I recommend - turkey quesidallas!
Pile chopped turkey, cheddar, tomatoes, cilantro and peppers on a tortilla. Grill over medium heat and flip when brown. Serve with salsa & avocado or guacamole for fancy people!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Artisan
For a quick meal, we head to Artisan bakery on Islington. It's not extremely cheap, but still a decent deal for hopefully moderately healthy food (ie there are vegetables). For about $20, we get 1 large chicken-pesto panini, an apple, pickle x 2, a piece of french bread, a half grilled veggie & cheese panini and an arugula salad topped with good stuff like roasted veggies, candied pecans and cheese.
Also good are the turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich and the bbq chicken-mushroom pizza. Forget the regular panini bread and go with multi-grain or molasses.
Also good are the turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich and the bbq chicken-mushroom pizza. Forget the regular panini bread and go with multi-grain or molasses.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
La Veranda Osteria
In the Kingsway area (Bloor & Royal York), this is one of the more upscale places. Surprisingly, it doesn't have prices to match.
For dinner on a Tuesday night, Ian had chicken parmesan for $14.95 (came with roast potatoes and grilled veggies) and I had taghiatelle veranda - basically noodles with some veggies, olive oil and tomatoes for $12.95. Both dishes were good and of course, Ian liked the plentiful bread that came around.
We unfortunately ordered the grilled veggie appetizer for $8.95. If we had known it was going to be the exact same veggies that Ian got with his chicken, we would have saved our $8.95.
The main beef with this place is the ridiculous number of rules blatantly displayed. They have some complex "seating" scheme whereby if you book for 5 and clear your table by 7 you get 10% off, then there is the 7-9 seating and a 9 seating. Walk ins are welcome space permitting. They also make allowances for the dessert/coffee crowd! All of this is conveniently displayed on a board outside the restaurant. I know a lot of the top end places do this, but they don't make it that obvious!
Immediately afterward, the adjectives that came to our minds were "snobby" and "hoity-toity". We won't be back anytime soon. There are lots of good Italian places in the neighborhood that don't take themselves quite so seriously!!
Here's the website link.
For dinner on a Tuesday night, Ian had chicken parmesan for $14.95 (came with roast potatoes and grilled veggies) and I had taghiatelle veranda - basically noodles with some veggies, olive oil and tomatoes for $12.95. Both dishes were good and of course, Ian liked the plentiful bread that came around.
We unfortunately ordered the grilled veggie appetizer for $8.95. If we had known it was going to be the exact same veggies that Ian got with his chicken, we would have saved our $8.95.
The main beef with this place is the ridiculous number of rules blatantly displayed. They have some complex "seating" scheme whereby if you book for 5 and clear your table by 7 you get 10% off, then there is the 7-9 seating and a 9 seating. Walk ins are welcome space permitting. They also make allowances for the dessert/coffee crowd! All of this is conveniently displayed on a board outside the restaurant. I know a lot of the top end places do this, but they don't make it that obvious!
Immediately afterward, the adjectives that came to our minds were "snobby" and "hoity-toity". We won't be back anytime soon. There are lots of good Italian places in the neighborhood that don't take themselves quite so seriously!!
Here's the website link.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Cora's
While previously against Cora's due to poor quantity to price ratio, we have lately become addicted now that one has opened up near the IKEA in Etobicoke (ie exceedingly convenient for us).
Our major error in the past was mis-ordering. Stay clear of the overpriced pancakes, waffles and crepes and instead opt for 1990's harvest or rosemary's sunday.
For about $10 - Ian likes his big "brioche" aka cinnamon bun. One half with fresh fruit, the other half with an egg and bacon. Pour some syrup over the whole thing and it's a pretty tasty meal.
I on the other hand prefer the 2 blueberry pancakes, 2 eggs, bacon with fresh fruit and toast. Also somewhere in the vicinity of $10.
Our major error in the past was mis-ordering. Stay clear of the overpriced pancakes, waffles and crepes and instead opt for 1990's harvest or rosemary's sunday.
For about $10 - Ian likes his big "brioche" aka cinnamon bun. One half with fresh fruit, the other half with an egg and bacon. Pour some syrup over the whole thing and it's a pretty tasty meal.
I on the other hand prefer the 2 blueberry pancakes, 2 eggs, bacon with fresh fruit and toast. Also somewhere in the vicinity of $10.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Momiji Sushi
Now that we live in the Kingsway, Momiji is part of our regular dinner spots.
It unfortunately comes with expensive Kingsway-esque prices, but I guess that comes with the neighborhood.
Ian and I usually share the tofu teriyaki or beef teriyaki dinner. Both exceedingly tasty and enough meat/tofu for two to share. Also comes with soup, salad, tempura and the like. The beef is about $17 and the tofu about $12 I think.
Also good is the grilled eggplant with magic orange/ginger stuff (hard to explain). Chicken yakisoba is decent although a little salty for Ian. We usually opt for a cheaper roll or two - avocado for me and salmon for Ian ($4 each).
For a higher end food place, the service is surprisingly bad with the hosts/table seaters particularly rude and un-responsive.
We generally end up spending about $35 for dinner, so certainly not in the same cheapness range as New Gen for example.
It unfortunately comes with expensive Kingsway-esque prices, but I guess that comes with the neighborhood.
Ian and I usually share the tofu teriyaki or beef teriyaki dinner. Both exceedingly tasty and enough meat/tofu for two to share. Also comes with soup, salad, tempura and the like. The beef is about $17 and the tofu about $12 I think.
Also good is the grilled eggplant with magic orange/ginger stuff (hard to explain). Chicken yakisoba is decent although a little salty for Ian. We usually opt for a cheaper roll or two - avocado for me and salmon for Ian ($4 each).
For a higher end food place, the service is surprisingly bad with the hosts/table seaters particularly rude and un-responsive.
We generally end up spending about $35 for dinner, so certainly not in the same cheapness range as New Gen for example.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
My Thai Kitchen
Should you happen to be in the Kingsway area of Toronto, get yourself to the My Thai Kitchen asap. The rest of the neighborhood agrees and it's consistently busy throughout the week for dinner.
Start with a mango salad ($6.75 - enough for 2). For main courses - red curry vegetables with rice is generally good ($8.95) and Ian likes their version of pad thai (10.95).
Start with a mango salad ($6.75 - enough for 2). For main courses - red curry vegetables with rice is generally good ($8.95) and Ian likes their version of pad thai (10.95).
Monday, December 07, 2009
Mama Martino's
This popular Etobicoke placed was packed at 5:45 on a Saturday night with a line-up outside the door!!
Once we got in, it was eggplant parmesan with pasta ($9.95) for me and veal parmesan with pasta for Ian ($8.95) plus a double of garlic bread (free).
The eggplant was about 10 layers covered with tomato sauce and lots of cheese. Ian liked his veal. The entire dish was so big that I took most of the pasta home for lunch the next day.
The rather large restaurant appeared to be equally split between lasagna, pasta, sandwiches and pizza. At this price and tastiness level, we'll definitely be back!
Once we got in, it was eggplant parmesan with pasta ($9.95) for me and veal parmesan with pasta for Ian ($8.95) plus a double of garlic bread (free).
The eggplant was about 10 layers covered with tomato sauce and lots of cheese. Ian liked his veal. The entire dish was so big that I took most of the pasta home for lunch the next day.
The rather large restaurant appeared to be equally split between lasagna, pasta, sandwiches and pizza. At this price and tastiness level, we'll definitely be back!
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Tacos Al Asador Round #2
The last time around Ian and I were rather pleased by the price to quantity ratio and did not comment on tastiness which tells me it was only ok. Round #1 review here.
Round #2 was a Friday night about 7:45. This unfortunately meant a line-up right to the door for this popular El Salvadorian taco joint in the Annex. Also unfortunate was the argument Ian had with one of the owners who got upset at him for monopolizing a tables while I waited in line to get my order in. In the end, there were enough tables for everyone, but I think we had better give this place a cooling off period before going back.
On the menu this time was a chicken burrito, pork quesidalla, beef quesidalla, mixed pupusa, plantain and a coke.
Ian thought the chicken burrito was plain and the corn tortillas wrapped around the beef quesidalla (real chunks of beef and lots of cheese) were amazing. Both items came with a mini salad useful for stuffing into the quesidalla. Also on the table was a bowl of misc. fixins including jalapenos, onions and cilantro and a bowl of yummy hot sauce.
The plantains to share were good, but plain. Who can argue with fried members of the banana family?
My pupusa was interesting - it was a corn pancake type item with a mystery cheesy filling. It came with a side of pickled purple cabbage. All around good stuff. I ate with a fork and knife, but I later saw some authentic Latin Americans eating naan bread and curryesque - using the pupusa to pick up the slaw. I guess I'll know for next time.
Total price was $18.10. By my count, it should have come to $17.10, but no need to argue, we just tipped less to compensate.
Round #2 was a Friday night about 7:45. This unfortunately meant a line-up right to the door for this popular El Salvadorian taco joint in the Annex. Also unfortunate was the argument Ian had with one of the owners who got upset at him for monopolizing a tables while I waited in line to get my order in. In the end, there were enough tables for everyone, but I think we had better give this place a cooling off period before going back.
On the menu this time was a chicken burrito, pork quesidalla, beef quesidalla, mixed pupusa, plantain and a coke.
Ian thought the chicken burrito was plain and the corn tortillas wrapped around the beef quesidalla (real chunks of beef and lots of cheese) were amazing. Both items came with a mini salad useful for stuffing into the quesidalla. Also on the table was a bowl of misc. fixins including jalapenos, onions and cilantro and a bowl of yummy hot sauce.
The plantains to share were good, but plain. Who can argue with fried members of the banana family?
My pupusa was interesting - it was a corn pancake type item with a mystery cheesy filling. It came with a side of pickled purple cabbage. All around good stuff. I ate with a fork and knife, but I later saw some authentic Latin Americans eating naan bread and curryesque - using the pupusa to pick up the slaw. I guess I'll know for next time.
Total price was $18.10. By my count, it should have come to $17.10, but no need to argue, we just tipped less to compensate.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Peruvian in Toronto
Here's the official best of Peru in Toronto
1. El Fogon
Ian, Anne and I went on Friday night. Things started well with the obligatory Inca Kola and some bread with aji (spicy pepper sauce). For appetizers, papas a la huancaina (potatoes with creamy egg sauce) and calmari were delightful. Main course of pescado frito (fried white fish with rice, plantain and salad), lomo saltado (beef with tomatoes, onion, fries and rice) and chicken with rice, beans and coriander sauce were all excellent and reasonably priced. Dessert was a highlight with flaky alfajor cake (dulche de leche filling) and creamy creme caramel.
Review #1
Review #2
Best of all - high marks for authenticity!
We've been about 10 times, and it's always consistently tasty with good service and decent prices.
2. Boulevard Cafe
Ian has been a number of times and me once. No major complaints, although much of the menu is Peruvian "influenced" rather than dishes you would actually find in Peru. It's a bit higher end and higher priced than El Fogon.
Review #1
Review #2
3. El Plebeyo
See our previous issues with this place. Not noted on Ian's post is the horrendously large multipage menu. For a small, not very busy joint, how could anything possibly be fresh? I suspect quite large portions of the menu are coming out of the freezer!
Ian's El Plebeyo vs El Fogon showdown post
4. Chachy's in Etobicoke
Ian and I went on a Friday night about 7:30 and were moderately disturbed to find only one other table eating and a couple of crusty bikers drinking at the bar. The live music was ok, but kinda loud. Crusty guys at the bar kept giving us the evil eye when we didn't applaud the musician after every song.
Even worse, the waiter was rather unfriendly and we felt like we were intruding and bothering the staff.
The lomo saltado was ok, but the beef was somewhat chewy. Ian had no major complaints with the really cheap roast chicken and fries.
The poor service combined with drinking bikers means we'll keeping making the trek to El Fogon.
1. El Fogon
Ian, Anne and I went on Friday night. Things started well with the obligatory Inca Kola and some bread with aji (spicy pepper sauce). For appetizers, papas a la huancaina (potatoes with creamy egg sauce) and calmari were delightful. Main course of pescado frito (fried white fish with rice, plantain and salad), lomo saltado (beef with tomatoes, onion, fries and rice) and chicken with rice, beans and coriander sauce were all excellent and reasonably priced. Dessert was a highlight with flaky alfajor cake (dulche de leche filling) and creamy creme caramel.
Review #1
Review #2
Best of all - high marks for authenticity!
We've been about 10 times, and it's always consistently tasty with good service and decent prices.
2. Boulevard Cafe
Ian has been a number of times and me once. No major complaints, although much of the menu is Peruvian "influenced" rather than dishes you would actually find in Peru. It's a bit higher end and higher priced than El Fogon.
Review #1
Review #2
3. El Plebeyo
See our previous issues with this place. Not noted on Ian's post is the horrendously large multipage menu. For a small, not very busy joint, how could anything possibly be fresh? I suspect quite large portions of the menu are coming out of the freezer!
Ian's El Plebeyo vs El Fogon showdown post
4. Chachy's in Etobicoke
Ian and I went on a Friday night about 7:30 and were moderately disturbed to find only one other table eating and a couple of crusty bikers drinking at the bar. The live music was ok, but kinda loud. Crusty guys at the bar kept giving us the evil eye when we didn't applaud the musician after every song.
Even worse, the waiter was rather unfriendly and we felt like we were intruding and bothering the staff.
The lomo saltado was ok, but the beef was somewhat chewy. Ian had no major complaints with the really cheap roast chicken and fries.
The poor service combined with drinking bikers means we'll keeping making the trek to El Fogon.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Michael's BBQ
The Globe and Mail seem to feel that Michael Ignatieff has "curiously" wasted his summer, but if that means free BBQ's for his awesome riding constituents (Ian and I), so be it!!!
The spread was decent - bbq burgers and dogs, cookies, V8 splash drinks and water. My only complaint was that Michael seems to be against vegetarians.
But back on the positive side, thanks Michael! I don't recall Olivia Chow doing anything quite so cool (namely free) for the downtowners!
The spread was decent - bbq burgers and dogs, cookies, V8 splash drinks and water. My only complaint was that Michael seems to be against vegetarians.
But back on the positive side, thanks Michael! I don't recall Olivia Chow doing anything quite so cool (namely free) for the downtowners!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Harbord Fish and Chips
The final verdict -highly tasty but not very healthy (obviously) and possibly a bit overpriced (at least vs what we recall paying a few years back).
Halibut x2 + chips x 1 + pop x 1 = about $23. Friendly service I suppose makes up for it a bit - at least your moola is going toward nice, hardworking owners who try hard to make customers happy.
Halibut x2 + chips x 1 + pop x 1 = about $23. Friendly service I suppose makes up for it a bit - at least your moola is going toward nice, hardworking owners who try hard to make customers happy.
Oliver and Bonacini
The final installment of Summerlicious '09 was Oliver and Bonacini. A $15 lunch was well worth the trek out to Bayview mall. We managed to fight off crowds of families and seniors and snagged our table after a minor reservation system glitch.
We enjoyed our drinks - $6 glass of Inniskillin pinot grigio and a $4.50 juice of the day.
Appetizers started very well for Ian was a shrimp pate and cracker, but less well for me with a chilled spicy tomato cucumber soup. I kinda suspected I wouldn't be a huge fan, but it sounded more promising than a salad with my arch nemesis blue cheese dressing (well I guess #2 nemesis after the evil olive).
Main courses improved lunch. A gigantic bass fillet with Israeli couscous with corn salad.
The star of the meal was a braised short rib and monterey jack quesadilla with corn salsa and coleslaw. Much more meaty than I expected and three rather large triangles.
Stawberry-rharbab buckle for dessert was a delightful white cake with fruit and cream.
Ian of course, went for the chocolate in the form of chocolate caramel tart with toasted nut gelato. Mmmmmm....
We enjoyed our drinks - $6 glass of Inniskillin pinot grigio and a $4.50 juice of the day.
Appetizers started very well for Ian was a shrimp pate and cracker, but less well for me with a chilled spicy tomato cucumber soup. I kinda suspected I wouldn't be a huge fan, but it sounded more promising than a salad with my arch nemesis blue cheese dressing (well I guess #2 nemesis after the evil olive).
Main courses improved lunch. A gigantic bass fillet with Israeli couscous with corn salad.
The star of the meal was a braised short rib and monterey jack quesadilla with corn salsa and coleslaw. Much more meaty than I expected and three rather large triangles.
Stawberry-rharbab buckle for dessert was a delightful white cake with fruit and cream.
Ian of course, went for the chocolate in the form of chocolate caramel tart with toasted nut gelato. Mmmmmm....
Monday, July 20, 2009
T&T Supermarket
Seriously get yourself to the local T&T for a quick and easy dim sum replacement meal!
Pan fried pork dumplings, steamed shrimp/beef balls and a pork/egg sticky rice package for about $7.
Packed with authentic looking asian people with a minimum of white people like ourselves!
Pan fried pork dumplings, steamed shrimp/beef balls and a pork/egg sticky rice package for about $7.
Packed with authentic looking asian people with a minimum of white people like ourselves!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Burritos from the Last Week
I've had a few burritos over the last week and bit. I've been to all of the places before but here my most recent thoughts:
Z-Teca (on King ) - Janice and I go here frequently. It's her number 1 in the Toronto area and she specifically likes the beef barbacoa. I find the burritos a little dry and of course I dislike the lack of free guacamole. That said I still go once a week. The overall product is tasty. Chicken though isn't their strong point so go for the beef or pork.
Burrito Fresh (on Bloor) - This is my lunch time favorite. It's close to work and the burritos are decent. Again no guacamole and the amount of meat you get is fairly variable depending on who is serving. Once when I went for dinner they burnt my burrito which was upsetting. That only happened the once though. I usually get the chicken on whole wheat.
Que Bueno (in DEN) - This is the family favorite for the Denver airport. I had a chicken. They seemed grouchy about everyone (myself included) getting waters with their burritos and they were secretly discussing (well it wasn't really in secret since they spoke in the language that is native to 400 million people) that they should charge 15 cents or something for each water.
Chipotle (on the strip but also near Yonge & Dundas) - The place was packed but the line moved so I was in and out with my burrito pretty quickly to get back to the tables. It was surprisingly spicy with the mild Salsa. It's nothing special and in terms of chains I prefer La Salsa and Baja Fresh.
Big Fat (in Kensington Market) - This is my Toronto favorite by far. The burritos are moist and tasty. Janice got a yam and I had a pork. Both have guacamole. Enough said.
Z-Teca (on King ) - Janice and I go here frequently. It's her number 1 in the Toronto area and she specifically likes the beef barbacoa. I find the burritos a little dry and of course I dislike the lack of free guacamole. That said I still go once a week. The overall product is tasty. Chicken though isn't their strong point so go for the beef or pork.
Burrito Fresh (on Bloor) - This is my lunch time favorite. It's close to work and the burritos are decent. Again no guacamole and the amount of meat you get is fairly variable depending on who is serving. Once when I went for dinner they burnt my burrito which was upsetting. That only happened the once though. I usually get the chicken on whole wheat.
Que Bueno (in DEN) - This is the family favorite for the Denver airport. I had a chicken. They seemed grouchy about everyone (myself included) getting waters with their burritos and they were secretly discussing (well it wasn't really in secret since they spoke in the language that is native to 400 million people) that they should charge 15 cents or something for each water.
Chipotle (on the strip but also near Yonge & Dundas) - The place was packed but the line moved so I was in and out with my burrito pretty quickly to get back to the tables. It was surprisingly spicy with the mild Salsa. It's nothing special and in terms of chains I prefer La Salsa and Baja Fresh.
Big Fat (in Kensington Market) - This is my Toronto favorite by far. The burritos are moist and tasty. Janice got a yam and I had a pork. Both have guacamole. Enough said.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Summerlicious Brasaii
After a successful outing to Brasaii for Winterlicious, we swung by again for a summerlicious dinner ($35). Basically I was craving steak frites and with Ian's aversion to french food, I don't think I've had since the last outing here!
I liked that they actually brought around some bread - perhaps not the norm for 'licious events" trying to cut costs.
Appetizers were 4 crispy shrimp and dipping sauce for Ian. Yummy as usual.
I didn't like the sound of the soup of the day (chilled pea), so went with baked goat cheese. Mmmm....
We both went with a medium brasaii bistro steak with shallot juice and fries. This really was too much meat to possibly eat, although it was so good we definitely tried to!! The best steak I've had in a while! Fries were crispy and good too.
Dessert was a very good take on my all time favorite - creme brulee. This version was white chocolate and orange!
I liked that they actually brought around some bread - perhaps not the norm for 'licious events" trying to cut costs.
Appetizers were 4 crispy shrimp and dipping sauce for Ian. Yummy as usual.
I didn't like the sound of the soup of the day (chilled pea), so went with baked goat cheese. Mmmm....
We both went with a medium brasaii bistro steak with shallot juice and fries. This really was too much meat to possibly eat, although it was so good we definitely tried to!! The best steak I've had in a while! Fries were crispy and good too.
Dessert was a very good take on my all time favorite - creme brulee. This version was white chocolate and orange!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Summerlicious - The Drake
For a three course lunch at the Drake for $20, it seemed worth an outing to Parkdale. We tried to walk fast to avoid getting mugged, but in general encountered no sketchiness except for the restaurant itself!!
After positive reviews by the New York Times and Toronto Life we were expecting something a little more high end.
For starters, we were seated in their cafe section that was pretty casual and that included a mix of clientele (more to come on that later).
Appetizers went poorly with a bait and switch scam whereby the website offered a "Drake Maki roll with shrimp, crab and avocado" for lunch but the printed menu only had soup or salad.
The tomato soup ended up being delightful with some nice creaminess and spiciness all in one!
Ian on the other hand, wasn't thinking clearly and got swayed by the bacon in the iceberg wedge salad and didn't pay attention to the blue cheese in the dressing. Ian making a play for my soup was the result.
Ian's main course was pretty delightful - shrimp with grits and peas. The grits were particularly delicious, although from a presentation perspective, it was something we could have cooked up at home with little effort!
My main course was a very small portion of steak and a miami beef rib. Decently tasty, although the beef rib was a touch overcooked. Baked potato promised "salt baked old cheddar" but in the end only appeared to be overwhelmed with sour cream.
More entertaining than our meal itself was that of our table neighbors. They were a rather grouchy, not talking family of three. At one point, older lady had 2 baked potatoes loaded up on her plate, of which she was nominally picking away at. The younger lady had the meat from all three diners stacked up on her plate to take home. Odd to say the least..especially considering the rather puny portions dished out? Maybe they pre-ate at home before arriving?
Dessert was a favorite - Ian was very happy with his chocolate passion fruit pudding with generous amounts of whip cream and a fun take on an oreo cookie.
I really enjoyed my triple cream vanilla cake with rice krispies and strawberries.
At this point, the neighbors on the other side kicked in some entertainment. They seemed to be ex-workers of the Drake or possibly real regulars. They seemed desperate to know who was working where and for this or that person to say hi from them. At one point, they were freakin out about how busy it was and where they could possibly sit, but they were basically standing at an empty table for four at that point, thus making a freak-out seem rather silly.
In the end, a decent meal for $20, although the summerlicious experience has not converted me to a customer at regular price.
After positive reviews by the New York Times and Toronto Life we were expecting something a little more high end.
For starters, we were seated in their cafe section that was pretty casual and that included a mix of clientele (more to come on that later).
Appetizers went poorly with a bait and switch scam whereby the website offered a "Drake Maki roll with shrimp, crab and avocado" for lunch but the printed menu only had soup or salad.
The tomato soup ended up being delightful with some nice creaminess and spiciness all in one!
Ian on the other hand, wasn't thinking clearly and got swayed by the bacon in the iceberg wedge salad and didn't pay attention to the blue cheese in the dressing. Ian making a play for my soup was the result.
Ian's main course was pretty delightful - shrimp with grits and peas. The grits were particularly delicious, although from a presentation perspective, it was something we could have cooked up at home with little effort!
My main course was a very small portion of steak and a miami beef rib. Decently tasty, although the beef rib was a touch overcooked. Baked potato promised "salt baked old cheddar" but in the end only appeared to be overwhelmed with sour cream. More entertaining than our meal itself was that of our table neighbors. They were a rather grouchy, not talking family of three. At one point, older lady had 2 baked potatoes loaded up on her plate, of which she was nominally picking away at. The younger lady had the meat from all three diners stacked up on her plate to take home. Odd to say the least..especially considering the rather puny portions dished out? Maybe they pre-ate at home before arriving?
Dessert was a favorite - Ian was very happy with his chocolate passion fruit pudding with generous amounts of whip cream and a fun take on an oreo cookie. 
I really enjoyed my triple cream vanilla cake with rice krispies and strawberries.
At this point, the neighbors on the other side kicked in some entertainment. They seemed to be ex-workers of the Drake or possibly real regulars. They seemed desperate to know who was working where and for this or that person to say hi from them. At one point, they were freakin out about how busy it was and where they could possibly sit, but they were basically standing at an empty table for four at that point, thus making a freak-out seem rather silly.
In the end, a decent meal for $20, although the summerlicious experience has not converted me to a customer at regular price.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
St Jacob's Market
The market was rather busy on the Sat of the May Long Weekend, but we braved the crowds and rain. Ian ordered a rather tasty peameal, egg and cheese on a bun. Surprisingly very yummy!
From ther Perogy Palace, the $4.50 lunch special of 2 perogies and 1 cabbage roll with bacon, onions and sour cream. A whole lot of tastiness for a decent price!
And finally a maple glazed cinammon role to share.
At the market, we bought some asparagus and new potatoes. Add in some PC salmon and chives and it was a pretty tasty meal last night.
And then some rhubarb (also from the market) with apple crisp and fro-yo. Perhaps a bit tart, but overally really good.
From ther Perogy Palace, the $4.50 lunch special of 2 perogies and 1 cabbage roll with bacon, onions and sour cream. A whole lot of tastiness for a decent price!
And finally a maple glazed cinammon role to share.
At the market, we bought some asparagus and new potatoes. Add in some PC salmon and chives and it was a pretty tasty meal last night.
And then some rhubarb (also from the market) with apple crisp and fro-yo. Perhaps a bit tart, but overally really good.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
After a mostly glowing review by the sometimes slightly snobby (but generally right) Joanne Kates, I thought we should check out Mildred's Temple Kitchen for my birthday dinner.
After a rather long detour through Liberty Village, we finally found the place hidden away in a building. Perhaps I should have paid closer attention to the website directions. Reservations the night before for Friday night at 8 were no problem.
It was a great dining room - double height ceilings with lots of light and a partially open kitchen. There was an odd assortment of people here - the older crowd who were talking about the old mildred's and a 30 and under crowd like ourselves.
Dinner started off well with ricotta gnudi with berkshire bacon and baby tomatoes. There were 5 delightfully light gnocchi and really who can argue with bacon in anything!
Ian had the soup of the day - squid with crab in curry sauce. It was even fun - the squid was already in the bowl, then the waiter came over with the crab curry and poured it over top. OK, now that I write this, it was perhaps only of moderate interest. Anywho, Ian seemed to enjoy.
Main course for Ian was Arctic char with potatoes and some greenery. Ian enjoyed but generally agreed with Joanne that the crust on the fish was a little salty.
I went light and ordered the grilled eggplant with stewed tomatoes on cous-cous. It was fantastic, although was heavy handed with my arch-nemesis, the olive (no mention of this in the menu). The tomato sauce made this dish - sweet and rich. Cous-cous was of the larger grained variety and was creamy and green.
Dessert for me was caramel chocolate tart with sponge toffee - no complaints but was similar to the presidents choice chocolate tart.
Ian had the profiteroles (cream puffs for regular people) with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. Tasty!
Total bill was $160 including tax, tip and a cheap bottle of white.
After a rather long detour through Liberty Village, we finally found the place hidden away in a building. Perhaps I should have paid closer attention to the website directions. Reservations the night before for Friday night at 8 were no problem.
It was a great dining room - double height ceilings with lots of light and a partially open kitchen. There was an odd assortment of people here - the older crowd who were talking about the old mildred's and a 30 and under crowd like ourselves.
Dinner started off well with ricotta gnudi with berkshire bacon and baby tomatoes. There were 5 delightfully light gnocchi and really who can argue with bacon in anything!
Ian had the soup of the day - squid with crab in curry sauce. It was even fun - the squid was already in the bowl, then the waiter came over with the crab curry and poured it over top. OK, now that I write this, it was perhaps only of moderate interest. Anywho, Ian seemed to enjoy.
Main course for Ian was Arctic char with potatoes and some greenery. Ian enjoyed but generally agreed with Joanne that the crust on the fish was a little salty.
I went light and ordered the grilled eggplant with stewed tomatoes on cous-cous. It was fantastic, although was heavy handed with my arch-nemesis, the olive (no mention of this in the menu). The tomato sauce made this dish - sweet and rich. Cous-cous was of the larger grained variety and was creamy and green.
Dessert for me was caramel chocolate tart with sponge toffee - no complaints but was similar to the presidents choice chocolate tart.
Ian had the profiteroles (cream puffs for regular people) with chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. Tasty!
Total bill was $160 including tax, tip and a cheap bottle of white.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Barbados
One of the things that sold us on Barbados was the food description in Lonely Planet. Barbados did not disappoint! Added bonuses were you could drink the tap water and neither of us got sick! And that we found a $450 flight on Air Canada!
Some scenery shots first, then the food. Our beach at the Coconut Court on the South Coast.
Typical East Coast with cool rocks in the Ocean
Oistins Fish Fry was fantastic. On Friday nights (and Sat too a bit), locals and tourists gather by the fish market for a fry and party.
You must wash the fish down with the local Banks.
Flying fish with rice and beans, salad and macaroni pie. Mmmm...
And a slightly different take - flying fish with coleslaw and roast potatoes. With a banks beer of course.
2 Barbados = $1 US so this is a pretty good deal for $10!
Business people in Bridgetown go to Brown Sugar for buffet lunch. This was a great open air restaurant.
Rice & beans, flying fish, bbq chicken, greens, spinach fritter, candied potato, roast pork....
Desserts where tasty - bread pudding with currants and rum sauce!
Waterfront Cafe in Bridgetown - good location and good food! Flying fish with cou-cou (cornmeal/okra dumpling I think).
Ian has a flying fish sandwich.
And our favorite of the island was Pisces in St. Lawrence Gap. It was not cheap though as both times we went, we ended up averaging about $100 US for 2.
Seafood Gumbo
Shrimp Roti
Flying fish with rice
Tasty bread pudding with ice cream
All over the island there are a bunch of rum huts that also serve simple food for cheap.
Bridgetown Farmers Markets:
Fish Markets are serious business in Barbados
And finally how can you go wrong with cheap and tasty fast food roti from Papa Johns. It's literally as big as your face for about $ 5 US I think.
Some scenery shots first, then the food. Our beach at the Coconut Court on the South Coast.
Typical East Coast with cool rocks in the Ocean
Oistins Fish Fry was fantastic. On Friday nights (and Sat too a bit), locals and tourists gather by the fish market for a fry and party.
You must wash the fish down with the local Banks.
Flying fish with rice and beans, salad and macaroni pie. Mmmm...
And a slightly different take - flying fish with coleslaw and roast potatoes. With a banks beer of course.
2 Barbados = $1 US so this is a pretty good deal for $10!
Business people in Bridgetown go to Brown Sugar for buffet lunch. This was a great open air restaurant.
Rice & beans, flying fish, bbq chicken, greens, spinach fritter, candied potato, roast pork....
Desserts where tasty - bread pudding with currants and rum sauce!
Waterfront Cafe in Bridgetown - good location and good food! Flying fish with cou-cou (cornmeal/okra dumpling I think).
Ian has a flying fish sandwich.
And our favorite of the island was Pisces in St. Lawrence Gap. It was not cheap though as both times we went, we ended up averaging about $100 US for 2.
Seafood Gumbo
Shrimp Roti
Flying fish with rice
Tasty bread pudding with ice cream
All over the island there are a bunch of rum huts that also serve simple food for cheap.
Bridgetown Farmers Markets:
Fish Markets are serious business in Barbados
And finally how can you go wrong with cheap and tasty fast food roti from Papa Johns. It's literally as big as your face for about $ 5 US I think.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
And..More Korean...but at Home
I have very few regrets in my life, but not buying $1 stone dolsat bi-bim-bop bowls at the dollar store in Korea is one of them. I put 100% of the blame for this on Ian. I hope he feels bad (but he probably doesn't).
Only a very minor amount of genius on my part has saved us from this dilemma. The bop for 2 in a common pan (with a handle) is a little unorthodox, but seemed to do the job when baked in the oven!
And here's the final product, all mixed up!
Only a very minor amount of genius on my part has saved us from this dilemma. The bop for 2 in a common pan (with a handle) is a little unorthodox, but seemed to do the job when baked in the oven!
And here's the final product, all mixed up!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Yellow Griffin
Ian was the winner today with the Calypso on Chicken. Bacon, mango, avocado and cheddar. With a gigantic mound of yummy sweet potato fries for $11.95.
I unfortunately got thrown off by not being able to order my creme caramel (onions, mushrooms and bbq sauce) and salmon and instead ordered with pork. It turned out dry and too saucy all at the same time. Extremely tasty onion rings, but a sparse compared to what we later saw coming out of the kitchen. $11.35.
I unfortunately got thrown off by not being able to order my creme caramel (onions, mushrooms and bbq sauce) and salmon and instead ordered with pork. It turned out dry and too saucy all at the same time. Extremely tasty onion rings, but a sparse compared to what we later saw coming out of the kitchen. $11.35.
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