jjmellon, this board isn't about KW, but I will respectfully disagree with you. I can easily name six restaurants that would not be considered expense account or owned by the same company.

I'm looking for the places locally that interest me and that's why I read this board. I will happily report back on any interesting places that I find - first I need to find them.

Menu looks promising. I hope to check it out in the coming months. Thanks!

Great analogy Gormlaith! I have visited Buster Rhino's on many occasions since moving for similar reasons. I know I'm going to get a great meal.

I had a decent meal at Chatterpauls, but $13 for a starter salad was a little crazy! And we've eaten at Azian a few times with some success.

We live in Courtice, so I like to stay in the Oshawa/Bowmanville border for most meals. Can someone tell me a sushi place that's not AYCE?! Bonus points if it's good.

I'm not sure why all the crappy restaurants congregate in Durham region. Having just moved her from KW, where there was a decent selection of independent restaurants, we are so disappointed.

Bhima's Warung in Waterloo. IMO, the best restaurant in KW.

Oh wow, this is great. I'm drooling! Looks like I didn't plan enough time in Stowe. I think we will also need to plan a return trip sans toddler :)

Thank you for your suggestions. BTW, there seems to be a trend happing in Burlington where some restaurants are automatically adding tips for people who seem to be from out of country (especially Quebec). It's been all over the news here in Ontario.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/t...

Hello -- This will be the first time my husband and I will be taking a trip with our two year old. Usually when travelling we would visit the best restaurants and enjoy three hour tasting menus. Clearly that is not going to happen with a toddler :)

I'm looking for family friendly restaurants that serve really good food Burlington and Stowe. I saw a recent post here for breakfast and may check out some of those restaurants. I would like to avoid the restaurants that have been automatically adding 18% tip to bills of out of country tourists!

We will be staying at the Marriott in Burlington then Trapp Lodge in Stowe.

Also are there any must visit food destinations (ie. cheese makers)? We will be making the requisite trip to B&J.

Thank you and I look forward to our trip.

I'd be interesting in knowing too. I think it's about six months old. Let's hope someone has a report.

Googs, I see you mention Zest for family dinner. Is it a good place to bring a well behaved toddler? Do you think they would have high chairs?

I was at the Buttermilk Cafe this week with my two year old. We sat on the patio, and I found it kid friendly with good food. We were there for lunch and I had a chicken wrap. It was good and the accompanying fries were really good. I can't wait to go back for breakfast. The pancakes looked awesome!

The owner of Buster Rhino's was telling me that they will be opening a new restaurant in downtown Oshawa - probably this week. It will be on King St./Celina (beside Patty Shack). Look forward to being able to eat in now.

Elora Mill is closed for renovations.

Millcroft is now owned by Vintage Inns (Niagara on the Lake - Pillar and Post, Queen's Landing, Prince of Wales). Not saying that's a bad thing, just an FYI.

Thank you. We have a toddler so we usually have an early start and beat the crowds.

Any idea what the early bird hours are?

We just moved to the area this weekend and ended up trying Chanterelle Bistro. I wasn't impressed. The atmosphere was rushed and noisy. There were several large groups while we were there and I felt out of place at a table for two.

My rocket salad was mostly wilted and the poached pears didn't even resemble pears. I opted for the risotto with lobster and shrimp for my main course. I was very surprised to find that the risotto was heavy with cream. The lobster and shrimp were both overcooked.

Service, while pleasant was hurried.

York Street Kitchen is not gone, they moved to Erie Street. It's a tiny location but they have a patio and take-out. Their landlord kicked them out of the other location.

Moving to the area (courtice) and looking for a good Sushi restaurant. I don't want AYCE, but fresh, well prepared sushi. Sounds like Zen and Kobo are my picks. Can someone tell me where Zen is located?

Would either of these restaurants be appropriate to bring a toddler to?

I agree with millygirl...I've been several times (live 10 min away) and have always been underwhelmed.

We are moving from Kitchener (though we moved here from TO). I must say the food scene in Kitchener Waterloo has improved greatly in the last 7 yrs. I'm going to miss all of the great dining options, not to mention the choice of farmers' markets, butchers, bakeries, and gourmet food stores. We also have a great 100 mile store where you place your order from a huge list of local foods for weekly pickup.

So sad to be leaving. Hopefully Durham will start to improve in the years to come.

Thanks for the suggestions fifthglen. I have to say the Thai Hotspot menu looks a little confusing - thai, vietnamese, japanese, and chinese. :) Why do places feel that have to do it all instead of doing one well?

I searched through your previous posts and got some other great ideas. Thanks!

Thanks to all of you. They are great recommendations. Please feel free to share any other ideas you have.

It's still a little early. When they're ready you'll be able to find them at the farmers' markets that have local producers (ie. Brickworks).

I'm moving to Courtice Ontario in June (located between Oshawa and Bowmanville) and am in desperate need to find places to eat.I need it all: breakfast, sushi, thai, delivery, etc.

I also need to know where to shop for my food other than the grocery chains. Where are the butchers, seafood mongers, cheese shops, etc. I love to buy local and get my food as direct from the producer as a possible.

All recommendations are welcome. I fear I am moving to an area that will force me into chain restaurants.

Thanks

Is this place still open? Their website is 7 months out of date.

Good to know. I'll be moving to the area in the spring and have been depressed by the the lack of quality restaurants in the area. I look forward to trying!

www.beavertailsinc.com/storelocator.php

I would add Verses - located in a former church with high end food. I also like Bhima's Warung. They have fabulous south east asian food that's great for sharing. This is our go to restaurant when we want good food with a romantic atmosphere.

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Bhima's Warung
262 King St N, Waterloo, ON N2J2Y9, CA

Verses
182 Victoria St N, Kitchener, ON N2H5C6, CA

Thanks everyone. We ended up at Paese and really enjoyed it. I agree it is basic Italian food, but it was really good food. I had the caprese salad to start and it was so fresh and clean tasting. Just the right amount of salt to bring out the flavours. My DH had the octopus and it was fabulous. I was surprised how tender it was and it had a spicy kick to it.

For mains, DH and friend had the veal ravioli with butter sage sauce. It was nice but the sage was not very noticeable. Other friend had the veal scallopini and he seemed to really enjoy. I had the ricotta gnocchi and devoured every bite! They were so light and the sauce was so creamy. Though I did find the chunks of chicken a little off putting.

We shared the chocolate cake with hazelnuts for dessert and it was wonderful.

The Sommelier was a little disappointing. He didn't really engage us in a dialogue when we asked for his opinion. Our friend mentioned one he was thinking of and the Sommelier responded "sure". In fairness he did bring another bottle to the table as a suggestion along with the one we ordered. I think we ended up selecting the other option and was very nice.

Overall it was an enjoyable experience and I would be happy to recommend and visit again.

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Paese
333 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA

Coming into the city for dinner with friends. Trying to decide between Paese (King St.) or Tuttie Matti for dinner. There will be four of us and we are looking for good food, relaxing atmosphere, and fair prices.

What would your choice be?
Thanks.

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Tutti Matti
364 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V1R7, CA

Paese
333 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V, CA