caitlink's Profile
Lion City Restaurant - Mississauga
We go to Gourmet Malaysia a lot. But we were in the area so we decided to try Lion City for the first time.
Shrimp mee (soup noodle) was excellent. We liked it better than GM. The roti was excellent. Amost like eating a warm buttery croissant (we had to place a second order).
We loved the skate. So good and meaty.
Chicken rice and chow keoy dill (stirfried rice noodle?) were good but GM versions are better. We will be back for shrimp noodle, roti and skate and to try out other menu items. Lots of choices.
Calgary, Banff, the badlands, Lake Louise after mid June - your advice is needed
In Calgary, we tried out River Cafe. It was nice. We liked the game and fish board as appetizer. And the flank steak was good.
However, our favorite in Calgary is Rush.
In Banff, we had a cheap lunch - we went to Chaya for ramen and curry rice on Banff Ave. Very tasty, good value and efficient service. We also went to Sunday brunch at Banff Springs Hotel. it was fun - we had a great view. But not sure if I would go back. Although there was still a long lineup when we left at 1:30pm.
In Lake Louise, we loved our dinner at the Post Hotel Pub. Tasty food, hearty portions and reasonable prices. Our favorite meal of our trip this week in the Calgary area.
Casual dinner in Lake Louise
Based on the recommendations here, we tried out Post Hotel Pub last week. It was one of the best meals we had on our trip. Since May is still off season, we showed up on the weekend for dinner and did not have to wait.
The primerib was outstanding. We did not expect portion sizes to be so hearty. So we actually ended ordering too much. Such good value. The goulash was also outstanding. The 'spatzle' was so good. We ate everything on our plates.
Service was great. Could not have asked for a better meal and service. Wished I heard about the pub sooner. We will visit everytime we are in the area.
Frozen Dim Sum
The tripe at ah fong is good. Very similar to what you would get at restaurants. There is a brand of sui ma that you can buy at supermarkets that is quite good. Not the cheap ones. I will find the brand and re-post.
80th birthday celebration at Chinese restaurant in Toronto
We had a private birthday dinner at Casa Imperial. We got a nice private room. And excellent attentive service. Go see the manager and have him show you the 'rooms'. For birthdays, they will also serve the lucky steamed peach buns. And you can bring your own wine for a corkage fee.
My parents loved the food and service. And still rave about the dinner to this day. I think spending over $600 or so gets you a private room.
Liberte Coconut Yogurt
Wow after all the rave reviews, i finally tried a carton tonight. So good and so addictive. Thx everyone. Just need to make sure i only buy once a month.
Joey's - Eaton Centre
Good atmosphere but would not call it fine dining. I have had lobster ravioli, overpriced - hardly any lobster. More of an appetizer - since I did not feel full.
Also had the black peppercorn steak. it was good - the accompanying 'potato' was cute. It was more like a long potato spring roll. But once again, overpriced.
Melting Pot - a new restaurant in Richmond Hill
i've been to melting pot in the US. Don't remember it being AYCE. Definitely not on the meats.
Maybe you are referring to the 'bread cubes' for the fondue?
Recommendations needed for Calgary and Banff - thanks
I have been to quite a few Calgary restaurants. I really liked one on 9th St (?). It was a fancy place, sort of a business dinner place with valet parking. I think it's called Rush.
I enjoyed Alloy as well. Went to Caesar's for steak.
Coming to Calgary for one day with my husband. Are there any suggestions. Have not been to Calgary in the past year. I was thinking of trying Brava or Charcut.
As for Banff and Lake Louise, when we were there 7 or 8 years ago, I remember having a nice lunch at Chateau Lake Louise. We love Sunday Brunch at places like Four Seasons, Ritz in the US. In Ottawa, we would go to Chateau Laurier for brunch or afternoon tea.
What are the prices like at Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise? Should we make a reservation for their Sat or Sun brunch buffet. Tried looking at their websites but not much details available. So any help or reviews or pricing details would be helpful.
If not, was thinking of trying Grizzly House (?) since we don't do fondue or rock grilling. Have never tried Melting Pot or Stonegrill places so thought it may be fun to try.
Thanks.
Scarpetta at the Thompson Hotel
We have been curious about the spaghetti ever since we saw it on an episode of best thing i ever ate. Ours was cooked perfectly although very simple ingredients.
The burnt orange gelato was indeed very good.
Service was attentive and the room was busy the night we were there. I remember the dining room being 'dark' - very low lighting. The Japanese/Korean (?) restaurant in the same hotel though was pretty empty.
Scarpetta at the Thompson Hotel
It would have to be the signature dishes.
The spaghetti really is as fantastic as everyone says. Cooked perfectly. Some say too filling but so good i could have eaten three plates.
I am not crazy about polenta but it was very creamy and tasty.
The other diners loved the chocolate molten cake and the guava pannacotta and thought all desserts were a hit.
Most of all, we thought the bread basket is one of the best. Although bread at robuchon and bouchon are pretty tasty as well.
Your favorite late-night take out dishes along the Hwy. 7 strip in Markham-RH?
It's not a starch. But some of their signature dishes that would work for takeout are: the stirfried pork neck meat (?) and they have a signature spare rib dish (I think it's done with olives).
Can't say for rice and noodles since we are regulars for dinner and not lunch.
Summerhill Market - spring sale now on
I will look for it the next time.
Btw, we had the turkey pot pie today and it was amazing. Same with the three cheese truffled penne and the raspberry pie. Big thank u from my daughters. We will definitely be repeat customers.
Summerhill Market - spring sale now on
Thx so much for the tip. Went to the summerhill location first and picked up the three cheese penna pasta, chicken pasta carbonara, turkey pot pie and others. Really good value. Haven't tried anything yet. But expectations are high.
The sweets were yummy. We sampled the chocolate brownie loaf, red velvet cheesecake, smores bars, raspberry mousse. All were great. The smores bars were a big hit except we were already full from lunch and all the samples.
We then went to the Mt Pleasant location and picked up more Raos sauce, pate and other staples. Much smaller store and not as many specials. But still a fun find.
Thx so much. BTW, where would I find the white bean dip? I checked hummus section and prepared foods and didn't see it. Store was busy and we were in a hurry.
Summerhill Market - spring sale now on
which location? I am only familiar with the Mt Pleasant location - pass by it all the time but never shopped. Is sale there as well?
Best Dim Sum in Richmond Hill / Markham Area?
For good value, I would recommend Emperor for their early bird discount (but check website for hours).
For comtemporary, Yangs.
For atmosphere where you have an enormous dining room and lots of noise (Chinese restaurants are typically 'loud'), I would recommend Casa Victoria.
Chinese foodcourt stalls (authentic cantonese)
Unfortunately, Brilliant has a new takeout menu and prices have gone up. Still good value for the quality you get. But I think it's now $36 or $38 (incl. tax) for dinner for 4. Previously it was less than that and tax was included but I can't remember how much it was.
But still great value. And good wok hay for Chinese takeout food. Beats any food court. So we tend to get Brilliant for takeout rather than any of the SilverStar, Peachtree or FMP food court vendors.
2012 alphonso mango sightings
Any alphonsos in Mkm? I usually get mine last year from Bombay Bazaar for around $20 a case. Don't want to trek all the way downtown.
Almond Milk
I like Silk brand. Easy to find. Often on sale at metro. I like the sugar free kind.
2012 alphonso mango sightings
alphonso is a much stronger taste. i stick to ataulfo rest of year. And pick up a case or 2 of alphonso when available. But $27 is steep. Seems like price goes up every year. how many in a case?
Best i had was when i picked up some Australian (?) ones in HK. Very creamy, ripe and no stringy fibre stuff.
yummy yummy dumpling - my preferred spot downtown
Went to yummy last week. Never been to Mother's before. Since I tend to stick to Mkm places. But we were in the area and we were hungry.
Really like the dumplings. Can tell everything is homemade. Agree and love the dumpling skin. Even the wonton skin in the soup tasted fresh and so different from the usual places. The fried seafood dumplings were excellent. Same with the steamed mutton dumplings.
Sliced braised beef shank and pork slices were a bit dry but went great with the garlicky sauce that came with it.
Noodles were ok. We like PMall's Sun Noodle better. But still good sized portion.
We also tried the appetizers. First time we have rice noodle skin stir fried. In the past, we ate them cold with sesame sauce. But here they do it stirfried - a bit salty but still different from other places. So overall a good find.
However, not too busy at 6pm on the night we were there. Even when we left, there were only 3 tables. not sure how good Mother's was. But this place was 'homey', good value for money. The only complaint is picky customers would rate service to be less than adequate. But for this price, one cannot and should not expect fine dining service.
I hope more people try this place out.
Dim Sum at Dragon Dynasty - Could be some of GTA's best!
Always prefer ordering from sheet since we think it,s steamed to order and piping hot. That matters more to us thananything else. By the time the cart rolls around, it may have been roaming the big dining room for 15 minutes plus.
St. Lawrence Market - "World's Best Food Market" in National Geographic List -
We go at least oncea month from gta to downtown to pick up meats and sausages. We are familiar with area since we work around there. Lots of competition in the area since supermarkets have moved in.
But if u go at the right time on sat around closing lots of bargains. Even if not, cofee place is good. And we can pick up steaks, sausages, pork at good prices. Not much more expensive than loblaws. But somehow our kids like shopping at places like slm and wf where meat is wrapped in butcher paper. Just like they like going to kensington, atwater and jean talon.
We also pick up portugese chicken and there is a place where we get the grilled bacon pork belly as a snack.
St. Lawrence Market - "World's Best Food Market" in National Geographic List -
I go to slm a lot. But would have to agree not the besr. After visiting mkts in asia and europe, i would have to say there are some that i wish were here in TO. Even in NA, we would rank the LA one pretty high on the list.
But we love the meats and coffee places at slm. And everything is reasonably priced, cheaper than whole foods.
Easter Brunch
We like delta east hotel at kennedy and 401. But it's in scarborough. Not crowded.
For thirty five dollars, there is oysters, crab, lobster, prime rib, made to order pasta and omelets and ok desserts. Not fine dining but reasonable pricing.
Not sure if four seasons here does Sunday brunch. When i am in us, i used to go a lot. More expensive but u would get champagne, caviar, sea bass, and other dishes. Plus the mini desserts were delicious.
Any chow worthy cheap eats in Kensington Market since last year
Yes fong on. Very small store front. U go up the steps and it's an 'open kitchen'. They do not provide sauces. I ususally get takeout so i don't know if they will steam or nuke rice rolls for u.
There is plain. Or rice rolls with minced pork inside. The tofu fa u can get with the sugary syrup. Best and fresh tasting downtown.
Any chow worthy cheap eats in Kensington Market since last year
Will get english name for u next time i go. It,s made fresh so it's soft not hard like the ones u buy at supermarket.
Sixty cents per roll. So good.
Any chow worthy cheap eats in Kensington Market since last year
I second the agave mex place.
Not sit down. But we like to pick upbread from cobbs.
If u like chinese, the tofu placeis run by these elderly ladies who make fresh steamed rice rolls or cheung fun. Fresh tofu fa. Black sesame soup for dessert. and white sugar steamed pastry. Everything is around two or tnree dollars and made fresh daily.
Scarborough To-Do List - What have I missed? What SHOULD I miss?
thx. will get thali and butter chicken next time. Right now, we go to Babu for lumprie, butter chicken, samosa and naan.
