So, there I am, nuking broccoli for dinner. It's something I do very often. Broccoli is a staple at our house. We eat it cooked, raw, in the dark, on a train, at our work and on a plane. Thanks, Sam-I-am.
Then, all I hear is 'Pzzzzzzzzt' and the lights go off inside our micro-onde.
Has the power gone out? No. Lights are still on in the house. Let me try re-booting. Unplug. Replug. No dice.
Oh no.
She's dead, Jim.
After 20 years, my cheap $150 microwave has officially bitten the dust. So now we gotta find a new one.
Actually, I'm not griping. This is not a hard task for us because J and I have found probably the best kept secret in Toronto.
Look way up. That's it... way, way up. Past Finch, south of Steeles on the west side. Because there, on Yonge St., is a little appliance store called County Appliances. It's so small, you can easily miss it even though it's covered from door to window frame in appliance adverts.
Once in, you'll feel like you're in a Rare Bookstore. It's cozy, to say the least, and very dusty but the staff are amazing. They know appliances and appliance manufacturers like the backs of their hands. They give honest advice and aren't afraid to tell you which companies do NOT produce the best product. They'll look beyond their selection to find you the right appliance and, deity of your choice rain blessings upon them, they'll even hire people to take apart an appliance and re-assemble it in your basement because your stairway measures a mere 20" across and no known washing machine or dryer is less than 22" across.
Every time we go there, those lovely people chat us up. Not over-chipper, no commissions, just nice, friendly, knowledgeable service.
They don't have a web site and they don't advertise in print or media. They rely on word of mouth. ( They're that good.)
We found a microwave, no problem. It'll be here in two days. Installation no problem and no exorbitant fees.
County, we love you.
We're telling everybody.
Now, everybody, tell your friends.
