A symbol of a richer, more diverse, Canada

When I was a boy back in the early '50s very few folk would have been able to recognize Thai summer roll accompanied by a peanut dipping sauce. Canada was very much a meat and potatoes place seventy years ago, at least in the town where I lived.

Fast forward to today. Thai summer rolls with rice paper wraps are a favourite appetizer to be enjoyed at the neighbourhood Thai restaurant. There were no Thai restaurants seventy years ago in most Canadian neighbourhoods.

For the past year and half there were again no Thai restaurants. In fact, there were no restaurants at all. COVID-19 saw to it that most restaurants have been closed for months on end except for the occasional periods when patios have been allowed.

With more and more Canadians getting their second vaccination, the restaurant shutdowns are becoming a feature of the not-too-distant past. Our local Thai diner is again open, at least the patio. Soon, it is hoped, inside dining will also return.