Tonight I made some salad with sushi type rice, carrots, green peppers, green onion, avocado, sesame seed, sushi seaweed and a dressing of rice wine vinegar, wasabi powder, salt, sugar and some lime juice.
Good stuff all around! For Ian I baked a piece of fish and threw it on top.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Thai Kitchen Pad Thai Sauce
With my curling winnings, I bought some "Thai Kitchen Pad Thai Sauce". I made a big batch last night and it turned out ok. The sauce wasn't that great and I actually prefer my homemade variety with ketchup, lime, soy, brown sugar, garlic and ginger.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Oakville Curling Club
Sorry for the lack of updates, Ian has been in California (AGAIN) and I've been in the Sault hanging out in steel plants. Quick note, lots of good italian restaurants in the Sault. Aurora was ok. Some place on Queen downtown was good, forgot the name. Thymly mannor also tasty but expensive.
Yesterday I made it home in time to go the second annual pat o'riley bonspiel at the oakville curling club. Food was alright, good snacks, breakfast, lunch (sandwiches, squash or b.b. soup) with dinner (rice, veggie, chicken, oreo cheesecake with two bottles of wine on table).
I went to the same spiel last year, and they classed it up a bit more and seemed to have overall better food. Maybe a different caterer or food comittee?
A "tasty" rating overall.
The value department requires some explanation. I paid $45 for the day, which is pretty typical for a spiel of this nature. My team came in 10th place out of 32 teams, so we went up the prize table relatively early. Sadly, the top 9 x 4 = 36 prizes were already gone, but I grabbed a whole foods market gift card. There was no value indicated on it, so this is probably why it was still available by the time I got up there. On the way home, I swung by the new whole foods in oakville and found that it was worth $50! So I spent the $45 on the spiel, $10 of raffle tickets, and $10 on drinks. Basically, I ended up spending net $20 for curling and three meals, so "two thumbs up" in the value department.
Yesterday I made it home in time to go the second annual pat o'riley bonspiel at the oakville curling club. Food was alright, good snacks, breakfast, lunch (sandwiches, squash or b.b. soup) with dinner (rice, veggie, chicken, oreo cheesecake with two bottles of wine on table).
I went to the same spiel last year, and they classed it up a bit more and seemed to have overall better food. Maybe a different caterer or food comittee?
A "tasty" rating overall.
The value department requires some explanation. I paid $45 for the day, which is pretty typical for a spiel of this nature. My team came in 10th place out of 32 teams, so we went up the prize table relatively early. Sadly, the top 9 x 4 = 36 prizes were already gone, but I grabbed a whole foods market gift card. There was no value indicated on it, so this is probably why it was still available by the time I got up there. On the way home, I swung by the new whole foods in oakville and found that it was worth $50! So I spent the $45 on the spiel, $10 of raffle tickets, and $10 on drinks. Basically, I ended up spending net $20 for curling and three meals, so "two thumbs up" in the value department.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Quizno's
Ian convinced me to go because he had a coupon. Ian feels that every coupon we do not use is money lost, but I think quizno's have sucked him in because he is spending additional money that he would not otherwise and they are probably still making a profit off him, even at the coupon rate.
I, as usual, had the veggie. They are ok the first few times, but I am getting a bit weary of them lately. This time they forgot to put on the guacamole so that was a bit upsetting. Even with the small (and Ian taking a few big bites) I find it's more sub that I would like to eat at one time.
So that's the story. My official rating is "neutral tastiness" with only a 1 thumb up in value should you have a coupon. Hopefully Ian is not mad at me for speaking ill of the quizno.
I, as usual, had the veggie. They are ok the first few times, but I am getting a bit weary of them lately. This time they forgot to put on the guacamole so that was a bit upsetting. Even with the small (and Ian taking a few big bites) I find it's more sub that I would like to eat at one time.
So that's the story. My official rating is "neutral tastiness" with only a 1 thumb up in value should you have a coupon. Hopefully Ian is not mad at me for speaking ill of the quizno.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
BBQ
The last couple of days I was in the rather small town of Sorrel-Tracy about 1.5 hours North of Montreal. Ian wonders if the winter boots come from the area, but although it was snowing, I did not seen anyone in sorel's so I'm assuming no.
Both times I have been to this place, we go or order in from a place called "BBQ". The local crew seems quite obsessed with this place. The menu seemingly has nothing to do with bbq and in fact serves pizza, sandwiches and an odd assortment of fried rice type items as well as standard meaty quebec favorites. I wonder if the quebecoise have mistaken "BBQ" to mean something that it does not? Anyway, they make a pretty decent grilled cheese with salad.
Both times I have been to this place, we go or order in from a place called "BBQ". The local crew seems quite obsessed with this place. The menu seemingly has nothing to do with bbq and in fact serves pizza, sandwiches and an odd assortment of fried rice type items as well as standard meaty quebec favorites. I wonder if the quebecoise have mistaken "BBQ" to mean something that it does not? Anyway, they make a pretty decent grilled cheese with salad.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Quizno's
Friday night and this evening I went to Quizno's. I have coupons expiring February 19 so expect a few more trips there in the coming days. Friday I had the usual Mesquite Chicken with Bacon and today I branched out and had the Chicken Carbonara. Both are of course very tasty subs. I'd have to say the Mesquite is better. I definitely love how they add Bacon to most subs as it vastly increases the tastiness.
Lately there have been a lot of ads about Quizno's lowering their prices. Maybe I missed something but when regular price is 6 bucks for a small sub can anyone call that low?
Unfortunately today the restaurant did two things to upset me
Strike #1: Credit card machine was down. At Quizno's prices can anyone afford to pay cash? Tip #1: Keep the machine running.
Strike #2: The store smelled of paint/paint thinner. Not really their fault but it definitely didn't make for a good eating expierience. Tip #2: Don't let the restaurant smell like that
Overall though I'd go there again, maybe tomorrow. It's good and without the coupons (2 bucks off) there is no chance I'll go back.
Lately there have been a lot of ads about Quizno's lowering their prices. Maybe I missed something but when regular price is 6 bucks for a small sub can anyone call that low?
Unfortunately today the restaurant did two things to upset me
Strike #1: Credit card machine was down. At Quizno's prices can anyone afford to pay cash? Tip #1: Keep the machine running.
Strike #2: The store smelled of paint/paint thinner. Not really their fault but it definitely didn't make for a good eating expierience. Tip #2: Don't let the restaurant smell like that
Overall though I'd go there again, maybe tomorrow. It's good and without the coupons (2 bucks off) there is no chance I'll go back.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Salad King
I went here the other day for lunch and it was PACKED! It's right beside Ryerson and close to yonge street shopping. The look is chic cafeteria and the food is standard thai fare served quickly and cheaply. I had green curry tofu and veggie with tax and tip for about $8 which is a pretty decent deal.
I looked, and there only appeared to be one mango salad on the menu, hence the name was a bit odd. For anyone who has been to Flip Toss Thai on Harbord Street, the owners used to work at Salad King and took some of the recipes with them.
2 thumbs up in the cheapness department and a "very tasty" rating.
I looked, and there only appeared to be one mango salad on the menu, hence the name was a bit odd. For anyone who has been to Flip Toss Thai on Harbord Street, the owners used to work at Salad King and took some of the recipes with them.
2 thumbs up in the cheapness department and a "very tasty" rating.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
San
Ian and I were doing some shopping in Queen West so we decided to go to San, a small Korean/Japanese place.
We started with free Miso soup and the typical 4 small plates of side dishes. Ian had bul go gi and I had a veggie bento box. All the food was pretty good, but for $28 (tax + tip included) we left slightly hungry, especially Ian. Compared to New Gen or even Queen Sushi, not a lot of food for your $. Atmosphere was slightly better though with good music, candles on tables etc.
Final verdict, "Tasty" with a one thumb down in the value department.
We started with free Miso soup and the typical 4 small plates of side dishes. Ian had bul go gi and I had a veggie bento box. All the food was pretty good, but for $28 (tax + tip included) we left slightly hungry, especially Ian. Compared to New Gen or even Queen Sushi, not a lot of food for your $. Atmosphere was slightly better though with good music, candles on tables etc.
Final verdict, "Tasty" with a one thumb down in the value department.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Quinoa
I made a pilaf type thing last night with some brocolli, tofu, raisins and indian type spices. Pretty tasty overall.
I used quinoa, a south american grain (pronounced keen-wah). A bit odd that in our two months in south america, I NEVER saw or heard of it, but anyway, it's pretty tasty for the North Americain cook.
Kind of like rice, but nuttier and more flavorfull, just be sure to rinse well because it has a bitter layer you must wash off. I think quinoa has the highest protein level of all the grains, so there's another advantage for the herbivores out there!
I used quinoa, a south american grain (pronounced keen-wah). A bit odd that in our two months in south america, I NEVER saw or heard of it, but anyway, it's pretty tasty for the North Americain cook.
Kind of like rice, but nuttier and more flavorfull, just be sure to rinse well because it has a bitter layer you must wash off. I think quinoa has the highest protein level of all the grains, so there's another advantage for the herbivores out there!
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Some place in Port Dover
I went to a steel plant in Nanticoke today and for lunch we went to Port Dover and had lunch overlooking lake erie. I forget the name...but since most of these blog readers will never ever go to Port Dover it's probably ok!
The menu had exactly 1 veggie item on the menu, so I had cheese tortellini with cream sauce, mushrooms and spinach. It was a kind of run down place with indoor-outdoor carpet kind of thing so I was actually surprised when it turned out to be pretty tasty.
I think the final bill came to $255 for 11 people, so not a spectacular deal, a "moderately tasty" rating.
The menu had exactly 1 veggie item on the menu, so I had cheese tortellini with cream sauce, mushrooms and spinach. It was a kind of run down place with indoor-outdoor carpet kind of thing so I was actually surprised when it turned out to be pretty tasty.
I think the final bill came to $255 for 11 people, so not a spectacular deal, a "moderately tasty" rating.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Condo Party
The new "SuperCentre" at our condo is opening next week so they were having a party to celebrate. The place was packed, but the free liquor, sushi, noodles, pasta, hand dipped choc fruit, porketta, hummus +pita, focaccia etc was all pretty tasty!
Pretty good food and free! Yeah!!!
Was a bit upset, the party said 6:30-9:30, so I arrived at like 6:45. I tried to go upstairs to check out the gym and courts and stuff like that and they told me I couldn't go up till 8 after the band played a special set. It was just an annoying calypso band, so I have no idea what the special finale could have been? Anywho, kind of retarded, but I guess I'll be able to check it out when they open next week.
Pretty good food and free! Yeah!!!
Was a bit upset, the party said 6:30-9:30, so I arrived at like 6:45. I tried to go upstairs to check out the gym and courts and stuff like that and they told me I couldn't go up till 8 after the band played a special set. It was just an annoying calypso band, so I have no idea what the special finale could have been? Anywho, kind of retarded, but I guess I'll be able to check it out when they open next week.
Bombay Bhel
I went with the work crew to Bombay Bhel (beside Mr. Greek) on Dunda/Winston Churhill in Missisauga.
I am generally pretty biased against restaurants in the burbs and find they are never as good or as cheap as their downtown couterparts....but....this place was actually alright.
It is Cindy's favorite and she comes about once/week for the chicken korma. I had the veggie thali with a super-duper monster piece of naan, rice, pickle thing, spinach-paneer curry, pea and potatoe curry and a lentil/bean curry. Came with savory yogurt thing and a rice pudding. Overall ALOT of food for my $9.99. All quite tasty. Others had the meat thali which was pretty similar to mine.
The only problem with this place was the pickle, it was revoltingly salty (and I even like salty things). Service was also a bit slow, the kitchen seemed to churn the stuff out, but with only one waitress for about 10-12 tables, it was some bad news.
Final verdict, "tasty" with 1.5 thumbs up in the value department.
I am generally pretty biased against restaurants in the burbs and find they are never as good or as cheap as their downtown couterparts....but....this place was actually alright.
It is Cindy's favorite and she comes about once/week for the chicken korma. I had the veggie thali with a super-duper monster piece of naan, rice, pickle thing, spinach-paneer curry, pea and potatoe curry and a lentil/bean curry. Came with savory yogurt thing and a rice pudding. Overall ALOT of food for my $9.99. All quite tasty. Others had the meat thali which was pretty similar to mine.
The only problem with this place was the pickle, it was revoltingly salty (and I even like salty things). Service was also a bit slow, the kitchen seemed to churn the stuff out, but with only one waitress for about 10-12 tables, it was some bad news.
Final verdict, "tasty" with 1.5 thumbs up in the value department.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Dooney's
I went for lunch today to Dooney's in the Annex. Ian and I probably walked past this place a hundred times when we lived in the area, but we never have gone in.
Today I had Huevos Dooney's with black beans, scrambled eggs, tomatoe salsa and toated bread. Not a bad deal for $8. The rest of the crowd had egg type dishes that looked good. The club sandwich seemed to a popular item too with chicken, guac, spicy mayo, bacon and tomatoe.
I also ordered some apple cinammon tea which was pretty good, but I was a bit shocked when I saw on the bill it was $2.75! What a rip!
Anyway, final verdict is decent food and not such a great value.
Today I had Huevos Dooney's with black beans, scrambled eggs, tomatoe salsa and toated bread. Not a bad deal for $8. The rest of the crowd had egg type dishes that looked good. The club sandwich seemed to a popular item too with chicken, guac, spicy mayo, bacon and tomatoe.
I also ordered some apple cinammon tea which was pretty good, but I was a bit shocked when I saw on the bill it was $2.75! What a rip!
Anyway, final verdict is decent food and not such a great value.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Westin on Queen's Quay
I went to the company christmas party tonight. The meal wasn't great, weird salad with what appeared to be peeled grapes. Some squash soup was ok, main veggie dish a crappy piece of ravioli type thing with veggie. Meat eaters got chicken and these were the quotes "is this ham?" "this tastes like dominion bbq chicken" "it was rubbery and tastes like microwave crap". Desert was ok, a sponge cake type item.
To make up for the poor food, there was sufficient amounts of free liquor after we scored the bottles of wine from the sparsley populated tables. Even better, a free taxi chit home! So quite the cheap night!!!
To make up for the poor food, there was sufficient amounts of free liquor after we scored the bottles of wine from the sparsley populated tables. Even better, a free taxi chit home! So quite the cheap night!!!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Our boring blog
Sorry to all our readers. We haven't been eating out that much lately in an effort to save more money.
But stay tuned for late tomorrow night, I am going to our company christmas party with a free and hopefully tasty meal!
But stay tuned for late tomorrow night, I am going to our company christmas party with a free and hopefully tasty meal!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Quizno's Sandwich...but made at home!
I made pizza the other day so we had leftover lunchmeat and cheese. I convinced Ian to make a toasty sub. Here's what you do...toast some pita (preferably pita break) or some good bread will do. Pile up the meat, or I guess in my case, the roasted veggies, grate on some cheese (in our case we had fresh parmesan), broil, put on some lettuce, tomatoes, onions etc, fold over or throw on another pita.
The final verdict, not that great, but definately 2 thumbs up in the cheapness department with perhaps an additional toe up due to using up leftovers!
Mmmmm toasty.
The final verdict, not that great, but definately 2 thumbs up in the cheapness department with perhaps an additional toe up due to using up leftovers!
Mmmmm toasty.
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