Lakeview Diner
Lakeview Diner has undergone a big transformation over the past few months, including closing for minor renovations and staff changes. The historic establishment has long been a popular spot for late-night eats and brunch.
While it's no longer open 24 hours, it has worked hard to preserve the charm and character of the space people have come to love.
At the head of transformation is Adrian Montes de Oca of Milou, who serendipitiously bumped into co-owner Fadi Hakim while waiting for a friend at the diner.
They conversed about the potential the space had and Montes de Oca soon found himself being asked to take on the renewal project. He brought along Jalil Boukhari from Milou as General Manager and Jason Hemi from Haifa Room across the street to head the kitchen.
Despite early pushback against the new changes, the team have been responsive to dealing with expectations from the city and have re-vamped their menu recently.
"There are challenges of coming into an old space that's different from starting from scratch," Boukhari explained. "We're back to delivering the true essence of a diner."
While seated at the iconic wood booths, you can expect to find approachable day-time lunch, classic breakfast, and a fun dinner menu that's on offer into the early hours of the morning. 
The Pancake Stack ($17) comes served with fresh berries, mascarpone, and a delicate dust of icing sugar. Drizzle with maple syrup for a sticky, sweet mess.
The Lakeview Breakfast ($16) has two eggs any way you like, bacon from Perth County or sausage, toasted challah, home fries, and arugula salad.
The Fried Mushroom Sandwich ($18) uses maitake mushroom tempura, smothered in a lemon-caper tartar sauce and topped with shredded lettuce. It kind of tastes like a chicken sandwich, and there's an option to make it completely vegan.
Hemi's favourite dish is the Bagel & Lox ($17), featuring a vibrant beet-cured smoked salmon on an everything bagel with cream cheese, a poached egg, and arugula salad. It's a simple but well-executed breakfast item.
There's a conscious effort to making the menu more light. In between indulgent diner items, there are now options for people who aren't just looking for deep-fried things.
The Greek Salad ($9) is Persian cucumbers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbles of feta.
If you're in the mood for a drink, try the Toronto Cocktail ($16), a timeless sip that features Wild Turkey whiskey and fernet.
All cocktails are $16 and there are seven standards to choose from, like martinis, daiquiri, margaritas, and negronis.
The Classic Banquet ($19) is a reference to old burgers from the diner's past. BLT is stacked with melted cheddar, red onions, and pickles on a brioche bun. Swap out any patty for an Impossible veggie one.
The Poutine Supreme ($14) reminds me a lot of nachos and would be a great item to share with friends at night. It's topped with peppers, pickled onions, sour cream, and juicy meat.
A super-new addition to the evening menu is the Fried Chicken Feast ($85) where a giant eight-piece bucket comes with a side of biscuits, coleslaw, pickles, fries, and gravy. You can even add a bucket of beer for the table. 
If you're feeling nostalgic, make sure to grab a milkshake. Served in a fountain glass with a big straw, you can slurp flavours like Cookies & Cream ($14), Apple Pie ($14), and Chocolate ($9.50).
If you want to make your shake boozy, there are five types that are all $19: Pina Colada, Key Lime Margarita, and White Russian are just a few you can choose from.
Boukhari tells me it feels like a dream to be able to be in a space that holds special memories for himself and others.
"It's like a "pinch me moment". We want to hold onto the integrity of the space and preserve it for all future diners."
The Lakeview Diner is located at 1132 Dundas St W., open 7 days.
Fareen Karim
