Funnel Fun on Avenue

[theresah]

Has anyone tried this place? I am puzzled as to why someone would open a place like this during these hardtimes. I drove past today and it was empty.

[JamieK]

There was a funnel cake concession stand at the Beaches Jazz Festival this past weekend. Can't tell you anything about the price or taste or even what they looked like because as soon as I started walking in that direction, a bolt of lightening struck the ground in front of me, the ground shook with the wrath of god and then the heavens opened and it started to pour buckets flooding the land near and far.

I took this as a sign.

[gimel]

FunLFun on Avenue appears to be in operation no longer - sign on the door today sending people to a location up north instead.

[Helen]

It's on Steeles Avenue West, opposite Canadian Tire, in the plaza where Swiss Chalet is.

[Yongeman]

not really surprising, is it?

[gogomiser]

I am not surprised my wife and I had a bet when they first opened and we went in to try the "$11" funnel cake. This is about 25% more expensive then what you pay at wonderland. I gave it 6-8 months. She said 8-9 months.

[mlz]

The Funnel cakes at Wonderland are MUCH better tasting in my opinion.
They have crepes and waffles as well which is good. I guess for a dessert place on Avenue road there isn't many options so it will probably do well for now. For people in the area I guess it is a good addition to the neighbourhood, something different anyway.

[ddelicious]

They must be doing something right because when I tried to go a week ago they were so busy the line was out the door. They have a cute little patio which was packed and the inside area was full too. The decor was fine, it is a casual and clean place, which I think is what most people would expect from a little dessert cafe.
The owner apologized for a long wait and gave each of us (there were three couples) a 15% off coupon for if we wanted to come back later or another time. I thought that was more than nice, he certainly didn't have to do that. As I was spying on the tables eating the food looked good, and fresh. It is probably around $10 for a funnel cake, but it is in an expensive area and it is by no means difficult to spend $5 on just a drink at starbucks across the street. So I say hooray for a new neighbourhood place, and good for the owners for trying something different, there are no dessert places nearby and I think it will be very popular.

[ddelicious]

So, I finally tried it. Really wanted to like it because there are no dessert places in the area. Really wanted to but just didn't. Had the funnel cake, the place smelled oily, funnel cake was fine I guess but certainly not worth running back for. The bright spot was the dark chocolate ice cream, that was really really good.

The waitress said they are planning to expand their menu and open for breakfast and lunch, serving breakfast and lunchy things. They will have a marketing challenge with the name I think.

For the record I didn't think it was too expensive, we shared the large funnel cake and it was definitely big enough for two. The menu is very small, they need to expand their funnel cake offerings if that is what they are focused on, similar to all the options cafe demetre has.

[magic]

Tried it Sunday. Meh. Honestly, might be fine for locals who aren't fussy about food just looking to get out for something to do (if that!) but not much more. It's basically the same as what's it called.... Cafe Demetre? That how it spelled? Anyways....

I just ordered a basic funnel cake, with powdered sugar and nothing more. I don't care for all the sweet add-ons that come out of tubs. That stuff is not for me. I just want to see what the funnel cake is like on its own, without the sweet add-ons. This was pretty forgettable. Pretty plain. Fried nicely and not greasy at all but meh, certainly not worth the calories. Also, quite flatter than I've seen most funnel cakes. Not very cakey at all. Which gives it a very, well, flat texture. The place itself reminds me exactly of Cafe Demetre. Forgettable, cheap looking, with no soul. Glad I gave it a shot, but personally, I won't be going back.

[domesticgodess]

Just returned and I have to say, not impressed.
Its expensive ($8.50 for a basic six inch funnel cake) plus more money for toppings and icecream.
Coffee ($2.85) - take out.
Certainly not returning for those prices when its not anything outstanding or unique.
Im happy to pay for good quality food however this is not even in that category.
I wonder how long it will last.
On a more positive note, they did a nice job with the decor.

[magic]

Yes, in addition to everything I said it was also bloody expensive - which I didn't get into as I didn't want to be overwhelmingly negative. But yeah far too much money. First time I ever had to pay a tip for a funnel cake too. Yikes.

I gotta say though, I thought the decor was godawful. So cheap looking and kinda ugly.

[domesticgodess]

I am normally not negative either however I felt I had to write something about how expensive it was - given what they are serving.
As for the decor, I guess I was saying that it looked better than the old Timothy's.

[magic]

Oh I didn't mean to imply that YOU were being overly negative.... !

You are right about the cost. I can't imagine anyone having enough money that they'd burn through 25 bucks for bad funnel cake for two....

[bsv]

I agree with everyone on this chain,
I had a number of issues with the place:
1.I had bought two:
mine: caramel topping, by the time I got it home (which was about ten plus minutes) it was rock hard and I swear I saw him put topping on it but I could not taste any of it.
the other: apple and cinnamon, the person who had it said it was nice.
2. the price stupidly expensive
3. the server, when I paid by credit card the waiter had given me the credit card machine since it was take out I did not give a tip but as soon as he saw there was no tip, he had no interest in having anything to do with me (I am sorry but that sort of attitude makes me never want to come back)
4. the menu, I found the description written in cursive was hard to read.

I might be to picky, when I got mine home and added some dulce de leche and more icing suger, it was tasty but for the price I rather go to wonderland at least I get to go on the ghoster coaster that way

[callitasicit]

Sounds like a must miss!

[Faye]

I just visited Fun L Fun for the first time and I must say they had the best funnel cakes. have you evere tasted the ones at Canada's Wonderland???? Greasy.... that's all I have to say.

[jlherman]

Few in Toronto know much about Funnel cakes, except for the ones that come out of Canada's Wonderland and the CNE. Considering this one was more expensive than those and not at an entertainment venue I was very unimpressed. Perhaps this greasyiness is what makes the funnel cake taste so good. It costs $9.50 for the 8 inch funnel cake plus $2.00 for ice cream and another $0.50 for fruit topping. The funnel cake was smaller than the former locations I listed and did not have the same look and taste as the other ones. At sit down this cost me $16.00 with tax and tip for a funnel cake. This is insane in my eyes so I will not repeat. Even given the affluent area I think they will not last the test of time.

[ddelicious]

What would you pay for a dessert in a sit down cafe in that area? Both Wonderland and the CNE charge a fortune for admission so I don't really understand the price comparison.

[theresah]

I was at Wonderland this weekend (don't ask me why). The price of a funnel cake there is $8.99, that includes enough whip cream for a family and some fruit on top. It seems reasonable because it is really meant for two. In terms of sitting down in a restaurant and eating what is equivalent to an 80 cent Tim Horton doughnut, I think $16 is outrageous for a dessert that does not contain expensive ingredients. I would rather sit in Starbucks or Tim Hortons and enjoy a reasonable priced pastry.

[toveggiegirl]

I agree, $16 is an absurd price to pay for a mediocre dessert with cheap ingredients that requires minimal skill to prepare.

[ddelicious]

I guess by that logic most restaurants are not worth visiting, we're talking $16 with tax and tip, most places charge around $16 before tax for a plate of pasta, which is probably cheaper and less skilled than a funnel cake.

[asunder123]

My girlfriend dragged me here because im not a dessert kind of person. But this place makes really good dessert. Originally We got a funnel cake to share but I ended up eating the whole thing myself and my girlfriend had to order her own. It is so good So I suggest you try Funnel Fun on ave.

[theresah]

Thanks asunder123, I am going to head there now. I hope it makes it through this tough time. It is so sad to see all these places closing down.

[cecilia]

I am not sure if they still have this. But years ago East Side Mario had funnel cake on their dessert menu. Last time I had it at ESM was about 4 years ago. I would go to the bar and just get a funnel cake. It was like $5, with regular vanilla ice-cream (instead of the soft serve), and strawberries. Depending on the location, sometimes I got fresh strawberries instead of the syrup / coulis.

[ddelicious]

they do have it, my friend ordered one when we were out for dinner about a month ago. it was awful. very excited to try the new place.

[pinstripeprincess]

was flipping through an orderit.ca menu booklet i received in the mail... looks like chippy's is now doing funnel cakes. has anyone had the pleasure? i'm hoping they're not mixing and matching frying oils..... a funnel cake and some trinity bellwoods park would be great.

[domesticgodess]

Was driving up Avenue Road tonite on the way home and the place was packed.
How nice!!
Will have to check it out one day soon.

[jeannieh20]

tried to order it once thru order it, but they called back and said they didn't have any - not sure if they make it fresh, i mean how hard is it to whip up a small batch of batter? live in the area and haven't gone inside in a while, will check it out in the next couple of weeks to see if they still have it.

i've also noticed that chippy's took the hali off their order it menu as well?!?

[pinstripeprincess]

i'm going to assume you mean halibut? it's on the order it menu for $15. have they removed it from the main at the shop?

i don't often go to chippies at all... not my preferred kind of fries nor do i feel they do an excellent enough job with the fish but i do fall into their grips when i'm across the street at the park on a nice day.

funnel cake shouldn't be difficult, i completely agree, except that i sincerely hope they're using different oil.

[jeannieh20]

yes i mean halibut, the order it menu is from their bloor location and it hasn't had it for a few months now. i haven't been in the queen location in over a year, even though i live around the corner... you're right they don't do the best f&c but will suffice when craving and no one else in the area...

i also do hope they use different oil - but will have to make a visit and check it out.

[OnDaGo]

They may use yeast in the batter to get the fluffiness which would mean you would have to wait over an hour for it to rise.. :-) I make fritters at home with a yeast batter.. the waiting is the hardest part....

[piccola]

Just use frozen (thawed) bread dough. That's what Beavertails does.

[angelATheart]

Didn't know they had funnel cakes at the Ex, but then again, it's been a few years since I've gone. Only place I knew of was Canada's Wonderland so I think I'll be planning a trip to try these out. Love funnel cakes.

[TOchowgal]

I love funnel cake and when I have a craving I have to wait till I go to the Ex or to Canada's Wonderland. I think it will be a great place to take people visiting Toronto. Hopefully I get to try this place soon.

[Tatai]

The Beavertails place in the Byward Market in Ottawa has been around -- and thriving -- since 1980. Essentially the same fried dough, no? Just a different name.

[magic]

They are fairly different products. I mean, donuts are essentially fried dough and they are nothing like Beavertails. Funnel cakes are a lot....well, cakier. Fluffier. With far more rise than a Beavertail. They're their own thing. Closer to donuts than to Beavertails.

[Tatai]

Thanks for the clarification, magic. I assumed they were more similar.

[magic]

Not a problem. I actually wish they'd bring Beavertails here. The closest I can get them is at Blue Mountain in Collingwood. I don't think their Queen St. location is around anymore, unless I'm way off on that. But yeah, they're different. Funnel Cakes are a big part of the Centreville (on Centre Island), CNE, and general carnie experience for some : )

[pinkprimp]

Don't they still have a Beavertails location at Ontario Place?

[auberginegal]

Beavertails are usually in the Food Building in the CNE every year

[magic]

Do they have them there? I did not know that.

[pinkprimp]

I remember buying Beavertails there...

Ah, quick google search and a phone call confirms that they are still at Ontario Place! :-)

[Yongeman]

I'm pretty sure that the Ontario Place location is still operating...it was last summer.

[pinkprimp]

Yes, they are. I called them this morning.

[Chocolatemama]

But do they taste the same as in Ottawa? I had a Hooker's beavertail in Quebec City a couple of years ago and they were completely different from those in Ottawa. They were so bad that I couldn't believe that Hooker's would allow them to use their name!
I am from Ottawa and I miss them. It would be worth a trip to Ontario Place if they were the real deal!

[pinkprimp]

Unfortunately, I haven't tasted either (Ontario Place or Ottawa) in at least 4 years so my memory is fuzzy at best.

[cecilia]

There is a beavertail stand in the Toronto Zoo where the new polar bear enclosure is going to be. I have also had it in Perth.

[Davwud]

The Elmira Maple Syrup Festival usually has a beaver tail truck. It's the first weekend in April.

DT

[Squeakycheese]

Hi, where about on Avenue? The only time I have experienced this fine "meal" was at Canada's Wonderland, funnel cakes and rollercoasters are not a match made in heaven!

[theresah]

Avenue and Melrose - northwest corner.

[ckg]

I live in the neighbourhood and noticed it was pretty busy on Sunday. I think that they do ice cream, crepes, and other dessert-type things as well...there is really nowhere else in the neighbourhood (other than Baskin-Robbins for ice cream) that serves anything like this. I am hoping to try it out soon!

[estufarian]

It was packed on Sunday as I drove by.
Let's face it, it's really a donut shop. If they can do a spin on things they could succeed - anyone for Fun-Bits?

[Pizza Lover]

Surprisingly I walked by last night at around 10:30 pm and the place was about 2/3 full. Could be the novelty factor or perhaps the area needs a casual place for people to hang out later in the evening - not just the McDonalds up the road.

[magic]

I think a funnel cake place is a great idea. I look forward to trying it.

[Ediblethoughts]

I was wondering about it too and I also haven't gone. It makes me think of going to the CNE...

[theresah]

I have to be honest, I had to google to see what a funnel cake actually was. I am on a very strict diet so it will be a while until I can make it in.

I am very curious to see if it survives because Avenue Road is pittering away slowly.