freelancer's Recent Activity
Chowhound Post
Mom Mom's Red Velvet Cake/Butter Cream Icing
Also I have an 8 inch pan - should I get 9 inch pans instead? for this cake and most others?
Chowhound Post
Mom Mom's Red Velvet Cake/Butter Cream Icing
Hi! I am baking this cake on the weekend for a Christmas party. I can't wait to try it! Does anyone have any suggestions for decorating it? Toasted coconut on the sides? Or would that ruin it? i was going to do nuts, but someone has a nut allergy. Any ideas on how I should decorate it or should I leave this one rustic looking?
Chowhound Post
Cupcakes in Saskatoon
I personally prefer the Cupcake Conspiracy - more natural and interesting icing flavors. The flavor of the week is usually fascinating as well. Chocolate red wine is one of them for December.
Restaurants: Bliss Fine Foods, Calories, Saskatoon Asian, Tusq - all highly recommended.
Chowhound Post
Gastronomical Tour in Toronto, Part Deux
I heard something about mustard overpowering the entire dish.
Chowhound Post
Gastronomical Tour in Toronto, Part Deux
Yes, you are correct. The dessert was OK but not spectacular and very beige in color. I was thoroughly disappointed as I heard her return to Scaramouche was a big deal.
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
I was in the area anyway and was upset not to see a single cupcake shoppe in the beaches. Totally didn't realize that a ton of them are in Leslieville, earlier on. Sadly I did not have time to visit those, and had to walk BY "It's Icing on the Cake" without going in :( Has anyone tried those ones?
And yes, the pressure to explore it all while time ticks away is frustrating! Too many cupcakes to eat, not enough time!
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
I'm pretty sure it's uncooked, as it's what I'm used to - really sweet. It's been a long time since I tried theirs but it seems to be uncooked.
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
I was in town visiting from Saskatchewan so hunting down the best cupcake shop in Toronto, even if it was at the end of the beaches, was necessary!!
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
You won't regret Life is Sweet's Lemon Drop cupcake. It was incredible!
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
Thanks Lovely Asia and Full Tummy for the explanation! I guess I have never had a cooked buttercream before. I only tried the Truffle one at Wedding Cake Shoppe and wish I had tried a vanilla! I do prefer a smoother, less sweet icing. Is the wedding cake shoppe the only place that uses a cooked buttercream? Unfortunately I was visiting so it will be probably another year before I can stop by again! :(
Chowhound Post
Cupcakes in Saskatoon
Two cupcake bakeries have opened in Saskatoon - I've tried them both but will refrain my posting my review until I hear what everyone else thinks!
So has anyone tried either the Cupcake Conspiracy (downtown) or the Cupcake Corner (8th street)?
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
I've never had a cooked buttercream - can you elaborate on the difference?
Chowhound Post
Best cupcakes in T.O.?
Hands down, the best cupcakes I've found in TO are from LIFE IS SWEET, at the end of Queen East.
The size is hefty - nice and large! Cake is moist and dense, not airy like a cake mix. The icing is smooth and not too sweet - just the perfect amount. And their flavor combinations are incredibly inventive. At $2.25 each it's a steal.
I've tried Dufflets (dry, crumbly, tasteless)
Wedding Cake Shoppe (Truffle cupcake - nothing to rave about)
Dessert Lady (bland, oily frosting, terrible)
Yummy Stuff (pretty good - had them at Caffe Doria last year)
Miss Cora's Kitchen (pretty decent, but kind of expensive and the cake itself was a bit on the greasy side, though contained a very homemade feel - and was pretty dense in a good way)
Having the best cupcakes ever in California at Sprinkles, my cupcake reviews can be ruthless and I was totally wowed by Life is Sweet. When I bit into the Mango tea cake with lime frosting, I had a knee drop reaction (literally).
Try it out. They've also got Earl Grey with orange frosting, butterscotch, and some other fabulous flavors.
Chowhound Post
Gastronomical Tour in Toronto, Part Deux
Thanks for all the fantastic suggestions everyone! My trip to your fine city was fabulous as I saw more parts of the city I didn't have time to check out the last time!
I went back to Scaramouche the first night I was there and was so disappointed! After an amazing lamb main last year, I decided to go with the Rabbit Ballantine this time. The presentation was so phallic and off putting! The taste not too bad but not fabulous either. Service was very professional but lacked soul - not at all personalized and I couldn't even get a word in to the waiter to actually make a comment other than "good, thank you." As a solo diner, it made for a boring evening. Dessert was an almond trio - looked beige! Was good but not sensational.
Never again, Scaramouche! We had better days.
Had some poutine from Poutini's on Queen West after shopping - crazy but it was fast. Nothing spectacular! I should have tried Smoke's Poutine instead. I hear they are opening a location on Queen West this month so it will be there when I return in a year or so :)
Had a street hot dog a few times - the guy outside of Holt Renfrew in Yorkville makes the best one I had all trip!
Managed to stop by Libretto's on Saturday in late afternoon - beat the lineup! Had the Pingue Proscuitto Pizza and it was FABULOUS! Service was excellent. Also tried the Budino for dessert. A bit sweet - needed a bit of texture - maybe a crisp or a biscotti would have been nice to compliment the smoothness of the pudding. No cocktails though, just wine! Bummer.
Stopped by the Rivoli later that evening for a quick appetizer - nice spring rolls actually.
Sunday - hard to find a place open late and well, open at all. I lucked out at Colborne Lane. Was slower, received fantastic, personalized service and had the most amazing dish all trip - a vegetable appetizer, root and seasonal veg on top of sweet potato cake. It was divine. The cornish hen main was also fabulous. And the deconstructed lemon tart was very interesting. Great choice - I almost went to ONE instead b/c they were open later but am glad I stopped by Colborne Lane. It was just fun, inventive and tasty food. After going to Lucien the last time, which was an awful disaster, I'm really glad i got some good molecular gastro food!
I had been so excited to try Nota Bene on my last night but heard that it wasn't fantastic or as fantastic as the hype. Something about a bad steak tartare, if I recall correctly. So I decided to do something else instead and just keep it low key. It was raining so not much in the mood to get dressed up. But now I am really regretting missing the food! Think they'll be as good if not better the next time I visit?
I also missed out on Caffe Doria (for a return visit), Jacques (for their lemon tart!) and a slew of others you had all suggested. It makes me realize that there is almost too much good food to fit into a week!
Chowhound Post
Gastronomical Tour in Toronto, Part Deux
Thanks again so much everyone, once again! So Canoe is on this list but not the list from last year, if I remember correctly - interesting! It was recommended to me by the guys at Scaramouche so I probably should check it out.
Libretto Pizzeria - I noticed it on that top 10 new best list and wondered if i should go! Thanks for mentioning it here. I'm also going through the first thread to pick out places I hadn't gone to yet. There seems to be too many to choose from!
What's the consensus on The Drake? And Senses? Nyood? Those are just a few off the top off my head.
Thanks again! You all ROCK!
Chowhound Post
Gastronomical Tour in Toronto, Part Deux
Hello all!
I received such wonderful advice the last time from all the Chowhounders when I was in Toronto last year and I am back for more assistance from you foodies!
Previous thread here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/519954
Now, it's been a year and a half - are there any new places that are a MUST go sort of place? I planned on Splendido but I see that Chef Lee has left, so Nota Bene is on my list for sure.
I am debating returning to Scaramouche-it was soooo good when I went and I heard the old pastry chef is back, so might be worth it to return.
However, I only have a few days where I can actually dine out for dinner so I'll try to hit up many of these places for lunch, if I can put aside the shopping for an hour!
Please let me know of any great places that I must must visit that I don't know about!
Thanks again in advance!
Chowhound Post
Best places in Vancouver?
Thanks so much for posting all your recs!!!!! The list is amazing and I thank you for all your time!
Unfortunately, I have to cancel my Vancouver trip for the moment (already booked the flight and everything - bah!) but I will keep this list for when I WILL visit your fine city!! It is a must.
Thanks again and sorry for the trouble! I'm majorly bummed I won't be able to make it to try all your recs at the moment but I will!
Chowhound Post
Best places in Vancouver?
I will be in Vancouver for four days soon and I need some help from CH-ers to plan a fabulous gastronomical tour. Where are the best places to eat, for lunch and dinner?
Price is not an issue, IF the meal warrants it (I say that now but I might cringe once I get the bill). Dinner - around the $60-100 range (no alcohol). I don't drink so that helps out a bit, cost wise.
Mostly looking for contemporary North American fine dining spots for dinner - where are the best of the best?
I should mention I don't eat seafood, so seafood only spots won't really interest me.
Also looking for some good places for lunch as well - doesn't have to be fancy but has to be excellent!
Thoughts? Ideas? Thanks in advance!
Chowhound Post
saskatoon?
The Ivy's new executive chef is now Marty Peters, who headed up Prairie Ink for years, and owned Fresh Bistro (which closed unfortunately, at least temporarily).
Chowhound Post
Bliss Fine Food - Saskatoon
Went back for another fabulous dinner with people who hadn't been there before and they were very happy with their choices, namely the feature lamb.
Odd, I remember seeing so many other comments on Bliss from other diners but they have all seemed to have disappeared. Strange.
I think I will try the cheesecake next time - from what I have seen of photos posted online, if doing a cheesecake in a scoop form rather than a slice, isn't inventive, I don't know what is....
Chowhound Post
Bliss Fine Food - Saskatoon
Bliss now has a website with their menu up:
http://blissfinefoods.com/
Chowhound Post
Bliss Fine Food - Saskatoon
Went for lunch yesterday and it was pretty good. Really decent prices for lunch. I much preferred dinner however so it you are wanting to go for a truly spectacular meal, I recommend booking a supper at Bliss!
Chowhound Post
Any new restaurants serving good food in Saskatoon?
Re: my 'laughable' comment about the desserts, I never said it was a revolution in dessert making but in my opinion, of high caliber. My point was they weren't relying on tortes and cheesecakes solely and at least trying something different. Yes chocolate pate is nothing new but I have yet to see a comparable lemon tart or banana cream pie in the city. When I walk into Calories, all I see is cakes, and cheesecakes. Same goes with Prairie Ink, Fresh Bistro, and Truffles. At least they are trying to do something a bit different, if not new. I'm not saying it was perfect, as the lemon tart could have used a bit more presentation (some raspberries off to the side, a bit of lemon confit, etc) but it was nice to have something different for once.
I think it's unfortunate you had a poor experience but if this had happened at Truffles, you would have never gotten an entree removed off the bill. They would have stuck it to you like they always do. At least Bliss values good service and did the right thing, even though it doesn't make up for the experience.
Chowhound Post
Saskatoon: Bliss was fabulous
So glad you had such a great time! I too, think it's one of the best meals I've had here in quite a while. As you said, flavours, execution and presentation were spot on.
Chowhound Post
Bliss Fine Food - Saskatoon
They aren't currently taking reservations so just pop in when you can and I am sure they will do their best to seat you. It is worth the trip!
Chowhound Post
Any new restaurants serving good food in Saskatoon?
"This place will even blow Truffles out of the water."
I went there last night and it DOES blow Truffles and Calories out of the water. And what I love is they don't rely solely on butter to bring out beautiful, simple, and refined flavours. This is the restaurant Saskatoon has been waiting for.
Chowhound Post
Bliss Fine Food - Saskatoon
I have been waiting for Bliss to open for months now and it lived up to all of my expectations. Finally, this is the restaurant I have been waiting for in Saskatoon. I am just not crazy about Calories, Truffles, Boffins, or any of the more popular gourmet places. I find that Boffins, while local, uses way too much butter and the same is true of Calories and Truffles. I don't enjoy eating a soggy, oily, mess.
Anyway, back to the fabulous Bliss. I ordered the chicken entree, which I found to be spectacular. Skin was crispy, chicken was done to perfect and the flavours were amazing. Simple and elegant presentation, perfect portion size and the best entree I've had in Saskatoon in many years. Simple, refined and elegant.
The dessert menu was also high caliber. Saskatoon is the land of cheesecakes and tortes, which I find to be utterly boring as there are no true desserts at any of the restaurants in the city. Calories, highly touted for the desserts, I find to be overrated as you taste sugar more than anything. Bliss offers truely unique desserts - banana coconut cream pie (almost with a deconstructed style), lemon tart, chocolate pate, etc.
Service was professional but not cold. It seemed to have a real team dynamic with people working together and overall, was friendly and enthusiastic, but professional at the same time. I'm glad to know Bliss values good service. As many of us who have dined at Truffles knows that while the food is spectacular, the service is the worst in the city, considering the level it should be at in that environment. I have had such rude service there that I refuse to go back no matter how good the food is. It really is about the whole package and I believe Bliss has it, above and beyond.
I loved it and will be definitely returning. I am absolutely ecstatic Bliss is here! Saskatoon so deserves this place. It has been a long time coming.
Thoughts everyone?
Chowhound Post
Questions about Linda's thai food (the one above Salad King)
Has anyone ever had really bad service at Linda? I recommended a couple of foodies and friends there when they were in Toronto and they were super excited. However, they had to leave before ordering because the service was really rude. I was shocked and felt really bad about sending them there. I am curious what everyone's experience of their service has been?
Chowhound Post
Looking for Great Healthy Restaurants in Edmonton
thanks ihatepickyeaters! I really appreciate the help as well. I will look up the cafes you listed and sunbake pita!
Chowhound Post
Looking for Great Healthy Restaurants in Edmonton
Thanks cleopatra999! I really appreciate your detailed post; you are absolutely right in the use of butter and oil - it brings out such wonderful flavours and I am already missing it! Thanks for the suggestion on asking them to cut it down and asking them to steam things, and omitting the sauces or butter.
I'll be hard pressed to find healthy options while at the mall but right now, I'm on a bland, chicken only diet. I'll probably take some digestive enzymes while eating out in Edmonton to help digest the fats but otherwise have to be pretty careful, at least for a few months. It's such a shame though as I miss butter, bacon, red meat and all the good stuff. I could experiment and see what I am able to eat but I'm not sure it's a good idea to experiment while visiting!
Thanks for the great vegetarian options - my friend will be quite happy! I might give in and get some gelato too. It's not the healthiest but I love gelato far too much.
I'll post brief reviews when I get back. It's an odd topic I've posted so I'm happy for all the help! Thank you!
