Where can I find a middle eastern-style sandwich of potato in a pita?

Probably a little different than what you had but Israeli-style falafel is sometimes served with a battered deep fried potato slice. It's really delicious. There may be others but the only place I've found that thus far that does it is "What a Bagel" on Bathurst south of Wilson (http://www.whatabagel.com/location5.html). Highly recommend.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Need help on final decision for birthday dinner in Chicago

Menu for Mercat a la Planxa looks excellent and is the right feel for the occasion but my parents were there last year with a large-ish group and had a negative experience.

They pre-ordered the suckling pig. First, they were pre-charged for it - perhaps understandable but seemed a little cheap. Worse though, the quantity the restaurant recommended ended up being something like double what was needed. And on top of that there was an issue with the rate at which they were charged where prices had gone up after they initially arranged for it, and of course they were charged at the more expensive rate.

Ben Reiner in Chicago Area

Need help on final decision for birthday dinner in Chicago

Mandy Lin's husband checking in.. Thanks everyone for the responses!

I'm sure Blackbird is great but since we've been to Avec, we're leaning towards trying a non Paul Kahan establishment to change things up. Avec was great though. We're also interested in somewhere where you can a try a bunch of different things rather than the standard main/app/desert.

Ben Reiner in Chicago Area

Any word on Giancarlos new Wine and Pasta Bar?

My wife and I went last night and really enjoyed it. Beautiful space that where you might expect a pretentious attitude from wait staff. Instead, we received professional and friendly service. Menu is very short but well chosen, and well executed. For starters we shared a crostini three ways (this varies daily I think) as well as a barley risotto with crab and cauliflower puree. For mains we had linguine with a lemony cream sauce and 4 plump, very fresh shrimp, as well as a rigatoni with smoked chicken, oyster mushrooms, eggplant, tomato, and an arugula pesto. Finally, for dessert we shared a homemade vanilla butterscotch gelato and a hazelnut chocolate ganache on pastry. We shared everything so for both the appetizers and dessert courses everything was nicely presented on a large platter. Everything was delicious and price points were very reasonable (mains were something like 12 and 14$). They also have a good size selection of wines by the glass hovering around 10$, or the same wines offered by the bottle (typically around $40).

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Kingston, ON

My wife, her cousin, and I decided to seek out a civilized lunch in Kingston on our way to Montreal. After reading a recent thread, I figured Wooden Heads would be a good choice.

There was a 20-30 minute wait however, so we walked around and noticed Olivea - menu looked good, very nice ambience. Anyway, we only had one meal there and I know nothing of the Kingston dining scene but it was really terrific, and reasonable too (10$ for a salad and any panini or pasta). Everything was remarkably fresh, from the mozzerella and goat cheese to the green in the various salads. Two of us ordered gnocchi with braised veal. Gnocchi were extraordinarily light and must be made in house - suspect the same is true of the mozzerella, but if not, they source their ingredients extremely well.

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Olivea
39 Brock St, Kingston, ON K7L1R7, CA

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Seeking North Mississauga Recommendation

My wife and I are taking out my brother-in-law for dinner Friday, who's in town this weekend staying at Mississauga Rd, just south of the 401. Since we're not that close and will be doing a fair amount of driving, we'd like to find something relatively close by. We're also restricted in cuisine type as he's turned down Indian, Japanese, Thai, Mexican. We looked at Colossus and while it definitely appealed, it's a little far. Seems as though anything Western European, continental should work.

We also noticed a new resto in Streetsville, Mondello, which actually took the place of Martin's which we tried and enjoyed. From the web site, it looks like a decent option but would be interested in knowing if anyone has tried it.

Thanks!
BR & ML

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Frida - New high end Mexican

Yes - and he came around to visit all the tables afterward. A nice touch. One more thing - apparently they often have live music. Last night there was a great three-piece. Place was packed and it was really loud (maybe not the music so much as the clientele). Our waitress mentioned that Tuesdays are more subdued with Jazz being played.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Frida - New high end Mexican

Went last night with my wife. Really terrific place with great food, service, and a nice decor. We shared the Papadzule Yucatecos and the Tostadas de Salpicon for apps, and Shrimp with Guajillo sauce and Lamb Barbacoa for mains. Recommend all but particularly liked the Papdzule and Barbacoa. My wife was partial to the Tostadas :) For those thinking of going, please bear in mind that the portion sizes are very large. Regrettably we weren't able to sample the desserts which looked great, and yet still had to take home a small doggie bag.

They also have a nice size list of tequilas - after receiving an explanation of its production process, we really enjoyed a glass of clase azul reposado.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sunday breakfast between Toronto and NOTL?

It's been a couple of years, but Red Rooster was pretty good for a standard breakfast when we went. Seems like the type of place that would remain consistent.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Gourmet Burger Co Review

Thanks for the review Burger4ever - you've saved me a trip as I was somewhat tempted to try it based on some of the good buzz and relative proximity to work. I know that some people actually prefer cardboard burgers, which I hate, and dislike the kind where you get that juice running down your sleeve, which I love. If anyone can provide examples that fall into the category that I like, please oblige :)

Strangely enough, one of the best burgers I've had in T.O is at Loose Moose. I only tried it once but it was terrific.Some nicer places like Harbord Room also have good burgers but I'm really interested in downscale places that deliver the goods.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Chowfind: Oscar Japanese Cuisine

Well, this thread has certainly taken on a life of its own and while Oscar has seen its demise as someone reported a couple of days ago, Yama Sushi has taken its place. Just passed by on the opposite side of the street, so I don't know anything about it yet, or how it compares to Masa in NYC or Kyubei in Tokyo ;)

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Chowfind: Oscar Japanese Cuisine

None of the restaurants you mention are comparable. If you're looking for something like what those offer for 1/5 the price, you won't get it. Really would not recommend anyone going there if that's what they're expecting. With all due respect to Nadreck he's posted once - I won't defend his position as I've already stated. Clearly there's some hyperbole in his writing.

As far as uni is concerned, you have to consider that the area where the restaurant is, is not exactly a food haven. If I were a first-time restauranteur I might worry about stocking with the most expensive and varied selection of stuff, only to see a disparate number of people walk in who only ordinarily order California or cucumber rolls.

I think the cheese analogy is a bit of a stretch - I wouldn't order Uni at any average sushi resto in Toronto, only at ones I trust.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Chowfind: Oscar Japanese Cuisine

I think we've been about 4 times in total and stand by my original post. I don't agree with a number of the points Nadreck made but suffice it to say it's a really good place that offers tremendous value.

Some of the comparisons to name restos elsewhere are a bit laughable - I think we average paying about $40 for two, leaving well sated and very satisfied.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Great dumpling place in North York (Dumpling King)

Just chiming in with another rec for Dumpling King... Went as a group of 4 and we all thoroughly enjoyed the dumplings and tofu noodles. Everything seemed remarkably fresh, and different dumplings had nicely discernable flavours.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Belleville and area eats

Thanks for the great rec! Beauty of Chowhound is that I found this review as we were approaching Belleville on a trip from Montreal to T.O. I concur that L'auberge de France is a terrific bistro. We were served three different house-baked breads that were delicious to start. My wife and I split a perfectly executed French onion soup. For mains, my wife had a very nice salad with egg and duck confit, while I had steak frites, steak perfectly tender in a very nice sauce, and crisp thin, but not overly thin, frites. Wish we could have sampled desserts but the 401 was calling and we were quite full :(

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Chowfind: Oscar Japanese Cuisine

Admittedly the strip mall isn't the prettiest, the sign isn't the greatest and the window is tinted so you can't see much from outside. It's clean and modern inside though, as they must have renovated the place.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Chowfind: Oscar Japanese Cuisine

Pretty sure I heard Mandarin being spoken. Personally, I don't think that should deter anyone. Most of the Chinese/Korean places have very similar menus - this place doesn't.

Sorry Charles - we didn't sample any nigiri but next time we go I'll try some and report.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Chowfind: Oscar Japanese Cuisine

ML and I just got back from Oscar Japanese Cuisine (4704 Yonge St.). They opened a couple of days ago, and we had decided we wanted to check it out when we saw the takeout menu which wasn't the standard dime-a-dozen one.

The food was terrific and very nicely presented. Of particular interest are the "Cold Plate" and "Hot Plate" items. The "Yellowtail special" is yellowtail served with jalapeno, garlic ponzu dressing, onion sprouts and chives. Terrific flavours but still respectful of the yellowtail. We also ordered the "Albacore special" which contained a beautiful piece of tuna wrapped in nori and served with a very nice maple tamari sauce.

From the hot plate section they didn't have the "Sea urchin roe tempura" available so we went with the "Rock Shrimp". This was probably my favourite item - the shrimp had an extremely light batter - just enough to give it an extra crunch, and was served with a ginger/garlic mayo. We also shared Saba BBQ - perfectly grilled mackerel served with seasalt, black pepper and lemon, and topped with deep fried scallion strips. A large plate of complementary edamame was also provided.

Finally, from the maki section we had a Butterfish+ginger+mango maki roll and the house roll. Both were very fresh and good. ML particularly liked the former. I enjoyed both but felt the cold and hot plate section were better. For dessert we were given a complementary dessert which was noteworthy: mochi azuki (red bean) ice cream.

The chef came by and we talked briefly. There was a bit of a language barrier but both he and our server were friendly. And our server was very diligent in re-filling water and tea.

Factor in their opening special with %10 off and the grand total for two including tax but not tip was $38.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

"Duck" in the College Park food court

Tried it yesterday. Was hoping I would get some nice BBQ meat like they serve at Chinese or Vietnamese supermarkets. I won't say it was horrible but it certainly wasn't that great - meat was overcooked, there was a lot of bone, and it wasn't all that generous in portion though I was satiated after eating all the rice that came with it.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Best Pizza with Tonnes of Toppings

Try Dante's - can't say how it "stacks" up against the competition outside of T.O but relative to most pizzas found here, it's very topping heavy. And the toppings are of really good quality. Only down side is that it's very expensive.

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Dante's
267 Bay Thorn Dr, Thornhill, ON L3T3V8, CA

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Harbord Room recs?

Went to the Harbord Room last week with BR and the in-laws for Mother's Day, and I would like to share our experience with other CHs. First, it's nice to see that restaurants are starting to think about their beer lists, and Harbord Room has a short but interesting one. My FIL and I each had a McAuslan pale ale brewed especially for the restaurant, and BR enjoyed a Brooklyn Lager on tap.
For apps, we had a salad with citrus cured salmon, fennel, and other veg, with a avocado/horseradish (if memory serves me right) quenelle. FIL had the chicken liver pate app, served with a side salad, and a poached quail egg which was then lightly battered and deep fried for just a moment. Upon arriving at the table, the waiter mentioned to cut the egg (which was still slightly runny inside), mix it with the salad and pate, and shmear it on the toast. What a presentation!
For mains, BR and I each had the highly recommended burger, and it lived up to the hype. The side of thyme salted fries were also great. MIL had the lamb dish with an amazing cauliflower mash, and FIL had the pork. Not partaking in matters swine, I am unable to provide commentary, but he was very pleased.
We split a dessert four ways - think it was a panna cotta (sorry for the week's delay in reviewing). We were really too full to remember details, but it certainly didn't disappoint.
Service was attentive and extremely professional and polite. This is a restaurant that knows how to...and does it right.
The next day, BR and I received a message from the restaurant, thanking us for coming, and hoping that we enjoyed our time there the previous evening, and if we had any comments or suggestions, to please email them. If anyone from HR is reading, all we can say is "well done and keep doing what you're doing".
(written by Mandy Lin...using BR's account)

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Thirty Five Elm Review

Last week ML and I headed to 35 Elm St after reading about a dish there, created by chef Andrea Nicholson. My interest was piqued not by the dish but rather, the name of the chef who I had recalled worked at Senses, a restaurant we had both really enjoyed. I don't know the exact history of 35 Elm but in a past life it was an Il Fornello. I think, but am not certain, that Il Fornello in a rebranding attempt renamed the location to 35 Elm. And now I suspect that the current incarnation bears no relation to Il Fornello, other than retaining the name and perhaps some branding. If someone can add insight on this, please do.

Regardless, we really enjoyed our meal there. Started with an amuse of beef carpaccio and Israeli cous cous. Excellent bread was provided along with a terrific hoummous-like dip. Generally I am not keen on the hoummous-like dips provided by restaurants as they are often poor riffs on the authentic form. This one however was very tasty.

We split a Ploughmen's Plate for an app. Excellent in every respect. Cured artisanal meats were delicious as was ultra-smooth chicken liver pate and the vegetables pickled in house were terrific.
ML had "BBQ" Georgian Bay Trout with a lobster and wheat berry succotash, while I had a pasta special - pappardelle with braised lamb and porcini mushroom. We enjoyed both but I think the porcini flavour on the pappardelle could have been more pronounced. As a side note, one of the more amusing dishes on offer is a take on beer can chicken, using Cornish hen and Labatt 50. Also notable is a nice wine list featuring interesting Ontario wines.

For dessert we shared "Peaches and Cream", a terrific dish which included creme brulee with pieces of peaches interspersed served alongside a husk of corn filled with caramel popcorn.
Service was generally very good - some on the floor are more experienced than others - but everyone is friendly and what I believe is the owner/sommelier was helpful.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sea Hi Famous Chinese Restaurant

Something eerie about Sea Hi and its longevity. I probably haven't had anything from there in close to 10 years, myself. But it most certainly is not kosher.

Two dishes I recall are won ton soup and and a dish with chicken wrapped with bacon. I always loved the won ton soup. There was a platter of some sort my parents used to get as well which was tasty. Just bear in mind that this is not authentic Chinese food by any stretch- it's very much American Chinese food circa 1950.

The other notable thing with Sea Hi is that it's huge inside and yet whenever we did eat there, it was virtually empty. I don't know if anything has changed in the last 10 years but somehow I doubt it.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Burgers at the Loose Moose - not kidding

Open til 1AM or 2AM except Sunday (12:00 AM) - See http://www.theloosemoose.ca/about/contact.php for complete hours

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Midi Bistro (March 08) - A pleasant find!

Have to concur. My wife have been twice - the first time was in 2006 and it was terrific in every respect - felt like a hidden gem. Had been meaning to return but didn't get back until a few months ago. All in all, it was pretty lacklustre. Food that was previously perfectly executed had failings, service which on the previous occasion was truly professional was now simply ok (marred in part by cleaning up adjacent tables with some sort of noxious cleaning substance). If I hear some more positive experiences like Rabbit's I'll give it another go.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

French restaurant recommendation needed

My wife and I decided to check out Didier two weeks ago since we had a gift certificate. I have to agree with erly regarding the menu - it was really quite ordinary, and given that the gift certificate was going to only cover about 1/4 of our costs, we ended up trying to go elsewhere initially. But we couldn't snag a reservation at our first choices, so we decided to give Didier a shot.

In spite of a general preference for more innovative cuisine (at that price point, anyway) I was interested to see what a classically trained chef could pull off and was entirely open to the experience. The bottom line was that the food was merely decent. My wife had foie gras as a starter which was very good. I had the oeufs en cocottes - I thought it was merely OK with the tomato sauce overpowering some of the other flavours but I admit to not being familiar with the dish, so I will assume it was cooked properly. We both had rack of lamb for dinner. Regardless of how one feels about taste (I thought the olive flavour was a little overpowering) it was cooked medium well to well done. The carrot mousseline on the side was lovely.

All things considered (there were some service issues, no horror stories, but minor issues nonetheless) I wouldn't recommend Didier. It's just too expensive for what you're getting.

Ben Reiner in Ontario (including Toronto)

Schwa-- closed until further notice?

Thanks, mailsf. No worries there - I will happily let him guide us one way or the other and if the pairings aren't too crazily priced I would love to do them. Chef Bowles seems like an affable chap - I have instant respect for chefs who are willing to get out there on food message boards as he does- so I'm pretty confident it will be an amazing experience. Also, I like this sorta stuff...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sifu_renka/310885795/in/set-72057594087018784/

Ben Reiner in Chicago Area

Alinea - Tour or tasting?

My wife (fiance at the time) and I did the tour a couple of years ago. Knowing how much of a perfectionist Chef Achatz is, I'm sure it's at least at the same level - honestly, I don't know how it could be better though. I won't speak to the finances issue but I knew I wanted to go full in after following the ongoing blog before the restaurant had even opened and figured it would be my one big all-time splurge. I spent an absurd amount of money but I literally considered it good value.

The difference here though is that my wife loves food too and is adventurous, so she wasn't exactly a hard sell. I think we were there 5 hours - it was food as theatre - if you're excited by food combinations you could never imagine together, ingredients you've never heard of, beautiful plating, and professional and informed yet unstuffy service, you'll enjoy every minute. On the other hand, I think a lot of people (not the types who read these boards) would be turned off by that sort of experience. For those concerned about the sheer amount of food, because some of the courses are literally a spoonful it's not that much. My wife felt full, and I was very much satiated, but all in all it wasn't too much.

Ben Reiner in Chicago Area

Schwa-- closed until further notice?

Glad to hear you like the food so much at Avenues. We've got reservations there. We'll consider the pairings but price will probably dictate. Do you recall the cost of the tasting menus there including wine pairings? Ideally we'd like to do the middle one. Thanks for the advice about the kitchen bar - we'll inquire when we get there - safe to say that my wife and I are food-obsessed :)

Ben Reiner in Chicago Area