LIAN

A very smart looking Vietnamese/Thai resto on the 3rd floor of IFC.  I heard a lot about this place, and not only from my mom who loves it.

When the waiter heard me cough, he immediately offered me the Lemongrass Honey Ginger Tea. Although I hate ginger, this actually tasted quite good!

My mom got the traditional condensed milk drip coffee.

They had a set menu, but I was told that prices are not very different from ordering a la carte. The first thing that caught my eye was the Soft Shell Crab avacado rolls.
The salty, warm  and crunchy crab bits, with the melt in your mouth cooler avacado, all combined with a sweet honey like sauce.

Next to share was a big bowl of Pho. Yes, just like our chinatown Pho train, however, the broth was fresh and not full of MSG.

Alexey orderd the set menu and it came with an appetizer of chicken wings. I didn't try one, but looking at it I was slightly disappointed, unless they were REALLY good. Small chickens....

Next was my order of cold vermicelli with lemongrass pork. I ate the first one by unsucessfully trying chew at the noodle (kind of rubbery) and dipping the pork in the sauce. I realized later that the noodle can open up and you can put the pork in there in one big wrap.

The beef was very tender and I wish there wasn't so much food so I can eat some more!

But I had to save room for dessert.  Almost everything on the menu came with ice cream, and because of my cough I really was trying to avoid it.  The fried banana seemed like a nice comprimise.  It came with a coconut ice cream and some type of green cotton candy.  The dough to banana ratio was perfect!

I can see why my mom raves about this restaurant like crazy!

Cova

My mom, alexey and I picked Cova for afternoon tea because it was close to us (Pacific Place, Admiralty) and that the buffet went until 5:30pm.  Although not as refined in presentation and quality as the other surrounding hotels, at $128HKD per person (as opposed to $228) it is quite a good deal.

The buffet has small little sandwiches, little cookies and pastries, along with some hot hors d'oeuvres and cakes.
Buffet pictures of food are always strange looking. Unless I place it on my plate correctly, I can always get something that looks like it's half eaten!

We got there around 5:00pm and it looked as if they were almost finished, but the waitress assured me that they would refill things up until 5:30pm. There was one hot dish that my mom asked twice and was waiting for it to refill. After asking the host a few times, they just brought some warm quiches directly to our table.

He also brought us a plate of desserts directly to our table. We felt so bad we couldn't finish the giant massive one.

Zen @ Discovery Bay

Alexey and I went to Discovery Bay to take in this man made residential island.  It was very peaceful and different from the hustle bustle of Hong Kong.

After getting off the ferry, you reach a plaza and as hungry as I was, I was in search of an area called D-Deck, where I read there were tons of 'alfresco dining by the seaside'. At first we found a few restaurants side by side, nothing too interesting. It wasn't until I peered further into the restaurant, that you can the other side where there are outdoor seating.

There are 21 restaurants on the deck, but you have to go to the outer edge near the water to find the 2nd half. Zen takes up most of the area there, and seems like the likely only open air space to eat.

The food was okay. I ordered my carbonara pasta (favourite) because I was craving for it. Sitting outside, the food easily becomes cold. It was creamy, but could have more bacon and pepper. But I enjoyed it regardless

Alexey ordered the Lamb Shank on a bed of mashed potatoes. In my opinion, the lamb could ahve been a bit more tender. But it was still okay. The potatoes were really good, but could be because there was butter in it.

June Japanese Restaurant

Located very near Tin Hau station, my cousin took me here for a quick lunch.  What I love about Hong Kong food is that even if you go to many Japanese Restaurants, you'll always find something unique about it.

Their menu had a lot of different lunch set combos, and for a good price you could eat like a king.

I got a Minced Salmon Belly on Rice, it came with Miso soup and a bowl of Udon/Soba noodles (hot or cold). Mixing all the onion, fish and soy sauce together (I don't like wasabi) it was so yummy and favourful. It's not a hot dish, but it's a good combo with the hot noodles.

We also shared a grilled back cod. This fish is so abundant in Hong Kong, I wish they would serve it more in Toronto.  I like flavor, and each bite was full it it. Crispy skin and a sweet sauce. 

You can also get a sashimi platter as a lunch combo (and we got a third miso soup with it too!) The fish was very fresh.

It's a small little place, perhaps hard to find, but totally recommend it!

The Parlour at 1881 Heritage (Hong Kong)

It's my mom's birthday, and one of the missions today was to find a nice place to take her out to dinner.  I was in the TST area, and wanted to find something close by.  My friend took me to a newly opened outdoor mall behind Ocean Terminal called 1881 Heritage.

It's built around the similar colonial style as the old Hong Kong Observatory building (now I think they call the Hullet House) that stands in the spotlight. The open mall is built around it, and as usual fashion the mall opens, but half the stores are still to be occupied.

Hidden away in different nooks, are some fine dining restaurants.  The Parlour is on the ground floor of the Observatory building.  Inside the glass walls are lined with chinese style hexgons, and seems like something out of the 1970s Hong Kong.  We sat out on the balcony, which was nice and the weather was mild.

They have a very nice Afternoon Tea menu, which I would like to come back another time for.  The dinner menu seemed a bit sparse, but still some good choices.

The seat was quite dim. We asked them to bring a candle.

My mom had a Lobster Bisque ($90hkd). It was tasty, and they added brandy (my mom had to make sure),  and you can taste the lobster. It wasn't creamy, and I don't think it was supposed to be. They poured it out from a teapot. I couldn't get my camera out in time.

I ordered the Chillean Sea Bass. (all entrees around $180-190 and up). It was light, yet subtly flavourful. Served on a lemon sauce, and some veggies on the side, the combination of tastes complimented each other. I paired it with a glass of the New Zealand Sauvignon blanc ($90)

My mom got the Filet of Cod. It was saltier, but really flavourful.  I think the parma ham on top added a smoky, salty taste. Underneath I think it was gnocchi, or beans.

For dessert, only the Apple Pecan Pie and the Rumbaba caught my eye. We ordered the latter. The description said it had chantilly cream and shortcake in an Earl Grey infused sauce.  My mom commented that it was a very simple and cheap to construct dish (the ingredients) but they presented it nicely. I especially liked the texture of the walnuts crunchy in the cream.

The staff were super friendly. The only thing I have to complain is that it was strange when we got our entrees, the server picked up the pepper mill from our table and asked us for pepper. Would rather him not do anything. Awkward.

By night time the area was filled of tourists, models, and wedding photographers taking in the lights.

Nha Trang Vietnamese Cusine (Hong Kong)

To be honest, I was paying little attention to the food, and having way more fun catching up with a good friend I haven't seen in 9 years.  Still managed to catch a few photos, and would recommend this place to anyone who liked Vietnamese food.

I guess I would have to compare this to Rice Paper, which I do find different b/c it's infused with French styles. But the food here seemed more fresh, and simple, and authentic.

Website: http://www.nhatrang.com.hk/

We started with the Spicy Hue Beef Noodle Soup.

"Second only to pho in popularity. Bun Bo is more earthy and spicy, characteristic of central Viet cooking and of the elegant yet rustic cuisine of Hue."

The beef was a bit tough, but maybe it's supposed to be. But it was a perfect type of spicy.
(I apologize for the pic of the half eaten soup)

We also ordered to side dishes. I didn't choose. I wasn't paying attention but chatting instead. The shrimp is on top of a special veggie found only in Vietnam. Couldn't tell you the name.
I really liked the rice roll. the inside was warm.

Four Seasons Hong Kong - breakfast at the Lounge

I always like going to have some Eggs Benny while I'm in Hong Kong, but the only place that I can find to serve it is at some expensive hotel like the Mandarin, or buffets like at the Marriott (my favourite).

I went with my aunt and mom today to the Four Seasons Hotel at the Lounge.  I wasn't too impressed.
It was a steep $150-180 for some meals. And doesn't include coffee/tea etc. We also had to ask for toast, I'm not sure it was included.

They did give us a small walnut yogurt which was yummy to start.

I got my Eggs Benny. Served on the usual english muffin and ham, it was tasty, but I found the poached eggs too watery. when I cut it, liquid poured everywhere. The perfect poached egg would be slightly hard yolk on the outside, but soft and liquidy in the middle, running thick. Maybe it's the type of eggs they get here.

My aunt and I also shared a waffle with apricot compote, and maple syrup. I thought it would be served on top or on the plate. But it was on the side.
The waffle was thick and very floury and dry. It can't compare to Le Petit Dejeuner, I think it will be the waffle to beat for me.

I told someone about this and she suggested one place that might be good to get a western breakfast would be the Flying Pan (Wanchai, and Central). Not sure if it's good, but better value for money for sures. I guess it's not that popular here, esp. when you can get street food, or small cafes for really quick and really cheap.

Beira Dos Namorados (Hong Kong)

Located at Sai Wah Ho MTR station, there's a strip along the harbour which I learned is called Soho East.

There were a lot of restaurants too choose from, but the one that caught our eye was Beira Dos Namorados.

It was only after I checked the website, I see that it's Portuguese food.  It was nice, busy during lunch hour, but enough space for us. The large windows give you a lot of light, and it was not noisy for some good conversation.

I love that in Hong Kong they give you hot water, and breads without asking.

The lunch special was around $50/ meal and you get a soup (which was brought to us while we were reading the menu), and salad bar.

I got a Linguine with Clams and Pinenut. I love western-chinese cooking. They added some gai lan cooked and chopped inside. It ws cooked al dente and creamy, but not too creamy. I really liked it.

Adele had the fried pork(?) on rice. it was nice and crunchy on the outside, and tender meats on the inside.

Then we went for Green Tea Cheesecake at a place around the corner. so fullll.

Tsunami Sushi (Vancouver)

After Dinner#1 at CinCin , we were still hungry and needed to get more.

Down the street was a very fairly priced sushi train restaurant (on Robson).
I love sushi in Vancouver, because it's so fresh and tastes so much better than Toronto. They have more selection.

The boats float around, and you can pick the plates. Price $2.95, $3.95, $4.95 depends on the dish and what the pattern of the dish it was put on. You can also order a la carte, we got a Toro. So yummy.

We spent probably around another $10, and were FULLY FULL to our stomachs. Awesome.

Cin Cin (Vancouver)

I was visiting my friends in Vancity for one night, and I was asked to pick a restaurant to go to. CinCin seemed one of the best in the city, and it was also one she had in mind as well.

Right on Robson street, it was a nice location for an after shopping dinner. The stairs were festively decorated and inviting.

It's voted one of the most romantic restaurants in Vancouver, and I can see why.

We had a lot of questions about the menu. It was divided into Anitipasti, Primi, Secondi, and Dolce.
And it corresponded with the size of their portions.  It's probably proper Italian conduct that they served it this way, but most restaurants, even if it said "Primi" would give it to you as a main course.

The menu was full of mushrooms which was nice.

Secondi (mostly pastas) were priced at $15-19 each. The server informed us that this is going to be an appetizer size. To get a main course size, we would have to add $10. We took the risk and ordered the smaller size, thinking that it can't be that small.  There wasn't anything ont he Antipasti side we wanted either.

Our server was a bit flustered because as he warned us. It was tiny. My garenelli with veal cheeks was about 20 pastas. It was very flavourful, and the pasta was cooked al dente.

Dilnoor ordered the gnocchi. Pillowy and soft. I like the one at Buca better.

Akber got the lamb shoulder orrichette. I like Orrichette. with a cooked rapini. yum

Unfortunately, after a carafe of wine, and our 3 dishes, the bill was $80, and we were still hungry.

Wondering whether we should have paid the extra $10 for the main course, we went for sushi.

If they had stated something like appetizer/main course cost right there, I probably wouldn't have though twice to order the main course. I feel like a cheap unexperienced foodie now.

Superior Restaurant

I came here twice before, once on a pre-formal dinner party in high school, and once again with parents. I always liked the food here, and it seems like a staple in the middle of downtown Toronto.

I've come across it again while looking for a pre-theatre place to eat. It would be nice choice if you want something a bit higher level than 3 brewers, or Jack Astors.

http://www.superiorrestaurant.com/menus.html

Kenzo Ramen

138 Dundas St W, Dundas and Bay (Elizabeth Street)
11am to 10pm

http://www.kenzoramen.ca/

Dec.11.2009
A quick weekday lunch, Conrad (my award winning violinist friend :) and I arrived at Kenzo a little before 12pm. There were plenty of seats, but around 12:45 when we left, there was a long line up. The place is not large, but accommodates many, with a good use of space.

We ordered two large noodles ($7.95-$8.95) and they were big portions! The noodles were NOT cup of noodles and the assortment of soups and topping choices was exciting.

'

Below is the Sapporo Miso Bowl

I LOVE takoyaki, but this one had more flour and rice dough ratio than normal. Still good. YUMMY

Definately a great lunch and authentic japanese noodle place.

Dec.09.2009
After looking at blogto's review of Liberty Noodle, I wasn't too impressed with the price and the feedback from customers. Someone suggested that instead of Mr. CupofNoodles with some fancy ingredients, Kenzo serves authentic made in house ramen, and at a much lower cost. I was sold on the mention of Takoyaki as a side.

See the blogto review.


They have your basic ramen, spicy ramen, speciality ramen , and a hole list of sides.

Price points seem good with ramen at $5.95 plus and gyoza at $6.95

Ame

12.04.2009 (see my preview below)

You pass by the red walls with black cherry blossoms, and you wonder where the entrance is. Enclosed by 2 large steel double doors, you enter another world. A huge difference from what Rain used to be, this place has so much character and feel. Ame = Rain in Japanese

I ordered a Hot Sake for $14. It was nice after a Cold cold walk. Went down very smooth.

We started with Edamame covered in sea salt.

We got two orders of sashimi, 6 pcs around $13 each. This was the Sea Bream. Thin slices, but didn't have much flavor.

We also got the Salmon Belly. It was good, but didn't really see the difference between that and regular salmon. Regardless, it was very fresh. The Salmon belly had a miso drop on it.

Next was the Grilled Black Cod. Very flavourful. And Crispy. It was my favourite.

Then the Robata Grill Butter fish. Not as good as the Black Cod. A little rubbery.

We got tempura $10 for 6 pieces. Perfectly crispy and battered, and served with Wasabi Soy dipping sauce.

I never tried Wagyu beef before. Karmen said that the Flatiron wasn't that good ($28) but the Sirlion was $55. We went with the short ribs. It tasted like chinese "ban yook". It was tender and chewy and served with a berry sauce.

The last dish was a Watercress salad. Served in boquets and with soy beans and seasame 'tota' (some japanese candy. we weren't sure what it was.

For dessert we had the Liquid Chocolate. It was mousse filled with melted chocolate and covered with more chocolate and and wafer. All desserts $9.

We also got the Apple + Chestnut. There was a lot going on in the dessert, and I can't describe it all.

Overall, it was a good restaurant, and worth trying, however be careful with your orders to make the experience worth while. And be prepared to spend some money.

I would come again, but not in a long while.

They also didn't know how to refill my hot water.

Just don't get these guys mad

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New Japanese restuarant called Ame opened up on Mercer where Rain used to be. Ame means Rain in Japanese.

According to the review on blog.to: http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/ame this place looks unique and worth trying out.

Not sure if it's a glitch on my browser but I can't view the entire menu on their website, but maybe you will have better luck: Website

The Sashimi there is priced between $12-16. Nigri platter 12 for $36.
True, this isn't the most cheap place, but seems affordable, and hopefully fresh and good quality.

The Robata Grill looks yummy, and offers some things I've never tried before. mmm Butterfish

Butterfish, Salted Miso Plum Broth 19

Pork Belly, Tonkatsu  16

Wagyu Flatiron 30 "A Wagyu flat-iron steak is paired with braised oxtail stuffed in bone marrow ($28). The steak is nicely marbled, juicy and charred to perfection, while the braised oxtail is tender and well-seasoned."

 The cocktails don't look exteremly appetizing on first glance, but look VERY interesting and worth trying. They can't put it on the menu if it tastes bad!

Gin Kim chi 14
Gin, pickled ginger, pickled daikon, cilantro, kojuchang, lemon juice, simple syrup

Budou Cocktail 14
Grape infused Vodka, house made bitters, pressed grape juice, ginger-concord grape foam, edible flowers

Interesting:

"We're told that there are some intriguing plans for AME in the new year. A cocktail school is in the works, while a lineup of celebrity chefs (including Iron Chef Morimoto) will also grace AME's kitchen."

I am posting this as $$$$ (as opposed to $$$) because I'm not sure you get too much quanitity for the meal.