mindyt's Profile
Younge and Sheppard - Looking for Pizza and Breakfast
Paisano's Pizza at Willowdale and Shepperd delivers and they have great pizza.They also deliver pasta dishes, salads, etc. but I have never tried those.
Best Italian within 15 min drive of Yonge/Steeles
Have you tried Ferrovia at the South end of the Longo's plaza at Bayview and Laureleaf? They have pretty decent pasta, and some other good options (pizza, fish, etc.) It is slightly better than Tutto Bene, for sure a better atmosphere, and may be worth a try for you. It is really close to Yonge and Stelees.
Kudos for Kubo
I can't remember all of the drinks, because when I tried the sample of the mango sakitini, I was sold, it was really good. Really, really fresh tasting mango with the saki, not sure what else was in it.. All of their martinis seem to be saki based, but my friend ordered the mango one and asked for vodka instead, and they were happy to make that for her.
They also seemed to focus on a lot of Sakis, which I know little about. The had saki "flights" with about 3 kinds of saki, and a saki menu as I recall. And in the back of mind they did have all different kinds of saki martinis.
If you go I really hope the service has improved and this was not a one off--though a few others have mentioned good service.
Dosa's and South Indian Food - where?
I have had good experience with Thali and love Dosa, but don't believe I have ever had the pleasure of Poori, which I am excited to try. I have been fortunate to have an Indian friend teach me about South Indian food, as I was much more accustomed to other regions of Indian food and for any one who likes Indian and doesn't know South Indian, I highly recommend it, and Suresh, your link provides a great primer for novices like me, so thanks again.
Dosa's and South Indian Food - where?
Thank you so much, Suresh, I know where I'll be eating this weekend!
Dosa's and South Indian Food - where?
I have only tried Udupi Palace, which was wonderful. I googled Saravana bhavan because it is closer to me and saw they had the above location plus two others, including one in Richmond Hill, which is closer to me. Suresh, Do you know if the R.H. location is the same quality as the one you mention?
Kudos for Kubo
As far as a "plethora of great reviews on this board from people whose palates and opinions I trust",I was only offering my opinion of the experience I had there in light of all of the negative reviews and severe criticisms this place consistently receives. embee, it certainly does not effect me one way or the other if people choose to go there or not, but thought perhaps someone may want to give it a another chance and see if in fact it had changed.
Kudos for Kubo
A few times in the past when I have dared mention Kubo as a suggestion on this Board there have been quite a number of negative comments posted about extremely poor service. I couldn't remember the service I had there one way or the other, and was very curious to see if I would be ignored or treated poorly as others have mentioned experiencing.
A friend and I had the opportunity to be there on Friday and dare I say, the service and treatment from all of the staff couldn't have been better. I was there about 5 minutes before my friend. The person who sat me was outgoing and friendly. I said I was waiting and she brought me a glass of water (unsolicited, which rare;y happens to me)and a little glass of their mango sakitini to try. When my friend came she took our drink order and was exceptionally helpful,attentive and patient (we took a while to order).
We ordered the $22 prix fixe and every time the chef/cook brought a dish to us he throughly explained it in detail and answered any questions we may have had.
I took a look around the restaurant to see if it was just us experiencing this level of service, but it seemed to be everyone. It was full/busy with people ranging from young twenty-somethings to a few people looking mid-fifties and everyone seemed to be getting great service.
The food at Kubo is what it is, but the thai curry I had was surprisingly spicy and flavourful, the snow peas were garlicky and delicious and the cocktails were great. For a place I consider to be more for fun cocktails, I could not complain.I bought one of their lovely looking cupcakes on the way out for my hubby. The packaging was great and he said it was fantastic.
I'm not sure if they are responding to negative publicity on poor service, realizing the increased competition in the area, or if this was a fortuitous exception. I would be interested to know if anyone experiencing poor service in the past would notice a difference.
wedding lunch (ceremony + reception) - possible restaurant ideas required
At one point I was considering getting married at Canoe--ceremony and dinner. I'm not sure what your concerns about the space where, but they were certainly very willing to work with me to make the space any way we wanted it. And they do have a private room off to the side where you can arrange the ceremony.
They were really helpful and I suggest at least speaking to them to see if they can accommodate your budget. I think the view alone makes the room.
Good luck!
Alternatives to Pusateri's
Another place you may want to try is Colangelo Brothers Fruit Mkt at Midland Ave (near 401) in Scarborough. My husband orders Porterhouse steaks from them and they are above the quality of Bruno's. The steaks on display are not as good as the ones they cut for you. He also gets really great fresh sausage of some sort there.
Whenever I've been there they have a nice selection of cheeses, though I've only had their grated parmesan (as I live really close to Global Cheese, which I love). Again, their grated parmesan is half the price of Bruno's and better quality.
I've also only viewed the fruits and vegetables, and they do seem fresh, probably worth a try.
Craft: Is it worth it?
I went to Craft on the advice of this board on Friday (was in from Toronto).We sat outside and had a few cocktails. The beverage manager came over to see how we enjoyed our drinks and we got into a rather lengthy conversation with him about tequilas and other spirits . He was obviously very knowledgeable about different spirits, etc. and we had lots of questions. He was kind enough to give me his card and asked me to e-mail him any time I wanted to know something. We were really blown away by that.
I won't go in to too much detail about the food. It seems as though we ordered many of the same dishes that have been covered in previous posts.
The only service issue we encountered was the timing. My companion ordered a martini to have with his oysters and it came well after the oysters. He also ordered an expresso to have with desert. It came at the very end, after the desert and petit fours were served, at which point he no longer wanted it.
At $600 for two people, I would expect things to arrive promptly. The take away little muffins they gave us did make a nice breakfast the next day!
Over all, I would say:
Food:7.5
Service:9 (the timing was off but all of the staff were really great)
Drinks:8.5
Atmosphere:8.5
Value:7.5
"Farmer's" Market Update - What's there...
I did buy those peaches, Mila . . . they were outstanding. As were the plums and apricots. I bought cherries there last week that were amazing, but they were not so good this week, so I guess they are on the way out.
a nacho review- long
I agree with bogie about Sneaky Dee's. Sometime when I am at Sneaky Dee's people order the Kings Crown Nachos, which are heavy. But the plain ones are wonderful. And the vegetarian ones are ok too. I think Sneaky Dee's has the best nachos in the city. I like them far better than the Keg's which are hit and miss with me (I often find them dry/not enough cheese).
Hernandoe's Hideaway nachos are great too--love the green hot sauce.
Keep the Nacho review comings-they are amazing to read!
Good dining at Bayview/401 area
Although a few posts have mentioned that Cuisine of India has gone down hill a bit lately, back in the day they had great Indian food. They are on Yonge, N. of Sheppard, probably less than 10 minutes from where you are.
Casual food and drinks east of downtown TO on a Friday early evening?
Kubo Radio, Queen East near Logan is casual with decent food and a laid-back atmosphere.
ISO recommendations for 3 nights near W. Hollywood. . .
That would be today, as a matter of fact, so thanks for that!
ISO recommendations for 3 nights near W. Hollywood. . .
You LA Hounds are amazing! I definately have my research cut out for me. I'm liking the sound of the Hungry Cat and a few others sound great. I've actually been to the bar at Chateau Marmont, and may consider it just for a drink.
Revets2: I think you misunderstood, I do want to go to Craft. Normally, I would pass as it was not really what we were looking for, but all of the posts have been too good and make it near impossible to miss going.
Thanks you so much to everyone, I am so excited to try these places (how ever did we manage before Chowhound?) I will supply full reviews.
I am not going until mid-August, so a few places mentioned that needed reservations should not be a problem. Thanks again.
ISO recommendations for 3 nights near W. Hollywood. . .
Thank you so much. I am going to look these wonderful suggestions up and pick a few. I will prvide a full hound review when I return!
ISO recommendations for 3 nights near W. Hollywood. . .
I am in LA for 3 nights, from Toronto, with a dear friend, staying at the Sunset Tower Hotel. We are looking for some fun/trendy restaurants not too far away. Maybe not as high-end as Craft (though based on the reviews we may have to try it-loved it in NY). Possibly something a bit less high end with fun food and great cocktails.
Forgive me if this has been covered one way or another (and I'm sure it has). I've read through the posts but am not familiar enough with LA to be sure where some restaurants are located.
I found some recommendations for:
Redwood Bar
Patina
Providence
I am sure we will end up renting a car, so I suppose we can venture away a bit!
Thanks so much for any suggestions.
Two nights only in Troy/Birmingham. Where to go?
OK-2 months later I would like to thank Michigan Chowhounders for your wonderful suggestions.
We went to Kruse & Muer's Rochester Chop House. The service, atmosphere and menu were perfect. Even though it is part of a chain, it doesn't feel like it.
On the second night we went to Mon Jin Lau. The weather was beautiful and we sat on their lovely patio which was just lovely-- really nicely done.On a nice evening I highly recommend it.
We enjoyed a sampling of the entire menu and it was great. I also split one of their signature drinks with my friend. It was called a volcano or something. It was too big to finish, had a fire in the middle, and was absolutely perfect.
Thanks for all of your suggestions.
Indian Buffet, Richmond Hill... Lunch?
I haven't been to Indian Kitchen for the better part of a year (though have had take away a few months back) and have always found their food to be among the best in the city. I am sorry you don't agree, but IMO it is outstanding.
Indian Buffet, Richmond Hill... Lunch?
The Indian Kitchen at Yonge and Clarke in Thornhill is OUTSTANDING! I have never had the buffet but I have heard it is of the same quality as the regular menu.
http://www.theindiankitchen.ca/
Two nights only in Troy/Birmingham. Where to go?
Reservations have been made at Rochester (which I did realize was part of the kruse and muer family from their website). I am very excited and thank you so much for the info. I will let you know how it goes. And I made reservations at mon jin lau the second night, which seems to have lots of vegetarian options and will be steering quite clear of the Season Inn!
What butcher to get baby back ribs in Toronto?
I just bought some baby back ribs at Whitehouse at St. Lawrence Market on the weekend. The consensus was that they were absolutely wonderful. We often get them at Loblaws, but last time they were so bad (tough meat) we had to throw them away. We also sometimes get them at Bruno's (in Richmond Hill) and they are as good as the ones at Whitehouse, but way, way cheaper.
Two nights only in Troy/Birmingham. Where to go?
OK, boagman, you are trusted and it is scratched off the list (unless there is a fire and I happen to want some marshmallows!). Thanks.
Two nights only in Troy/Birmingham. Where to go?
xman887-May I ask why you like Rochester Chop better than Larco's? Better food, atmosphere? Are the Steaks better at one or the other?
I think we will go to mon jin lau if we are not with our vegan friend and inn season if we are, so thanks for recommending those restaurants.
Two nights only in Troy/Birmingham. Where to go?
Thanks, Jim M, both of those look like great options. Inn Season Cafe looks like a perfect idea!
Two nights only in Troy/Birmingham. Where to go?
I've read through all of the Boards and have narrowed down the choices to a few, and was hoping you could let me know your opinion. I am only in Troy for 2 nights, May 18 and 19--coming from Toronto.
My husband loves Steak, and I was thinking of trying Larco's, which was recommended. Is the Porterhouse good? Fish options acceptable? Is the Rochester Chop house worth trying instead?
On the second night we are with a vegan who loves La Shish. Food is ok, but the atmosphere is not great. Any other good vegan options?
Was also considering kruse & muer or mon jin lau for the second night, if we go out without the vegan. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks!
North of Lawrence restaurants
I agree with the Indian Kitchen recommendations, to me it is the best Indian in the city. The owner and much of the staff used to work at Cuisine of India.
Also on Yonge just North of Lawrence is Sapori Trattoria, which I think is a wonderful restaurant.
Younge and Sheppard - Any recs for group lunch?
There is also Baton Rouge right at Yonge and Sheppard. It is a very large restaurant, probably used to accomodating large groups.
