Wine & Dessert at Dufflet's

http://www.tasteto.com/2007/12/30/wine-and-dessert-pairings-at-dufflets/#more-2644

Chip Obsession

thanks to Sarah, I'm addicted to chips!

You must try these - these are AMAZING - think the best part of buffalo wings - saucy cheesy crispy "Kettle chips Buffalo Bleu" - they are much better than the PC Choice version.

Christmas Dinner

Here's my menu for Xmas Day eve dinner. Super excited - hope it turns out - pics forthcoming...

Roast turkey with stuffing, gravy
Green bean casserole
Mashed potato & corn
Mussels steamed with white wine, butter & garlic
homemade Tofurkey with artichoke & asiago dressing

For Christmas Eve dinner I'm doing dessert, an English trifle w/ mango-apricot jam, berries & amaretto, dulche de leche, custard & whipped cream

Vive les Veggie Meat !

http://www.tasteto.com/2007/11/17/where%e2%80%99s-the-beef-substitute/#more-2312

Wine Tasting Article

Not my best, but I was for seriously sick, plus I know didly about wine.


http://www.tasteto.com/2007/12/01/the-amateur-wine-tasting-hurrah-for-syrah-shiraz-with-pizzaz/#more-2416

Review - The Green Eggplant

http://www.tasteto.com/2007/11/03/green-in-name-not-as-in-envy/

"The Toast of Taiwan" Article Link

http://www.tasteto.com/2007/10/20/the-toast-of-taiwan/

Mongolian Grill

7131 Kennedy Road (Markham)
(905) 947-8288

Description: You make it, we'll cook it! Choose your animal, vegetable, and sauce and have it cooked on a giant grill with the largest chopsticks you'll ever see - feast like a Mongol warrior - all you can eat (with a 2 hour limit).

Price: $15 for lunch

What you get:

Hot buffet with lots of options: fried rice, fried noodles, General Tso chicken, Orange chicken, Mongolion lamb stir fry, assorted veggies, fried bread stick, spring rolls, egg rolls, soup, and more

Salad bar: raw veggies, some cold salads, peel and eat shrimp, NZ mussels on the half shell

Dessert: fresh fruit (really sweet melons the time I went), bite sized cookies and pastries (skip the brownie looking one - tastes like it was made with 5 spice powder - gross)

Shaved Ice bar: Really without the snow, you're just eating sugary jellies, candied things, with coconut cream and/or sweetened condensed milk

La Cabana

467 Danforth Ave. (at Logan Ave.)
416-461-0556


The Occasion: 1 year old birthday party!

On the Menu:

Chimichanga, Burrito, Taco, Quesadilla, Enchilada - (veggie, beef, chicken), Seafood (ie. Grilled Calamari) - served with rice and salad & sour cream
(about $9.95)

Nachos & Tortilla chips with refried beans, guacamole & salsa

Good: Tasty, fresh, not greasy, restrained portions

Bad: everything from the fryer tastes slightly bitter, as if there was something burnt in the oil which they didn't change it

The Verdict: slightly better than fast food, but I'd go back if I was in Greektown and wanted Mexican

Bar Mercurio

270 Bloor Street West
(416) 960-3877


Menu:
Appetizers around $10
Pizzas from $11
Pastas from $16
Mains over $20

What we ordered:

The good:
Gnocchi in light Gorgonzola cream sauce: Still dreaming about it! Delicate, fluffy, plump and buttery pasta high-lighted by a smooth cream sauce just kissed by the cheese to have a salty bite - this dish can be extremely heavy and ruefully sits in your belly for the rest of the night, but instead, it is a heavenly treat worth going back for.

The bad:
Salad Caprese (on the specials menu) - insipid - the cheese is over powered by the unfortunately sweet pesto dressing and mushy tomato (yeah, my fault for getting tomatoes out of season), presentation is nice (see above) except for when I uncover one of the tomatoes and finds it unattractively green and with core; a little salt makes all the difference.

The ugly:
although a nice tasting wine, a bottle of Six Rows (South Australia) costs $39 - which is marked up about 200 %, while a bottle of Chardonnay (sorry, forgot to check what it was) is $48 - and these your least expensive choices. The place is touted as more upscale and the wait staff is fashionably dressed, but really ...

TasteTO.com

This is my first article on www.TasteTO.com :D

http://www.tasteto.com/2007/10/06/big-on-burek/

Happy Harvest Moon Festival

Moon cake - remains old school in Toronto - thank goodness!

I got a call from my Dad wishing me a happy "zhong qui jie" or Harvest Moon Festival, which for most families here may mean going out for dinner or getting a giant pile of tin boxes filled with the Chinese version of fruitcake that will probably still be there next year, and if it's individually wrapped with that tiny packet of preservative, can be re-gifted.

Back when I lived in Taipei, there was sometimes a day off in there, along with other odd traditions to mark that beauteous eerily full moon and its historical/mythical origins. I'm sure 20 years ago when my parents lived in Taiwan, it was unheard of to have makeshift barbecues in the street, or to have your children wear festive pommelo peels as hats. Although your work will probably give you a box, no one seems to really want to eat any moon cake. It's more fashionable to round up your friends for an impromptu barbecue, maybe up at Bitan Lake, cooking up skewers of pork balls coated in Korean bbq sauce.

Stores are still stocked with fancy packages of mooncake, but they aren't the Lurch - y traditional types. Very popular are the small balls of flaked pastry - similar to the suzhou style (versus the thicker, egg-washed dough) with a thin layer of red bean, green bean, or lotus seed paste covering a giant bright globe of salted duck egg. There are now almost countless varieties of mooncake fillings and casings from jelly, glutinous rice, to a something you might liken more to a tartlette crust.

In fact, as I recall, last year at a very brief stint teaching english at a kindergarden, after a "fashion" show where these 6 year olds with their various self-styled hats posed on a runway comprising of some pushed together tables, they gifted me with a large box of decorative mooncakes. Whimsically shaped, there were flowers, bunnies, and more! But as I bit in, expecting some lotus seed paste, or maybe red bean, I was sadly disappointed. Mango jelly? Green tea? This was reverse culture shock. It was like eating a plate of "spaghetti" made with ramen and ketchup. I tried to appreciate it, I mean, free sweets are by nature a sweet deal right? But longed for the traditonal cakes of my childhood of cakes made in, yes, Scarborough.

Although, out of the box, the best surprise was the "cinnamon" flavour in a very untraditonal buttery pastry coating (no lard here) that tasted just like apple pie (highly appreciated by a girl who had to spend $5 on a box of imported Kraft Dinner out of home-sickness).

The worst? Candied dried scallop filling! Not being able to read these characters, my roommate (who doesn't know the names of any food in any language - except for fried chicken) informed me that it was an ingredient that was a popular sweet snack for Japanese school kids. So, I bit in - then spat it all out just as quickly - having expected a sweet bite, well it was sweet, but a fishy sweet, literally - she all of a sudden remembered what it was called, "Scallop! Dried scallop - that's it"

Ew....

Thankfully this year, gold old Scarborough and Markham bakeries come through as does Costco! My sister prefers the lotus seed paste flavour - which to some may still be an acquired taste, but hey at least it's not dried seafood.

Utopia

586 College Street
(416) 534-7751


Description: very chill, small place - a bit too cozy - with a charming back patio, brisk service (water refilled every minute), lots of veggie/vegan options (veggie burger, crispy fried tofu, or grilled tofu)

Price: Around $10 sandwiches, burgers, and wraps

What we ordered:

Breakfast Burrito: big, with a rich filling of sausage, and chedder cheesy soft buttery scrambled, or freshly deeply green looking baby greens well dressed

Veggie burger, fries & wasabi mayo: on a foccacia-esque bun flecked with herbs - a bit on the dry side, maybe day old, but definitely from a nice bakery - a thick char fragrant satisfying flavourful soy patty served with red onion, dill pickle slice, tomato, and lettuce - so huge I couldn't finish it. Flavoured mayo options ho-ya! Comes with a choice of giant side of hand cut fries so good I had to bag the rest

Mezes Greek Restaurant

456 Danforth Ave (near Logan)
416-778-5150


Description:
Busy on a Thursday night with a constant line-up, stylish enough for a date, casual enough for family dining, friendly and just right attentive service. Known for their self-titled name, large variety of mezze to share

What we ordered:

Small dip platter (hummus, tzaziki, baba ghanoush & spicy feta - creamy, flavourful, addictive - you'll need an extra order of the hot buttered thick pita rounds)

Grilled Calamari (perfect! Just slightly crisp exterior, smoky grill flavour, sweet oh so tender squid, goes great with the tzaziki)

Grilled Eggplant (a large whole eggplant - it's skin missing, having been presumabley charred and removed, silky, lovely spread on the pita, accented with bhaba for a double eggplant kick)

Chicken Souvlaki and Fried Calamari dinner (comes with a typical salad of ice berg lettuce, some crumbled feta and a couple of olives, skip it and save room for the small toothsome rings of calamari; rice and potato as well are ok, standard but not worth taking up room from the meat and seafood)

Prices: Mezzes mostly under $10, more for seafood and meat, meals around $15

Note: overpriced wines! 32.95 for a bottle of Yellow Tail Shiraz?

The Tulip

1606 Queen Street East (at Coxwell)
416-469-5797

Description:
It's been around since 1929 and is still a beloved neighborhood diner with line-ups out the door at all meal times for a reason.

On the Menu:
breakfast, steak, hot sandwiches, 2 kinds of spaghetti, cheap bottles of domestic beer

What We Ordered:

Peameal Eggs Benedict (huge serving, greasy sliced homefries, points off for packaged Hollandaise - apparently the same kind they use at Victory Cafe)

Open-faced Turkey (nice gravy - goes great with the homefries)

Burger (plain, but filling, fries extra - from the freezer, but the extra crispy battered kind)

Spaghetti (on the daily special menu -cheap- huge again, but your basic store bought sauce & pasta)

Prices: Under $10, except for the steak

Going back?

Yes! Steak!

Note: all day breakfast is advertised, but we're told this isn't the case

Eggspectation

220 Yonge Street (at Shuter) Toronto Eaton Center location
(416) 977-3380
www.eggspectation.ca

It was more than 10 years ago during a crazy weekend in Montreal - a first with some of my teenage friends during an trip which included: narrowly escaping a 20 car pile-up on the 404, buying beer at some grotty club expecting hip hop but getting instead then unknown Backstreet Boys (or at least that's what we think) performing which caused us to leave in a huff (this isn't hip hop!) - and eating a giant satisfying breakfast (what's a mensch?) at the booth beside Aidan Quinn on location for that dreadful film "The Assignment".

But today, what stands out in my mind was a desire to go back and have at the giant plate of potato latkes, bagels, and more. So, when I heard it became a giant chain and there was one in Toronto, it was on my list of haftas.

Finally years later, we made a double date for brunch. Warned by D that there was usually a line up, we made sure to get in there to leave our names asap. They wouldn't seat us until all of our party arrived.

I was delighted by the multiple offerings of bennies (their Signature Eggsbenedict menu) and opted for the California because it sounded partly healthy, boasted a combo of asparagus and spinach, smoked salmon, and gruyere atop whole wheat toast.

There was no giant bread basket, although we did get served a basket of toast which seemed to come with everyone's order.

My plate had a lax presentation effort and paltry everything - like not even a decent slice of the salmon or more than a couple of bites of spinach. The hollandaise was rich and tasty, again, just a touch, this dish overall more of a diet plate then a Sunday treat eat out. The toast became soggy and was unappealing. The only thing decent was the coffee refills.

Although now they serve lunch and dinner, I'd rather try Cora's again.

The Veggie Challenge

Inspired by a recent visit to the 2007 Vegetarian Food Fair held at Harborfront Centre two weeks ago, I signed up for one week veggie challenge.

Why?

It all started six years ago. I was watching an episode of the X-Files and eating leftover shiu mai for dinner. As the events of the episode unfolded, merely the opening sequence before the show intro, I spat out the suddenly offensive dim sum and cringed. Somehow the image of a 300 hundred pound man sitting atop a blood-soaked motel room bed, his body having housed a child-sized Indian man simutaneously experienced with the taste of pork fat drippings in my mouth created a sudden realization: you are eating dead flesh.

Disgusted by anything flesh, I went almost vegan for 2 weeks (eggs completely grossed me out), but I continued to consume dairy. I eventually went the lacto ovo route finding it too difficult otherwise because at that time I thought salty beans were disgusting (I was used to red and green bean soup desserts) and soy cheese at that time tasted like solid margarine (although I have yet to try today's non-dairy cheese products).

Then I moved to Taiwan.

Quite popular are the "veggie buffets" scattered throughout Taipei. Due to the prevelance of Buddhism, many Taiwanese will occasionally eat vegetarian meals; the restrictions similar to a yogic diet. The Chinese Buddhist vegetarian diet is exclusive of meat and seafood (of course), dairy, garlic and onions. This was important to remember when dining out at "western" style places when I requested a dish be vegetarian. They would ask if you ate "complete vegetarian" or "healthy vegetarian" because if you agreed to the prior, they wouldn't serve you anything with garlic or onion. Hence, asking for a veggie pizza at Domino's, you might get your pizza sauceless or substituted with ketchup!

Most of the Vegetarians I met were usually westerners. It seemed the Taiwanese didn't really understand why one wouldn't want to eat animals, especially since they eat every part they can including ears, tongues, feet, and eyes. Not only would mention when you ordered that you didn't want "meat", you'd have to specifically say you don't want cow, pork, chicken, or fish. It seemed to be true in most Asian countries I'd visited. Once in Seoul, I asked my friend to order me something as he read and spoke Korean. The only thing I could have was the noodle dish. We reconfirmed with the waitress that it didn't have meat. When I dug in, I immediately knew something wasn't right. It was noodles alright, but jammed in an intestinal casing. Ew. We complained, but they still insisted, "it isn't meat."

It seemed difficult for people to understand unless you brought in the religious context, or they assumed you were doing it for that reason. It was believed that you could pray for things you wanted or wished to happen, and in exchange make a sort of bargain to eat vegetarian for a certain duration. Let's say, "I'll eat veggie for a week in hopes I get this new job." So, some restaurants will serve mock-meat dishes whimsically, painstakingly putting a glutin protein on a real bone to simulate a drumstick. Since a majority are part-timers, they didn't find this offensive or contradictory.

I frequented these restaurants often. They are buffet style in that you serve yourself, and then pay for your food by weight. Sometimes they offer all you can eat after prime time for the steal of a mere 2 or 3 dollars. Although my favorite was deep fried oyster mushrooms with spicy basil, I did choose the mock meats having acquired a taste for soy meat from many a packet of Yves Veggie dogs. (I once found them at with glee at a high end grocery store to pay an exorbitant $8.30 Cdn!)

Not having a real kitchen to cook for myself, and tired of eating the same things, I started to eat seafood. Then I broke down one day and ordered a steak. I blame it on the fake meats!

For two years, I could easily detect even a whiff of chicken broth used in a seemingly meatless dish, and couldn't stand it. How was I able to go from that to 10 oz steaks?

I think it was the mix of being around former veggies who raved about going back to meat due to the difficulty of eating right in Asia, and the scandal that 70% of all mock meats in Taiwan had meat juice or oils as flavouring agents.

In any case, I always promised myself when I moved back to Toronto that I'd be veggie again because it was one place you could do it quite easily and affordabley.

I was hoping for new ideas from the annual Vegetarian Food Fair held by the Toronto Vegetarian Association. They provided helpful pamphlets, guides to local eateries and restaurants, as well as a starter kit for those willing to try their 1 week vegetarian challenge.

When I signed up, I thought, sure no sweat. Maybe it will be a good way to kick start a true lifestyle change. Sampling the various products (or trying to, as they had quite a turn-out), I discovered many new foods that I hoped would be readily available at your average grocery store.

Favourites:

Tofurky line of slices and sausages: absolutely delicious and makes Yves taste like cardboard (although, some might say it doesn't need the help, as one vegan disdainfully said to me, "I'd rather eat a real hot dog than a veggie dog!)

So Soya trail mix: crunchy, nicely spiced with variations that include chocolate chips. Even better than the soy, black bean, raisin, pepita mix you can find at Chinese grocers.

Chocolate mint soy cream: the strong flavours masked the soy (unlike the limp mango flavour) and had a rich smooth texture.

Not soy good

Tofu kebabs: Shrink-wrapped marinated tofu slices (they have a store at St. Lawrence Market) which were a bit too salty and really not worth the price. You can buy your own firm tofu and marinate it yourself for a fraction of the cost. However, the wrap with curry flavoured tofu, lettuce, red onion, and poppy seed dressing was super delish.

Food Stalls:

The Indian and Hare Krishna were surprisingly bland. There are loads of restaurants throughout Toronto that serve standard dishes like chana masala or various dals. Maybe they were vegan though, and missing the ghee? Except that the HK halava (my first taste of this buttery semolina and raisin concoction) was rich and addictive.

There were many more I didn't get a chance to taste: sushi, dim sum, Jamaican patties, not to mention the plethora of sweets: cakes, cookies, bars. Also of interest were specialty services such as weekly deliveries of organic groceries, or gourmet vegan prepared meals.

With this seemingly vast array of tasty, heart-healthy options, wouldn't it be easy?

As I poured over the Vegetarian Starter Kit, I noticed that what they were promoting was more of a vegan diet, suggesting that you also go dairy and egg free. If you've read my blog before, you'll note that the only thing I order for brunch is Eggs Benedict. And as I've mentioned, I love cheese.

Looks like this isn't going to be as easy as I thought. Good thing I like beans now. As I slowly make the transition to first, a L-O level, (baby steps!), I will be trying out and rating veg products.

Victory Cafe

Like a paint by numbers meal, it looked good but was only the passable copy of an original.

Eggs Florentine, at $9.99 is not bad, but I've had far better for less. Cooked textbook with all the right textures looking neat and presentable, just like the picture on the box of a frozen meal, unfortunately, along with its dull pasty innards. The potatoes were crispy, looking nicely brown with sprinkles of colorful bell pepper, but were glorified tater tots with neither fun nor taste. The canned beans were as a pleasant a surprise as a tooth cavity. I wondered why the waitress mentioned that the eggs came with home fries and asked if that was ok, then specifically repeated it again 30 seconds after, when I placed my order. Yet no mention of the beans--which I would think people might more likely object to. The hollandaise sauce was, well it just wasn't hollandaise, despite appearances. Actually, it tasted like instant Knorr cream of potato soup.

It was just "ok". For the same price you could get something much better, especially with the plethora of choices in the Bloor Annex neighborhood alone. At least the Benny, costing the same, had thick, glistening slices of peameal bacon. Doesn't frozen spinach still cost a dollar a pound at the grocery store? But, I suppose a sunny day, sitting on the patio with super smiley service can compensate for a sub-par meal.

Victory Cafe Famous Pub & Eatery
address: 581 Markham St.
number: 416-516-5787
website: www.victorycafe.ca

Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar

It was a special occasion and this was a befitting setting. Our table of 16 had gathered for a celebratory 30th, seated at a very large and handsome communal table on yet another Sunday afternoon, in anticipation of a great meal. Over the years, I have in a way followed Jamie Kennedy's career - at least reported in the Toronto Star - way before the food network or the linkage of celebrity + chef. So it was with much excitement that I would finally dine at one of his establishments, not to mention the birthday, and brunch of course.

The brunch price fixe menu is $20 with a choice of two dishes. It is a meal that has been turning more highbrow these days, with our brightest local stars extending that trend of making the casual into the sublime (remember $50 hamburgers?). But most of us are adamantly clinging to our low rise skinny jeans as we chow down our $10 diner eggs, still as skeptical of spending our week's grocery money on one mid-day meal as we are of relinquishing tapered for high-wasted wide-legs. As one of our table commented, "I don't even understand this menu". I however, was happy to explain what a confit or even what a ragout meant (hint the spaghetti sauce); just as much as I took this dining experience for what it was, a special once in a while treat.

And treat it was! Lamenting my addiction to fries with mayo, I felt not a whit of guilt as I plunged hot, crispy golden fries into lemony garlicky homemade mayonnaise. (Our guest of honour informed me later that JK is famous for his fries - Yukon Frites $5). The bread plate, was meh - skip it. It might have been homemade, but it was just mostly plain white raisin bread with blah jam. I would think for $5 a plate, they could afford to give tables a demi-baguette from Ace Bakery instead and still profit nicely. Service was great - friendly, informative, and well paced - impressive as we were a large group. They even offered to plate the chocolate ganache cake one of our party brought with berries (but at $3 a pop).

The nice thing about JK Wine Bar is the post tapas sense of sharing. Yes the artfully presented dishes are small, but in a big group setting, at least you get to taste a lot.

The smoked salmon blinis looked and tasted wow: intense salmon fresh flavour as deep as its coral flesh, punctuated with fresh herb salad, pickled onion, and airy creme fraiche with its spongy, nutty, buckwheat base.

I also had bites of the chorizo side (meaty and fried crisp), the tender and saucy pulled pork, and the luscious melt in your mouth pain perdu.

Surprisingly, the duck confit salad (with frisee and poached organic egg) wasn't that special. The bitterness of the green had no point. The meat was more leathery than crisp (although apparently duck would make a good jerky), and the egg could've just as well been a no show. Actually, most of us at the table thought it was goat's cheese at first, which I think could have been a better ingredient. Mmm... if it was warm goat's cheese over the frisee with crisp skin and robust meat...

We couldn't resist peeking at the dinner menu. With its promise of artisan cheeses (also available at brunch), oysters, and other goodies, I immediately tried to think of of what other occasions were coming up.

It will probably take a few more trips before I agree with one comment made by someone, who, after offering JK wb as a recommendation and having the querier respond that he'd been there. "Ah, then it's ruined anywhere else." But, definitely, I would say as the b-day girl opined, "They know what they are doing."

Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar
address: 9 Church Street
number: 416-362-5586
website: jkkitchens.com

Edward Levesque's Kitchen

photo from TorontoLife.com review of Edward Levesque's Kitchen

It was a good thing we'd gone before the mixed reviews on chowhound.com. which ranged from terrible food and crummy service to it's a favorite, I love it!

ELK had been the other option at my "going away" brunch when we'd chosen Le Petite Dejeuner due to it's closer proximity. However, as I'm moving into Leslieville, it seemed a good place to spend a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

It was not until after we'd left that the others in my party admitted they were pleasantly surprised that the exterior was in no way indicative of the charming interior - small but spacious, bright like a buttercup, with real linens - and immediate seating. Calling earlier, D was told that they don't take brunch reservations but it wasn't too busy so it wouldn't be a problem getting a table. Upon arrival, we snagged the last empty table, thankfully, big enough for four.

While we perused the small printed menus, quality coffee came swift and hot. Impressive was the "daily" selection coupled with the brunch only options. It was difficult to just pick one because everything looked excellent. There seemed to be one of my favorite ingredients in each selection. Finally, since it was brunch, I needed to have poached eggs, so I opted for the version atop chipotle corn bread with sausage and home fries. Although a deceptively small portion, it was very rich and filling. And exactly what I wanted. Never before have I had more perfectly poached eggs, fluffy white giving way to an almost caramel thick yolk. Its smoothness oozed nicely into the buttery, softly sweet smoky corn bread that crumbled into the salty spice of the chorizo sausage - a flawless foil. The potatoes tasted as good as they looked; homey and handsomely brown and uniform, tender and with a nicely seasoned crisp shell. I couldn't finish it all without help (maybe because I'd scarfed down a whole order of fresh baguette and butter).

I didn't try two of the parties selections, the tantalizingly sounding lamb-burger with olive spread, or the omelet with smoked fish and salad, but both orders were polished off with aplomb. I did however, have a bite of the banana french toast, which was nicely springy, dense, with the banana a fragrant highlight to the silky custard infused bread.

During the whole meal, I raved and couldn't wait to be a local scenester, stopping by once a week to try to the falafel, or dinner mains, or well, everything.

On our way out, Edward had us twittering at a quip, feeling for a moment that we had really been his guests.

Lunches are under $10, dinners under $30, not including drink, taxes, or tip.

Edward Levesque's Kitchen
Address: 1290 Queen Street East
Phone: 416-465-3600
Lunch: W-F 11am-3pm
Dinner: TUES-SAT 6pm-10pm, SUN from 5:30pm
Brunch: SAT-SUN 9am-3pm
website: www.edwardlevesques.ca

Back in Toronto!

It's been about 4 months, I'm back from China, and it's summer time! I'll try to fill in some of the gaps with reviews on various places I've been to in during my travels in Eastern Europe, and China.

Eating in Ottawa

The Blue Cactus

2 ByWard Market
(613) 241-7061
www.bluecactusbarandgrill.com

More of hipster joint for those who are slightly too young or too old to quite make the cut. It's loud. There's a line-up. And they give you a vibrator. They have a mixed bag menu worthy of any mid-scale chain. We shared the fajitas (you can get chicken or steak, or half & half); the meat tender, flavourful and surprisingly plenty considering the chintzy sides - a lackluster gathering of your typical toppings (guac, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cheese, fresh salsa, rice, and refried beans) - barely enough to accommodate one of the small warm flour tortillas (of four by the way). If it's for 2 people, ought we not to get sides for 2, or is this some strange compromise for low carb trends? Or did someone miscalculate the cuteness of the dish-ware over the demands of a hungry person; if I wanted something "light"and dainty, I wouldn't have ordered a messy do it yourself dinner. They were out of the 2 selections of red wine by the glass, but they made a nice bloody Caesar. With the plethora of other similar bar restos, I'll be sure to forget about this joint anytime soon.

Sandwiches starting at $10, entrees at $15, not including drink, tax, or tip.




The Swan
108 Falldown Lane
Carp, ON
Phone: (613) 839-7926

For all its marvelous ingredients: a great looking place --cozy but spacious, warm, rustic, displaying all the charm of you'd want from a traditional pub-- a boast-worthy selection of tipples, not to mention two Cordon Bleu chefs as owners, this concoction is a let down.

On my first visit back in January, I was looking forward the lunching at what is basically, your only option in downtown Carp. A few short picturesque streets, there are one of each of local proprietaries, with the Swan right by "fall down" hill looking quaint and welcoming with its small patio and antique looks. The decor is local and homespun. The bar looks laden and classic. The menu is simple, yet modern, and well-worded.

Impressed by ingredients of the smoked salmon sandwich (cream cheese, red onion, capers, and fresh dill), so was most of our party, 3 out of 4 choose just that. With a choice of daily soup, salad, or fries, I couldn't resist the clam chowder, one of my all time favorites. The presentation was fine. Everything looked fresh atop simple white dishes -- but what a mess. There was plenty of salmon in my sandwich, but it was overly salty and bland, not helped by the equally lackluster cream cheese. One could hope that a sweet bite of onion, or tartness of the capers ought to offset and save, but no. The onion slices were so thick and careless I had to pick them out. The dill was present but tasteless. It was as if I had a cold. I could feel the textures and taste the salt, but there was no flavour. My soup was just a tad more appealing, however, it could have given Campbell's Chunky a case of mistaken identity. I've had better meals at family chain restaurants - probably because head office enforces menu-tasting.

Still months later, with only a couple of take-out places in the area, it was the only place for a proper sit-down meal. I found myself once again perusing the lunch menu. The options were similar, except sandwiches were replaced by the more fashionable panini. Bypassing the smoked salmon this time, I choose the Reuben.

Not being a big fan of processed meats, I might be biased in thinking that the sandwich was again overly salty, with its melted cheese and sauerkraut less visible than wallflowers at a high school dance. The brisket was fine and fresh, but the overall thing needed some life - a fancier mustard or a bit more kraut? Or a touch of Russian dressing, even Thousand Island would have done it.

I ordered soup once again, tempted by the promise of a great sounding combination: tomato cream with artichokes and dill. Ugh. The tomato tasted straight from the can, acidic, salty, to the point of overpowering any fresh herb or cream, and made all the worse by the large chunks of sour and briny artichoke quarters. I'm not sure if maybe whomever is cooking hates food and tasting it, or simply has no concept of flavour balance, trained or otherwise.

I had a bite of my companion's chicken curry with fruit. Finally some much needed sweetness was found, but the spices were as detectable and exciting as salt and pepper (maybe they have to appease the Carpies?), and the thick nuggets of chicken breast were awfully dry.

The only thing that was decent was dessert. There is a good selection of homemade cakes and truffles. We tried the "Supreme" chocolate cake which was quite nice. It was sweet and rich without being too heavy, but its ganache layers weren't quite worthy of the label, and more akin to chocolate flavoured whipped cream. If you want to go out on the town while you're passing through, I'd hit the Swan for what's on tap or afternoon tea, but as far as a meal goes, I think next time I'll try Carp Pizza.

Lunch from around $12, $15 mains, not including drinks, tap, or tip.




The Blooming Onion
at York and Dalhousie

I couldn't quite well be in Ottawa and not get poutine now could I? Sure you can find it all over the place now, on fast food and restaurant menus alike, but bordering Quecbec, I thought I'd get something a bit more authentic.

Poutine or peu-tin as it's properly pronounced, has many die-hard fans who insist that it must be fresh thick, hand-cut fries, real white cheese curds, and special sauce, not just your basic brown gravy (although frankly, I can't really distinguish, or maybe that brown stuff has become ubiquitous). Although online searches mostly turned up with The Elgin Street dinner as the no. 1 local pick, finding that they served thin fries (hells no), and that most people preferred chip truck nosh, well, the Blooming Onion was it.

Walk along Dalhousie, and there are a variety of options to dine; but the truck is easy enough to spot. They offer hot dogs and of course blooming onions as well, and the poutine is very satisfying.

$4 for regular
$5 for large



note: Pictures are ripped from the web, chosen to best represent what I had, but are not of the actual product.

Niagara St. Cafe

While I am away, I've asked Denise to help me keep the updates coming. As she's busy with her job, I've put together a short info list to fill out, so in the next while, reviews will be brief....

*note: for now all images are ripped from the net and not actually related to the restaurant, but chosen to reflect the food as closely as possible

Ordered:
1. Omelette with green onion, basil pesto and goat cheese
2. Brisket sandwich with onions

Verdict: so yummy! SO GOOD!!!

Niagara Street Cafe

Address: 169 Niagara (at Wellington) Near King St. & Bathurst

Phone: 416-703-4222

Website: www.niagarastreetcafe.com

Hours:
Wed, Thurs 6pm-10pm
Fri & Sat 6pm-10:30pm
Sunday 10:30am -3pm (brunch), 6-10pm

Le Petit Dejeuner

"What's it called?"
"Le petit dejeuner, you know, French for breakfast."
"I don't know how to say breakfast in French after 7 years of study?!"

After several more aimless conversation snippets between 4 separate groups, an hour past our appointed meet time, we all finally managed to make it to Le Petit for some hopefully not so little breakfast.

At about 1pm, there was at least a half hour wait for our group of 6, but by the time we all assembled, much closer to 2pm, we only waited for about 5 minutes. I'd expected pastels and Impressionist prints, but the setting was more like your average bar (they do have live jazz in the eve) - think wood scheme and brass. They were obviously still busy so by the time we'd already given and received our drink orders (coffee in mugs, and very fresh grapefruit juice), our request for more menus (we'd only been given 2) was met, but ultimately moot because we were ready to order.

We were very excited however by the menu despite its simplicity. Denise (this place being one of her picks of course - Sat brunch options are more limited) enthused that we had to get an order of the Belgium waffles. Sure, why not? I decided on Eggs Florentine with a side of smoked salmon and would share the waffles and Chantilly cream with Jenny; who ordered the poached egg and sauteed mushrooms (veg option) over a bagel half. Denise and Jamie both opted for the smoked salmon omelet; Pablo, the "Hungry Gal" breakfast - your standard eggs, toast, and meat; Lisa, a three cheese omelet.

Denise got the last order of smoked salmon! So, Jamie and I switched to the Eggs Florentine, and I added a side of mushrooms with bacon instead. Pablo followed the "fey" menu suggestion to "guy" up his order - except the server clarified that it wasn't really done - with a side of organic sausage. It wasn't clear on the menu if Jenny's order came with the rosti potatos, so she added that (we were all really hungry gals!).

The verdict? My eggs were perfect! Beautifully poached texture, just the right seasoning, salt, cream, whisper of tang hollandaise, nicely wilted spinach no grease a top crisply golden muffins. Everyone was well satisfied with their orders, except Lisa, who was just satisfied; as the melange a trois was more disjointed flavors than a harmonious melding. And there were a few problems. Pablo didn't get his sausages (two pallid links split opened and browned in the middle) until we were all finished our meals, nor Jenny her rosti (but the chipper server took it back no big deal). Denise and Lisa thought their rosti were a bit charred. They were just shredded up pucks to me. Also, meh, was the garnish-like slaw, shreds of apple and pickle doused in thousand island.
The waffles were great though! Very light, crisp exterior - eat'em while they're still warm - and nicer with the cream (silky, buttery, and sweet) than just syrup.

The servers were attentive and cheery despite being a bit harried.

If I ever want a perfect benny, I know exactly where to go.

Le Petit Dejeuner

Address: 191 King St. E. (at Jarvis St.)

Phone: 416-703-1560

website: www.lepetitdejeuner.ca

Epicure Revisited

Everyone deserves a second chance.

We returned to Epicure and although I was hankering for my usual - Lisa pointedly reminded me that I didn't fare so well the last time. Good thing. I decided that a nice juicy burger would be an apt substitute.

There are fancy topping combos for your choice of patty: beef, soy veggie, and grain veggie. I wanted a big hunk of meat and that I got, cooked well-done as ordered, and served "The Italian Style" with asiago, pesto-mayo, and spinach, as well as your tyical lettuce, tomato, onion (red, nice), and pickle. As with breakfast, you have a choice of potato, or salad, or half-half. The caesar is ok, it needs a good spiking of some more garlic or lemon juice. The mixed house greens comes with a creamy tarragon dressing which has even less flavour than the mayonnaise. However, the fact that they bring you a small jar of mayonnaise to splat as I wish on my plate. I don't know who I picked up this habit from, but now I just can't have fries without; although, the fresh cut thin fries are so crisply pliant and tasty brown, they are perfectly delish on their own.

Lisa usually stands by the egg white omelet which has never failed her yet. Pablo got a soy burger "Toronto" style (which is just plus cheddar) on a first visit, but much preferred the grain version. I think its just because he ordered that one "Italian". Not to impressed by the other fixings options, I opted to try out the "Swiss" and it did not disappoint. Mounds of meaty portabello chunks and swiss cheese made the 6 ounce whopper even more difficult to bite into, but an enjoyable challenge at that. Again the patty was a bit dry, but here is where that mayo comes in handy.

It is officially a regular spot - just the place to go when you want a hearty portion of consistently satisfying meals.

International Brunch

Other Denise and Jason reading this blog, there's just me. However, I'm hoping that Dee will take over the reins while I'm off the Europe. And I'd like to add more info, such as locations (duh!), price ranges, and photos! So, watch out for that, as well, random food-scapades while I'm abroad.

Happy eating!

M stands for Musa!

Two weeks ago, we knew we were going for brunch and the onus lay on me to pick. I knew Denise would have some good suggestions, but I also knew that Lisa was wary of them. It was one of those days when we all had to get exactly what we wanted. So, it suddenly occurred to me, well, I have Kris' number, why don't I just ask him what and where that place was?

Musa!

I had come across it, but the only description was that it was a Mediterranean place, hence the confusion. When we arrived, the place was busy, but there were clearly empty tables, and only one couple waiting ahead of us. We both waited a ridiculously long time for a table as it seemed each staff member had a pre-assigned role and would stick to it no matter what, and no one had been named host. However, it was slowly revealed through accidental eavesdropping that some of the staff were hungover, hence the laissez-faire attitude, so I had to give them that. Finally, the girl with the cool belt took care of us.

We all gleefully didn't know which goody to pick. I tried for a benny, but was informed that they were out (ps. it was only 2pm). Two of us settled on the lumberjack - 2 eggs, toast, meat, challah french toast, and potatoes. Lisa chose the fruit plate, which comes with egg and meat, but if you go veggie you get potatoes and no eggs. It was figured out to get meat on the side for the carnivorous faction of the group, and potatoes on the side.

Denise went with the bubble and squeak, basically fancy scrambled eggs - your choice of cheese (asiago is so the new parmigiano-reggiano), and other flare. The cajun potatoes were extra kicky, but otherwise no surprises. Although we had seriously contemplated the sarnies, they would have to wait for another visit. As we scarfed down the wares, I realized they must have rotating artists on display as the current paintings were very different from the last mashup of photos and pieces. Denise noted that Musa reminded her of Uncles and Aunties, but less disorderly and haphazard.

Despite the slightly off service, I totally dig this place and it's so top 5 - so thanks, Kris. Word.

Musa

Address: 847 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON

Phone: 416-368-8484

Bar Italia

It was a sunny Sunday, but sunset was perilously close even though it was 3pm because we wanted to venture beyond Queen St. and on foot to boot. With no particular destination in mind, we wandered into Little Italy. Lo and behold, Utopia, as fine a final destination as any - however, it was packed and the entrance way eluded us. We could see in, but didn't quite know how to get there. Walking a few blocks in either direction on College St., we soon settled on Bar Italia as there was a chalkboard scrawl of the most inviting words on such a day "Brunch Available". There was one hellavu brunch in effect(a private bridal function upstairs) - but not for us; a girl behind the bar curtly warned that only lunch was available. It was just past 4pm.

No worries, it was almost dinner, and having not eaten yet, there wasn't even strength to quibble. There was only one server and maybe four other tables, but it took quite awhile to even get a menu. However, after she made up for it later by being very generous with coffee refills - very fresh, robust coffee. As we gleaned over the what could have been brunch options, the lunch plates were just as enticing. There was a good variety of main salads, and the sandwich options were each one equally tantalizing. Kudos to whomever wrote the menu - never have I perused such simply written yet, enticing descriptions - hot!

So, I finally settled on the muffelleta despite the fact that I don't like cold cuts, but it was the olive paste that hooked me. It was a solid choice - I'd recommend it to you salt-ists: ample layers of mortadella and salami, buttery mozzarella, crunchy homemade pickles, crisp lettuce, and the promised smear of black olives. It was not accompanied by any fries or salad, but was a hearty sandwich - plenty for a light eater, someone hungrier might want some soup. My eating partner chose the salmon salad - a nicely seared portion atop a generous tangle of mixed greens glistening with dressing.

All in all, I liked the spacious, warm, modern setting. The ingredients were quality (minding me of the Italian cooking philosophy - good food comes from the best of ingredients), and the service was apt. Next time I go, it will definitely be before 4pm.

Bar Italia

Address: 582 College Street

Phone: 416-535-3621

Something with that starts wth "M"

I remember as we approached that this single named spot, which begins with an M and had one of those best of articles touting its Toronto brunch status would be easy for me to recall if need be. As it has been a month since, and I wasn't paying attention to what street we were on, nor has it been successfully googled, let's hope someone knows what I'm talking about.

It doesn't quite seem to be Mitzi's or Maggie's. They do have challah french toast and a regular following of "campers" and on that snowy Sunday, we waited for a good while as were quite a few other groups. We were the only ones at first standing awkwardly by the bar in the middle of the joint, as it's cozy/cramped. It seemed like a good sign. However, there were at least 2 couples sitting there for a real table, and soon after a crowd of five squished in behind us. There are so many options around town, but that no one was surprised about the wait, and were happy to stay put, I took it as a good sign. So, the entrance brings you right to facing a small bar. On the left side, there's room for a few tables, not many. The decor can be described as eclectic for lack of a better word (as it isn't that unusual) but it is a place of mishmash chair styles, art and photography - kitschy but soothingly unobtrusive - and the tables were pretty short. The wait staff was friendly and relaxed, all very androgynous-ly hipster in their skinny jeans, black tees, and Tuesday Adams.

The menu was awesome! A plethora of all day brunch... each one equally tantalizing. They had like 10 types of bennies, lots of veg options. I was impressed as I spotted on other diner's plates exoticisms like dragon fruit and pommegranate seeds (although its last year's fruit trend and already yawn).

I think the boys got some sort of lumberjack hungry man plate loading aforementioned french toast, eggs to order, your usual meats - bacon, sausage, ham - and toast. It seemed as if everything included a side salad - very fresh mixed baby greens in a tasty vinegarette optimally dressed- as well as homefries (spicy or non). I ordered a bacon benny and thought it was supposed to be peameal, but got crispy side, which was just fine. It was perfect. I love it when everything on your plate tastes equally good and you can't choose which thing to eat last as it will be the lingering flavour in your mouth. Even the whimsical fruit garnishes, a cherry here, a slice of melon there were meaningful flourishes as they were freshly textured and sweet.

Coffee was abundant (so far every place I've been to has been really good with this). And the influx of people steady even until we left.

Help! I want to go back.

Bar One

Another Q.W. staple, as I enter and spot the large communal "bar" table, I get a flashback about a restaurant trend of years back where the gimmick of the spot is to sit beside strangers, interact and have a unique dining experience. Now I don't know if the concept thrived, but I am completely uninterested. If I'm out to dine with friends, it's to specifically be with them, or if I'm eating alone, the only company I need is the food and reading material I plan on tucking into. However, as we waited for more than ten minutes for a table (again, another blustery day when the need for warmth overcomes our grumbling bellies), I thought that the "bar one" in question was good for its newspaper accommodating space. Then, soon enough we were whisked off to a nice booth, and brought good fresh coffee.

The menu is not large. Yet again, I really want to take pieces from each offering to compile what I do want (have yet to find the perfect brunch menu combo offering), but as Lisa notes, they do not accept substitutions. This does not please her, even though she just wants an egg white veggie omelet and we don't think they'd mind since she's not being picky, she's a vegetarian.

In the end, Denise gets the set of eggs, meat, home fries, pancakes, and toast. It looks very hearty and we can't even help her finish it. The jam and ketchup on the side are homemade, but quite forgettable in their blandness. My egg in a hole although small and unadorned is actually just perfect. The brioche is crisp on the outside and fresh, giving into the perfectly soft egg center, the smoked salmon and spinach the perfect amount of salt highlight, and the drizzle of aioli which seemed just as inconsequential is actually hefty in richness and another nice note to ribbon the package together.

Lisa got her omelet and side of home fries and is not impressed nor disappointed. It's fine, but the filling of goat cheese and spinach is a bit lackluster. She prefers the omelet she had from Epicure or her regular haunt Sneaky Dees. Both L and D were not too impressed by the waitress who seemed preoccupied and failed to mention that the change to egg whites cost an extra $2. But, she was quick on the coffee refills and I hadn't noticed anything.

Brunch options are around $8 - $11, not including coffee, tax, or tip, and what is described on the menu is as it is - sides are extra.

Bar One

Address: 924 Queen Street West

Phone: 416-535-1655

Butler's Pantry

Although we easily sat ourselves down at this Queen W. location, the fact that it took the waitress at least 15 minutes to give us menus because she was dealing with a bad situation should have been the first clue.

I was hungry and in an amiable mood and since our coffees came swift and copiously after finally getting some attention, i was in good hopes at the unusual menu. Breakfast options were brief and cheap, but they had 3 benny options. The rest of the menus is a very eclectic: moussaka, pub pies, Indian curry, Burmese noodles, and then a smattering of sandwich options.

Once again, I opted for the benz, even though they came with a side of hashbrowns - which i saw at the next table; obviously deep-fried mccain pucks. so, badumbum... what i got was an overpriced egg mcmuffin meal. Poached eggs hard!

Jamie got the Burmese chicken noodles which looked bland and simple and not finished. The Jenster got a veggie ben with salad. The dressing was good - but tasted exactly like kraft sundried tomato, although at least the greens were mixed baby (love that it's de riguer and nary the iceberg everywhere else around the world).


Side story (the bad situation) - the table next to us - a customer made a point of saying that she was allergic to something and to make sure her order didn't include it. However, it came with said allergen, and was sent back while her companion got her order. When it came back, it was obvious that they'd just scraped off the offensive element. After a very polite complaint, they still didn't do anything; said party left highly disgruntled.

Hmmm... not going back there unless it's just for drinks or cheap abundant weak coffee.

The Butler's Pantry

Address: 484 Queen Street West

Phone: 416-504-3414

Epicure

Terribly hungry after a late night of drinking, we decided just to pop by somewhere close by on Queen W. It was cold, we were famished, but determined to find a good spot! There's nothing worse that not getting exactly what you want in such a situation.

As usual, I want some sort of benny, so we diligently perused menus first. Almost settled on Portabello, but it just didn't quite have the atmosphere.

Finally, Epicure because they had Lisa's omelet, and 3 types of bens for me. There was an extensive lunch menu as well, which was tempting, but too many options so I stuck to breakfast.

Lisa has strict diet restrictions, but she was able to find an egg white omelet to her liking and was very satisfied with her light and fluffy concoction of veggies and cheese. Jenny and I had respectively, the tomato ben, and the smoked salmon. Although I'd been eating tons of smoked salmon, I was swayed by the menu description of their special house-smoked offering. With breks, you get the option of house or caesar salad, or homefries, and can have a split of both - which is what we opted for.

The only good thing on my plate ended up being the potatoes. They weren't crispy, rather just cooked and sauteed with spices, but yummy. The eggs were awful. Obviously poached with too much vinegar so that the extra tang from the hollandaise made one wonder if something had gone off - which is exactly what Jenny thought of hers. The salmon was smoked, but was cooked, and tasted as if the reason they do a house smoked is because they have to do something with the week's leftovers. The flavour was insipid, the texture ruined, and the smoke flavour was more of an off-putting char, complimented by the slightly burnt english muffin, and sadly, the sour eggs were the only thing edible - I was hungover hungry after all.

The service was ok, and the place of warm woods - think hard bench booths, but maybe their pastas and burgers are better.

I would not risk breakfast there again as there are too many other options all over Toronto.

Breakfast options are under $10, not including coffee or tax/tip.

Epicure

Address: 502 Queen Street West

Phone: 416-504-8942