mac n cheeze's Profile
Whats your fav EX food?
I am so embarrassed...the blue cotton candy
and the tiny tom's donuts
Cafe du Lac (Lakeshore W/Mimico area) - review
Patio is on the front - right on Lakeshore; has about 4 or 5 tables
It does not look like a place one would want to linger
Advice on a final Toronto meal
Splendido is a great idea! Fantastic way to remember your years in Toronto.
I would also suggest Globe - locally sourced food. Something to "honour" Ontario theme, I guess.
By the way, I am very envious of your move to California!
Good luck
Cafe du Lac (Lakeshore W/Mimico area) - review
I am about 90% sure they did....I think I noticed it, but then became distracted by everything I wanted to eat on the regular menu
Cafe du Lac (Lakeshore W/Mimico area) - review
FT - the poutine fries were NOT battered, only the bison burger fries were.
Mr Cheeze grew up in Sturgeon Falls and even he said that they were not curds on the poutine. The poutine was great though. Maybe there were no fresh curds that day, I have no idea - really, I was too busy stuffing my face with the only good poutine I have had in Toronto. It tasted like cheddar to both of us
I wanted the duck confit, but they were out that night
No dessert for us - waaay too full from dinner
Cafe du Lac (Lakeshore W/Mimico area) - review
Mr. Cheeze and I stopped in here earlier this week on our way home from work. No reservations, and it was about 6.30 or so when we arrived. There were 2 or 3 tables at the time and we were seated very promptly by the one server working that evening. The restaurant has a small, neighbourhood feel to it – about 40 seats plus a few at the bar. Very pleasant atmosphere, done in coffees/browns with some blue accents. Cute place.
After being seated, we ordered a Quebec beer each and a basket of sourdough caraway-rye bread was placed on our table. It had been warmed (there were what looked like “panini” grill marks on the bread) so I am unsure as to how fresh it was. It was served with a sundried tomato spread which was extremely flavourful. It also looked like fresh basil had been mixed into it
There were several things on the menu we wanted to try (there was a cherry tomato tart that sounded terrific), but settled on the poutine as a starter. I recall reading someone’s post that the poutine was huge, so we decided to share – yeah, good thing too! First, it is MASSIVE – it could have easily been shared by four people. Of course we finished it (gluttons!) and were pleasantly full, but we had ordered mains.
Anyway, back to the poutine. It was very tasty – not traditional Quebec style, but very good. The fries were from frozen would be the one negative, but when they are slathered in cheese, gravy and braised beef, it doesn’t matter so much. Instead of cheese curds, there was a chunks of a sharp tasting cheddar – it suited the dish very well. The braised beef was very tender and provided a carmel-like sweetness, which really complemented the dish – it “cut” the natural heaviness of the gravy and the cheese. There was a lot of braised beef in the poutine. Would definitely order this again, but not anytime soon, unless we shared it with at least two others
As for mains, Mr. Cheeze ordered the bison burger. He said it was tasty (and would order again) but a little dry (not surprising, bison is pretty lean) and looked to be about 6oz. It did not come on a regular bun, but rather on thin slices of bread (grilled) that acted as the bun. It seemed to hold together well. It came with a HUGE side of fries, which Mr. Cheeze did not eat, seeing as we had just had a gorge-fest with the potine. I stole a fry from his plate – I personally did not like them – they seem to have been battered in something to make them extra crispy. I don’t like that style of fry.
I ordered the duck as a main. There was a lot of duck breast on the plate – too much actually. It was a bit tough. I’m not sure I would order it again. It came with a side of au gratin style potatoes – lovely. Thinly sliced, not at all mushy and nice amount of cheese baked on top – it was very good. It also came with a very flavourful (nutmeg?) side of cranberry sauce (whole cranberries!!) as well as grilled pepper and mushrooms. I thought the mushrooms were over-garlicked.
Over-all, I would definitely go again. We met the owner Kathryn – very nice lady and clearly passionate about her business. Out total bill (including 2 beers each, tax and tip) was about $100. I would say, they can put less food on the plates – it actually really is way too much. Not that I found it expensive, but I would say (and I admit that I know absolutely nothing about running a restaurant) that they could reduce prices by about 10% and lessen the amount of food by 15-20% and still make a lovely profit.
We are looking forward to going back and trying other things on the menu.
MNC
best one dish this year that you long to return for
I am afraid I am too predictable, but...
Oysters at Starfish
and a beautiful medium-rare filet at Harbour 60 (with a lovely side of their cheese, olive, hot pepper tray)
Restaurant Recommendation for UWS?
Hi
I usually post on the Toronto-Canada board, but I lived on the UWS while working in Manhattan for about 5 years (I just moved back to Toronto about a year ago)
I second the recommendation for Ocean - very reasonable - mains about $25 and good sized portions. Food and atmosphere quite good
Ouest is fantastic, but a little higher price point than Ocean
If you like Thai, Land Thai Kitchen was fantastic, and very reasonable. No reservations taken
Have fun
Mac n cheeze
Dinner date recs near Bloor/Yonge
I don't know if I should suggest this or not, but here goes...
Depending on the "ease" of your relationship and what sort of atmosphere you are looking for, I would recommend Rebel House
Ok - hear me out before you shoot it down. It has a nice patio, it is relaxed/casual, reasonable price
Mr. Cheeze and I had a date at a pub (not Rebel) early in our dating relationship, and it was so genuine, uncontrived and didn't try too hard to be romantic or date-y. I realize it depends on the lady you are with as well
Have fun!
French Lavender Honey
It is wonderful! I get it from SLM as well -- may be from honeyworld as a previous poster said (I can't buy it often because I will just gorge on it)
If you like lavendar, you you will love it! I like it with a nice sharp cheddar or a bit of gorgonzola. Or even just on my buttered toast
great place to eat near Front St?
I would definitely second Paula's suggestion of Jamie Kennedy - small plates, local, very friendly, caual, but smart vibe
Colborne Lane is another suggestion - gastronomy small plates menu. The food is good; it is on the more expensive side, it's not my favourite place, but it is good
If you like seafood/shellfish, Starfish (east along Adelaide St near Jarvis) is fantastic! It is one on Mr Cheeze and my favourite places and we often have "date-night" there
Also, if you like steak (I will likely get flamed for this, but, meh), just south of Front St in Harbour 60. I really like the atmosphere there. Mr Cheeze and I have always been treated well (though there are reports on here about indifferent service) The steaks and sides we find terrific, also the great freebies of cheese, olives, bread are amazing. We find that a tenderloin each and one side is enough for two. The food pricing is not materially worse than other steak houses. HOWEVER, beware the alcohol markups!! Atrocious -- 4-5x markup. We usually end up ordering by the glass to keep the cost down
Happy anniversary and have fun
Olive Bread from Fred's Bread?
I think this is the Fred's Bread (originally) from Kingston, I don't know if there are FB retail locations in the GTA but I have found the bread at Loblaw's. We tried the green olive and chipotle bread. It was fantastic, nice chewy crust and dense inside. I think it is way better than Ace, personally. I find Ace's crust too hard and I end up cutting my gums more often than not and Ace bread interior is too airy for me - it's like they whip air into it - not enough substance for my preference
My wifes 41st Birthday this Saturday night. 6 people ??
Interesting. I was there (Starfish) a week before liscious and they definitely said that the regular menu would be available during the liscious weeks. Now, that could have been dinner (where lunch may indeed have been reserved for liscious). I know many places (Canoe comes to mind immediately) that have a set number of liscious seats because some people don't want liscious.
I personally try to avoid any restaurant doing liscious (regardless of which menu) because the service tends to be suspect, other things go downhill, etc because it's so busy. It's same reason I refuse to go out on Valentine's day to any restaurant
My wifes 41st Birthday this Saturday night. 6 people ??
you can get the non-summerlicious (ie regular) menus though at these places
reservations maybe harder to come by for any place (summer-liscious or not) for 6 people this late in the week
meh - always worth a try
My wifes 41st Birthday this Saturday night. 6 people ??
Globe Bistro (Danforth/Braodview)
If you like seafood, Starfish Oyster Bar -- yumm!
I have a question about Starfish
ugh -- 100 malpeques....doesn't matter how many friends there are
I too prefer a variety of tastes
I have a question about Starfish
I have never ordered the 100 oysters for $100 so I don't know what varietals you'd get
The oysters on the regular menu are anywhere from $2.50ish to $3.50ish a piece
Malpeques and Bra D'Ors are on the larger size -- ie a dozen of those and a pint = full
Kumamotos are small, maybe half the size of Malpeques
Other varietals (at least the ones usually on the Stafrish menu) tend to be larger than Kumamotos
Where to take 17 year old boy in Oakville/Burlington?
I second Sweet Smoke - that place is so good, especially for the GTA BBQ scene. Mr. Cheeze tried the burger on a recent trip - it can be cooked to something other than "shoe leather". He got it medium - he said it was very juicy, fresh bun, topped with crisp pancetta and real old/sharp cheddar. He would definitely get it again. He wouldn't even let me have a bite! :P
As for another poster's suggestion of Spoon & Fork - I have not been to the Trafalgar one, but I have been to the one in Clarkson. it was awful. Trying too hard to be all things to all people, too many pan-Asian dishes, no discernable flavour to any of them. Won't go back
Go to Chicago Pizza Shack in Hamilton. SOOOOO so good. we went on a Sunday night around 7.30ish/8pm. No line up/no wait at all. I think we got very lucky
Restaurants to take a date...
Really? That's disappointing. It was only about 2months ago that I last did. Ah too bad
Sun. brunch near Union Station? (Washington DC ' hound needs help)
Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar- excellent brunch; highly recommended
Please, please avoid Marche and Cora - ick, ick,ick
Restaurants to take a date...
I agree - I think Starfish would be a greatplace for a first date. Mr. Cheeze and I often have "date night" there
JKWB in the dining room area (you can reserve a table) is lovely - the roome is nice, not asloud as the bar and the tables are nicely spaced apart so no one is too close
Kalendar on College is quite nice as well
Vegetarian Burgers....Recommendations needed
I second Goog's recommendation for Lick's Natureburgers on the BBQ at home
animal shaped cookie cutters?
It'll be expensive, but I know Williams-Sonoma in Sherway has them
Also, try McCalls baking supply (in a strip mall where Kipling/Bloor/Viking?/Dundas all intersect in Etobicoke.
If anyone has better ideas, please supply them - I hate paying that kind of $ at WS fro cookie cutters
Suggestions in Roncesvalles?
I would definitely second (or third?) Mitzi's - awesome brunch! (I've not been for any other meal, so can't comment on the rest of the menu)
I would also recommend Cafe Taste - though I know it is not technically in Roncesvalles; more in Parkdale. Casual wine/cheese bar, great little appetizer plates, good atmosphere. It's on Queen just west of Dufferin and east of Cowan
Spicy food downtown core
There's not a lot of Indian in the core...there is Kama on the north side of King, west of York. It's ok. There is also Trimurti (Queen St) and Indus Junction
I don't know if this is the type of "spice" you are looking for, but what about Harlem Restaurant on Richmond just east of Yonge?
As for beer, well, BeerBistro and a pulled pork sandwich on the patio...mmmm....
Casually upscale in Mississauga
Whereabouts in Missisauga Keith?
If you are in the Clarkson/Lorne Park/Port Credit area, you may want to try:
Aielli (sp?) for Italia
Breakwater (at Waterside Inn) - though will lean towards more "upscale"
Rosewood Bistro (Dundas at Mississauga Rd)
Hooks for cajun fish
I would avoid Michael's Back Door - I'be been 2 or 3 times - the food has always been mediocre (even for Mississauga), overpriced and service poor. Though I admit, it has been about 2 years since I have been
Going Greek - Downtown TO
See Dee -- good luck. I am Greek, and I would say that a lot of the Greek food on the Danforth is disappointing. As other posters have mentioned, avoid all the chains restaurants -- Mr Greek, Souvlaki Hut etc
I have not yet been to Lambros, but have heard good things. Mr Cheeze and I usually go to Mezes (not to be confused with Megas - which is awful!!) It is the closest to real Greek food. Also, the meat dishes are not over cooked like most places on the Danforth and the calamari is not rubbery. Nice atmosphere for a sit down dinner.
If you are looking for just a souvlaki joint, Astoria or Omonia
Do not order Greek wine
Skip dessert at whatever restaurant you choose to go to and go to Athens Pastries (as others have also suggested) -- I love the "bougatsa" there -- esentially puff pastry filled with custard/cream and topped with a sprinkling of icing sugar and cinammon
And Greektown is decidedly not touristy
