The Persian Palace - Richmond Hill

We ended up going on Saturday night, and paid the $10 cover for the banquet hall side with live entertainment. The place was very clean and the service good, albeit a bit on the slow side - but I'll attribute that to the fact that the banquet side was sold out for the night. Definitely an interesting atmosphere, where the place turned into almost a club with the DJ and some of the entertainers, and entire families on the dance floor.

As for the food, we tried a variety of kebabs, and I was pleasantly surprised. The meats were well-cooked and flavourful - I had the jujeh (chicken breast) kebab, and it could have easily been bland, but it was tender, juicy and nicely seasoned. The SO had the shandiz (lamb chops) kebab, and I had a bite, which was nicely cooked, but I'm not a big lamb eater so I can't really elaborate more. All of the kebabs came with some rice, which was well made and fluffy considering how some places can really mess up rice, but again, it was rice, nothing to write home about. Oh and a grilled tomato on the side. We tried some of the appetizers as well, and ordered a platter with an assortment of dips and dolmades. The servings were large, and I was full...the bill for my SO and I came up to around $75 with no alcohol and including a 15% gratuity added on for our party, but keep in mind we paid the extra $20 for the entertainment, which you wouldn't be paying on the restaurant side. So all in all, it was a good experience, perhaps it was what I ordered but I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but given the atmosphere and decor, and the decent service, if I lived closer, I'd go back.

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

The Persian Palace - Richmond Hill

Well, my friend who's birthday it is and who eats only halal wants to try it this weekend for her birthday - if that's where we end up going, I'll post a review. i hope I'm not just taking one for the team ;)

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

The Persian Palace - Richmond Hill

It works for me too, I just clicked it and it seemed fine...sketchy...

and yes, agreed that the menu is hard to read through @sweetie

All I've seen are some very positive (and suspiciously favourable) reviews on opentable when I was browsing to see what was open this weekend...thought I'd see if any CHs had been!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

The Persian Palace - Richmond Hill

Just curious, has anyone ever eaten here?

http://www.thepersianpalace.com/

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dating (and dining with!) a less adventurous eater

thanks for all the great suggestions everyone! I'll keep checking this thread whenever I'm stumped about where to eat!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dating (and dining with!) a less adventurous eater

Good point :) I think you're right, in most case there must be something he'd like, and maybe he'll even try something new with me

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dating (and dining with!) a less adventurous eater

All great ideas - I also hadn't thought of Korean bbq, I'm sure that he'd enjoy that. Libretto is where I was thinking for this week.

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dating (and dining with!) a less adventurous eater

Thanks for the input, I'd held back on trying it for that reason, but I think he can definitely find something to try, and who knows, maybe even be a bit adventurous!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dating (and dining with!) a less adventurous eater

thanks for the ideas - isn't Beast more head-to-tail dining?

he does like steak, so as long as there's a couple of options that he can choose from, I won't feel terrible. The thing is, he'd prob go somewhere he hated just for me, and I'd much rather find a compromise with somewhere we'd both enjoy!

Any more suggestions? I'm sure other people who've been in the same situation will find it handy!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Dating (and dining with!) a less adventurous eater

Hey CHers!

So I figured it may be a good idea to get a list going (and please point me in the right direction if there already is one) - my SO is a meat and potatoes type of guy, while I'm more adventurous and love trying new things. He's gotten comfortable with Thai, and fortunately likes KSR and SukhoThai, but I find it very hard to think of places that will provide him with some "safer" options, and me with something a little more unique. I don't want to push him too far out of his comfort zone, so it'd be awesome if you could help me come up with a list of places so I don't have to wrack my brain for ideas every time we want to eat out.

I'll get things started with the few coming to mind immediately...I know that if I wanted just mediocre food, I'd have my pick of places (and chains!), but I'd like to aim a smidge higher!

Pizza Libretto
Sidecar

What are some other staples I can take him to?

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Shopping Mall Food Court Favourites

Just noticed that there is now a vacant spot in the Bay-Adelaide food court - Grill it Up is closed, I didn't notice a sign saying what was replacing it.

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Pumpkin Soup

I saw this on their menu, but couldn't tell if it was a regular item - has anyone been recently?

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Places in the FiDi to get a salad

I'm a big fan of IQ Food in the TD Centre food court. However the line is insane (moves quickly but still long) - I'd go before noon or after 1pm if possible, and there's always spots in the food court, high turnover. The ingredients and taste of IQ Foods far exceeds Fast Fresh and Freshii imo, and it's about the same price.

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Pumpkin Soup

So a very specific request but I'm meeting a friend for dinner and he's requested that we go somewhere that serves a good pumpkin soup - to be honest I'm at a loss as to where to find such a specific item, so where else to turn to my fellow CHers! Has anyone recently had an amazing pumpkin soup at a restaurant somewhere in the downtown core (east of Bathurst, west of Jarvis, south of Bloor to the lake is our desired area)? I'd appreciate the help! No particular type of food in mind, just the pumpkin soup request - I suppose something wintery is what he's looking for so the more options, the better!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Ethiopiques - Ethopian in Dundas/Church area

Has anyone tried this place?

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Prairie Girl Bakery

I went today as well! Right by my office which will be dangerous. I bought 6 of their mini-cupcakes for $9 and change. I tried the chocolate chocolate (chocolate cake with chocolate frosting), and the toasted coconut (white cake with coconut frosting).

Both were very moist and I really enjoyed their frosting, rich but not too heavy imo, usually I tend to scrape off most of the frosting, but these were just right. And I really liked that they had minis, perfect for a little pick-me-up when you need them. Definitely check it out, they had the standard flavours and they do a rotating weekly special. The woman told me their website should be launching soon.

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

bars downtown showing ICC World Cup matches?

Hey all,

Does anyone know of any bars in the financial district (or even anywhere in the downtown core) that may be showing the cricket matches next week? I'd like to duck out from the office for a bit and watch the game, so I'm wondering if there's anywhere close by.

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

ISO non-alcoholic cocktails, virgin drinks, mocktails, house-made sodas, etc.

I find most places will do one on request, some bartenders will really get creative.

I've had an amazing virgin mojito at Brassai and that was one of my faves...asked what the bartender could do and that's what they suggested.

And at Pravda, they do a couple of their specialty martinis with non-alcoholic substitutes, wish I'd asked what exactly they were but there's one that they mix up for me regularly which is light pink in colour, lightly fruity (not too sweet) with some black pepper in it, I think strawberries as well...if I describe it to them, they normally know what I'm talking about but I'll make sure I get more details next time I go!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Fondue

I'm not sure, but does Caren's Wine Bar do one? I've been there for their chocolate fondue before, and I think they might do cheese as well. I'd definitely call and confirm, as it's a very cute place and I love the ambience.

http://www.carenswineandcheese.com/

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

cozy bar/lounge for a date

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for suggestions for a cozy bar or lounge for a date tonight. We're meeting up for drinks around 7 and don't want to go somewhere too busy (which is why I ruled out Pravda), ideally within walking distance from Yonge and King...let's a 10 minute radius, since it's a cold day.

I thought of Laide originally but they close at 6 tonight...not sure where else is close and somewhat intimate. What about O&B or the Keg? I know the food isn't necessarily the greatest, but we're looking for ambiance more as we'll just be having a couple of drinks and maybe a bit if we're peckish. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

-----
Laide
Toronto, ON, Toronto, ON , CA

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Prom venues or any recommended venues in Toronto please HELP!

My prom was at the King Edward Hotel...it's been a while but I remember everyone enjoying the venue!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Craft Burger

really? that's disappointing...
I've been 3 times, twice during the lunch rush and have never had any mixups
definitely give them another shot, it gets really hectic in there at lunch

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Craft Burger

The new Craft Burger at King and Toronto Street is now open! Their signage isn't done but there are definitely people eating there and a piece of paper on the window saying they're open - not sure about hours though.

-----
Big Smoke Burger
573 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V1M1, CA

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

breakfast on Thanksgiving morning

Hi all,

My SO and I will be staying at the King Eddy Sunday night and I'm looking for ideas on where we can have breakfast Thanksgiving morning before his flight...we're probably want to eat around 9am and would prefer something within walking distance from the hotel. We're not really in the mood for a hotel brunch and I'd wanted to go to SLM but I'm sure most places will be closed due to the holiday. Any suggestions in the area would be appreciated!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

Best macarons in Toronto?

where in Heartland? do you know the name of the store?

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

South of Temperance

yeah, i called and made a reservation, they said we can only request the patio, no guarantees, so going to head down as soon as i can get out of the office, hoping everyone clears out for the long weekend though!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

South of Temperance

Perfect, was in the mood for some kind of mixed drink on a patio after work! Thanks

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

South of Temperance

Any idea if they offer anything besides beer/wine/sangria?

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)

South of Temperance

how are their cocktails? thinking about checking it out for appetizers and drinks and some much needed sunshine!

apple_pie in Ontario (including Toronto)