a little big secret just spilled out in the toronto star recently. a writer went up north recently, most to cover the hoito, the original finnish restaurant. however, not only was the writer impressed with the hoito's pancakes and the waitresses no gruff attitude but a few of the other restaurants caught her taste buds too.

of course, with about 1200 km between the big smoke and the sleeping giant, there won't be a landrush up there. the only reason people normally visit is if they're on their way further west. still, it's an odd gem of a land up there.

caveat: due to my food allergies, i never actually have eaten at the hoito. everyone else does and i've known a few of the people who've worked there in the past (a tight finnish community which somehow tracks me down no matter what i do). i'm not inviting people over to my parents' place without them knowing first.