Bookraft

Toronto fell victim about 5 years ago to the sweep of the mega bookstores which did the classic bait and switch - when almost all of the independent bookstores were wal-marted off the market, the mega stores got rid of the low prices and convenient seating and have now become more and more frill stores.

A few small independent book stores managed to survive. Pages Bookstore down on Queen and John plus Book City in a few places around town. I valued Pages because it has had an eclectic selection of books and magazines. So I tended to go there first before succumbing to the Megas.

But competing against the megas appears to have taken its toll. The service at Pages has become curt the past few times culminating in a display this night of unflappably surly service. The French say - c'est dommage. It is a pity. A scarce resource, good bookstores to frequent in Toronto, has just become scarcer by one.

But the night was not a total loss. Discovered the same evening - a seafood palace:

which delighted the palate and will surely be visited again.

(c)2005 JBSurveyer