amycakes22's Profile
What's your favorite comfort soup of all time?
Hey fellow hounds, I'm craving a hearty soup on this rainy fall day. What is your favorite comforting soup ? I love mushrooms, if that sparks any ideas.
Birthday Dinner ideas...
Mitsura was amazing!!!!!! From the time we stepped foot in the door, we were greeted with a wam welcome. They are masters of their profession at Mitsura! Everyone from the front of house, to the servers, to the bartender (who made a impressive Watermelon Mojito!) was very polished and friendly.
I had the pesto pasta special, very simple presentation but staggeringly good! I've had fresh pesto pasta many times, homemade and bought, and this by far was the best i've ever had!
Our waiter was super knowledgeable and patient when we asked questions and needed more time to pour over the menu.
Others had the seared scallops (probably my favorite dish of the table- we all like to share!) The scallops were cooked perfectly, with a slightly mustard-seared crust, topped with crunchy delicate sprouts. My mouth is watering thinking about it again! Others had a boar ravioli which I didn't try (wasnt' feeling adventurous at the moment haha).
We were seated in what I call 'the cave' (and I mean that in the best way possible!). It was a little room off of the main dining room, about 4 tables in there. Great ambiance. Massimo even made the rounds to say hello! Plus They even made me up a special Birthday dessert plate!!
We're definately going back once the Sopra upper lounge is open (Sep 6th I believe).
Thanks for the recommendations, it was fab!
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Sopra
265 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R1J9, CA
Birthday Dinner ideas...
I've booked a table at Mitsura! I'll let ya know how it goes. Hoping to catch a glimpse of Massimo working his culiary magic :)
Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
Date night downtown tonight- where to?
Date night tonight with my man. Drawing a blank for restaurant ideas. Patio would be nice. Keep hearing people mention "South of Temperance".. is it worth the buzz? What's it all about?
Other ideas my fellow hounders ?
thx
Chimichanga on Yonge near Eg
I tried it last year, and found the service particularly awful. We stood at the entrance way waiting to be seated, and were not approached after several minutes, so we chose a table and sat down. No menu's were brought over, and there was no server in sight (other than the bartender, who tried not to take eye contact with us when we were clearly scouting for our server). I went up and gathered menu's for our table. Still no server in sight.
Eventually she came out, and seemed less than impressed that we were there. I inquired about a dish and how it was made- and she read the exact verbiage from the menu back to me. Needless to say- not helpful. I've been a server in the past and I know how demanding it can be. But this was terrible. Hopefully things have become more organized since then. I'm still not keen to go back.
I will end on a good note- the tequila menu is fabulous! If I remember correctly I had the Mezcal. Delish! That was our silver lining to this experience!
Birthday Dinner ideas...
Looking for somewhere to have dinner to celebrate my birthday with the family in Toronto.
Nothing too crazy upscale (no Auberge D.P or 'foam of fish lips' dishes etc) but would like to have a venue with nice warm ambiance, decent wine selection (for discerning wine-loving papa), and very tasty food. Food is more important that the 'being seen at Sassafraz' factor.
Dealbreakers include: non ocean-friendly fish selections, and menu's based heavily on things like tongue, foie gras, and micro-foam. :)
It would be nice to go from dinner to lounge/cocktails in the same place or close by, (walking distance). Type of food is open to suggestion, but I do have a soft spot for Italian, especially pizza. Liberetto was great... but perhaps a bit of a hike from midtown.
Would likely be a Saturday night thing.
Okay chowhounders... I need your best suggestions... and GO!
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Sassafraz
100 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R1A6, CA
Needed: Private Venue for Company Dinner in DT TO core for Accountants
Thanks JennaBean.!
Best Pulled Pork Sammy
I have been a Black Camel devotee for years! Pulled pork is tender and juicy, and perfectly paired with mushrooms/ oinions/ Charmoula (sp?), bbq sauce, arugula, & cheese. The tender bun holds up the hefty portion of pork and toppings without being too much carb. The pulled chicken and beef are also magnificent - but the pork is the best.
The staff is friendly, attentive, and swift to assemble these meaty masterpieces. Make sure you get your Camel Card stamped at each visit, so you can earn your way to a free sammy. I'm on card #3 (^_^)
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Black Camel
4 Crescent Rd, Toronto, ON M4W1S9, CA
Needed: Private Venue for Company Dinner in DT TO core for Accountants
If we had a slightly smaller group, George or Canoe would certainly be in the top picks! I've been in touch with coordinators at both, and they cannot accomodate our group.
Unfortunately we have a rather odd-sized group which is too small for entire buy-outs, and too large for most private rooms.
Can anyone let me know how the food is at Stratus versus Sassafraz? Those are our current finalists, who have the space for us/ fit the bill.
Thanks!!
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Sassafraz
100 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON M5R1A6, CA
Needed: Private Venue for Company Dinner in DT TO core for Accountants
Thanks BequiaT, I sent Gallery an email and found out they are closed til September. booo! Although I've heard some buzz that it's gets very stuffy and hot in there anyways. The search continues!
The week of October 18th is what we're aiming for.
Wedding venue...HELP!
Toronto Board of Trade does "Canoe" inspired menus on site. In fact they offer many of the Oliver and Bonacini inspired menus (Jump, Canoe, Auberge Du Pommier). That may be a good compromise if the O&B venues lack the capacity but have the food quality you seek.
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Auberge Du Pommier
4150 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2P 2C6, CA
Needed: Private Venue for Company Dinner in DT TO core for Accountants
Since my original post, we've had a few changes. Our group size has grown significantly to 65-75 people, and we are now looking at restaurants outside the DT core as well. Downtown is ideal though.
Top contenders at this point are:
O&B- Toronto Board of Trade (prix fixe Canoe/Auberge 'Inspired' menu)
Stratus (Toronto Athletic Club)
Sopra (upper lounge of Mitsura)
George
RCYC
Hart House Gallery Grill
Any direction would be fab! Going for a 'go see' to check them out in person, so if I'm wasting my time on any of these feel free to let me know!
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Sopra
265 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R1J9, CA
Gallery Grill
7 Hart House Cir, Toronto, ON M5S, CA
Needed: Private Venue for Company Dinner in DT TO core for Accountants
Thanks for that feedback jlunar! Our party size would be approximately 50 people.
Needed: Private Venue for Company Dinner in DT TO core for Accountants
Seeking a special restaurant in the downtown core of Toronto for a company dinner. Requirements: looking for a venue that is private and has superlative service and food. MUST be big on customer service. Privacy/decor are significant.
The facility should be totally private, allowing speeches, presentations, The budget should be between $130-$150 pp.
Previously Tried ORO - Although the service was good, the food quality was not at par with expectations.
Ideas??
Stumped on Corporate Dinner ideas!
Thanks so much for the suggestion. I did just call them and they don't have space for a group of our size in a private room. Other option would be to rent out the entire space, which is quite out of our budget unfortunately :(
We are looking at Canoe or Terroni now... to be continued!
Stumped on Corporate Dinner ideas!
Looking for a classy restaurant for a corporate dinner for 40-50 savvy accountant folks in April in downtown core, Toronto.
$70-80(ish) per person budget, but reasonably flexible there. Fixed menu is ok, but would prefer at least 2 options for each course for those with restrictions etc.
Preferrably private or semi-private room to accomodate 40-50ppl; and area for cocktail reception would be ideal. Nice warm ambience, not cafe or bistro style.
Anyone tried La Maquette? Canoe? Far Niente?
Other Ideas?
Thanks!
Canoe .. Is it worth it
Looking for a classy restaurant for a corporate dinner for 40-50 savvy accountant people in April. $70ish per person budget. Fixed menu is ok. Preferrably private or semi-private room and preferred area for cocktail reception would be ideal. Ideas??
Good eats at Bayview/Eg, Mountpleasant or Davisville area please!
Penrose Fish and Chips on Mt. Pleasant closer to Eglinton and Mt. Pleasant
Coconut fan seeking 'Coconut Spread'
Just called Big Carrot for the coconut spread -- they are out of stock and it's on back-order.
Noah's carries a coconut butter made by Artisana -- not sure how this is different (if at all) from the spread? anyone tried the butter?
Whole foods also carries the spread-- but are also out of stock!
Apparently this stuff is popular! Thanks for all the advice guys! I'm going to track this stuff down eventually :)
What is Your Favorite Non-Foodie Thanksgiving Dish?
Our festive essential for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas is Bacon-wrapped Chestnut!!! The preparation of peeling the piping hot chesnuts is worth every second of searing pain for the flavor of the fresh chestnut (NOT CANNED) that get infused with lovely smoky bacon...MMM!!!
Coconut fan seeking 'Coconut Spread'
Does anyone know where I can find coconut spread near Queen W & Spadina ave area or Yonge/Eglinton area?
Never tried the spread but I'm a HUGE coconut fan with a sweet tooth looking for a healthy alternative to sweets... anyone tried this stuff?
http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com/coconut_spread.htm
Best Eggs Benny in T.O
I've tried nearly every spot in the Yonge and Eglinton (midtown Toronto) area for good eggs benny, and the best BY FAR I've had to far is the new-ish "La Gourmand" just south of Yonge and Eglinton (beside The Keg).
They have a sweet little patio that's just far enough back from the sidewalk that the gawkers aren't all up in your face during brekky (a particular annoyance of mine, especially when nursing a hefty hangover).
You can tell they make the hollandaise from scratch, thick and rich but cut with a hint of lemon to freshen it up, hearty slice of lean pemeal bacon perched on a delicate but sturdy fresh croissant (also baked in-house). I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the fresh fruit that flanked the benny, since typically the fruit side is a soggy afterthought. Plump strawberries and melon were ripe and delectable.
Just excellent all around, and doesn't leave you with the heavy 'food baby' like the eggs benny at, say, Golden Griddle or Mars Diner, might.
My only complaint is that the patio area seemed under-staffed and we had to wait several minutes to get the server's attention and prompt for the bill a few times. Also our food came before our drinks... but i'm willing to overlook that due to the scrumptious brunch that was not over-priced for the hard-to-find high quality!
Guilty Pleasures?
TOP guilty pleasures/ comfort food
1) kettle cooked sea salt potato chips (Pres. Choice or Miss Vickie's)
2) Brownie Cheesecake from Dimetrie's
3) Eggs Benny (La Gourmand Yonge and Eg has rated best so far, FANTASTIC!!!)
4) Ice Cream Cake from Dairy Queen !!! (can't believe no one else has mentioned this!!!!!)
5) Toaster Twister bagel and/or Chocolate Buffalo (croissant), What-A-Bagel
6) Big Mac w. fries, dirty but delicious
7) Halibut n' chips, Penrose on Mt. Pleasant
8) Chicken dinner w. LOADS of dill sauce (WAY better than pri pri), Churasco Villa
9) Stouffer's Mac n' Cheese (yes, okay, it's frozen BUT give it a chance and you'll see why)
10) warm fresh focaccia bread with rosemary and sea salt, homemade or Grano
also could easily go on... getting hungry/guilty lol
Best pub in the Yonge/Eglinton area
AGREE w. MattB Granite Brewery ROCKS! They brew on-site about a dozen different kinds of beers, all available in what I call their "moonshine" jugs (1.5 liters or so). Runs about $12 for your first jug, and then if you bring it back the empty it's about $8 to refill ! Very affordable and very tasty beer. The "Ringberry" is my favorite!!!!! Tons of variety for the picky palette, and a knowledgeable staff.
I have heard terrible reviews of their food, but I've always just stuck with the beer and it has never disappointed ;)
Where to find Halloumi cheese in Toronto
What-A-Bagel and Yonge and Eglinton has Halloumi cheese sandwiches, yet to try one though.
Best pub in the Yonge/Eglinton area
The pub "Duke of Kent" is pretty good... newly renovated patio is small but lively most temperate evenings/ happy-hours. Food is token pub-fare and it's decent the two times I've had it. Hot and crispy chicken fingers and fries went nicely with the frosty pint. They claim to only use fresh never frozen foods, which is great if it's true. Most nights feature a dinner 'special' of sorts.
Crowd is typically 25-50ish. Inside is cozy, and the bar is usually dotted with crimson-faced regulars. The decor is nod to the true Brit-style pubs, but Duke does it well. Great if you're looking for a cozy place to have a pint.
The Rose and Crown is usually busier (few steps north of Duke), with a usually slightly younger more vibrant crowd. Have not tried their food but I hear they make a mean deep-fried mars bar that I'm curious to try!! anyone given that a go?
Best Delivery Pizza to West Queen West
SEEKING tasty quality 'za Queen and Spadina area for take out/delivery....
