Where can we get GRILLED WHOLE FISH downtown?

BR and I went to Volos tonight. We were optimistic since the menu sounded really good but a little apprehensive since there wasn't much about it on Chowhound, and we saw mixed reviews elsewhere. We were, however, VERY happy with both the service and the meal.

For starters, the place is decorated really nicely with a mix of traditional greek and contemporary design. The place was pretty packed with a mix of families, couples, and what looked like a company holiday party. Even though it was pretty crowded, the place is large enough and the tables spread out enough that it wasn't too loud or cramped. We were seated right next to the open kitchen, which, as a Chowhound, is always nice.

They have an interesting wine list, with an ample number of Greek wines by the glass. We shared the octopus with smoky eggplant puree and the fried zucchini tower with tzatziki to start, had the whole pargo grilled fish (white snapper served with tasty grilled veg and potatoes) and exohico (phyllo pastry stuffed with braised lamb, spinach, and feta & kefalotyri cheeses) for mains, and finished with saffron ice cream (delicious!), coffee, and a cappuccino. Coffees were outstanding as well. All in all, no complaints on the food. Everything was very tasty, seasoned well without being over-salted, and in good portion sizes.

Service was very pleasant and attentive. Water glasses were constantly refilled, waitress came back after bringing every course to make sure it was to our satisfaction, and was quite knowledgeable about the wine and the menu.

Last, an additional benefit for those who don't eat pork - this is a 100% pork-free restaurant (says so on their menu). So for all those Jews out there who keep 'kosher' like me, and my fellow Muslim friends, this is the place for you! When I asked why they publicize it, the waitress explained that the menu wasn't going to have any pork on it anyways since pork is not very big in high-end greek restaurants, and since they have a large clientele who they know keep 'kosher', they figured it would make people feel more comfortable knowing that there is none being used in the kitchen. It certainly made me feel better as a ate my tasty octopus, and it will certainly go on the list the next time the folks are in town.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Fresh to Go (aka Sushi and Salad) re-opened its doors this week

I know many people working around University and Dundas were waiting for Fresh to Go (aka Sushi and Salad) to re-open its doors in its new location since they closed their Dundas shop at the beginning of September. They opened this week and the place is spacious (with two large sitting areas), spotless, and has the same great quality of healthy lunch options (large varied salad bar, pressed sandwhich station, fresh sushi, freshly baked rolls, 3 daily homemade soups, and new to the mix...coffee, tea, and fresh pastries). I don't know how long the re-opening special will last but they are offering every customer a free coffee or tea with their order. The tea is worth having as they have a big selection of interesting loose leaf teas (I had a rooibos today) which they scoop out and put into a recycled permeable tea bag. It's a nice touch.

I noticed that a new place opened this week in the original location on Dundas called 1-2-3-Go Sandwich. I can't speak to the quality of the food but it looks like a rip off of Sushi and Salad (grilled sandwich station with similar looking toppings and a salad bar). Might be worth a try but I'll probably stick with Fresh to Go.

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Fresh To Go
201 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G1C8, CA

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Yuzu - Omakaze or off the menu?

Husband taking me for dinner to Yuzu this week for my birthday. Been debating whether to go omakaze or order off the menu. Any suggestions? We like a nice assortment of dishes and I like getting a couple of rolls/handrolls in the mix. Price is not an issue as it is a special occasion ;). We haven't been yet but have been meaning to try it. If you have ordered omakaze there, was it good value? Did you get a nice variety of fish (i.e. not salmon or tuna in every course)?

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Yuzu
236 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5H1W7, CA

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Recs for meal to end Passover? Need for really good bread.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.
We also thought of Woodlot and called them at the beginning of the week but unfortunately it's already full for Telus Tuesdays for all of April.
Negroni is a great suggestion and pretty close to work for both of us but we're looking for a nice bread basket this time as opposed to a sandwich (and from somewhere where they keep coming 'round with refills).
Beast looks amazing but unfortunately it's closed on Tuesdays. We'll definitely have to check it out another night...soon. And we've been to Marben pretty recently so we'll scratch that off the list.
Pastis and Copper Chimney are definite contenders (would be nice to see you back there too!). We also thought about Beer Bistro (mussels and a bread loaf), Simple Bistro, and Mogette.

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Beer Bistro
18 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4, CA

Simple Bistro
619 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S2M5, CA

Marben
488 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E5, CA

Mogette
581 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S, CA

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Recs for meal to end Passover? Need for really good bread.

I know we're just on Day 2 of 8, but BR and I always look forward to that first bite of bread at the end of Passover. Any suggestions for next Tuesday night? It could be anywhere in Toronto.
Thanks.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Brunch party - where to get: good platters of croissants/donuts AND a lot of latkes, bagels?

Hi Allisonjayne,
For bagels and cream cheese, I recommend What-a-Bagel. Although their cream cheese is expensive, it is really good. They have about 10 different flavours - whipped with different herbs or smoked salmon. They also do platters (e.g. party sandwiches) so there may be other things that interest you there.
Croissants - somewhere on Bayview (south of Eglinton) is probably your best bet (e.g. Rahier, Nadege, etc.).
Latkes - I would seriously consider doing those yourself. The bought ones are always so heavy. You can do assorted mini ones - white potato, sweet potato, zucchini. Grate the veggies - they turn out really nice. If you have a food processor with a grater, it's super quick and easy.

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Rahier
1586 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G, CA

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Where to eat within walking distance of Jarvis & Wellesley

Not AYCE sushi, but there are a few izakaya options within walking distance: Koyoi, Kokoni and if you can get in - Guu. You can probably find enough veg options.

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Guu
398 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, CA

Koyoi
2 Irwin Ave, Toronto, ON M4Y 1K9, CA

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Diana's Seafood opening restaurant

BR and I were at Diana's Seafood today on Lawrence (www.dianasseafood.com) and noticed that they took over the Coffee Time in front of their store. One of the workers said they were opening a restaurant and oyster bar in about six months. Anybody know anything about it? Who will the chef be? What will the style be?

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Diana's Seafood
2101 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R, CA

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Need recs for two dinners, with 3 college kids

I would also recommend Duggans Brewery on Victoria Street. Excellent beer, fun atmosphere, especially for the college kids, and great (but not too out there) food. Plus, there is ample choice of mains under $20.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Any hounds been to Port Antonio area, Jamaica?

Thanks so much for all this information! We're getting really excited for our trip...just a few more days. We will report when we get back.

Mandy Lin in South & Central America & the Caribbean

Any hounds been to Port Antonio area, Jamaica?

My husband and I are heading there this xmas for vacation. If there are any restaurant suggestions, it would be most appreciated. We're planning on doing the Blue Mountain Bicycle Tour - any other culinary tours that are worthwhile?

We'll also be in Kingston for a few nights, so if anyone has suggestions for the Kingston area, that would be great too.

Mandy Lin in South & Central America & the Caribbean

Tutto Pronto - Anyone been for brunch?

Just wanted to provide some info on Tutto Pronto's brunch since there are no other posts about brunch at this establishment. Four of us went on Sunday. Orders: three 3-egg omelettes and 1 french toast royale (with peanut butter and bananas). All the food was fresh and tasty, service was nice, place is very comfortable. No crazy nouveau dishes on the menu, but definitely a good solid midtown place to return for brunch.

Location: Avenue, north of Lawrence

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Tutto Pronto - Anyone been for brunch?

Hi,
Going to Tutto Pronto for brunch tomorrow. I read a few good things about their dinner, but nothing on the board on their brunch. Any recommendations?
Thanks

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Need help on final decision for birthday dinner in Chicago

My husband and I will be driving from Toronto to Minneapolis to visit family on labour day weekend which happens to coincide with my birthday, and will be stopping in Chicago for one night (Friday). We have dined on previous visits at some of your top establishments: Alinea, Avenues, and Topolobampo, and have also been to Avec. We are looking for something a little different this time - casual, small plates so we can sample various dishes, an interesting drink list (good microbrews or cocktails) and a fun lively atmosphere (but not too loud...and preferably not a communal table). My husband has done tons of research and we narrowed it down to:

The Gage
Province
Carnivale
Vermilion
Quartino

I am having difficulty selecting one from the above. I know they are all quite different in terms of ethnicity and style, but we enjoy them all. Which restaurant is known for the most consistent high quality food and service? What would be your pick?

Thanks!

Mandy Lin in Chicago Area

Fresh figs in Toronto?

I just bought some last week at the new Longo's Market on Dundas, just west of Bay.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sheherzade Persian Grill and Dizi

Don't know about Richmond Hill, but in North York, Alborz is really good. It's at Yonge and Finch.
We had the Halim Bodemjan (Seasoned eggplant with chickpeas & veal tenderloin topped with their special sauce, fried mint, garlic and walnuts) and Barg Kabob (beef).

http://www.alborzrestaurant.ca/

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sheherzade Persian Grill and Dizi

It would be my pleasure to respond. The doogh is a yoghurt-based drink - kind of sour, but the mint, rose petals and ice cubes made it a refreshing beverage. It's definitely an acquired taste but worth trying at this restaurant, especially since they make their own fresh in house. The kal kabob is a mashed eggplant dish with pomegranate molasses and ground walnuts, among other ingredients. The spinach borani is a yoghurt dip made with sauteed spinach. Both of those apps are eaten as dips with the Persian bread. Different flavours, but served similar to Greek or other middle eastern dips.
And the dizi is a lamb stew mixed with potatoes, beans, etc. The broth is first poured out into a bowl (and you eat it as a soup after dropping pieces of the toasted bread into the bowl). Then the meat and other ingredients from the stew get mashed up, and you eat that as an open-face sandwich with the bread. Then you can top the sandwich with a dollop of plain yoghurt and/or pickled veg.
Hope this helps clarify the dishes a bit. Don't let it intimidate you. The staff is very friendly and will help you with your order and if you have any questions on ingredients.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sheherzade Persian Grill and Dizi

Thanks for the very timely review and recommendations! Ben Reiner and I went Friday night. I've been wanting to try it for a while and just happened to read your review at the end of the day, Friday. Well, that made the decision very easy. We made reservations for around 7:00. No problem getting a table then, but about half an hour later, it was packed. (On a side note, I called the Pomegranate number first to make a reservation by mistake, and they didn't even have a table until 8:30! I'm glad to hear that both places are doing well.)

Even though I'm not a fan of the bottled doogh, I decided to try a glass of their homemade doogh - and at only $3 a glass, it was easy to take the risk. It was delicious! Very nice fresh flavour with ground rose petals and mint on top. BR had a glass of pomegranate juice which he thought was very good.

Between the two of us, we shared three apps and one dizi. The apps were: kal kabob (absolutely delicious!), salad shirazi (simple but fresh and tasty), and spinach borani (delicious too). Next time we would probably only have 2 apps (kal kabob and salad) because you get maast (yoghurt) with the dizi, and we were so stuffed by the end of the meal!

The dizi was delicious and such a fun dish to share. It was our first time having it, so thanks for the advice and instructions on how best to eat it. And the bread was so fresh and tasty too - much better than what we have tried at some middle eastern supermarkets. The kabob plates coming out of the kitchen looked wonderful too (huge plate with rice, salad, and the kabobs).

The wait staff were very professional, and helped us with the order. They explained the dishes and how best to eat it. For dessert, they recommended we try the sweet plate with some tea. The dessert plate was very nice - just a few sweet bites that went very nice with the tea. Four bite-size chickpea flour cookies that melted in your mouth, a sweet "funnel cake"-like thing, and some honey coated nuts.

Total bill came to $52 before tip...and we were stuffed! We will definitely be back.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dining with TasteTO

Just heard about a new dinner series that TasteTO is organizing and it sounds delicious!

All information on their site: http://www.tasteto.com/dinner-series/

Excerpt: "Each month TasteTO will be working with a local restaurant to present a communal dining event. The menu will feature a prix fixe “Chef’s Choice” meal where local chefs can strut their stuff and guests can enjoy a meal not typically available on the restaurant’s regular menu. Attendance to these events will be limited to between 12 and 20 guests, with a set price to be paid in advance. To take part, simply watch for our post in the middle of each month announcing the next month’s location and details."

Next Dinner:
Cajú (922 Queen Street West) on Tuesday, June 2nd.

More info at: http://www.tasteto.com/2009/05/19/dining-with-tasteto-please-join-us-at-caju/

Menu:
Caipirinha - Porto Morettes Organic Cachaça (sugar cane spirit), crushed lime, sugar and ice.
Pao de Queijo - Cassava cheese bread.
Moqueca Shooter - Garlic and ginger sautéed shrimp, tomato and coconut milk broth, organic sugar cane spirit.
Bolinho de Bacalhau - Codfish cake, watercress, red pepper coulis, salsa verde.
Peixe com Vatapá - Fish of the day, with Vatapá (a blend of cashew nuts, ginger and coconut milk), mango, tomato, ginger, raspberry vinaigrette.
Picanha - Grilled sirloin steak, cassava chips, tomato and pepper vinaigrette.
Mousse de Maracuja - Passion Fruit mousse.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dad's 80th birthday - for group of 30-40 people

Hi fellow chowhounds,
My dad is turning 80 in a few weeks, and our family would like to bring close friends and family together for either a Saturday night dinner or a Sunday brunch. I live in Toronto now and am not familiar with some of the current best spots in Montreal. Most of the people will be 50+ years, with a few of us in our 30s. We're looking for a place that has a separate room so we can make a few speeches. Our family is Jewish and I'm sure many of them won't be too excited about the newest food trend so don't worry about the place that serves the best pork belly in the city ;). But we all love food.
Hopefully this gives you a sense of what we're looking for. I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Thanks so much.

Mandy Lin in Quebec (including Montreal)

Taste of Mediterranean

I noticed that two locations just opened near my office. One location is just down the street from Wrap and Grab. Anyone been yet? Any comparison to Wrap and Grab?
Do they serve directly from the spit, or is it carved ahead of time?
How are the veggie/topping selections and freshness?
Do they grill the sandwich?
Any comments/reviews would be appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.tasteofmediterranean.ca/index.htm

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Buffalo or Rochester Kosher Butchers

Hi fellow kosher chowhounds,
I'm in Rochester for the long weekend, visiting from Toronto (Ontario). I'll be driving back home tomorrow, but would like to take advantage of some good quality, different variety, and better prices on kosher meat that you might have here.
I did some searching online and found two kosher butchers - one in Rochester (Lipman's Kosher Market) and one in Buffalo (Brown's Best Kosher Meats). Both would be accessible. Does anyone know anything about these?

Thanks,
ML

Mandy Lin in Kosher

What's your most disappointing dining experience?

For disappointing, I'll go with Didier. Oeufs en cocotte tasted of tomato sauce (canned), lamb dish tasted of olive (overly so). On the plus side the carrot mousseline tasted of carrot :)
Service was subpar, perhaps due to the fact that we didn't opt for the Valentine's menu that they carried over to the night we went.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Meat prices

That sounds good. Do you know the name/number of the butcher? Are they open on Sundays?

Thanks very much.

Mandy Lin in Kosher

Meat prices

Sounds like you have some great deals in the US on kosher meat. I live in Toronto but will probably take a drive down to NY state in the next few months. Any recommendations not too far (between Buffalo and Rochester area) to fill up a cooler?

Mandy Lin in Kosher

Egg Bread - Toronto

Hi danthediner,
My recommendation in the downtown core is Harbord Bakery. Never had one myself but I heard they are good.
Other options that I can vouch for are the Yonge and Eg What A Bagel, or if you want to go more north, any jewish bakery along Bathurst. But if you go there, ask for a Challah :)
They should also have at the Loblaws at Bathurst and St Clair.
If you want the freshest, pick up on a Friday before sunset.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Is there anything like Pret a Manger in TO?

Hi Excel,
I too am a big fan of Pret a Manger. When I was in London in 1997, my mom and I would pick up sandwiches from there all the time and eat them in a park across the street or in front of our next museum destination. I remember that place fondly and it's been 11 years! Talk about leaving a good impression.

This week, I noticed a new sign in front of one of my frequent lunch spots - Sushi and Salad (on Dundas, just east of University). The sign mentioned Sandwiches. I went today to check it out. Although the sandwiches aren't prepared in advance, I was the only one in line at 1:00 and it took just a couple of minutes to decide, order, and pay. They have about 5 different kinds of freshly made bread, a number of spreads, and toppings. I had a chicken sandwich on pumpernickel bread with a hummous spread, topped with grilled red peppers and zucchini. It was a nice hearty sandwich, served in a cute cardboard box. And then they filled the box with mesclun salad, a nice plump green olive, and some balsamic dressing. All for $6.99. If you get salmon or chicken, it's $6.99; else $5.99.

Sushi and Salad is one of my favorite lunch spots for work - great long salad bar, fresh sushi continuously made throughout the day, and two home-made soups each day. The owner is very kind and is obviously growing the business based on the suggestions from her clientele. Today I heard someone ask for a smoothie - although they don't have those yet on the menu, I wouldn't be surprised if they start in a few weeks/months.

It's mostly a take out place but they do have a few stools and bar if you want to eat in.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dinner at Nota Bene - A Review

A group of 15 of us from work went last Tuesday for a celebratory dinner. We had a reservation in the private room on the east side of the restaurant. It's not completely closed off, so you still feel the vibe from the busy restaurant, but quite enough to make a speech if you choose.
That morning, I received a call from the restaurant asking if it would be OK to print a condensed menu of 4 apps, 4 mains, and 4 desserts, so that it would be easier on the kitchen. The choices we were given were:

Apps:
- chilled courgette soup
- tuna tartare
- ocean trout sashimi
- mafalda pasta (I think)

Mains:
- pickerel filet
- cornish hen
- braised beef short ribs
- suckling pig

Desserts:
- pot de cremes
- cherry crumble
- panna cotta
- chocolate tart

Everything sounded great!

I asked a couple of times on the phone that week whether there would be a fixed price. The first person I spoke to when I made the reservation said no, it would be a la carte but they would add 18% gratuity for large parties, but she would follow-up with me and ask the manager just in case. The next person I spoke to said that they weren't sure yet as they were just opening that week and we were their first large party. However, when we got to the restaurant, the condensed menu didn't have any prices listed. I asked our waiter whether there was a fixed price for all three dishes (as some of the attendees were asking whether they should order one of each), and he came back telling me that the fixed price was $65 pp. This was a bit surprising as it was never discussed with me in advance, and it seemed rather high.

The meals came and they were all delicious, as mentioned and described in detail from other bloggers on this site. Eyes around me were lighting up, and conversations came to a halt with the first few bites...later turning to discussions on the food itself. The dishes were elegantly presented, with an added thoughtfulness. Service was professional, attentive, and very well timed.

I started off with the tuna tartare. It had a great balance of citrus, soy, with crunchy bits of fried shallots, and creamy avocado. I then had the beef ribs which fell off the bone. In fact, the cleaned and roasted bone was delicately placed on top of the meat (added to the presentation). It came with a beautiful rich sauce and a crunchy fresh salad of horseradish, cornichons and cucumber. For dessert, I had the pot de cremes. The coconut and pistachio were my favorite, followed by the chocolate and coffee. I thought the chocolate was a bit too rich, but mixing it with the coffee made it a bit lighter. It was all chased down with a fantastic espresso.

At the end of the meal, a colleague asked to see the regular menu as she was planning on returning with her husband another time. As I looked over, I summed up my 3 dishes, which came to $49, as well as a few other combinations, which didn't surpass about $52. Hmmm...so where did $65 come from? I quietly stepped aside and approached the front desk where our manager was dealing with the bill and asked about this difference in price, and whether perhaps coffee/tea/one drink was included in the $65. The manager came back quickly with an apology, saying that they mistakenly summed the average of dishes on their full menu instead of the dishes on our condensed menu. He immediately refunded the credit card.

It was a great meal and a wonderful evening. I would highly suggest it for groups as well. But definitely make sure you speak with them first about the menu and the price. I'll chalk this one up to it being their opening week and us being their first party.

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)

Hanoi Bistro, Baldwin Village

Thanks for the report. Anyone know if the owner is related to Hanoi 3 Seasons on Gerrard?

Mandy Lin in Ontario (including Toronto)