Nelson's Profile
Exciting food experience in the Cape Winelands: Babel (Babylonstoren)
It's an old Cape Dutch wine farm, a vegetable and herb garden extraordinaire--it's among the most memorable meals I have experienced anywhere in a very long time. Don't let limited and poor signage along the road between R44 and 45 between Franschoek and Paarl stop you from seeking out this gem of a gastronomic experience.
We stopped by latish for lunch this afternoon just to have a look at the impressive herb garden a local gourmet had waxed lyrical over. After touring the lavish and extensive gardens, couldn't resist a quick look at the menu for the small, light, airy glass-enclosed restaurant. Then no way to resist the simple, creative and [ulitmately] outstanding culinary specialities on offer. The theme is "fresh and simple," in its truest sense. The menu is planned around seasonal availability from the gardens, and guests are encouraged to tour the grounds before making their selection to whet their appetite.
Chef Simone has a deft touch with the fresh sourced ingredients available to her and salads categorised by colour--Green, Red and Yellow are immediately intriguing. We haven't intended to eat, having recently finished breakfast, so debate how best to sample the irresistible menu extensively without ordering large quantities of food . . . sharing is welcome and encouraged: portion sizes are generous and extra plates and cutlery provided with a smile. The service provided by our charming waitress Felicity (who managed to squeeze us in late without a reservation without any qualm or hesitation) is altogether delightful, as is the service ambience in the entire restaurant. Chefs, staff and managers alike seem happy to work here and take pride in their establishment.
We order a sampling of the main courses on offer: crisp pork belly with plums (ZAR 140), coriander and wild mountain rosemary marinated lamb cutlets
with mint and pomegranate dressing (R 135) and grilled aubergine with toasted Macadamia nuts and fresh pair with a tahini yoghourt dressing (ZAR 85) and settle for the “Red” salad: beetroot, strawberries, mustard cress, watermelon, vine tomato, guava, grapefruit, beet greens, bronze fennel with beetroot and mint dressing for ZAR 65.
The mood and décor is breezy, light and airy: we are seated in a glass-sided potting shed on casual mismatched old wood tables, benches and modern plastic, Lucite chairs. Tiling at one end and the open kitchen at the other create an informal farm-style ambience.
Absolutely ideal for enjoying a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the neighbouring wine estate, Noble Hills, for an unheard-of ZAR 90 . . . Food is delivered promptly and cheerfully and starts the whole table salivating. There is no dish that does not look like gastronomic art on the plate. The sharing plan has to be enforced—no-one wants to share a bite of their own dish. Lamb is moist and delicately scented with rosemary and pomegranate, as promised, if slightly chewy, but in the way one expects an organically raised lamb to be rather than tough. The pork belly, redolent with the spicy tartness of red plums with which it is paired, is crisp and glazed on the fat side, meat side tender, though perhaps slightly dry in texture—nothing detracts from the amazing flavour of the dish. The star is probably the humble grilled aubergine which has new dimension in its blanket of tahini yoghourt and crunchy toasted nuts: this dish is enough to turn gauchos vegetarian.
The salad is a vision in reds: all shades of colour and flavour, sweet, tangy, sour, bitter . . . a beetroot based dressing served on the side in a beaker is the icing on the cake. By far the most exotic and delicious vegetable concoction I have tasted in memory.
And not to forget the accompaniments: a lavish bowl of simple green and yellow string beans, blanched to crunchy perfection with a light sprinkling of sea salt, and chewy golden brown home fries with a light dusting of porcini salt . . .
But the best is yet to come: the chef’s invention—a savoury crème brulee of gorgonzola and rosemary with a Cabernet balsamic syrup and a Serrano ham crisp. This amazing creation is beyond description. For a non-sweet-eating, cheese-loving gourmand, this “dessert” is dying and going to heaven. Chef Simone kindly—and delightedly—shared the recipe on the spot. (The glamorous carrot cake out of the garden was apparently also good).
Bill for four came to ZAR 640. That is about $25/pp. That is amazing.
If you love food and are within several hundred kilometres of this amazing restaurant in the Cape Winelands, run, do not walk, to try and get in!
http://www.babylonstoren.com/food/
Galleria Korean Supermarket now open on York Mills
There is plenty of parking--no resemblance to Longo's! Coming along York Mills from the east, it is just before the overpass (beyond which to the right is Longo's), turn left into the side-road (Upjohn?) that feeds into the parking lot. It is actually in the building (865 York Mills), but occupies the rear part of the building and thus somewhat hidden from York Mills.
Galleria Korean Supermarket now open on York Mills
It's a well-kept secret hidden away in the Hangul-only section of the corporate website, but the excellent Galleria Supermarket from Yonge and Steeles has just opened a new location at 865 York Mills Road. The supermarket is situated at the back of the building, with signage just visible from the western-most side; the main entry, shopping carts, etc. are all hidden behind the main body of the building, but there are some small direction signs along York Mills to help.
Things are a little chaotic in their first week of operation, but all the trademark specialities are on offer: fresh perilla (sesame) leaves, spicy pork bone soup, superbly fresh and reasonably priced salmon and yellowtail sashimi, live eels, marinated bulgogi to cook at home . . . the new location lacks the variety of food stalls of the old, featuring instead a single "canteen" counter and prepared food display where you can order hot prepared foods to eat in or take away (Kimchi dumplings were a winner.)
While seems not yet quite up to the standard of the original, a welcome ethnic addition to the north-east end grocery neighbourhood.
Ready-made Chinese pancakes--for Peking Duck . . .
Are these available prepared anywhere in the GTA? I have looked and enquired at T&T, Galleria and around Chinatown, to no avail. I used to buy them at Marks and Spencer's in the UK and find it hard to imagine that in a city like Toronto with such a strong Asian presence they are not available. Any tips? Thanks!
Cherry Street Restaurant is open
Thanks for that--great to know! An under-served area, if you are tired of the same old Distillery District lunch options!
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Distillery District
55 Mill St, Toronto, ON M5A, CA
Spanakopita in Toronto.
Second Select Bakery--heats beautifully to the perfect consistency, crisp sheets with just the right amount of filling so the pie is not soggy.
Where to buy beef ribs in TO
The Loblaws at Queen's Quay consistently stocks fantastic thick-cut, meaty beef ribs at $3.99/lb. Because they are one of the few places in town to do so, they tend to sell out fast but if you call ahead they will always let you know whether they are there and/or hold on to some.
Galleria Supermarket at Yonge/Steeles has excellent Korean style short ribs, also at very reasonable prices.
The Great Toronto Ethnic Bakery Tour (really, really long)
Great write-up--thanks! What part of town are Columbian Bakery and Doce Minho?
Hockey Pub in Vienna?
Thanks! Hard to believe its my only lead--thought Austrians were keen on ice hockey ever since the Vanek phenomenon.
Hockey Pub in Vienna?
Ice hockey fanatic spends two weeks in Vienna during the Stanley Cup playoffs . . . is there a pub somewhere that caters to Canadians or ice hockey fans in general that might show the games?
Help!!
Suckling pig--good butcher?
Has anyone had instructive experience to share with suckling pig suppliers around town? Cumbrae, various Danforth butchers and T&T all confirm that they take special orders for whole suckling pig . . . just wondering if anyone has a recommendation or warning. Previous experience elsewhere taught me that quality of the raw material is paramount to a meaty and succulent result. Thanks!
Holding a wine and cheese event...
A Taste of Quebec in the Distillery District has a wonderful gallery space for up to 150 that can either be hired as a venue, or comes as part of a wine and cheese tasting package.
Diners, drive-ins and dives
How about The Musket in the west end? Basic non-decor, homey atmosphere, slightly sticky floors, good beer on tap and very respectable Eisbein (pork hocks), Wiener schnitzel and other sundry German/Austrian pub grub. Definitely qualifies in the dive category, but the food is good if that's your style.
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The Musket
40 Advance Rd, Toronto, ON M8Z, CA
Cheesemongers in TO . . . any hidden gems?
That still-warm ricotta has won the World Championship--yes, WORLD--for ricotta-making for a number of years . . . Italian producers are envious. Try it with fruit compote for desert or roasted Radiccio with balsamico and basil as a starter . . .
Cheesemongers in TO . . . any hidden gems?
No . . . eventually reverted to Cheese Boutique where they informed me snootily that they stop selling it in January (two years ago when I looked for it in November, they said they never sell it before Christmas--must be there only for a fleeting moment!). Alex told me a story about issues with their license (same story as last year). What I don't understand is that I have found it easily in previous years, so not sure what the problem is this year and no-one in the business seems to know either.
But thanks everyone for so many great suggestions--have been to most of them and greatly broadened my familiarity with Toronto's cheese scene!
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Cheese Boutique
45 Ripley Ave, Toronto, ON M6S, CA
ISO Berreta cheese
Scheffler's in SLM has the domestic version consistently; also Whole Foods in Yorkville.
Two lunches in Houston--advice?
Thanks for all the suggestions--will have to try and whittle them down! I will definitely feed back!
Where Can I find Mozartkugel Choclate From Austria?
You said 416 or east: try Vienna Fine Foods, 1050 Birchmount just north of Eglinton.
Cheesemongers in TO . . . any hidden gems?
Thanks, all, for your tips: checked out About Cheese and Thin Blue Line, neither of which I had tried. Agree that they are knowledgeable AND passionate about their product/s and I did pick up some choice cheeses in good state of ripeness and preservation . . . but still in search of somewhere with a broader selection of local and imported cheeses . . . probably just doesn't exist here! (may have been spoiled by living around the corner from La Fromagerie in London--possibly the best cheese shop in the world outside of France!).
But all recommendations much appreciated and I intend to get to every one of them--thanks!
Cheesemongers in TO . . . any hidden gems?
Just back from a fruitless 32-km tour of cheese shops in Toronto in search of Vacherin Mont D'Or . . . and reminded in the process of my growing despair at the inconsistent quality of cheese provisoning (also some truly insulting pricing!) in the city. Advice, anyone please?
Have always been a fan of Scheffler's in SLM for everyday purchases: selection is generally pretty good and I like the fact that they tell you not to buy a cheese that is not yet ripe (though would be better that they didn't display it in the first place). Prices are mostly within reason. And there is no beating Cheese Boutique for speciality items at perfect readiness if you have taken that second mortgage on your house or it's a really special occasion.
But is there a great cheesemonger in Toronto that offers a diverse selection of local and imported cheeses at a reasonable mark-up who really knows how to keep cheese properly and sell it at the proper ripeness?
Am off Whole Foods since the $24.00-Rochetta went mouldy within 48 hours and the "ready-to-eat" Epoisse was like plasticine. Leslieville Cheese market is okay for what it is, but selection is too small for an interesting cheese tray, and supply inconsistent. Alex Farm Shops are off my list--up and down and all over the place: supply erratic and unreliable, delicate cheese kept under the counter in airtight plastic wrap . . . and so on.
Please share your great cheese provisioner tips!
Two lunches in Houston--advice?
Hello, Houston: I am visiting Houston for Memorial Day weekend and have two lunch openings. Have been reading that Houston has become THE food city in the southwest . . . where would Houston hounds recommend to demonstrate that? I have two lunches only, one weekday, one weekend, staying near the airport, but will travel any distance for the best foodie experience the city has to offer.
Love Tex-Mex and we don't get much of that in TO; otherwise, more of a meat than seafood lover, and not too fond of fussy, high-end fine dining--or at least, prefer a simple, down-home great flavours experience than white linen tablecloths and Riedel crystal.
Appreciate any advice!
Kultura.
How sad . . . used to love Kultura--Roger Mooking's cross-cultural take on flavour combos was inspired. In the early days, it was possible to eat a decent meal for $60/pp with wine. But sensed a change at foot last time almost a year ago with the absence of manager Kevin (gone to Spice Route) and sommelier extraordinaire Kim (gone to Nyood) . . . and Roger now clearly stretching himself thin between Kultura and Nyood. Too bad! Another one bites the price/value dust . . .
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Kultura
169 King St. E., Toronto, ON M5A 1J4, CA
Nyood
1096 Queen West, Toronto, ON M6J 1H9, CA
Spice Route
499 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4, CA
Suggestions on where to get quality pork belly in Toronto
Very best pork belly in GTA is from Galleria Korean Supermarket just past Yonge and Steeles; it's cleaner and meatier than T&T's. Koreans tend to cook it in slices, so that is how it is packaged and displayed, but the extremely efficient team of butchers behind the glass will prepare a whole piece to the size of your liking in minutes.
Where to buy oysters by the pint in Mississauga (or GTA)
Just saw them today--not in Mississauga, I am afraid, but fresh and plump at Diana's Seafood Delights, 2101 Lawrence Avenue East at Crockford (one block east of Warden). Its definitely worth the journey!
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Diana's Seafood
2101 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R, CA
Happy lunch experience at Joey Don Mills . . .
Alerted by the buzz, and fed up with other lackluster options in the area, decided spontaneously to stop into Joey Don Mills for lunch on Thursday--then shocked to find it heaving--nary a table in sight, at 13.45!
Supermodel lookalike hostess on stilettos however was charm [and competence] personified, with minimal fuss, located a roomy booth in the restaurant area and wished us happy eating.
And that it was: the menu selection is at first glance uninspiring. As recently tagged by Gina Mallett, "your 100 favourite eats," all the usual salad, sandwich, pasta and entree suspects. The difference is in the detail: the California crab wonton tacos are four heavenly little bundles of texture and flavour . . . plenty of crab (and crab flavour), fleshed out with rice, a little avocado, sesame into a plush couple of mouthfuls, livened up with a tangy Asian-inspired dipping sauce. The miso ramen bowl actually had both meaty flavour and substance, served as a generous piping hot portion with plenty of vegetables and grilled teriyaki chicken on top . . . the Panang prawn curry bowl was slightly too sweet for this palate, but an expertly executed creamy, spicy, and balanced curry concoction again with generous ingredient content and no oily coconut residue. Three dishes for two were more than enough (though startling food quality made us take a closer second look at the menu for future reference . . .).
The dark wood panelled interior, chocolate leather fittings, mirrors, chrome and all-too-familiar beige, cream and white look initially like any one of the dozens of trendy new eating spots around town, but careful thought has gone into the design of the space and the feeling achieved is warm and lively. Windows along two walls provide great illumination; TVs along the wall of the bar/lounge area soften dark wood interiors and attract lots of single snackers to the bar counter. An ingenious transparent wine "room" creates a see-through screen to the open kitchen. Next spring, a spacious roof terrace will almost double the available space.
Only snag of the afternoon was beverage service--possibly the result of inexperienced waitstaff, or perhaps a logistical flaw of the bar location on the other side of the kitchen: glasses of wine came only halfway through the main course and then only after three plaintive reminders . . . mineral water also served with delay and the explanation that "the glasses have disappeared" (??!!??) On a related note: wine list offers a good range of variety, price and value for bottles, but glasses of ordinary Canadian house wines felt expensive at $10.00/glass.
However this was a minor hiccup in an otherwise eminently satisfactory, enjoyable and happy lunch outing--that also seemed good value for $80.00 (including the two overpriced glasses of wine).
Definitely heading back and would unreservedly recommend Joey as the best dining option in Don Mills Centre.
Worst in Toronto
How is it possible in this lengthy thread that La Maquette (King/Jarvis) hasn't made the list? Third (and absolutely final!!!) time tried two weeks ago: three course meal took 2.5 hours to arrive, surly wait staff, food insipid, tasteless and--criminal in French cuisine--strangely lacking in richness and depth, that usually imparted by butter, cream, etc. Delivery time slightly better than three hour previous record, but how this place stays open is unfathomable . . .
Ho Lee Chow: Seems like the [allegedly-]Chinese-eating public has come to its senses: Ho Lee Chow is closing down!
Best Indian in Toronto - where is it?
Fascinating that in this whole long thread on the subject "Amaya" does not appear once! (A worthy ommission!)
Described in food guides as the best Indian restaurant in Toronto, but no place among Chowhounds . . . however, little sister Amaya Express (takeaway/delivery) produces the best Indian food I have eaten in Toronto (http://www.amayaexpress.com/) from two locations:
1574 Bayview Avenue
416 322 0020
3305 Yonge Street
416 487 5553
Any bakeries in Toronto that serve treacle tart?
Try Mrs. Bridge's British Bakery (http://www.bestbritishfoods.com/index.cfm) or the Chocolate Box (http://www.thechocolatebox.ca/store/), another British sweets provisioner, both in the east end (although Mrs. Bridge's has a second shop around Jane/Finch).
Last year, Epi Breads on Bayview (at Millwood) was selling treacle tart, but not sure if it is a regular item or a special occasion product.
Turducken
This year too, but had to be pre-ordered by 4 October . . . might be worth a try to call and see if there is any chance . . .
Nasr Foods: Excellent
Deterioration of Nasr reported back in March seems to be worsening . . . the previously excellent bakery section was sparsely stocked with day-old product from an outside supplier (no Nasr pita at all); half the freezers were empty and water leaking all over the floor. The deli counter was cheerfully manned by a hopeful young server, but most trays were empty. The produce section was denuded and what remained, wilted and browning . . .
Certainly looks like this place is closing down--strange, since they just "renovated" last year.
Does anyone know anything more?
Also, any other recommendations in the area for Middle Eastern supplies/food besides Arz?
