There's a neighborhood in Toronto we call Little India. It's really more Little Pakistan, but whatever. There's an iconic restaurant there called the Lahore Tikka House. It's been under renovation for at least two years, but in the fashion of this culture, they've continued to run the restaurant the whole time, building as resources permit. The staff are delightful, and the food is excellent, plentiful, and inexpensive.
When I last visited, the renovations were really starting to take shape. I was visiting with my parents. My mom, who has baked a few loaves in her day, looked in the window at the bakers making naan in the huge tandoor oven. They invited her in for a closer look. Delightful!
On our way to the ladiesroom (more on that in a minute) I commented on how good the renos were looking, and we got to peek behind the curtain. What a great way to make your customers feel welcome.
The bathroom areas were really nicely appointed, with beaded shoes mounted above the doors, nice tile and roomy entry ways.
Inside, what really caught my interest was the family bathroom. Look how roomy this is, and how it has been built with knowledge of the local market. I loved that they have a step-stool, just like you would have at home, to help the little ones wash their hands.
When I saw the basket of supplies available, I knew this place really values their customers and is trying to be a special destination. There were disposable diapers in various sizes, baby wipes, and baby lotion.
Perhaps there will be a need for frequent re-stocks, but what of it? it's a small price to pay to be clearly superior in every way than every other place in the neighborhood.
They have always paid close attention to cleanliness. When they had their huge outdoor area in the summer, before building the new edifice, there was a roomy outdoor washing station with sinks and hand-towels. A great idea for a place with a lot of finger food, and families.
On your next trip to Toronto, ask your cabbie to take you by -- most likely, he won't even need directions, since it is so well known. And let me know if the men's room is just as nice, or even nicer.
