ekim256's Profile
korean market
I took your advice. Also went to the shop next door - ended up buying songpyeon and getting some buldak :) Thanks!
Want to go fishing around Kahului :)
Hi KaimukiMan!
A. Any of those would be a fun new experience. I've only done ice fishing, river fishing, ocean fishing, lake fishing.
B. We only have ice fishing gear...not appropriate for Hawaii >_<
C. No, but we don't have a kitchen in Calgary since we're there for work..would be happy to gift it to someone :)
korean market
Thanks for the speedy replies, chows :)
Fantastic news - I'll walk over there after work.
I'm assuming you mean buldak? If so...yum!
Thanks for the tips. I'm a 2.0 Korean kid, and it'll be nice to meet some locals. Quickly accessible Korean food in the dt core has been absent in my recent stint in YYC...I tend to gorge whenever I'm back in TO or travelling to the West Coast (not meant to offend YYCers, I've been enjoying other parts of your city...I'm just a sucker for nostalgia)
I wouldn't be chopping up trees - just pulling needles off the branch :) i'm going to a very traditional thanksgiving dinner (or so it seems - with pumpkin pie, turkey, cranberry sauce, etc.) so I thought it'd be fun to mix it up a bit.
Thanks!
korean market
Hi there,
I'm looking to make Korean food for my an American Thanksgiving dinner (we're getting a mix of cultures!). Is the only Korean grocery store in Nose Hill? I'm guessing I'll find some ingredients at T&T...in particular, I'm looking for mugwort and mungbean powder for songpyeon (Korean cakes for Thanksgiving).
At the risk of sounding like an idiot on a food forum - are there pine trees somewhere near the downtown core? I'm not from here, and rarely venture out of downtown because I'm stuck between my office and my hotel most days. I dont recall seeing them in Prince' Island Park, and I'd like to steam my cakes with them.
Want to go fishing around Kahului :)
Hello! My friend and I are going on a crazy short trip to Hawaii in December. Long story short, we stumbled across an opportunity to pop over from just December 16-18 and we could not pass it up, even if is such a short time.
We pretty much only have the the evening of the 16th-18th. Our main goal is to try to go fishing! Any recommendations? It won't be our last time in Hawaii, so we don't feel a need to cram too much into our stay. A good fishing trip and maybe a hike...bonus points if we can combine the two. And delicious food, of course :)
Ideas for foodie gifts to bring back to Canada to a relatively large crowd from Germany/the Netherlands/maybe Paris
Hello again Chows,
I am going on a 3 week trip that will include a roam around Germany and the Netherlands - possibly a hop down to Paris.
I was hoping for a nice group gift idea to bring back to work (as a thank you for picking up my slack for 3 weeks :P) - I was thinking that I wouldn't go wrong with a big pack of chocolate! I will finish in Amsterdam.
Cheers,
Erin
Can we revisit the PATH?
Man - Excessive travelling made a major delay in my visit to Marcellos. They actually took down the salad bar by the time I got there, and I was only able to grab a quick sandwich since it was near EOD. Thought it was a bit pricey, and Fast Fresh makes a better quick sandwich - but I still want to try their salad :-). I spotted a Marcello's in the +15 in Calgary earlier this week - I might have to see if they make a killer tabbouleh here!
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
Where are the Calgary Food trucks?
ah! Here's hoping it won't - YYZ does a poor job at food trucks, I'm rooting for Calgary to pave the way
Can we revisit the PATH?
O&B is taking over!
Canteen does a good almond croissant and their butties aren't bad for a quick nosh. Dinners are not so great, but I'm guessing that the O&B cafe will be sticking to coffees, pastries, etc? :-) I won't be in TO for awhile, I'll see how good it is in a month!
2011 Food and Resto CLOSINGS
They've definitely taken a nose drive over the past few years - here's hoping that we get a good replacement!
Frankfurt Airport -> Train -> Mainz (Or Koln) -> Dusseldorf: Best bet for lunch?
Hi Chows,
Will be landing in Frankfurt at 11:20AM this Friday and then making my way to Dusseldorf.
I can either stop in between at Mainz or Koln, will be taking the longer/cheaper train there to save a bit of dough for lunch :-)
Where should I stop for lunch? I think my choices are:
- Pick something up at the FRA airport (I believe that the grocery store there is my best bet?)
- Pick something up around the train station Frankfurt(M) Flughafen Fernbf [street vendors nearby?)
- On my stopover in Mainz/Koln grab a bite near the train station
- Eat on the train (pictures don't look bad)
- Wait until I get to Dusseldorf if I can
Thoughts?
Thanks!!
Erin
Origin Question
nice space indeed. There are some spots that I'll go to just for the space, even though the food isn't fantastic, such as Woodlot, and even Brasaii
Origin's space isn't enough to justify the boo-factor though, imo
Brasserie in Calgary
+1 for Braserie! I went there recently during Stampede!
I haven't gotten a sense of whether or not this board likes or dislikes foodblogger posts, so I've steered clear, but I wanted to toot their horn. Feel free to give the food blog posts the boot ;)
Pics for the post: http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com/2011/08/calgary-brasserie-kensington-foie-gras.html
We started with the Foie Gras Poutine and the Foie Gras Potato Skins.
We sat by the bar and watched the plating as we waited for our table. Recent Australian travels had made me grow fond of ciders, and I ordered a couple while waiting. I much prefer Sir Perry over Magner – mostly because Sir Perry had a light, sweet flavour as it’s a pear-based cider. I think it’d be the perfect drink to have on a patio when it’s hot and sunny out. Noted for the future!
Like many of the spots I’ve tried in Calgary, the interior is bright, beautiful and pristine – grunge is not a word for many places in YYC, as it’s a booming young city. We ordered:
Foie Gras Poutine
Truffle Oil, Duck Gravy, Parmesan
Da-yam. Calgary, you’re trumping Toronto in the poutine-realm – but how?! You’re much further from Montreal and when people think Calgary they think steak. Whether it’s Stampede ground carnie-food or a fancy poutine, you’re making some mean poutines. Squeaky curds, fresh fries, delicious delicious gravy and of course – foie gras. More please. With extra duck gravy.
Foie Gras Potato Skins
Herbs, shaved gruyère, lardons & black truffle essence
We struggled between this and the poutine – I mean, what sounds better? Potato with duck gravy and foie gras or potato with gruyere and foie gras? Why bother with the debate?! This was also put in the category of pretty foie good. Between the two, the duck gravy poutine is the definite winner.
“Reginas” Fried Veal Weisswurst
Pomme frites, mustard & sauerkraut
I suppose a weekend of calf-roping rallied my stomach when I saw veal weisswurst. Mmmm. From the Saddledome to my plate to my belly – this was surprisingly fantastic. I honestly don’t know what compelled me to order this – recent efforts to eat sensibly due to the utter halt in running are always ruined by random cravings from menus.
Anyway – this, my friends, was a fantastic, delicious win. The veal was wonderfully flavourful and juicy, not too fatty at all, with a fantastic texture. Highly encourage you to try this tasty treat.
Roasted “Noble Farm” Duck Breast
Cassis jus & salad
I knicked a piece of duck from my neighbour – another pleasant surprise! Okay, Calgary, I’m regaining faith in your food. This duck was wonderfully juicy and flavourful – not with the awful aftertaste that poorly cooked duck can have – perfect.
High Country Bison Dip
Gruyère grainy mustard, crispy onions & Lobster “au jus”
Across from me, my second choice was enjoyed by my friend – I did not take a bite, nor did I try another friend’s Driview Farms Lamb Burger, but both said that they were happy with their choices.
I had a great time at Brasserie – it’s at a good location in Kensington where you can happily people-watch outside of the big window (if you’re lucky and get the table there, anyways!) and the staff was very friendly. We told them that we had changed our reservations specifically for the large window-side table, they accommodated us and we didn’t mind the extra wait because it gave us a chance to peek at the kitchen.
Erin :-)
ISO good poutine downtown
I'll be a jerk and tease you with a delicious poutine I had in Calgary... :3
I was not a fan of Caplanky's poutine...
There's Smoke's on Queen west as you said - I don't find it particularly good. It's more of a fun novelty.
My friend swears by the blue truck at NPS, but I can't personally vouch for it..
+1 for Stampede Bison!.
Restaurant Gnocchi suggestions?
I super enjoyed my gnocchi from Woodlot, which is in Little Italy. Fantastic flavour and consistency, love the restaurant's atmosphere. It was one of the few standouts that night :-)
A thumbs down for O&B Canteen's gnocchi (and their dinner in general).
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
Origin Question
If you go - then Underdog Rally (:))) hi!!) made a good rec
However - I am really not a fan of the food. The only thing that I tried when I went that I enjoyed was the Bangkok Salad. I personally found the Origin Burger to be quite terrible (the server agreed that the fries were very badly done so they took those off the bill) and the "float" that came with it was awful.
That being said - I'm part of the boo-on-Origin minority :-)
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
Help - Want to deliver a gift to a new mom/foodie in Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hi chows,
My cousin just gave birth to her first child! I was looking at some online gift stores, but everything seems horridly overpriced. I was wondering if someone could please direct me to a website I can use to send her a present in celebration? She loves food, and if it's something good I'm willing to spend around $300-$500 real but (basing this on the English websites - so the prices are probably way out of proportion)
For example...is this place a good option? http://www.emporiosantamaria.com.br/main.php
Thanks
Any major Stampede food events / deals / must-trys?
darn! I read this post way too late - the ice cream would have been awesome. Instead, I ate dive food (tacos in a bag, hot beef sundae, etc.). Terrible tasting, terrible for you, but fun nonetheless.
I also had a smoked beef sandwich from Smokeys, a pulled pork sandwich from a spot in front of the Grand Stand, and a poutine from La Poutinerie.
The first two were horrid - the smoked beef sammy pulled me in because it looked like they were cooking them fresh. Much to my dismay, they took a box, microwaved it and gave it to me - the pulled pork was not much better, it was not fresh or hot (is it worse to have it microwaved?), both big disappointments.
On a better note - La Poutinerie = good, fresh, and tasty. Enjoyed.
Not sure if it was for Stampede, but Earls had an excellent hot brisket beef dip. Big fan.
Erin :-)
Wake Bistro - Calgary, Kensington
Hi!
I was walking around the area too - I popped in here after a tasty lunch at Vero Bistro and picked up a cup of gelato. Peanut Butter & Jelly was yummy and I was peanut-piggy by getting a scoop of peanut butter and chocolate too. Very friendly and talkative service - the guy behind the counter is super sweet. The menu seems nice and simple, I'd go there for lunch if I was in the area!
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
Venues around Bankers Hall - afterwork social
sounds like a great idea!! Thanks Mr. Haggis :-)
Venues around Bankers Hall - afterwork social
Palomino doesn't seem to be veggie friendly, so I think that's being nixed
Someone mentioned V Lounge...
Venues around Bankers Hall - afterwork social
I wonder if the Sunterra @ BHW does anything...hmm! Macleod isn't walking distance, so it won't work for this time...but maybe a future engagement idea...thanks!
Venues around Bankers Hall - afterwork social
:-( Our budget is super tight! It's tough downtown!
Venues around Bankers Hall - afterwork social
Well - I did a bit of research and noshing
The Cellar is an excellent place for an afterwork social, but pricey. Scotch tasting there was tops
I picked Palomino - good pulled pork according to some local reports
West - the rooftop patio is a lot of fun. Service/food is still terrible!
Venues around Bankers Hall - afterwork social
Hello!
I have a budget of around $500 for an afterwork social for 25-30 people in early August. Any venue ideas, walking distance from Banker's Hall? The norm is usually drinks/food (was thinking West's rooftop patio - not a fan of their food or service though)
Guiseppes was another idea of mine - maybe a team cooking class?
Cheers,
Erin
Must-eats in NZ
Smoked mussels were had in Corromandel. Yum. Beautiful country. I owe this board a great deal of trip reports and owe New Zealand another visit :-)
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
Tapas or Tapas-like place for anniversary dinner?
If you have the budget, George might be a lovely choice. Nice space, but quite pricey - $20ish dish or $75+ for a tasting course. I found everything to be well done, with a touch of flair here and there but nothing too silly. It won't really be crazy bold or spicy - but just throwing it out there.
I haven't been for awhile, but I also enjoyed Cava a few years back. Both George and Cava have the right setting for a nice dinner.
You could also take them to a place like Seoul House (by Yorkdale) and order a family-style combo - spicy seafood soup, tofu soup, pork belly bbq and share. Not "tapas" but still might be bold, spicy, and different. Not an anniversary-type of setting though.
I agree with your thoughts about Guu - I avoided taking my parents there because of the noise too.
:-) Nice treat to your parents, congratulations to them!
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
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Cava
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 2S9, CA
Seoul House
180 Steeles W, Thornhill, ON L4J1A1, CA
Yorkdale Cafe
1 Yorkdale, Toronto, ON M9M1B9, CA
Guu
398 Church Street, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2, CA
My Big Fat American Visitors
HAHA! I got a good laugh out of this :-)
Greektown - Mezes might be fine for the non-exotic part. Chicken, potatoes, and some interesting items for you to enjoy. I like Messini's too, but I think it'd fail in the comfy seating department, to use bytepusher's words :-)
Caplansky's - yes. If you happen to venture dt though, then you can also hit Corn Beef House.
Auntie & Uncles for waffles? On a similar note...(ugh) Frans. All day breakfast with booths - certainly NOT tasty in my opinion.
I vote against the counter - if they don't care about quality that's one thing, but it's overpriced, poor quality food so it'd be a double whammy for lunch.
There's also buffets? Yonge and Dundas - Woo for buffet until 3PM.
Lastly...Dangerous Dan's...haha...although that might be overkill :P
Good luck! I'd say hit Woo (downtown though, only suggesting because Caplanskys was on your list, and there's parking around there)
Erin
http://www.cookiesandtomatoes.com
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Messini
445 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K1P1, CA
Mezes
456 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K1P4, CA
Caplansky's
356 College Street, Toronto, ON M6J, CA
