Katsura

At the Westin Prince Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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)

Lah Wai Heen

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

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

Ham in pastry.

 

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

 

Pig Belly

Satay

 

Crispy Fish Skin

 

BBQ pork in puffy pastry

  

Waygu Dumpling ($8/piece!)

Black Seasame (tong yoon) fried.

Bodega

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Boiler House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They also had fruit in additino to the yummy dessert.

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

Very parent/kid friendly.

Date friendly too.

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$25 pp for AYCE brunch on Sunday

Open Table Available

http://www.boilerhouse.ca


To try : 1 - brunch
2- Dinner

Hoof Cafe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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On Dundas between Bathrust and Ossignton.

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

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

Jacob and Co. Steakhouse

http://www.jacobssteakhouse.com/

So tonight I was dining with one of the owners of Jacobs, and so as to not look like a complete dork, I was convinced that I shouldn't bring out my camera and start taking artsy shots of my food. I was so tempted to sneak shots from my blackberry, but resisted.
But alas, I still must share.

I learnt a new word today when I was looking up reviews of the place.  They staff someone called a Sommelier  A well trained wine professiona, who specializes in wine and food matching.  Didn't get to experience their skills though today.

Once we ordered, it took about another 20 mins before the 'bread' arrived.  Granted, they were completely booked, but it's still a long time.

Arriving was a very delicate and crisp, but moist pastry/bread in what looked like an exploding muffin.  It was filled with air. Imagine a cream puff, savory, not sweet, but no cream instead.  Served with an garlic butter it was soft and buttery.  I didn't eat much I was saving space for what was ahead. I was dying to take a picture of this.

Next was the appetizers.  If you order a caesar salad ($14) they come on a little cart to make the salad from scratch in front of you.  Interesting, but quite gimmicky.  He took some garlic, pepper, lemon juice, anchovy, worchester and tabasco sauce (among other things), and mashed and stirred awkwardly in a big wooden bowl for all to see.  Then the croutons and salad added, and lastly cheese and bacon.  I didn't get to try the salad, and although it seems like a novelty, I'd try it again next time.

Instead we split a Lobster Cobb Salad.  Cooked Lobster, avacados, grape tomatos, bacon and egg.  The bacon was the best bacon I've ever tasted.  Thick, and smokey it made a great complement to the salad.  The egg, somehow, was cooked to a nice creamy perfection. Good salad, HUGE portion.


For an appetizer as well, we split what I thought was the $92 Waygu, between the 5 of us.  Now I remember, and it was the Flatiron. Still around $70~.  The menu changes, so what is on the website, may not be the type of steak they decided to serve today.
This Kobe beef was very flavourful, and each bit oozed with a 'gamey' taste. The meat was a bit tough. Seems very heavy as a single main course.

Also shared a lobster risotto. Not on the menu, but served as a side for one of the other mains.  The rice was a big undercooked and crunchy.  It was creamy, but again must save room.

Our mains finally arrive. Each steak on a small skillet, and we ordered a bunch of sides to share.  I think it's a good idea to do this, as the sides are quite big on their own.

I got a 6oz Striplion ($34). It was more than big enough to eat.  The meat was SO tender, the knife almost melts through. I'm not a  big steak fan, but I finished this up (okay, 90% of it) and was very pleased. I ordered medium, and the outer edge was cooked, and inside was pink.
The steaks are served with a ponzu sauce, some olive oil based sauce, blue cheese and bacon spread and 3 different types of salts (sea salt, smoked salt and a charcoal salt). But to be honest, the steak was so flavorful, no salts were required.

As for the sides, let's start with the Duck Fat French fries.  The fries themselves are cruchy and fried nicely, however, I'm not sure how much the Duck fat adds to the taste.
Baby carrots, a mixutre of yellow and orange baby carrots.
Mushrooms, a mushroom medley in a creamy sauce
Aparagus with bacon hollendaise sace.

Finally dessert.  In additional sorbets and rum raisin ice cream, i couldn't eat anything cold.  Got the Vanilla Creme Brulee. It was amazing. Super crizpy and not as sweet as it could have been on the creamy inside.

Overall the experience was very good, and would recommend it to parents night out ,or to have a good hearty steak.



 

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.

Spring Garden Pho Korean and Thai

Just a random drop in for dinner. We were looking for Pho, and passed by this one on Spring Garden. It's wierd because it's called Spring Garden Pho on parts of the menu, then Korean and Thai on other parts.

They have a nice clean, modern decor. Korean dishes, and pad thais on the menu, and Pho and Buns.

We ordered a spicy seafood noodles. It was SO spicy!

I ordered a Stone Bowl Bim BimBap ($8.95). The quiet waitress had a hard time understanding that I wanted the bottom of the rice crispy.  I've been to a place before that told me if I don't ask that, then they don't make an attempt to do it. But at the same time the bowl is so hot and sizzling, I wonder if it's just a matter of me leaving it alone for longer before I start stirring at it.

My meal also came with a Miso soup, and 3 small kimchis and bean sprouts.

I was SO full from brunch earlier, but the rice was a perfect crispy at the bottom, and it wasn't a huge portion, but I ate it slowly. I would come here again.