A curious case of Canadian fast food

Canada is not the first place that comes to mind as a home of fast food, like burgers and pizza - poutine and Tim Hortons notwithstanding.

However, recently I've noticed some fast food outlets naming themselves after Canada or Canadian places. And as they say, 'three is a trend', so here we go.

In Larnaca, in Cyprus, I saw Toronto Pizza. I've heard of Chicago pizza and Detroit pizza, but not Toronto Pizza. (Though Wikipedia claims there is a Toronto-style pizza, as well as styles named after several other Canadian places.)

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In Spa, Belgium, I noticed this restaurant called Canadian Burgers and Pizza. The menu posted outside didn't feel especially Canadian.

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Finally, in Oldham, I spied Toronto Fried Chicken - and I've seen it called 'the best fried chicken shop in Oldham' online.

So, the big question here is: why? and why Canada?

Overheard: Manchester

 

On a recent visit to Manchester, here is what I heard.

• He's got no money, but going to t'South of France on holiday?
  
  
• He really thought his effectiveness was gonna drag him through.
  
  
• If you mention his name in any Italian restaurant in Manchester, they think he's a god.
  
  
• He's gonna have to wait and see what happens with what's-his-face health-wise.
  
  
• I did say to him, it would be nice if you come, at least I have someone in the car with me.
  
  
• She's alright but her lips are a bit off... she's got a massive nose as well
  
  
• We're on a hen do. The groom is French, so we're wearing berets.
  
  
• Has she told her mum that she's told the police?
  
  
• I was born in Manchester and I haven't been back since.

Overhead: Canterbury

I recently went on a day-trip to Canterbury, and overheard these lines.

• I recommend going up the back, it's a bit more spacious. That's a big word, isn't it, spacious!
  
  
• I was in Home Bargains yesterday and there was a woman doing my head in.
  
  
• It's a super-efficient flying machine!
  
  
• Lasagne and chips? Oh yeah, it's delicious!
  
  
• Typical English bombasticism!
  
  
• I think they're so insipid, y'know nothing going on... whereas you and I are a bit more y'know.
  
  

Overhead: London streets

Photo by Ana Paula Grimaldi on Unsplash

I was recently in London. As I walked around, I heard the following:

• I don't think we need many offences to send him to prison, but the more the merrier!
  
  
• And then I'm gonna die on the spot
  
  
• I'm not cool, am I?
  
  
• Do you know what a chicken wing is? Do you?!
  
  
• I didn't go to Paris to hang out with them!

Overheard: Derby charity shop

I'm in a charity shop in Derby, paying at the till for my purchase. The shop assistant is speaking to me, while she talks to her friend.

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There's only me and Carol 'ere. We're waiting for Elvis... That's £3 duck.

Did ya enjoy yer burgers last night?

I tuk meself off ta bed!

Why?

Ya can't get round 'er dining room, she's got a bag on!... You have a lovely day duck!

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Manchester Mosiacs

I visited Manchester recently.

While there, I followed a Royal Geographical Society audio tour on Victorian Manchester.

It started at the newly refurbished Manchester Victoria station, with its marvellous tiles, and brought me to see buildings relating to how newly industrial Manchester cared for its poor and destitute.

Outside one brick building, I felt a surge of emotion about that institution helping those who were being left behind in the Victorian industrial metropolis.

Each brick, to me, symbolised all the small kind acts taken place there.

My fanciful notion aside, Manchester is a place full of brickwork and tiles, a city made of mosaics, the many making the whole.

Discovering Britain

For the past few months, instead of going on a foreign summer holiday, I have been taking short breaks and day trips around the UK.

These trips have been inspired by the Discovering Britain website which has lots of guided audio walks to download.

I've done four walks: on Harwich, Durham, Newcastle and Portsmouth. On top of this I went to: Yorkshire, Cambridge and Nottingham.

The Discovering Britain walks are great, like having a knowledgeable local walking along with you, telling you about the landscape's geography and history. (I tested a walk in the Essex Estuary for them last year.)

Along the way, I've seen lots of interesting places, buildings and sights, including the following.

The smallest Marks & Spencers

The UK's first combined road and rail bridge

Durham Cathedral: the largest example of Norman style architecture in England

First modern warship in Portsmouth

The second-oldest university in the English-speaking world

The oldest inn in England: Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem in Nottingham