JonasBrand's Profile
Vietnamese food : which one?
I am a fan of Anh Dao, the bun is tasty and the grilled meats are especially awesome. I've heard mixed reviews about Kim Bo. If you are interested in more upscale (but still a great value) Vietnamese, check out Ha Long Bay on Eglinton - lunch bahn mi + soup + fall roll = win.
Khao San Road...What to order?
Pork is the best in my opinion. The sauce comes with the spicy version.
ISO Valentina Hot Sauce
Has anyone seen Valentina Hot Sauce available for purchase in Toronto?
betel leaf
Head a bit further east on Gerrard to little india / pakistan, Paan will be easy to find.
Alsatian restaurant on Baldwin
The restaurant is called Elle M'a Dit (www.ellemadit.com) and it is a nice spot, give it a go, I think you will like it!
Chowfind: Matsutake (aka Pine Mushrooms) at Loblaws
It was the price per pound. Cooked them up tonight, nice aroma - though I must say foraging mushrooms in the woods is a bit more rewarding!
Chowfind: Matsutake (aka Pine Mushrooms) at Loblaws
I recall something on the order of $44, I think they are Canadian.
Chowfind: Matsutake (aka Pine Mushrooms) at Loblaws
A trip to the new Loblaw (Carlton), yielded a pleasant surprise: Pine Mushrooms (aka Matsutake). They have a great cinnamon aroma and were the freshest mushrooms on display, albeit pricey.
Other specialty produce including Buddha's Hand is also available. Hopefully they keep this up!
Chowfind: Green Almonds are in season
I found green almonds at Iranian groceries (Yonge North of Steele). You can peel and eat the centre jelly or roll the entire almond in sea salt and olive oil. Only available 3 weeks per year!
ISO: Dao Xiao Mian (aka knife peeled noodles)
Added to my to try list, thanks Frids :)
Khao San Road opens tomorrow
Swung by KSR for lunch today. Tried the Khao Mun Gai Taud ($10), breaded fried chicken over Jasmine rice cooked with ginger, garlic and pandan - delightful flavour and very tasty. Also made it a combo ($3)... small soup (Tom Kha Gai, chicken and coconut soup) with a summer roll, both were great. Thai ice tea ($4.50) was super, but perhaps a tad pricey.
italian nutella in toronto
There is a different type of Nutella like spread available at Leslieville Cheese Market and Il Gelatiere... for the record I find it too oily and much prefer Nutella.
Ha Long Bay at Avenue and Eglinton
Great chowfind, thanks for the tip! Cross posted: Ha Long Bay is a majestic area in Northern Vietnam, this bistro serves food to match. In short: best Vietnamese in Toronto, worth a drive across the city. We ordered: Fall Rolls (silky sausage, jicama, basil, rice paper wrapper) gorgeously presented, delicious, $5. One of the best beef pho's I've had (top quality rare beef, rich flank, and flavourful beef balls), $8.50. And a classed up Bahn Mi (roast chicken or pork on a fresh baguette) served with a light soup, $9.50. Wrapped up the meal with an authentic vietnamese coffee. Very nice interior and tableware. Great for lunch or a nice dinner. Very reasonable prices.
Khao San Road opens tomorrow
Dropped by yesterday, Jeff & Nuit were just putting the finishing touches on KSR. Special ingredients imported directly from Thailand. Exciting!
ISO: Dao Xiao Mian (aka knife peeled noodles)
Thanks for the heads up. I'm not complaining, Toronto has some very tasty authentic Chinese. But yeah, China is another level...
Sukhothai - A Gem of a Chowfind!
Some clarification and a bit of history...
Sukhothai is run by a wonderful couple: the wife (chef) is Thai and husband Filipino. They met in Thailand. It is a great spot and as authentic as it get in Toronto!
This spot was discovered on Chowhound and later (thankfully) picked up on by the press after a post in search of Khao Soi.
ISO: Dao Xiao Mian (aka knife peeled noodles)
Had some great Dao Xiao Mian in China (these noodle are cut from a mound of dough directly into boiling stock and almost have the texture of meat). Feature in the NYT today got me wondering if there are any excellent versions to be found in Toronto.
Nadege Patisserie is Bad
Spot on. Nadege is form over function. Looks gorgeous, but taste and texture underwhelms.
Canton Chilli Restaurant
We love the Szechuan dry string beans here. Great value on the late night menu. Not a fan of the fried hakka stuff.
Mini Review for Venezia Bakery
Venezia Bakery is the best Portuguese bakery in Toronto. Incredible corn bread and custard tarts. They also serve up a tasty veal sandwich. One complaint - terrible coffee.
Top 3 Szechuan
Szechuan Legend is authentic and tops for me... though I still need to try a number of the spots referenced above :)
Toronto: Best Dive Bars?
Another thumbs up for the classic dive Imperial Pub on Dundas and Victoria.
Matahari Grill
I have been eating at Matahari for many years and the food and service are still great. This past year, the original owner sold the place to the original chef and staff. I am happy to report Matahari is still a winner.
Who's serving hot toddies in downtown Toronto?
TODO on Ossington was advertising them on a poster out front. And they mix some interesting drinks, try the Bailey's and OJ with Grenadine (aka Cheesecake), was actually quite delish! Funky atmosphere as well.
Dark chocolate
Callebaut is available at Chocolate Addict on Baldwin in Kensington Market.
