marc Bernstein's Profile
Restaurants I love, you hate
I happen to love Caplansky's and feel that he is special.
Closest thing to Schwartzes in my view in Toronto.
I also really love Yitzes,United Bakers,along with Chez Piggy in Kingston.
Other faves out of town:
Ottawa: Domus Cafe:
John Taylor is an extraordinary chef,and I think his place is one of the finest in Canada. I also love the scones at Scone Witch in Ottawa.
Places I can't stand: Studio Cafe, Mesis.
Other places that I am partial to:
Globe Bistro, Mildred's Temple Kitchen.
USA: Ponzios Diner in Cherry Hill,New Jersey.
Places that I think have slipped down in quality in Toronto:
Mama's Pizza, China House, Toni Baloni in Yorkville.
Seems alot of Chowhound Snobs have a hate on for Caplansky's Deli. Guess he isn't pretencious enough eh?!
I didn't know that Bill Clinton reviews Toronto restos for Chowhound!
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Domus
85 Murray St, Ottawa, ON K1N5M5, CA
Caplansky's
356 College Street, Toronto, ON M6J, CA
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
85 Hanna Avenue, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3, CA
Scone Witch
388 Albert St, Ottawa, ON K1R5B2, CA
Chez Piggy Restaurant
68R Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L1A5, CA
Joanne Kates still misses Ruby Chinese restaurant (moved from Ontario board)
First,I can't stand either Kates or Sara Waxman.
Second,to all the haters of Caplanskys Deli: GIVE THE MAN A BREAK.
He's doing his best and bringing back an old style Jewish deli for and to middle aged Jews in Toronto who recall the days of great deli places in the Spadina core.
I love food of any type.
My faves are Domus Cafe in Ottawa, Chez Piggy in Kingston,
Beauty in Montreal, 20 King Street in Kitchener, Vittoria Trattoria in Ottawa,
I also like Continental Bagel in Ottawa's Byward Market. I used to like Studio Cafe,but I feel it has changed and become too trendy. Both Mildred's Temple and Globe were special as far as I am concerned. For Bagels,I enjoy Bagel World, St.Urban Bagel. Scrambled Eggs at Bagel World are still really special. I hope that Marche will return to their former glory. I would never go to Sea Hi ,but I do like the "Dump" in Forest Hill. I'm amazed that "Marky's is still open-never like it-food was rotten,
place was dirty.
The now vanished Kosher gourmet restaurant, "Greenfield's" was in my opinion,one of the few kosher goumet fine dining places to cater to those who,like my late father,Jack Bernstein,who was and kept strictly Kosher,
a place of fine and highest quality kosher food that I feel tried very hard to be a Kosher Four Seasons.
I miss Greenfield's alot.
Very special place.
My sister,niece,nephew & I had a birthday dinner tonight at Mildred's Temple Kitchen.
We all think it is a very special place.
We took turns and shared many of the small little samplers.
A variety of very unusual flavors,which work well together.
Coffee is a lovely brew.
I had the meat dish, tenderloin: just extraordinary in every way.
From the beautifully flavored,understated mashed potatoes,sweet onions,sauce.
Desserts including a most interesting variation on a strawberry shortcake were all a perfect finish to a great,special meal. Noise was not too bad.
Service was warm and full of grace.
I noticed one waitress recalled me from Chez Piggy.
She told me she used to work there.
Expensive,but a hidden gem.
Definately will be back soon.
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Mildred's Temple Kitchen
85 Hanna Avenue, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3, CA
Chez Piggy Restaurant
68R Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L1A5, CA
Joanne Kates still misses Ruby Chinese restaurant (moved from Ontario board)
Joanne Kates' reviews have never impressed me. I have been to some extraordinary places in Ontario over the years: Domus Cafe probably is one of the finest restaurants anywhere. Inventive use of local Canadian produce,market fresh. Chef and service both unique,brilliant. Chez Piggy also has become a very fine place. As for Caplansky's Deli: Zane is trying very hard. While you can't compare it with Schwartzes in Montreal, (two are totally different,but still both marvelous) In Ottawa I used to enjoy having dinners at Vittoria Tratoria. I can't stand Marky's Deli. Too bad that former Frans went downhill in the last years. I would never go to Sea-Hi on Bathurst. Good,though lesser places to eat (out of town,diners) Wimpy's (Guelph-had lunch this past Saturday afternoon,cheeseburger was excellent
I'm having lunch with a business partner tomorrow in Guelph: how is the former Bookshelf Cafe?
I am having lunch tomorrow with a business partner in Guelph,how is the former Bookshelf Cafe? What places are good? (Bistros,cafes prefered)
My visits to Pickle Barrel @ Yonge+Eglinton on Thurs+Sunday evenings April 1+4
I had dinner at the Pickle Barrel this past week on Eglinton (once was a business dinner) First night,on Thursday evening,April 1 was good,better than I recall from last year. I tried the Passover dinner menu both nights. The good: Fried Matza with good fries. Ok matza bagel. The mediocre: chicken matza ball soup,flavor ok,matza ball fell apart and was not too good. Dessert was strawberry shortcake-very good. Dinner tonight was brisket, with brocoli,matza farfel. Brisket was blah,nothing special. Matza farfel was very good, but too small. Brocoli was fine. Not bad,but I don't think I'll return for a while. Service tries very hard to please.
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Pickle Barrel
312 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B1R4, CA
Yitzes,my dinner there last Saturday night
I had dinner at Yitzes last Saturday night. I go frequently,as I grew up with the original deli places like Shopsys,when Sam Shopsowitz owned it, Switzers,when they were downtown. Had hot tongue on rye, it was very good. Soup was matza ball,excellent. Had Yitzes special fries-they are really good too. Dessert was a mini apple pie,which I found to be very tasty and enjoyable-old fashioned. My late father,Jack Bernstein,former President of Famous Players personally knew Sam and Izzy Shopsowitz,as well as the original owners of Switzers,and Benny's Bagel. Sam Shopsowitz was involved in Variety Toronto (film industry) for many years. Yitzes and to me, Caplanskys deli are a return to the old fashioned glory days of Jewish Delis for Toronto. Katzes on Yorkdale is not in the same league as far as I'm concerned. Druxy's has a good roast beef samdwich,not great,it's ok,I wouldn't call it great deli. New Yorker Cafe on Bay below Bloor has fairly ok sandwiches,again they're good sandwiches,roast beef,not great,but ok if you are in the area. I hated Markys deli,it was horrible in every way. The meat was always very dry,place was filthy. Marc Bernstein. PS: I am one of those deli lovers to say give Zane a chance to succeed.
Chez Piggy, Lunch Friday afternoon March 12
I was in Kingston today and had lunch at Chez Piggy. I had their roast beef sandwich,on sour dough with arugala,carrot salad,dijon mustard and coffee. I think Chez Piggy's roast beef is their best item on their menu. Rare roast beef,very good dijon mustard,wonderful sour dough bread, arugala,excellent carrot salad. Service and food were top notch. Though at times Chez Piggy's menu (esp dinners) are quite ambitious and sometimes curiously uneven,their roast beef sandwich as well as their club house sandwiches are superb and worth the trip to Kingston. Both are excellent value. I have had some very fine dinners recently at Chez Piggy these past few months. Both the fish of the day as well as the steak are outstanding. Desserts are a special treat,also the fries. Pan Chancho's desserts (Scones) are superb too. I had the cranberry scone this afternoon at Pan Chancho and if you enjoy a good scone,these are truly special. Coffee was very good.
Caplanskys Deli: New Review
Shopsys was on Spadina many years ago before they moved to Front. Switzers and United Bakers were originally across from Victory Burlesque. Bennie's Bagel also was in the area, they had wonderful soups,esp cabbage. Yitzes has always been excellent as far as I'm concerned. Katzes deli (Yorkdale?) I found poor,meats were dry,soups were blah. Brown Derby in Montreal closed at least 10 years (or more) I love Schwartzes in Montreal and Caplanskys deli in Toronto equally,though I'd give the edge to Zane right now,as his smoked meat sandwiches and fries are fatty and perfect,in my opinion. United is still wonderful,I go each week. They no longer make the noodle and rice milk soup in their present location. Best things at UB are potato soup,vegie soup,been and barley. Dinners at UB: Noodles + cheese, kasha with onions, gefilte fish (pepper) fish + chips, latkas, in fact nearly everything is great, exceptions, their quiches, omelates, lasagnas. Not fond of their pizza bagels. Best bagels in Toronto: Bagel world, followed by St.Urban Bagel. Best breads? Health bread. Ryes,waterbreads,pumpernickels,black russian.
Caplanskys Deli: New Review
I know and value a special deli. Caplanskys is one of the best in my view. Coming from a family with links in the film business in Toronto,I remember Shopsys (the original,on Front Street,when both Sam Shopsowitz and Izzy still ran it, it was a very special deli,and my parents + I used to love to go there often. Then,it began to go downhill,once the family left the business. Katzes deli (Toronto) I was there once,it was nothing special. Meat was dry and tough. I never like the Kosher deli Markys. Aside from being dirty,the food was pretty bad. Since my late father was Kosher,we ate there but I found it unpleasant. I have always enjoyed Yitzes,they still do have good deli. I really want Caplanskys deli to succeed. I think Zane's smoked meat sandwiches are really great,and for me,it brings back fond memories of places like the original Shopsys,Switzers,The Noshery, and Bennie's Bagel. Though I miss Frans,it did go rapidly downhill the last few years. Bregmans also is missed by me. I feel that Zane is doing something very special. I have had quite a few bad meals at places in Toronto over the years: Messis, (haven't been back about 10 years) Studio Cafe, the last time I was at Bumpkins for dinner,it was average.
Caplanskys Deli: New Review
My family and I had a wonderful afternoon brunch at Caplanskys Deli today. We met Zane,he is such a mench. I had the lox and cream cheese platter. It was superb. Terrrific lox,great cream cheese, lovely Gryfe's Bagels. My sister had the scrambled eggs with lox and onions and schmaltz. My niece had the scrambled eggs,onions,+salami. I tasted both-boy,they were a real treat. We sampled kishka, it was really good. We also shared a smoked meat sandwich, with Zane's fantastic fries. That too was absolutely wonderful. Coffee was great. We all had desserts,shared cheese cakes (blueberry) sour cheery pie, + rubbarb-strawberry brown betty. The desserts continue to astonish us. They are super great. I took home a sandwich of smoked meat and a pickle for my dinner (which I just ate now) Zane's smoked meat and fries are so good,words fail me. I ordered it fatty,which it was,delightful! The staff made us all feel so much at home. They really care,and Zane does too. For me,as I recall Bennie's Bagel,Switzers,the original Shopsys.Zane's deli is a very special place. I will be back to have dinner on my own later this week. My niece,sister,nephew + myself had a lovely chat with Zane,and we wish him the best.
Bagel frustration
Bagel World has wonderful bagels,my family and I have enjoyed them for over 40 years! What a Bagel is good, St.Urban Bagel much better,Gryfe's (lovely soft bagels) Montreal has what I consider the finest bagels to my taste.
My lunch at Chez Piggy on Friday,February 5
In town Kingston yesterday on business,my business associate and I had lunch at Chez Piggy yesterday. I had the roast beef sandwich. He had the club sandwich. Both were very good,extremely enjoyable. Roast beef was served rare,on great sour dough bread. It came with a tasty carrot salad. Coffee was a nice,mild blend. Service was warm,very friendly,excellent. The roast beef sandwich should always remain on Chez Piggy's menu,as I feel it is one of their best things to have for lunch. So is the chicken club sandwich,which I have had before and often.
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Chez Piggy Restaurant
68R Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L1A5, CA
New review of Chez Piggy :Friday,December 4th
In Kingston last Friday for business: had lunch and supper at Chez Piggy. They brought back the rare roast beef sandwich on sourdough,with a great mustard. Came with a good carrot salad. Coffee was a nice,rich blend. Dinner was stuffed breast of chicken: flavor was lively,not too spicy. Orzo pilaf, lemon dressing,italian brocoli rabe,pesto sauce. Well-done!
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Chez Piggy Restaurant
68R Princess St, Kingston, ON K7L1A5, CA
My dinner at Caplansky's last night: A Review
I hope to try the chicken matza ball soup next time I'm there. Want to try his hot tongue,as well as brisket. A few items I'd like to see added to the breakfast and dinner menu: Fried Matza (never found a place that does this well) Mushroom + barley soup: Yitzes has one,sometimes,but it is variable in taste. On another topic,love to see or find a Kosher gourmet restaurant. There was one,years ago: Greenfields: but it is long gone-I miss it. I hated the kosher deli Markeys: I found the food terrible. I really want Zane to succeed,as I feel there is a good market.
My dinner at Caplansky's last night: A Review
Last night,my sister,niece and nephew and I had dinner at Caplanky's. We all loved it! Smoked meat: all of us had smoked meat sandwiches. One of us had lean,my sister medium. I had fatty. They were fantastic. My smoked meat sandwich was beautifully flavored,tender,juicy,delightful. My sister ordered the soup of the day (they were out of matza ball soup. pity,as I really wanted to try it . She had the cabbage soup: we all agreed it was not good. No flavor,weak. Kiska: we tried it: Interesting,but uneven. Major let down was chopped liver: kind of on sour side. Fries: also great. Coleslaw: very good. Coffee was a nice,rich blend. The servers are so nice,they really do a good job. The vibe in the place is lovely. Desserts: we all shared: cheesecake, (Blueberry) (white chocolate-mm.good) Apple cake: what a great treat! Sour cherry pie: terrific. Amazing: not often desserts in a deli are so incredibly good. Definately will go back for a breakfast, and later a lunch. Zane deserves so much credit: he is bringing back something that has long been missing for Toronto Jews: an old fashioned deli.
Dinner at Caplansky's tonight (first time for myself+my family.)
Tonight my family and I are having dinner at Caplansky's for the first time. As a long time deli lover, I'm esp looking forward to this! Will let you know what I thought. Growing up with the original,lamented,late Shophys (when Shopsowitz was the owner) plus Switzers and Benny's Bagel,along with the Noshery,I have specially fond memories.
Yitzes: New Review
I had dinner last night at Yitzes Deli. Mushroom and Barley Soup: ( abit too thick) Hot Tongue on a Kaiser Roll. I enjoyed the Tongue sandwich. I still haven't tried Caplanskys. Though my sister,niece and nephew are taking me out to dinner tonight, so hopefully we'll get to try it. I love smoked meats,but wonder how they compare with Schwartzes in Montreal? (going to Montreal on holiday this Thurs) How is Caplansky's roast beef?
Holiday in Montreal next week: November 5-8: exploring Old Montreal restaurants-ideas?
Taking holiday in Montreal (visiting relatives) next week: November 5-8: Will be exploring bistros in Old Montreal: (aside from Schwartz's Deli and Beauty's, (which I definately will visit) plus bring back Montreal bagels,I want to explore some restaurants in the Old Montreal area-only place I know of and have enjoyed is a pasta bar in Old Montreal-I love seafood,plus steaks. Though I have an allergy to smoked meat,I have outgrown it,mostly-I love Montreal smoked meat too. Staying at Hotel de la Montagne. It has been a few years since I was in Montreal,always loved a little bistro in Ogilvy- anyone know of it? As my relatives live in the Outremount area,what restaurants are worth a trip? Lastly,as I'm going to travel by Via Rail,first class service,what has been your recent experiences with their hot meals? On a separate subject,how is Chez Piggy /Pan Chancho these days? (going this Friday on a one day business /archive trip to Kingston) There a place in Kingston where I can buy a good apple (homemade) pie to take home? (for my family)
Guelph: How is the Bookshelf Cafe?
I am making a business trip tomorrow to Guelph: I wonder how is the Bookshelf Cafe? They used to be very good. I may stop in Cambridge later that afternoon or evening,is Lily Ruth's still open? These two places were on my special list,along with 20 King,and of course,Domus Cafe. As I am planning a late fall business trip/holiday in Ottawa,Domus was always one of my favorite places,along with Montreal's Beauty. The long wait at Beauty (I have relatives in both Ottawa and Montreal) can be frustrating,but I love the food,bagels and atmosphere there. On a final note,what ever happened to London Ontario's "Sebastians"?
Yitzes: Recent visit last Monday night
I recently had dinner at Yitzes last Monday night. I had chicken matza ball soup, and hot tongue sandwich. The soup was good. I really enjoyed the hot tongue sandwich. Though my niece,nephew and sister keep urging me to go to Caplanskys,as I love Montreal Smoked meats,hot tongue sandwiches,hotdogs,roast beef. (esp brisket) Is it worth a trip?
My lunch and dinner at Chez Piggy: September 25
September 25 I was in Kingston on business. I had lunch and dinner at Chez Piggy. Both were excellent. Lunch was Chicken Club Sandwich. Bread was great,clubhouse sandwich was filling,very enjoyable. Wish they'd bring back the roast beef sandwich. Dinner was fish special: trout baked,with a lemon sauce,rice,string beans. The trout was cooked perfectly,string beans tender,very tasty. Chez Piggy has grown and become a special place for me.
Ponzio's Diner: Cherry Hill: New Review from a Canadian
The past week of August 20-25,I was on vacation in Cherry Hill,New Jersey. I had two wonderful dinners at Ponzio's: Thursday evening,August 20,and Sunday evening,August 23rd. Both times the food,service,lovely,fun,warm family-style atmosphere and a most interesting,expanded menu,along with food (old fashioned diner type) my cousins and I all raved about it. First night,I had a lovely salad: excellent,of course Ponzio's bread (cheese breads) are worth a long flight from Toronto. For my main course,I had a grilled chicken sandwich on a kaiser roll. Year after year,as long as I can recall,Ponzio's is still going strong. Thesecond night,I had scallops-they were very tender, and extremely generous,with a terrific lemon-butter sauce,brocoli,rice pilaf,all were a great treat,simply wonderful beyond mere words. Since my cousin and are both diabetics,we opted to try the one sugar free dessert on Ponzio's menu: Sugar-free apple pie. Would that they might in future have more sugar free pies,cakes,sugar-free vanilla,chocolate ice cream? Coffee was a rich,lively,smooth blend. Our waitresses welcomed us as if we are regulars. (They are,I'm not,still there's no mistaking rare sincerity and special golden warmth of our service. For this Canadian from Toronto,Ponzio's Diner will always remain my special place in the Philadelphia-Cherry Hill,New Jersey area. Marc Bernstein.
Fork Bistro: a review
Last Monday afternoon,August 24th,my cousin and I had an afternoon lunch at Fork Bistro. It was extraordinary. We both had the same grilled chicken wrap,which was truly inspired. It had an Asian flavor. Service,atmosphere,warmth of our greeting,it couldn't have been more enjoyable. I visit Philadelphia and the Cherry Hill,New Jersey area once yearly,this bistro is a gem. It is a warm,very welcoming place. I will be back there again. Marc Bernstein.
Looking for a great gourmet chocolate shop (gift for cousin in USA) Plus good gourmet coffee shop (for ground coffee)
The next two days,I am searching for a good gourmet chocolate shop in the Bayview,Manor Road area, as I am visiting a cousin in Cherry Hill,New Jersey this week-end and as he's a diabertic,I want to get him something very fine,preferably sugar-free dark and milk chocolate truffles,or fudge. I recall a wonderful gourmet chocolate shop in the Bayview+Manor Road area of Toronto. I want something hand made,in the shop,from fine Belgium,or Swiss chocolate. Preferably looking for a place that designs things like a chocolate CD. Also,while I'm in the area tomorrow afternoon,I am looking for a place that sells their own gourmet blends of coffee (also a gift) Many years ago in the same area,I recall a really lovely little bistro called "Jake's". Is it still open? Anyone know of it or tried it? I remember that Jake's (or Jake's?) served great sandwiches. Lastly: a question: Loblaws President's Choice Low Sugar cookies: opinions from chowhounds?
Celebrated my 53rd birthday last night at Globe on Danforth:It was wonderful,special.
My sister,niece and nephew took me out to dinner last night at Globe on Danforth to celebrate my 53rd birthday. Everything about the Globe truly was a very special wonderful night. The food,service,atmosphere was extraordinary. I am astonished that this gem is not more known. I ordered their steak: medium rare,as asked,fries (golden) were so good. The steak, from Cumbrae Farms,aged and cooked with fine herbs,clarified butter,horseradish, which melted into the steak,giving it a mellow,very special flavor. we all shared, my sister ordered a whitefish dinner,with spinach,morel mushrooms,she said she can't recall having such extraordinary food ever. My niece had a risotto with mushrooms,a wonderful goat cheese sauce,though rich,we all agreed that too was beautifully prepared. My nephew ordered duck: haven't had duck this good in years. (I love duck,last time I had it,at Ler Select (before they moved,it was ok,nothing special,rather tough. We all shared desserts: though I'm a diabetic,it was a special night+a celebration. Their ice creams,made on the spot,mixed savory and sweet-unforgettable-flavors like Stawberry and Pepper,or Vanilla and Sage. I had a Tartufo: I have no words to describe it-except wow! A white chocolate shell,fresh ontario peaches,peach ice cream,caramel popcorn brittle. Had to be careful when I ate the caramel popcorn brittle-they're very hard-can break one's teeth. Coffee: I had decalf: better than most coffees. Local farming. Waiters,the staff,owner all looked after us,made us feel at home. My sister is a film executive in Toronto with Paramount: in her view,film stars would love the place. Quiet,sustainable farming,intelligent,non-fawning staff,in an old building (used to be a theatre) a bit out of the way. A separate,private upstairs dining room. I hope this place will receive more publicity. It deserves to be better known. I previously worked as chierf screening room projectionist for Famous Players for 28 years,so I did many screenings (private ones) for film stars. Marc Bernstein
Hamburgers: Searching for a good hamburger restaurant in Toronto
Searching for a good hamburger restaurant in Toronto. Is the Senator diner still open? Want to have something like a great cheeseburger,or a hamburger,( like a diner. ) Also: Kingston: Chez Piggy: anything new with their lunch or dinner menu? Marc
My birthday is coming Aug 1: Looking for new place to go to dinner with my family+friends
My 53rd birthday is coming on August 1. My sister+niece+Nephew are taking me to dinner on my birthday. Looking at a new restaurant to go to dinner that I have not tried before. I like French bistro,or something that uses fresh local produce,fish from Toronto /Ontario. Areas of city: Annex, beaches perhaps, or by Lake Ontario /waterfront. Also searching for a good gourmet Kosher bistro (not deli) something small,quiet,on a nice side street. Marc.
Studio Cafe: New Review: Saturday,July 11.
This past Saturday,July 11, I had a late lunch at Studio Cafe (at 5:00:PM) It was not on their menu: but the waiter knows me. I had a large salad: beefsteak tomatoes,boston lettuce,in a light,nice raspberry balsamic dressing. It was very good. Service was good. Later in the evening,about 8:00:PM, had late supper at Yitzes Deli. Soup of the day: Barley+Mushroom: it was ok. Thick,but tasty,enjoyable. Sandwich : Hot Tongue on Rye. excellent. Really enjoyed it. Think Yitzes still one of Toronto's better delis. Haven't been to Moe Pancers in many years. Exploring Jewish (? Kosher?) Delis of Thornhill area. Anything worth trip? I don't drive. (Use TTC,or local transit) Question for chowhounds: Sebastians in London (Ont) Still exist? Where? Where can I find sugar-free cookies? Want to buy them as present before an August trip to Southern New Jersey for a cousin (he's a diabetic) Does President's Choice make any low sugar or sugar free cookies? Anyone been back to "The Dump" (Spadina + Lonsdale) ? Marc.
Bloor Street Diner: Are they still good?
Thanks for the info+advice. Because I'm self employed,my income is variable. I always have liked Studio Cafe, but find their prices high for my budget now. Bloor Street Diner always has had good value,I like their food,their menus. Their hamburgers and roast beef,as well as pasta dishes and steaks,chicken dishes are very good as far as I am concerned. I've gone there at least 20 years. I like the atmosphere,the service is good for most part. The VIP card is also good-I'm hoping my points are enough for dinner. As for eggnog,I like President's Choice (not the bottled one) Where can I get a good Christmas Fruitcake? Another question: Is Sebastians of London still in business? Lastly,what happened to Cafe Mozart in Kitchener? (I loved the place)
