Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service

As mentioned I'm not into AYCE Japanese but felt the urge to try based on this post.
I was not expecting Zen-like quality, but was expecting something with freshness and taste, both of which I did not experience.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Big Meal, a new Japanese all-you-can-eat with table service

I just tried Big Meal for the first time. I am not one for AYCE japanese food but I was longing to try this new restaurant based on all the positive reviews here. I'm not sure if I was expecting a big wow because of the reviews here, but I was greatly disappointed and do not have plans to return again.

Yes, the presentation were nice and hoping to eat into something scrumptious , I was constantly disappointed.

The fresh sashimi was not so fresh and tasted quite bland. I had the salmon, red tuna, butter fish and shrimp.

I tried 2 different rolls which were also tasteless.

Had some unagi hand rolls, though the filling was nice with a good portion of unagi, avocado, cucumber... it was really tasteless.

We had some baked mussels as well, which did not taste fresh.
Our grilled beef ribs were very chewy and tasted like it was just boiled and then grill marks were placed on them.

The tempura shrimp and vegetables had a "hard" batter that made it difficult to bite into.
I should mention that we ordered the tempura when we first arrived and after about an hour, we inquired about it and they quickly brought it out to us afterwards.

This place is understaffed hence the slow service, but the ladies are trying to do their best.
They are continuously apologizing for the slow service in getting the food out or in clearing the plates.

I think the best part for me was the sesame seed ice cream.

Originally I did not want to write a negative posting and was holding back because of all the praise it was getting on this post... I was wondering if it was just me...
but really, I can't see myself returning as I really felt the food was tasteless.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Where to find good Sushi in Vail Valley

Looking for a good quality sushi restaurant in the Vail area. "Reasonable" pricing would be a plus.
Would prefer something near Vail Village/Lionshead but would be willing to drive a short distance.
Thanks.

minto in Mountain States

Driving from Denver Int'l to Vail

Thanks.
unfortunately I'll be leaving before then.

I'lll be back throughout the season though.
What are your thoughts on the Taste of Vail in April? The "picnic" event at the top of the mountain?

minto in Mountain States

Driving from Denver Int'l to Vail

Thanks for the tips Thime.
I managed to get a 1 day rate for under $70 taxes included for a full size car with a drop off in EGE for early January which I thought was a great rate.
As I will be staying in Vail for 3 weeks this time around, I wanted a car to do a major grocery trip before having to do it by bus.

minto in Mountain States

Driving from Denver Int'l to Vail

Thank you all (C+C,Thimes, Robyn and BlueOx) for your help.
Yes, it sounds like Kermit is the place that I was thinking but with no "gotta go" comments I will pass.

From Denver Int'l I will only be renting a car for 1 day, getting myself to Vail plus the grocery shopping and returning the car to EGE the following day. Worked out a lot cheaper doing it this way for 2 of us than taking the CME shuttle. ECO bus back to Vail. Just hope the road conditions will be good that day.

I think I'll stop by the Costco in Arvada as it's enroute to Vail.... and have my "gourmet" lunch there (hot dog???)

The Superior Label lamb, I assume from CO would be sold in the fresh meat area?

I noticed that people mention City Market as oppose to Safeway... is it a much better supermarket?

BlueOx: i enjoy reading your comments on this board.

minto in Mountain States

Driving from Denver Int'l to Vail

Any suggestions for places to stop on enroute for lunch?

I remember seeing about half way through this drive there is a small restaurant all by itself, down a hill from I-70. It seems like a bbq/smokehouse type of place. I believe it was near where there is a colourful overhead sign on I-70 that I think said "Colorado Springs".
If anyone knows which restaurant I'm thinking about, could you please comment if it's worthwhile stopping here and if so, what exit is it?

Also wondering if someone could help me out with regards to the Costo that I see from I-70 from the drive from Denver Int'l to Vail. Maybe around Silverthorne area???
If you could please tell me which "city" this is considered or if you know the interstate exit # that would be great.
Wondering if you think the steaks at this Costco are good... or if you could suggest where else in Vail to purchase good steaks.

Thanks.

minto in Mountain States

California Roll AYCE on Bayview

Has anyone tried this place yet?
I was wondering if it was worth going to.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Internet Coupon meal experiences please

Does anyone have opinions on the Chiado coupon?
Earlier postings on it were not great so was wondering if I should try and get a refund on it.
I have the 5-course tasting menu one. Thx

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

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Where to eat at Queen and Bathurst

I'll be in the area for dinner and was looking for suggestions.
From inexpensive to mid-price range.
No Indian or spicy food.
Thanks

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Weeknight Dinner Options near Canon Theatre

Looking for other suggestions near the Canon theatre.
I have only about 1 1/2 hrs so would prefer non-fine dining.
Thanks

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Good lunch at Don Mills and York Mills?

Wonder Pho at I believe 865 York Mills , in the same plaza as Galleria.
Very tasty Vietnamese with reasonable pricing.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Affordable restuarant/venue for rehearsal dinner

Perhaps you can check out quince on yonge st south of eglinton.
They have a private space on the lower level.
Maybe they can work out a reasonably priced menu for you

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Best Doughnuts in Toronto

I have to say that Epi Bread is my all time favorite for doughnuts.
Love the custard filling one.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

What happened to old-fashioned household string?

Perhaps you can try some Chinese grocery or houseware store.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Suggestions for lunch off QEW / Lakeshore

Looking for suggestions for lunch anywhere from Toronto to Oakville off the QEW or Lakeshore?
Looking for low to mid price range, any type of food. Free parking. thanks

-----
Lakeshore Restaurant
2390 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M8V1C3, CA

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Nota Bene...anyone been recently?

Was wondering if anyone has been here recently and is it worth going to.
What would be good to order?

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Best Prices this Week for: Unsalted Butter, Large Eggs, Baker's Chocolate, Unbleached Flour, Rice Krispies etc.

Shoppers Drug Mart has eggs @ $1.99 with a limit of 2, and after limit @ $2.29
and butter is @ $2.99 with limit of 4, and after limit @ $3.99

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Looking for good value restaurants in Vail

I'm here in Vail now but no new snow for a while.
We dined at Centre V which was quite good. We had the cod and venison loin, both cooked perfectly.

Had dinner at Russel's. I had the ribeye but was not impressed with it. There was not much marbling to it so was quite dry tasting eventhough it was cooked med-rare. My friend had the grilled salmon which was great.

Dinner at Pepi's was very good. We had the jaegar (sp?) schnitzel and the vegetarian strudel.

Dinner at Montauk Seafood was pretty good. Had the mussels, lobster mac and cheese and the trio ahi appetizers. Service was great.

We did our "picnic". We picked up a whole chicken, veggies and ready mashed potatoes from Safeway and made 2 meals out of that.

Some specials that I've seen offered:
As Alpine Chef made note, there is a 3 course for $30 at Ludwig's on Wed/Thur/Sun nights. We will try that out later in the week.
Bistro Fourteen up at Eagle's Nest is offering buy one get one free entree on Tues nights. Any comments on food here?
I believe Game Creek is offering 30% off.
Up the Creek is offering 30% off entrees between 4-6pm plus I think 30% off wine anytime.

minto in Mountain States

Looking for good value restaurants in Vail

Thanks everyone for all the postings and of the links. I assumed there wouldn't be much on offer during January but thought I'd give it a try. I've done a number of reservations as I will be headed there soon. Is there any of the following I should cancel? (Up the Creek is one of my favourite places in Vail so will definitely be going there)
Centre V
Russell's
Pepi's
Montauk Seafood
Campo d'Fiori
Alpenrose
Terra Bistro
Cucina Rustico

Thinking of having some pizza from Old Forge one night.

Not sure if any of you purchase food on the mountain, but there is a meal card on offer by Vail Resorts. Buy $240 card for $200. Hence my reservations at Centre V and Cucina, where the card is valid.

minto in Mountain States

Looking for good value restaurants in Vail

Has anyone found any good valued or special promos for this month in Vail.
Tasty food is a must. I'm looking for restaurants in either Vail Village or Lionshead area.

minto in Mountain States

Looking for high end Sunday brunch place

Thanks everyone for your replies.
I think the King Eddy will be high on the list.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Looking for high end Sunday brunch place

Wanting to celebrate a special occassion with about 30-40 people.
Am looking for suggestions for buffet with roast beef and seafood.
Thanks

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Ruths Chris - half price gift card

thanks ace123 and ylsf for the update.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Ruths Chris - half price gift card

Has anyone used their gift cards yet? If so, was there any problem using it to cover taxes.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Suggestions for 65 people, max $35 inclusive

I am looking for suggestions on where to have a dinner party where people can mingle.
There will be all age groups attending from toddlers to seniors.
Chinese buffet comes to mind but am wondering if there is something I am missing.
If it's buffet, where would you recommend?
Is there any good japanese self serve buffet?

I would like to spend a max of $35pp including tax and tips.
Free parking is a must. Mid Toronto, Scarborough, Markham or Richmond Hill preferred.

Thanks

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

Weekday dim sum: Dragon, Casa, Empire or Grass Mt?

Is the special at Spring Villa on Sundays only or is it 7 days a week?
Do you know if there is a one price special after a certain time (perhaps 2pm??)

Where exactly is Yang's? Dragon Boat?

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

ISO Chinese Banquet Food $600

Thanks KevinB. Ambassador sounds like a good option.
Was looking for tasty food and nice ambience.... good value menu would be a plus.

Does anyone know about O'Mei banquet style menus?

There was also mention on another post, but can't remember the restaurant names.
I think there was one at 16th Ave and Spadina in Richmond Hill or also one on Leslie St north of 16th in the "airport" looking mall. Any comments on these restaurants?

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)

ISO Chinese Banquet Food $600

Looking for a place for dinner for 10 people that we can order a banquet style meal.
Wanting it to be in the Scarborough/Richmond Hill/ Markham or North York area.
Cost to be maximum $600 with tax and tip included. Thanks.

minto in Ontario (including Toronto)