Toronto Fastfoodie's Profile
Mother-daughter Ottawa trip
Thanks for all these great suggestions. We are staying at the Arc hotel and are getting in around 8-9pm. Any suggestions for a quick late bite within walking distance of the hotel (5 min or so).
Mother-daughter Ottawa trip
I am travelling with my 9-year-old daughter to Ottawa on the May 31-June 3 weekend. We love good (but not expensive) food. We are both major foodies; we love escargot, poutine, and farmer's markets and everything in between. We also love the food network and visiting food network restaurants?
Thoughts? Especially things we can't get in T.dot, like food trucks (damn bylaws) and street food other than hot dogs.
I need three dinners, two lunches, and two breakfasts.
Ontario asparagus-anyone bought it yet this year?
If my ontario produce chart is correct, 'tis the season for local asparagus. Yet all my local markets still only have asparagus from Mexico (that just seems wrong).
Anyone have any updates as to when/where I can get me some locally grown spears?
Looking for a KOSHER brisket
If you don't need strictly kosher, just kosher-style, Nortown has a great selection and will cut to fit your needs…not as expensive as Hartman's. Other than that, for strictly kosher, try the Sobey's near Yonge and Steeles.
2012 Oscar themed party
Every year I do an Oscar party with a menu based on the Best Picture Category. Here is this year's:
Here it is:
Moneyball: Ballpark food, such as popcorn, peanuts, and hot dogs (piggies in a blanket).
The Artist: Secret Kiss Cookies: They're black and white, romantic and sweet, just like the movie.
War Horse: Devils on Horseback.
The Descendants: Hawaiian fruit platter.
The Help: (beside That Pie) Pecan pie-glazed pecans.
Midnight in Paris: French Martini
Hugo: Mini chocolate croissants & (decaf) coffee
The Tree of Life: tortilla chips & salsa-the official state snack of Texas (who knew?)
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close: Pretzels with various mustards for dipping-the quintessential New York food that are incredibly loud to eat (I know...bad joke!).
EMERGENCY REQUEST FOR CHEAP WHITE BIRTHDAY CAKE
Thanks. There is a Longo's on my way home. Do you know which one it is from since I find the quality varies greatly in that chain? I am close to the York Mills & Leslie location.
I am also close to a Loblaws, Metro, and Valumart so anyone else wanna weigh in?
Where are you still eating that you were 20 years ago and is still good?
Scaramouche Pasta Bar
Steak Pit
Senior's Steak
Mistura (OMG…)
…and my guilty pleasures:
Costo Hotdogs (I know they arer not the same brand as 20 years ago, but still tastes the same when eating one covered in saukraut while cruising the aisles
Swiss Chalet (for sure their chickens are getting smaller and the sauce…not so much. But DAMN! are those chickens tasty)
Cineplex movie theatre popcorn. After being in the States a lot over the past year, let me tell you that I appreciate the fresh popcorn and real butter (at least it tastes that way) that we've got here in T.dot.
EMERGENCY REQUEST FOR CHEAP WHITE BIRTHDAY CAKE
So its my hubby's birthday tonight and he has requested the cheap white grocery store cake of his youth (otherwise known as his 30s). He is on a strict diet and has designated this his one day of the year to throw calorie caution to the wind
Loblaws used to have to best…is this still true?
So please, Chowhounds, I beg you to tear yourself away from dreams of offal (Black Hoof) and Tom Yum soup (Khao San Road) and HELP ME OUT!
PS. Just so you know how old-skool we're going tonight, the cake is to be served after ribs & salad with the two dressings mixed together at Steak Pit on Avenue rd.
What has happened to Whole Foods in Yorkville?
I second Fiesta Farms. But I also strongly recommend the plethora of Farmer's Markets that are open year round. I LOVE the Thurs. market at Dufferin Grove park and the Sat. market at Wychwood barns.
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Fiesta Farms
200 Christie St, Toronto, ON M6G, CA
Craving great gnocchi
My favorite gnocci in the city is at La Bruschetta on St. Clair. Wonderful family restaurant.
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La Bruschetta
1317 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E1C2, CA
New Burger Joint @ Yonge & St. Clair - BYO Artery widener!
I ate there with my husband last week. Super-delicious. The burgers were fresh and juicey and meaty…the way a burger should be. I had mine with cheese, chipotle mayo, and the best carmalized onions I've had in a loooong time. I really hope people visit this place so it stays around for a while. I know I'll be back.
For a senior lady of "plainer" tastes- lunch in St Clair/Vic Park Scarboro area???
I know that this may not be geographically desireable, but my mother-in-law, who is the plainest, old-school woman I know LOVES the Arcadian court at The Bay. She has been going there for the past 30 years for her anniversary.
What have I missed?
I actually had one of those delicious churros over the winter. They are super-yummy. Will make my way back there soon. Thanks!
What have I missed?
Due to an insanely busy 6 months, this foodie has been MIA for a while. But with my final report card written and the kiddies off to camp, I am determined to make the most of my 8 weeks of freedom. So tell me: what's new in the Toronto foodie scene? What do I absolutely have to do/eat/buy this summer? Where should I go? Where should I not go?
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
Rhubarb plants
I second that. Got me one there over the weekend...along with TONS of other gorgeous fruit & veggie plants.
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
2011 Food and Resto CLOSINGS
Vault on Avenue Rd. Pretentious service, expensive & meh food, and too fancy to be a neighborhood restoraunt. It was bound to happen sooner rather than later. But hopefully it won't be a trend for the 'hood. LOVE Kitchen, Stratto, and Copper Chimney.
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
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Copper Chimney
619 Kingston Rd W, Ajax, ON L1S6L8, CA
Top Chef Canada Ep 1 [also has discussion of episode 2]
And the woman thing? And the guy working in NY thing?
I'm not saying anything negative about immigrants...I am one. I'm just saying that if he's been in Canada as long as you claim, why did they only mention that he is from Chicago and he "loves" Canada, not where he works in Canada.
Top Chef Canada Ep 1 [also has discussion of episode 2]
Loved the first episode. Except for two things about the contestants:
1. Do we not have enough great chefs born and cooking in Canada? Why did they need to bring in the Chicago guy "living" in Canada and the Canadian who works in the states. To me, does not really mesh with the whole idea of Canada's top chef.
2. Only three women? Really? There must be at least a few more women who auditioned who can match talents with those boys.
One thing that opposes some of the other comments in this discussion: I have absolutely no problem with the Loblaws thing. The product placement on the original Top Chef was out of control. Loblaws is nothing compared to that.
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
Toronto great, not just good, food recs - HELP!
Wow. Where do I start? Despite what you may read here, I think Toronto has amazing food & I am a huge fan. With a small kid, Pizza Margarheta, a restaurant in China Town, such as Lee Garden, St. Lawrence Market (try to go during the week, they are way too busy on a Saturday and closed on Sunday), The Brickworks farmer's Market on Saturday (I know...two farmer's markets? But Brickworks often has awesome chefs making fresh, local food there on the weekend).
That's all I can contribute before my coffee...more later maybe.
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
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St. Lawrence Market
92 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E, CA
Lee Garden Restaurant
331 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2E9, CA
Apple Fritter Search!
This may sound weird, but I really like the apple fritters from Starbucks. Ask them to warm it up for you a bit. Deelish!
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
Who makes the best chocolate cake?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but in case you haven't heard, Open Window has closed down. I heard that Kiva's made a double-dip copy cat cake and tried it but it did not compare. So I am back to square one. Any suggestions? It has to be as delicious as open window's but cheaper than phipps.
http://runningandrecipes.blogspot.com/
Susur Lee menu at Taste of China
I totally agree! I get the spicy green beans, mango chicken, and lobster fried rice for sure. And then change it up with a few other things...
Restaurants I love, you hate
Ok. A couple new I love, you hate additions. Except the opposite. Am I missing something at Sky Blue Sky? It was dirty and freezing and my bacon and egg and mushroom sandwich came with rubberized yolks, canned mushrooms, soggy bacon. And the pulled pork poutine that my kids ordered came complete with no less than 1 cm of grease at the bottom. Yuck.
Also, Liberetto?? I mean, its ok and all but not worth crying tears of joy over. I found the pizza good but if I was blindfolded, I would not be able to tell it apart from a Terroni pizza. Bot that thats bad, I really like Terroni. Personally, I much prefer the ambiance, quality, and taste at Pizza Margherita.
Open Window Bakery closing?
For real? What am I supposed to do for double dip chocolate cakes now...I have been getting them from there for years and send people there all the time. They always thank me. Sigh... Does anyone know of an equally delicious chocolate cake at a similar price point?
Places to buy dried strawberries?
Which one? I do really want to find them but am not wiling to travel the lengths of the city to find them. I am thinking anywhere from bloor to steeles to dufferin to leslie.
Chowhound's Own Top 10 Restaurants of GTA
Just 'cause it is not authentic, doesn't mean its not delicious food with fresh ingredients. I love food. LOVE. But I am still somewhat of a picky eater and not super-adventurous. I also really value tradition, good service, and fresh, local ingredients made with love. I think my list probably reflects that.
Chowhound's Own Top 10 Restaurants of GTA
I so agree with your criteria of what makes a good place. I too, appreciate just good food and service over hip and trendy. That is why I am not sure how Black Hoof is on so many lists. It caters to a very specific audience, I think.
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The Black Hoof
928 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J, CA
