Well put. I also like Julie Sahni's Classic Indian Cooking - it has dishes from a variety of areas in India, as well as alot of background on technique, ingredients etc.

I agree with smtucker. I usually add some garam masala after the onions have been "brown fried", but before the tomato is added for this type of dish. I also add turmeric, chili, and salt at this point. However, you can also just add some ground cumin and coriander at that time, and add some garam masala at the end if you think it loses too much flavour. Based on what you said about too much clove and cinnamon, you can certainly grind your own combination of spices rather than buying a pre-made package. Everyone has their own preferences/blend.

With respect to cooking the protein or whatever you are putting in, yes, just put it in the same pot. Obviously cooking times vary with what you are making....for example, I usually sear chicken thighs before putting them in the masala to simmer for 45min or so. If making fish, it will take much less time.

Thanks everyone! I just saw the same PC pans in a globe & mail article...might check those out since it will be closest for me.

Ohhh good idea. I thought they only sold online. I will check it out if nothing pans out downtown - thanks!

Just wondering if anyone knows where to get paper loaf pans etc. in Toronto...ones that you can bake in, or just paper liners for loaf pans. TIA :)

Anyone been lately? What's new and/or good? Haven't been in awhile because I like my sleep-ins, although I live close by...any comments are appreciated!

I agree with Snarf, Soma is great. If your friend likes hot chocolate, I would also recommend their Mayan hot chocolate mix - a nice touch of spice with dark chocolate.

we have bought both dogs & buns from Soloway's - they were fantastic.

Thanks Emme! I eill definitely be trying this.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I would love to see the leeks recipe btw - I love them.

Sounds delicious! I know, I usually stick to simple prep too, but maybe I'll take your suggestion and just work on the sides :)

Just looking for some new ideas! I usually broil, with minimal seasoning/flavouring (S&P, lemon).

From my experience (work in the area) the prices seem way too high for what you are getting, in comparison with other markets. Selection is only ok. There is, however, a sandwich stand that people seem to line up for ages for - might be peameal bacon? Anyway if you're in the area might be worth walking through, but it's nothing spectacular.

Thanks for the replies. I tried some sausage from my usual place to get meat (la boucherie) but it wasn't very good. I'll try to get myself to the Sat market this week :)

Have never purchased any there before - wondering if anyone has a favourite spot/flavour etc. Thanks! (edit - I meant the south "everyday" market).

I would definitely mention it in a friendly way next time you are purchasing fish there. I myself frequent one of the fishmongers in the STLM, and once got a "bad" batch of scallps (not sure what was wrong, but they ended up mushy and stuck to the pan like crazy - and I have made them countless times). I mentioned it when purchasing some fish the next time - they were very nice about it and I even got some complimentary scallops.

Great idea, I've bought rice from there but didn't think of lentils/beans. Close to home too!

Thanks for the Whole Foods suggestion as well :)

Have tried Metro, Sobey's Rabba, Loblaws downtown - any place (pref. downtown) that you've seen them?

Passed by Origin this morning and saw a clear plastic bag of baguettes propped up in the doorway. On the ground. Seems like a strange way to deliver food - thoughts?

I didn't realize that...maybe I would have gone somewhere else!

Would have recommended Starfish until last weekend. Went on Sat night and dinner took 3 1/2 hours. It was an hour (and into a second bottle of wine) before we even got our order of oysters. To top it off - they were out of lobster! At 7:30 on a Sat night. BTW we were also served room temp coffee at the end of our meal. It was a dissapointment after previous experiences there. Hopefully just an off night.

Had brunch at the country club recently and it was decent.

Had a terrible lunch at the College location last fall (I think I posted on it at the time). Food was just ok - the main issue was the time/service. Extremely slow for a "business lunch" type of place. We were there almost 2hrs, no coffee or dessert.

Further to klf below...there are also raw oysters (last time I believe they were Raspberry Points). Yum. Also agree with the suggestion to specifically request seating in the ballroom.

I'm not sure what the room is called, but yes, it is mostly white (with large windows). It is really a beautiful room - seems like a ballroom actually. You enter through the main restaurant area in the back left of the lobby.

Love the King Eddie brunch. Definitely decadent for a buffet, and worth the price based on what's on offer. The only weakness I've noticed a few times is the desserts - sometimes inconsistent in execution (e.g. runny creme brulee). From what I recall they open at 11am...but I would call to double check (may be earlier).

I bought some Italian blood oranges (sorry, can't remember the specific type/brand) from Sobey's on Front St. this weekend. They were really good, but at $1.99/lb you might want to go to Fiesta Farms instead per the other poster's advice about the special.

I would second Ivory Thailand, if you haven't been. Been there many times and it is consistent. The one time I went to Mengrai I was underwhelmed - esp. by the service.

Either should work tho :)

I didn't mean the belly dancing per se...what I really meant was the overall atmosphere of the place. Very over-the-top. The belly dancers the night I was there were actually pretty bad though.

Don't do it! The whole place is sort of terrifying...from the so-called "prix-fixe" to the awkward belly dancing. I've only been there once (under duress) and will never return. You can do so much better for the money.