http://purplespatula.com A web journal of recipes, restaurant reviews and everything edible; while others eat to live, I live to eat. posterous.com Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:11:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/OH6HfXbbRYI/purple-spatula-will-soon-be-self-hosted http://purplespatula.com/purple-spatula-will-soon-be-self-hosted <p> <p>You heard right! Currently, I own the domain but I'm posting through Posterous' servers which means I don't own the content. I'm getting fed up with Posterous and their limitations with HTML and failure to upload photos seamlessly. Not to mention their lack of features and themes.</p> <p>I have a post scheduled for Aug. 30th but bear with me while I upgrade and move from an apartment to a spanking new condo.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/purple-spatula-will-soon-be-self-hosted">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/purple-spatula-will-soon-be-self-hosted#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/OH6HfXbbRYI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/purple-spatula-will-soon-be-self-hosted Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:42:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/va-g_W9JXoM/taste-of-asia-2012 http://purplespatula.com/taste-of-asia-2012 <p> <p>Sometimes, the same food festivals are held every year and while it's usually the same thing each time, there are always a few items that are new and hot. I try to taste a few new things each time while snacking on some of my favourites.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/hboaGevijvvosduxoysIuvnyIwihImnGDjCDEJdvjtxdDcpimCGAudBjDyii/Mango_Slush.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Mango_slush" height="800" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/hboaGevijvvosduxoysIuvnyIwihImnGDjCDEJdvjtxdDcpimCGAudBjDyii/Mango_Slush.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Most flavoured bubble teas are made with powders (unless you go to specific locations) but what I noticed with these festivals is that they'll offer <em><strong>Mango Slush</strong></em>, made with either real mangoes or mango puree for just $5. This is the good stuff!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/lyljBDuqFsrwxtkwbdGpzkImEtpCovrskjrGbIwyjBAzIpsxqyFGuvqeChzt/Takoyaki.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Takoyaki" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/lyljBDuqFsrwxtkwbdGpzkImEtpCovrskjrGbIwyjBAzIpsxqyFGuvqeChzt/Takoyaki.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Hot and fresh <strong><em>Takoyaki</em></strong> is a must for me but I'm trying to cut back on them; squid, chewy dough, seaweed and mayo together is just irresistable.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/lwuxzlmgfbGhueuelgejAeyfiujEbFHbCfwAgbmcCDHgfxGCathGFncHlreq/Lamb_and_Beef_Skewers.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Lamb_and_beef_skewers" height="800" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/lwuxzlmgfbGhueuelgejAeyfiujEbFHbCfwAgbmcCDHgfxGCathGFncHlreq/Lamb_and_Beef_Skewers.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><strong><em>Skewered Meat</em></strong> like beef, lamb and pork can be seen everywhere. The best ones are the ones with lines but the only problem with them is that you may have to wait a long time. I waited about 20 minutes for four skewers and while they were good, the smoke just kept blowing in my face and making my stomach growl.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/xthpngchFhvxEiHuyembrAnspHBykegIJDECxgtzquqwysoyyHkxirtnjjbp/Mamis_Sate_Babi.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Mamis_sate_babi" height="800" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/xthpngchFhvxEiHuyembrAnspHBykegIJDECxgtzquqwysoyyHkxirtnjjbp/Mamis_Sate_Babi.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em><a href="http://babiandco.com" target="_blank">Babi &amp; Co.</a></em> is an Indonesian food truck located on various corners of Toronto and while they don't have a restaurant yet, they plan on getting one. And believe me, they deserve it!</p> <p>It was my first time eating Indonesian food and after this experience, I'll be looking for one that I can visit regularily. Above is <em><strong>Mami's Sate Babi</strong></em>; sweet pork satays served with pickled cucumbers. Just when you thought skewered meat couldn't taste any better!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/heFxBaAHeACxxhdhImEpaijyqloJrFgwtbdHeIjxHzHkekyBvdmpGjfqaygj/Martabak_Manis.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Martabak_manis" height="800" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/heFxBaAHeACxxhdhImEpaijyqloJrFgwtbdHeIjxHzHkekyBvdmpGjfqaygj/Martabak_Manis.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Martabak Manis</em></strong> is an Indonesian-style dessert pancake that is sweet and savoury at the same time. The pancake itself is sweet and filled with cheese and sesame seeds. It's a taste that can't be described into words, you have to taste it to understand.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/GmJBkGpwFtransmCgsvHCcovokqzHjgbEmotiIdECrGlsmBfkzbbhEpqezHB/Babi_on_a_Bun.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Babi_on_a_bun" height="800" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-10/GmJBkGpwFtransmCgsvHCcovokqzHjgbEmotiIdECrGlsmBfkzbbhEpqezHB/Babi_on_a_Bun.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The best platter of the day was the <em><strong>Babi on a Bun</strong></em>; marinated pork belly in a deep fried Chinese bun with pickled cucumbers. They season their meat to perfection and the fact that the bun was fried brought out its sweetness and gave the shell an extra crunch.</p> <p>Look forward to the next event I covered, Food Fest TO!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/taste-of-asia-2012">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/taste-of-asia-2012#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/va-g_W9JXoM" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/taste-of-asia-2012 Tue, 14 Aug 2012 07:30:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/TO0CDXwrXyA/imonay-korean-restaurant-review http://purplespatula.com/imonay-korean-restaurant-review <p> <p>665 Bloor Street</p> <p>(416) 533-2850</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Cheap</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Korean</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Family-Owned Restaurant</p> <p><strong>Rating</strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 9/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 9/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1571291/restaurant/The-Annex/Imonay-Korean-Restaurant-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1571291/minilink.gif" alt="Imonay Korean Restaurant on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/hdwrqkqAclmnzFbbovJaBakfAwimhfHJcdBkecnfBApDdlaclkrunJamyEel/Imonay.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Imonay" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/hdwrqkqAclmnzFbbovJaBakfAwimhfHJcdBkecnfBApDdlaclkrunJamyEel/Imonay.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em>Imonay</em> is located in Koreatown and was a last-minute decision. There was a family seated near the back and we quickly learned that it was relatives of the owners. There was an adorable little girl running around in a puffy dress, greeting everyone as she passed them.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/asCzefyybzzClJHadaDgDJvFnlcagFixGHcjxFzjmCkvmwjjrkodtqlvmeuC/Imonay_Sides.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Imonay_sides" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/asCzefyybzzClJHadaDgDJvFnlcagFixGHcjxFzjmCkvmwjjrkodtqlvmeuC/Imonay_Sides.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Let's get back to the food. Side dishes are the best thing about Korean restaurants because they're free and refillable. There's always kimchi and things like sesame beansprouts, fish cake, seaweed, sweet potatoes and others to munch on before your meal.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/auJrAskzGcvICjzFaidzBlavDAyGHFrnnlCHhzxHagCErDJvogeCDgkmmsIf/DdukBokki.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Ddukbokki" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/auJrAskzGcvICjzFaidzBlavDAyGHFrnnlCHhzxHagCErDJvogeCDgkmmsIf/DdukBokki.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Their <em><strong>Ddukbokki</strong></em> is nice and chewy. I loved how it was spicy enough for me to handle and they didn't cheap out by having too much veggies.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/CiempaIdHiIaAdmDmfxpwrFxIuodHxIBtxwmbxoFIJebHErtwmoseoidAopE/Bi_Bim_Bap.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Bi_bim_bap" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/CiempaIdHiIaAdmDmfxpwrFxIuodHxIBtxwmbxoFIJebHErtwmoseoidAopE/Bi_Bim_Bap.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/CaJvruijmIobCHdmvfoBcGEwkjDfDfttcgmzjdpafDBxdABwikdkDwiFsgsc/Bi_Bim_Bap_Avocado.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Bi_bim_bap_avocado" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-25/CaJvruijmIobCHdmvfoBcGEwkjDfDfttcgmzjdpafDBxdABwikdkDwiFsgsc/Bi_Bim_Bap_Avocado.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/imonay-korean-restaurant-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><em><strong>Bibimbap</strong></em> is one of my favourite Korean dishes and I've never been dissatisfied, until now. It wasn't horrible but the flavours weren't brought out properly so it tasted a little bland. Also, most restaurants include bulgogi (seasoned beef) but you have to pay extra for it here.</p> <p>At the end of our meal, we left around 9:30 p.m. and realized that they had closed half an hour ago. Even so, they did not rush us and we had no idea until we walked out the doors.&nbsp;</p> <p>I may return here in the future but I'll stay away from the bibimbap. There are a lot of other things on the menu and maybe I happened to order one of their weaker dishes.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/imonay-korean-restaurant-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/imonay-korean-restaurant-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/TO0CDXwrXyA" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/imonay-korean-restaurant-review Mon, 13 Aug 2012 17:03:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/e_ey_mifQ4w/joey-eaton-centre-review http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review <p> <p>1 Dundas Street West</p> <p>(647) 352-5639</p> <p><a href="http://www.joeyrestaurants.com " target="_blank">www.joeyrestaurants.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average - Pricey</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: American</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Restaurant/Lounge</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rating</span></strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 9/10</p> <p>Service: 10/10</p> <p>Food: 9/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1606443/restaurant/Downtown-University-of-Toronto/Joey-Eaton-Centre-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1606443/minilink.gif" alt="Joey Eaton Centre on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/CvFicyoyHFybCJHwEicDxgHevEtDvjGdFqwoFbnvuGcEDGlnnwrabpvhrdfl/image-3.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-3" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/CvFicyoyHFybCJHwEicDxgHevEtDvjGdFqwoFbnvuGcEDGlnnwrabpvhrdfl/image-3.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>There are various <em>Joey</em> restaurants around Canada and recently, the US. Their website says that each location is unique in its' own way but similiar at the same time. The closest one aside from the Eaton Centre one is the Don Mills location. If I'm ever there, I'll be sure to check it out.</p> <p>The inside is beautiful and nicely lit; it is lit enough so that you can take mouth-watering photos but dim enough so that there is a relaxing mood. There are leather booths for those that wish to sit down and dine but for those that just want to grab a drink, there are small circular high tables in the centre. As well as an area upstairs that looks like a lounge (or maybe a VIP area?).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/cHnvuBBgqozdbkuhCaufcBkdatnyCsjegplGIgiwrGzqDCyzypAcsmunghGj/image-5.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-5" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/cHnvuBBgqozdbkuhCaufcBkdatnyCsjegplGIgiwrGzqDCyzypAcsmunghGj/image-5.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This <strong><em>Creamy Chicken Alfredo</em></strong> is THE best I've ever had. A huge part of it is probably the pool of butter it's swimming in but the pasta is thick, chewy and tastes homemade. Whether or not it is, I can't say but you can't get the same taste anywhere else.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/ifurCEDkdjgagJfqgnGoeFIxknymGhiCFGrbjqfmpdcCJDjsbFjnICqgdouu/image-2.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-2" height="600" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/ifurCEDkdjgagJfqgnGoeFIxknymGhiCFGrbjqfmpdcCJDjsbFjnICqgdouu/image-2.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/ughkBjxgDEzlaAokilrIhoIyIrCwmqlIpBrdkGsFcigJcjAFxxEjqCqhGrmE/image-6.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-6" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/ughkBjxgDEzlaAokilrIhoIyIrCwmqlIpBrdkGsFcigJcjAFxxEjqCqhGrmE/image-6.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>A favourite default dish of mine when I have no idea what to order is a burger. To be more precise, a mushroom burger. This <em><strong>Mushroom Cheddar Burger</strong></em> is heavenly. They don't cheap out on the mushrooms and while the grease drips, the burger itself stays in tact. The best part about mushroom burgers? There is no mustard, pickles or onions, all the things I don't like.</p> <p>I've had this twice with a side of fries and yam fries. Both are equally great. I would describe their french fries as a higher-grade version of McDonald's fries. You do get less with the yam fries but they are a little thicker if that helps. (Sorry I didn't get a photo)</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/hfhEkHxrlHnhraHkqrJyvFyhyAyCcygCxCmFbJuxDmmnknwIwdIfHgrnehxC/image-1.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-1" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/hfhEkHxrlHnhraHkqrJyvFyhyAyCcygCxCmFbJuxDmmnknwIwdIfHgrnehxC/image-1.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/tglJtptzrFhfmuckIIpDhFmrJbhCkGeztHsjftDbAfBllCsJoevEifuxFufh/image-7.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-7" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/tglJtptzrFhfmuckIIpDhFmrJbhCkGeztHsjftDbAfBllCsJoevEifuxFufh/image-7.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>This is their <em><strong>Original Hi-Rise Burger</strong></em>. Same great taste, only with different condiments and no cheddar cheese.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/GfatdkzwBJJbDwDBgBBDBnyzGeDDvgazvkfozxhokdxaaBIIFIywyIvoyxmv/image-8.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-8" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/GfatdkzwBJJbDwDBgBBDBnyzGeDDvgazvkfozxhokdxaaBIIFIywyIvoyxmv/image-8.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/jbwuakDpjsJGEFyEfdtzvlaefrgGFrilwkDrxyBbfFlgqBpJDDeFihhGqpsA/image-4.jpeg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Image-4" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-04/jbwuakDpjsJGEFyEfdtzvlaefrgGFrilwkDrxyBbfFlgqBpJDDeFihhGqpsA/image-4.jpeg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>While consuming the creamy alfredo, I found a tiny piece of red plastic in my dish. It wasn't a big deal and I just pointed it out to the server in case there was something going on in the kitchen. She offered a free dessert and while I declined at first, it <em>is</em> free food and I can't say no to that.</p> <p>The most appealing one was the <em><strong>Molten Lava Chocolate Souffle</strong></em>. I'm glad I went with it in the end because it was heavenly. It was hot, like it just came out of the oven. Combined with the vanilla ice cream, it's a great combination of hot and cold. Truly amazing.</p> <p><strong>[Updated 08/13/12]</strong></p> <p><strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-13/pzgCkzewtFpdugmdFqEaxIFIvsxFpbddnbgHAEowAoAuHrcajBJvvniqIkgF/Steak_Frites.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Steak_frites" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-13/pzgCkzewtFpdugmdFqEaxIFIvsxFpbddnbgHAEowAoAuHrcajBJvvniqIkgF/Steak_Frites.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </strong></p> <p>The <em><strong>Steak Frites</strong></em> is a great fallback for those that have no idea what they want to order. It's literally just a steak cooked the way you like it and fries. Everything on <em>Joey's</em> menu has been phenomenally good so far, including this dish. The steak is lean and cooked the way I like it, nothing more, nothing less.</p> <p><strong><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-13/gqcAidvdyoshBzejaDerpmBeJBCygmpDrhcFDuogFrbAgkfsCuDbvnBqwHgs/Sushi_and_Steak.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Sushi_and_steak" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-08-13/gqcAidvdyoshBzejaDerpmBeJBCygmpDrhcFDuogFrbAgkfsCuDbvnBqwHgs/Sushi_and_Steak.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </strong></p> <p>The <em><strong>Steak and Sushi </strong></em>may sound like an odd combination but if you think about it logically, it makes sense! When you want something meaty but you're craving sushi, you can never find a good balance, it's either one or the other. But this platter has got you covered! I think more restaurants should pick up on this and who knows, we might be seeing it more often!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/e_ey_mifQ4w" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/joey-eaton-centre-review Mon, 06 Aug 2012 07:33:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/vPpuConPJyg/fune-eye-candy http://purplespatula.com/fune-eye-candy <p> <p>100 Simcoe Street</p> <p>(416) 599-3868</p> <p><a href="http://www.fune.sites.toronto.com" target="_blank">www.fune.sites.toronto.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Moderately Expensive</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Japanese</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Sushi Train/Restaurant</p> <p><strong>Rating</strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 9/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 8/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/131893/restaurant/Entertainment-District/Fune-Japanese-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/131893/minilink.gif" alt="Fune Japanese on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><em>*There are no names for dishes, this is a sushi boat restaurant. Ordering from the menu is optional but they are known for the "train".</em></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/rqgwEvymvFhAmoIwvzhidiozCyEJHrkFrnuqvslJvmljDbCvaJkjdDstFpzx/Fune_Chefs.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Fune_chefs" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/rqgwEvymvFhAmoIwvzhidiozCyEJHrkFrnuqvslJvmljDbCvaJkjdDstFpzx/Fune_Chefs.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Sushi train/boat restaurants are all the rage in Asia and are actually quite affordable over there. Here (in Toronto anyways), not so much. There are only two that I know of and both can get pricey. How it works is you sit around a long oval table while the plates rotate around in boats. The chefs are in the middle making everything but nothing comes off unless you choose it. You don't know what it is; if it turns out to be awful, too bad for you.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/HkxrCssewgwmcCrgFksqnnmrerjyfcaBdfGbmGcHzCIftzcseyCemBEgIGaH/Fune_1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Fune_1" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/HkxrCssewgwmcCrgFksqnnmrerjyfcaBdfGbmGcHzCIftzcseyCemBEgIGaH/Fune_1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Once you sit down, they give you a small eggplant appetizer. I'm not a big fan of eggplant but this one was cooked nicely. The taste was subtle and you tasted more of the seasoning than the actual vegetable.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/esBliHbeEbjajsaimiwuchcFmdzGhoyuJtdowCwfmmufgFJEsIjIDfbeapbh/IMG_2765.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2765" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/esBliHbeEbjajsaimiwuchcFmdzGhoyuJtdowCwfmmufgFJEsIjIDfbeapbh/IMG_2765.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Ika</em></strong> is from the menu and is essentially cuttlefish sauteed with garlic butter and soya sauce; it's chewy, firm and so good. Definitely a must try!</p> <p>The prices for the plates are in this order: $2.50, $3, $3.50, $4.25, $4.50, $5.50 and $6.50. I stayed within the $3 to $5 range because what you're paying more for are the ingredients and I'd rather leave with a full stomach.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/xeJDGkgeGGFtowvttvIzGttmzmuCIdkwnwHozzwtytElyoGGfBaDcdwjcAnt/IMG_2758.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2758" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/xeJDGkgeGGFtowvttvIzGttmzmuCIdkwnwHozzwtytElyoGGfBaDcdwjcAnt/IMG_2758.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The first one I grabbed was $4.50 and it was really good. It was a bit spicy and had shrimp tempura, avocado and fish eggs.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/wxhFJGplktBwbmdrhtmoukwgxbJqlkvlqqiaornqshInpfzkkGnxsnzFdcFt/IMG_2759.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2759" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/wxhFJGplktBwbmdrhtmoukwgxbJqlkvlqqiaornqshInpfzkkGnxsnzFdcFt/IMG_2759.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This plate was $3.50 and I love any kind of sushi with a creamy sauce; especially a crab meat one!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/CAocpetiqnxxBzJcBHGDqjpDhvCrnfbzqalvsjHBFAECeFacgzgomxqjmEyC/IMG_2764.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2764" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/CAocpetiqnxxBzJcBHGDqjpDhvCrnfbzqalvsjHBFAECeFacgzgomxqjmEyC/IMG_2764.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This $3 plate had avocado, mango and shrimp. It sounds like an odd concoction but it's quite good. Sometimes the best things come where you least expect it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/bzzAbJqdkbAfEsBioaJdCEdswIyosdrqoCIjInbDAAuegiobxGJAhvxHxyhe/IMG_2760.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2760" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/bzzAbJqdkbAfEsBioaJdCEdswIyosdrqoCIjInbDAAuegiobxGJAhvxHxyhe/IMG_2760.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Some eel sushi that a friend ordered. I was told it was just okay and wasn't anything special.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/CCIeAmylkJcAqIxehjGiivjkvmbAFoCvoavGejgBuyIywlHjdhbxDIybhDGI/IMG_2762.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2762" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/CCIeAmylkJcAqIxehjGiivjkvmbAFoCvoavGejgBuyIywlHjdhbxDIybhDGI/IMG_2762.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Either this one had been sitting on the boat for too long or it was awful to begin with. You would think that the tempura bits would give it that extra something but the sushi itself was mushy and I felt like I was chewing cold oatmeal.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/lpqbqzftvviulIkeJErcAafCAvHEvCfziCkAoupvAatdyabhhxBgJDJDvIym/IMG_2766.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2766" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/lpqbqzftvviulIkeJErcAafCAvHEvCfziCkAoupvAatdyabhhxBgJDJDvIym/IMG_2766.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This red bean cake was what I was the most excited for but once I took a bite, all of that excitement went away. It was tasteless, the cake was stiff and it was not worth it at all. Avoid this at all cost.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/uHdbdloeGgifnelEwqbuineirAvbGtJHnrCpymhwfJpkBlvtCzDbejEwmutk/IMG_2767.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2767" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-22/uHdbdloeGgifnelEwqbuineirAvbGtJHnrCpymhwfJpkBlvtCzDbejEwmutk/IMG_2767.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>At the end of my meal, I had gone through five plates. My bill came out to be less than $20, which was a suprise for me. When I had gone a few years back at another location with my boyfriend, the two of us racked up an $80 bill! When you go to one of these, you have to set a limit for yourself and think before you act because you can't put the plates back.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/fune-eye-candy">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/fune-eye-candy#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/vPpuConPJyg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/fune-eye-candy Fri, 27 Jul 2012 07:21:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/H67B3RLj7XE/rainforest-cafe-review http://purplespatula.com/rainforest-cafe-review <p> <p>1 Yorkdale Road</p> <p>(416) 780-4080</p> <p><a href="http://www.rainforestcafe.com" target="_blank">www.rainforestcafe.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average (pricey for the food that you get)</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: American</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Kid-Friendly Restaurant/Casual</p> <p><strong>Rating</strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 6/10</p> <p>Food: 4/10</p> <p>Service: 7/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1416786/restaurant/North-York/Rainforest-Cafe-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1416786/minilink.gif" alt="Rainforest Cafe on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/jibvtGnbFfrDcnBtApyrAJcesxsufEGskvwcrqAreFrqlyzwrvvtCeozEbzh/Rainforest_Interior_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Rainforest_interior_2" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/jibvtGnbFfrDcnBtApyrAJcesxsufEGskvwcrqAreFrqlyzwrvvtCeozEbzh/Rainforest_Interior_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This <em>Rainforest Cafe</em> is located inside Yorkdale Mall in Toronto and is one of the few in Ontario. The other one that I'm aware of is in Niagara Falls.</p> <p>I've been here twice before a few years ago and both times, I ordered their seafood paella. I went back hoping to get it again but unfortunately, they removed it from their menu. I'm guessing the seafood and saffron got a little expensive after awhile.</p> <p>The atmosphere is very lively and the interior is beautiful; there are tropical fish everywhere, colourful murals and animals that come alive. Be warned though, there is a "thunder storm" every 10 minutes or so and the animals come alive every 30 minutes. I didn't mind it but it's not for everyone.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/tmJinfcCnpvbBhipjovmEoAfogeixDrJDkljzrzcvehBEGCiaacGEorqmyBc/Awesome_Appetizer.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Awesome_appetizer" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/tmJinfcCnpvbBhipjovmEoAfogeixDrJDkljzrzcvehBEGCiaacGEorqmyBc/Awesome_Appetizer.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <img alt="Appetizer_-_chimi_changas" height="640" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/epEhqHmflxsvgCsFFAupeIoDpDGovFmIxsBpGqihdJGnfpdtCAeoClhEnJmg/Appetizer_-_Chimi_Changas.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/rainforest-cafe-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>There were a few of us so we shared the <em><strong>Awesome Appetizer</strong></em>; nachos, calamari and chimichangaas. The nachos weren't anything special, the calamari was nice and chewy but the chimichangas were horribly unappetizing. I would avoid this platter altogether.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/trphegsFGijkqoqpqvrmhAektymssiDACvEnFgfHnDkDokzkohkwIbDeHlen/Clam_Chowder.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Clam_chowder" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/trphegsFGijkqoqpqvrmhAektymssiDACvEnFgfHnDkDokzkohkwIbDeHlen/Clam_Chowder.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Clam Chowder</em></strong> came in a little bucket and after that, it was a huge relief. It wasn't too salty and the chunks were a good size.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/nogrweyskxHjnsfpGoDAakgBjugFqdmAfJhiCwrfzdmhoEjsHjftyenIkuum/Macadamia_Crusted_Tilapia.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Macadamia_crusted_tilapia" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/nogrweyskxHjnsfpGoDAakgBjugFqdmAfJhiCwrfzdmhoEjsHjftyenIkuum/Macadamia_Crusted_Tilapia.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Macadamia Crusted Tilapia</strong></em> was the best dish out of everything. The fish was tender and while the rice was a little undercooked, it was seasoned alright.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Treetop_burger_closeup" height="640" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/qhHrdtbBbazbsyyGzztvltJtygbBxplawefgzltIfyJpBemoszcqCADBfyoB/Treetop_Burger_Closeup.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/vAGqxhDuwhchubyqlCkjuixlDykCbsofuCzJllIwbAjmioEmmwhGAEurfeyt/Treetop_Burger.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Treetop_burger" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-19/vAGqxhDuwhchubyqlCkjuixlDykCbsofuCzJllIwbAjmioEmmwhGAEurfeyt/Treetop_Burger.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/rainforest-cafe-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>My <em><strong>Treetop Burger</strong></em> was dry and my fries were starchy. I've never <em>not</em> finished a burger but this one fell apart in my hands and the bun started ripping. I just didn't feel like eating anymore because I was just so dissapointed.</p> <p>It's really gone downhill the last few years and while the service was great (a blonde young girl who was extra perky), the food was horrible. I won't be going back anytime soon and I'm guessing everyone else had the same thought because the restaurant was only 30 per cent full.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/rainforest-cafe-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/rainforest-cafe-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/H67B3RLj7XE" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/rainforest-cafe-review Wed, 18 Jul 2012 07:27:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/pOJA_cdNmho/smokes-poutinerie-review http://purplespatula.com/smokes-poutinerie-review <p> <p>203 Dundas Street East</p> <p>(416) 603-2873</p> <p><a href="http://www.smokespoutinerie.com" target="_blank">www.smokespoutinerie.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Canadian</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Finger Food/Late-Night Snack</p> <p><strong>Rating</strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: --</p> <p>Service: 7/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1518281/restaurant/Cabbagetown/Smokes-Poutinerie-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1518281/minilink.gif" alt="Smoke's Poutinerie on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/AqpbgkiwEEnHupmxkkdHakoCcBfHtGCofEhCIkgsvhqDFxnfEEhCfHheqwFh/photo_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/AqpbgkiwEEnHupmxkkdHakoCcBfHtGCofEhCIkgsvhqDFxnfEEhCfHheqwFh/photo_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <img alt="Photo_3" height="640" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/oEhlbICEdoceksrnJHvDBpgAlwyzsxpDFvbnfkpwFhawEHpvtAJsddzzcdaD/photo_3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/smokes-poutinerie-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Canadians are often neglected for their accomplishments or are overshadowed by other big shots. For some reason though, the world seems to be smitten with the idea of poutine. I have to admit, there will be days where I just want to consume large amounts of carbs and what better way to do it? Also, when Far East Movement was in Toronto and painting the town, they apparently stopped by for some Smoke's after getting a taste at a MuchMusic taping (that I was present for :)).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/EvHhlhFvxrwcCBfywxgkuxlmnoIfqtnzemBrjfcBetahkonFryvxgtnEpmsw/photo_4.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/EvHhlhFvxrwcCBfywxgkuxlmnoIfqtnzemBrjfcBetahkonFryvxgtnEpmsw/photo_4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This is the <em><strong>Bacon Cheeseburger</strong><strong>&nbsp;Poutine</strong></em> and it was supposed to come with ground beef, cheese, gravy and bacon but they ran out of bacon for the day and offered to substitute it with sausage. I would've preferred bacon but it was still good. The fries are also handcut and squarely shaped.</p> <p>No matter how hungry you are, I advise you to get the small (the ladies anyways). I only finish about half the box because it's such a heavy meal. For some reason, I never learn and always end up with the large.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="640" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/bzkrIExtDukwdqtiyHzjnDhmDnwHgnpGrmCgpEimnzBtJugyrBpFwvdGreIC/photo.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>This monstrousity is the <strong><em>Boneless Chicken Wing Poutine</em></strong>. It's boneless wings, celery and carrots swimming in ranch sauce. It was actually quite yummy and if it weren't for the pool of sauce, I probably would've gotten it. Unfortunately, it is no longer available because it was a limited time flavour.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_5" height="640" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/pxHjijEoEpzhCHfvlhJwIcHEkBxutBJjluAhGtElejpaAGnADzyyJpDxdnxJ/photo_5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>Looking to go "light" but still craving some gravy fries? The <em><strong>Mama's Poutine</strong></em> is your bet; it has peas, chicken and gravy. You could always go with one of their vegetarian poutine but you wouldn't be here if you were going to do that.</p> <p>I'll keep updating this post as I go back. Whenever I update a post, I move it to the front of the home page :).</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/smokes-poutinerie-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/smokes-poutinerie-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/pOJA_cdNmho" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/smokes-poutinerie-review Fri, 13 Jul 2012 07:43:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/iDiWHAbegEQ/kenzo-japanese-noodle-house-review http://purplespatula.com/kenzo-japanese-noodle-house-review <p> <p>138 Dundas Street West</p> <p>(416) 205-1155</p> <p><a href="http://www.kenzoramen.ca" target="_blank">www.kenzoramen.ca</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Cheap</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Japanese</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Casual Restaurant/Quick Bite</p> <p><strong>Rating</strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 7/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 6/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1466127/restaurant/Downtown-University-of-Toronto/Kenzo-Japanese-Noodle-House-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1466127/minilink.gif" alt="Kenzo Japanese Noodle House on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/JFGiDnaqzodzxvlAkvuayatpEHamCyHeotdIIChjdtslJEsuhhntsHsAJIFq/Kenzo.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Kenzo" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/JFGiDnaqzodzxvlAkvuayatpEHamCyHeotdIIChjdtslJEsuhhntsHsAJIFq/Kenzo.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em>Kenzo</em> is a ramen franchise that is slowly expanding in Toronto. As of today (07/13/12), they have four locations. The one that I frequented often is the Dundas location because it was so close to Ryerson University (where I studied). It's a place that'll satisy a craving for cheap.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/wvntlCnxfdJuHbghBpnyewtEggtkiqHbzIxnibmucfCzkiiapomyGfmubGdf/Takoyaki.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Takoyaki" height="600" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/wvntlCnxfdJuHbghBpnyewtEggtkiqHbzIxnibmucfCzkiiapomyGfmubGdf/Takoyaki.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>One of my favourite foods is <em><strong>Takoyaki</strong></em> and I love how they make it here. It's big, flavoured properly, and it's cooked just right. It's essentially a piece of octopus surrounded by a somewhat chewy batter and topped with mayonnaise, seaweed crumbs and bonito flakes. I actually enjoy this more than their ramen, as weird as that sounds for a ramen shop to be better at their appetizers than their specialty.</p> <p>I've had most of the ramen on the menu and I've never really been dissapointed with any of them. I do have my favourites but like I said, it satisfies a craving but I'm sure there are better ones out there if you're willing to travel.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/HyDmqrtlbBCyehIhJGtnbtJJuJfbsrAcGsqmdodxBIuppcwyxglockErdyau/Ji_Su_Men.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Ji_su_men" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/HyDmqrtlbBCyehIhJGtnbtJJuJfbsrAcGsqmdodxBIuppcwyxglockErdyau/Ji_Su_Men.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>One that I really like is the <strong><em>Ji Su Men</em></strong>; it has carrots, mushrooms, green onions, bok choy and chicken. The broth is a little thicker than most soups but it gives it a nice texture. All of the "toppings" are also mixed in quite nicely so you get a good variety every time you go in for a scoop.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/awgzlaHbhdpniJGabtyHEwEghFpesBjIryfeFGiIHtbttnbczvyyHFybkhCG/Netsu_Ra-men.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Netsu_ra-men" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/awgzlaHbhdpniJGabtyHEwEghFpesBjIryfeFGiIHtbttnbczvyyHFybkhCG/Netsu_Ra-men.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Netsu Ra-men</strong></em> is a popular choice among those that like things on the spicy side. It's a hot sapporo-style ramen with ground pork and vegetables; you also have a choice between hot levels 1-3. It's a large bowl of spicy goodness.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/IDnGnnubHspyuGuxzkCqBthEtzDGrdchjxxzEBksmikDrobAfqxJHdhDFzBy/Tonkotsu_ra-men.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Tonkotsu_ra-men" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/IDnGnnubHspyuGuxzkCqBthEtzDGrdchjxxzEBksmikDrobAfqxJHdhDFzBy/Tonkotsu_ra-men.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em><strong>Tonkotsu Ra-men</strong></em> is something practically every ramen shop has. For you anime/manga lovers, you'll often hear "tonkotsu" thrown around. It's basically Hakata-style pork bone soup and while it's not bad at Kenzo, it's not something I would reommend. It's salty and a little bland in my opinion.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/jeusfttHJlqdFAipGBphnoalhjmwmdgGBHJntyqemFGDuaEHkyJHqDiAcvtI/Shi-o_ra-men.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Shi-o_ra-men" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-02/jeusfttHJlqdFAipGBphnoalhjmwmdgGBHJntyqemFGDuaEHkyJHqDiAcvtI/Shi-o_ra-men.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Sometimes, people just want the basics. With the <em><strong>Shi-o Ra-men</strong></em>, you'll get just that since it's just broth seasoned with salt. Again, I felt it was too salty but the noodles were nice and stringy.</p> <p>The servers come by every once in awhile so you may be sitting around for a bit before they take your order. If you come during the lunch rush however, they run past you quickly and you literally have to flag them down. There's no inbetween but I guess they're trying to mirror ramen stalls in Japan; you just eat and go.</p> <p>It's a great starting point if you've never had genuine ramen before. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way for them but if I'm in the area on a cold winter day, I'd drop by.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/kenzo-japanese-noodle-house-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/kenzo-japanese-noodle-house-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/iDiWHAbegEQ" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/kenzo-japanese-noodle-house-review Thu, 05 Jul 2012 17:09:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/tkQxEnmWPeU/insomnia-review http://purplespatula.com/insomnia-review <p> <p>563 Bloor Street West</p> <p>(416) 588-3907</p> <p><a href="http://www.insomniacafe.com" target="_blank">www.insomniacafe.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Western</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Brunch</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rating</span>: 7/10 (but the event itself was a 10!)</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/132473/restaurant/The-Annex/Insomnia-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/132473/minilink.gif" alt="Insomnia on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-08/GilsqEhusHEjmIExChnugGujkcJexyfEuecjvHfhalazfxhzykFgDlAkrkzt/IMG_2206.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2206" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-08/GilsqEhusHEjmIExChnugGujkcJexyfEuecjvHfhalazfxhzykFgDlAkrkzt/IMG_2206.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This was a tweetup that happened over the summer by a good Twitter friend of mine. Karen (@EatHereNext) created a seating chart and even made little placemats for everyone, how thoughtful!</p> <p>I've been here a few years ago for a casual drinking gathering and while the food was great, the prices were a bit high. However, that could've also been because we were still in high school so our perceptions of prices were different back then.</p> <p>There must've been at least 25 of us inside <em>Insomnia</em>. The decor was nice and cozy with fairly bright lighting.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/igljAljuAmzvBDxshqtauiAiEEksbhabIquhEjrkzblHErJqqkAhebggixHo/IMG_2207.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2207" height="800" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/igljAljuAmzvBDxshqtauiAiEEksbhabIquhEjrkzblHErJqqkAhebggixHo/IMG_2207.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> This <em><strong>Strawberry Banana Smoothie</strong></em> was one of the specials of the day. Instead of it being $7, it was $5. I love fruit smoothies and since I was going to be be having eggs, home fries and whatever else that required a greasing, blended fruit sounded nice. However, I was let down. It was bland and there was an overpowering amount of banana. It might as well have been a banana smoothie.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/aAxlwwzfbpJyDoBcsDIddyJkBttuzDmrmnnGvlzfqztAzzpqecClJkeekhBv/IMG_2208.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2208" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/aAxlwwzfbpJyDoBcsDIddyJkBttuzDmrmnnGvlzfqztAzzpqecClJkeekhBv/IMG_2208.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> Many of the foodies there seemed to be fans of eggs benedict. Before ordering this <em><strong>Eggs Lorraine</strong></em>, I thought I had never eaten it before only to find out it's actually how my dad makes his eggs. For those that don't know, it's when eggs are cooked on a low heat so that the outside hardens while the egg yolk remains gooey and liquid; perfect for dipping toast!</p> <p>My eggs were lukewarm but that didn't effect the eggs so I was fine with that. Plus, that meant I didn't have to wait for it to cool. The home fries were delicious and spiced nicely while the greens were fresh. Even though I say all this, there's something about this dish that's missing. I can't quite put my finger on it but even now, it's not a meal that I can remember very clearly, which is why my description is a little vague, sorry about that.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/njyqzEztutozJvpqahehyqszGAcrIxdzqrJlJrjBhCIEoCjyiErnEtyqrbdE/IMG_2212.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2212" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/njyqzEztutozJvpqahehyqszGAcrIxdzqrJlJrjBhCIEoCjyiErnEtyqrbdE/IMG_2212.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> This is the <em><strong>Steak &amp; Eggs</strong></em>. That's right, fried eggs, potatoes AND an 8oz steak. It does look yummy but for a brunch, it's just too much for me.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/heFoCHBslHjbpvxlFJJCncfAhfujesFqFmFxcxEbhhdhacjDsilqJstkgfGi/IMG_2210.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2210" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/heFoCHBslHjbpvxlFJJCncfAhfujesFqFmFxcxEbhhdhacjDsilqJstkgfGi/IMG_2210.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> Another popular platter was the <em><strong>P.L.T (Peameal Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato)</strong></em>. It was one of the lighter options and a smart choice considering that most people had trouble finishing their plates.</p> <p>Something that isn't pictured is the <em><strong>Chocolate Banana Pancakes</strong></em>. Fellow foodie @boneats was nice enough to give everyone a little piece of her enourmous pancakes. They were heavenly! If I ever went to <em>Insomnia</em> for brunch again, I would definitely get this! They are huge, fulffy and pipping hot.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/rEoFCqtuAtJppwkICrnwDczcIvHDDplyykIzpjyAfCDieeBniAlojJCzvJvJ/IMG_2213.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2213" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2011-11-28/rEoFCqtuAtJppwkICrnwDczcIvHDDplyykIzpjyAfCDieeBniAlojJCzvJvJ/IMG_2213.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Karen's eggs benedict came out overcooked and her yolk did not ooze like the rest of ours. She informed the waitress who kindly apologized and had the cook prepare a fresh one. Not only that, but they gave everyone in the group these <em><strong>Mungmita</strong></em> shots on the house! They were sweet and if I remember correctly, were a blend of peach schnapps, lychee and an alcoholic base of some sort. It was so good, I wanted another!</p> <p>Thanks to Karen for organizing it and making it a great event!</p> <p><strong><em>[Updated 07/05/12]</em></strong></p> <p>I went back for brunch one weekend afternoon with some friends because I just had to have them try the home fries!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Grapefruit_sangria" height="640" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/ylHIbFgsJpfcElJEzalljfJyztsqCHjDwhpDAmJsjeBIAsIFlxBqkywjdCnd/Grapefruit_Sangria.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>A certain someone wanted me to get a little buzz so I ordered the <em><strong>Grapefruit Sangria</strong></em>. There is a great balance of both and there isn't an overpowering amount of wine; a mistake many others make.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/pGwFBxJJxnyhFsoqioxJjkrCixcoiDmpuEtfFbxIowIcudbafaxqmhApHDtC/Chocolate_Chip_Banana_Pancakes.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Chocolate_chip_banana_pancakes" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/pGwFBxJJxnyhFsoqioxJjkrCixcoiDmpuEtfFbxIowIcudbafaxqmhApHDtC/Chocolate_Chip_Banana_Pancakes.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>After watching a fellow foodie enjoy her enormous <em><strong>Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes</strong></em>, I had to try them myself. It's cut into four pieces and everything starts off great but halfway through, you start to slow down. The pancake is a huge thick one instead if multiple thin ones so you get fuller faster. Something about the batter also makes it a heavy meal.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/cjhvGmxbybtbodpHmJBAoFpznerwrfFyFEoDhqAcbJBgfFoDiuIAwxkjGkhh/The_Charlotte.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="The_charlotte" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-07-05/cjhvGmxbybtbodpHmJBAoFpznerwrfFyFEoDhqAcbJBgfFoDiuIAwxkjGkhh/The_Charlotte.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> The eggs benedict dishes aren't too different from each other but this is <em><strong>The Charlotte</strong></em>; eggs benny with salmon, hollandaise, greens and home fries.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/insomnia-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/insomnia-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/tkQxEnmWPeU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/insomnia-review Tue, 03 Jul 2012 07:19:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/SHAExXuQgng/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/uuEdoFokycDvijyCFnDaCwfBeckGDGmHvkJttjxAJHklviCABbImHCkBhskx/IMG_2707.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2707" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/uuEdoFokycDvijyCFnDaCwfBeckGDGmHvkJttjxAJHklviCABbImHCkBhskx/IMG_2707.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://www.tastytourstoronto.com/" target="_blank">Tasty Tours</a>&nbsp;is a savoury tour in Toronto that offers people the opportunity to explore the city like they never have before. At every location you stop at, there are delicious samples available to snack on. A few months ago, I went on the&nbsp;<a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours" target="_blank">usual tour</a>&nbsp;and was invited back to go on the Chocolate Tour. As a chocolate addict, I couldn't refuse!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/wIgmfyHknrphfoGxedikHjnuHCIawJrfsmbpbeBkfzHDnxfHuuvvwfrapbma/IMG_2710.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2710" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/wIgmfyHknrphfoGxedikHjnuHCIawJrfsmbpbeBkfzHDnxfHuuvvwfrapbma/IMG_2710.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/atCEwvbAflaouaJnHghCkbHDzxckopeaDetcHjIIfpyFwmzbhfhskDJpcEdk/IMG_2713.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2713" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/atCEwvbAflaouaJnHghCkbHDzxckopeaDetcHjIIfpyFwmzbhfhskDJpcEdk/IMG_2713.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/wHCdrfhEcoqFFamJCrBAeCEfiiIjikwrDdBeligkvowEwCjfzcFngxaEBzoc/IMG_2711.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2711" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/wHCdrfhEcoqFFamJCrBAeCEfiiIjikwrDdBeligkvowEwCjfzcFngxaEBzoc/IMG_2711.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>We started at Soma and were greeted by the guide Audrey (who's super nice and knowledgable). At this location, the manager Paul explained to us how chocolate is made and how <em>Soma</em> is one of the only stores in Toronto that makes their own chocolate.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/hjHdwHfxHhawvEjshwBhcierEccmJluInxhqubaxbdzakypwACzyrAklpgqs/IMG_2706.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2706" height="800" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/hjHdwHfxHhawvEjshwBhcierEccmJluInxhqubaxbdzakypwACzyrAklpgqs/IMG_2706.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The sample we got was a stick of their <em><strong>Peruvian House Blend, 64% Dark</strong></em>. This was my favourite sample of the day. Even though it's 64 per cent, it's not bitter at all. It's so creamy and naturally sweet; the texture is also super smooth.</p> <p><em>[<strong>Update</strong>: Soma is no longer part of the tour]</em></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/CrmjldyFqoyiGoHgEjkacxjkivCxmErrgmcjweeeuocJHskBBFrIrgpxIhqA/IMG_2712.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2712" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/CrmjldyFqoyiGoHgEjkacxjkivCxmErrgmcjweeeuocJHskBBFrIrgpxIhqA/IMG_2712.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>A few streets down, you'll find the Italian supermarket, <em>Alimento</em>. Inside&nbsp;<em>Alimento</em> is the bakery <em>Forna Culture</em>. Unfortunately, we were told that day that they would no longer be residing there. If anyone knows where they relocated, let me know!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/oqkeFybkunDDGFHjCygiuyzmhvEvzBCeqvluhHirDlDxsIFEgIcosuIGHylb/IMG_2714.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2714" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/oqkeFybkunDDGFHjCygiuyzmhvEvzBCeqvluhHirDlDxsIFEgIcosuIGHylb/IMG_2714.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/hhvruoBdIprigCtAIopaptEHBnpsjoyJBkexdHwJlJnbeDhGgndmrfnuavze/IMG_2722.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2722" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/hhvruoBdIprigCtAIopaptEHBnpsjoyJBkexdHwJlJnbeDhGgndmrfnuavze/IMG_2722.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>There are so many little pastries and cookies on display. Everything looks delicious and they even had cakes in a jar!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/snxBxomHBqmcGaJyrecEuHfyiiqAGlClvkIieDkEeEdylIDstfDoiAEBDaGo/IMG_2718.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2718" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/snxBxomHBqmcGaJyrecEuHfyiiqAGlClvkIieDkEeEdylIDstfDoiAEBDaGo/IMG_2718.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/ozHFwBbFJhmxcdqxojBtBICeggxcjxHlurornhIEzJctIcsjtlkrwkwkqfac/IMG_2719.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2719" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/ozHFwBbFJhmxcdqxojBtBICeggxcjxHlurornhIEzJctIcsjtlkrwkwkqfac/IMG_2719.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The sample of <strong><em>Dolce Tormini</em></strong> was a little too sweet in my opinion. The batter seemed to be soaked in a sweet syrup and it was too much.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/mzvGwBbfxdDbhfCjtkamjJgnvfrkGGCdqyipkbyvmGpyDDdcGclvbBimzuEu/IMG_2724.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2724" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/mzvGwBbfxdDbhfCjtkamjJgnvfrkGGCdqyipkbyvmGpyDDdcGclvbBimzuEu/IMG_2724.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/EhqcHliGxFvEiGwmnuCtdgkkrnkypfwBdqwFgyHgfBJcJkhCGEdiBnfcaDAu/IMG_2723.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2723" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/EhqcHliGxFvEiGwmnuCtdgkkrnkypfwBdqwFgyHgfBJcJkhCGEdiBnfcaDAu/IMG_2723.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>I bought a <em><strong>Chocolate Hazelnut Eclair</strong></em> on the side but I was dissapointed. The filling was the savoury sour kind and the shell wasn't as soft as I would've liked.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/pnasokAsIzytuvBvmBbIwfBiAvsiFdAoepJbFueuGemoijdhjcGrhmnvDiCI/IMG_2733.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2733" height="800" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/pnasokAsIzytuvBvmBbIwfBiAvsiFdAoepJbFueuGemoijdhjcGrhmnvDiCI/IMG_2733.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/HllmmuxqBhyAAIlpvejeazwrkbaidDhIbxrlDJgEJcAlHJfbnFFvbnIFrkqd/IMG_2731.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2731" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/HllmmuxqBhyAAIlpvejeazwrkbaidDhIbxrlDJgEJcAlHJfbnFFvbnIFrkqd/IMG_2731.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><em>Delight</em> was my favourite location of the tour because it was this little shop that made their own truffles and ice cream. They also have great unique flavours that you probably won't find anywhere else!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/xDhdgAGnHiJltsdxDuGAxbofwIFrwztkkphtpuzGhHetIAsauyybAsaFJJJA/IMG_2729.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2729" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/xDhdgAGnHiJltsdxDuGAxbofwIFrwztkkphtpuzGhHetIAsauyybAsaFJJJA/IMG_2729.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/qyCyBtJFviHkvxHIiwkHFlGlshlJFhrIpFaIDEsjxJxeAgnpiJmGEJgutHxs/IMG_2727.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2727" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/qyCyBtJFviHkvxHIiwkHFlGlshlJFhrIpFaIDEsjxJxeAgnpiJmGEJgutHxs/IMG_2727.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Like the&nbsp;<em><strong>Quebec Blue Cheese Ice Cream</strong></em>&nbsp;that I tried (that isn't pictured here) and this&nbsp;<em><strong>Chocolate Caramel with Smoked Sea Salt Truffle</strong></em>. I'm not a big fan of cheese and I know blue cheese never sounds appetizing but they managed to blend it together really nicely and it has just the right amount. The truffle was also delicious and was bittersweet in taste.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/ohBDuyHeJnsBgqlExppnfIIkqmqusEzGIhhuHBBvfxEDcsixrfGeEsvHICGo/IMG_2734.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2734" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/ohBDuyHeJnsBgqlExppnfIIkqmqusEzGIhhuHBBvfxEDcsixrfGeEsvHICGo/IMG_2734.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/FCussfuIlzsspFAfgxvtDcbyuaiGvblzopAhxyvqkufnmbxmgDCDfslsawyq/IMG_2737.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2737" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/FCussfuIlzsspFAfgxvtDcbyuaiGvblzopAhxyvqkufnmbxmgDCDfslsawyq/IMG_2737.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/AdeEJFJJnFtwtdolAhaGbbgijxFqfjwpnkamjiefojxmsueJFctJHiJxArdv/IMG_2736.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2736" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/AdeEJFJJnFtwtdolAhaGbbgijxFqfjwpnkamjiefojxmsueJFctJHiJxArdv/IMG_2736.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>We didn't spend too much time in&nbsp;<em>Nadege</em>&nbsp;because it was fairly busy but to be honest, they don't have too much going on. The French macaroon display looked intriguing though. We tried their&nbsp;<em><strong>Dynamite Chocolate</strong></em>&nbsp;and while it was good, it was nothing special.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/rCchzfwDicqHeacpcoctlljjjdxqezkuDgAdCECtdBDvmjHHvfllwoxJhCio/IMG_2740.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2740" height="800" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/rCchzfwDicqHeacpcoctlljjjdxqezkuDgAdCECtdBDvmjHHvfllwoxJhCio/IMG_2740.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/pIpdGGxxzekxsyJecxpsgwltBaarqEvfuquzFAxAfxBylkrhEtAFfvJDrhap/IMG_2741.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2741" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/pIpdGGxxzekxsyJecxpsgwltBaarqEvfuquzFAxAfxBylkrhEtAFfvJDrhap/IMG_2741.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/zeBfDrzpIujgqaithddqAzmxECpAriDzvjFcrwzpCemhsiBcnrmAhdluHfbj/IMG_2742.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2742" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/zeBfDrzpIujgqaithddqAzmxECpAriDzvjFcrwzpCemhsiBcnrmAhdluHfbj/IMG_2742.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/bFspsiFDrdzigfFsiJevpBFBGghxdFGbjkzJtwgGjijicBBpkvgbqcDGcJfm/IMG_2738.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2738" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/bFspsiFDrdzigfFsiJevpBFBGghxdFGbjkzJtwgGjijicBBpkvgbqcDGcJfm/IMG_2738.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/eyhcocFeIepqEclHqkqGvAbnmJuEiACFbqJBJgAFEfnpjuDjhlhlhdjabxBx/IMG_2739.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2739" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/eyhcocFeIepqEclHqkqGvAbnmJuEiACFbqJBJgAFEfnpjuDjhlhlhdjabxBx/IMG_2739.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><em>Sanko</em> is a Japanese supermarket in Toronto that offers cooking ware, eating utensils and long shelves of imported snacks! Stephen (the young man you'll find running around catering to the customers needs) told us about the limited edition <em><strong>Sakura Maccha Latte Kit Kat</strong></em>. It's amazingly good and unfortunately, is only available for a few months in spring. He also told us that Kit Kat has it's own culture in Japan and is something you receive as a gift rather than buy yourself. When high school students are studying hard for their entrance exams, they'll receive boxes or packages of these individually wrapped treats to snack on.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/qDAFCaEuCrjtHirBFahzGrvloCBIkwmArHupFixAsIvyFqnuGnIAbzvhmiAd/IMG_2743.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2743" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/qDAFCaEuCrjtHirBFahzGrvloCBIkwmArHupFixAsIvyFqnuGnIAbzvhmiAd/IMG_2743.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/BaFuzkrIwbuqmolfrJGvxwCbtixBjpcAtsznpCHhmaHClhDCioqoghgnseqB/IMG_2750.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2750" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/BaFuzkrIwbuqmolfrJGvxwCbtixBjpcAtsznpCHhmaHClhDCioqoghgnseqB/IMG_2750.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The last stop of the tour was <em>Chococrepe</em> and like most of the other stores, there was someone there to greet us and give us a small history lesson on the shop. There was an added bonus though; one lucky participant's name was drawn and they received some free milk chocolate! Unfortunately, it wasn't me, but no matter!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/DAGhrHJuBhlptqxJqgzlurkdhsacBrhIAkqEmedkaJdkxrlIuHdHcIukFpaH/IMG_2746.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2746" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/DAGhrHJuBhlptqxJqgzlurkdhsacBrhIAkqEmedkaJdkxrlIuHdHcIukFpaH/IMG_2746.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/znotrxgAcJaxscFplquuioceAqrwyGBDgochcmvBiHkavvxDyJGsFCnyECep/IMG_2747.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2747" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/znotrxgAcJaxscFplquuioceAqrwyGBDgochcmvBiHkavvxDyJGsFCnyECep/IMG_2747.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/myeEJwAzuohIcItfBewrnoCfebyoHBqjjogaDejxAEIGocbyevjnhAJBkGmF/IMG_2748.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2748" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/myeEJwAzuohIcItfBewrnoCfebyoHBqjjogaDejxAEIGocbyevjnhAJBkGmF/IMG_2748.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/GrEfpCnateuvcAAsqrDIeqpJavbzustiJzxuBxHpgwqgiehiAfFJIFzEcqtf/IMG_2749.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2749" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/GrEfpCnateuvcAAsqrDIeqpJavbzustiJzxuBxHpgwqgiehiAfFJIFzEcqtf/IMG_2749.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Every sampler plate came with <em><strong>Three Chocolate "Beans" (Dark, Milk, White)</strong></em>, a shot of their <em><strong>Hot Chocolate</strong></em> and a <em><strong>Mini Crepe</strong></em>. The dark chocolate "bean" had dried red berries and was a bit smoky. The white chocolate "bean" was my favourite out of the three because it was so creamy, even though it had 35 per cent cocoa butter. The milk chocolate "bean" has 36 per cent cocoa.</p> <p>Their hot chocolate is one of the best I've ever had and if there was one thing I would go back for, it's this. It has the right amount of sweetness and cocoa. They also used whipping cream instead of milk so it's smoother than others you've probably tasted.</p> <p>The toppings on the mini crepe tasted great but I couldn't taste the crepe itself. I think the shell is the most important part and there was too much going on at the top for me to differentiate the two.</p> <p>The tour overall was a great experience and I enjoyed the little facts I learned. I will be going back to a few of these places because that's the thing with tours, you learn about these hidden gems.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/SHAExXuQgng" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours-chocolate-tour Thu, 21 Jun 2012 07:07:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/kLjhDzkUhzs/brookside-chocolate http://purplespatula.com/brookside-chocolate <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Brookside_1" height="640" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/egDdaDgcjkggAdyIbiwAbACCucagHvbFGbfcpaAEECBvjChIcctalmCfEIAj/Brookside_1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/BeHepqFDytjauajAEHaddxcqxifHnlGyrrlAwnfJbihvyACbjjdBodenaDHI/Brookside_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Brookside_2" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/BeHepqFDytjauajAEHaddxcqxifHnlGyrrlAwnfJbihvyACbjjdBodenaDHI/Brookside_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/brookside-chocolate">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>I haven't done a "Munchies" post in awhile but that's only because I haven't found anything that was worth sharing with all of you. As you all know, I have a weak spot for chocolate; milk, dark, white, mint, you name it.</p> <p>Awhile back, I discovered (or rather my boyfriend did) <a href="http://www.brooksidefoods.com" target="_blank">Brookside</a>. They are a Canadian confectionary company that promises unique chocolate experiences.</p> <p>While they do have chocolate covered almonds, it was their chocolate covered fruit combinations that really pulled me in. The first one I ever tried was the <em><strong>Dark Chocolate Acai and Blueberry</strong></em>. It's a favourite of mine because it's not too bitter and it's sweet enough for those that can only take a small amount of sugar. Costco sells this flavour in a huge 850g bag and while it may seem daunting, it will be done quick.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Dark_chocolate_acai_and_blueberry" height="640" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/ttCdrbJodjCxsbxnyfcbJEHtjhmGonBpiIyuekreDcavkgdCEEEmDHzJnurd/Dark_Chocolate_Acai_and_Blueberry.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>Another favourite of mine is the <em><strong>Dark Chocolate Mango Mangosteen</strong></em>. One of my favourite fruits is the mango and while many of you have no idea what a mangosteen is, I've eaten it a lot as a kid. It's grown in many Southeast Asian countries and in North America, you can find them at various Asian supermarkets (for a hefty price).&nbsp;</p> <p>How they managed to blend the two together is amazing and both flavours are incorporated very nicely, one doesn't overpower the other.</p> <p>The <em><strong>Dark Chocolate Goji and Raspberry</strong></em> is also a good one to try if you like something sweet and a little tangy. The only one I didn't mention was the dark chocolate pomegranate. I tried it as well but after you had about a handful, it became too sour. It may be what other people like but it's not for me.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/eckFJzoyGkbpktqexvAwbsAutjeabaacBiipuDvyoqqEmDpJaBkIsyGrsawk/Brookside_3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Brookside_3" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-06-12/eckFJzoyGkbpktqexvAwbsAutjeabaacBiipuDvyoqqEmDpJaBkIsyGrsawk/Brookside_3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Each of the ball-shaped chocolates had a hard jelly centre. It's not chewy like a gummy but not soft like a jube jube either. It's a category all on its own and you'll have to find out to know what I'm talking about.</p> <p>I love how all of them have a different taste and while they may all look the same physically, they all have their own unique flavour.</p> <p>Which of the four is your favourite? Let me know!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/brookside-chocolate">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/brookside-chocolate#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/kLjhDzkUhzs" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/brookside-chocolate Thu, 14 Jun 2012 07:30:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/qC0A6aqglak/burgers-priest-review http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review <p> <p>1636 Queen Street East</p> <p>(647) 346-0617</p> <p><a href="http://www.burgerspriest.com" target="_blank">www.burgerspriest.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Western</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Finger Food/Fast Food</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Rating</strong></span></p> <p>Atmosphere: --</p> <p>Food: 10/10</p> <p>Service: --</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1532244/restaurant/The-Beaches/The-Burgers-Priest-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1532244/minilink.gif" alt="The Burger's Priest on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p>You've probably heard the name thrown around a few times; being named one of the best burger places in Toronto and all. They recently opened their second location on Yonge Street but the Beaches location is still their most popular location. There is no rating for "atmosphere" and service" because it's one of those places where you just get your food and go.</p> <p>I should also mention that they have a secret menu that many do not know about. Two of these items are on that menu but all of the others are not mentioned. If you'd like to know more, you're going to have to search elsewhere. I'm only here to talk about what I ate.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/oltCFnpJkqGIdxxtkJGmDgrxioxuaqrkpsszIoraGjHcwsrivIrntflpntIJ/The_Option.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="The_option" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/oltCFnpJkqGIdxxtkJGmDgrxioxuaqrkpsszIoraGjHcwsrivIrntflpntIJ/The_Option.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/FamtsiegBecrEIulAyblsGeutoBFDksJIeAFzAnJvsleEBgJrwtnmHpAbcHC/The_Option_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="The_option_2" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/FamtsiegBecrEIulAyblsGeutoBFDksJIeAFzAnJvsleEBgJrwtnmHpAbcHC/The_Option_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The first burger I ever got from them was <em><strong>The Option</strong></em>; deep fried portobello mushrooms with cheese in batter. I actually read the menu wrong and thought the mushroom was a topping. But even though I had a veggie burger, it was still delicious. When you bite into the crispy "patty", cheese starts to ooze out but not too much so that it gets messy. It's also seasoned very nicely and not overly salted.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/IFsJceIxgzhHcGtHhvbBypasyrpvzFbpvlwDCBCtgAFfnwwIanlvavrnjIte/High_Priest.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="High_priest" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/IFsJceIxgzhHcGtHhvbBypasyrpvzFbpvlwDCBCtgAFfnwwIanlvavrnjIte/High_Priest.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/IdzimfymrcfHfiGtzEeicxxwgnayotBGBlpprIypFIjggrGulfxslbrsjbmF/The_Priest.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="The_priest" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/IdzimfymrcfHfiGtzEeicxxwgnayotBGBlpprIypFIjggrGulfxslbrsjbmF/The_Priest.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><strong><em>The High Priest</em></strong> was enough for me to finish but I didn't need to eat for another 24 hours, it stayed in my stomach until the next day! It's the option with the beef patties and a slice of cheese with your choice of condiments. The fried option gave it an extra crunch, not that it could get any better.</p> <p>There is a huge difference between a 100 per cent pure beef patty and ones that you get in chains like McDonalds. It's juicier, more flavourful and falls apart in your mouth at the right time. Pure heaven.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/AvFFjIokIIFpGsJvJEFAgjqlzGckwtuAJxppzzlzAyeIowhzkpeDmgavbdEi/Fries.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Fries" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/AvFFjIokIIFpGsJvJEFAgjqlzGckwtuAJxppzzlzAyeIowhzkpeDmgavbdEi/Fries.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Their <em><strong>Fries</strong></em> isn't their most popular item on the menu but they deserve to be mentioned as well! A sprinkle of salt goes a long way and with fries that stay crisp after a car ride, what can be better?</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/HzoABEDgfjJkgowpFwCCJmspAqExpDesCCyHtluldmHJghJIIagfBaJjAgna/Tower_of_Babel_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Tower_of_babel_2" height="800" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/HzoABEDgfjJkgowpFwCCJmspAqExpDesCCyHtluldmHJghJIIagfBaJjAgna/Tower_of_Babel_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/qnfmqCjvpCnnkGwoaCDacgeybtAaxckxaDduxatgsCCExdyCaBtfixjEJoFx/Tower_of_Babel.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Tower_of_babel" height="800" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-24/qnfmqCjvpCnnkGwoaCDacgeybtAaxckxaDduxatgsCCExdyCaBtfixjEJoFx/Tower_of_Babel.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>This was probably what you were waiting for, <strong><em>The Tower of Babel</em></strong>. I cannot begin to describe how huge this burger was. At one point, it started toppling over because it couldn't stand up by itself. It comes with the grilled cheese bun instead of regular burger buns and has two patties, two slices of cheese and an option. It's not for the light-hearted but can you believe that they have burgers even bigger than this one?!</p> <p>They have great burgers. For some reason, there are people out there that don't agree. Price wise, they could use some work. The Option itself is about $7. Although they are pretty expensive for burgers, it's something you have to indulge in once in ahwhile. You only live once right?</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/qC0A6aqglak" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/burgers-priest-review Mon, 04 Jun 2012 17:18:50 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/Kk36Lpq7fxU/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_3" height="640" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/ynpuyEBeiDbGapcsxvuBzemgeFfkvmFuzxHufwpjIoJyrECAsqznosFnwrIB/photo_3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p><em>Jamba Juice</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Yogurty's</em>&nbsp;had a special taste testing in May so that a few foodies in Toronto could taste what they were planning on rolling out in June. I've tried both and my first impression wasn't that great but I believe it was my poor choice of flavour and location because everything I tried that day was great. As you know, stores may all have the same items but because they are franchises, things can be prepared differently.</p> <p>Keep reading to hear all the&nbsp;<em>juicy</em>&nbsp;stuff. (Did you get that? Hehe...)</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/vqnAGtGowzBJCyecpyxdlBHrfmlyzDHhgluoxuwruhEsJpdnirJoDjjxrpDo/photo_1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/vqnAGtGowzBJCyecpyxdlBHrfmlyzDHhgluoxuwruhEsJpdnirJoDjjxrpDo/photo_1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>At&nbsp;<em>Jamba Juice</em>, they kept rolling out trays of juice and food samples. The staff at Jamba are so energetic and happy to be there. I've never seen a group of people so happy to be at work. There must be something in that juice.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_4" height="640" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/cozfjiEBExtwaAoapyvnCFlEHqqeGGwsoBlwwrsdGDulErtxlxpwztwmbHla/photo_4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <img alt="Photo_2-1" height="640" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/EncCharIIJmbHuioantEHGuoIEvxjzyIGegBiadApGvAxebvjEyglfxkHwzq/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>There are two pictured above but in reality, there were three new flavours. My favourite was the&nbsp;<em><strong>Strawberry Lemonade</strong></em>&nbsp;but the&nbsp;<em><strong>Tropical Mango</strong></em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em><strong>Watermelon Splash</strong></em>&nbsp;were just as delicious. All three of them have splashes of coconut water to give it that refreshing feeling. It's very subtle and unless you know what coconut water tastes like, you won't be able to pinpoint it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_4-1" height="640" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/ICdiDkauyHzGpxeyrzoanpwdzpglEjHFADuFIBDcEoABvbjAqrpbFkrlEopg/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Sweet Waffle</strong></em> was definitely my favourite item of the night. What made it sweet wasn't a sprinkle of sugar, but a coating of it. It's probably not something you should eat regularily given the carbs and sugar but it's definitely something you should try at least once.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_2" height="640" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/trAygcpbGsuBfgJouAuxfgrDCoknCllkunxbqfGEpyAaiuffJbHJfsxigbnh/photo_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>They were also letting people sample their Steel-Cut Oatmeal. There are five flavours altogether: apple cinnamon, berry cherry pecan, blueberry &amp; blackberry, fresh bananas and just brown sugar crumble. With so many great flavours, it was hard choosing just one but I went with the&nbsp;<em><strong>Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal</strong></em>&nbsp;because I just love anything cinnamon!</p> <p>Their oatmeat is organic and it's one of the best I've had. It sticks together nicely and it's not at all watery, something that only happens if you make it yourself.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_3-1" height="640" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/vatnAvJcnqosxGDHeddurqAHtBxDizvyccqCDfjxrFzkICtFvubeEwbofHas/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <img alt="Photo_5-1" height="640" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/onsCurwgenrtImImppuftjvpybxkqlCkfxGAIsAcIzsnggBiiDzAEDifeckv/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The staff would often cheer loudly and fill the room with energy. Everyone looked like they were having a blast, it makes you want to join in!</p> <p><em>Jamba Juice</em> is a huge company in the U.S. and is like <em>Jugo Juice</em> in Canada but bigger, much bigger. They currently have nine locations so far in Canada and are looking to expand even more. They're opening one 10 minutes away from my house so I'm excited :D!</p> <p><strong>*Also, there's a secret underground menu! Google for more info.</strong></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/asDzalyJCsfbyJeoogqgCgjdtsjmDvrCzkndscpBgDGnbCJIIJfeodIdCmvD/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-2" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/asDzalyJCsfbyJeoogqgCgjdtsjmDvrCzkndscpBgDGnbCJIIJfeodIdCmvD/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Next stop, Yogurty's! The Yonge Street location is much bigger than ones that I've walked by.</p> <p>We were all there to taste their new Greek Yogurt froyo. It tastes like tart but has a hint of honey that gives it a subtle sweetness.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/zpsIBaehtepinkhtuexhGHulsDGdgIzsEpfrgioAbsIoHwjokCiqtlygtCaD/photo_4-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-2" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/zpsIBaehtepinkhtuexhGHulsDGdgIzsEpfrgioAbsIoHwjokCiqtlygtCaD/photo_4-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/xpCHeBeHpkCutlznjBedsnJjyDakbHqIizmyExxjsjsjCgxCofqEmsGBpJeI/photo_5-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5-2" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/xpCHeBeHpkCutlznjBedsnJjyDakbHqIizmyExxjsjsjCgxCofqEmsGBpJeI/photo_5-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/BgcEHaGrGqDsHqklsFnFrzDpFkkBaqCdhhaJuEyohCFiglbeHFlridahHsxa/photo_1-3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-3" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/BgcEHaGrGqDsHqklsFnFrzDpFkkBaqCdhhaJuEyohCFiglbeHFlridahHsxa/photo_1-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>What do you think of all their toppings? There is almost every kind of nut, not to mention chocolate and yogurt covered everything!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/xvJzxIDaIbjvoAihaJvbpgkbuiwxphvraAicIeGofdrHFktpxbqkdbskyzor/photo_2-3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-3" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-30/xvJzxIDaIbjvoAihaJvbpgkbuiwxphvraAicIeGofdrHFktpxbqkdbskyzor/photo_2-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>When it came time for us to fill up our free cup, I chose&nbsp;<em><strong>Greek Yogurt</strong></em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em><strong>Salted Caramel</strong></em>. The Greek Yogurt was just too good to pass up and the caramel was sweet and salty. I'd also like to add that their yogurt is so smooth. I don't remember what I added in my creation but it was gooooood.</p> <p>To be honest, Yogurty's and Menchie's are very similar in decor and concept. I have a feeling I'm going to be getting a message from someone on their PR team but it's the truth. How do you put a spin on a froyo establishment? If you don't make it fun and family-friendly, it's not going to do too well.</p> <p>They both charge 55 cents an ounce and let you create your own froyo. From what I've seen, Yogurty's has more toppings to choose from but Menchie's has more flavours. Yogurty's has 16 while Menchie's claims to have 100 (althought I usually see the same ones here and there).</p> <p>Yogurty's is also Canadian so for you patriotic ones out there, this could be your reason. But for me, if both happen to be nearby, I'll go to whoever has the flavour I want.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/Kk36Lpq7fxU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/whats-happening-at-jamba-juice-and-yogurtys-j Sat, 26 May 2012 11:32:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/SiuDW2k9jLg/syogun-japanese-cuisine-review http://purplespatula.com/syogun-japanese-cuisine-review <p> <p>8261 Woodbine Avenue</p> <p>(905) 305-8990</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Cheap - Average</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Japanese</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: All You Can Eat</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Rating</strong></span></p> <p>Atmosphere: 7/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 5/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1471811/restaurant/Toronto/Syogun-Markham"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1471811/minilink.gif" alt="Syogun on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/tpupqrrpqrflyFlpweaJmEEvwwfIJByrnjtnAicgtbsIcvhCeqjHGhrsdlII/photo_2-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-2" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/tpupqrrpqrflyFlpweaJmEEvwwfIJByrnjtnAicgtbsIcvhCeqjHGhrsdlII/photo_2-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em>Syogun</em> is a place that I've been to before but after standing at the front for 10 minutes and not having one person offer us a table or even look at us, we left. I was fed up after five minutes but everyone else wanted to wait. Luckily, this time was different but it wasn't really a greeting, it was more of a "here's your table".</p> <p>Their service is definitely their low point but I can see why people still flock to this place. For an AYCE restaurant that's approximately $20, they have endless options; two pages to be exact.</p> <p>The <em><strong>Edamame</strong></em> and <em><strong>Seaweed Salad</strong></em> were some of the starters that got us going and they were good. The edamame was salted and you can't do seaweed salad wrong.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/BweHDnHHpExymiBktJEEnBnrqayiljBmsknGuBIgulphEugkDyvaDtCpAgnF/photo_2-4.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-4" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/BweHDnHHpExymiBktJEEnBnrqayiljBmsknGuBIgulphEugkDyvaDtCpAgnF/photo_2-4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/vsFAcEfqoaribmtJhEwoJahJsmozgtattEkAwDuyiFBAweHHbttasBAGclug/photo_4-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-2" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/vsFAcEfqoaribmtJhEwoJahJsmozgtattEkAwDuyiFBAweHHbttasBAGclug/photo_4-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I'm not a big fan of <em><strong>Dumplings (Gyoza)</strong></em> since I can eat them at home anytime I want so I like to save room for other things. The <em><strong>Sauteed Mushrooms</strong></em> were great though. It was seasoned with simple spices like garlic and salt but it was nice.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/ylvciqrHsCDCatiGvJubdGiuaIoajDCDyvhFHfmkEhxFIJosoElulnJwbkjJ/photo_5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/ylvciqrHsCDCatiGvJubdGiuaIoajDCDyvhFHfmkEhxFIJosoElulnJwbkjJ/photo_5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/DFnbmfmaywsxEcicJvocycjDoyCtbpdxdfbGnDFlIhGbwwzhehseeGCvDhAa/photo_3-4.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-4" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/DFnbmfmaywsxEcicJvocycjDoyCtbpdxdfbGnDFlIhGbwwzhehseeGCvDhAa/photo_3-4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em><strong>Calamari</strong></em> and <em><strong>Shrimp Tempura</strong></em> are things that you find at almost every Japanese restaurant but the kind of batter they use makes a big difference. The batter for the tempura is best flaky while the calamari is best in one piece, preferably chewy. Of course, this is what I like and might not be what you like.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/IfHFmcjrkwvzmrvrnfoGEIFbFjHhjBEdnHghIqmqIdztAyudBfGsqrossrnj/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-1" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/IfHFmcjrkwvzmrvrnfoGEIFbFjHhjBEdnHghIqmqIdztAyudBfGsqrossrnj/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/EzEJtscbwofEfDHaGaHiBdbtwIllenkocJedgnGGerrDGFChnvDDbwfmEqEk/photo_4.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/EzEJtscbwofEfDHaGaHiBdbtwIllenkocJedgnGGerrDGFChnvDDbwfmEqEk/photo_4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I love <em><strong>Takoyaki</strong></em> with a passion but this was not takoyaki. The batter was undercooked and liquid instead of firm and there were chives in it, something unheard of. Avoid ordering this, even if you are curious.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/ejGhncxfdzzecmBwapqFAfuhmpBmJdrbhvdEsayouddsCxDIjyzyEbwbCjCk/photo_2-5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-5" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/ejGhncxfdzzecmBwapqFAfuhmpBmJdrbhvdEsayouddsCxDIjyzyEbwbCjCk/photo_2-5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Something else you should avoid is the <em><strong>Potato Cake</strong></em>. I thought it was another name they used for a potato pancake. What you get instead is fried mashed potatoes, not even the good kind. They were bland and tasted like an instant mix.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/gsepokuBesiGfqmqrGvnGByHdHdEetopxqecdljwDtcIdinDsleqwAGitezy/photo_1-5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-5" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/gsepokuBesiGfqmqrGvnGByHdHdEetopxqecdljwDtcIdinDsleqwAGitezy/photo_1-5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Salmon and White Tuna Sashimi</strong></em>&nbsp;are cut nice and thick, nothing else to say here!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/phqbJqdrjeBhartCtgmcsEdGqfbhceCsxvDfqyyFnmnFmimiCdFnrhpdjJrs/photo_1-3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-3" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/phqbJqdrjeBhartCtgmcsEdGqfbhceCsxvDfqyyFnmnFmimiCdFnrhpdjJrs/photo_1-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This is called <em><strong>Sweet Shrimp</strong></em> and I didn't eat any because their eyes kind of creeped me out. But the one person that did said it was soft and sweet.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/HnFeDpityhpyIgrkEjxhqIghwbkfucAoHreobhIsAxqkbdkxuotltyxyFefe/photo_1-4.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-4" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/HnFeDpityhpyIgrkEjxhqIghwbkfucAoHreobhIsAxqkbdkxuotltyxyFefe/photo_1-4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I could be wrong about this one but this should be the <strong><em>Wasabi Mussels</em></strong>. It's also raw but the taste should be mellowed a little by the sauce on top.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/BFFplircADhklfEtFGhelnytmDAnsAhzIeDgIbtbdxxatfCHaemFmlseeedk/photo_3-3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-3" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/BFFplircADhklfEtFGhelnytmDAnsAhzIeDgIbtbdxxatfCHaemFmlseeedk/photo_3-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em><strong>Cow Tongue</strong></em> tastes great because it's like beef but chewier. The tongue is considered the strongest muscle in the human body. Whether it applies to cows as well, I don't know but when you eat them, don't look at it too hard. That way, you don't <em>think</em> about what you're eating.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/begasxgnbdDffJkhFhqzxnDgkpJDtoiCGiBeCcrtdAqqdhuDEiABnAmixEFa/photo_5-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5-2" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/begasxgnbdDffJkhFhqzxnDgkpJDtoiCGiBeCcrtdAqqdhuDEiABnAmixEFa/photo_5-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Below is an assortment of <em><strong>Sushi</strong></em>; there are so many options, it's hard to keep track of it all. They have good sushi and it's all a matter of what you like. You'll be happy to know that they don't overstuff their sushi with rice.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/ziqAhCkqAjztjmvjlgqdHaxDBmbtwsEAsgrfqtHlgDBfyCuwxjHnthrEeElD/photo_2-3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-3" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/ziqAhCkqAjztjmvjlgqdHaxDBmbtwsEAsgrfqtHlgDBfyCuwxjHnthrEeElD/photo_2-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/rEuxexECxkufAjrHCBnbhFrBAgsxIJHbjrDiCsegijeIoBEEoupgczirgfpA/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-2" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/rEuxexECxkufAjrHCBnbhFrBAgsxIJHbjrDiCsegijeIoBEEoupgczirgfpA/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/fpEmtxgzcqhGiuhwbGoFnopJgzzDmaHojqHpfAvgdIxwyupxtiEpxgnFyxev/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5-1" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/fpEmtxgzcqhGiuhwbGoFnopJgzzDmaHojqHpfAvgdIxwyupxtiEpxgnFyxev/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/FkghlBCaGJwBkagFpEumJxpsalyetadlDExEkaDzFlFpIDwlmrtixhbnhtud/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-1" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/FkghlBCaGJwBkagFpEumJxpsalyetadlDExEkaDzFlFpIDwlmrtixhbnhtud/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Despite the less than mediocre service, many people come for the desserts. Why you ask? Because you can have as much as you want!</p> <p>They have different desserts of the day and this one is the <em><strong>Vanilla Mousse</strong></em>. I would go back just for this, it's so good! I went on a Friday so maybe if you go the same day, you'll get to taste what I did.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_1-6" height="640" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/thIlhiuexnfhcvsaaDHzhuCIbjJAosxseDmbvuBrhvBpbkyprqdIciaehFFl/photo_1-6.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Jello</strong></em> and <em><strong>Mango Pudding</strong></em> probably aren't their best items; they both don't have much flavour at all.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_3-5" height="640" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/IeqwaemqdybyseovkqkgGBGoCqBBpaiyICBDriBHszcpqwdhBbgAIFFqozHd/photo_3-5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_5-3" height="640" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/yIBjAtfaEykFvcqujfrBmruivarAIxfGGFmCzqncIpAwvwnaneBisaIdJtna/photo_5-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>If all else fails, there's always ice cream! You have the choice of <em><strong>Red Bean</strong></em> or <em><strong>Green Tea Ice Cream</strong></em>. Can't make a decision? Just get both!</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/xlGcnbltcAesDwnslxbmfCwAFCHBokythttkvbEFrxlsuAEbvIuonzglyfsg/photo_4-3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-3" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/xlGcnbltcAesDwnslxbmfCwAFCHBokythttkvbEFrxlsuAEbvIuonzglyfsg/photo_4-3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo_2-6" height="640" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/vlDhjtccmGfutbzByvqEDbysFanrmdmqDsEsFdHCzbDuvrHqBkDhzfCFCbof/photo_2-6.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> </div> </p> <p>If you want to go somewhere with many options, <em>Syogun</em> is a place I would recommend. They do have some great items but like any restaurant, there are some that should be avoided. A word of advice: If you need a server, flag down the first one that makes eye contact with you.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/syogun-japanese-cuisine-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/syogun-japanese-cuisine-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/SiuDW2k9jLg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/syogun-japanese-cuisine-review Sat, 19 May 2012 20:35:26 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/80tKn1oGlPg/antonios-royal-pizzeria-review-57741 http://purplespatula.com/antonios-royal-pizzeria-review-57741 <p> <p>667 The Queensway</p> <p>(416) 251-5877</p> <p><a href="http://www.antoniosroyalpizzeria.com" target="_blank">www.antoniosroyalpizzeria.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Italian</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Casual Dining</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rating:</span></strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 9/10</p> <p>Food: 8/10</p> <p>Service: 7/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1289468/restaurant/Etobicoke/Royal-Pizzeria-Restaurant-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1289468/minilink.gif" alt="Royal Pizzeria &amp; Restaurant on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/rgmdtFHJrvewnAghGavxvlmxlFqfnvallezplnGAhabzEDraHgzcsGsEiJdj/photo_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/rgmdtFHJrvewnAghGavxvlmxlFqfnvallezplnGAhabzEDraHgzcsGsEiJdj/photo_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/gDrecbIGgxttwiezByywrbrHIxinrkFkFuoItJcivdrkfzJoBIpyemnGIrlH/photo_1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/gDrecbIGgxttwiezByywrbrHIxinrkFkFuoItJcivdrkfzJoBIpyemnGIrlH/photo_1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/antonios-royal-pizzeria-review-57741">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><em>Antonio's</em> is located in Etobicoke and if you're coming from Downtown Toronto, it's a pretty long drive. But once you walk in, that fatigue will go away and you'll be captivated by the inside of the restaurant. It's small and has less than 10 tables but its' decor is very detailed. It's modern but also homey.</p> <p>As appetizers, we started with <em><strong>Bruschetta</strong></em> and <em><strong>Caesar Salad</strong></em>. They were very generous with the toppings for the bruschetta and that really paid off. It wasn't swimming in oil but the bread was soaked a quarter way through, just the way I like it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/FediGyFrqrFpgDABhtwadvmhzjtInHrBhJitsDxgvIzplBmeDqzixdfCzwcb/photo_3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/FediGyFrqrFpgDABhtwadvmhzjtInHrBhJitsDxgvIzplBmeDqzixdfCzwcb/photo_3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/vbEJhargtwqvAqAwGkFgfqkrkdjppslqBkrBaJmkkstiDqEEnmlCbbjsvekH/photo_5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/vbEJhargtwqvAqAwGkFgfqkrkdjppslqBkrBaJmkkstiDqEEnmlCbbjsvekH/photo_5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Below is the <em><strong>Penne Salmone</strong></em>, penne with a rose sauce and salmon as their main ingredients. If I didn't have a pizza, this is what I would've ordered. For $14, it was a big serving.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/iDvdnIraxvaClfaovmbeocGEGlfJpssaCulIhpkxoszGvycbJkaadoDvJBIF/photo_2-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-2" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/iDvdnIraxvaClfaovmbeocGEGlfJpssaCulIhpkxoszGvycbJkaadoDvJBIF/photo_2-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Although you can't tell from all the sauce it's swimming in, this is the <strong><em>Lasagna</em></strong>; homemade pasta with mozzarella, parmigiano cheese, veal, pork and beef. I was told it was heavenly and the best they've ever had. That's a pretty big statement, anyone care to back this man up?</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/jtjexpClvrCFmCgzJebJgcFyCbgfvCdfFCGdAcDxHHxgppAoJoiAksbBAFGs/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-2" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/jtjexpClvrCFmCgzJebJgcFyCbgfvCdfFCGdAcDxHHxgppAoJoiAksbBAFGs/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Pizzas taste the best when you have them at an authentic Italian restaurant. It's fresh and tastes homemade as opposed to the generic stale ones you find at <em>Pizza Pizza</em>. So a handful of us took advantage of this opportunity but I want to make it clear that I may have gotten the names of one or two of them mixed up. Since there were four pizzas and it was cut into four pieces, we all traded slices.</p> <p>The first one was what I ordered, <strong><em>La Strega</em></strong>. It's pesto in tomato sauce with mozzarella, grilled chicken and zucchini. It was hot, fresh and tasted great. The only thing I would've liked more of was a thicker crust. Having a good crust to topping ratio makes it so the pizza isn't too salty.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/mcrsGvJgjmguzogEFGiHgvnhxtlnbxBtfjejlwEsmbCnDujwzHJBeBagewpq/photo_1-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-1" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/mcrsGvJgjmguzogEFGiHgvnhxtlnbxBtfjejlwEsmbCnDujwzHJBeBagewpq/photo_1-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Tropo Hot</em></strong> is tomato sauce with mozzarella, hot soppressata, hot sausage and hot peppers. I'm someone who can't eat spicy foods and while it was hot for me, it was mild for others.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/tBdvHJicfkuEwwjEBDsidJAgqybdgoEaJltaFyhIdJBaBiwrjFxgyabxIDsq/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-2" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/tBdvHJicfkuEwwjEBDsidJAgqybdgoEaJltaFyhIdJBaBiwrjFxgyabxIDsq/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Venezia</strong></em> has no sauce but it does have grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, garlic, rosemary, artichokes and mozzarella. I would've loved to try this one but unfortunately, I'm allergic to artichokes (something I don't mind) so I couldn't exactly eat it but a lot of people liked this one.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/HEgptcqmmuJnHIpyoBJtmHfsroIprtokyIDfvwDxqIizHFtvFcggACtlgsIz/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-1" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/HEgptcqmmuJnHIpyoBJtmHfsroIprtokyIDfvwDxqIizHFtvFcggACtlgsIz/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Tropo Nice</em></strong> has&nbsp;tomato sauce with mozzarella, fresh Italian sausage, mushrooms and roasted red peppers. It's almost identical to the Tropo Hot except for a few extra ingredients. That and the fact that it's not spicy.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/lyBnhJsvnfcdoaiblHvmtGzdwtvwzzjoogcHsIrsEvmJJdcBGGIgtxqIzguv/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5-1" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/lyBnhJsvnfcdoaiblHvmtGzdwtvwzzjoogcHsIrsEvmJJdcBGGIgtxqIzguv/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>For dessert, I ordered the <em><strong>Tiramisu</strong></em> but I felt that it was lacking in something. It was a little bland in my opinion.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/pGdohknmGmAkdyHlHwgGeaBwkgGnqFtDeJyxnmorGIiDyDxuIsvuzosDlcvl/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-1" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/pGdohknmGmAkdyHlHwgGeaBwkgGnqFtDeJyxnmorGIiDyDxuIsvuzosDlcvl/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>Cheesecake</strong></em> was a lot better and had a great texture. Even though I didn't order it for myself, I kept picking at it and ate a big chunk of it.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/jiEkjGEsGADGJwrmxEbmIutCbCExmJJljgiggniytDdsmveawEifmdjwjptA/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-1" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/jiEkjGEsGADGJwrmxEbmIutCbCExmJJljgiggniytDdsmveawEifmdjwjptA/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> We arrived at 6 p.m. and were one of the few people there. But as time passed, the restaurant quickly filled up and became alive. You may have to wait quite a bit though because it's just the owner and another woman but they try to make up for it with small talk. They're very friendly and are genuine as well but our meal took longer than expected because of all the waiting.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/antonios-royal-pizzeria-review-57741">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/antonios-royal-pizzeria-review-57741#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/80tKn1oGlPg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/antonios-royal-pizzeria-review-57741 Fri, 11 May 2012 21:40:52 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/TkU4WGfnY-w/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review <p> <p>163 York Boulevard</p> <p>(905) 889-7898</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Average</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>: Korean/Japanese</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: All You Can Eat</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Rating</strong></span></p> <p>Atmosphere: 7/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 5/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1459522/restaurant/Toronto/Chako-Barbeque-Izakaya-Richmond-Hill"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1459522/minilink.gif" alt="Chako Barbeque Izakaya on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/GycbBtmlciCuqCAJwxwmDbCwtGFjlxqunhurDFlpkkahkzeduojlnrCCBIGx/photo_5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/GycbBtmlciCuqCAJwxwmDbCwtGFjlxqunhurDFlpkkahkzeduojlnrCCBIGx/photo_5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <img alt="Photo_4" height="640" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/rHewnuJEcgusibDddvFuoFzgJGpJlnsFJtlwgxmpEiwelxGyuoDzjBsFvxjB/photo_4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><em>Chako</em> (what people usually refer to it as) is the all you can eat place to go to if you live uptown because while there are AYCE sushi places, there aren't many Korean BBQ ones where you cook your own meat AND have sushi.</p> <p>Most people go for their late night option which is between 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. on the weekdays and starts at 10:30 p.m. on the weekends. It's cheaper than dinner ($6 less) and you don't get the special items like sushi and ox tongue but you do get your fix of BBQ meats and seafood.</p> <p>It looks great inside, nice and polished, but getting a good server here is pretty much a coin flip. A majority of them don't want to be there but the last time I was there, my server was a plain looking girl with black glasses and black hair tyed in a ponytail. She was polite and nice about everything. I will warn you that the older gentleman at the front desk is obnoxiously rude and ignores you but I'm certain he's the manager. You're going to have to deal with him until you get a table.&nbsp;</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/ygmJcpbHdFfGiDFtGhttwpncolFznyCfchrxfHpEClAmqwrsrsbmhFiifcGF/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-1" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/ygmJcpbHdFfGiDFtGhttwpncolFznyCfchrxfHpEClAmqwrsrsbmhFiifcGF/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Start your meal off with some <strong><em>Seaweed Salad</em></strong>, probably the best salad there is out there! You'd be surprised how many AYCE places don't have it. There are also many other appetizers to choose from including miso soup and the various side dishes.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/hgygrcFufHaslmamzHdGtFsydymqrDxofczJdcuHmCIbgsywhfykiycqcIAy/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-1" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/hgygrcFufHaslmamzHdGtFsydymqrDxofczJdcuHmCIbgsywhfykiycqcIAy/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Their <em><strong>Sushi</strong></em> is only available during dinner but don't worry, it's just a nice bonus. If you came for sushi, you wouldn't have gone here. You can choose from <em><strong>California, Spicy Salmon, Futomaki, Tamago, New Mexico, Cucumber, California and Shrimp Hand Roll</strong></em>.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/DuJFhjtAAbcBstmfqrHawrrwqCJbGFzetDbkpvJgAgtFszcyxfFisbvEDycx/photo_1-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-1" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/DuJFhjtAAbcBstmfqrHawrrwqCJbGFzetDbkpvJgAgtFszcyxfFisbvEDycx/photo_1-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/rojEbgjmjojuvxEuvaptGJytkyiJclrqHIAsnGczhrEwEviEGIgEHnsjwkqn/photo_1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/rojEbgjmjojuvxEuvaptGJytkyiJclrqHIAsnGczhrEwEviEGIgEHnsjwkqn/photo_1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>You get everything in little trays and if it's not enough, you can always ask for more. You also get a small bowl of rice to accompany everything. I usually come during dinner time because even though it costs more, there are just so many more options.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/EFCIthvhxofsvbdwbnybmIAvwuyAagFJmCHDBaiElJGmcizaxyrmgjGxJffv/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5-1" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/EFCIthvhxofsvbdwbnybmIAvwuyAagFJmCHDBaiElJGmcizaxyrmgjGxJffv/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/gExsDnlhccwltAGHksshctorrrscbbHfBkkxnJkEBzxDdliyyBHtnbnIsgxt/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-2" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/gExsDnlhccwltAGHksshctorrrscbbHfBkkxnJkEBzxDdliyyBHtnbnIsgxt/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>For meats, you get <em><strong>Sliced Beef, Short Rib, Ox Tongue, Chicken</strong></em> and<em><strong> Sliced Pork</strong></em>. For seafood, you get <em><strong>Tiger Shrimp, Calamari, Fish Fillet</strong></em> and <em><strong>Mussels</strong></em>. Nobody seems to finish the greens but they give you the <em><strong>Green and Red Peppers, Zucchini</strong></em> and <strong><em>Pineapples</em></strong> anyways.</p> <p>It tastes pretty good at first but after awhile, everything starts to blend together. I find it's like that with every Korean BBQ place though since most of them marinate all their meats the same way.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/eunCzBmfoijxhctzAgfHtcvchmtucnhwmeirFBFyHrhtBrjhaFEeAfffAuvG/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-2" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/eunCzBmfoijxhctzAgfHtcvchmtucnhwmeirFBFyHrhtBrjhaFEeAfffAuvG/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/lcihIgdeGDCwzchEjbkuAvnknCaoIbFaAwJoliFDBidjdDHcvbbFsssktypG/photo_4-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-2" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/lcihIgdeGDCwzchEjbkuAvnknCaoIbFaAwJoliFDBidjdDHcvbbFsssktypG/photo_4-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>You also get unlimited desserts! Most people only get one after a meal like that but you only live once right? Take your pick from <em><strong>Green Tea Ice Cream, Mango Ice Cream, Mango Pudding</strong></em> or <em><strong>Red Bean Pudding</strong></em>.</p> <p>It's nice once in awhile but I wouldn't go more than once a month, all that iron can't be too good for you.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/TkU4WGfnY-w" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/chako-barbeque-izakaya-review Thu, 03 May 2012 21:48:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/cQyyZ6H3pQs/tasty-tours http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours <p> <p>*Experiences may vary*</p> <p>You may have heard the name tossed around here and there, especially if you live around Toronto but if you haven't, <a href="http://tastytourstoronto.com/" target="_blank">Tasty Tours</a> is their name and they are a walking tour dedicated to sweets!</p> <p>The tour is about two hours and takes you to various places around Kensington Market where you get a sample of their delicious products. Along the way, you learn interesting facts and pieces of history that you may or may not have known.</p> <p>We started at <em>Ding Dong Bakery</em> and that was where we met the rest of the pack and our guide Audrey. Everyone was very friendly and I'm glad because I've heard horror stories when it comes to tours. We "tried" an <em><strong>Egg Tart</strong></em> and it wasn't bad. However, I've eaten a lot of these growing up so I think my opinion is biased.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Photo" height="640" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/jpxjaCyFhFxaEylJxfrasrCemHrjnImJnnpdhdaGooIafyAzhlupeJbzqvJg/photo.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/aDusFldEjncbCdnltJuzjudfEielxoilfhEzwtvzBvdwAbqwBrthApsDhIFF/IMG_2670.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2670" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/aDusFldEjncbCdnltJuzjudfEielxoilfhEzwtvzBvdwAbqwBrthApsDhIFF/IMG_2670.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The next stop was <em>Cora's Kitchen</em>, my favourite one throughout the whole tour. It was a great day so they set up a table outside. Everything looked delicious and I wanted to buy everything! But I had to control myself.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/weynxvwpDCkpzuEBiFFfhrdlpsDdgIwcEwgzufdxGAmlIEdBCCJvektykyDu/IMG_2672.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2672" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/weynxvwpDCkpzuEBiFFfhrdlpsDdgIwcEwgzufdxGAmlIEdBCCJvektykyDu/IMG_2672.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/FEfhCbczzvwcvwqeHJDJmFskrxiisgHyugfvzdfvdftBhFeulvoAeuHgbgxl/IMG_2677.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2677" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/FEfhCbczzvwcvwqeHJDJmFskrxiisgHyugfvzdfvdftBhFeulvoAeuHgbgxl/IMG_2677.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>We tried <strong><em>Mini Cupcakes in Chocolate with a Creamcheese Frosting</em></strong>. We actually had a choice between two different flavours but between chocolate and vanilla, my choice was made. It was so moist and the frosting was so smooth.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/bpeduHsHbmgDJhvGnjbahtvdnBExAxHHGzFxdsxAoAlJFwxsGdbxAtvGEgwi/IMG_2674.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2674" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/bpeduHsHbmgDJhvGnjbahtvdnBExAxHHGzFxdsxAoAlJFwxsGdbxAtvGEgwi/IMG_2674.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I wanted to try something different as well so I bought the <em><strong>Bacon Butterscotch Cookie</strong></em> and <em><strong>Chocolate Chip Cookie</strong></em>, two recommened items. They were hard, crunchy and heavenly. There could've been more bacon bits though, in my opinion.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/GajytyqugbhJyHBqevnFpEareItctmFoavboxsBeBGwzukFebloJqqIjAuDw/IMG_2675.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2675" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/GajytyqugbhJyHBqevnFpEareItctmFoavboxsBeBGwzukFebloJqqIjAuDw/IMG_2675.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/srolosnHymAxjvaBaxHiGwjFoxHvowmAolmxGlAagxjIBkyjwzJkGoJnblje/IMG_2676.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2676" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/srolosnHymAxjvaBaxHiGwjFoxHvowmAolmxGlAagxjIBkyjwzJkGoJnblje/IMG_2676.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>Next is <em>Chocolate Addict</em> and they specialize in chocolate truffles. We all got to sample a piece and I chose the <strong><em>Chocolate Mint</em></strong>. It was pretty good but I don't find truffles in general too special. Maybe the creamy centre but you can find that in regular chocolate as well. They also sell chocolate drinks and double as a candy store.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/aDptcAreJJzoxancxEofnoFtAemCcIFxgmItnuawyztwiqHxojvEfyhahmbB/IMG_2680.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2680" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/aDptcAreJJzoxancxEofnoFtAemCcIFxgmItnuawyztwiqHxojvEfyhahmbB/IMG_2680.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/IvwGgnnbqabolhktIztiaeGGrhbjsAaeIAaaBAjsGzgnfEcwpfvwxwnIcgwe/IMG_2679.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2679" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/IvwGgnnbqabolhktIztiaeGGrhbjsAaeIAaaBAjsGzgnfEcwpfvwxwnIcgwe/IMG_2679.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>This stop was an interesting one. It's one building but consists of various vendors in an open space. You could say it's a Latin Food Market, except for the Korean vendor at the front. You get one churro from <em>Pancho's Bakery</em> and I got a <strong><em>Churro with Chocolate Sauce</em></strong>, it also comes in caramel or strawberry. The one pet peeve I have with churros is when the fried dough is so hot, that the sauce melts and gathers at the bottom. I burned my tongue quite a few times.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/GnboDyExgisIGqEJgBzvqfIlrtzHzyuIoBmhJAnanqDIoBdfHhBtGuGBqdyj/IMG_2684.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2684" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/GnboDyExgisIGqEJgBzvqfIlrtzHzyuIoBmhJAnanqDIoBdfHhBtGuGBqdyj/IMG_2684.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/GwnGCxhkccBtkheiaybItleiyplgCrnkfeJtbCvcFtizxxgzpHEEihvywpvv/IMG_2683.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2683" height="800" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/GwnGCxhkccBtkheiaybItleiyplgCrnkfeJtbCvcFtizxxgzpHEEihvywpvv/IMG_2683.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/hcbJElxygoquolngGCHCIsgFBlpkeBAAitkiAbbuJtJlBhJskFbzJvApHfqE/IMG_2685.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2685" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/hcbJElxygoquolngGCHCIsgFBlpkeBAAitkiAbbuJtJlBhJskFbzJvApHfqE/IMG_2685.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>One of my favourite stores in Toronto, let alone Kensington Market, is <em>the Blue Banana</em>. They carry things that you wouldn't find anywhere else and it's always interesting to walk around and see what treasures they hold. So I was really excited when we walked in and learned that the <em>Blue Banana</em> is made up of many individual vendors. That's why almost everything you find in there is so unique.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/fzsqCxFovjxtGoDqsfuGCbHDhxmbcGuspFAAepnlBaHmiuabzBsxeGxwmdwo/IMG_2687.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2687" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/fzsqCxFovjxtGoDqsfuGCbHDhxmbcGuspFAAepnlBaHmiuabzBsxeGxwmdwo/IMG_2687.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/DalzDxBqdtkIbIhsJBkhoBEqjAIcDpcmonpavsfiBpekdIxGydAAEycAGatC/IMG_2690.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2690" height="800" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/DalzDxBqdtkIbIhsJBkhoBEqjAIcDpcmonpavsfiBpekdIxGydAAEycAGatC/IMG_2690.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p><em>Butter Baked Goods</em> in Vancouver have a display of <strong><em>Homemade Marshmallows </em></strong>in the store. They are denser than the ones you find in grocery stores and also come in various flavours.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/toceGFqurtByvkgwywwaDoduCmqdJtjaIFgbyDelhvDidvpklCehDetfaEvt/IMG_2689.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2689" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/toceGFqurtByvkgwywwaDoduCmqdJtjaIFgbyDelhvDidvpklCehDetfaEvt/IMG_2689.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/nmorIArAhCHrFhaxnHdsJEolhkbfnebeEtkdCFIiCfyzIzIjtqDFzEaCpquD/IMG_2688.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2688" height="800" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/nmorIArAhCHrFhaxnHdsJEolhkbfnebeEtkdCFIiCfyzIzIjtqDFzEaCpquD/IMG_2688.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The last stop of the tour was where all the British confections were. If you ever wondered why the Brits are stereotyped for having bad teeth, it's because the sugar levels in their candy is sometimes twice, or even three times as much as ours. I have a sweet tooth but sometimes the taste of the chocolate gets lost in all the sugar; like the <strong><em>Cadbury Flake</em></strong>.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/sJGgBbbFrtbfckdwFCmujquucvqwzlAeIcDttedFfdIrtwccjviundtvrJtC/IMG_2692.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2692" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-05-03/sJGgBbbFrtbfckdwFCmujquucvqwzlAeIcDttedFfdIrtwccjviundtvrJtC/IMG_2692.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> I didn't include any facts in this post because if you go on the tour, you'll learn all about it then. I recommend going at least once and bring a friend or partner. It's no fun by yourself.</p> <p>I'll be going on their <em>Chocolate Tour</em> as a special guest, watch out for that post in the near future :).</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/cQyyZ6H3pQs" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/tasty-tours Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:41:44 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/CZELZ8fVlAw/pan-on-the-danforth-review http://purplespatula.com/pan-on-the-danforth-review <p> <p>516 Danforth Avenue</p> <p>(416) 466-8158</p> <p><a href="http://www.panonthedanforth.com" target="_blank">www.panonthedanforth.com</a></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Pricing</span>: Pricey</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cuisine</span>:Greek</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Type</span>: Restaurant</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rating</span></strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 8/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 10/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/134098/restaurant/Greektown-The-Danforth/Pan-on-the-Danforth-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/134098/minilink.gif" alt="Pan on the Danforth on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; padding: 0px; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p>*This post does not have the best photos. Some of these have been altered in regards to brightness and bluriness.</p> <p>I organized a get together around Winterlicious 2012 and had it at <em>Pan on the Danforth</em>, a place that I have always wanted to try. Unfortunately, it was dinner time and because it's a bit on the fine dining side, there is dim lighting. But I have tried my best to provide photos where you can see what they have to offer. Most of the main dishes are fine though so don't worry about them.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Mussels" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-17/AzrougGgIHjhmDGJakdjoEvaDldofknpDxcwvAlcliGCogeCulojhunJhEAy/mussels.jpg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /> </div> </p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-17/uaJDbDAFIygeFjwAIlazqrssxqamdnjpvDwgpzrJHvanjIDgnABugdcluvty/calamari.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Calamari" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-17/uaJDbDAFIygeFjwAIlazqrssxqamdnjpvDwgpzrJHvanjIDgnABugdcluvty/calamari.jpg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The appetizers that most of us went with were the <em><strong>Mydia Santorini (Mussels)</strong></em> and <strong><em>Floured Calamari</em></strong>. The mussels were great but too short-lived. One of my friends actually didn't make it until later so we ordered for her but her mussels sat there for quite some time. The manager, seeing this, took the plate and brought out a fresh one later on. That's great service.</p> <p>You'll see that the calamari is cut thicker but most of us agreed that we would've liked it in smaller rings because eating 10 smaller ones feel better than eating five bigger ones.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/JstpApkbrqefllouaukmimGjsGmFfuIImvAuyzoFymoCciforcxAIIunmdFy/IMG_2470.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2470" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/JstpApkbrqefllouaukmimGjsGmFfuIImvAuyzoFymoCciforcxAIIunmdFy/IMG_2470.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>I got the <strong><em>Bifteki Olympus</em></strong>, whick is ground beef baked with a feta cheese filing served with greens and fries. I thought the sides were better than the beef patties but someone mentioned that the deliciously crispy fries tasted like Costco fries. I can see the similarity but they are seasoned differently. <em>Pan</em> has an extra seasoning.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/xeeogekzfiakcGDemjdkvgcyJHoaCjutixsvztkHygtBHmFJniavDHfplkcu/IMG_2471.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2471" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/xeeogekzfiakcGDemjdkvgcyJHoaCjutixsvztkHygtBHmFJniavDHfplkcu/IMG_2471.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>This is the <em><strong>Plaki</strong></em>, a braised grouper fillet in a yogurt tomato sauce with vine tomatoes over garlic mashed potatoes and asparagus. The fish was chewy and didn't stick together while the sauce gave it a nice touch.&nbsp;</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/bzxdiABkIuDBDqceIJllsHctcICgoEtDGuJbojdjAAlbgCsxncwEkuoiIGpJ/IMG_2472.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2472" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/bzxdiABkIuDBDqceIJllsHctcICgoEtDGuJbojdjAAlbgCsxncwEkuoiIGpJ/IMG_2472.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Arni Kotsi Yiouvetsi</em></strong> is what I would've gotten if I could have a do-over. It's essentially a braised lamb shank with herbs and veggies served over orzo. It was seasoned beautifully and had so much going on that you got your money's worth.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/sDHfgoahaEfcogIAboCDebbmraectdBsfyFbJknmFbJwzHqoxtmegvrfyhAl/IMG_2473.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2473" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-16/sDHfgoahaEfcogIAboCDebbmraectdBsfyFbJknmFbJwzHqoxtmegvrfyhAl/IMG_2473.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <strong><em>Roasted Breast of Chicken</em></strong> was too dry and while it was stuffed with cream cheese, basil and sundried tomatoes, it wasn't tender enough. The white rosemary mushroom cream was delish though; and the mini potatoes were cooked to perfection.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-17/BueubwAaFuwfqtxzBeopwxpchdGtszsdrkaygutpfJqDemGAIyHzyzmBBpIm/dessert.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Dessert" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-17/BueubwAaFuwfqtxzBeopwxpchdGtszsdrkaygutpfJqDemGAIyHzyzmBBpIm/dessert.jpg.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Almost everyone at the table went for the <em><strong>Galaktoboureko</strong></em> as their dessert. I think what appealed to us was the custard wrapped with the layer of phyllo. Two things that sound amazing together but fall short because of its' blandness; it lacked in flavour and the custard was not sweet enough.</p> <p>I would come back for their service but I don't know if I would pay full price for some of the dishes that we tried that day. If I remember correctly, an appetizer alone is about $15. With <em>Pan</em>, I believe it's all about what you order. If you guys have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/pan-on-the-danforth-review">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/pan-on-the-danforth-review#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/CZELZ8fVlAw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/pan-on-the-danforth-review Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:53:26 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/rU_uVOAP9Ys/lou-dawgs-review-26740 http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740 <p> <p>76 Gerrard Street East/589 King Street West</p> <p>(647) 349-3294/(647) 347-3294</p> <p><a href="http://www.loudawgs.com" target="_blank">www.loudawgs.com</a></p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Rating</span></strong></p> <p>Atmosphere: 8/10</p> <p>Food: 7/10</p> <p>Service: 8/10</p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1441622/restaurant/King-West/Lou-Dawgs-Southern-Sandwiches-Toronto"><img src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1441622/minilink.gif" alt="Lou Dawg's Southern Sandwiches on Urbanspoon" style="border: none; height: 36px;" /></a></p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/JprrHwrGybzBivusAGfeEnJlzCfHrgesDIeehwEqvdjxAsqahCvpbChxxbve/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-2" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/JprrHwrGybzBivusAGfeEnJlzCfHrgesDIeehwEqvdjxAsqahCvpbChxxbve/photo_1-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p><em>Lou Dawg's</em> opened up their Gerrard Street location not too long ago to take advantage of the student market. It's located right by Ryerson University and if you show your student card, you get 10 per cent off! You order at the cash and take a seat while they prepare your food. They bring it to your table and when you're done, you leave it at your table as well but make sure it's all in one place out of respect.</p> <p>They're known for their comfort food and while they offer a wide range of ways you can mix it up, there are some things I would never order again.&nbsp;</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/JhEuzkEEzFeADblcktpbGFatcHsmHovlkioyblmlzrgxevxcoCgArnaFJjqb/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-1" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/JhEuzkEEzFeADblcktpbGFatcHsmHovlkioyblmlzrgxevxcoCgArnaFJjqb/photo_2-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>For example, these are their <em><strong>Slow Smoked&nbsp;</strong><strong>Dry Rub Wings</strong></em> and I am not a fan of the dry rub. It has an odd taste and leaves a strong after taste in your mouth. It's not lathered on so it's bareable but if you want to enjoy your wings, I suggest the <strong><em>Slow Smoked&nbsp;Wet Wings</em></strong> (pictured below).</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Wet_wings" height="640" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/fwxDDJqnyuFcIymuDsjhmnEwubAGjEGzvshcajrJEAyxFpAvHenzlAhheyyk/wet_wings.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="480" /> <a href="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/fCatxkAefwpflolHqvpfvzupsfvlyxiIarddHvHJAFeJaFGhxjlhAGtHdhFh/photo_1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/fCatxkAefwpflolHqvpfvzupsfvlyxiIarddHvHJAFeJaFGhxjlhAGtHdhFh/photo_1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>The wet wings taste a lot better and are packed with flavour. I think they were trying to do the same thing with the dry ones for those that didn't like to get their hands dirty but it was just too overwhelming. If you're going to eat fingerfood, where's the fun if your hands stay clean?</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/yDIBJbrkwljfJHeeGgqaGEolIreatubvbjGatGgdelxDnFGlxhvqJznrJsGD/ribs.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Ribs" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/yDIBJbrkwljfJHeeGgqaGEolIreatubvbjGatGgdelxDnFGlxhvqJznrJsGD/ribs.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>The <em><strong>St. Louis Style Ribs</strong></em> are pretty thick and have more than enough meat. However, there is a thick layer of dry rub sauce underneath the wet sauce. Unlike the wings, it's layered on and after one or two ribs, it's just too much. Even my boyfriend, who's never hated a dish, didn't like this one.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/IljqlsamqcvkeGxaJvCrjAxnFxvjcnIJayGEioBwngoEgHodHqmaEFJkeEjC/photo_4.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/IljqlsamqcvkeGxaJvCrjAxnFxvjcnIJayGEioBwngoEgHodHqmaEFJkeEjC/photo_4.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/fInbIIhpuJpDsJaFHosrsDcJFuilFmraGfruvCuxxEiDeHArJsnpJjJIGazl/photo_3.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/fInbIIhpuJpDsJaFHosrsDcJFuilFmraGfruvCuxxEiDeHArJsnpJjJIGazl/photo_3.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>For this <em><strong>3 Meat + 2 Sides Meat Combo</strong></em>, we have the <em><strong>Pulled Pork</strong></em>, <em><strong>Pulled Chicken</strong></em> and <em><strong>Beef Brisket</strong></em> with a side of <em><strong>Potato Salad</strong></em> and <em><strong>Coleslaw</strong></em>. The sandwiches are definitely their strengths; they are tender and have just enough sauce. All are great but if you only want one, go with the beef brisket. The potato salad and coleslaw have honey mustard so there is a tangy kick. It's different but is a great change up in flavour.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/dcikruEpceBqktwIihpmCCwzCtnnDBxjxqhcxtGuothcdCzumnDoezznykEH/photo_2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/dcikruEpceBqktwIihpmCCwzCtnnDBxjxqhcxtGuothcdCzumnDoezznykEH/photo_2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/jhHfDsgikJHBwjnHadhrtotzaDhpkdswlvFCqhorzJjBqDIGcynfCfdftHdo/photo_5.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5" height="450" src="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/jhHfDsgikJHBwjnHadhrtotzaDhpkdswlvFCqhorzJjBqDIGcynfCfdftHdo/photo_5.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/EFxIsFrfGumCmteuffyfIebtDafthkzdyvAxksbtclBihtfhuznjwkDhthtj/photo_1-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_1-1" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/EFxIsFrfGumCmteuffyfIebtDafthkzdyvAxksbtclBihtfhuznjwkDhthtj/photo_1-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>This is the <em><strong>1 Meat + 2 Sides Meat Combo</strong></em> with the <em><strong>Pulled Pork</strong></em>, <em><strong>Fresh Cut Fries</strong></em> and <em><strong>Deeeelicious Deep Fried Pickles</strong></em>. The fries aren't anything special but they are crispy and hot. I hate pickles but fried pickles seem to be all the rage now so I decided to try them. They taste like regular pickles with a batter shell. If you were never a big fan of pickles in the past, I wouldn't recommend getting them.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/djcICHDttatJlFvmHujdtAsizoJhscskbJztCpxszkDiFhHcniGrFinpHaBk/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-1" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/djcICHDttatJlFvmHujdtAsizoJhscskbJztCpxszkDiFhHcniGrFinpHaBk/photo_3-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/uzbByFwymqeulGiJGlEIxDmfnfgHGInckFhlsmpcjubxHcyAnEymHFiGkGsp/photo_2-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_2-2" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/uzbByFwymqeulGiJGlEIxDmfnfgHGInckFhlsmpcjubxHcyAnEymHFiGkGsp/photo_2-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/xnsuitxfEtFyCwHdHniiedhxqArGtsGHsDyzgynCxtgvlxyFrlIhGyptlchy/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_4-1" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/xnsuitxfEtFyCwHdHniiedhxqArGtsGHsDyzgynCxtgvlxyFrlIhGyptlchy/photo_4-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/HdBrFmJgHqJFiEuovcyxafhgkryaFEkAfdItailfCjtepkAhobravJzwonnw/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_3-2" height="450" src="http://getfile8.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/HdBrFmJgHqJFiEuovcyxafhgkryaFEkAfdItailfCjtepkAhobravJzwonnw/photo_3-2.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/gEpBkngIsoFAEcjCfpICFwuFviFtlyxuisoEwuzeHinxsnFfqBIikEJEpDnw/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Photo_5-1" height="450" src="http://getfile6.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-04-04/gEpBkngIsoFAEcjCfpICFwuFviFtlyxuisoEwuzeHinxsnFfqBIikEJEpDnw/photo_5-1.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>This<em><strong> 2 Meats + 2 Sides Meat Combo</strong></em> is with the <em><strong>Pulled Pork</strong></em>, <em><strong>Beef Brisket</strong></em>, <em><strong>Fresh Cut Sweet Potato Fries</strong></em> and <em><strong>Meaty BBQ Beans</strong></em>. These two are probably some of the best sides. The sweet potato fries aren't as crispy as the regular fries but I like it a lot more but I could be biased since I usually favour them more. The beans are great as well, a nice balance of sweet and savoury.</p> <p>It's a cozy place to hang out and grab a bite. You can stay as long as you'd like and they recently finished their outdoor patio on the second floor, just in time for sunny weather!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/rU_uVOAP9Ys" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/lou-dawgs-review-26740 Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:45:41 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~3/0ejwQgcqP60/flourless-chocolate-snow-mountains http://purplespatula.com/flourless-chocolate-snow-mountains <p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/uJgGydmnIAfmsHyBvtAfygxHrkJmrcccbygoDyygGnDyExbjhrBmtrdwwlmk/IMG_2577.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2577" height="450" src="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/uJgGydmnIAfmsHyBvtAfygxHrkJmrcccbygoDyygGnDyExbjhrBmtrdwwlmk/IMG_2577.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>When I interned at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chatelaine.ca" target="_blank">Chatelaine</a>, I saw these cookies everywhere; they were featured on various menus, lists and Christmas posts. Around the same time, I received a recipe card in the mail from them telling me to subscribe (even though I already had). If any of you are Rogers' customers, you probably got it as well. I advise you to make it because it's rich and isn't too sweet.</p> <p>For those that didn't get the card, here's what you'll need:</p> <ul> <li>1/2 cup ground almonds</li> <li>1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder</li> <li>1 tsp baking powder</li> <li>a pinch of salt</li> <li>1/4 cup unsalted butter</li> <li>2/3 cup brown sugar</li> <li>1 egg</li> <li>1/2 tsp vanilla</li> <li>112 g dark chocolate (about 4 squares), chopped and melted</li> <li>1/4 cup sugar</li> <li>1/4 cup icing sugar</li> </ul> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/jfpvaCeebBBgekvcgfdwmhnCHzrzhkEoyithneyqFaxrdfgBABrpBEACeJDg/IMG_2553.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2553" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/jfpvaCeebBBgekvcgfdwmhnCHzrzhkEoyithneyqFaxrdfgBABrpBEACeJDg/IMG_2553.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/eHanDozyqIjGtEGiFDtHGufmvmFBEpdxwBeCHlktjhjtAFdajjyuAmzcbmII/IMG_2554.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2554" height="450" src="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/eHanDozyqIjGtEGiFDtHGufmvmFBEpdxwBeCHlktjhjtAFdajjyuAmzcbmII/IMG_2554.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> <div class='p_see_full_gallery'><a href="http://purplespatula.com/flourless-chocolate-snow-mountains">See the full gallery on Posterous</a></div> </div> </p> <p>After melting the dark chocolate squares, whether it be over the stove or in a fondue pot, put it aside so that it can cool.</p> <p>In a small bowl, whisk the almonds with the cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/hkDkrIsrCzawbapJsBDyfnhuzfbxFhzkxigDnAwyiozlicqeAkvkHJFtcikz/IMG_2555.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2555" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/hkDkrIsrCzawbapJsBDyfnhuzfbxFhzkxigDnAwyiozlicqeAkvkHJFtcikz/IMG_2555.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Beat butter with the brown sugar in a large bowl or the bowl that comes with a standing mixer. It should take about three minutes or until it's light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile0.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/bpvBrHkosusqaGflgbweFjeDAeultouAeqDHuludDgCBtqououvvgaBdGuDl/IMG_2559.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2559" height="450" src="http://getfile4.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/bpvBrHkosusqaGflgbweFjeDAeultouAeqDHuludDgCBtqououvvgaBdGuDl/IMG_2559.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Stir in the cooled chocolate.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile1.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/snoxicCzjhdssszAFqHqaFafaCdGrJFweqHvJrlmsdumcvGvpGzbanGFfHgl/IMG_2560.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2560" height="450" src="http://getfile5.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/snoxicCzjhdssszAFqHqaFafaCdGrJFweqHvJrlmsdumcvGvpGzbanGFfHgl/IMG_2560.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Fold in the almond mixture until it's well combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refridgerate until the dough is firm enough to roll, about 10 to 15 minutes.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/HAzAHltHfkBxkzgdyFwCtswuvycAywxtnuJAukkIvsfFABtmAieGAEchnysh/IMG_2565.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2565" height="450" src="http://getfile7.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/HAzAHltHfkBxkzgdyFwCtswuvycAywxtnuJAukkIvsfFABtmAieGAEchnysh/IMG_2565.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Position the oven racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and put them aside. In two separate small bowls, place the granulated sugar and icing sugar into each. Scoop the dough and roll into tbsp-sized balls.</p> <p>Coat it with the granulated sugar first, then the icing sugar. Place them on the baking sheets about 1 inch apart.&nbsp;</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/AyDxnsauBaFuhqbihrdocyglCmvcjCqtlfcFhhosarmpHEtjgvHJsAjxFGlj/IMG_2570.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2570" height="450" src="http://getfile2.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/AyDxnsauBaFuhqbihrdocyglCmvcjCqtlfcFhhosarmpHEtjgvHJsAjxFGlj/IMG_2570.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>Bake them in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, switching and rotating the sheets halfway through, until the cookies crack. Remove from the oven and let it cool for two minutes. They will look undercooked but will continue to bake on the sheets.Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.</p> <p>Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze up to one month.</p> <p><div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://getfile9.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/gyFngBkmpCGxrsppIiyCysxiFhbbpwfFhpqzGkbeiFniiBsthCdFfCaciuAI/IMG_2574.JPG.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Img_2574" height="450" src="http://getfile3.posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/temp-2012-03-24/gyFngBkmpCGxrsppIiyCysxiFhbbpwfFhpqzGkbeiFniiBsthCdFfCaciuAI/IMG_2574.JPG.scaled600.jpg" width="600" /></a> </div> </p> <p>They are small so you won't feel guilty eating them. That and it's almost all dark chocolate! The little spot in the photo above is nothing to worry about, it's just the almond extract :). I promise you'll love them!</p> </p> <p><a href="http://purplespatula.com/flourless-chocolate-snow-mountains">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://purplespatula.com/flourless-chocolate-snow-mountains#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ThePurpleSpatula/~4/0ejwQgcqP60" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1632273/meicon.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4SDBX51nDuIF Manley H Manley H Manley H http://purplespatula.com/flourless-chocolate-snow-mountains