suhas Malik In 2010, the Malik family opened The Butter Chicken Factory 556 Parliament St. Rather than “cheating the system” to appeal to the Canadian palate, mother Vanada created the menu consisting of only authentic Indian cuisine. Meanwhile, father Bhuvnesh who loves engaging with people, was in charge of operations. In wasn’t until after a fire forced the temporary closure in 2015 that Suhas, trained by Vanada to become a chef, took over the restaurant. This fall, BCF will open a larger new dine-in restaurant at 560 Parliament, but the existing shop will remain for the vast amount of delivery orders. Suhas, born in Delhi, India, immigrated to Canada when he was just fourteen. He loves Toronto, proudly saying he’s Canadian through and through.
Warren Scott A self-professed “cool computer geek” Warren says turning to online training was a natural. This along with the expertise of business partner Jay Patel, an accommodating landlord, and the loyal support of the Cabbagetown community helped Parliament Street Fitness at 488 Parliament weather the pandemic. Having surpassing the two year mark, the boutique gym which offers general membership, personal training, and group spin, yoga, and Pilates classes has now returned to indoor training. Originally from Halifax NS, Warren competed in track and field where he held a long-time record in the four by one-hundred relay, played varsity football in high school and for Acadia University, and also raced dragon boats. Warren, his wife (who he met in spin class) and three active kids enjoy camping and spending time outdoors.
Mathew Cohen — After a decade in Paris operating his vintage clothing store in the Marche aux Puces, or flea market, Mathew decided to bring his eclectic collection to Cabbagetown. Inspired by his love of clothing, he opened MHC Vintage at 555 Parliaments St in2018. Mathew likes to discourage “fast fashion” instead promoting more environmentally friendly vintage clothing. The experienced designer enjoys informing customers about the higher quality and value of vintage clothing, while pointing out the cyclical nature of fashion. His two great passions are fashion and art. Mathew credits being a Sagittarian as the reason he’s interested in every single thing in the world for at least one minute.
Thasotharan Sinnathuai — Escaping civil war in his native Sri Lanka, Thaso came to Canada in 2000. As a young man he took jobs at downtown Toronto restaurants where he learned to cook and the skills needed to run a restaurant. After twenty years in the restaurant business Thaso decided it was time to start his own. Always drawn to Cabbagetown because of the great people, inclusivity, and large Sri Lankan community, Thaso found 506 Parliament to be the perfect place to open his new restaurant LJS Khasos. His love of cooking and of experimenting with interesting foods lends to a diverse menu offering American and Italian food, along with some vegetarian and gluten free options. He is married with two daughters who love to play in Cabbagetown parks.
