All great stuff, thanks for the help guys.

Greetings from Canada! I am looking to cook up Superbowl foods for my friends and always like to try to re-create some of the hosting city's famous dishes. Suggestions would be great on types of dishes or famous restaurants that serve unique North Texas foods.
Thanks in advance and have fun next week!

Correct, stand and point or order at counter then pay at cashier. Preferably no buffet food is not very fresh.

I am searching for a licensed restaurant that is counter style self-service in Toronto. Not quite a cafeteria but an offering of assorted fresh foods that are prepared or made quickly with higher end items. These shops are kid friendly in Australia as they seem to be popular and looking for similar here for a family outing.
Thanks!

MBCO is closed down....

I found out the other week that the New Hamburg cheddar is made in Quebec and aged in New Hamburg.
Brights is decent, they package for the Sobey Compliments aged cheddar line. But my favrourite may be Maple Dale five or seven year.

I understand that National Grocers line of "Free From" is from Fisher Feed Mill based in Listowel is ABF (antibiotic free). Why they are yellow, I am guessing the feed.
That being said, I would bet the Metro sources from the same supplier as they produce 90 000 a month. Processing is done up near Holland Marsh.
Further, I spoke to the butcher at my local Zehrs and asked how their "Free From" line is selling and he indicated that it is performing poorly and they discount and/or throw out too much. I believe the big grocers are having trouble competing with small artisinal markets who can go out and source good products such as a real chicken! Vive le difference!

Greeting from Toronto!
My uncle lives in Scottsdale (Desert Mountain) and I want to give him a great gift. I was thinking a gift card to the best butcher in that area. Any help with names of great butchers with excellent beef would be most helpful.
Thanks much!

Ya, if you want great pasta, agnolotti, ravioli etc, the best in the city (and Whole Foods, Pusateri and restuarants supplier) is Pastaio aka Continental Noodles at Jane and Lawrence.
Talk to Dino, he is the best.

I can understand Chef Vagabond and him saying Rowe has gone "corporate" innuendo. Butcher shops should have a feeling of service. At Rowe Farms they tend to seal their meats in plastic which gives the purchase a different feel then going to Cumbraes and seeing fresh stuff touching air in the cold case.

I am sorry, but $3.99 prime rib is not chow.
Even if you own the cow, on your own farm, and selling whole beasts, $3.99 is way too low for quality raised. Be careful of stockyard beef.

Hi,
I am on the search for fresh organic chickens around the Stratford area to buy on a regular basis. Specifically I would like to go right to producer whether they be farmgate or processor. Any help is appreciated!

I usually whip into Yonge an Lawrence once a week from the 401 picking up cheese then leave town. I love lunch! Is Auberge du Pommier a place someone can go by themselves? Can I read a paper or is too formal?

Snarf is correct, the best bet is Toscano from Monforte Dairy. Hard like a parmesan, kinda tastes like a pecorino. I use it to substitute instead of parm or buffalo mozzarella on Tomato Salads Caprese Style. The acidity of the tomatoes and the subtle sheepsmilk cheese is a very nice partner. Local Too!

I am curious of any pre-fabricated dry aging coolers are available for commercial purposes. I have a little restaurant where I would want to dry age on my own, preferably with a window display for our guests to view.
I have searced via web and can not find a company who make these units, any help would be great!

A while ago I heard some mention of VQA boutique wine stores. I am not speaking of Wine Rack but rather small boutique stores carrying PEC and Niagara product that do not produce enough wine to be general list (or Vintages).
From what I understood the LCBO is considering allowing small retail shops to carry VQA boutique wines that are not available in the LCBO, has anybody more information on LCBO policy or direction on this?

I am invited to help prepare and enjoy a dinner with friends tomorrow and looking for a day of adventure shopping! Hopefully in the Perth County, New Hamburg, KW areas.
Any tips are appreciated.

Hi,
We are are going to Far Hills Inn over the New Year period. How is the food? Shall we eat at the Inn each night or are there some places not to be missed in the area of Val Morin?
Thanks in advance.

In London, On, there is a nice Thai place which is kinda upscale called Thaiphoon. The owner is young 20ish guy who is the maitre 'd and quite a good host.
From what I remember the food was excellent: good rice, spicy curries, ok apps.
Located right downtown.

Great,
thanks for the information everyone.

I am looking for a cooking holiday/getaway somewhere in the province or adjoining regions. Can anyone make a recommendation?
If possible, a cooking school with onsite accommodation would be great!
Thank much!

Is Viet Thai in downtown Kitchener, in the lower level of a complex down from Harvey's? If so, i was there recently and had the pho and was pleasantly surprised.
I had walked around downtown Kitchener for a while getting frustrated as I could not find a place to go for solo lunch (I am completely unfamiliar with Kitchener DT) and stumbled across the packed Viet restaurant. I was surprised and more than happy!

I am sure you are familiar with Panago! They are in the north end and from BC. Everything about the West is better. ;)

Still grubby! But a good place for quintessential tavern glasses of 50

Try www.fallontario.com

I was recently at Metro and the schnitzel was really deep fried. The spaetzle was handmade however doughy, not pan-fried finished and actually a little soapy. It was a neat place to eat but the food was not very good.
I have not been to 2 Goblets, so I can't comment to that.

Will do, next time, thanks Robgm

After several walks by and noticing some restaurant delivery trucks etc at 12 Brant street, it looks like a new restaurant (hopefully!) or club is going in. It was the location of the old Fumetti that was short lived.
Anyone know the scoop, my wife and I are always looking for new locals.

Beans are hard to pin down because so many people have differing opinions. However from my experience good beans are cooked to the point when you have them in your mouth and your tongue is able to "squish" the bean on the roof of your mouth with some resistance. If the beans do not offer resistance and lack a slight firmness, then they are overdone.

A couple of Squares in London Ontario.