TORONTO — Chances are you will never find the names James’ Restaurant and the Dufferin Gate Tavern and Restaurant on a list of fine dining establishments in Toronto.
However, for thousands of Royal Agriculture Winter Fair exhibitors over the years, these eating establishments were where people gathered to grab a meal while in the big city.
The menu was basic, except for some Greek cuisine that was the specialty of James’, the service was fast, and the prices were right.
Unfortunately, both places have now gone the way of the rail cars and the exhibitor dorm at the Royal — a part of the past that is only a memory.
The restaurants were located next to one another on the corner of King and Dufferin streets.
A short drive, or a leisurely walk away, they were convenient to those at the fair.
It was not uncommon during the time of the Royal to walk in the door of either restaurant and find the tables full of exhibitors from across the country enjoying the company of their friends and getting a bite before heading back to the show.
It was not hard to tell that the patrons were from the Royal as ball caps reading Shorthorn, Clydesdale, Percheron and others were rested atop the heads of those there.
One of the amazing things about James’ and the Dufferin Gate was the people who ran it. They never forgot who their Royal customers were.
It was not uncommon to walk in and be greeted by a warm hello and a comment that individuals were back in town for the Royal once again.
Considering the countless people they served in the run of a year, to remember that many people was something.
One exhibitor from Prince Edward Island was even allowed to run a tab during his stay at the show and then pay off the bill before his departure for home.
Unfortunately times change and James’ closed a few years ago. And since last year’s Royal, the Dufferin Gate has ended operation.
The corner of King and Dufferin no longer welcomes coverall-clad farmers in search of a meal while away from home.
As one regular exhibitor and regular patron of the restaurants commented, “These were the places where everyone went. It is sad to see them closed.”

Trevor MacDonald of Murray River will be filing stories from the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair. He has been associated with the Royal since 1983.