abscissa's Profile
Tonic Water
Wow, never thought about this. Even is it just possible to buy quinine or is that a prescription drug (it used to be)? Though I can't say that Canada Dry has let me down.
Back to the Mandarin
Listen I wouldn't have gone but a the person who took me -- this was his choice and he was extremely happy. I don't think anybody has said that this is the best food in the city. But you can walk around and try some lemon this and deep fried that with whatever sauce and onion rings with a side of roast beef with dumplings pizza and yorkshire pudding. Things you never even knew you would eat, such as the curried who knows what. This means a lot to some people.
I once went to a hugely upscale restaurant and brought two guests who ordered and ate as little as possible because a menu with 5 choices doesn't appeal. This was my fault and I was terribly embarrassed. So go to the mandarin, not because you are trying to tease your palate with frozen buffet food but because for $12 everyone can get something he likes.
Back to the Mandarin
I haven't been there in years but I went last night (Y&E) location because we had just finished a movie. Now, nobody here (including myself) pretends for a second that this is haute cuisine. But since the last time I went (6+ years ago) things have improved tremendously. I will tell you that really the best part is that there is a bit of everything... it is incredibly frustrating to go to an upscale restaurant and find out one person in your party doesn't eat seafood so he orders a caesar salad for dinner -- or that one person in your party doesn't eat starch because of a low carb diet and so beef carpaccio for dinner... I think I have to change my mind about this place. Don't rush out for the best food in the city--but taking the family out (especially kids) can sometimes just involve something inexpensive and simple.
Bagel World
This is, if you live in the area, the "local joint". Especially for the "community" in the area... not sure of the exact words to use. Really, there is one and only one reason to go here--the bagels.
Edit: also, bring cash -- they do not accept debit or credit cards.
British Style
Oh by the way, I am not sure that they are allowed to serve fish and chips in newspaper anymore :)
However I think Black Cat fish and chips on Ave. Rd still does this, but don't go there, what a disaster, I think the fish they use has been frozen for more than ten years...
Grad student supper around U of T-- hypothetical question
Then I withdraw my suggestion and second the Duke :)
Grad student supper around U of T-- hypothetical question
Yeah I was thinking Duke also, it has better ambiance and more "group" space, but food is not wonderful IMHO. Also is it the Bedford Ballroom across from the Duke? Don't go there, it's small and creepy and dark and kitchy. I get it confused with the Bedford Academy, which sounds like what you want and is my reccomendation. It's next to or near the McDonald's/Pizza Hut on Bloor
Gourmet food store?
Not quite sure what you meant in the last part of your post.
There is a Whole Foods in Toronto at Ave/Bloor.
There is also Pusateri's, but if fancy cars get to you, hahaha... well Pusateri's customers drive cars that you thought only existed in the movies. :)
Prime Rib in Toronto
What is your budget?
How about Morton's (Avenue/Bloor).. a step above the keg, and very good, but still with a touch of the "chainy" feel, huge portions, etc. Slightly cheaper than the most upscale beef places in TO.
At home sushi catering
Dr. Sushi changed ownership a long time ago, it used to be good. When the owners changed it turned into a DISASTER... super overpriced salmon. Then it changed ownership again, now it is run by some Koreans and it is no longer called Dr. Sushi. The new restaurant isn't horrible, but I wouldn't recommend anyone go.
Mid-priced Japanese?
Zen isn't THAT expensive... and Aoyama is slightly cheaper. Some people like to sample fish, some people like to gorge on rice. I think you should try Zen. Aoyama does not have the variety that Zen has (but the fish is excellent--so if you like "standard" fish, ie salmon and tuna, then go to Aoyama, you will taste the difference)
Good place to buy wine/beer
Are you from Ontario? With a few exceptions (local wineries, etc.) all alcohol here is purchased through the LCBO or Beer Store.
Best Japanese Restaurant in Toronto?
Most people here are going to tell you "Kaji"
If not Kaji, then "Zen"
If that's too expensive, then "Aoyama"
Pusateri's Mac n Cheese
Just ate it an hour ago :) Like most Pusateri's things, it doesn't disappoint... but it was not that great. I wouldn't rush out to buy it. They have many other fresh dishes that are much better. If I were a money nazi, I would probably tell you that for the price, Kraft Dinner is just as good (about 1/4 the price). But !@#!@ -- it seems like just 10 years ago, it cost $0.49 a box, today I have seen it as high as $1.79....
(Pusateri's "single serving" size was $4.99)
Ethnic Eats in Toronto - What NOT to miss
Seconded
Go to Danforth... eat anything... enjoy ;)
seeking creamy strawberry ice cream...with lots of natural strawberry flavour
Everyone here is telling you Haagen Dazs for strawberry ice cream. I join the chorus.
Pusateri's Mac n Cheese
Has anyone ever had this before? I am about to try it for the first time... it only occurred to me that it is only marginally more expensive then the Stauffer's (sp?) frozen ones.
What to eat at The Keg? . . . I've had no luck in the past...
It's going to be pretty hard to find a restaurant that doesn't use canned snails, pressed garlic, and butter baked in a dish. Having said that, escargot is a safer bet than some dishes.
Getting Real Kobe Beef (split from Ontario board)
Thanks, I will remember this for the future. Either way, the beef wasn't that great (I am not a huge meat-eater anyway). The lobster was the really amazing part of the meal.
Getting Real Kobe Beef (split from Ontario board)
Well nobody can be sure one way or the other, but having seen A LOT of marbled beef in my lifetime, I would say that it is Kobe beef. If you are arguing that it could not be Kobe beef because it would be impossible to afford... let me assure you this was not a cheap meal for six people after tax, tip, and booze :)
I could be very wrong. But it was also ordered specially and is not a regular menu item.
Birthday at Aoyama Sushi
1) I told them I wanted to pay $75/pp (they gave us a birthday cake, flowers, etc. remembered me, referred to me by name, etc. which I thought was very impressive)
2) these pictures are actually from a couple of months ago ;) but still, you are right, I am not sure there is a huge amount of variation.
Birthday at Aoyama Sushi
$75/pp (but you literally name your price for Omakase if you make a reservation, it's really up to you... a common complaint is that there is way too much food)
Birthday at Aoyama Sushi
Who could ask for anything more? Everyone was very impressed.
Pictures:
http://flickr.com/photos/68226972@N00/sets/72157606710514070/
The Bagel House: Reviews?
Also, at Ave. Rd., I have seen Bagels made at all times. -- very random...
Please Help a Tourist
1. I crave soft pretzels. Constantly. Am I likely to do significantly better at a certain location, than random vendors on the street? -- Also what do they go for now from a street vendor... $2?
2. Sushi -- without getting ridiculous, where can one find a decent sushi meal in Manhattan? A meal for 4 should be under $300.
3. Any local joints that I can't/shouldn't miss? I am staying in a condo near Times Square.
Thank you, Manhattanites!
The Bagel House: Reviews?
Not really a fan of this place. I find their bagels a bit small.
But -- if they are open 24 hours now, that's something...
Best Places to Eat in Yonge Eglinton?
North 44
After that, it's pretty much all fast food, unless you are willing to take the bus and travel West.
The Rushton (brief review)
Seems to be one of the trendiest places in the neighbourhood, but I'm not sure why.
