bendale's Profile
Veggie Burgers
I have to disagree about Lick's being "like the real thing". There is no way you could ever convince me a nature burger was meat. The texture is wrong, the flavour is wrong, even the weight of it in your mouth is off. That being said, I love it. I'd be interested to try Jonny's, though. A favourite stop for some hockey buddys, after the bar, after the game; I'd love to join them if they're good.
Any veggie burger not made mostly out of TVP is pretty well a lost cause. To me, those nasty patties of mashed together vegtables are gross. I tell people to keep some in your freezer, if you have vegetarian friends you don't want coming around. Serve them those a few times, and they'll never come by for dinner again.
Hakka cuisine in Toronto?
Lin Garden is tops!!! A favourite after-church spot, I spent an entire year eating at least twice a week there. You must try the green beans, for sure the chilli chicken (I once took a take-out container in my carry-on to a friend in Belfast who hadn't had it for over a year), but most people over look two of my favs: Shrimp Pakoras and Manchurian Beef-fried noodles. And the best part, the horrible easy-listening music. Can't get enough of Celine Dion, Brian Adams, and Don Henley.
Any really good restaurants in the Beach?
Not a super close walk for you, and it definitely is pub food, but get yourself over to Castro's Lounge. Anthony, the manager, is a great guy, and while the lighting is dark, it's worth it just to look at the pictures on the wall. Loads of famous people, celebrities and dictators. The beer menu is excellent, and the prices are good. The food isn't killer, but you've got to have the nacho fries: passable fries, covered in salsa, sour cream, melted cheese, tomatoes, and gaucamole. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.
I'll second Otabi and Urban Thai.
Also, my favourite Italian in the beach is, Ci Vediamo. It's on the north side of Queen about a block east of Woodbine. It's got a great patio in the warmer months, a huge menu, and good service.
La Palette, La Bodega or Le Paradis
I used to work at Le Select, just after Mikey and Shumez (sp?, and I'm trying hard, I think that was their names), left to open La Palette. If Mikey left, that will be a big hit to them. I never really knew them personally, just a few nights of after-hours drinking, but he seemed to be the really food-driven side of the partnership. It's a shame too, I used to recommend it to everyone. Last time I was at Le Select their Fois was still pretty good, and a decent sized serving. When I worked there it was 3, 1/2" thick credit-card sized peices.
Help! Relatively Inexp. Pre- Roy Thomson Dinner
I agree that the Food at E&C is okay, but getting in before of after a show can be a tad dicey. Can't beat the location though. Don't know if they do reservations, but if you're going there it would be worth checking....
For the original poster,
Le Select Bistro is a bit more expensive, but you can have a great dinner fairly well priced if you stick to the prix-fixe and house wines. It's a bit further away, on Wellington, but if you like French bistro food, go for it. Reservations there are important, especially on a Friday.
