piccola's Profile
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 11 (spoilers)
I've seen them point out when a contestant has made the same mistake repeatedly - but they do that in the U.S. version too, if I recall correctly. But I think the eliminations are still based on that day's performance, otherwise there wouldn't be as many surprises.
Your Go-To Faves in Bloor West Village
I like Hot Oven bakery. Haven't tried the pastries, but the bread is great.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 11 (spoilers)
McEwan said he also had "flavour proflle issues" with the sausage, for what it's worth.
But yeah, they said Xavier's pasta was both oversalted and underdone, so I guess even weird sausage is better than that.
Joanne Kates retires
Writing for brand magazines can be one of the better-paying jobs in freelance journalism. And Food & Drink is one of the most popular food publications in the province. Chatto is doing just fine.
Alphonso mango available at Price Chopper
Just bought a case at the Dundas West and Bloor one. They're going pretty quickly!
Around the World in 80 Plates [Split from Top Chef thread]
I'm with you on this. It's not about enjoying or even learning about food. Personally, I felt ill watching them inhale huge portions and chug beer - it takes all the pleasure out of food and reminds me too much of competitive eating, which I loathe. Oh well.
Ace on Roncesvalles...anyone know what is going on?
Went here for brunch on Sunday. It was OK, nothing spectacular. The menu looks very interesting - lots of variety, good mix of savoury and sweet, options beyond the usual benny - but it doesn't translate into anything special.
Had the huevos rancheros and while they were fine, I'd rather walk a few more blocks and get them at Easy. Eggs were cooked perfectly, though, nice runny yolk. But the beans were underseasoned.
I do like the portion size - fairly small, just enough to satisfy without putting me in a food coma or forcing me to take a doggy bag. And the service was lovely.
I'll come back to try out more of the menu. For one thing, they have nutella pierogies on the dessert menu...
Breakfast/Brunch during the week?
Personally, I wouldn't go to the Lakeview unless drunk or absolutely desperate. If you're in the area, you might as well go a little east and hit Saving Grace.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 9 (spoilers)
I wish my vending machines had ramen. They only seem to have crappy chips, Starburst (does anyone like these?) and those horribly dry chocolate chip cookies.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 9 (spoilers)
I wondered about the contents. I don't know any vending machines in Canada that sell ramen and few with pork rinds.
Saturday brunch at a place near the Yonge subway line, between St.Clair and Union
Maybe Origin? Not far from King station.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 9 (spoilers)
I was happy to see Trista get back on her game! She started off strong but seemed to hit a rough patch the last few weeks...
Also, the vending machine challenge has always been one of my favourites. Just like the canned goods one. It's a lot easier to churn out great food when you have access to the best fresh ingredients - this really shows who's resourceful.
Hidden Gem's in or around the city
I'm a big fan of Zocalo. They just rolled out their spring menu and I'm excited to try it.
ISO kabocha squash
Hey folks, do you know where I can reliably get kabocha squash, preferably in the west end?
I've found that both the Loblaws and Freshco near me use "kabocha" and "buttercup" interchangeably, even though they're not really the same (and I'm not a huge fan of buttercup).
Cha Lau (formerly Cha Liu)
Ooooh vegetarian options! So rare for dim sum. Definitely on my list now.
Vegetarian Restaurant Recommendations
Just a heads up that risotto is rarely vegetarian - it's almost always made with chicken stock (or other non-vegetable stock). And the cheese most likely contains rennet, though I realize not all vegetarians worry about that.
Vegetarian Restaurant Recommendations
Of those three, I'd say only Fressen is fancy enough for a special dinner. The other two are lovely, but more of an everyday dinner kind of place.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 7 (spoilers)
I felt bad for Jimmy but I also think he did it to himself. He was so fixated on impressing Blais with his cool tricks that he completely forgot it has to taste good. I mean, why would you ever put wasabi peas in something that's supposed to taste like chicken pot pie?
That said, I'm surprised there weren't more disasters. Deconstructing dishes is really tricky to do well and a lot of people are tempted to do weird for weird's sake.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 6 (spoilers)
Yeah, but my point is that Top Chef isn't the same premise as Masterchef -- these are professional chefs already. And to be honest, there's little incentive to air a masterclass-type of episode because then it's basically just another instructional cooking show. (And personally, I always skip the masterclass episodes.)
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 6 (spoilers)
I disagree with the first two, which I think are just not plausible in a TV cooking competition. But the other suggestions work, esp. the one about getting rid of McEwen, who is the dullest judge.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 6 (spoilers)
Aaaaah understood. Well, that's unlikely to happen to me anytime soon, :)
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 6 (spoilers)
Out of curiosity, how'd you get to be part of the taping?
The Federal
I didn't notice any bacon smell - but they had the door open, so maybe there was more circulation at that point?
I'm adding the scone to my to-try list!
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 5 (spoilers)
In a way, I think it's inevitable to have some carry-over, especially when the chefs seem to repeat the same mistakes (which is what the judges seemed to imply).
The Federal
Went to The Federal on Dundas West for brunch on Easter weekend and had a lovely meal.
My friend and I couldn't resist the special omelette -- roasted cauliflower, spinach and goat cheese -- served with salad and rosti. The rosti is more like a mashed potato cake, but the perfectly crispy crust makes up for the slight deviation. The eggs were nice and fluffly, and well seasoned.
Service was quick and friendly. We got frequent water refills and didn't have to wait long for the bill.
Bonus: Because this place is new, there was no wait. Oh, and the bill for two was less than $25 before tip.
Overall, a nice low-key brunch. Makes me want to try this place for lunch (and eventually dinner, if they extend their hours).
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 5 (spoilers)
Yeah, it looks like she's the token baddie of the season. I mean, so far it's all pretty mild but the preview for next week looked a little intense.
Top Chef Canada, Season 2, Episode 4 (spoilers)
I'm definitely still watching. I find the overall creativity level is up there.
