Friends of Andy Elder and his Grilltime on Laird gathered Saturday in the event space at the Amsterdam Brewery to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the specialty shop. Councillor Jon Burnside took the microphone at the Amsterdam Brewery event space to congratulate Andy on his in-store and catering success. The two men have been friends for 30 years. Grilltime has been located at 62 Laird Drive since it opened. Guests dined on delicious food samplings like Mac and Cheese with smoked brisket and roasted tomato salsa and also a soft taco with Fogo Island Cod. There was a unique Bloody Caesar bar with a garnish of beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon Live music was provided by the Denise Leslie Trio.
SALUTE TO LOCAL BUSINESS
In his remarks, Elder thanked loyal customers for support over the years and made a special request that they show the same loyalty to other local enterprises. He noted that the rapid change being seen in Leaside and elsewhere can represent a threat to local stores and services. More and more big box and large outside businesses are entering the area.
AMAZING COUNCILLOR
Turning to the coming municipal election, Elder called his longtime friend “an amazing Councillor” and urged people to work hard for his re-election. Special effort will be required because the restructured Don Valley West makes Burnside the incumbent of just 35 percent of the riding. Another ten percent is up for grabs in the newly-added area west of Bayview Ave. which was formerly in St. Paul’s Ward 22. Andy urged friends to make a special effort to return his friend to office.
FRIENDS PRESENT
Among well-known friends present were realtor Charlene Kalia, Fiona Boylan of COBS Bread, Jeff Hohner of the Leaside Pub, Alistair Baxter of Lexus on the Park with his wife Deb, Peter Neal of Neal Brothers Foods with wife Lara, Robert Fripp, Carol Burtin Fripp and son Will Fripp and Trae Zammit of the Smokin’ Cigar on Bayview Ave.
