Celebration of Life:
Mr. Siddique Words by: Liza Lukashevsky Early this year, Bloordale suffered a big loss when Mashud Siddique, beloved owner of Vena’s Roti, suddenly died. Siddique originally ran Vena’s out of a small shop on Queen Street West’s north side during the 90s and is fondly remembered there for giving away thousands of rotis for charity. In 2004, he moved his business to Bloordale, where he quickly gained a loyal following for his Guyanese-style rotis. After his death, many of his devotees posted handwritten notes and pictures on the front window of Vena’s, extolling the virtues of his food and his community work. In celebration and in memoriam of Mr. Siddique and Vena’s Roti (2004-2021), we’re sharing some of those notes and fond memories:
“Mr. Siddique’s roti shop had the best mixed vegetable rotis in Toronto, and he loved his customers and the neighbourhood. He will be missed” Elizabeth St. Claren’s Ave. “Vena’s Roti was a regular meal in our house, on those nights when we were too busy or too tired to cook. A goat roti with squash and spinach was a quick, and deeply comforting meal. It became closely tied to a particular feeling of life at home, of life in the neighborhood.” Shery Pauline Ave. “Mr. Siddique was one of the nicest guys and last remaining businesses from the old Bloordale. I’ll miss sitting in Vena’s playing tabletop Ms. PacMan and drinking Ting with my GF. Vena’s was a part of my neighborhood family and welcoming to all. He will be missed” Mysterion St. Clarens Ave. “With the happy family portraits on the wall, with the certain experience of his quiet kindness, with his annual offer of free meals to those in need, Mr. Siddique’s small shop was a landmark. He will be missed” Steve Pauline Ave.
Bloordale Magazine | 2021 | bloordalevillagebia.com
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