Recommendations For Chow Surrounding A Steelers Game Visit

Hi Augie, thanks for the primer!

To answer your questions, with regards to food we like just about every type of cuisine with these caveats; my fiance is allergic to nuts and will not eat any seafood or fish and I am allergic to lobster and crab. We both love rustic food, good bread, charcuterie, and well made cocktails. Other than that, we like all types of cuisine, from hot dogs and burgers up to places like Alinea and French Laundry. He drinks beer (though I don't) and I've heard there's quite a good craft brewing scene in Pittsburgh, so we'd probably want to check that out too.

In terms of non-food stuff, we like going to see museums, science centres, aquariums, zoos and planetariums when we travel, but really, 90% of the time our vacations end up revolving around food.

Hope that helps!
p.

mochapj in Pennsylvania

Recommendations For Chow Surrounding A Steelers Game Visit

Hi there fellow hounds,
I bought my fiance tickets to the Steelers/Patriots game at the end of October, so we will be coming to visit from Toronto over that weekend.

Having never been to Pittsburgh before, I was wondering if you could recommend a few must-eat-at restaurants in your area. We love both high and low and cost is no object. Also (and un-food-related) can you recommend any things we should see or do while we're there?

We would love to participate in some of the pre-game tailgating (since we don't have that here in Canada) and I was wondering if anyone could suggest how we could do that. Since we are travelling from out of town, we wouldn't be setting up a stand to make our own food to contribute, but I wanted to know what sort of things we could bring with us to share - nobody wants to be a moocher at the party, right? :)

We will likely be staying in one of the hotels near the field, so anything nearby is fair game.

I've been told I should make a stop at Primantis - is that true?

Thanks so much!
p.

mochapj in Pennsylvania

Visiting 4/28-5/2 - Recommendations For Eats?

Greyelf, thanks for the suggestions. I was leaning more towards Vij's than Maurya, having reviewed all of the menus and finding I like Vij's better.

In terms of dim sum, I don't really know too much about it, but I would like to try something traditional like a soup dumpling and another friend of mine recommended a kind where they are shaving pieces of dough off a large block of noodle into a hot basin of broth. I looked at the menu for Long's Noodle House and it seems like it would suit me nicely.

Go Fish will likely be nixed due to my boyfriend's aversion to fish, and Salt was mostly because we have a similar concept restaurant in Toronto that he really enjoys, so I figured he would probably like it too. Having looked at Refuel's menu though, I think I like the sound of it better.

Other than that, I am all ears. I personally have to stop for at least one Japadog while I'm in town, and I'm also curious whether the food at Kingyo is any good, or whether it's just a "trend" space.

Thanks so much for the recommendations!

-----
Vij's Restaurant
1480 11th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6H1L1, CA

Kingyo
871 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G2L9, CA

Long's Noodle House
4853 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V3R9, CA

mochapj in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Visiting 4/28-5/2 - Recommendations For Eats?

Thank you for the suggestions so far! The nut allergy is also fish-averse, so I will probably be going out for sushi with my old man before my boyfriend arrives on Friday night.

Go Fish is likely out (unless they have non-fish items for my boyfriend to eat).

Are there any good places to get shaved noodles?

mochapj in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Visiting 4/28-5/2 - Recommendations For Eats?

Hi there,
I will be visiting on business and to see my dad at the end of next month, and was looking for a few dining recommendations. I used to live in Vancouver many years ago and am somewhat familiar with the city, but am looking for the must-eats since I was last there in 2005. Money is no object and we enjoy all cuisines from high to low. If it helps to narrow it down, we will be staying near Stanley Park, but will have a vehicle available for trips further afield.

Potential places I had considered so far are Salt, Vij's (or Maurya), Kingyo and that's about where I ran out of ideas. Beyond the places I'd mentioned, I would like some suggestions for a great dim sum place (I will be working in Richmond during the day on Friday and Saturday, so either downtown or Richmond are fine) and also a great sushi bar. Anywhere else that you think I should eat would be appreciated, too.

I have a lobster/crab allergy, but am hoping spot prawns will be in season by then because I love them. One of the people in my party also has a nut allergy, so we are keeping that in mind, too.

I have the following meals available:
dinner on Thursday
dinner on Friday
breakfast/dinner on Saturday
all meals on Sunday
breakfast/lunch on Monday

Thanks in advance for the info!

-----
Vij's Restaurant
1480 11th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6H1L1, CA

Kingyo
871 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G2L9, CA

mochapj in B.C. (including Vancouver)

Woodlot

Yes, I was told they open at 5 on Sundays

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

What's Good To Eat Near The Museum of Science & Industry

Hi again all,
We've got our itinerary of restaurants pretty much set for our trip this week, but the one area I've been drawing a bit of a blank on is near the Museum of Science & Industry.

When we were in town a few years ago, we went to a place called Medici on a recommendation and found it flat and unappetizing, but also noticed there wasn't really much around there to begin with.

Of course, things change, so I was wondering if you could suggest some tasty lunch eats in the area? We'll be visiting during the week this time, instead of on a Sunday morning like the last, but it will still be a lunchtime meal.

To give you an idea of the context of our trip, 90% of the reason we're coming is to eat (and we love Chicago), 10% to sightsee. We'll be going to Alinea, Xoco, Publican, Hot Doug's, Grahamwich, Black Dog Gelato, Fat Willy's, Mercat ala Planxa and possibly Mado.

Last time we were in town we hit the more touristy restaurants and attractions, like Uno, Lou Mitchell's, 11th St Diner, and a few others, so this time we're looking to go a bit different.

Cost is no object, just a place accepting of nut and shellfish allergies is key.

Thanks all!

-----
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Hot Doug's
3324 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Lou Mitchell's Restaurant
565 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Mado Restaurant
1647 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

mochapj in Chicago Area

Where to find cocktail bitters

Awesome, thanks all!

I googled this afternoon and came up with a place called Drinks Over Dearborn or something to that effect - it sounds like they might have bitters too, but I was already going to go to Binny's for some St Germain, so that's great!

mochapj in Chicago Area

Where to find cocktail bitters

Hello there fellow hounds!

I am about 24 hours away from starting a weeklong trip to your city and was wondering where I might be able to find a decent selection of bitters for purchase by fee bros or the bitter truth?

I'm also in search of any good craft cocktail spots that you think I should try.

Thanks in advance!
P

mochapj in Chicago Area

Where To Find Spot Prawns

Thanks for all of the recommendations.

I probably should have specified that I don't have a car, so taking the TTC to Scarborough for spot prawns is probably not in the cards. Not that I haven't travelled further for food, I'd just be worried about how to keep them fresh for such a trek.

That being said, I think Bill's is close to me, so I will give them a call to check them out, as well as the T&T that's downtown.

Thanks again!

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Where To Find Spot Prawns

Hi all,
Being that it's spot prawn season, I was wondering if anyone knew of a place where you can find them in Toronto with some reliability?

I tried the 3 fish markets in St Lawrence last weekend, and 2 of the 3 didn't even know what I was talking about!!!?? The 3rd place told me they just don't carry them at all.

I'm sure someone must have some... can you help a Chowhound out?

Thanks!
p.

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Mother In Law Tamale - Should I Believe The Hype?

Thanks Gordeaux - sorry I should have clarified :)

I wasn't expecting it to be like a real tamale, I just wanted to know if this weird combo of stuff is actually tasty or vile. Based on what you're saying, I will probably find it vile but my other half will love it, so I guess we will go.

As for Hot Doug's, I'm not getting just a hot dog, I just kind of generically used it as a term for all tube formed meat. I'm going to get a unique sausage myself and if I'm lucky on the day we go, duck fat fries. Mmm!

Thanks for the help!

-----
Hot Doug's
3324 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

mochapj in Chicago Area

Mother In Law Tamale - Should I Believe The Hype?

Awesome, thanks ferret! You can't get it here in Canada, so I intend to stock up.

mochapj in Chicago Area

Mother In Law Tamale - Should I Believe The Hype?

My boyfriend and I are returning to Chicago for a week long vacation this August and since we were first there in 2008, he's become mesmerized with this tamale on a hot dog bun covered in chili thing he saw on Bourdain's Chicago episode called the mother-in-law.

He's convinced that we must have one while we're there, and asked me to find out a) where's the best place to get one and b) is it really that good?

So Chicagoans, I ask you... is the mother-in-law worth a trip?

We're also going to be hitting Alinea, one of Paul K's places, Fat Willy's, More Cupcakes and Xoco, as well as returning to Mercat ala Planxa while we're here. We're thinking about Hot Doug's too, but I don't know if I want to wait an hour for a hot dog, even if it is the best hot dog in the universe.

Any suggestions/recommendations/comments are greatly appreciated.

PS and kind of off topic - do you have St Germain elderflower liqueur in Illinois?

Thanks!

-----
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Hot Doug's
3324 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

More Cupcakes
1 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611

mochapj in Chicago Area

In Search Of Mincemeat Pie

Awesome, thank you all so much!

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Coconut fan seeking 'Coconut Spread'

I've seen coconut spread, though can't remember the brand at Friendly Magnolia at College and Bathurst.

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

In Search Of Mincemeat Pie

Thanks Abbeshay!

Actually, the reason I've been asking is I'm doing an article to review mincemeat pies around town - but being that I've never seen them other than in the jars at the grocery store, I was kind of at a loss as to where I could get them.

I know it's still early, I just wanted to get my research in so that when December rolls around, I'm ready!

Thanks!

Coincidentally, I made my batch of my gram's homemade version this week, and it's set for Christmas, but I can't review it, unfortunately!

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

In Search Of Mincemeat Pie

Thanks for the clarification Longolame - my family actually makes the traditional kind with the meat in it; it just seems that it's more common without it nowadays.

I was just wondering if there were any bakeries around that still prepare either version :)

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

In Search Of Mincemeat Pie

Hi all,

I know it's a little early, but I was wondering if you had some suggestions of good places to get mincemeat pie once December rolls around.

It's something I've always loved, but it seems to be getting scarcer every year.

Would love any suggestions you might have.

For those who are unclear on what mincemeat is, it's a sweet dessert made of ground up apples, raisins, candied fruits and spices that is baked into a pastry shell.

Thanks!

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Tomatoes

Anyone know of any places in the downtown core that might still have them? I checked with Fiesta Farms and Highland Farms in Mississauga, but nada.

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Travelling To Quebec City For Labour Day

Thank you both Campo and Kolossal - I will definitely check out Le Lapin Saute - it looks much more in line with my tastes than Cochon Dingue did (we were going off a recommendation from my other half's brother in law who was in town a few weeks ago).

Campo - re:experimental, we're both quite open to trying new things (me moreso than him as I write for a Toronto food magazine). I understand that travelling should be about trying new things and being outside of my comfort zone, but both of our allergies are serious enough that if we ingest something accidentally, we'll end up in the hospital - a sure way to ruin a vacation. I've had waiters accidentally forget about our allergies I've mentioned even in English speaking restaurants, so I'm doubly cautious in places where I can't properly communicate with the staff. I'm glad to know that they do have fluent waiters at Toast though, I was expecting most places to only speak French.

mochapj in Quebec (including Montreal)

Travelling To Quebec City For Labour Day

One other question for everyone - we're probably going to only go to one really nice restaurant while we're there, and are thinking either Toast or L'Utopie - which would you recommend if you had to choose?

My other half has serious nut allergies and isn't keen to go to a restaurant that doesn't have menus in english (as on Utopie's website) so I'm having a tough time selling him on it.

Other than that we're planning on Clocher Penche, Pain Beni, Cochon Dingue, Billig and possibly Commensal.

Thanks!

mochapj in Quebec (including Montreal)

Travelling To Quebec City For Labour Day

Thanks miosmymy, I'll definitely check it out!

mochapj in Quebec (including Montreal)

Travelling To Quebec City For Labour Day

Hi there,
I will be coming to Quebec City for the first time for the Labour Day weekend, staying at the Chateau Frontenac and was looking for some recommendations on places to eat. I saw one of the other posts on the subject recently, but most of the websites listed were in french (which I unfortunately don't read). We're coming from Toronto, and are huge foodies who just love dining out.

We're equally happy with fancy food as we are with diner style, and it's just the 2 of us, so any recommendations of food (or any other sites we should see) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

mochapj in Quebec (including Montreal)

Sausage-Making Supplies

Thanks to all for your help! It sounds like these will have exactly what I need :)

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Sausage-Making Supplies

Hi all,
Does anyone know of any stores in Toronto that carry sausage making supplies? In particular, all the starter cultures and cures and casings and stuff? I've googled online, but so far all I've come up with are US companies.

Thanks!
PJ

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Buying local / humane meat?

I don't know if there's much interest in this still, but I deal with a great little company out of Hamilton called The Clean Food Connection. They're an all natural and organic grocery delivery service. They source local meat all year and local produce during the season, and also sell 1/2 and 1/4 animals. The pasture fed beef is absolutely outstanding, and the owner, Bob, really cares about what he's doing and even raises some of the beef on his own farm in Mount Albert.

They deliver to Toronto on Wednesdays and Fridays, and can get you just about anything you might want in terms of bulk quantity or smaller orders.

I strongly recommend it.

www.cleanfoodconnection.com

mochapj in Ontario (including Toronto)

Where To Find Hana Sake In Chicago?

Hello again fellow hounds!
SInce you were so helpful yesterday with discerning the scent at Randolph and Clinton (boo hiss by the way, I was really hoping for edible chocolate things!) :) I'm wondering if anyone might be able to help with this...

My SO and I are here in Chicago from Toronto this weekend for his birthday (and Lolla). A few years ago we went to a food and wine show in Toronto and sampled a really yummy fuji apple flavored sake that never ended up getting distributorship in Canada. They do however distribute it in Chicago (Union Liquor Co) and I was hoping to get my hands on some as a birthday present. I tried calling Union yesterday but never got a return to my message.

The problem is I don't know where to start. In Toronto you buy your alcohol at the liquor store but in the states it seems they sell it in convenience and grocery stores?

Does anybody know where I'd be able to get some Hana Fuji Apple Sake (made by Takara)?

We're staying at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart if that helps.

Thank you!

mochapj in Chicago Area

Bakery or Pastry Shop Near Randolph/Clinton?

Hi there fellow hounds,
This morning my other half and I were wandering around downtown Chicago on our way to Lou Mitchell's for breakfast (we're here from out of town for the weekend) and at the corner of N Clinton and W Randolph we started to smell the most heavenly and strong scent of some kind of baking pastries. We couldn't agree on what it was - I thought it smelled like pain au chocolat and he thought brownies - but I was hoping that someone could tell us where it's coming from so we could go visit before we go home on Monday? I started smelling it right around the time we passed a place called SpaSense I think, and the large MetroMarket building?

Any clues would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

pj

PS - Thanks to those of you who've compiled a list of the best places to eat in Chicago - we Lou Mitchell's was amazing for breakfast, and Mercat Ala Planxa was absolutely spectacular - I really wish we had a place like this in T.O.!

mochapj in Chicago Area