short lived, but a good run. I have to say bye bye to the blog as i have finally discovered Yelp.ca where now all my reviews reside. with an audience!
find me at laurachiu.yelp.ca
Katsura
At the Westin Prince Hotel
One thing that was very worth it was the grilled unagi rice. They make it in front of you, with the rice, wasabi, nori, eel (which he torch seared the top first0, egg, and some rice balls, mixed it up all together, and it served at like 7-8 bowls full. ($33)
We also got the black cod, which was very nice, smooth and crunchy. it same with small side garnishes, including a sticky rice mochi wrapped in a bamboo leaf, some pickled veggies, all edible.
What I loved was the attention to detail, and how delicate everything was.
For dessert we got the banana crepe ($8) which was flambeed with grand marnier and served with bananas on the side, and strawberries.
The total cost was $180 for 3 ppl. It was quite worth it, but only for a special occasion. Something unique fo sure. I wonder if it's comparable to the new Katseki place that opened at the japanese community centre.
One thing that was very worth it was the grilled unagi rice. They make it in front of you, with the rice, wasabi, nori, eel (which he torch seared the top first0, egg, and some rice balls, mixed it up all together, and it served at like 7-8 bowls full. ($33)
We also got the black cod, which was very nice, smooth and crunchy. it same with small side garnishes, including a sticky rice mochi wrapped in a bamboo leaf, some pickled veggies, all edible.
What I loved was the attention to detail, and how delicate everything was.
For dessert we got the banana crepe ($8) which was flambeed with grand marnier and served with bananas on the side, and strawberries.
The total cost was $180 for 3 ppl. It was quite worth it, but only for a special occasion. Something unique fo sure. I wonder if it's comparable to the new Katseki place that opened at the japanese community centre.
W Burger Bar
Friday evening. 6pm. Dinner with Conrad.
With advice from Kat F. I made reservations and so glad that I did. I was a bit late, but they still held the table for us. There was a lineup with about 3 parties, and we walked right by like VIPs and got seated at our table. AWESOME.
I guess this is the type of place that don't really need to allow reservations, but I'm very glad they did.
However, the table was right in front of the kitchen kind of in the middle nowhere. I commented to my friend that this was awesome, but we got the crappiest seat in the house. My friend said, are you gunna yelp about it? I said probably. Then... maybe he heard me, maybe he didn't, but the manager (? guy with glasses) passed by and said "you can see the kitchen? sorry about that. would you like free drinks?"
I'm like... uhh. SURE!!! and i got a half pint of beer :) :)
Onion rings are superb.
I guess this is the type of place that don't really need to allow reservations, but I'm very glad they did.
However, the table was right in front of the kitchen kind of in the middle nowhere. I commented to my friend that this was awesome, but we got the crappiest seat in the house. My friend said, are you gunna yelp about it? I said probably. Then... maybe he heard me, maybe he didn't, but the manager (? guy with glasses) passed by and said "you can see the kitchen? sorry about that. would you like free drinks?"
I'm like... uhh. SURE!!! and i got a half pint of beer :) :)
Onion rings are superb.
I took a long time to decide. My ultimate burger would be Bison + Egg + Pineapple + Mushroom + Cheese + avacado + Bacon ... but that's just heart attack waiting to happen.
Had to be selective.
Got a Bison ($9.95) + Chipotle Ketchup (free) + Monteray Jack Cheese ($1.25) + Portobello Mushroom ($2.50)
To be honest, it was good, but could have been better. The cheese was thin (i.e. melted, I can see thru it) and the ketchup was only in the middle of the sandwich so only tasted it with one bite. The mushrooms were there, but didn't really add much to the burger.
However, I will come back there one day and try this infamous frilled cheese with egg.
Conrad got the egg + tomato + beef burger +onions
They were also good about subsitutes
We were a little hurried, to get our bill and sod off, but I could see why: there was at least another 5 parties waiting (and line up out the door). As we walked past them, I wanted to shout, You can CALL AHEAD!!
Boom and Breakfast Co
My new favourite Breakfast place. It's comparable with Cora's, but with a local flavour. We went to the College location. It's a small place, and when we got there at 1pm and there was a line up. But only about a 10 min wait.
We both ordered the same Benny Boom (smoked salmon benny with spinach), because it just looked that good. I still need to go back and try that french toast, but here are the pics!! The fries were amazing!!!!!!
This place looks so yummy.
Benny BOOM ........ $10.49
2 poached eggs, fresh spinach &; applewood chip smoked salmon
Ultimate Crunchy French Toast ........ $8.49
served with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce
Breakfast Panino ........ $7.69http://www.boombreakfast.com/menu.pdf
omelette style eggs, mushrooms, swiss cheese, roasted tomato & fresh fruit garnish
#1 for Best All Day Breakfast in Blog.to
3 locations
808 College (College and Ossington)
1036 St. Clair West (St. Clair and Dufferin)
174 Eglinton Ave West (Eglinton and between Avenue and Yonge)
Guu Izakaya
I was SO pleased to finally try this restaurant after hearing how awesome it was, and how long people have to wait. They don't take reservations, and we heard that the average line up was 2hrs. When we got there with a party of 6 people, and heard the lineup was only going to be an hour, we were plesantly surprised. While we waited, we got a glimpse of the interior from peep holes on the outside wall.
Let me say first that it was completely worth the wait. We arrived at 8:45pm and unfortunately waited until 10:15pm before we got let in. The place is small, and maybe fits about 50-70 people. It's quite cozy and communal tables are the trend here.
An Izakaya is traditionally a bar that serves food with drinks. At Guu, and other izakayas like Manpuku in Toronto, they serve food then and the drinks accompany it, but it's small dishes like tapas but all authentic in it's origins.
It even looks like the Izakayas in Japan on the wiki.
When we finally went in and sat down, all the servers and cooks shout out a greeting, and everyone stares at us. I imagine it's to welcome us to their establishment.
During our meal, we also saw 3 birthdays (I suspect that they pretend to get the attention) but the whole restaurant will clap and sing Happy Birthday.
When you leave, everyone shouts at you, Thank You for coming, or something of that sort.
In a sense, suddenly you've entered this family for about 2 hrs while you dine.
During the meal, food came pretty quickly and with our bouncy and cheerful server, she got our orders in quick and was really nice about everything. I hastily tried to take photos before the food was devoured (you can imagine after waiting to eat until 10:45pm)
Although we had 6 people, every dish seemed to be made for 2-3 people and shared. Everything was also priced on average $4-7 per dish. We ordered about 2 dishes each. This place would still be good for couples, where you can order a lot, try different things and not end up with an overly full stomach, or empty wallet.
We started with the
"ABURI SALMON" Lightly seared atlantic salmon sashimi
with ponzu sauce and wasabi mayo
(there was wasabi on this? i didn't even taste it!)
It was very good sashimi. soft, tender tons of flavour.
Next was
"KINOKO CHEESE BIBIMBAP"Rice, garlic sauteed mushrooms and cheese with seaweed sauce
The cheese really added a nice creamy texture.
Then (my favourite)
"TAKOYAKI" Deep fried puffed octopus balls served
with TONKATSU sauce and mustard mayo
Not as big as the ones from Manpuku, but they also don't take 20 mins to make. Yummmm
"HOTATE BUTTER" Pan fried scallop with soysauce and garlic butter
As I predicted, the scallops were buttery smooth. (and I forgot to take a picture!!!!)
"KAKUNI" Sweet miso braised pork belly with boiled eggThis was very much like Dong Bo Yuk in Shanghainese cuisine, but without the thick red sauce. It was good, but Chinese version is better.
"TONTORO" Grilled pork cheek with salt and YUZU pepper
It was okay. The meat was bit tough.
"GINDARA" Grilled black cod with SAIKYO miso and white wine sauce
A little more pricier than most dishes, but SO good. Soft fish, with tons of miso flavour
"GYUTANGUE" Grilled beef tongue with salt
We got this during round 2, and it was one of the specials for each stick $2. It was very good and tender tongue.
"KAKIMAYO" Grilled oysters with spinach, garlic mayo and cheese on the top
This was pretty worth the cholesterol. I could have eaten the whole thing myself.
"KARUBI" Salt&papper grilled beef short ribs with green onion sauce
I liked this version of Kalbi. the meat was not tough at all.
Lastly, this was an udon, but I'm not sure which one. It doens't look like much, but the noodles were covered in a smooth creamy miso-y sauce that made it really tasty.
Overall the highlights were:
- takoyaki
- kalbi type short ribs
- cheese bimbimbap
- oysters
- black cod
Insomnia (dinner)
Oh well.
On the eve of st. Patricks, I didn't want to spend the evening crowding with frat boys on Bloor Street in a sweaty bar filled with green beer and green t-shirts. I'd rather have a nice meal and do that in the streets.
Insomnia has been around for a while I know, and they also serve brunch.
The place is small, but cozy. We saw two seats in the front and it wasn't too close to our neighbours but cozy.
I got a burger ($9) with brie ($2) and mushrooms ($1) and it comes with fries and salad with garlic aioli . I wanted to diet and eat healthy, but I can't resist aioli. I also put it in my burger.
I was mess eating that 8oz tho. All the fillings and condiments sputing everywhere. I needed 2 napkins to keep me looking like a fool, which I probably already did.
Alexey got an appetizer size mussels. And it was huge! Perfect for just for him. In a spinach wine sauce, it was tasty.
would come back again.
Frangipane Patisserie
I've seen this place on my drive home everyday, and thought it might be worth a try. After parking in the LCBO lot across the street, I darted over to Frangipane.
The smells were wonderful, and their displays full of cakes and chocolates and tarts. I heard they were famous for their tarts so thought I would give it try. A medium size goes for about $17, but small is about $7. So I decided to get 2 small ones of different flavours (sour cherry and port&pear).
I took them home and took small slivers of peices to eat. It lasted me a week eating in moderation that way, and they stayed fresh. Keep them in the fridge.
The sour cherry wasn't as sour, but it was sweet with a little kick. The pear you can taste every little pear and port flavour.
The smells were wonderful, and their displays full of cakes and chocolates and tarts. I heard they were famous for their tarts so thought I would give it try. A medium size goes for about $17, but small is about $7. So I decided to get 2 small ones of different flavours (sour cherry and port&pear).
I took them home and took small slivers of peices to eat. It lasted me a week eating in moderation that way, and they stayed fresh. Keep them in the fridge.
The sour cherry wasn't as sour, but it was sweet with a little kick. The pear you can taste every little pear and port flavour.
Takumi Sushi
Takumi Sushi is a usual joint for the business folks that work around the yonge and wellesley area. It's a small place on yonge street, but a great find.
However, if you want any thin gmore substantial like sashami, or teriyaki, it's much more $$.
The rolls we got were good, spider roll and unagi roll. But I'm not a huge fan of just rolls. I get bored easily, and would rather have new things. But surprisingly it was quite filling. For this price, i might just have to learn to like it!
Insomnia (Brunch)
Went to Insomnia for dinner and happened on the fact that they also serve brunch!
Bloor and Bathrust
Menu here: http://insomniacafe.com/brunchmenu.pdf
to note:
Bloor and Bathrust
Menu here: http://insomniacafe.com/brunchmenu.pdf
to note:
Heaven on Earth $10.5
Wild berries, cream cheese and honey sandwiched between lightly tanned french toast, dusted with powdered sugar, served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup
PANCAKES $10
Our signature pancakes are oven baked and take a minimum of 30 minutes,They also have really good selection of eggs benedicts, including:
therefore consider an item from “On the lighter side” as an appetizer while you
wait or may we suggest them as a fabulous dessert!
Berry Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with mixed berries served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup
Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with chocolate chunks and bananas served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Fluffy pancakes with green apple slices and cinnamon served with a side of pure canadian maple syrup
Eggs Isabelle $10Who wants to come with me and share a french toast and panackes?!!!
Two poached eggs with house made hollandaise, fresh tomatoes and avocado spread, served with homefries and baby greens
Sandstone Grillhouse & Lounge (Niagara Falls, ON)
After much searching online for a good, decently priced, quality, but not pretentious restaurant. I had wanted to go to the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant but it was closed. Copacabana Brazilian Grill is also an option, but not really the best choice for a vegetarian. The last option was Epicure in Niagara on the Lake, but it's closed in March. Everything else seemed like fast food, or extremely ghetto.
I found this place tho, Sandstone Grillhouse. The website looked appealing, menu well priced, and quality looking food with vegtarian dishes.
Everything on that street looked ghetto and run down. I don't understand that about Niagara. But when we got there, it was a small cozy little house that fit many many people.
It's very homey with a fire place and super friendly people. I'm glad we made a reservation because the tables are full.
After ordering, we got a really big garlic bread. I must have eaten half of it. It was awesomely buttery and flavourful.
We got appetizers. Bruchetta with cheese. Yum. and a baked brie with mushroom.
Delish. I don't know how I ate so much that day.
Alexey got a steak.
I really liked the look of Alvin's pasta. Yum. Creamy and seafoody.
Both Jothi and I got the Spinach gnocchi in a rose sauce. It was SO good. The gnocchi was plush and pillowy. There was a tangy taste, but it was good. Gave it some kick.
We didn't get dessert, and instead when to the fudge place on Lundy's Lane.
i'd definately come back here esp when I feel there's not that much choice in Niagara. This place has so much range and quality. depends when you get it's a $$ or $$$.
Don't know anything that can top this place for the price in Niagara.
I found this place tho, Sandstone Grillhouse. The website looked appealing, menu well priced, and quality looking food with vegtarian dishes.
Everything on that street looked ghetto and run down. I don't understand that about Niagara. But when we got there, it was a small cozy little house that fit many many people.
It's very homey with a fire place and super friendly people. I'm glad we made a reservation because the tables are full.
After ordering, we got a really big garlic bread. I must have eaten half of it. It was awesomely buttery and flavourful.
We got appetizers. Bruchetta with cheese. Yum. and a baked brie with mushroom.
Delish. I don't know how I ate so much that day.
Alexey got a steak.
I really liked the look of Alvin's pasta. Yum. Creamy and seafoody.
Both Jothi and I got the Spinach gnocchi in a rose sauce. It was SO good. The gnocchi was plush and pillowy. There was a tangy taste, but it was good. Gave it some kick.
We didn't get dessert, and instead when to the fudge place on Lundy's Lane.
i'd definately come back here esp when I feel there's not that much choice in Niagara. This place has so much range and quality. depends when you get it's a $$ or $$$.
Don't know anything that can top this place for the price in Niagara.
Crepes a Go Go
No pictures because it won't be as appetizing, and really doesn't do the place justice.
A small little Parisian cafe, at the corner of Yorkville and Yonge Street. It's a sign it may be authentic when the owner and everyone who works there speaks French. Even some can't speak very good English.
http://www.crepesagogo.com/
They serve breakfast from 7:30am-10am on weekdays, and open from 10:30am on weekends. This small place has few seating, but their crepes are easy to take with you.
They have a great variety of crepes. The Parisien has egg, smoked salmon, dill, mayo and red onion. Today I had the Big Ben Extra. (extra =" scarmbled egg") Raseberry Jam, Brie and Egg. It was AMAZING. I wouldn't think it would all go together.
They also serve some pastries in the morning. Fresh from a French Bakery. I found out where, and now I must visit. I just had the half of danish I saved from breakfast and it was crisp, flaky and flavourful. I don't think I've had any better.
Their crepes are cooked fresh, with the perfect thickness, and never under/over cooked.
I could totally inculdge here. I love everything about the place.
You can also call in and order ahead and pick up, rather than attempting to find parking.
I don't know a better Crepe Place in Toronto. I think it beats out the Crepe place on Queen st (but still good)
A small little Parisian cafe, at the corner of Yorkville and Yonge Street. It's a sign it may be authentic when the owner and everyone who works there speaks French. Even some can't speak very good English.
http://www.crepesagogo.com/
They serve breakfast from 7:30am-10am on weekdays, and open from 10:30am on weekends. This small place has few seating, but their crepes are easy to take with you.
They have a great variety of crepes. The Parisien has egg, smoked salmon, dill, mayo and red onion. Today I had the Big Ben Extra. (extra =" scarmbled egg") Raseberry Jam, Brie and Egg. It was AMAZING. I wouldn't think it would all go together.
They also serve some pastries in the morning. Fresh from a French Bakery. I found out where, and now I must visit. I just had the half of danish I saved from breakfast and it was crisp, flaky and flavourful. I don't think I've had any better.
Their crepes are cooked fresh, with the perfect thickness, and never under/over cooked.
I could totally inculdge here. I love everything about the place.
You can also call in and order ahead and pick up, rather than attempting to find parking.
I don't know a better Crepe Place in Toronto. I think it beats out the Crepe place on Queen st (but still good)
Epic at Royal York Hotel
So we went to Epic only because I had Fairmont $25 coupons (x4) for food at a hotel. We have been before to their brunch, but unfortunately they have discontinued it, and we were left with dinner only.
Epic wouldn't have been the first place I would eat at. Even looking at the menu, food seems over priced, potentially small plates, and lack selection.
After ordering, we got a big bread
I ordered a squash soup with goat cheese to start.
I ordered the Scallop Pasta. It was actually very good, and I've never had such good scallop ever! It was tender and soft, and didn't even taste like scallop. The pasta was creamy and yumy.
Alexey got a tuna. We weren't too sure about the suggestable shape to the right.
For dessert was a creme brulee that was covered by fruit and a biscotti. It was good, but with some maple syrup in it and it was weird.
Overall it cost with 2 glasses of wine around $110. We only had to pay $10. It was okay... but still wouldn't go there on my own.
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I came here tonight with my parents because of Andrew A's review. I forgot about this place, but I used to come here a lot with I was kid, before the place became so pricey.
It was like being in familiar territory because the same people that were working here when i was a kid, still worked here except not in their usual kimono garb. The service is really attentive, at one point we had three people serving us, even the chef came out to say hello!
The food was very good, but very pricey! We had a sashami platter, and you can definately taste the difference between regular fish, and katsura fish (however, if you go to vancouver, it does taste this fresh with a third of the cost).