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AJMC791's Profile

Uptown/midtown drinks and apps for a group

Hi hounds,
I am planning as reunion for about 40-50 people in the summer, and am looking For a spot that will be conducive to mingling. Maybe with a patio ( though not a requirement). Price isn't really an issue. Looking for it to be north of bloor, south of York mills, between bayview and avenue.

Some ideas were carens, bar centrale or globe earth... Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated

Which restaurants do you visit most frequently?

Dynasty
The Rebel House
Osteria e cicerie
Allen's
5 doors North
Quanto Basta
Origin
Four
O & B
Rodneys by Bay
Beer bistro

second date ideas needed

Although I really like Earls for after-work drinks, I wouldn't be so happy to go there for a date. The waitresses tend to be hired for their looks... not a male server in sight, and it can get pretty crowded Friday after work.
For something more relaxed (i.e. not fine dining) in the general downtown area I'd suggest Rodneys by Bay, The Beer Bistro, or La Bettola di Terroni (sit up at the bar)

Have fun

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Beer Bistro
18 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4, CA

Anyone been to Madeleine's on Bathurst

Hi Fellow Hounds,

Looking for any information on Madeleine's on Bathurst. I'm looking to have an Afternoon Tea baby shower there, and just wondered if anyone could comment on the food, atmosphere, space...etc. Looking to have about 15 people, and not sure if there will be space. Our second choice is the Hyatt for tea (the windsor arms is a little bit pricy)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Content in George Brown Regional Cuisine Courses

I am looking to register for one of the George Brown Culinary Arts Continuing Education classes, and wondered if anyone had taken any of the following classes, and might be able to offer an opinion on if the content was good.

Northern Italian
Southern Italian
Meditteranean
Fish
French Farmhouse
Sauces and Marinades

I have taken culinary arts 1 and baking arts 1, and would welcome any opinions of additional courses. (positive or negative)

Thanks in advance.

Chowhound's Own Top 10 Restaurants of GTA

also, in no particular order

Origin
reds
George
Cava
Rodneys By Bay
Terroni
Foxley
Torito
Harbord Room
Nota Bene

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Foxley
207 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J2Z8, CA

Torito
276 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T2L9, CA

Cava
1560 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 2S9, CA

Harbord Room
89 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S1G4, CA

Nota Bene
180 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2A1, CA

Dynasty to Reopen Saturday, December 18, 2010

Has anyone been yet????

URGENT - YONGE AND ST CLAIR FOR LUNCH THIS WEEK

Not particularly "ethnic" in the traditional sense of the word, but Didier has a fantastic prix fixe for $38.

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/weekly-lunch-pick/2010/11/15/weekly-lunch-pick-the-38-trust-the-chef-prix-fixe-at-didier/

Birthday restaurant recommendation with good food and good atmosphere?

In terms of a group of girls for a fun and yummy dinner, I'd suggest Origin or Foxley.

Foxley won't take a reservation, but they'll take your cell number when you arrive and you can go for a drink up or down ossington while you wait.
Both places have a "small-plates" menu, but as a self-proclaimed foodie - I love having the ability to try lots of different things. Plus, I loved the cocktails at Origin.
Have a great time

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Foxley
207 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J2Z8, CA

Boys Night Out

I'd suggest the "captains table" at Rodneys Oyster House... great food, and you can be as loud as you'd like.

which resto to try next?

I've been to both Origin and Luma in the past couple of weeks, and while they were both good, I wasn't blown away by either.

It was the second time I'd been to Origin, and was somewhat less impressed than the first time. Though the vibe was still really great.

Luma was very good, but the atmosphere was somewhat "meh".

Just my 2 cents, but I'd agree with trying Ruby Watchco.

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Ruby Watchco
730 Queen St E, Toronto, ON , CA

Luma
330 King St W, Toronto, ON , CA

Summerhill Market - Anniversary Sale on Now

I've had the rotisserie chicken.... its just okay...

I was at the sale on Wednesday, and got the BBQ half chicken, which was on for 3.99 I think, and it was really good. Still partial to the mac and cheese and pot pies though....

September 2010 Cookbook of the Month VOTING (Through Mon., 8/23)

AD HOC

2 Birthdays in 2 Days - Florence dinner recs

thanks... we will check it out for sure.

From searching this board, and from friends are considering Acqua al due and perhaps Teatro del Sale... any thoughts or has anyone been recently?

2 Birthdays in 2 Days - Florence dinner recs

My husband and I have birthdays on Saturday and Sunday respectively this week. We will be celebrating in Florence, and have yet to make any dinner plans.

We will be staying right in Florence, and are looking for 2 differnt restaurants at which to celebrate.

Price isn't really an issue, though would rather avoid somewhere very fancy... (read, uptight) Would like somewhere with great food, wine, and a fun atmosphere.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

pei food?!

second the Ship to Shore rec... so good.... especially the crab cakes...

Review of week in PEI

We just spent a fantastic week on the island, and I wanted to mention some of the places we had meals at, for any people planning trips in the near future.

1 - The Pilot House (Charlottetown) - Lunch
We've eaten here in the past, as it is always fantastic. The Fish & Chips are great, and this time we also shared a delicious Lobster & Goat Cheese Bruschetta.

2- Peakes (Charlottetown) - Lunch
I am certain that the reason this place is so busy, is because of the view, not the food. The view of the water from the large, open deck here is fantastic... the food however, it mediocre at best. I had a very small portion of bacon wrapped scallops (which arrived with a kraft package of cocktail sauce).. and my husband had some sort of sandwich... also just okay. I will say, though... that the frozen drinks that the people at the next table were enjoying looked great.

3 - Formosa Tea House (Charlottetown) - Snack
Amazing selection of cold and hot teas.... served in a very cute asian-style room. I had a yummy taro milk bubble tea. There is also a small food menu here, which I would advise people to avoid. I had spring rolls (which I watched them microwave) which were almost inedible, and cold soba noodles (okay, but very bland) .

4 - Ship to Shore (Darnley - near Malpeque) - Dinner
This may have been my favorite meal of the whole week, the food was exceptional. We had read about it in En Route Magazine, as it was ranked one of the best new restaurants in Canada in 2009. A little off the beaten path, but entirely worth it!! The restaurant is very casual, with a seafood counter for takeout on the side. We sat on a covered patio, overlooking Malpeque bay. The menu is large and varied, with a great (and reasonable) wine list. They brought us warm, homemade bread prior to ordering. I had the crab cakes to start - with delicious homemade tartar sauce, and my husband had seafood chowder. For mains, we had scallops (large portion, perfectly seared) with brown butter sauce and halibut with green goddess sauce. Both entrees were served with homemade potato salad, and a side. We will definitely be returning.

5 - Carrs (Stanley Bridge) - Lunch
This restaurant is in a great location, with a lovely deck overlooking stanley bridge. The menu is large, and mostly typical, casual food. Though it is inexpensive, and always very very fresh. I like the lobster club sandwich in particular.

6 - Chez Yvonne (Cavendish) - Breakfast
This restaurant does all of its own baking, so I really enjoyed the homemade toast that comes with breakfast. It is an affordable, casual spot for breakfast - especially if you're heading to one of the nearby golf courses, Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Ann of Green Gables, or the Sandspit for the day, as it sits right in the middle of Cavendish.

7 - The Pearl (?) - Brunch
Best brunch I have had in a long time. Fresh, inventive food in a beautiful farmhouse. Truly worth visiting.

8- Brothers 2 (Summerside) - Dinner
This large restaurant was surprisingly good. They are featuring a lobster menu for the summer (off which, I had a creamy lobster bisque) - but the menu is large and varied. My entree (halibut) was perfectly prepared, and there were lots of non-seafood options as well. This was a perfect place to go prior to the show (Anne & Gilbert) which was playing nearby.

9- Que (Charlottetown) - Dinner
This restaurant is attached to The Pilot House and, therefore serves the same menu (sharing the same kitchen). The atmosphere is slightly more upscale though. Trying to decide what to have for dinner was the only challenge. From wonderful flatbread pizzas, chowders, fresh seafood to steak... we loved eating here.

Hope this helps!

South of Temperance

just west of Ninki

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Ninki
40 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H3Y2, CA

Fathers Day near Rogers Centre

My dad loves Rodneys Oyster House on King (just west of Spadina)... food is great, and the atmosphere is really fun.

Other options in walking distance are close enough to walk to, but far enough to not be caught in the tourist traps around the Rogers Centre... and are relatively "dad-friendly"... (depending on your dad) would include Le Select (wellington), Beer Bistro (king & Yonge), or the Keg on York Street.

Go Jays.!

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Beer Bistro
18 King St. E, Toronto, ON M5C 1C4, CA

Le Select
432 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V1E3, CA

South of Temperance

Anyone know when this place is opening? I had read that it was slated to open June 7th, though passing by today... it certainly wasn't open yet.

Late Weekday Lunch Downtown

Attending a matinee at the Four Seasons Centre (University & Adelaide) and would like to go for a late lunch afterwards (4pm-ish)

Always looking to try new places, so any suggestions for a great meal are appreciated. Although, I enjoy most of them... the following places are ones that I have already been to in the area... Reds, Rodneys by Bay, Mercatto, Terroni, Nota Bene, Queen Mother, Beer Bistro, Ki, Bymark, Jump, Ninki, Vertical and Canoe.
Preferably we'd like somewhere relatively close (walking distance). The thought of Frank at the AGO has crossed my mind, or something like Queen & Beaver or Duggans Brewery....but I'd really like to hear any suggestions that anyone has. Cost is fairly open, though... would rather not break the bank.

Thanks.

Dinner before movie at Varsity

How about Wish (3 Charles St.)

I havnt been there since they re-opened, but it is a very quick walk to the Varsity. In the past, I have really enjoyed my meals there, and always reasonably priced.

Great patio out front for people watching...

Help- Parents 50th anniversary Party- Aug 20th- looking for a waterfront location. All suggestions welcome!!

How many guests are you looking to have?

I agree with the recommendation for the Balmy Beach Club. I know that it used to be the "place to go" for dancing about 60 years ago... so if your parents grew up in the city, they might have gone there themselves.

Another option might be the Boulevard Club on Lakeshore Blvd.. I attended a wedding there last year, which was lovely. I am not sure about whether or not you can use your own caterer, but may be worth considering.

good luck!

Good Food and Patio in TO?

My favorite patio is at Grace on College. The food is fantastic and they have a front patio (for sun, and people watching) and a back patio (a covered, little oasis) .

Victoria Day- Open Restaurants

On holidays, I usually check opentable.com, then call the restaurant to follow up.

A quick check of it shows Colborne Lane, Chiado, Amaya, Rodneys by Bay and Sidecar open this monday.

good luck!

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Chiado
864 College Street West, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3, CA

Colborne Lane
45 Colborne Street, Toronto, ON M5E 1P8, CA

Amaya
1574 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4G3B7, CA

ISO Indian Candy

I've had it at Rodneys Oyster House on King Street West

Table 17 Quick Review

So I went onto the website to see this "line-caught" bass thing... (which, does seem somewhat suspect)... but in the process I noticed 2 things, perhaps worth mentioning

1 - Sunday and Monday - 3 course prix fixe $32
and
2 - can BYOW sundays and mondays with no corkage.

Table 17 Quick Review

yes. that was it!!!

it was served with roasted tomatillo, avocado puree, and some sort of poblano sauce also.
I particularly liked that it was a nicely sized piece of fish too, not a miniscule portion.

Table 17 Quick Review

yes! thats the word. thanks. :)

Table 17 Quick Review

This was posted a little while ago... so thought I'd share a new "quick review" seeing as though my SO and I were at Table 17 for dinner last night

1 - Service was very good. Attentive, helpful, and very pleasant.

2 - Atmosphere - again, really good. Our reservation was for 8pm. The restaurant was full both when we arrived, and when we left. The room was "buzzing", without being too loud, or being too close to the table beside us

3 - Wine List - just okay. The sign outside the restaurant said they were featuring wine from Piedmonte, but 2 of the 4 feature wines were sold out. We ended up having a nice Barbera, but would have liked a little more choice. Though, I should mention that there were quite a few wines at a good price point (under 60)

4 - Finally, the food...

- Charcuterie Plate & Marinated Olives - nice assortment, and tasty, but not up to the same standard as Reds, Black Hoof, or Cava (IMO)
- Shitake Consumme - delicious, light and tasty broth (whats that word to describe the 5th taste??? the word is escaping me.. but it was that!)...
- My SO had Diver Scallops - they were absolutely incredible!!! Best scallops I have had in years.
- For mains - I had trout and my SO had cod. Both were excellent. Tasty, and perfectly prepared. Brussel sprouts with bacon for a side dish was amazing also
- No dessert....we were stuffed....

overall, we loved Table 17 and will return soon.

-

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Table 17
782 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4, CA