Laura's Resto Diary

bye bye

2010-05-08T20:49:00.002-04:00

short lived, but a good run. I have to say bye bye to the blog as i have finally discovered Yelp.ca where now all my reviews reside. with an audience!

find me at laurachiu.yelp.ca

Katsura

2010-04-10T02:29:00.000-04:00

At the Westin Prince Hotel

Fresh, best sashami I've had in a long time, and just a unique and different take on japanese food, more traditional, more attention to detail, in both presentation and taste.
I came here tonight with my parents because of Andrew A's review. I forgot about this place, but I used to come here a lot with I was kid, before the place became so pricey.

It was like being in familiar territory because the same people that were working here when i was a kid, still worked here except not in their usual kimono garb. The service is really attentive, at one point we had three people serving us, even the chef came out to say hello!

The food was very good, but very pricey! We had a sashami platter, and you can definately taste the difference between regular fish, and katsura fish (however, if you go to vancouver, it does taste this fresh with a third of the cost).

One thing that was very worth it was the grilled unagi rice. They make it in front of you, with the rice, wasabi, nori, eel (which he torch seared the top first0, egg, and some rice balls, mixed it up all together, and it served at like 7-8 bowls full. ($33)

We also got the black cod, which was very nice, smooth and crunchy. it same with small side garnishes, including a sticky rice mochi wrapped in a bamboo leaf, some pickled veggies, all edible.
What I loved was the attention to detail, and how delicate everything was.

For dessert we got the banana crepe ($8) which was flambeed with grand marnier and served with bananas on the side, and strawberries.

The total cost was $180 for 3 ppl. It was quite worth it, but only for a special occasion. Something unique fo sure. I wonder if it's comparable to the new Katseki place that opened at the japanese community centre.

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W Burger Bar

2010-04-10T01:58:00.000-04:00

Friday evening. 6pm. Dinner with Conrad.

W. Burger bar

With advice from Kat F. I made reservations and so glad that I did. I was a bit late, but they still held the table for us. There was a lineup with about 3 parties, and we walked right by like VIPs and got seated at our table. AWESOME.
I guess this is the type of place that don't really need to allow reservations, but I'm very glad they did.

However, the table was right in front of the kitchen kind of in the middle nowhere. I commented to my friend that this was awesome, but we got the crappiest seat in the house. My friend said, are you gunna yelp about it? I said probably. Then... maybe he heard me, maybe he didn't, but the manager (? guy with glasses) passed by and said "you can see the kitchen? sorry about that. would you like free drinks?"
I'm like... uhh. SURE!!! and i got a half pint of beer :) :)

Onion rings are superb.

I took a long time to decide. My ultimate burger would be Bison + Egg + Pineapple + Mushroom + Cheese + avacado + Bacon ... but that's just heart attack waiting to happen.
Had to be selective.
Got a Bison ($9.95) + Chipotle Ketchup (free) + Monteray Jack Cheese ($1.25) + Portobello Mushroom ($2.50)

To be honest, it was good, but could have been better. The cheese was thin (i.e. melted, I can see thru it) and the ketchup was only in the middle of the sandwich so only tasted it with one bite. The mushrooms were there, but didn't really add much to the burger.
However, I will come back there one day and try this infamous frilled cheese with egg.

Conrad got the egg + tomato + beef burger +onions

They were also good about subsitutes

We were a little hurried, to get our bill and sod off, but I could see why: there was at least another 5 parties waiting (and line up out the door). As we walked past them, I wanted to shout, You can CALL AHEAD!!

Boom and Breakfast Co

2010-03-28T21:10:00.000-04:00

My new favourite Breakfast place. It's comparable with Cora's, but with a local flavour. We went to the College location. It's a small place, and when we got there at 1pm and there was a line up. But only about a 10 min wait.

We both ordered the same Benny Boom (smoked salmon benny with spinach), because it just looked that good. I still need to go back and try that french toast, but here are the pics!! The fries were amazing!!!!!!

This place looks so yummy.

Benny BOOM ........ $10.49

2 poached eggs, fresh spinach &; applewood chip smoked salmon

Ultimate Crunchy French Toast ........ $8.49

served with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce

Breakfast Panino ........ $7.69
omelette style eggs, mushrooms, swiss cheese, roasted tomato & fresh fruit garnish

http://www.boombreakfast.com/menu.pdf

#1 for Best All Day Breakfast in Blog.to

3 locations
808 College (College and Ossington)
1036 St. Clair West (St. Clair and Dufferin)
174 Eglinton Ave West (Eglinton and between Avenue and Yonge)

KOKO Share Bar

2010-03-25T12:38:00.002-04:00

http://www.yelp.ca/biz/koko-share-bar-toronto#hrid:GMb9wzkEzOPGtigM2yc_PA

To try.

Guu Izakaya

2010-03-22T02:23:00.002-04:00

I was SO pleased to finally try this restaurant after hearing how awesome it was, and how long people have to wait. They don't take reservations, and we heard that the average line up was 2hrs. When we got there with a party of 6 people, and heard the lineup was only going to be an hour, we were plesantly surprised. While we waited, we got a glimpse of the interior from peep holes on the outside wall.

Let me say first that it was completely worth the wait. We arrived at 8:45pm and unfortunately waited until 10:15pm before we got let in. The place is small, and maybe fits about 50-70 people. It's quite cozy and communal tables are the trend here.

An Izakaya is traditionally a bar that serves food with drinks. At Guu, and other izakayas like Manpuku in Toronto, they serve food then and the drinks accompany it, but it's small dishes like tapas but all authentic in it's origins.

It even looks like the Izakayas in Japan on the wiki.

When we finally went in and sat down, all the servers and cooks shout out a greeting, and everyone stares at us. I imagine it's to welcome us to their establishment.
During our meal, we also saw 3 birthdays (I suspect that they pretend to get the attention) but the whole restaurant will clap and sing Happy Birthday.
When you leave, everyone shouts at you, Thank You for coming, or something of that sort.
In a sense, suddenly you've entered this family for about 2 hrs while you dine.

During the meal, food came pretty quickly and with our bouncy and cheerful server, she got our orders in quick and was really nice about everything. I hastily tried to take photos before the food was devoured (you can imagine after waiting to eat until 10:45pm)

Although we had 6 people, every dish seemed to be made for 2-3 people and shared. Everything was also priced on average $4-7 per dish. We ordered about 2 dishes each. This place would still be good for couples, where you can order a lot, try different things and not end up with an overly full stomach, or empty wallet.

We started with the

"ABURI SALMON" Lightly seared atlantic salmon sashimi
with ponzu sauce and wasabi mayo

(there was wasabi on this? i didn't even taste it!)

It was very good sashimi. soft, tender tons of flavour.

Next was

"KINOKO CHEESE BIBIMBAP"
Rice, garlic sauteed mushrooms and cheese with seaweed sauce

The cheese really added a nice creamy texture.

Then (my favourite)

"TAKOYAKI" Deep fried puffed octopus balls served
with TONKATSU sauce and mustard mayo

Not as big as the ones from Manpuku, but they also don't take 20 mins to make. Yummmm

"HOTATE BUTTER" Pan fried scallop with soysauce and garlic butter

As I predicted, the scallops were buttery smooth. (and I forgot to take a picture!!!!)

"KAKUNI" Sweet miso braised pork belly with boiled egg

This was very much like Dong Bo Yuk in Shanghainese cuisine, but without the thick red sauce. It was good, but Chinese version is better.

"TONTORO" Grilled pork cheek with salt and YUZU pepper

It was okay. The meat was bit tough.

"GINDARA" Grilled black cod with SAIKYO miso and white wine sauce

A little more pricier than most dishes, but SO good. Soft fish, with tons of miso flavour

"GYUTANGUE" Grilled beef tongue with salt

We got this during round 2, and it was one of the specials for each stick $2. It was very good and tender tongue.

"KAKIMAYO" Grilled oysters with spinach, garlic mayo and cheese on the top

This was pretty worth the cholesterol. I could have eaten the whole thing myself.

"KARUBI" Salt&papper grilled beef short ribs with green onion sauce

I liked this version of Kalbi. the meat was not tough at all.

Lastly, this was an udon, but I'm not sure which one. It doens't look like much, but the noodles were covered in a smooth creamy miso-y sauce that made it really tasty.

Overall the highlights were:

- takoyaki

- kalbi type short ribs

- cheese bimbimbap

- oysters

- black cod

Insomnia (dinner)

2010-03-18T16:15:00.000-04:00

I have to apologize upfront that I"m disappointed (although warned) that my new Blackberry Curve 8520 has a crappy camera that in dark lighting can't seem to distinguish colours.
Oh well.

On the eve of st. Patricks, I didn't want to spend the evening crowding with frat boys on Bloor Street in a sweaty bar filled with green beer and green t-shirts. I'd rather have a nice meal and do that in the streets.

Insomnia has been around for a while I know, and they also serve brunch.

The place is small, but cozy. We saw two seats in the front and it wasn't too close to our neighbours but cozy.

I got a burger ($9) with brie ($2) and mushrooms ($1) and it comes with fries and salad with garlic aioli . I wanted to diet and eat healthy, but I can't resist aioli. I also put it in my burger.
I was mess eating that 8oz tho. All the fillings and condiments sputing everywhere. I needed 2 napkins to keep me looking like a fool, which I probably already did.

Alexey got an appetizer size mussels. And it was huge! Perfect for just for him. In a spinach wine sauce, it was tasty.

would come back again.

Frangipane Patisserie

2010-03-18T12:09:00.000-04:00

I've seen this place on my drive home everyday, and thought it might be worth a try. After parking in the LCBO lot across the street, I darted over to Frangipane.

The smells were wonderful, and their displays full of cakes and chocolates and tarts. I heard they were famous for their tarts so thought I would give it try. A medium size goes for about $17, but small is about $7. So I decided to get 2 small ones of different flavours (sour cherry and port&pear).

I took them home and took small slivers of peices to eat. It lasted me a week eating in moderation that way, and they stayed fresh. Keep them in the fridge.
The sour cherry wasn't as sour, but it was sweet with a little kick. The pear you can taste every little pear and port flavour.

Takumi Sushi

2010-03-18T11:13:00.000-04:00

Takumi Sushi is a usual joint for the business folks that work around the yonge and wellesley area. It's a small place on yonge street, but a great find.

Lunch here is super cheap. Around $7 for a meal with rolls, salad and soup.
However, if you want any thin gmore substantial like sashami, or teriyaki, it's much more $$.

The rolls we got were good, spider roll and unagi roll. But I'm not a huge fan of just rolls. I get bored easily, and would rather have new things. But surprisingly it was quite filling. For this price, i might just have to learn to like it!

Insomnia (Brunch)

2010-03-18T10:35:00.001-04:00

Went to Insomnia for dinner and happened on the fact that they also serve brunch!

Bloor and Bathrust

Menu here: http://insomniacafe.com/brunchmenu.pdf

to note:

Heaven on Earth $10.5

Wild berries, cream cheese and honey sandwiched between lightly tanned french toast, dusted with powdered sugar, served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup

PANCAKES $10

Our signature pancakes are oven baked and take a minimum of 30 minutes,
therefore consider an item from “On the lighter side” as an appetizer while you
wait or may we suggest them as a fabulous dessert!

Berry Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with mixed berries served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup

Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with chocolate chunks and bananas served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with green apple slices and cinnamon served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup

They also have really good selection of eggs benedicts, including:

Eggs Isabelle $10
Two poached eggs with house made hollandaise, fresh tomatoes and avocado spread, served with homefries and baby greens

Who wants to come with me and share a french toast and panackes?!!!

Sandstone Grillhouse & Lounge (Niagara Falls, ON)

2010-03-11T22:11:00.001-05:00

After much searching online for a good, decently priced, quality, but not pretentious restaurant. I had wanted to go to the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant but it was closed. Copacabana Brazilian Grill is also an option, but not really the best choice for a vegetarian. The last option was Epicure in Niagara on the Lake, but it's closed in March. Everything else seemed like fast food, or extremely ghetto.

I found this place tho, Sandstone Grillhouse. The website looked appealing, menu well priced, and quality looking food with vegtarian dishes.

Everything on that street looked ghetto and run down. I don't understand that about Niagara. But when we got there, it was a small cozy little house that fit many many people.
It's very homey with a fire place and super friendly people. I'm glad we made a reservation because the tables are full.

After ordering, we got a really big garlic bread. I must have eaten half of it. It was awesomely buttery and flavourful.

We got appetizers. Bruchetta with cheese. Yum. and a baked brie with mushroom.

Delish. I don't know how I ate so much that day.

Alexey got a steak.

I really liked the look of Alvin's pasta. Yum. Creamy and seafoody.

Both Jothi and I got the Spinach gnocchi in a rose sauce. It was SO good. The gnocchi was plush and pillowy. There was a tangy taste, but it was good. Gave it some kick.

We didn't get dessert, and instead when to the fudge place on Lundy's Lane.

i'd definately come back here esp when I feel there's not that much choice in Niagara. This place has so much range and quality. depends when you get it's a $$ or $$$.
Don't know anything that can top this place for the price in Niagara.

Crepes a Go Go

2010-03-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

No pictures because it won't be as appetizing, and really doesn't do the place justice.

A small little Parisian cafe, at the corner of Yorkville and Yonge Street. It's a sign it may be authentic when the owner and everyone who works there speaks French. Even some can't speak very good English.

http://www.crepesagogo.com/

They serve breakfast from 7:30am-10am on weekdays, and open from 10:30am on weekends. This small place has few seating, but their crepes are easy to take with you.

They have a great variety of crepes. The Parisien has egg, smoked salmon, dill, mayo and red onion. Today I had the Big Ben Extra. (extra =" scarmbled egg") Raseberry Jam, Brie and Egg. It was AMAZING. I wouldn't think it would all go together.

They also serve some pastries in the morning. Fresh from a French Bakery. I found out where, and now I must visit. I just had the half of danish I saved from breakfast and it was crisp, flaky and flavourful. I don't think I've had any better.

Their crepes are cooked fresh, with the perfect thickness, and never under/over cooked.

I could totally inculdge here. I love everything about the place.
You can also call in and order ahead and pick up, rather than attempting to find parking.
I don't know a better Crepe Place in Toronto. I think it beats out the Crepe place on Queen st (but still good)

Epic at Royal York Hotel

2010-03-07T22:24:00.001-05:00

So we went to Epic only because I had Fairmont $25 coupons (x4) for food at a hotel. We have been before to their brunch, but unfortunately they have discontinued it, and we were left with dinner only.

Epic wouldn't have been the first place I would eat at. Even looking at the menu, food seems over priced, potentially small plates, and lack selection.

After ordering, we got a big bread

I ordered a squash soup with goat cheese to start.

I ordered the Scallop Pasta. It was actually very good, and I've never had such good scallop ever! It was tender and soft, and didn't even taste like scallop. The pasta was creamy and yumy.

Alexey got a tuna. We weren't too sure about the suggestable shape to the right.

For dessert was a creme brulee that was covered by fruit and a biscotti. It was good, but with some maple syrup in it and it was weird.

Overall it cost with 2 glasses of wine around $110. We only had to pay $10. It was okay... but still wouldn't go there on my own.

Pizza Express (Hong Kong)

2010-03-04T22:37:00.000-05:00

This is my last of the 2009 Hong Kong trip food.

This was a great place, as we were looking for some comfort western food. Walking up along Soho we wanted to find something that was cheap, quality and quick.
With big glass windows we could see a two person table inside, and we quickly pointed at it and grabbed it.

It was small tho. Maybe only about 10 tables and fit about 30 people. I think they had another location somewhere in Lan Kwai, as they were always answering calls about wine orders and kept sending someone.
Seems like a good place for groups (if you can get a seat) with big round marble tables.

I was looking for somehting cheesy and creamy for the last dinner our last night in Hkg.

Started with a mushroom soup. Very fresh. Totally mushroom puree

The mushroom caps were so yummy.

Unfortunately this was so long ago, i can't remember what we had. but with all that food it was more than enough.

yummm i miss hong kong

Cowbell

2010-03-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

http://www.tasteto.com/2010/02/28/sunday-brunch-cowbell/

1564 Queen Street West (between Landsdowne and Roscavelles)
416-849-1095
Brunch for two with all taxes, tip and coffee: $50

"Instead, it's a fun, quirky brunch spot with some seriously awesome food and just enough cuteness to not feel stuffy."

As a big fan of eggs Benedict, I'm always up for new variations of the dish and Cowbell's version with smoked trout ($12) was especially nice. House-smoked trout was light and sweet – neither too fishy or overwhelmingly smoky - atop homemade English muffins. There was apparently some debate as to whether this should come with a side salad of local greens (it was the first brunch service and the kitchen was still working out some details), so I ordered a side of nicely cooked home fries as well ($2).

Lah Wai Heen

2010-02-21T21:24:00.000-05:00

I've been here many time with parents before, but I always complain that with their expensive "innovative dim sum" because I don't get exactly what I want (i.e. bbq with zucchini chung fun, no fung tsao, or my classic dishes with some odd twist).

This visit turned out very good, and I was really pleased. They also do a really good job on presentation.

Ham in pastry.

Braised Duck Web (duck feet). It was actually quite yummy

Pig Belly

Satay

Crispy Fish Skin

BBQ pork in puffy pastry

Waygu Dumpling ($8/piece!)

Black Seasame (tong yoon) fried.

Southern Accent

2010-02-21T19:20:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to this quaint little place beside Honest Ed's for a while. back 3 years ago, Alexey and I bought some spicy bbq sauce from the Hot and Spicy Festival from Southern Accent. I looked up the place, and especially since Cluck, Grunt and Low closed down, I was looking for a place where we can have slow cooked southern food.

I've been in the area before, and this small multileveled house, all lit up with lights, has so much character. I would love to come here again in the summer.

We got there, and the hostess took us up thru the winding staircases and narrow hallways up to a room which housed about 15 people. All lit up and decorated for Mardi Gras, it was colourful and festive. We sat in an intimate corner, with a curtain hanging up overhead. It was quite romantic.

The server was friendly and talkative.

They have an in-house pyschic (which you have to book before hand). It was $30 for one reading.
It was interesting, and I'm always skeptical about these things. She told me some things that I would like to hear, who knows if it will be true. But it was fun.

The food itself, was good, but I can't say it was spectacular. I'd come again, maybe in the summer. I would imagine their winter/summer licious menu would be good.

Unfortunately, all the lighting in there was red/orange, so my pictures were all red !!

We got the Spicy Cajun Calamari for an appetizer. It was really good. Big plate, we took some home. and super awesome on the 2nd day!

I got the Braised Beef. It was tender and the mashed potatoes were good.

Alexey got the blackened spicy chicken. A little dry, but good, it came with some dipping yogurt.

The dessert, we got the bread pudding. YUM.

Bodega

2010-02-15T23:06:00.000-05:00

One of the only more classier restaurants on Baldwin, although I do like Bocca as well, Bodega typically serves really good french food, esp for lunch and dinner, but on this Valentine's Day, Alexey surprised me by going here for Brunch!

I didn't even know they had brunch. It was quite good. Quiet at 11:30am, but being inside the house, wooden floor and fireplace made it really romantic.

We started with the Foie Gras. Thought we'd splurge on Vday. It was super filling and super yummy. Their house speciality they said.

I forgot to bring my camera, and I'm impressed with the Iphone photos, given the proper lighting.

The menu selection included some omlettes, salads, pancakes, french toast and eggs benedict. I can't resist not ordering the eggs benny.

Plenty of home made hollendaise. Eggs perfectly cooked on top of peameal and on a croissant (i love when they do that).

On the side wasn't potato, it was radish, which was a healthy change.

But I really disliked the bak choy that was on the side. And it was kinda dirty (i know it won't kill me, but if I see it, it upsets me).

I don't get my a regaulr green salad wouldn't do.

Alexey got the pancakes. and THEY were the "best pancakes I've ever had"

They don't look like much, but these blueberry filled pancakes were moist, and not dry, and filled with sweet goodness. And the super french cream and maple syrup were awesome.

The Drake

2010-02-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

Brunch menu didn't look so amazing, but would love to try the dinner!!

http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/_ftp/menus/dining.pdf

- Oysters 6 for $20
- BBq Smoked Ribs
- Beef Brisket
- Chicken Fricasse

- DRakE BURgER

Kerr Farms’ beef, bacon, white cheddar and

russian dressing with hand cut french fries 16

- Braised Beef Perogies

- Mac Cheese sides

and daily specials

Lunch in the Lounge looks okay too

Pure Spirits Oyster Grill and Bar

2010-02-07T19:15:00.002-05:00

A girls afternoon Winterlicious lunch turned into a bday lunch/get together with some good friends.

In the heart of the Distillery, when you walk into Pure Spirits Oyster Grill and Bar, I felt there were some good vibes. Friendly staff, and decor with character, the sunlight shines thru the glass windows. The original facade of a distillery lines the walls, with big steel doors, and even a vault in the back.

For $20, the Winterlicious menu

Crispy fish cake, traditional tartar sauce, arugula salad, orange salad
or

New England style clam chowder, aged cheddar bread

Baby spinach salad, roasted beets, spiced nuts and roasted mushrooms, blue

cheese dressing

Herb fired flat iron, crispy frites, caramelized onion and forest mushroom sauté, peppercorn jus

Pan seared white fish, saffron risotto, rosemary scented tomato stew

Organic farmed chicken stew, yukon mashed potatoes, roast garlic puff pastry

Vanilla crème caramel

Dark chocolate tart, whiskey chantilly

Trio of mini desserts

One things I did like was that we weren't limited to only ordering off the set menu, like some other restaurants.

We started with some of the market priced ($2.50 - $3.75 per peice) of Oysters.

The smaller ones from New York, the larger ones from PEI (i think)....

I never knew oysters tasted different.

And that we eat them alive!!!

Oysters must be eaten alive, or cooked alive. The shells of live oysters are normally tightly closed or snap shut given a slight tap. If the shell is open, the oyster is dead, and cannot be eaten safely. Cooking oysters in the shell kills the oysters and causes them to open by themselves. Oysters that don't open were dead before cooking and are unsafe.

For the first course, we got the Fish Cakes and the New England Clam Chowder.

Unfortunately, the soup was very salty. Is it supposed to be?

Next was the main courses.

"A chicken pot pie that exploded" - Creamy and full of chicken. Underneath, mashed potatoes. It was pretty yummy.

The guys who had the steak really enjoyed it.....

The white fish with saffron risotto. The fish was very fresh and clean tasting. Smooth and crispy on top. The 'risotto' was more like some rice pan fried. I like that it was also seared on top, but didn't have much taste. It was a good compliment to the fish, but nothing spectacular.

Dessert!

So it was Patrick's bday. And they decorated up his dessert.....

But, at first they thought mine was the b-day dessert....

So they made my Dark Chocolate tart fancy with powdered sugar etc. Also see the green candle with white cream on the bottom.

Brian's same chocolate tart had no powdered sugar or strawberry on top. Just a dollop of white cream.

Aie, disappointed that they made mistakes and lacked consistency (also when they were delivering the dessert).

But, it was very good. The cream was very fresh.

Why is it broken?!

Overall, not sure if I would like to come back here for a regular meal. The food seemed okay, but lacked consistency, presentation (see the broken dessert, and the uncleaned plate for my soup) and some quality. Maybe it's like that with all Winterlicious restaurants, they just don't try as hard. They really should, because this is the opportunity to gain new customers.

Likes:
Oysters, Chicken Stew, atmosphere, venue, the creme on the chocolate tart

Dislikes:
Presentation, salty soup, bland tasting risotto

everything else was meh

Guilty Pleasures VI at the Drake

2010-02-06T17:02:00.001-05:00

As part of the Winterlicious festival in Toronto, The Drake was hosting an event called Guilty Pleasures. It was the 6th year that they did it, and here was the description that made us SO excited for about 4 months waiting for this day:

The annual Guilty Pleasures event at the Drake Hotel offers Winterlicious fans a sophisticated and fashionable dining event, with brunch and a chance to shop.

Fresh juice, scones and croissants are just some of the delicious offerings served at the svelte hotel, where you can indulge your taste buds, while browsing original fashions and accessories. The Beauty Bar is open for fashion tips and make-up consultations, and guests receive take-home treats on the way out.

[and all for $35]

We immediately decided to make this an annual thing. and we missed our +1 that was traveling around Asia.

So.
We get to the resto and our seats already had our grab bag full of stuff (Flare Magazine, 3 lipsticks, 2 cadbury slims, 1 expensive water, 1 pack of gum, notepad and pen) and a very nice pile of danishes, croissants, scone, muffins with butter and cherry jam.

Flaky croissants, and fluffy scone. yumms.

The waiter then came around with some orange mimosas and coffee!

Then we go our second course, a really really good granola yogurt parfait with fresh berries

We had a choice of three courses, a Goat Cheese tart, buttermilk pancakes and Eggs Benedict.
Knowing me, of course I got the Eggs Benny.

A very creamy and lemony hollandaise, and crunch fries. It was very good. It was a sausage underneath instead of a ham.
yum.
I wonder if they have a brunch, because I want to go!

During our meal, there was a fashion show and a draw for a necklace.

My only complaint is that there was no salt and pepper and when i asked, he brought me two salts: one in regular shaker, and one in a marble fancy shaker. Very confused, and I ended up with waaay too much salt on my eggs (i couldn't see if something was coming out of it)

Afterwards we did a ton of shopping with great deals from some Canadian designers like Kania .

The Boiler House

2010-02-01T14:34:00.002-05:00

After at least 2 years of noticing this restaurant, I finally got a chance to try it on the weekend.

In the heart of the distillery district, the Boiler House has a very industrial feel, but at the same time warm and inviting. 2 levels of the restaurant, allow for lots of space and tables, but not the most practical with the buffet station down below. tip: request a table on the bottom floor (I think we were just lucky)

On the upper floor, a live jazz band intermittantly play music. Although noisy, it's keep the vibe of the restaurant, and I believe due to the high ceilings, the noise drowns out, and still can carry on a conversation with my friend, her daughter and our moms.

At around $25 per person (and $12.95 for under 12), there was excellent choice in the buffet, and the food wasn't too shabby. I can't say it was amazing quality, but it was very good.

My only complaint was when we sat down and I was asked what to drink. I said, a coffee, and a hot water (to Waiter #1). After about 10 mins, I noticed that everyone else had coffee, but I didn't. So I assumed the guy forgot. Another waiter came around and asked about juices. I asked for a hot water. Waiter #1 came back with a coffee and left. Waiter #2 came back with a teapot of hot water and left. I hailed Waiter #2 soon after and asked him for a mug. He looked at me confused. I'm like, where do you want me to drink the hot water? Disgruntled, he left. Then Waiter #1 came back with a tall glass mug full with hot water. Then Waiter #2 came back with a mug and left it on the table.
I was a poor child with 5 different drinks on the table and very confused.

Please excuse my horrible Blackbery photos, because I forgot my camera at home!!

The photos of the food really doesn't do it justice. I wanted to take photos of the actual buffet, but blame it on Blackberry, but my phone was frozen half the afternoon.

The potatoes were very good, the way I like them. Crunchy on the outside, and soft in the inside. The Eggs Benedict was okay. More hollendaise would have been nice, and it was a bit cold when I got around to it. Bacon = yum. Scrambled eggs were good too.

There was also a french toast. My mom got a small plate and filled it with maple syrup so that when she has her french toast, it wouldn't mix with the rest of the food on her plate. The syrup sat in front of me at the empty spot on the table. The 1st time, one waiter took it, and I said, we're not done with that. The 2nd time, the waiter asked before trying to take it. The 3rd time, this lady took it and didn't even ask or turn back. It wasn't until my mom angrily told her that that was her syrup, and she brought us back a teapot full of it. Poor service? Good service? I don't know, but should ask before whisking away someone's plate.

They also had an omlette stand, make-your-own, and a waffle stand , which I didn't get a chance to try.

Roast beef and ham were very good. The ham was crusted on top like a suckling pig. A rose pasta, mushy perogies, and a greek salad.

They also had pastries, bread and criossant. I had an egg bread, but it was hard.

They also had fruit in additino to the yummy dessert.

The little merigune tart was very good. Lemon, and not a rock hard meriengue. Apple crumble tart, and a lemon and chocolate custard tart. The cookie was a ginger sugar cookie, with perfect softness in the middle, and crunchy outsides. Pecan pie, and chocolate pie was amazing. If you like moussey, the chocolate pie was rich and delicious.

Very parent/kid friendly.

Date friendly too.

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$25 pp for AYCE brunch on Sunday

Open Table Available

http://www.boilerhouse.ca

To try : 1 - brunch
2- Dinner

Woo Buffet, Restaurant and Lounge

2010-01-24T22:06:00.002-05:00

On the top floor of the formerly Toronto Life Square, Woo is an asian fusion all you can eat buffet. The decor looks like I walked into a bar lounge, it's dark, fushia with sleek lines. It's not as comfortable as I would like. The clientle is also not what I expected.

I've been here before, but it was late, and not much was left over, nor did they want to refill anything. i wasn't impressed at all, but where can you find an affordable ($20.95 Sun-Thur Dinner, $24.95 Fri-Sat dinner) asian buffet downtown?

Round 1:

Pho. With added Wontons. The pho was prepared and the beef broth was to be added. However, the sign above the beef broth said Hot and Sour Soup, and vice versa. I feel sorry for anyone with out the common sense to NOT use the beef broth. The soup was a little bland, but nice for a beef noodle soup.

Hot and Sour Soup. Very hot and very sour. Didn't finish.

I was very pleased with the sashimi. Smooth and buttery Salmon and white tuna.

Round 2:

Alexey got (clockwise, starting on the top left), some rolls, Hargow shrimp dumplings, Shrimp cocktail (cold), Egg custard bun, Vietnamese Spring Rolls.

The Shrimp cocktail was terrible. I was impressed that each shrimp was de-veined, but the sauce was a little gross, too much of a flowery taste.

The Egg custard bun was okay. It should be in the dessert section, and there was too much bun vs custard ratio.

The Vietnamese Spring rolls "tasted like small fingers". Well, it had that consistency. The skin (expecting it to be crunchy) was tough and rubbery. I had a hard time biting into it. It was filled with Shrimp and Pork, and tasted a bit 'fishy'.

Bottom to top...

Shanghainese noodles were oily and plain.

The Tempura was good, but again the signs were all messed up at the buffet and I had to fix them.

The Pineapple Fried rice had potential. The rice was hard (but i like it that way), but WAY too much pepper in it. I couldn't finish it.

The Edamame could have added salt.

The seaweed salad was very good.

Round 3:

Clockwise starting on left..

I really like the braised ox tail. Not sure what it's supposed to taste like, but there was tendons and tender meat all over that bone. I should have gotten more.

The pork rib. It was cold by the time I ate it. The meat came off easy, but the glaze was a bit too sweet.

The hor fun was plain and oily.

The Honain chicken rice, without the chicken. They had it but it was gross looking. The rice was okay, but didn't taste anything like it was supposed to.

Sweet and sour pork. I figured that if they can't make a decent s+s pork, they have problems. It was okay actually.

The shrimp fried rice was okay.

Mussels were not good or fresh.

The Roasted chicken (bottom left corner) was very good.

So was the fillet of steamed sole beside it.

The Snow crab legs were also very good, and came with butter to dip it in.

Round 4:

Apparently this was butter chicken....hmmm...

I quite liked this deviled egg, but who knows how long it was sitting there in the buffet.

Round 5, dessert:

From top to bottom....

Apple tart, with some blueberry or bumbleberry. It was pretty yummy.

The Sago + I think Mango soup. Was terrible. A bit too sour, and some solid bits floating in it. Barely touched it.

I fully enjoyed my greentea and chocolate ice cream. It tasted like a green tea kit kat. I think the chocolate on it's own tasted too artificial.

The sugar croissant filled with cream. It was good. Flakey, crunchy and some cream that didn't taste fake, but it might have been.

The chocolate cake was actually okay. It tasted like a mccains cake. And i finished it all! booo :(

Overall

The place is hit and miss. Great selection, but the quality was poor. They really need to step it up a notch, and this could be really good. Could involve chefs that care about the food, and actually taste it.

The service was good, as everytime we came back our plates were gone. The place isn't huge, but lots of huge parties there.

Just like how I feel about the restaurant, the plate on our table to put our utensils, shows how I felt...

Hoof Cafe

2010-01-23T23:40:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize how small this place was until my mom and I walked in around 12:15pm on a Saturday afternoon. Barely enough room to stand without bumping into someone, the place was packed. The hostess (super nice Tess) took our names, we were third on the list, and told us the wait will be about 30mins, and that there's a small coffee shop down the street- get coffees to go, and she'll call us when the table is ready.

We went down the street to the Common Mule, a small espresso bar with big communal work tables, and very good coffee (but I'm partial to the soy milk they served with it).

Sure enough, half hour later, I get a call from the personal cell phone of Tess. Our table was ready, but the people haven't left yet. There were 2 other spaces at the bar, we took the one at the back. It was cozy. and not squished once you get in. I think I actually preferred this to the table.

The place has character. Like someone's small kitchen, and felt cozy.

There's no menu, but it's written on the chalkboard menu near the front wall. I should have took a pic of it.
It included, Rabbit and Buckwheat pancakes, and tongue grilled cheese, two other things I'd want to try one day.

We were told that today's doughnuts was Marrow and Strawberry. After reading the blogTO profile, I had to try it. $5 sugar coated doughnuts were amazing! I don't know what bone marrow exactly tastes like, but sure made the doughnut work. and they were very hot and fresh.

My mom ordered the Broiche French toast ($9) with added Foie Gras ($14) her favourite. It's a very good portioned Foie Gras for that price. The brioche was soft, and cake like. Served with some peanut butter and jam artistically smeared on the plate. Very filling

I got the suckling pig benny. It was good, but I guess I kind of expected a saltier, smokier taste to the pork. It was kind of like a hash type texture, served on a briochey english muffin. The simple salad, with some oil and salt tasted good, with I think fried pig fat and spices. Still, perfectly cooked eggs, but also wish the hollendaise was richer. Or the pork more flavourful, one or the other.

My mom was quite impressed with the place and wants to take my dad here. I also found out that they also serve dinner, but the menu didn't seem as spectacular as the brunch. Although, deep fried turkey neck looks tasty and interesting.

I think a better bet is to check out the Black Hoof sister restaurant across the street for some real charcuterie.

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On Dundas between Bathrust and Ossignton.

Small little brunch place but serving Charcuterie type food including.
-small sugar donuts with bone marrow (must try)
- foie gras seared on top of a french toast ($8+$14)
- pancake with rabbit
- blood sausage crepe

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/hoof-cafe

Enoteca (Hong Kong)

2010-01-23T15:07:00.000-05:00

I'm having a hard time catching up with ALL the restaurants that I ate in, in Hong Kong. But I'm slowly getting there.

This great little tapas restaurant is on Elgin, in Soho. My friend Fanny picked Enoteca, and it was a nice surprise. I'm usually apprehensive about tapas that it will be expensive per plate and not filling at all, (from some other experiences in Toronto)

It was pretty affordable and ended up to be about $40-50 per person CDN.

We started with a melted brie appetizer. The brie was warm and melty, with a steamed/roasted garlic on the side (that didn't taste like garlic at all). The Toasted brioche type bread was crunchy but soft in the middle.

We also got an appetizer platter. Shrimp, Calamari, Olives, garlic pesto bread, and some other seafood.

This was my favourite. The lamb chops with a goat cheese on top. It was smokey and juicy.

This was a fish with creamy sauce. It's been so long I can't remember :(

The Blackened Salmon, with a Aioli. It was really good, crunchy, but soft and semi cooked in the inside.

For dessert, we got a molten chocolate cake.