Caplansky’s Deli on College Street has been a Toronto treasure for years. Owner Zane Caplansky has mastered his smoked meat technique and has decided to extend his delicious food all around Toronto and throughout the country. On May 6th, 2016 the newest location opens at 156 Cumberland Street in the heart of Yorkville and it’s definitely gonna be your hangout for the upcoming summer.
1. New menu items
Photo by Jordana Colomby
Obviously food is the most important thing in a restaurant and Caplansky’s has added some amazing items to the menu including a Turkey Reuben sandwich that’s sure to satisfy your deli cravings. They stuffed a hearty helping of turkey in between two buttery, toasted pieces of bread and yes, it tastes as good as it looks.
2. All day breakfast
Photo by Jordana Colomby
There’s nothing better than all day breakfast. Caplansky’s is serving up classic Jewish breakfasts like bagels and lox, but they also have specials like their leaning tower o’ french toast that you won’t be able to get anywhere else. So sleep in, you deserve it.
3. Mustard fountain and pickle bar
Photo by Jordana Colomby
This basically speaks for itself. Caplansky knows that some people neglect the pickle on their sandwich and others just can’t get enough pickles, so he’s set up a pickle bar alongside all his specialty mustards on tap so you can dress up your sandwich any way you’d like. Sadly, it’s not set up in the picture so you’ll have to go and check it out for yourself.
4. Late night bites
Photo by Jordana Colomby
After a night out everybody just wants to stuff their face will a nice big sandwich, some poutine, or maybe even a latke. And while there are plenty and amazing restaurants in Yorkville, Caplansky’s is serving good old comfort food until three in the morning come summer time. What’s better than latkes to satisfy those drunchies?
5. The basement room
Photo by Jordana Colomby
Upstairs seats 38 customers but downstairs is where the party really starts. Around 20 people can fit into the bottom room for anything from parties to karaoke nights. It’s a nice private place you can rent out for special occasions and will even be equipped with a projector for watching sports games or that karaoke I mentioned earlier.
6. It’s totally Instagrammable
Photo by Jordana Colomby
Ok let’s be honest, is it even worth going out for food if you’re not gonna Instagram it? The new location is absolutely beautiful with white walls, tile floors, and pickle wallpaper. The whole deli feels modern and fresh so you’re sure to get a good pic. If you’re more into taking pictures of the actual food, there’s nothing more Instagrammable than a stuffed smoked meat sandwich. Super photogenic.
7. Zane’s all about his customers
Photo by Jordana Colomby
Caplansky assures everyone that just because they’re expanding doesn’t mean the quality of the food will suffer. He is determined to please every customer and even puts his personal email address on the menu so you can contact him directly with any comments or critiques. He chooses franchisees for the new locations that will be just as hands on as he is in the original deli. You can find him bussing tables and serving food on a regular day at the College location.
8. This is just the beginning
Photo by Jordana Colomby
The Yorkville location is just the start of the expansion. He has already found viable franchisees in Barrie, Mississauga, Burlington and a few other locations. In addition, he’s also looking to expand throughout Canada and bring smoked meat to as many places as possible. Caplansky says he doesn’t need to be the biggest but he does need to be the best. He will not compromise the quality of his food no matter what.
9. New Merchandise
Photo by Jordana Colomby
The whole deli is quirky and fun with little tiles reminding you to call your mother or pick up a cheque. If you want something fun to bring home, not only are they selling the cutest pickle socks, but they’re sold in mason jars which makes it the perfect prepackaged gift. They’re almost too cute to unpackage.
Photo by Jordana Colomby
If you’re already a die-hard Caplansky’s fan you’re gonna love the new location, and if you’re not a fan yet, trust me you will be. Don’t miss the opening on Friday, May 6th and watch out for even more new locations opening soon.