ghoti's Profile
Marvellous Edibles is closing Jan 18th
Loved their lunches (great sammies) and their dinners (and desserts!). Agree with byte about the parking, but it was one of the few places I'd walked what seemed like miles to. It was worth it. Wish them all the best - and that they reopen soon.
Caplansky's: What the @#$%^&*?!!!
Cynalan, I had a similar experience to yours a couple of months ago. Mid-afternoon. Not busy. Service started off fine: I placed my order. It went downhill from there. I think I was the only table she was serving but service was abysmal - she spent her time chatting with another woman at the cash/bar. After about 10 minutes, she brought over my coffee and said "Let me know if it's not hot enough". Why serve coffee that you know is not hot enough! Yep, it was lukewarm - but I couldn't let her know because she never came back. 2 or 3 people she knew came in and sat at the bar. She chatted and chatted. I waited and waited... and waited. I drank my tepid coffee, and waited some more. The kitchen finally brought over my food order. (Needless to say, no refill of tepid coffee offered.)
The only saving grace: the smoked meat. It was sublime. Would I come back? Not sure. The food is excellent but, as a customer, I really object to being so totally ignored.
P.S. I overheard 'Zane is in Montreal'. Perhaps the service is better when he is in-house?
Best French napoleon dessert in Yonge/Bloor area?
I used to buy Napoleons at a bakery in the Colonnade. But that was eons ago and I'm not sure if the bakery is there anymore.
Uhockey reviews Colborne Lane
Thanks for the entertaining reads (this and your other reviews). I'm glad that the culinary side of your Toronto visit was, for the most part, enjoyable. Great pics on your blog - a reminder for me to update my 'to try' list. :)
ISO decent Indian resto north of 401 (aka Save me from Montana’s)
Just wanted to report back about the Indian dinner. We ended up at The Indian Kitchen and were very happy to have done so. The food was flavourful, nicely prepared and plentiful. The service was good. We had:
* onion bhajia - nice batter, not too doughy, not greasy
* tandoori fish - the sizzling platter of salmon trout made quite an entrance. It was tasty, subtly spiced. I would have preferred it a tad less done but it was by no means overcooked. The neph really enjoyed this.
* gosht rojan josh - this was, imo, the weakest dish we had. When I asked for 'not too spicy', I think the waiter heard 'not spicy'. My fault for not being clearer. No heat at all. In spite of this, the curry was tasty and was mopped up with the wonderful naan. The mutton, however, was very tough and gristly. I was disappointed because lamb/mutton is my favourite meat in Indian cooking. Just call my neph Mikey - he eats anything - or maybe he has a stronger jaw - he ate up the mutton and enjoyed this too.
* the naan was puffy and huge - we could have just ordered one and it would have been plenty (but we got 2... and ate them... ahhhh)
* saag paneer - for me the highlight of the meal. It was delicious. Big tasty cubes of cottage cheese in delectable spinach. I could have just had the saag paneer and naan and it would have been blissful.
The neph is talking about going out again for Indian - nary a mention of Montana's. :) I'd like to try some of the other recs but I would definitely make a return trip to the Indian Kitchen. Thanks again for your help, everyone!
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The Indian Kitchen
7330 Yonge, Thornhill, ON L4J1V8, CA
Best Fine Dining in Toronto??
Ditto, Charles. Ours was $109 a couple of weeks ago on a Sunday night. Cynalan, did you go on a week night? Wonder if that's where the diff is.
As an aside, two of our party had dietary restrictions (diff ones at that: 1 diabetic, 1 no seafood) and the kitchen accommodated masterfully. One might say at these prices they should; however, it was done thoughtfully and seamlessly.
Cozy cafe/coffee shop in North York?
The Second Cup on Steeles between Bayview and Leslie (south side) has a comfy seating section and Wi-Fi.
Breakfast around Eglinton and Bermondsey?
A little late, since your 'tomorrow morning' has already happened, but I'm sure you've found out that there are no eateries at Egl and Bermondsey (I don't think I'd count the Esso station on the corner). But if you're out there again, I second CQ's and pescatarian's suggestions of Valley Fields and Marvellous Edibles.
Best Fine Dining in Toronto??
Colborne Lane or Auberge du Pommier? Both offer excellent food, attentive service and a romantic setting; both would be considered 'fine dining.' I think it depends on what kind of 'mood' you're looking for. Auberge has a more formal, upscale atmosphere; whereas CL a more relaxed ambience. I had CL's 10-course tasting menu last weekend; it was a gastronomical experience, very eclectic - and fun. Auberge offers fine French cuisine - well-prepared, well-plated (I haven't had their tasting menu - have always ordered à la carte and have always enjoyed).
BTW, both have easy parking: Auberge, the underground lot of the corporate complex; CL, a parking lot across the lane.
Good luck choosing! (But, imho, since this is a gift for what will be a special weekend, I would not let proximity to the 401 be a consideration.)
Europe Restaurant - 3030 Bathurst St just south of Lawrence
I also went to Europe from the recs on the other thread (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/654530 - thanks, TJ!). The schnitzel was very good - very nicely cooked - not greasy, not heavy (had the version that was just egg and flour, don't remember the menu name - not the 'house' version and not the regular with breadcrumbs). The beets were awesome! Will try the goulash soup next time, as I'm always on the lookout for lower salt . This place is now on my "cheap 'n' cheerful" list.
ISO decent Indian resto north of 401 (aka Save me from Montana’s)
Thank you all for the great recs. TJ, I would drive all over the city for great grub. (And have.) I'd forgotten about the Bread Bar and it actually isn't too far from me. The neph, on the other hand, will likely prefer someplace north of Steeles (the 'north of 401' was my idea of compromise). I'll give him the choices (Montana's NOT being on the list) and see where he feels like driving to. It's good to know there are alternatives northward, and I'll likely try them all at some point or other. Thank you all again for your help. CHers always come through. :)
ISO decent Indian resto north of 401 (aka Save me from Montana’s)
Am dining with a nephew this coming weekend. He’s in the 905 and is suggesting Montana’s (gawd help me!) - but is open to different cuisines. I’ve been craving Indian lately but usually head southerly for my fix and they are too far for him. Any suggestions north of 401 to7, between, say, Yonge and Warden?
I’ve scoured the “Best Indian” thread (http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/105185) but most recs are too far. I’ve been to Cuisine of India (Yonge/Finch location) but was underwhelmed on my last 2 visits and prefer not to return.
I'd really appreciate your CHhelp.
Lunch at DonMills and Lawrence
For a wannabe-higher-end mall, Shops of Don Mills really is slim pickins in the way of decent restaurants. Agree with TJ that Linda may be your best bet, even though I've found it inconsistent. I've been a handful of times and although the service has been excellent each time but one, the food has ranged from very good (mieng kum, beef penang, thai islamic noodles) to OK (golden curry beef, rib steak thai style, pad thai) to horrible (crispy duck - dry, overcooked).
There are a couple of chains in the mall (Jack Astor's, which I would not rec, esp for a business lunch, and Joey's, which I have not tried but their menu makes me leery of trying). Avoid Prairie Ink - my worst experience ever.
If you don't mind driving a bit, there are some nice places 15-20 mins away: Marvellous Edibles (on Laird), Amaya (on Bayview - though I don't know if they're open for lunch), Aoyama (on Vic Pk).
Holeechow
Agree about Seabreeze. it was my regular take-out/delivery place when I lived in the Beach(es); also ate in occasionally. Never had issues. Thought it a solid family-run Chinese resto, decent food, good service. I remember when one of the offspring opened up Seabreeze II up on Danforth Rd near Danforth Ave. (ordered from there too) and wonder if that's still there?
sugar free pies in GTA?
Daiter's on Bathurst between Wilson and Lawrence "bakes a large selection of sumptuous sugar free pastries and pies", acc to their site (www.daiters.ca). Haven't tried them myself - can anyone comment? I'm also on the look-out for good sugar-free pies.
Stratford on a budget
I went to Woolfy's last year and the food was well-executed, tasty - just not terribly memorable. I found that with the pricier 'established' restos, too. I have to agree with Phoenikia that Bijou is your best bet for a splurge dinner. Interesting dishes, well-plated, excellent service. That was the only restaurant I returned to on the same trip.
Agree re: the York Street Kitchen for lunchtime sandwiches (didn't love their breakfast offerings). For a cheap 'n' cheerful brekkie, try Let Them Eat Cake on Wellington St.
Downtown Chinese restaurant for dinner banquet?
I've been to banquets at both Pearl Harbourfront and Dynasty. It was some time ago and I can't remember the dishes, but do recall the food at both was tasty and the service excellent.
There's a huge parking lot right next to the west side of the Queen's Quay building, where Pearl Harbourfront is located. Don't remember the rates but probably typical for downtown - it wasn't a Green P lot, so likely more $. I parked there because I was running late and picked the closest lot.
Dynasty at the Colonnade has underground parking; I seem to recall getting my ticket stamped or getting a token; at any rate, they comped the parking for all the guests. I don't know if that was arranged/paid for as part of the banquet or if it's something they do for all patrons all the time.
Hope this helps.
I have an egg foo young craving. Where to find some???
Thanks, Full tummy! I'll try C'est Bon's egg foo young and Yenching's chicken balls next time I'm feeling nostalgic. Cheers.
I have an egg foo young craving. Where to find some???
Deep-fried egg foo young? Sounds strange. The e.f.y. I remember (from decades ago) was more like an omelette with bean sprouts, shrimp etc throughout the egg mixture. That and chicken balls were standard dishes at the Chinese restos of my childhood. (I remember when dim sum first came to Toronto, and the only Chinatown was that little strip on Dundas w of Bay.) I get the odd nostalgic cravings for chicken balls too - and the requisite fluorescent orange/red sauce. Yours and LovelyAsia's descriptions of the chicken balls at Yenching have started a new bout of craving. :)
Congee near Bayview & Eglinton
For Congee Star, take the Eglinton East bus to Don Mills; then the Don Mills North 1 (2?) stop to Greenbelt/Barber Green. Congee Star is on the west side in the plaza next to the Swiss Chalet. Or continue up Don Mills 4 stops to Lawrence and walk 1 blk east to Donway West for Congee Queen.
I'd rec Congee Star over Congee Queen. Their menus are very similar, but the food at C.Queen seems to be excessively oily lately, including the dough fritters (yao tiu). I've had the congee at both and don't taste THAT much diff, although I do find the ones at C Star a bit tastier. I usually go north for congee. Maybe one of our congee experts can comment.
Congee Star, 900 Don Mills Rd. http://www.congeestar.com/
Congee Queen, 895 Lawrence E. http://www.congeequeen.com/
Copacabana on Eglinton and Mt Pleasant
I heard/read somewhere that the kitchen closes at 10, which might explain their giving you the bill (was it around 10?), but of course does not excuse the rude response of the manager. And sitting at the bar for an hour is not the same as sitting at the table. I hope that didn't ruin your evening.
We went there mid-Aug on a Friday night at about 8:30 - no reservations because we were only two but got the last table in the place. It was packed, large and small parties, kids and up. At about 9:45, one of the meat servers asked if there was anything else we wanted and he would have the kitchen make it up (there were fewer skewers coming round by then). I hadn't tried the filet mignon yet, so asked for that; it was a while in coming but did arrive eventually. I must say the meats were tasty, nicely seasoned, and the service was friendly, especially the meat carvers, though I think our waiter was looking after too many tables and needed a couple of prompts for our wine. The entertainment was really fun and added to the experience. I don't think the $40 was inordinate, considering the amount of meat that was consumed, plus the entertainment. I may return though it's unlikely as I prefer a less lively setting for dinner, but I am happy that I experienced it.
ame
Yes. Opened last week(?). The menu is now (supposedly) all-Japanese. Not a place I would go to, but hope this link helps you:
http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2009/09/03/here-comes-the-rain-again-a-peek-inside-guy-and-michael-rubino%E2%80%99s-ame/
For some reason, I found Rubino's quote “I’m not proposing to be a Hashimoto or a Kaji” a bit off-putting.
Big Joe's Falafel & Hamburger, Richmond Hill - Surprisingly good!
Thanks! Am keen to try the shish-kebab and shwarma. Is it a take-out place or a restaurant to eat in at?
I have an egg foo young craving. Where to find some???
Haven't been to Yenching to eat in in years but have done their take-out sporadically on my way home. I was in the neighbourhood today so went there for lunch, fully intending to have the egg foo young, so I could report on it. Alas, when I ordered it, the manager, who was taking my order, looked at me questioningly and said in Chinese that they have it on the menu because the western customers like it, and maybe I would prefer something more authentic; he also said it'd be too big for me alone. He was being so sweet and trying to be helpful, so I ordered the Szechuan crispy beef lunch special instead (my Chinese isn't good enough to explain; I guess I should have switched to English). The crispy beef (which was very tasty) came on a bed of green beans, with a bowl of rice, a small cup of hot and sour soup and an egg roll - lunch special $10.95. BTW the egg foo young is $10.95, choice of beef, chicken, pork or shrimp ($1 extra). They also have a small selection of dim sum items at lunch - I tried the har gow - ok but nothing special. The restaurant was very clean and nicely decorated - as expected, given the location (Bayview Village).
Whats your Special Chowfind
Thanks to you Chowhounds for lots of terrific meals. My fave chowfinds:
* Sashimi: Zen (who'da thunk that seedy strip mall would yield such a gem)
* Dim sum: Yang's (excellent tea too), Regal Palace (thx for the tip about the Best Buns Under the Sky)
* Soondobu: Traditional Korean Restaurant (+ lots of tasty banchan)
* Cheap 'n' cheerful: Bistro Camino, Dragon Boat's $2.60 dim sum special, Dumpling King
Dumpling King - 15 Northtown Way (off Yonge St.), North York
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Bistro Camino
2750 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C1L7, CA
Traditional Korean Restaurant
6016 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M2M3V9, CA
What's your most disappointing dining experience?
The David Duncan House. Mind you, not the WORST dining experience - I reserve that for Prairie Ink - but certainly the most disappointing.
It started when the DC told me he'd made reservations at "that house at the lights north of York Mills"; I thought he meant the Auberge du Pommier. Silly me. Alas, wrong house.
Pretty house; pretty uninspiring food. We started with an appetizer plate. My shrimp was not the freshest - it didn't smell bad but the flesh was not firm; in fact was going mushy (I should have complained but didn't). The steak was a tad overdone: I asked for rare and got med-rare. Not the end of the world. The meat was OK but hardly the "outstanding" that they use to describe the cut. Bland vegetables.
Given the raves I'd heard, I expected exceptional, though I would have been happy with very good. I guess my expectations were too high; I was sorely disappointed. It wasn't a terrible meal (barring that shrimp), but it was certainly a pricey meh evening. We should have gone to the other "house".
Soft drinks with balls
Kinnie - a bitter orange and herbs soft drink from Malta, somewhat like Chinotto. I remember buying it years ago from a NoFrills in the west end and Malta Bake Shop on Dundas W., but haven't had it in years and am not sure if they still carry it. The Kinnie site does say they distribute to Canada.
http://www.kinnie.com/page.asp?n=about-us
Gluten Free Toronto
I wonder if this could be Peachy Yutangco (although she is from the Philippines, not Vietnam) of the Organic Oven - a gluten-free bakery. They did wholesale out of Brampton but has recently opened a bakery/cafe at 3189 Yonge St. (just north of Lawrence).
http://www.organicoven.com/
http://www.organicoven.com/products.html
Culinary Arts @ George Brown College
I've spent my life eating out, taking out or ordering in. I am now having to start preparing meals at home for health reasons. I'm looking for a really basic cooking course and am wondering if the George Brown Culinary 1 will be too challenging for a beginner and what skills they assume students already have. I'll be contacting GB to ask, but would be interested in hearing anyone's take who've taken the course. Also, anyone know of other hands-on beginner courses? Thanks!
