AverageJo's Profile
Favorite Seinfeld food moments
I scoured the whole thread, pretty sure no one's mentioned this one:
George loses his glasses and goes to the optician Kramer recommends (to get a deal). Kramer has to threaten the optician to give George a deal on the new glasses, because "I helped you get off sugar! Remember this?!?" he says, brandishing a chocolate bar in front of the guy's face.
Later in that episode we see the optician has caved in to sugar and is eating a chocolate bar.
downfall of chow
I third this, for all the same reasons you guys just mentioned. I am NOT going to watch videos at the office, but I will read reviews. I really miss Supertaster's old format. And I too have noted the absence of comments on the video reviews. Obviously the video reviews are not generating the same attention.
The best chocolate chip cookie in Toronto?
My favourite is the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie from The Remarkable Bean (at Queen & Beech). There are consistency problems; sometimes they're overbaked and a bit too dark. But this is a really substantial cookie. I like oatmeal in my cc cookies, and these have lots of oatmeal and chocolate chips. Not sickeningly sweet either.
ISO: So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt
I'm pretty sure I've spotted So Delicious coconut milk yogurt at The Big Carrot. Possibly the milk too.
ISO "almond cheese" in the GTA...curious what does it taste like
But it isn't...Panacea closed a month or two ago.
Where to buy Chobani yoghurt in Toronto?
I saw Chobani yesterday at the Beach Valu-Mart (Queen & Silver Birch).
New bread bakery on Kingston Rd (Beaches)
You have to be selective with Knead's baked goods. Some things they do really well. Others, like the croissants, tend to be underbaked, as you found. I've found the best items are the cinnamon buns and scones. I don't bother with the croissants or brioches.
Soup Nutsy?
I'm vegetarian so I can't comment on the peanut chicken soup, but I have found Soup Nutsy's cream soups to be excessively thick too. I have the best luck with the tomato- or veg-stock soups, like the vegetable-barley or Moroccan vegetable. They have the expected consistency, definitely not thick.
Hammersmiths
I really wanted to try this place. In the fall, we went there one Monday morning, only to find it locked up with no signs of life stirring. This was a big disappointment and I haven't bothered to try again. Restaurants should honour their posted hours, or make sure their posted hours are correct.
I see that the website currently says the restaurant's closed on Mondays, but at the time I went, in October, it most definitely said open Mondays.
It's Girl Scout cookie season!!
I envy those of you in the States, having such a broad selection of cookies to choose from. Here in Canada, the Girl Guides offer a basic sandwich cookie in chocolate and vanilla. That's it.
Do some families really do this?
Sure, our family had rotating meals over and over. But what I remember best are the fixed breakfasts my dad always ate!
M,T, Th, Fri: Shreddies or, in winter, Cream of Wheat/oatmeal
Wednesday: Boiled eggs with toast -- every Wednesday, without fail, was "egg day"
Saturday: Scrambled eggs w/bacon & toast
Sunday: Pancakes
Dad never varied from this breakfast routine, even after he retired. Funny, the things that we remember so clearly.
Specialty shops in London, Ontario?
I'm pleased to hear that one of the Angelo's has re-opened. I really missed that store. Do you know if it's the same family running it?
Sweet tooth is fading as I age?
I find it interesting that you can enjoy hard candy, but not dessert. Generally, the former is sweeter than the latter, to my mind.
Sweet tooth is fading as I age?
Well yes, I think overall it is a good thing. However, there's a disconnect between my palate and my brain right now, which can be confusing. i.e. I'm still conditioned to think sweets=fun, so I buy the cookie, but then my palate finds it too sweet. I have to learn new food associations.
Sweet tooth is fading as I age?
I've always had a sweet tooth. I love good cookies, square, cakes, and pies. Dessert's always been the best part of the meal for me. But now, at 45, I find that goodies often taste too sweet for me. I'll eat one of my beloved squares and find it WAY too sweet. One or two pieces of chocolate and I've hit the wall. Used to be that I could eat the whole bar! Furthermore, I just don't seem to crave desserts as I used to.
So, for me, this is bittersweet (no pun intended). It's healthier to eat fewer desserts, yet I miss savouring a really great lemon square/hello dolly/brownie.
Just wondering if others have experienced anything similar. Is this a common side effect of aging, or is it just me?
Sam James Coffee Bar in the Financial District?!
Walking to St. Andrew station through the Sun Life concourse, I spotted a sign on one of the vacant storefronts: Coming soon Sam James Coffee Bar.
Knock me down with a feather. I never would have expected to see an independent high-end coffee bar in the PATH. But this is good news. I look forward to buying some decent espressos without having to take the TTC to his other stores.
Recommended lunch restaurant near University and King?
Modus, at King & York, has lunch entrees at that price point. It's a fairly new place but has received some glowing reviews.
How times have changed
Also from Sleeper, the scene where Drs Melik and Aragon offer Miles a cigarette to calm him down: "It's tobacco! The healthiest thing in the world!"
OK, so that's pure fantasy, but a very funny bit nonetheless.
Canadian Thanksgiving
This year we had the big dinner on Thanksgiving Monday, which is what I prefer.
We used to visit my parents, who lived in rural Ontario, and we held the dinner on Sunday, so that everyone could drive home with time to spare. Holding it on Monday would've been too much of a rush for making the 2.5 hour drive home. But they're not in farm country anymore, so it's not an issue.
No special traditions in my family. Just the usual bird & sides, etc. I do not like pumpkin in any form, so I always make sure there's an alternative pie for me and others who are of the same mind.
In search of cinnamon ice cream or gelato
Ed's Real Scoop had cinnamon ice cream as of 2 weeks ago, when I was at the Beaches store. And Ed's does pack containers to take home. I would call first to check it's still available, as he does tend to change the flavours frequently.
-----
Ed's Real Scoop
2224 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E1E9, CA
Vegans and Vegetarians: How Would You Feel About This?
Yes, I knew it was asking a lot to pose that question, but I can't help it! I need logic.
Thanks Karl, for your thoughtful and detailed explanation. My upbringing in the bland United Church of Canada never touched on these points.
Vegans and Vegetarians: How Would You Feel About This?
I know this is OT, but could someone please explain to me why fish is not considered meat under the Catholic definition? Fish sure ain't part of the plant kingdom! Just because fish aren't mammals, why are they not deemed to be "meat"? Not trying to stir the pot, I'm just genuinely perplexed.
Carol's Cookies, how does she get them to stay tall, not flat?
Oh man, why did I ever read this thread? And why did I go to Carol's website? Why did I taunt myself like this, when she doesn't ship to CANADA!! *sigh*
Now I'll have to ask my colleagues in Chicago for a special favour...;)
Vegans and Vegetarians: How Would You Feel About This?
I've been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for about 20 years. I'd prefer to know if the fryer oil is used for meat as well as veg. The first few years I was veggie, I was extremely fussy about such things. I also was scrupulous about only eating rennet-free cheese. The older I get, the less stressed I get about these details. So yes, I'm being inconsistent: I'd prefer to know about the shared oil, but I might still eat the dish.
RE: the shared grill -- that would be off-putting too. However, I can't think of many vegetarian items (apart from eggs) that would be cooked on the grill. At mainstream restaurants I usually order pasta, pizza, or salad, none of which require a grill, do they? Here in Toronto there's a burger joint that specifically *does* use a separate grill and separate tongs to handle the veggie burgers. I appreciate that.
What has happened to Whole Foods in Yorkville?
I can't comment on the produce, milk, or meats, but last time I decided to treat myself to some nice takeout prepared foods, I was woefully disappointed. The selection had shrunk considerably. Many of my favourites were gone and replaced by much more mundane, plain dishes. I know WF varies the salads up for offer, but this was ridiculous. If I want chickpeas, I can get them anywhere! I patronize WF for the "exotica" -- prepared dishes I'm not likely to find elsewhere. (Given that Pusateri's and McEwan don't cater much to vegetarians, WF or TBC is my best option)
-----
Pusateri's
1539 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5M, CA
Favorite children's books that are food themed?
I can't believe no one's mentioned The Seven Silly Eaters, by Mary Ann Hoberman. All the kids are picky eaters and the mom has to deal with their crazy specialized food preferences. Really great illustrations and a rhyming story that's fun to read. My daughter asks for this story all the time.
Looking for a chocolatier (Downtown T.O./Etobicoke)
Actually, that Dundas St. store hasn't been Callebaut for several years. It's now Daniel le Chocolat Belge. I sorely miss Callebaut in Toronto!
Yonge & Lawrence: Menchies going to open
I guess Menchies is really expanding, because there's also a location opening in the Beach, next to the Mars diner (where Ginger used to be). As if there aren't enough frozen treat stores along there...
Favorite children's books that are food themed?
Again, this'll have to wait till your child is older, but there are some great food descriptions in "The Wind in the Willows". When Rat and Mole go on their first picnic, Rat reels off a great long description of all the foods he's packed. And that's just the beginning.
Is there a greengrocer near The Butcher Shop and Cliffside Hearth on Kingston near Markham Rd?
Googs,
On a side note, what's your impression of Cliffside Hearth? I've read favourable things about it, but haven't got out there yet. Would you say it's worth making a special trip? What are the best baked goods there?
Thanks,
