Tov-Li — Restaurant in Toronto

On Sept 28, 2014 around 7:25 pm, I entered the Bathurst and Cedercroft location. I joined two others in the line as we waited to place our orders.

As the customer ahead of me requested a drink, the Russian lady who worked the cash answered a call on her mobile phone. She spoke to the person on the other end ignoring the three people in line. Since she was the only person taking orders, we all had to wait until she ensured her personal life was in order.

At first, I thought there was an emergency. However, as the conversation continued it seemed as though she was planning a move and was under the assumption those in line can be ignored.

After an in-depth conversation with the person on the other end in which she stated she know the owner of Tov Li - to get a better price, a lady who was making the sandwiches (Tov Li makes you stand in two lines - the first to pay and the second to have your order made, you can easily spend half an hour waiting around in two lines. Do not come here if you are pressed for time!) came to the rescue and started taking the orders.

When the first lady was finally off the phone, it was my turn to place an order. I tried to order the Fish Burger, however they "did not make the fish burger" on that day. The lady then suggested fish kabbos for double the price and will require an additional 25 minutes to make.

I walked right out!

"Tov Li" translated to English means "good for you"

Yet - nothing there is actually good for you. Their falafel is loaded with calories, pizza is greasy and the fries are frozen and placed into the deep fryer when ordered. In addition, their lack of customer service leaves patrons frustrated. What is good for you? Avoiding TOV LI like the plague!

Many of their employees have spoken poorly about customers in Russian, forgetting that at least 60 per cent of the customers know Russian.

The owners should be ashamed...

On previous visits I experienced a lack of crispness in their falafels. This is such an essential texture aspect to Israel's national dish that when missing, it brings down the whole eating experience. On my most recent visit, I overheard a patron request that theirs be "well-done". Why not? I thought to myself as this could make a difference. Indeed it does! I asked for the same with the "gourmet toppings" option, $1 extra, mostly to satisfy my insatiable eggplant and roasted pepper addiction. This simple request meant the falafel balls were far crisper and tastier and also a fair bit hotter, in temperature than usual. As they spend more time in the fryer.

So when stepping up to the order desk next time, make sure you ask for a "well done" falafel!

Tov-Li's Kolbo (Hebrew for everything in it) Salad is a truly varied and satisfying eating experience. With every mouthful you enjoy at least 3 - 4 ingredients of the over dozen, fresh, pickled and roasted included in this amazing creation. So varied and saucy all on its own, I found dressing provided unnecessary. I recall two types of greens, chickpeas, roasted red peppers & eggplant, carrots, olives, pickles, cucumbers, tomatoes, turnips, corn. Topped with a scoop of tuna & egg salad as well as feta. Wow, a salad to top all salads. Make sure you are hungry as the portion is not calculated with dieters in mind and you probably won't have room for the pita that comes with it. If you are able to finish...

Left my Black Leather motorcycle jacket

On Friday April 24, 2015 at 12:15pm, I dined in Tov-Li North restaurant. It was a warm day and I removed my jacket and placed it on the back of my chair. When I was done with my meal I stepped out and forgot my jacket. At 4:00pm that day, I realized that I left my jacket. Called the restaurant a few times but they were closed for Shabbat till Sunday. On Sunday, April 26, 2015 at 8:30am I called and talked to the manager. She said that my jacket was found and I can come any time to pick it up. I asked my daughter to pick it up. When she came, the jacket was nowhere to be found. The manager told her: “the jacket was placed in the clear plastic bag besides the garbage container in the front of the store, and probably someone took it”. I called the restaurant and talked to the owner. She was very rude and hanged the phone. I called again and yes, I was upset. I was told that there is nothing that she can do “the jacket is gone”. Only when I told her that I will write a complaint on the social media and the restaurant review sites, she requested my name and telephone number, stating if she finds the jacket she will call me. It is a case of negligent. The manager of the restaurant could have placed the jacket at the back and not besides the trash can. I have a proof that the jacket was...