tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66628904570821260122024-03-04T22:27:19.986-08:00Alice's Meet and EatsFood that I have had the pleasure of meeting and eating!Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-29286397772531668942017-11-13T17:15:00.002-08:002017-12-29T11:22:40.739-08:00Let’s Eat: Onigiri with U.S.-Grown Jasmine Rice<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="_DSC8238" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-13117" height="358" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dsc8238-1.jpg" width="640" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Making <a href="http://riceinfo.com/"><strong>USA-grown Jasmine rice</strong></a> even tastier, with Onigiri!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Onigiri is a popular three-bite snack in Japan; iconically seen as triangular-shaped rice balls embellished with a rectangular seaweed strip. The onigiri is stuffed with savoury fillings. The rice ball can be seared, rolled in sesame or finished with seaweed. I created three varieties of this recipe using <a href="http://riceinfo.com/">U.S.-grown Jasmine Rice</a>. The rice itself can be prepared plain, mixed with soy sauce or furikake. As for the "filling", this could be anything, but traditionally it's either salted pickled plum (umeboshi) or bonito flakes (the flailing dried fish served on top of takoyaki). Onigiri can be completely versatile and made as you please. I've decided to create onigiri with filling that I would love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="dsc09527_1280x720_36889616851_o - Copy.jpg" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-13115" height="464" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2017/11/dsc09527_1280x720_36889616851_o-copy.jpg" width="640" /></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let’s Eat: Onigiri with U.S.-Grown Jasmine Rice</span></strong></h2>
<em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Makes 12</span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cups (500 mL) U.S.-grown jasmine rice uncooked<br />1 nori roasted seaweed sheet<br />1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce<br />1 tbsp (15 mL) furikake<br />1 tsp (5 mL) sesame seeds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">See below for options for fillings</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 1: Cook your Rice</span></strong></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Wash rice and cook as per package instructions.</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 2: Prepare the filling</span></strong></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can go with as many or as few filling assortments as you want, and it doesn't have to be complicated! The filling can literally be anything, from avocado to canned tuna. Just open your pantry and let it inspire you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my selections of fillings, I went with the following three picks:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="BeFunky Collage" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12860" height="212" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/befunky-collage.jpg" width="640" /></span><br />
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<li><strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Tuna w/ Wasabi, Mayo & Masago</span></strong></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 can [3 oz (80g)] of water or oil-based tuna, drained<br />squeeze of wasabi<br />1 tbsp (15 mL) mayonnaise<br />1 tbsp (15 mL) masago</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mix all of these ingredients together. Add wasabi to taste.</span></blockquote>
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<li><strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Caramelized Tiny Shrimp</span></strong></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp (5 mL) sugar<br />¼ cup (60 mL) tiny shrimp<br />sprinkle of salt</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On medium heat, place sugar in pan and mix as soon as it begins to brown and caramelize. Add shrimp and stir very quickly to avoid clumps. Add a sprinkle of salt to taste.</span></blockquote>
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<li><strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Pickled Vegetables & Seasoned Egg</span></strong></li>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 large eggs<br />Salt & pepper to taste<br />3 oz (80 g) packet of Chinese pickled vegetables</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whisk two eggs in a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. On medium heat, cook egg into a circular omelette. Cool on a cutting board and slice. Slice or dice pickled vegetables. Mix the egg and pickled vegetables together.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Onigiri" height="427" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4446/23631692678_87a783cdd5_b.jpg" width="640" /></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 3: Creating Onigiri</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(see gif for step by step hand action):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="dsc09512_1280x720_36633891100_o-ANIMATION (1).gif" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12993" height="427" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/dsc09512_1280x720_36633891100_o-animation-1.gif" width="640" /></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take some rice and pack it into your hand.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Make a finger dent reaching ½ of the depth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fill with your selected filling.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take the same amount of rice and pack it on top, like a sandwich.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Form into a ball, and then into a triangle shape.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Place seaweed strip and firmly wrap around the base of your onigiri, 'glue' with water if necessary. If no seaweed is used, simply sear it or roll the onigiri in your favoured topping: roasted sesame seeds, masago (like below) or furikake</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="dsc09533_1280x720_36889618421_o-ANIMATION (1).gif" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-12997" height="426" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2017/10/dsc09533_1280x720_36889618421_o-animation-1.gif" width="640" /></span><br />
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<dt class="wp-caption-dt"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="DSC09410-01" height="360" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4366/36188133274_2214f802ba_b.jpg" width="640" /></span></dt>
<dd class="wp-caption-dd"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Furikake & Roasted Sesame Seeds</span></dd></dl>
<em><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eat as is, or go that extra step and sear your onigiri in a pan. See below:</span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Step 4 (Optional): <em>Go That Extra Step,</em> Sear. </span></strong></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp (5 mL) Korean bean paste<br />2 tsp (10 mL) oil<br />¼ cup (60 mL) green onions<br />1 tsp (5 mL) water</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Start with a teaspoon of bean paste at a 1:2 ratio to oil. Add in sliced green onions to wilt, then add in a few dribbles of water at a time to thin out consistency. Brush the mixture onto both flat sides of the onigiri. On medium heat, sear both sides for 1-2 minutes.</span></blockquote>
<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Onigiri" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4460/23631692768_9d4f8f48f6_b.jpg" width="538" /></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Onigiri 3 Ways:</strong> <em>Seared Furikake-mixed and seaweed-wrapped.</em></span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Onigiri-Making Tips:</span></strong><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Let rice cool to touch,</strong> spread out 1-2 cups of rice at a time on a plate before you go to meddle it with your hands.<em> Beware: Work with small batches of rice at a time, if the rice is left for too long it may dry out and harden.</em></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Protect your hard work,</strong> keep each newly made onigiri in a container or sealed with plastic wrap to avoid the rice from drying out.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Do it in bulk,</strong> cut seaweed strips at the same time to maintain consistency in shape.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Moist hands are key,</strong> keep a small bowl of water on the side to dip your hands in occasionally. Wetting your hands will prevent rice from sticking to you and ease the onigiri-shaping process.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For all onigiri failures, feel free to place all of it in a bowl and eat it on its own with some extra furikake - you deserve a break.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">USA Rice provided me with this opportunity to experiment with my beloved Jasmine rice and I loved it! If you're interested in discovering the delights of USA Rice, visit <a href="http://riceinfo.com/">their website</a> and try out some <a href="http://riceinfo.com/blogger-promotions/">fellow bloggers recipes</a> out for yourself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get Social with USA Rice: <a href="https://twitter.com/USARiceCAN">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://www.instagram.com/usaricecan/">Instagram</a></span></div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-20919014444681534662015-08-14T11:10:00.001-07:002015-08-14T11:10:13.346-07:00Explore Toronto with Estrella Damm's Tapas Journey<div style="text-align: center;">
There’s always something new to do in Toronto. And for <strong>only 10 days</strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.estrelladamm.com/en/">Estrella Damm</a></strong> has brought the <strong><a href="http://www.postcity.com/Estrella-Damm-Tapas-Journey/">Tapas Journey</a></strong> to Toronto! Estrella Damm has created a valuable addition, introducing <strong><a href="http://www.postcity.com/Estrella-Damm-Tapas-Journey/">20 participating restaurants</a></strong> as part of the journey. It is only throughout <strong>August 14th to 23rd</strong> that diners will experience a trio of selected tapas paired with a glass of classic Estrella Damm, all for twenty bucks.</div>
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Stemming from the beautiful Spain, Barcelona, tapas are simply <em>a celebration of food</em>. A spread of tapas are to be paired with drinks and shared with friends and family. Among these paired drinks, is the Estrella Damm, "The Beer of Barcelona". <a href="http://www.estrelladamm.com/en/">Estrella Damm</a> is a Pilsner Lager brewed with a 100% natural original recipe, since 1876. In contrast to the looks of it's heavy body, this beer is actually on the dryer end, holding sweeter flavours of malt, along with a crisp and satisfying finish. I can see exactly how this will pair with the tapas to come for the evening.</div>
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<strong>Participating Toronto restaurants include:</strong> Barsa Taberna, Beast, Byblos, Carmen, Cava, East Thirty-Six, El Catrin Destileria, Kanpai, Los Colibris, Mamakas Taverna, Marben, Mata Petisco Bar, Nota Bene, Patria, Raca, Salt, Taverna Mercatto, The Goodson, Valdez and Weslodge.</div>
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<strong>Get your passport stamped:</strong> Visit 1 or more of the Tapas Journey restaurants and receive a golden sticker on your passport, marking off each restaurant. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Share a picture</span> your passport on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #TapasJourney, you will be <span style="text-decoration: underline;">entered to win a trip for two to Miami</span> to attend the Estrella Damm Congress and see their renown gastronomic ambassador, Ferran Adria.</div>
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<strong>We celebrated tapas the right way tonight</strong>. I had the pleasure of experiencing "tapas" starting with the traditional Spanish tapas as we know it at <strong><a href="http://www.cavarestaurant.ca/">Cava Restaurant</a>,</strong> to a wonderful spread of Taiwanese tapas at <strong><a href="http://www.kanpaisnackbar.com/" target="_blank">Kanpai</a>,</strong> and lastly to a refreshing Italian at <strong>Taverna Mercatto</strong>.</div>
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<em><strong>#TapasJourney Stop 1: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Cava Restaurant</span></strong></em></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cava_tapas046.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="wp-image-1778 size-large" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cava_tapas046.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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Photo credit to Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Estrella Damm.
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cava_tapas038.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1777 size-large" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cava_tapas038.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9277-copy.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1784" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9277-copy.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9278.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1785 size-large" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9278.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cavarestaurant.ca/"><strong>Cava Restaurant</strong> </a>was a wonderful spot to start our Tapas Journey. As the initial fore bearer of Toronto's current Spanish culinary trend, Chef Doug Penfold stays true to his "nose-to-tail" devotion and in creating modern flavours of Iberian and Latin American. In this Tapas Journey menu, he assembles a platter of Fried Chickpeas, Smoked Mackerel and Banderilla skewer. The chickpeas were immediately soft to bite, with a crispy of zatar on the outer layer. Cava Restaurant clearly does specialize in Pincho on toasts, the smoked mackerel was remarkably done with a lovely balance of grapefruit pieces and grilled asparagus. Each dish was a refreshing start to the journey, along with the first cheer and gulp of the pale ale lager.</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9279-copy.jpg"><img alt="_DSC9279 copyEstrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1786 " height="204" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9279-copy.jpg?w=660" width="301" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9291.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1787 " height="203" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9291.jpg?w=660" width="300" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>#TapasJourney Stop 2: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Kanpai Snack Bar</span></strong></em></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/kanpai_tapas001.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="wp-image-1780 size-large" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/kanpai_tapas001.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a> Photo credit to Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Estrella Damm.</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9331.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1813" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9331.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9301.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1789 " height="444" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9301.jpg?w=660" width="300" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9309.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1792 " height="444" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9309.jpg?w=660" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0644.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1807 size-large" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0644.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9312.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1794 size-large" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9312.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9318.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1796 size-large" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9318.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0647.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1808" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0647.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<strong><a href="http://www.kanpaisnackbar.com/" target="_blank">Kanpai Snack Bar</a></strong>, known for their hip family-style spreads and a variety of pleasing locally-sourced beers, sakes, and cocktails on tap. They have captured the perfect ambiance, filled with fried aromas, chatter and the a beautiful imagery stretched across the back wall of the common sight at a Taiwanese night market. We were presented with three generous dishes, the first is their "can't touch this" MC Hammer Popcorn Chicken, addictive, juicy and tender all in one. Next was a brilliant trio of Taiwanese house-cured and pickled vegetables, smashed Cucumber, Lotus and Cabbage, each one served as a well-fit palate cleanser for the dish to follow, the Funny Fish! This one was a grand mixture of a Taiwanese bar snack, or, <a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/5b/b5/11/5bb511df22943c2fbd82f8e572a20628.jpg" target="_blank">what I grew up with</a>. It was absolutely excellent, find a spicy balance of Fried Mini Fish and Tofu with scatters of Peanuts and Chilis. Kanpai have certainly followed their motto with this Tapas Journey spread: "Eat often, eat well and wash it down with something good".</div>
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<em><strong>#TapasJourney Stop 3: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Taverna Mercatto</span></strong></em></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9318.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1801 " height="444" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9342.jpg?w=660" width="300" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9336.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1800 " height="444" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9336.jpg?w=660" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9353.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1815" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9353.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9378.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1806 size-large" height="990" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9378.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/tapas-3_mercatto_1.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="wp-image-1783 size-large" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/tapas-3_mercatto_1.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a> Photo credit to Jeffrey Chan courtesy of Estrella Damm.</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9367-copy.jpg"><img alt="Estrella_Damm_Tapas_Journey_Toronto_2015" class="alignnone wp-image-1803 size-large" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/dsc9367-copy.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<strong><a href="http://taverna.mercatto.ca/" target="_blank">Taverna Mercatto</a></strong>, the latest addition of their five downtown locations in Toronto. Their place in the SouthCore Financial neighbourhood gives an undeniable welcoming energy. Popular for their beautifully assembled Italian classics, Taverna Mercatto highlights seasonal products in their part of the Tapas Journey. As it was the end of the night, there would be no better fit than Taverna Mercatto's patio space and to take a final cheers along with cuts into the fresh and vibrant menu. The Wild Salmon Tartare was light in citrus, enough to leave a buttery finish and extra crisp of the Fried Pig Ears. Truly making the most of seasonal produce, Taverna Mercatto has formed a thinly sliced Ontario Musk Melon into a Carpaccio, and topped with the finest cured Pepperoncini and Wild Boar Prosciutto to sliver. Each a great pair to the same light and smooth Estrella Damm, the Tempura-fried Zucchini Blossom stuffed with Ricotta was a wonderful cut in the crisp batter.</div>
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<strong>Cava Restaurant, Kanpai</strong> and<strong> Taverna Mercatto</strong> each did a fantastic job at bringing their best dishes forward to pair with a cold Estrella Damm to myself and my fellow travellers. Enjoy this feast and divulge yourselves into the Toronto tapas culinary scene, while it lasts.</div>
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For only 10 days, 20 restaurants are setting up three of their signature tapas and pairing it with one Estrella Damm beer for $20. Thanks to Estrella Damm for letting me experience the true Tapas Journey for myself, an amazing opportunity to rally up friends, delicious food and sip a glass of well-[aired Estrella Damm. But, that's just my experience, see what it’s all about: <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/tapas/" target="_blank">#TapasJourney</a>.</div>
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For more information:</div>
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<b>Estrella Damm</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.estrelladamm.com/en/" target="_blank">http://www.estrelladamm.com/en/</a> </div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/estrelladamm" target="_blank">EstrellaDamm</a> </div>
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Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/EstrellaDammCat" target="_blank">EstrellaDammCat</a> </div>
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Twitter Hashtag: <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=tapasjourney&src=typd" target="_blank">#TapasJourney </a></div>
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Instagram Hashtag: <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/tapas/" target="_blank">#TapasJourney</a></div>
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<b>Cava Restaurant</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.cavarestaurant.ca/" target="_blank">http://www.cavarestaurant.ca/</a> </div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/cavarestaurant" target="_blank">@CavaRestaurant</a> </div>
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Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/cavatoronto/" target="_blank">@CavaToronto</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/cavarestaurant/" target="_blank">#cavarestaurant</a></div>
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<b>Kanpai Snack Bar</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.kanpaisnackbar.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kanpaisnackbar.com/</a> </div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/KanpaiSnackBar" target="_blank">@KanpaiSnackBar</a> </div>
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Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/kanpaisnackbar/" target="_blank">@KanpaiSnackBar</a></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/taiwanto/" target="_blank">#TaiwanTO</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/kanpaisnackbar/" target="_blank">#kanpaisnackbar</a></div>
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<b>Taverna Mercatto</b></div>
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<a href="http://taverna.mercatto.ca/" target="_blank">http://taverna.mercatto.ca/</a> </div>
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Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mercattoto" target="_blank">@MercattoTO</a></div>
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Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/mercattoto/" target="_blank">MercattoTO</a></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/tavernamercatto/" target="_blank">#TavernaMercatto</a></div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-3520622527914133242015-08-10T11:07:00.000-07:002015-08-14T11:08:10.015-07:00Club Monaco's Debut, First-ever Market #CMMarket<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0286.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1691 aligncenter" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0286.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0034_hires.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015" class="wp-image-1685 size-large" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0034_hires.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a> Just from Museum station, head North to Bloor, and you will be welcomed by the Club Monaco's delightful set up</div>
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Following their innovative conquest, <strong><a href="http://www.clubmonaco.ca/" target="_blank">Club Monaco</a></strong> has brought a wonderful welcoming of beautiful sights of flowers, gourmet ice pops, artisanal baked goods, salads and coffee to the front of their flagship Toronto store, open for all to enjoy! The International lifestyle brand has collaborated with local artisans to introduce exclusive items to the Club Monaco Market.</div>
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There are currently five to enjoy and savour from: <a href="http://www.partsandlabour.ca/#about" target="_blank"><strong>Parts & Labour</strong></a>, <a href="http://www.philipsicepops.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Philips Ice Pops</strong></a>, flower shop <a href="http://sweetwoodruff.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Sweet Woodruff</strong></a>, Ossington's delight: <strong><a href="http://www.bakeshoppeto.com/" target="_blank">Bake Shoppe</a> </strong>and the premium brew of <a href="http://www.boxcarsocial.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Boxcar Social</strong></a>. The outside market and their exclusive creations will be only be available until October, make your visit soon!</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0174_hires.jpg"><img alt="CM_Market_TOR_150804_0174_HiRes" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1690" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0174_hires.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a>
<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0302.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015 Boxcar Social" class="alignnone wp-image-1696 size-full" height="425" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0302.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sweetwoodruff.ca/" target="_blank"><strong>Boxcar Social</strong> </a>located at Summerhill and Riverside, has a rotational caffeine menu exclusive to the CMMarket, each is made to order and a promise of premium brew and quality. Pictured is an espresso shot of the self-proclaimed "Epic", was the Ethiopia Aroma, with notes of Jasmine, Honeysuckle, Nectarine & Vanilla. It was definitely a winner.</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0122_hires.jpg"><img alt="Flower shop Sweet Woodruff's Club Monaco Inspired bouquets" class="wp-image-1688 size-large" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0122_hires.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a> Sweet Woodruff's Club Monaco Inspired bouquets</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0026_hires.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015 " class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1683" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0026_hires.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a>
<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0098_hires.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015 Philips Ice Pops" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1686" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0098_hires.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0290.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015 Philips Ice Pops" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1693" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0290.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.philipsicepops.com/flavours/" target="_blank"><strong>Philip's Ice Pops</strong></a> are a hunt-and-devour sort of find, they are regularly based out of a push bike, but, if you don't desire the adventure, they're also stocked at <a href="http://www.philipsicepops.com/find-us/" target="_blank">these places</a>. I was with glee to find them set up at the CMMarket. They have <a href="http://www.philipsicepops.com/flavours/" target="_blank"><strong>three gourmet Ice Pops</strong></a> on offer: Watermelon/Lime/Sea Salt, Basil/Strawberry and Ginger/Rosemary/Lemon. I delighted myself with the <strong>Watermelon/Lime/Sea Salt</strong>, and it was the perfect balance. The sea salt would creep up on you upon licks when you least expect it!</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0133_hires.jpg"><img alt="CMMarket Club Monaco Farmers Market 2015 Bake Shoppe" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1700" height="440" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/cm_market_tor_150804_0133_hires.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a>
<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0297.jpg"><img alt="Bake Shoppe at CMMarket" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1694" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0297.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0304.jpg"><img alt="Bake Shoppe at CMMarket" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1697" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0304.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bakeshoppeto.com/sweets.html" target="_blank"><strong>The Bake Shoppe</strong></a> is based at their ever-so-popular Ossington & College location, and, they also bake wedding cakes as well! At the CMMarket they had a wonderful assortment of artisanal baked treats, I treated myself with a Choc + Peanut Butter Pop Tart and a Ruffle Square. You simply have to try both. The Ruffle Square was of course <a href="http://www.fritolay.com/snacks/product-page/ruffles" target="_blank">made out of Ruffle Chips</a> and was a wonderful combination of sweet and salty AND crunchy and chewy. Genius.</div>
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<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0320.jpg"><img alt="Parts & Labour at CMMarket" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1699" height="441" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/img_0320.jpg?w=660" width="660" /></a><a href="http://www.partsandlabour.ca/#about" target="_blank"><strong>Parts & Labour</strong> </a>successfully does a lot of things, they cater, have the most popping bar in West Queen West, as well as taking the title of a delicious burger, so good, that they have created it's own store, <strong><a href="http://www.thepnlburger.ca/" target="_blank">P&L Burger</a></strong>. At the CMMarket, Parts & Labour has introduced <a href="http://www.partsandlabour.ca/catering/" target="_blank"><strong>their catering side</strong></a> and have made use of this season's prime ingredients with delicious salads! This one was a Barley mix with seasonal Vegetables and a sauce that tied the whole container together. They will also be anticipating on introducing Ice Creams very soon to the CMMarket, so I cannot wait to hear of their array of flavours.</div>
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Visit <a href="http://www.clubmonaco.ca/">Club Monaco</a></div>
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Follow along with #CMMarket:
On <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CMMarket?src=hash" target="_blank">Twitter</a> & Instagram</div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-5304378428316536832015-08-08T11:06:00.000-07:002015-08-14T11:06:46.156-07:00The Must See: Toronto Food & Wine Show 2015 + Ticket GiveawayAre you ready to hear something absolutely amazing?
I have a giveaway for you all today.
<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/capture.png"><img alt="Food and Wine Festival Toronto 2015 September 18th-20th" class="wp-image-1660 " height="302" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/capture.png" width="509" /></a><br />
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Food and Wine Festival Toronto 2015 September 18th-20th[/caption]
<a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/">
<strong>Toronto’s very first Food & Wine Festival </strong></a>will be making its way to <strong><a href="http://www.evergreen.ca/get-involved/evergreen-brick-works/?gclid=CjwKEAjwi4yuBRDX_vq07YyF7l8SJAAhm0rpuGa3baeDb0_5hGbdRC3HtAWjqIATF1lfE_eUQsu96xoCmljw_wcB" target="_blank">Evergreen Brickworks</a></strong>! That’s right. Over the course of three days (<strong>September 18th to 20th 2015</strong>), attendees will be exploring and savouring the likes of <strong><a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/vendors-2015/vendors/" target="_blank">over 55 vendors and participants</a> </strong>and 130 premium products! This is the ultimate opportunity to get up and personal with<strong><a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/personalities/" target="_blank"> your favorite celebrity chefs and culinary professionals</a></strong>, along with gaining a memorable learning experience of a lifetime.<br />
<a href="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/tofoodandwine-e14387149966501.jpg"><img alt="Food and Wine Festival Toronto 2015 September 18th-20th" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1670" height="509" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/tofoodandwine-e14387149966501.jpg" width="660" /></a>Well then, if that’s enough reasoning, let me provide you with<strong> five more reasons why you will need to visit Toronto Food & Wine Festival 2015</strong>!
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<ol>
<li><strong>Exclusive celebrity chef appearances</strong>: Curtis Stone, Tyler Florence, Gail Simmons, Chuck Hughes, Roger Mooking, Mark McEwan, Antonio Park <a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/personalities/" target="_blank">and many more</a> will be taking to the stages for demos, talks and workshops throughout the three-day event.</li>
<li><strong>Explore over 130 premium products:</strong> Sample, sip and savour all the flavours from 130 purveyors of premium products, fine foods and beverages from Ontario, Canada and around the world <a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/events/grand-tasting-pavilion/" target="_blank">in the Grand Tasting Pavilion</a> – presented by PC Black Label.</li>
<li><strong>One-of-a-Kind dining experience with <a href="http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=2742632ada4e8e15c8197f7b8&id=dd8314807f&e=[UNIQID" target="_blank">Cochon 555</a>:</strong> For the first time ever, Cochon 555 is bringing its flavour-packed marquee events series to Canada! Watch ten exceptional chefs work their magic on 10 Heritage pigs, each with their own culinary spin. Guests will sink their teeth into over 1400 pounds of expertly prepared pork dishes by the hottest chefs including Chuck Hughes, Matty Matheson <a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/events/cochon-555/" target="_blank">and more</a> (<a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/events/cochon-555/">read more</a>).</li>
<li><strong>Expert-level educational workshops:</strong> Welcome legendary masters like Kevin Kent (Knifewear), Tetsuya "Ted" Iizuka (Soba Canada), and Antonio Park (Park Restaurant) to share their knowledge regarding time-held traditions like knife skills and soba noodle making (<a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/events/terroir/" target="_blank">read more</a>).</li>
<li><strong>The Crowning of Canada’s Best New Student Chef:</strong> Followed after an exciting and unique cooking competition called <a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/events/taste-canada-cooks-the-books-competition/" target="_blank">Taste Canada Cooks the Books</a>. Some of the brightest up-and-coming culinary talents from schools across Canada will gather in front of a live audience in the Miele Kitchen to make a dish from a well-known Canadian cookbook, with the author on stage!</li>
</ol>
<img alt="Chef Chuck Hughes, Toronto Food & Wine Festival 2015" class="" height="277" src="https://meetandeats.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/4122a-exclusive2bchef2bseries2bchuck2bhighes.jpg" width="660" />
<img alt="" class="" height="391" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/2742632ada4e8e15c8197f7b8/images/a674e3be-8296-4df4-a5e7-14678ce322ba.png" width="693" />
There are <a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/tickets/" target="_blank">a pair of tickets </a>up for grabs (valued at $70) to this ever exclusive event that is GUARANTEED to sell out fast!
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<ul>
<li>Open to Canadian residents only. Ends August 14th.</li>
<li>Winner will be drawn at random and announced the following day via Twitter and Instagram.</li>
<li>The winner will be contacted by Twitter and/or Instagram direct messaging and will receive the tickets two weeks before the event.</li>
</ul>
There are two entry methods, on a comment on this blogpost, Instagram and/or Twitter:<br />
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<strong>1. Instagram </strong>
• Follow <a href="https://instagram.com/meetandeats/" target="_blank">@meetandeats</a> and tag the friend you would like to bring along
• One comment = one entry (+1)
• Repost <strong><a href="https://instagram.com/p/6DirxJgx5H/?taken-by=meetandeats">this Instagram post</a></strong> (+2)
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5), 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/6DirxJgx5H/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top"> 🎉</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
A photo posted by All that I meet, eat & more! (@meetandeats) on Aug 6, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT</div>
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<strong>2. Twitter </strong><br />
• Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/arsyparsy" target="_blank">@arsyparsy</a> and/or <a href="https://twitter.com/meetandeats" target="_blank">@meetandeats</a> (+1 entry for each)<br />
• Tweet (+1 per day):
"<em>I want to win 2 tix to the three-day @TOfoodandwine Festival (Sept 18th-20th)! Count me in @arsyparsy http://bit.ly/1KTn8a7</em>"<br />
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<strong>3. Comment (+2)</strong><br />
• Which celebrity chef or vendor/participant are you most looking forward to?<br />
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An event not to miss! Let's bid a proper adieu to the warm weather with fine food and wine. Thanks for reading along and I hope to see you there.
<strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/" target="_blank">http://www.torontofoodandwine.com/</a>
<strong>Social:</strong> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TOFoodAndWine" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tofoodandwine" target="_blank">Twitter </a>& <a href="https://instagram.com/tofoodandwine/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>
<strong>Follow the action:</strong> <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/tfw15/" target="_blank">#TFW15</a>Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-48624603906252215792015-07-16T14:19:00.004-07:002015-07-16T14:19:51.735-07:00Get Adventurous with Chef's Plate!<div style="text-align: center;">
Ah, <b><a href="http://www.chefsplate.com/">Chef's Plate</a></b>. The biggest winner with this is that there's <b>no more waste</b>! But, they have a mission of their own: <a href="http://www.chefsplate.com/pages/ourstory">to redefine the way Canadians eat</a>. This <b>downtown Toronto-based</b> delivery service provides <b>pre-portioned ingredients </b>along with <b>recipe cards </b>to create the dishes shown! How exciting is that? The meals switch up every week, and each week you are presented with <b>six possible chef-designed options</b> to choose from! </div>
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For this week, I had a diverse variety of cuisines; I spotted Korean and Mexican amongst the list! They flexibly provide both <b>vegetarian and non-vegetarian options</b>, I went with one of each solely to experiment. I have never been one to ever straight off the bat go vegetarian, but since these recipes were developed by <a href="http://www.chefsplate.com/pages/ourfood">their trust chef</a>, I had to leave my fate (or kitchen skills...) into his hands.</div>
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Each "meal" is priced at <b>$10.95 per plate</b>, <b>one meal creates two dishes</b>! There are two incredibly flexible <a href="http://www.chefsplate.com/pricing">subscription options to choose from</a>.</div>
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<b style="font-style: italic;">My two choices? </b>The<b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>Creole Chicken Etouffe and Golden Cherry Tomato & Feta Rustic Tart.</div>
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Orders are to be made by Wednesday to guarantee the arrival of your (grocery) box of goodies at your door on the following Monday by 6pm. I found this to be a perfect chance to have a swell activity on Canada Day!</div>
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<b><i>It's arrival: Packaging</i></b></div>
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As promised, on the Monday, a nicely sized and, slightly chilled by the touch, arrived at the door step. Inside, the produce, ingredients, along with the recipe cards were neatly arranged. <a href="http://www.chefsplate.com/pages/ourpackaging">The box</a> was highly insulated with ice packs, word is that it will stay cool for up to 12 hours! Also, promising the stay fresh for 4-5 days in your fridge. Insane.</div>
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<b><i>The set up: Touch & Feel</i></b></div>
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The products and ingredients of the <b>Creole Chicken Etouffe </b>laid out and ready for the guidance of the entirely informative recipe cards. We are spotting: <i>garlic, okra, mushrooms, cream, rice, black eyed peas, chicken and shallot!</i></div>
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The <b>Golden Cherry Tomato & Feta Rustic Tart</b> took me by surprise. What a teensy amount! There isn't any way that this could make two tarts. You will see in a tad. Here, we are spotting:<i> jam, feta cheese, butter, cherry tomatoes, whole wheat flour, argula, cider vinegar and onion.</i></div>
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Yes, we are capable. I am capable. Chopped the onions, washed the produce, sliced the cherry tomatoes, squished the whole wheat flour, and admired the feta cheese.</div>
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<b><i>Time to get makin': I've Washed My Hands</i></b></div>
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A wine bottle was suggested to roll out the "tart", what a great idea!</div>
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Looking crinkly, and I'm beginning to feel indecisive about my feelings towards you.</div>
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<a href="http://postimg.org/image/la91zj1uf/full/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC7211" border="0" src="http://s15.postimg.org/bppfcncij/DSC7211.jpg" height="480" width="315" /></a> <a href="http://postimg.org/image/p1imlufiv/full/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC7215" border="0" src="http://s15.postimg.org/dcemxvokb/DSC7215.jpg" height="480" width="315" /></a></div>
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Arranging the sort: Caramelized onion goes first, argula in a moat, cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta. The final wrap is to squeeze it all together! Make sure to pinch it real tight. In the oven.</div>
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<a href="http://postimg.org/image/6eutr1wur/full/" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC7223" border="0" src="http://s13.postimg.org/e7lhj12tz/DSC7223.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Dicing, slicing, doing things all wrong. </b>These peppers were cut in the wrong shape! And the mushrooms are way too thick. Who's fault was that? <i>*mine*</i>. The chicken is looking good though. Raised it myself.</div>
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Mixing, seasoning and adding cream. It's magic, I tell you!</div>
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<b><i>The final touch: </i></b>The <b>cider vinegar and raspberry jam </b>to make a delightful and perfectly tangy vinaigrette. I arranged the excess arugula to make a coney bed fit for the princess & the pea.</div>
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The last touch, we added some salts for aesthetics. Because, Zyzz.</div>
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You are looking fabulous. I think after this, Okra will become my best friend.</div>
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Preparing. I am excited!</div>
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Cut it like a cake. If I received a cake like this for my birthday, I would be beyond thrilled.</div>
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A close-up, and I am in love!</div>
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<b><i>The nitty-gritty: My Verdict</i></b></div>
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The <b>Creole Chicken Etouffe</b> was certainly a dish I could see myself carrying over with many other variations. It's very flexible, and although we left the rice to cook for 25 minutes, rather than the recommended 15... It was perfect! Although I've never enjoyed okra, I certainly enjoyed the vegetable in this dish, it was very well played out. </div>
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Ah... The tart. The<b> Golden Cherry Tomato & Feta Tart</b>. Your simplicity amazes me! The caramelized onions acted like the protein in this dish, and it was delicious! I wanted more, and more, and more. But after two slices I was full. This was a fantastic dish and served more than enough.</div>
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I found Chef's Plate to be an excellent way to simply get adventurous with food and try something new! It was an exciting learning experience. Although I went far beyond the suggested amount of time in preparing and cooking the dishes and made a fair amount of boo-boos, I certainly had fun creating each one. I would call these plates to be a great date night activity as well (that's right, I got your back). For less of the cost of dining out, you can eat in, and have fun doing it! With Chef's Plate and their extraordinarily simple and adventurous service, I would no longer have to whittle down to the repetitive request of "pasta?" "pasta.". I am aware that Iam completely inefficient in the kitchen (instant noodles once took me an hour to serve up three people!), as long as I have a few hours to spare and am down to get adventurous, Chef's Plate will be a definite pick!</div>
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You had questions? I did too. Chef's Plate will swiftly answer them all, <a href="http://support.chefsplate.com/help_center">here</a>.</div>
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For getting this far, let me bless you with a link to experience Chef's Plate for yourself! Click <a href="http://www.chefsplate.com/chefsplatevip">here</a> to redeem your offer to receive one meal kit (serving two!) for free on your first order.</div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-87629296976607621012015-07-13T13:03:00.001-07:002015-07-13T13:06:03.043-07:00Nota Bene's $4 Bar Snacks, A Tastebud's Dream<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/4r_p6QAxzL/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Show me the way, Nota Bene! 👀 $4 BAR SNACKS from 4PM to 7PM (Mon-Fri) only at @notabenetoronto. I cannot wait to see what's in store for us! #4to7menu #gottagetonit</a></div>
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A photo posted by All that I meet, eat & more! (@meetandeats) on <time datetime="2015-07-03T20:28:40+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jul 3, 2015 at 1:28pm PDT</time></div>
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Ah, <b><a href="http://notabenerestaurant.com/">Nota Bene</a></b>! A <b>Queen West</b> beauty that I wish I discovered earlier. On this occasion, I was ready to indulge in their "4 to 7" Menu offering<b> $4 bar snacks from 4pm to 7pm</b>,<b> Mondays through Fridays</b>. These treat-sized snacks can be easily weighed out by their creative <b>"do-it-yourself" styled Gin & Tonics</b>.</div>
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Nota Bene offers <b>10 bar snacks</b>, ranging from light and tasty Truffle & Parmigiano Popcorn, to juicy "Belly Buster" Sliders. Their <b>G&T Menu</b> includes eight possible gin concoctions. Both menus accessible, <a href="http://notabenerestaurant.com/menus/http://notabenerestaurant.com/menus/">here</a>.</div>
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<img alt="DSC6758" border="0" src="http://s21.postimg.org/ee6ayicbb/DSC6758.jpg" height="480" width="310" /> <a href="http://postimg.org/image/nalog6sb7/full/" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="DSC6828" border="0" src="http://s21.postimg.org/gk576r55j/DSC6828.jpg" height="480" width="310" /></a></div>
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A simple three step process: (1) Pick your GIN, (2) Pick your TONIC and (3) Pick your ICE.</div>
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I selected the "No. 3" (Netherlands), with notes of "lavender, juniper, lemon marmalade and cucumber", this was slightly floral and was the perfect gin for me. I had this paired with a mysterious "Fever Tree", with notes as "natural and complex", all with a large ice cubes for a "slight chill and minimal dilution". Garnishes of lemongrass, hibiscus and cucumber were served on a plate by side to either tone the gin according to your preference of sweet/mellow, cool or tangy. The Fever Tree quickly became my new favourite tonic, one that I have gone out to experiment with myself on the past weekend. Specifically created to compliment beverages, it was a refreshing alternative to our regular old Schweppes with a unique aroma of grapefruit citrus, very slightly sweetened. What a perfect selection, Nota Bene!</div>
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First to come was the <b>Truffle Popcorn</b>, which was drizzled tastefully in a Truffle oil and sprinkled with Parmigiano. The <b>Burrata Pugliese </b>was a light toasted nibble on a slice of toast sliced into two. The <b>Salt Cod Fritters</b> came six in a bowl; the fritter was beautifully blended, with a delicious kimchi mayo to cut. <b>Buttermilk Fried Chicken</b> is a no brainer to order! Nothing within the bites went wrong here. I would just hope for a more heavily flavour-infused Smoked Oyster Mayonnaise.</div>
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<a href="http://postimg.org/image/by8xipkn9/full/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG 2216" border="0" src="http://s2.postimg.org/8emzswhxl/IMG_2216.jpg" height="470" width="310" /></a> <a href="http://postimg.org/image/xzz7sr551/full/" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG 2217" border="0" src="http://s2.postimg.org/i1qi2max5/IMG_2217.jpg" height="470" width="310" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Buttermilk-Fried Chicken ($4)</i></b></div>
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<i>With Smoked Oyster Mayonnaise</i></div>
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<b><i>Truffle Popcorn ($4)</i></b></div>
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<i>Topped with Parmigiano</i></div>
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<b><i>Burrata Pugliese ($4)</i></b></div>
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<i>With Grilled Miche & Olive Oil</i></div>
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<b><i>Salt Cod Fritters ($4)</i></b></div>
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<i>With Kimchi Mayo</i></div>
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By the count of the number of people around us that made an order of<b> Shoshito Peppers </b>and didn't finish it, it made me feel bad and not want to go for it. In our final fillers, by the recommendation of our server, we went for it. And it was beautiful! A nice amount of Shoshito Peppers - word is, 1 in 10 are gasping hot, these were<b> laced in Lemon Juice, then sprinkled in Maldon Salt</b>. We went for a rock, paper, scissors to challenge who would grab the first pepper next. A plate later and many boy-who-cried-wolf shots, neither of us landed the 1 in 10 chance. No lotto ticket today. </div>
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<b>Belly Buster Slider</b> & <b>Calamari A La Plancha</b> | <b>Porcini Arancini ($4)</b></div>
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Nota Bene is known for their pasta dishes, so high expectations were granted for their <b>Porcini Arancini</b>. This dish was truly what I've ever dreamt of in a deep-fried rice ball and more... It was fused with delicious mushroom flavours, almost like the perfect mushroom risotto, but formed and deep-fried into a ball. The truffle aioli served on side was unnecessary, but a great sauce on its own. </div>
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You better bet that this bar snack menu contains not one, but two slider options! Wild fact: I have never touched or even heard of the word sliders before 2013. I have confirmed sliders to being the best things to exist since homemade burgers... Homemade sliders may just be the next! Nota Bene had two of these godly beauties on the list: the <b>Cumbrae Farms Beef Slider</b> and <b>Belly Buster Slider</b>.</div>
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The <b>Cumbrae Farms Beef Sliders</b> came at two to an order, it is topped with slices of maple bacon and a sharp and tasty havarti cheese. Although I would prefer juicier fillings, the beef patty was what carried it.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Ah, the </span><b>Belly Buster Slider</b>. These belly busting gems come at one to an order. It is worth it to order a second round, no sharing will be allowed once you take the first bite! These tasty sliders come with a delicious pork belly and an ample amount of crispy fries.</div>
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<b><i>Calamari A La Plancha | $4</i></b></div>
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<i>XO Sauce and Coriander</i></div>
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I saved the best for last, these soft Calamari rings are the show-stoppers of the evening. You, Nota Bene, have now officially stolen my heart. This plate of Calamari A La Plancha was something of its own; sliced calamari doused in a clearly in-housemade XO Sauce. It was clear the immense amount of loving put into this sauce. Each calamari piece held an effortless chew that truly let the XO Sauce shine.</div>
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Our final bite of the previous <b>Porcini Arancini</b>. A simple<b> Calabrese Olives</b> sprinkled with Rosemary & Garlic with a slice of <b>Cambret Cheese</b>, this combination is always a light inbetweener.</div>
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Nota Bene serves up a well-priced and absolutely satisfying $4 "4 to 7" bar snack menu. All items were an absolute hit! This spot will without a doubt become my go-to for their notable MUST--ORDER nibbles of Calamari, Belly Buster, Porcini Arancini and Fritters. Head in between 4PM to 7PM on a weekday to have your tastebuds blown <i>(and, wallet happy!)</i>.</div>
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The tastiest visit. Thanks for having me, Nota Bene! You will see me soon.</div>
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/nota-bene-entertainment-district" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Nota Bene on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/8910202/ibiglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<b>Find out more:</b></div>
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Nota Bene</div>
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<a href="http://notabenerestaurant.com/">http://notabenerestaurant.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/4to7menu/">#4to7menu</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/notabenetoronto">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NotaBeneToronto">Facebook</a> & <a href="https://instagram.com/notabenetoronto/">Instagram</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">A BBQ done well is all that I could ever ask for in a good evening, and this is exactly what you will find at <a href="http://greenwoodsmokehouse.com/#">Greenwood Smokehouse</a>. This thought is all that ever circulated through my mind with each chomp and slurp at Greenwood BBQ on this warm Monday evening. Open for <a href="http://greenwoodsmokehouse.com/weekend-brunch/">brunch</a>, <a href="http://greenwoodsmokehouse.com/menu/">lunch and dinner</a>! Located just around the corner from Pape Station (AKA, <a href="https://instagram.com/p/4O0mbToSo4/?taken-by=greenwoodsmokehousebbq">Greenwood BBQ Station</a>). The passion and warmth of the developing love for barbecue and it's history pours off the walls. Each piece adds a bit of character and are very well placed - the decor alone is what I'd urge my fellow bbq-lovers to come in to admire.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here we are for the launch of Greenwood Smokehouse BBQ's new summer menu. There are two house cocktails found on this evening, the first to start is the <b>Smoked Pear Julep</b>. Finding deep and smokey flavours with a light minty kick. Wonderfully smoked in-house, this was the right balance and perfect start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Out on the patio, we are embraced by a mouth-watering and generously flavoured set of <b>Memphis Rib Tips</b>. Just as you'd imagine, it absolutely fell off the bone, cartilage and all, edible. The best bite, and best ribs I can mark to date. The Memphis Sauce is absolutely perfect. All BBQ items are smoked for <b>12 hours with Cherry Wood & Oak</b>, talk about a lot of love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even ordinary ol' the lemons are beautiful and rustic!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Round two of rib ends, and an introduction to <b>Bookers Bourbon</b>. The perfect smokey fit to an all-smoked BBQ. This is one of a kind and exclusively created, dispatched by the month. </span>The next beverage entrants was the <b>Kensington Watermelon Wheat</b>. Exactly what you could imagine, Watermelon infused in a cold, low carbonated wheaty beverage. It's a wonderful patio drink.</div>
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Lipreading: <i>"These Ribs are damn fine, Warren is a genius!"</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Greenwood's ever so lovely Social Media captain, <a href="https://twitter.com/EatMediaCorp">Victoria Stewart</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Owner and BBQ extraordinaire: Warren DeSimone </span></div>
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The "<b>Cobble Salad</b>" ($16) in an aesthetic mixture of arugula, tomatoes, house cured & smoked bacon, smoked turkey breast, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, blue cheese and lemon balsamic vinaigrette</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here they come, racks of three assortments: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Carolina Sauce</b>, <b>Memphis Sauce </b>& <b>Dry-rub</b></span></div>
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We were in for a real treat. Each rib was just as impressive as the next, my favourite was the <b>Memphis Sauce</b>, without a doubt. One of the best sauces I've ever had on a rib, it is perfection.</div>
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Another house cocktail, the <b>Smoked Bourbon Lemonade</b>.</div>
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The ultimate BBQ platter, we have <b>chicken wings</b>, <b>pulled pork</b> and <b>beef brisket</b>, paired with double-smoked beans and a well-balanced, sweeter coleslaw. This platter was extremely satisfying, the <b>beef brisket </b>was my absolute favourite of the whole platter.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The every-so-creamy, three cheese <b>Mac & Cheese</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The perfect finish, the <b>Smoked Peach Cobbler</b>. This was absolutely delicious. It had the perfect mouthful of sweetness that concluded the entire BBQ dinner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Greenwood Smokehouse BBQ is the go-to spot for BBQ in the east. The drinks and food items I devoured tonight were phenomenal. You could truly taste and experience the love that Warren DeSimone and chef Mark Andrade put into creating these dishes. Situated right by Pape station, it's an easy find. The Memphis Rib Ends and Brisket are both an absolute must try!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/greenwood-smokehouse-bbq-the-danforth" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Greenwood Smokehouse BBQ on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/8906708/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Find out more:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Greenwood BBQ Smokehouse</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://greenwoodsmokehouse.com/">http://greenwoodsmokehouse.com/</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/greenwood_BBQ">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GreenwoodSmokehouseBBQ">Facebook</a> & <a href="https://instagram.com/greenwoodsmokehousebbq/">Instagram</a></div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-88111020645432169302015-07-02T13:17:00.002-07:002015-07-02T13:25:03.684-07:00Guilt-free Organic Hotdogs with Beretta Farms<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.berettafamilyfarms.com/">Beretta Family Farms</a> </b>has changed the mystery meat playing field with a line of organic, <b>entirely flavorsome </b>and guilt-free hot dogs, across <b>chicken, turkey and beef</b>. It's simple: all organic and <b>all Canadian</b>!</div>
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Hot dogs have had the worst wrap for as long as I could remember. Growing up, with every visit to the downtown core, I would often salivate over the heavenly grilling aromas stretching throughout the streets. Just as a fella would spot a boyfriend seat in a store, I could easily spot a hot dog stand within my peripheral. I would eyeball the cart from the opposite intersection and pair the addictive aromas to an imaginary hot dog sitting in my own hands; a surface of perfectly blistered, slightly charred skin, and within a bite, the insides bursting, glowing a meaty red. At the queue of the green light, my older sister would tug my arm and halt my hopes and dreams of becoming one with the dirty, dirty street meat. In further bursting my bubble, I would be reminded of the questionable miscellaneous sludge that sausages are solidified from. Now, with Beretta’s new line, hot dogs will no longer be questionable. At Beretta Farms, they have <b>revolutionized the “mystery meat” imagery</b>.</div>
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My game plan for the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=berettadogdays&src=typd">#BerettaDogDays</a>? To try all three of Beratta's glorious <b>guilt-free hot dogs</b>.<br />
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There's no mystery here! Beretta's Organic Hotdogs have the most narrow ingredient list compared to it's competitors. Antibiotic, preservative and nitrate free! Prepare your eyes.</div>
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First to go: the <b>Turkey Beretta Farms Hotdog</b> adorned with jalapeño, pickles, two type of onions, mayonnaise and two mustards. This piece was slightly gamey and had a delicious bite to it!</div>
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Mottos to live by.</div>
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The <b>Organic Beef</b>, and absolutely nitrate & preservative free Hotdog ready to become bedazzled!</div>
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Completely dressed-up <b>Organic Beef </b>Beretta Farms Hotdog</div>
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These organic hotdogs are the tastiest and healthiest alternative, available in 6-packs for $10.99.<br />
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The perfect pair to a beautiful sunny day and a hot dog in hand, it's a well-made <b><a href="http://waltercaesar.com/">Walter Caesar</a> </b>in the other! Rimmed and garnished with pickled beans, along with a salami stick, there's nothing better.</div>
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What's my favorite part of eating a hot dog? It is without a doubt, the condiments! The condiment table set during the Beretta Farm’s Hot Dog Launch could not be forgotten here. This is all necessary information for future saucing and condiment references. The benchmark is three sauces on your bun at the very minimum.</div>
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Last but not least, my <b>Organic Chicken Hotdog</b>, dressed in a row of jalapeños, corn, red onions, and, you bet it, two glorious Maille mustards! Each delicious, the Turkey was my favourite.<br />
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<b>Find out more, here:</b><br />
Beretta Family Farms<br />
<a href="http://www.berettafamilyfarms.com/">http://www.berettafamilyfarms.com</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/berettafarms">@berettafarms</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=berettadogdays&src=typd">#BerettaDogDays</a><br />
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The Burroughes<br />
<a href="http://theburroughes.com/">http://theburroughes.com</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/theburroughes">@theburroughes</a></div>
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Nobody could possibly propose a better place to fulfil their <b>Indian food</b> (or more specifically, <b>Pani Puri</b>) cravings, than an Indian buffet. Here at <b>Tandoori Flame's Mississauga</b> <b>location</b>, you will be bombarded with options. This spot has <b>150+ food options</b>, easily claiming the title as <b>the largest Indian buffet in North America</b>! And did I mention that it's <b>entirely halal</b>? What a perfect fit to ultimately cater to Mississauga's Muslim community.</div>
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The interior is definitely a work of art. The atmosphere and design is well played throughout the entire restaurant, from entrance, to seating, to the extensive buffet. It was hard to believe the amount of options that we were so overwhelmed with. I'm simply curious of the <b>Brampton</b> Tandoori Flame location.</div>
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Pani Puri to devour!</div>
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Look out for the Goat Stew Soup next!</div>
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Assortments of Roti and Naan Breads</div>
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Butter Chicken!</div>
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I immediately attended to the pani puri for the first round, it definitely needed my loving! And it was the exact perfect chewy, tangy and crispy combination that I've been longing for. A pani puri is a <b>popular Indian street food</b>, but at<b> Tandoori Flame</b>, you can diy this beauty yourself! A fried hollow shell, splashed with a tangy tamarind sauce, potato, chickpeas, mint sauce and onions.</div>
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<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/39tWwcAx1y/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Am I doing it right? At last year's South East Asia festival (in Gerrard East), this was described to me as the "ultimate" street food pick. Here we have Pani Puri - a hollow (deep-fried, dough) shell, poked, splashed with a tamarind chutney, then topped with fillings (of chickpeas, potatoes and onions) of your choice. I go for all of it. I love the tang and d.i.y feel to it. #gotthepanipuri #LOVE 😍 #indianeats #indianbuffet #halaltoronto #liquid_comm #tandooriflame #gastropost</a></div>
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A photo posted by All that I meet, eat & more! (@meetandeats) on <time datetime="2015-06-15T21:03:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 15, 2015 at 2:03pm PDT</time></div>
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Another favourite was the G<b>oat Stew</b>. The amount of flavoursome care put into this was unreal, it was easily the <b>best goat soup I've ever had</b>. We also added crisps from the Pani Puri in this. It went together perfectly.</div>
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<i>Beautiful moats of Indian Curries divided by Basmati Rice</i></div>
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My forever favourite curry will always be the <b>Butter Chicken</b>, and as expected, Tandoori Flame did not make any slip ups with this dish! The meats in each curry was <b>tender and simply melted.</b> Very nice! I also enjoyed the roti station. Here, you're able to pick up one of <b>many varieties of naan, or request a roti</b>!</div>
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<i>Tandoori Chicken, Fish Pakora & Chicken Wings</i></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/39vRdPgx5H/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Two beverage picks to accompany our all-halal Indian grub 😁. Has anybody tried the Masala Shikanji? This was... Definitely a taste you'd need to get use to. Described as a "popular street lemonade" mixed with Indian spices and soda. The "kicker" feeling to is indescribable... #helpmeout. #indianeats #indianbuffet #halaltoronto #liquid_comm #tandooriflame #gastropost @tandooriflame</a></div>
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A photo posted by All that I meet, eat & more! (@meetandeats) on <time datetime="2015-06-15T21:20:27+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Jun 15, 2015 at 2:20pm PDT</time></div>
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<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>Beverages that we enjoyed along this journey were the <b>Masala Shikanji </b>and <b>Signature Tandoori</b>. No further details were listed of the Signature Tandoori, but I'd like the assume that it was fill with berries and mango. Both incredibly refreshing, the shakes were especially tasty! The dessert options are a set of adventurous ones. Featuring popular Indian sweets of <b>Galub Jamun</b>, <b>Jalebi</b>, <b>Pantua</b> & assorted <b>Custards</b>.</div>
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Tandoori Flame features a wide range of items - 150+ of them! It is a fantastic all-halal pick to fulfil all of your Indian cravings... There's even a Tandoori Pizza! What's great about buffets is that there's something for everybody! The <a href="http://tandooriflame.com/buffet/">pricing is just right</a> as well, $14~ for lunch and $20~ for dinner. There's absolutely no going wrong.<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/tandoori-flame-mississauga-gta" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Tandoori Flame on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/8902059/ibiglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-23481350939055550422015-06-23T13:27:00.001-07:002015-07-09T11:31:18.698-07:00Sea Witch Fish & Chips, St. Clair West<centre><span style="text-align: center;">No kidding, Fish & Chips is a true art! </span><b style="text-align: center;">Sea Witch Fish & Chips</b><span style="text-align: center;"> opened its doors on </span><b style="text-align: center;">St. Clair West </b><span style="text-align: center;">in mid 2014, invisioning to become the top-of-the-mind spot for the occasional fish-and-chips cravings! Since then, this cozy spot has developed it's dedicated regulars for a very special reason, it's incredibly crispy and golden batter... this spot made "Top New Restaurants of 2014" for a mighty reason! Sea Witch Fish & Chips offers </span><b style="text-align: center;">five varieties of fish</b><span style="text-align: center;">: </span><i style="text-align: center;">Arctic Char, Atlantic Haddock, Pickerel, Pacific Halibut & Pacific Cod</i><span style="text-align: center;">. Along with these tasty varieties of fish, SWF&C also has special sides - including, a </span><b style="text-align: center;">Halibut Poutine</b><span style="text-align: center;">! Now, that, I'm curious of. Fish & Chip prices start at $11 - and $6 for the kids! You better bet Sea Witch is </span><b style="text-align: center;">kid-friendly</b><span style="text-align: center;">.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Take away ready to wrap and go!</span><br />
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<b><i>"The Witch's Brew" (House Chowder), $6</i></b></div>
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Ah, The Witch's Brew, very well named. This house chowder is filled with the house's fish favourites: Pickerel and Halibut! A dash of pepper is all that is required to elevate the flavours into my (new) favourite chowder, ever! Along with the soft and delicious pieces of fish, there are potatoes, onions and carrots. So simply and heavily flavoursome, I enjoyed it!<br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><i>San Pellegrino Carbonated Water & Old Tyme The Great Jamaican Ginger Beer, $3</i></b><br />
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<b>Onion Rings, $5</b></div>
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Sea Witch has a one of a kind batter, one of which they have contributed a tremendous amount of time and labour into perfecting. It only takes <b>three mere ingredients</b>! The flavours were heavy in <b>beef talon</b> and held a heavy crunch! In all - I can compare it's elasticity and savoury texture to that of a Chinese Doughnut.</div>
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We have the <b>Onion Rings</b>, so beautifully presented! There is a heavy amount of batter enveloping it. With each bite, you'll have a mouthful of oily batter and a mere sliver of onion. A definite treat, but it is a definite must-try at a price of $5!</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Next up is the</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">Halibut Cake!</b><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">The first ever Fish Cake I've seen that has been made up of Halibut! And it really worked well! It was all complimented incredibly with a pickled vegetables that I can't quite put my finger on yet. I finished the whole saucer of it.</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">Slaw</b><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">that SWF&C serves up is</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">extraordinarily well balanced</b><span style="text-align: center;">. I love a good slaw to cut through the oils of fish and chips, this was the holy grail that glided me through the dishes. The slaw is simply created with</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">cabbage and parsley</b><span style="text-align: center;">, the parsley in the mix lifted the whole dish, making it</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">a</b><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;">must-order </b><span style="text-align: center;">with your Fish & Chips!</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">You can never forget <b>Old Tyme's Ginger Beer</b> with your plate of Fish & Chips! The best!</span><br />
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<b><i>Pacific Halibut Fish & Chips, $15</i></b></div>
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Ah, and what we've all been preparing for... The plate that Sea Witch would like you to run back for: <b>Fish and Chips</b>! The <b>fries </b>were absolutely heavenly, gosh. Each uniformly <b>cut in-house</b>, and fried in a <b>good ol' Talon Beef Oil</b>. It was heavily crispy, and the bite was as though you were biting into a mash. It was perfect. Easily making the list of <b>one of the best fries that I've ever devoured</b>! The fish on the other hand, as beautifully thick and coloured as it appeared - the batter was all that I found myself cutting through. I found a mere Halibut less than a centimetre thick beneath the heavy batter. This dish was easily saved in the beauty of the fries and <b>zesty, creamy and chunky Tartare sauce</b>. You've done it right, Sea Witch!</div>
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The batter is a definite treat, they've truly perfected the most elastic, chewy and savoury batter made our of three simple ingredients! I am very impressed. I would certainly make a return for the The <b>Witch's Brew House Chowder</b>, a slaw and <b>Halibut Cakes & Chips</b> combo as my orders for my next visit! I also enjoyed their <b>housemade treats</b>, each presented in a tackle box and ordered by the bag, these are very well made!<br />
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-1873320332828736362015-06-17T13:58:00.003-07:002015-06-17T14:17:22.533-07:00Cook + Learn with Zespri Kiwifruit at Nella Cucina<div style="text-align: center;">
Kiwifruits have not left my mind for the past 36 hours. The Kiwifruit has been revolutionized! I am back at the <b>Nella Cucina Kitchen</b>, and this time, have a Kiwi in the palm of my hand. An exciting lunch ahead hosted by the<b> <a href="http://www.zesprikiwi.com/">Zespri Kiwifruit</a> team</b> and chef, <b>Devin Connell </b>of <a href="http://delicakitchen.ca/">Delica Kitchen</a>. Two varieties are showcased throughout this Zespri cooking class: The Green and SunGold Kiwifruit. </div>
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We explored the multiple ways kiwi can be added into our meals and become the star of the show! Our menu for the afternoon:</div>
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<b>Starter:</b> Kiwifruit Gazpacho</div>
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<b>Main:</b> Kiwifruit & Corn Salsa Tacos <i>with Halibut and Jicama & Carrot Slaw</i></div>
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<b>Dessert:</b> Kiwifruit Sorbet <i>with Ginger, Coconut & Lime</i></div>
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The underrated super-food superstar, I've been convinced that it is one of the ultimate fruits to add to my grocery list. We were swiftly educated on the countless nutritious benefits of ingesting a single kiwifruit. Kiwi is a low-carb and low-fat option. There were an overwhelming amount of points,<i> that I've gathered my own list:</i></div>
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- One kiwifruit equates to half the fiber one bowl of cereal contains</div>
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- One kiwifruit contains 240% of the daily recommended dosage of Vitamin C</div>
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- One kiwifruit contains more potassium than your plain ol' banana</div>
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- One kiwifruit contains plenty of exclusive vitamins and minerals: it is high in antioxidants, zinc and vitamin E, and also contains 10% of the daily recommended intake of foliate, contains 15mg of magnesium and lutein for the eyes</div>
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...That's a lot of benefits in one fruit!</div>
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A refreshing Sungold Kiwitini, a splash of vodka, filled with delicate chunks of sweet Kiwi. </div>
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<b>Kiwifruit Gazpacho</b></div>
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This gazpacho was perfection, I loved the idea of adding Kiwifruit into a usually, vegetable-based soup! It was smooth, tangy and well-balanced. Recipe <a href="http://www.zesprikiwi.com/kiwifruit-recipes/main-course/kiwifruit-gazpacho-with-dungeness-crab">here</a>.</div>
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Cooking demo in action</div>
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Fish and Tofu tacos toppling up to serve</div>
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Kiwifruit & Corn Salsa Tacos <i>with Halibut and Jicama & Carrot Slaw</i></div>
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This Taco was a looker, I sure beat my social media timeline's #TacoTuesday with the addition of Kiwifruit! The Jicama & Carrot Slaw was beautiful, and simple. The mixture of kiwi and corn made the perfect salsa.</div>
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The menu line up was perfect, and it all led up to a delicious finish! To end, we had an assortment of cookies from Delica Kitchen and a Kiwi Sorbet, beautifully complimented with ginger, lime and coconut. I am impressed.</div>
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Zespri Kiwifruit hosted a delightful lunch on a beautiful day. It was an informative afternoon led by Zespri Kiwifruit team and Devin Connell has opened my mind up to contributing Kiwifruit to my fruit basket! There were many healthy alternatives introduced, and an interesting perspective taken on the delicious Kiwifruit. Thank you to Zespri Kiwifruit and Ketchum for organizing a wonderful event.</div>
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Find out more, here:</div>
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<b>Zespri Kiwifruit</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.zesprikiwi.com/">http://www.zesprikiwi.com/</a></div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/zesprikiwifruit/">@ZespriKiwifruit</a> <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/zespri4life/">#zespri4life</a></div>
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<b>Nella Cucina</b></div>
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<a href="http://nellacucina.ca/">http://nellacucina.ca/</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/nellacucina">@NellaCucina</a></div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-53245118164114417522015-06-11T18:51:00.001-07:002015-06-17T14:17:16.515-07:00We ❤: Nomad Coffee Club<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Freshly grinded coffee beans. </b>I am in love with your deep aromas. The nostalgic journey that you leap through with each waft of a grind of a familiar scoop. It's incredible. I am certainly giddy to be able to introduce a <b>Toronto-based company</b> to you lovely folks, <a href="http://www.nomadcoffeeclub.com/">Nomad Coffee Club</a>. </div>
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Each month, coffee beans are carefully selected from <b>local independent coffee roasters</b>, guaranteeing your coffee being <b>fresh and local</b>! <b>Nomad Coffee Club</b> takes each coffee experience as an "adventure", introducing a package to your door, every month. </div>
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The wonderfully packed box features their signature wax seal, an absolute charmer! The handwritten card was another delightful surprise, it's just oozing out love and preparing you for the journey to come. </div>
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For this month, I have received the <i>Pig Iron Coffee Roasters</i>. The fragrance was off the charts of a beauty, we absolutely loved it! Each bag is packed with a label informing of the local grower, the bean's flavor profile, along with it's origin and altitude of growth. This service is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with a whole range of coffee varieties</div>
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<b>Nomad Coffee Club</b> is <a href="https://nomadcoffeeclub.cratejoy.com/subscribe/?">available in two subscription plans</a> to best fit your lifestyle. These beautiful packages are also a great gift idea, I recommend it for a good ol' coffee enthusiast, or for anybody that wants to dig deeper into their coffee roots... Or, for a special occasion like FATHER'S DAY. Yup, I have solved your Papa gift-giving dilemma (you may thank me later, once your kitchen is filled with an absolutely heavenly aroma).</div>
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Learn more about Nomad Coffee Club, check out their website here. Also, be sure to follow along on their social media pages <a href="http://instagram.com/nomadcoffeeclub/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nomad-Coffee-Club/769436433129374">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NomadCoffeeClub">Twitter</a> for regular inspiring coffee-infused updates.</div>
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And don't think we forgot about you sly chaps, use code: <b>MAE2015 </b>for 10% off your next order!</div>
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/2YjW2fp8OL/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">Coffee straight to your doorstep ✅! The signature wax seal... It's like I've been accepted into Hogwarts ✨🍵. (😚: @nomadcoffeeclub) #butimgrantedwithcoffeebeans #andimbeyond12 #imjustasecstatic #wizardryofbeans ➡➡ coming soon on @meetandeats 😉</a></div>
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A photo posted by Alice ♕ Phan (@arsyparsy) on <time datetime="2015-05-07T14:13:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 7, 2015 at 7:13am PDT</time></div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-81460099080543982342015-04-12T10:22:00.002-07:002015-06-11T18:56:35.851-07:00Fine Wining and Dining with Barton & Guestier at Nella Cucina<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>It's B&G Time!</b></div>
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Ahead, a memorable evening of preparing French dishes and becoming enlightened with a diverse range of French wines to compliment. We were able to discover the beauty of <b>Barton & Guestier</b>, the number one wine brand name of France, and further to partake in a hands-on cooking class.</div>
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The evening was taken place at <b>Nella Cucina</b>, home to The Annex. Upon entry of Nella Cucina. you are first welcomed by their retail front, then led up the stairs to where their regular cooking classes take place. The first glass I was presented with upon arrival was the B & G Passporte Bordeaux Blanc, it was crisp and held a light and fruity aroma. Mingling away, we observed the bustle of Chopped Canada winner, <b>Brianne Nash</b> and her team hastily working away to present the two hors d'oeuvres to pair to our wines: Shrimps laid in a light Chili-oil, and the second was a sliced Crostini topped with Ricotta, wine-infused carmelized Onions and Fig.</div>
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As soon as we were settled and seated, <b>Clementine Quereax</b> - Barton & Guestier's Export Manager and Global Brand Ambassador sweetly welcomed and presented us to our new acquaintances: her pride and joy, the wines that we were to discover to be infused into our dishes and by side as pairings throughout the evening.</div>
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In the next stage, we were set into three groups: one in charge of assembling the salad, the second for the main and the third working on the side dish. </div>
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I was set into the preparation for our main, a <b>Grilled New York Striploin</b>. I'll admit that before a month ago, I had a very low appreciation, and subsequently, a stubborn lack of knowledge of steak. I mean, come on, I thought that <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Js-kitchen-steak-house/383459598388923">J's Kitchen in Sydney</a> was sickeningly amazing. So, provided with all of the relief of winging it, we were completely guided by the expertise of Nash. I was truly mind-blown by the simplicity of it all: Nash first taught us how to gauge the level of doneness of our steaks by pressing the fleshy part of our palms and comparing it to the meat on the grill; this step could otherwise be beautifully accurately achieved with a meat thermometer, gauging at 120 degrees for medium rare perfection - the latter is my preference.</div>
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The <b>New York Striploins</b> that we were all very happily experimenting with were supplied by <b>Beretta Farms</b> - Nash pridefully and excitedly expressed to us that these Striploins are absolutely organic and hormone-free, she confidently said that we will truly be able to taste the difference.</div>
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Our group rotated in practicing our method in seasoning the meats and tossing it on the grill, rotating at 45 degrees, and flipping it, repeating the process to achieve the consistent, and admirable, 'diamond' crosses throughout.<br />
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<i>Photo by John Tan | <a href="http://www.bestoftoronto.net/2015/04/sipping-and-savouring-france-with-barton-guestier-wines-at-nella-cucina/#jp-carousel-37312">Post</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/iam_johntan">Twitter</a></i><br />
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(hint: distribute when seasoning, placing the meat in one hand, and sprinkling from at least 30cm above will ensure a full, even coverage)<br />
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We were then advised of the importance of resting the freshly grilled the meats on an elevated rack to halt the meat from further cooking and enable the meat to breath (just, genius). She brought up a great range of pointers, I was two-thirds convinced that this Steak would be delicious. I certainly enjoyed how hands-on it was and the amount of great tips Nash shared. With all of the knowledge we were taking it, it only made me curious of what the other two teams absorbed!</div>
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Nash went on to demonstrate the creation of the 'jus' wine reduction, created using one bottle of <b>B & G Partager La Gardie Cabernet Sauvignon</b>, a roughly sliced Shallot, sprig of Rosemary and Butter.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Freshly coated side of truffle-roasted Fingerling Potatoes ready for the oven!</i></span></td></tr>
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We wandered into the set dining room to prepare for the indulgence of our creations. While we were receiving our first wine pairing and settling in, Quereux began with an introduction of Barton & Guestier and it's great background: founded in 1725, it is the oldest wine merchant in <b>Bordeaux, France</b>. Before each of the courses made it's way around, Quereux passionately spoke of the vineyard the grapes derived from, visually detailing the beautiful area, the process of it's creation, our expected tasting notes, it's most suitable pairings and why they fit so well.</div>
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The first to arrive was the very vibrant, <b>Beet, Fennel & Apple salad with a Honey-Mustard dressing</b> made by our fellow attendees. This salad was paired with a sweet-scented and medium-bodied <b>B & G Partager La Gardie Merlot</b> ($9.95, LCBO). This wine was a fine complement to the crisp and tart elements of the salad.</div>
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<a href="http://postimage.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="13" border="0" src="http://s8.postimg.org/wvii85vph/image.jpg" height="610" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://postimage.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="11147926 10203994771729516 684759330 o" border="0" src="http://s8.postimg.org/qj3cybsn9/11147926_10203994771729516_684759330_o.jpg" height="610" width="320" /></a></div>
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The second course made it's way around and it was out of the waters of what I anticipated. The NY Striploin was juicy, well-seasoned, and beautifully complimented with the addition of <b>Blue Cheese sauce</b>. I may be biased because it was our own creation, but, I can easily say that it was the best piece of grilled steak that I have ever devoured. The sides of <b>glazed Green Beans</b> and <b>Truffle-roasted Fingerling Potatoes </b>were also two wonderful complements to the dish that I wish to replicate on my own in the future. The wine pairing for this dish was their medium-bodied, blackcurrant scented <b>B & G Partager La Gardie Cabernet Sauvignon</b> ($9.95, LCBO), this was a double pure kill - the same wine is used in the reduction swirled around our medium rare sirloins, altogether, this wine provided a rich depth and truly elevated the flavours.</div>
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The two dishes we've prepared in a team effort and by the wonderful guidance of the Nella Cucina team were fantastic. To conclude the experience, we were presented with a <b>Dark Chocolate Brownie served with a Sour Cherry Compote</b>. Completely created by the Nella Cucina team, this was paired with the <b>B & G Les Charmes De Magnol Medoc </b>($18.95, LCBO), it is a lovely blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Full-bodied, it is a smooth, lightly spicy and wonderfully bold wine filled with distinctive scents of blackcurrant - without a doubt, my favorite of the night.</div>
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Barton & Guestier hosted an interactive evening of learning how to cook French cuisine and the importance of savouring wine along side. Each attendee had a memorable experience by the fine guidance of Chef Brianne Nash and the Nella Cucina Team. Great thanks to Clementine Quereux and Barton & Guestier, along with Butter PR for hosting and executing this wonderful event.</div>
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Find out more, here:</div>
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<b>Barton & Guestier:</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.barton-guestier.com/">http://www.barton-guestier.com/</a></div>
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@BartonGuestier #itsBGtime</div>
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<b>Nella Cucina</b></div>
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<a href="http://nellacucina.ca/">http://nellacucina.ca/</a></div>
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@NellaCucina</div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-63680552818211560932015-02-23T11:42:00.000-08:002015-02-23T12:28:38.939-08:00Aft Kitchen & Bar, Riverdale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>AFT KITCHEN & BAR</b></div>
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<i>686 Queen Street East</i></div>
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<i>Toronto, Canada</i></div>
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<i>BBQ - Bar - 11am~2am - Weekend Brunch</i></div>
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On a Wednesday night, I was on the hunt for a <b>BBQ spot</b> that was a short distance from my campus. A quick search, and <b>Aft Kitchen & Bar</b> was immediately brought to my attention. It was a pleasant 20 minute walk to the end of King Street, and trialing over the bridge onto Queen Street East. Upon entrance, I knew that this spot was going to be fantastic. Beautifully dimmed, cozy bar seating is available, two chalkboards: one with drinks and the next with specials - this spot was already bustling at 6PM on a weekday. </div>
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<b><i>1. Portobello Mushroom Frites ($8) </i></b></div>
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<i>Panko-crusted, marinated Mushrooms with a Thyme Aioli</i></div>
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This was the very recommendation by the server. On it's own, it was super tangy, the breading was packed with a ton of herbs and held a juicy bite, but with the much-needed dip, it was all slightly muted, delicious!</div>
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<b><i>2. Fried Chicken, Blackboard Special ($18) </i></b></div>
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<i>Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast, Spicy Rice stuffed Pepper with a Smoked Tomato Sauce</i></div>
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Incredible. The battered bits of the Chicken Breast was insane! The meat was spectacularly juicy and tender. Bone and all, it was such a nice big piece! The rice was wonderfully spiced and filled with tender pieces of Beef and Pork. I had a whole dang farm on my dish! </div>
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<b><i>3. BBQ Side Ribs ($20)</i></b></div>
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<i>Slow-smoked Pork Side Ribs with Coleslaw & Cowboy Baked Beans</i></div>
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These are Pork Side Ribs served with Coleslaw and Baked Beans. Beautifully glazed and tender. Perfection.</div>
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The only thing is that the service isn't anything I found exceptional, it was probably only this time around - she definitely didn't want to be there. But, anyway! Come for the food, I've definitely found a new must-hit-up in the East end. Well done.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1734892/restaurant/Riverdale-Leslieville/AFT-Toronto"><img alt="AFT on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1734892/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-74776055686577214002015-02-11T14:26:00.002-08:002015-07-09T11:32:37.495-07:00Lee Restaurant, King West<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>LEE RESTAURANT</b></div>
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601 King Street W</div>
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Toronto, Canada</div>
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<i>Asian Fusion - Bar</i></div>
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<i>$$$</i></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/leerestaurant">Twitter</a> - <a href="http://instagram.com/lee_restaurant">Instagram</a><br />
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With a lucky (luckee, heh) win on a reposting contest on<b> Lee Restaurant's</b> <a href="http://instagram.com/lee_restaurant">Instagram</a>, I was blessed with a <b>Winterlicious dinner</b> for two at the acclaimed restaurant of <b>Sursur Lee</b>. Amazing. Situated in the sweetest spot Stopping into the<b> Forno Cultura Bakery</b> next door to try out each of their Biscottis and into <b>Home of the Brave</b> just upstairs of the charming bakery to enjoy a bottle of The Poet's Oatmeal Stout and a pint of Naughty Neighbour APA. Well-made treats and craft pints are always a swell start to the evening.</div>
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Warmly welcomed by Lee's Social Media manager, our coats taken away, and we were seated for out 8PM reservation. The interior was definitely a sight. It was spacious upon entry, and the bar that aligned the first room had a hotel sort of feel, led into the further dining room, it was spotted with glass tables, high rustic brick walls and a floor to ceiling window along. Our server was friendly, speedy and efficient. Not once did I have to think of reaching for water, and I was very surprised wandering back every so often to find my napkin folded up and placed to the side.</div>
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A snicker from my dining acquaintance, commenting that the menu cover of their temporary menu displayed a catalogue advertising the quality of cotton, definitely amusing. They strictly had their Winterlicious menu available, along with a few highlighted a la carte items from their regular menu. Their highly praised <b>Singapore Slaw </b>was also on the list, this was one we noticed after receiving out dinner, it looked amazing! It was an item that we both agreed that we would come back for.</div>
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The Winterlicious menu is available for dinner with <b>three courses</b> at <b>$45 per person</b>.</div>
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<b>Starter</b></div>
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Two of out choices for starters, the <b>Carpaccio of Kimato Tomato</b> with <b>Sesame Crackers</b> and <b>Shrimp & Cod Cake</b></div>
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<img alt="2aa" border="0" src="http://s14.postimg.org/f9h6xpnvl/2aa.jpg" height="425" width="640" /><a href="http://postimg.org/image/o0jme8hst/full/" target="_blank"><img alt="Carpaccio of Kimato Tomato at Lee Restaurant" border="0" src="http://s14.postimg.org/b95g7q80x/image.jpg" height="412" title="Carpaccio of Kimato Tomato at Lee Restaurant" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i>1. Carpaccio of Kimato Tomato (Vegetarian)</i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i>Japanese Vinaigrette, Smoked Chili, Fresh Basil, smoked Organic Olive Oil, baked Garlic Lavash and Tekka</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">Running over the Winterlicious options, the <b>Carpaccio of Kimato Tomato </b>was immediately what jumped out at us – then, the notice of it as a vegetarian option. Interested, we decided to go for it out of curiosity. We expected a hammered <b>Tomato </b>beautifully arranged with a drizzle of Oil. And, what arrived was exactly that: there were sliced Tomatoes arrange, but not at all lightly smashed, but it was drizzled with a very well suited smoked Organic Oil, there was a pleasant smokiness to each swipe and bite. We were also highlighted by our server of the<b> Satay Oil “Smoked Chili”</b> and <b>Ponzu sauce</b>. It was recommended to lay a slice on each cracker. This worked very well together. It was lightly tangy with the <b>Japanese Vinaigrette</b> and the very light spice of Smoked Chili.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><b><i>2. Shrimp & Cod Cake<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i>Vietnamese Calamansi Vinaigrette, Spiced Glazed
Chorizo, Tapioca Pearls, Pickled Kumquat & Chrysanthemum Greens</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">This was a definite order. I love the way Asian chefs execute seafood dishes, especially one
served up by <b>Sursur Lee</b>. The <b>Cod Cake</b> was perfect. It broke apart with great
bites of cod, not as dense as you’d expect. The combination of the whole dish
was a dream. We enjoyed everything about it… Chunky pieces of <b>Shrimp</b> balanced
along with perfectly cooked tiny Tapioca Pearls and some savoury nibbles of
<b>Chorizo</b> and tang of the Kumquat went along very well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Dinner: </div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i><b>3. Braised Curry Beef</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i>Parsnip & Potato Puree, Braised Red
Cabbage & Wasabi Sour Cream</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">The <b>Braised Curry Beef </b>was a top recommendation by our server, the title was a no brainer anyway. Did you say <b>Wasabi Sour Cream</b>? Seriously. This was a
genius assembly. The <b>Braised Beef </b>peeled apart so beautifully, the more-<b>Parsnip
</b>than<b> Potato Puree </b>was a perfect balance and the light tinges of <b>Sour Cream</b> was an absolute delight - I only wished for more of that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>4. Thailandaise Ravioli (vegetarian)</i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i>Squash, Ginger, Spinach & Tofu, charred
Pineapple Relish, fresh ground Coconut Green Curry sauce</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">These were two incredible
sauces topping off this <b>Thailandaise Ravioli</b>. I love the play of this as a well-coated "Hollaindaise sauce", but with Thai flavours. One sauce wsa a light depth of <b>Coconut</b> and the other, a <b>Curry </b>sauce. The pasta was cooked to perfection, very light and all so
well balanced with the <b>Pineapple Relish</b> that it was topped off with. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">And last but not least, dessert:</span></div>
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No selections were made here, their dessert arrived a a trio.</div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><b><i>5. Apricot & Ginger Panna Cotta
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i>with Strawberry & Cranberry Compote</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i>6. Apple Raspberry Tart (vegetarian)</i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i><b>French & Chinese Tong Yuen (vegetarian)</b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i>With caramelized Red Bean & Banana, Dark Chocolate sauce</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU">The main pickle was what to come first. Trios are always a pickle. It's sort of like a beer flight, where you're to indulge the light first, then to the dark. But, were weren't provided any guidance here and went on our own way. I took half of the Tong Yuen, then devoured all of the <b>Apricot & Ginger Bean Panna Cotta</b>. The <b>Panna Cotta</b> was delicious, the combination and fresh <b>Apricot & Ginger Bean</b> mash was a delightful tang with the smooth, lightly sweetened<b> Panna Cotta</b>. And, onto finishing up the<b> Tong Yuen</b> - for those unfamiliar, this is, to be short, a <b>Chinese mochi </b>a stretchy glutinous and dusted wrapping in a sealed dumpling. The Tong Yuen is a typical Chinese dessert and is served warm and here, filled with definitely caramelized<b> Red Bean</b> with the texture of untoasted Coconut, there was also an <b>ooze of Chocolate</b>, very interesting. And lastly, to end off the trio, the <b>Apple Raspberry Tart</b>. This was not as interesting as the first two, it was a saltier mini pastry sandwich of Apple bits and tangy Raspberry.</span></div>
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Overall, we both pleasantly enjoyed our experience at <b>Lee Restaurant</b>. Each dish was very creatively executed and assembled. Beautiful, beautiful flavours. The space was beautiful and had the perfect ambiance for a celebratory night out. I can't wait to go back for their slaw, hopefully on a warm summer night.</div>
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And, to end off, a shot of my favourite graffitied Money Man.</div>
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/lee-fashion-district" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Lee on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/8906641/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> </div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-2971483843091173942015-01-29T16:37:00.000-08:002015-02-23T11:02:22.868-08:00Caplansky's Delicatessen, Little Italy<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CAPLANSKY'S DELICATESSEN</b><br />
<i>356 College Street</i><br />
<i>Toronto, Canada</i><br />
<i>Deli - Sandwiches - All-day breakfast - Open until 10PM</i><br />
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I've walked past <b>Caplansky's Delicatessen </b>plenty of times during the summer, but at that time, all I wanted was a patio! The dining experience was far from what I expected. I imagined the spot to be half of it's size, and filled with only bench seating. But, seating was plenty, and they have a<b> bar </b>which has five beers on tap! This is also an awesome spot for <a href="http://caplanskys.com/menu">all-day breakfast</a>. Very pleased to roll into this cozy (and clean!)<b> old-school</b> feeling diner after an exhausting two days, and still a long night ahead, I just needed a pint in my system. The service was fantastic, our server was super timely with everything, my tastebuds may also have been swayed after comping one of our orders after a mix-up and providing us with gluttonous <b>maple-bacon donuts</b>. Both of us, new to Jewish cuisine, we formerly decided to go for something fitting for this chilly weather, so we of course had to get their signature <b>Matzo Ball </b>Chicken Soup.</div>
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<b><i>1. Chicken Soup with Matzo Ball ($4.50)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>2. BBQ Beef Brisket Dinner ($17)</i></b></div>
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<i>Braised Beef covered in Onion and Tomato, served with seasonal Vegetables and Mash</i></div>
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The Chicken Soup was delightful! It was a bowl of true comfort food. The Matzo Ball was a cushion-y, moist and soup-infused goodie. The BBQ Beef Brisket Dinner was a surprising size for a 'dinner portion' - very nice Beef Brisket none the less!</div>
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<i>Split up | 3/5 Mustards available, the Extra Spicy Mustard is a favourite!</i></div>
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<b><i>3. Side of Pickles ($5~)</i></b></div>
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<i><b>4. BBQ Brisket on a Bun ($12)</b></i></div>
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<i><i>Pulled Beef Sandwich with Crispy Onions and dressed with in-house made BBQ Sauce on a Silverstein’s Onion bun, added melted Cheddar (+$1)</i></i></div>
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We actually had a surprising amount of http://caplanskys.com/menugoing on here. I didn't know that each dish would come with one, but their pickles are some of the best, super firm and crunchy! The<b> BBQ Beef Brisket </b>is some of the better Brisket that I've had. Although it held no flavour, I loved the touch of the <b>Crispy Onions</b> - also, the <b>Cheddar Cheese </b>is a must add!</div>
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<b><i>5. The Reubenesque ($13)</i></b></div>
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<i>Smoked Meat, Swiss Cheese, Russian Dressing and Sauerkraut on Rye</i></div>
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When you think of a Smoked Meat sandwich, you'd imagine a sandwich stacked uncomfortably (for me, at least) high. So, that's the part that it skimped out on. Really enjoyed the flavour combinations of crunchy Sauerkraut and Swiss Cheese.</div>
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<b>6. Maple-bacon Donuts ($3)</b></div>
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Fresh from the fryer, it was nice and warm. These were donut holes heavily drenched in Maple Syrup and specks of Bacon - I believe that this has potential to be a lot more exciting! </div>
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Nothing wowed me too much, the food was just what I anticipated! It's higher priced, but it makes a great lunch spot. Pretty tasty smoked meat! I would like to come back for another pint and more Jewish-feelin' dishes.</div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-24197590057638449692015-01-27T10:20:00.001-08:002015-01-30T10:00:38.138-08:00Rose City Kitchen, Queen West<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>ROSE CITY KITCHEN</b><br />
<i>406 Queen St W<br />Toronto, Canada</i><br />
<i>Sandwiches - Middle Eastern - Take-out - Poutine - Salad</i><br />
<i>$$</i><br />
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<b>Rose City Kitchen</b> is most definitely an undermined eatery in <b>Queen West</b>, located just <b>West of Queen & Spadina</b>. I avoided this spot (like many other Queen West spots) while residing in the neighborhood since I believed that it wouldn't be worth trying, but really - it deserves all of the praise! Their incredible fresh flavour combinations, made to order. Sandwiches are served up in a half-cut pita. "<span style="background-color: white; color: #363636; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 900; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; text-align: center;">1 for a snack, 2 for a meal, 3 if you’re starving...</span>" is recommended - but I was strangely super stuffed after sharing (!!!) a poutine, we were struggling to finish up our two half-cut pitas. The beauty is that you start with choosing your protein - <b>Chicken ($5), Falafel ($4), Steak ($5) </b>and<b> Halloumi ($5),</b> then onto the style of condiments and seasoning, there are the <b>"RCK" Original, Greek, Lebanese, Morrocan </b>and<b> Egyptian </b>to choose from. Check out their sweet, sweet menu, <a href="http://www.rosecitykitchen.com/menu/#menu-page">here</a>.</div>
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<b><i>1. RCK Poutine ($7)</i></b></div>
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<i>With Sumac-seasoned Fries, grated Halloumi, Hummus Aioli and Taboulleh. Add Falafels (+$1)</i></div>
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Good god. A Middle Eastern Poutine?! Give it all to me. The Falafels here run for 55c a piece, my inner hustling Asian-self felt that this was fantastic value as we received four for $1. The fries were crispy, and were a filling delight - Mediterranean generously oozing - tangy, and full of flavour.</div>
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In-house made Rose Petal hot sauce - a ting of spice, and a mouthful of roses.</div>
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My hands are small, it was fairly petite.</div>
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<b>2. Glass Coke bottles </b></div>
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I don't fancy pop at all. But we "had" to get these they are apparently from Mexico...</div>
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<b>3. Morrocan Sandwich ($5)</b></div>
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<i>Harissa dressing, Couscous, shredded Lettuce, Red Onions, Tomatoes, sliced Almonds, Apricots, Parsley and Chickpeas with Steak</i></div>
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<b>4. Greek with Chicken ($5)</b></div>
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<i>Tzatziki, Cucumber, Lettuce, Red Onions, Tomatoes, Oregano, Garlic Oil and Haloumi Cheese with Chicken</i></div>
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We managed to take our first nibble of these 30 minutes after it was prepared for us. So... The pitas were of course stiff, and within an hour (or two...), they were completely cold. I just wasn't hungry! The flavours were absolutely incredible! I can only comment on the <b>Greek </b>tasting incredibly authentic; I loved the balance of the bits of Apricot and the strong <b>Harissa dressing</b> in the <b>Morrocan</b>. Very nice. The meat was very dry, but it's what I sort of expected.</div>
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Great service, fresh, awesome for take-out and nice pricing. Be prepared to wait about 10 minutes if you're doign take-out, throughout my (three? four hours?...) stay, that was the approximate time that I scouted. RCK is an awesome change up from my usual fare of eats. I will definitely be back to try out their <b>Halloumi</b>, perhaps a single <b>Pita</b> and their <b>Humus</b>.</div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-44343633482364697702015-01-26T16:14:00.002-08:002015-01-29T16:44:40.309-08:00Inspire Restaurant, Markham<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>INSPIRE RESTAURANT</b><br />
<i>144 Main Street Markham N, Unit 1</i><br />
<i>Markham, Canada</i><br />
<i>Asian Fusion - Brunch/Lunch/Dinner - Closed Mondays</i><br />
<i>$$</i><br />
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Located in <b>Unionville</b>, <b>Inspire Restaurant</b> couldn't have chosen a better location for them to truly shine! It is exactly the charm that I expected, and plenty more. I've had this spot on my mind for the longest time, but, their beautifully crafted dishes and fair pricing - it all seemed much too good to be true. All I knew was that I wanted that funky looking dessert with the eggshells and whimsical caramel swirls. Parking can be found right behind the restaurant. Seated for lunch for two with a reservation at <b>2PM on a Saturday</b>, this was the perfect time. The crowd was dwindling down and we had the option between Brunch and Lunch, the latter appealed to us. Selections made, deeply facinated by the modern interior, we were twiddling our fingers in anticipation of the quirky dishes to come.</div>
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<b><i>1. Panko Scotch Egg ($5)</i></b></div>
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<i>Pork, Gold Nori Egg & Spicy Berry Compote</i></div>
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<b><i>2. Oysters "Casino" ($4)</i></b></div>
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<i>Preserved Chinese Sausage, Mango Scotch Bonnet, Panko Crumbs & Wild Salmon Roe </i></div>
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I've actually been dreaming of trying a <b>Scotch Egg</b> since the peak of my curiosity at the age of nine in my good ol' <a href="http://www.neopets.com/userlookup.phtml?randomfriend=wonderpink">Neopets days</a> - <i>I still love you every Advent Calender event.</i> Finally, there is an <b>Asian-inspired </b>one in my presence - but this still counts! This was delicious. The egg also seemed pickled with it's rubbery texture... But, that wasn't what we fell in love with. It was the encasing of Nori, and then the crisp <b>Panko-crusted Pork </b>evenly coated around. It was savoury, and with the lining of <b>Berry Compote </b>along each bite, it sure made a surprising fork-full of beautifully balanced flavours. The <b>"Casino" Oyster </b>oozed of Asian Spices and flavouring. I could get a slight crispness from the flakes of <b>Panko </b>and juicy bites of <b>Salmon Roe</b> - the Oyster was eensy compared to all of these overwhelming flavours. Tasty, but it was on the spotlight for the wrong reasons.</div>
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<i>The ideal "Panko Scotch Egg" bite</i></div>
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<b><i>3. Far East Burger ($13)</i></b></div>
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<i>Grade Prime Beef with Grilled Pineapple & Mango Mayo - served with Frites</i></div>
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The <b>Frites </b>along this already show-stopping charm was tasty. It's also <b>available topped with Pulled Pork (+$2) </b>or <b>Duck Confit (+$4)</b>, but we already had too much going on. The <b>Far East Burger </b>was super tasty. I was just hoping that it would never end! On point with it's heavenly sweet bun, and juicy, juicy <b>Prime Beef Patty</b>, and to balance all of that out, <b>Grilled Pineapple </b>pieces and<b> Mango Mayonnaise</b>. Gosh. Nibbling throughout, there are also shreds of crispy <b>Taro Chips </b>which escalated the bites further more, A true beauty.</div>
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<b><i>4. Chicken & Waffles ($12)</i></b><i> </i></div>
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<i>With Ginger-Maple Syrup</i></div>
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We are all in luck. This mouth-watering darling is available for both lunch and dinner! The beautifully crisp <b>Chicken</b> is brined and battered in almighty goodness; it was full of flavour and had a light crunch! The <b>Waffles</b> were also perfect, sweeter than your usual, it also had an interesting lightly spiced batter. The two drops of meringues actually complimented the dish so well.</div>
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<b><i>5. De-constructed Trinity Creme ($9)</i></b></div>
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<i>Ginger Cardamom Custard, Spun Candy & Meringue Base</i></div>
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It felt like the expected torched topping of the Creme Brulee came up to play with us (but, got stuck there). This was delicious. The Creme Brulee had a lovely texture, very light in both Ginger and Cardamom spices. We only devoured the legs of the Spun Candy, the bits got stuck into our teeth real quick. This was a beautifully executed dish, incredibly fun to eat.</div>
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<i>Cracked and enjoyed</i></div>
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<i>My reconstructed De-constructed Trinity Creme</i></div>
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Using all of the bits and bobs, emptying out my egg shell, scooping out all of my creme brulee, placed onto the Meringue base, with bits of seasonal fruit, this was a life altering bite. </div>
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If this restaurant could create a new way of life, and I would follow it. Service was quick, pricing was fair. I fell in love with the perfect complexity in each dish. Absolutely incredible. I want to come back for so many more items. Inspire Restaurant is the only reason why I would ever wish to become an uptown girl.</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1870375/restaurant/Toronto/Inspire-Restaurant-Markham"><img alt="Inspire Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1870375/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-30561904316872184762015-01-25T20:32:00.002-08:002015-01-29T16:46:31.948-08:00Magic Noodle, Scarborough<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>MAGIC NOODLE</b><br />
<i>2190 McNicoll Avenue #119</i><br />
<i>Scarborough, Canada</i><br />
<i>Open 24/7 - Chinese</i><br />
<i>$</i><br />
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A <b>24/7</b> treasure in <b>Scarborough</b>. Rolling in on a chilly evening at 3AM after a late-night shift, this was exactly what I needed. Upon entry, we were blessed with swell the welcoming of no line. Subtle foreign murmurs and amusing sights of girls stumbling in throughout. A young fella is seen through a window a long the kitchen continually working his magic (see what I did there) with both hands, clutching a log of dough, pulling and thwacking it against the table. "The apprentice taking place of the absent (regular) old man", my friend went on to tell a tale.<br />
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The standard expectation of a <b>Chinese restaurant, </b>quick and simple.<b> A litre of water </b>by your side to quench your own thirst and <b>chili oil, salt & pepper and vinegar</b> for taste. Food in 15!</div>
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<b>1. Sizzling Tofu ($1.50)</b></div>
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Our tofu appetizer came first, and this was a true delight. Wow! So beautifully crispy, and seasoned in, what tasted like a fine mix of Chinese and Indian spices.</div>
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<b>2. Hand-pulled Noodles with Shrimp Wontons & Dragon Bones ($7.99)</b></div>
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The broth was a plain Jane, but, I excitingly spiced mine up with four small spoons of chili oil. Perfection! The Dragon Bones were dry and truly lacked meat, a sad shame. The Wonton Dumplings were also much smaller than you'd expect - a teaspoon-sized goodie! But, putting that aside, the main focus was the almighty grail of hand-pulled noodles! Delightful in flavour, chewy and plopped in an amazing tangled bundle into your bowl.</div>
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<b>3, Hand-pulled Noodles with Beef Haggis ($7.99)</b></div>
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Beef haggis is also a flavourful win. I believe that these would be an assorted range of meat innards. You can never go wrong with tripe and lungs!</div>
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Definitely will be back here for a quick late night feed. Cheap and satisfying! I would like to try their Green Onion Pancakes, "Special Snacks", as well as their other six skewers - they require much more of my tastings. </div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1771830/restaurant/Scarborough/Magic-Noodle-Toronto"><img alt="Magic Noodle on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1771830/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-31914945410457060852015-01-21T00:50:00.001-08:002015-01-21T01:04:56.592-08:00[LIST] George Brown Quick Feeds<div style="text-align: center;">
My sole day-to-day drive to get up for my consecutive 8AM classes are my very thoughts of what I will be having for lunch later that day. In and out of St. James Campus, and bracing the same sickening Subway sub, daily special wrap and Tim Hortons muffin day after day... I knew that there had to be more to this student life! After extensively growing my list, I have assembled a list for you, my <b>Monday to Friday </b>fellow strugglers alike.</div>
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NB: There are still many nibbles to be put into action, but I will be updating as I go along.</div>
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<i>Photo: Pita Land </i><br />
<br />There really should be a lot more student-friendly options on campus. The lack of lower prices and healthy food alternatives surprise me. On a day-to-day basis, I would like to spend a <b>maximum of $10 a day</b>. This $10 would go towards a beverage <a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2015/01/list-george-brown-coffee-spots.html">in the morning</a> to keep me pepped up ($2~), and a nibble to get my Instagram going ($7~).</div>
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This list is for the <b>quick eats</b> we're looking for inbetween our one hour breaks on a bolt, ready to hop to the next class. Each are super <b>take-out friendly</b>. </div>
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Do you actually want to dine-in and get more value (and adventure) for your money? I have you covered, over here. Or, if you're looking for more of a cafe-lounge-and-Wi-Fi-milking feel, <a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2015/01/list-george-brown-coffee-spots.html">I got you</a>.</div>
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<b>"Quick feeds"</b> subheaded into:</div>
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<i>On Campus, Familiar spots, Grab & Go</i></div>
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<b>Notes:</b><br />
- Times listed below are for the work week, Monday to Friday<br />
- Keys: ♛ = Wi-Fi friendly<br />
- Directions for quicker finds: "NE cnr" = North-east corner</div>
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<u>Lunch: On campus</u></div>
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Is walking out of the building and around the corner too much for you? If so, these few are for you lazy folks. Starting off, with eats within the school:</div>
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- <b>Subway:</b> $4+ (SJ building A, ground)</div>
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- <b>Fit for Life: </b>$4+ (SJ building A, ground)</div>
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- <b>Kings Lounge: </b>$4+ (<a href="https://d2z9qv80fklwtv.cloudfront.net/menus/141/8907141/e56710ec7314889e0fb3537d48f68717.jpg">menu</a> - SJ building A, ground)</div>
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- <b>Pizza Pizza:</b> $5+ (SJ building A, basement)</div>
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- <b>Asian Gourmet:</b> $7+ (SJ building A, basement)</div>
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<img src="http://coned.georgebrown.ca/images/campus-map-SJ.gif" height="347" width="640" /><br />
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<u>Lunch: Familiar spots</u></div>
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You already know what to expect here. This visit is to satisfy your rare cravings.</div>
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- <b>McDonalds </b>♛ (George/Front @ 121 Front Street E & Queen/Church @ 127 Church St)</div>
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- <b>Wendy’s</b> ♛ (40 King Street W, #128)</div>
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- <b>Quiznos </b>(109 Front Street E)</div>
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- <b>Quesada Burritos & Tacos</b> (menu: <a href="http://www.quesada.ca/menu">here</a> - NW Cnr. King/Church @ 92 King Street E)</div>
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- <b>Big Smoke Burger </b>♛<b> </b>(92 King Street E)</div>
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- <b>Burger King</b> ♛ (SW Cnr, George/Front @ 106 Front Street East)</div>
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- <b>South St Burger</b><b> </b>♛ (NE Cnr. Princess/King @ 260 King St E)</div>
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<u>Lunch: Grab & Go</u></div>
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Be weary of the distance of each. Food outside the bubble is worth the extra prancing.</div>
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- <b>Pita Land</b></div>
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<i>253 King Street East - King/Princess @ NW Cnr</i></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>After countless occasions, I've never, ever digged Middle Eastern food in Toronto, this is one of the many - but my garlic sauce cravings need to be satisfied!</div>
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<b>- Freshii</b></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>$5 Daily Special wrap with a beverage purchase</div>
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<b>- Amaya Express </b>♛</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>$6.99 Daily Special curry served with rice and a choice of salad</div>
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- <b>Chef on the Run</b></div>
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<i>200 Adelaide Street East - SJ building B, Level 1</i></div>
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I've always found this to be mighty peculiar. It's moderate pricing and distant attitude, especially. I'd find it pleasant if GBC was reimbursing a snippet of the efforts of the individual culinary student's tuition would be the case, but it's not. The people/students (?) that seem to be regularly dealing with the sales know nothing about the items being pushed out - greater passion (and employment opportunity) would be found in a student who has actually created the goods themselves. Just a few of my peeves. I do support this retail spot nonetheless.</div>
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Many items can be found here, but if not here - word is, the items move from upstairs to downstairs the following day; so, you can sight other options on the second floor as well.</div>
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Upon the great goods, there are small salads ($2), soups ($2), baked goods ($2~3) and entrees ($6).</div>
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The entrees are to be heated up, I've regularly found my selections to be dry. None have won my heart yet, but I do find this as a delightful spot to grab pastries, desserts and other sweets at $4~8. I once purchased four delicious blue cheese quiches for $4 and a mocha cake for $8!</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>TL;DR: Always something new! Opens at 11AM. The desserts are promising. Student-crafted meals ready to pop into the microwave for $6.</div>
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- <b> Bolet's Burrito</b></div>
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<i>134 Lower Sherbourne Street - M-W: 11AM~7PM, T-F: 11AM~8PM</i></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>NB: Spot Rabbas and hang to it's left passageway</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Many options! Well-priced at $5~8</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Word is: Everything is delicious</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Far from my favourite and far from authentic, but it does it's job at being super filling</div>
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- <b>Bob's Bulgogi</b></div>
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<i>105 Victoria Street @ Richmond/Victoria, NE Cnr - M-T: 10AM~7PM, F: 11AM~5PM</i></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Word is: the Beef Bulgogi on Rice is a delight ($6.99)!</div>
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- <b>Shawarma House</b></div>
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<i>222 The Esplanade - Princess/Esplanade, NE Cnr</i></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Word is: Falafel</div>
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- <b> Kniblets</b></div>
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<i>36 Toronto Street - Toronto/Adelaide, NW Cnr</i></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Word is: Breakfast special ($3.25) with egg, cheese and bacon. Get the pesto Mayo!</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Sandwiches $4~, Chicken wrap or jerk chicken on salad $5~</div>
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<span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> *</span><span style="color: #2a2629; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302948px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px;"> </span>Friday: $5.75 Rotis!</div>
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<b><i>Check out my other George Brown Lists:</i></b>
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<b><a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2015/01/list-george-brown-coffee-spots.html">CAFE SPOTS</a><span id="goog_134030276"></span><span id="goog_134030277"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> - AFTER-SCHOOL SPOTS - OTHER</b></div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-71370984167451936642015-01-17T00:14:00.004-08:002015-01-21T00:57:37.380-08:00[LIST] George Brown Coffee Spots<div style="text-align: center;">
Start your day right. On the road to becoming a (voluntary) caffeine-addict, <b>George Brown College </b>has plenty of <b>caffeine options</b>. There are a nice number of <b>coffee spots on campus</b>, and plenty of <b>independent cafes</b> to unwind at with a laptop a block or two down or around. </div>
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<b>"Coffee Spots"</b> subheaded into:<br />
<i>On Campus, Familiar spots, Grab & Go and Lounge & Sip</i><br />
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<b>Notes:</b><br />
- Times listed below are for the work week, Monday to Friday<br />
- Keys: ♛ = Wi-Fi friendly<br />
- Directions for quicker finds: "NE cnr" = North-east corner</div>
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You can simplify the walking distance by bracing the following on-campus and familiar spots:</div>
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<u>Cafes: On Campus</u></div>
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<b>- Tim Hortons</b> (SJ building A, basement and ground)<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">- </span><b style="text-align: center;">Kings Lounge</b><span style="text-align: center;"> (</span><a href="https://d2z9qv80fklwtv.cloudfront.net/menus/141/8907141/e56710ec7314889e0fb3537d48f68717.jpg" style="text-align: center;">menu</a><span style="text-align: center;"> - SJ building A, ground)</span></div>
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<b>- Coffee kiosk </b>(SJ building A, level 4)<br />
<b>- GBCafé</b> (SJ building B, level 2)<br />
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<u>Cafes: Familiar spots</u></div>
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<b>- Starbucks</b> (George/King, SW cnr @ 185 King Street East)</div>
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<b>- Second Cup </b>(Jarvis/King, SE cnr @163 King Street East)</div>
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<b>- Aroma Espress</b>o (Princess/King, NW cnr @ 250 King Street East)</div>
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But, since you're already going to spend the extra dollars, why not try out an independent spot? Strangely, I have never appreciated hot drinks, so I don't have a word on their roasts - but, reviews I have come across say many great things. Each have an array of sweets, and some, tasty sandwiches!<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cafes: Grab & Go: </span></u></div>
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Get ready for smiles, because there will be plenty. You're in for a speedy and made-with-love treat!</div>
<b>- Fahrenheit </b>♛<br />
<i>120 Lombard Avenue - 7AM~6PM</i><br />
* Latte art lovers<br />
* Pastries and sweets<br />
<b>- Everyday Gourmet</b><br />
<i>95 Front Street East (St. Lawrence Market)</i><br />
* $1 small coffee<br />
* Pastries and sweets<br />
<b>- The Black Canary Espresso Bar </b>♛<br />
<i>61 Sherbourne Street - 7AM~7PM</i><br />
<b>- Mystic Muffin</b><br />
<i>113 Jarvis St (Richmond/Jarvis, NE Cnr) - 6:30AM~5PM - Cash only</i><br />
* Bagel sandwiches in many variaties<br />
* Word is: Falafels and Apple Cake<br />
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<u>Cafes: Lounge & Sip</u></div>
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You better bet that there's Wi-Fi here! Search for the closest outlet and get back to studying.</div>
<b>- Cafe 260</b> ♛<br />
<i>260 Richmond Street East - 6:30AM~6PM </i><br />
* Cozy couch seating a bonus!<br />
* Both pastries, soups and sandwiches found here<br />
- <b>B Espresso Bar </b>♛<br />
<i>111 Queen Street East, Suite 201 - 7:30AM~6PM</i><br />
* Communal tables<br />
* Delicious array of sweets, wraps and paninis<br />
<b>- Tandem Coffee</b> ♛<br />
<i>368 King Street East - 7AM~6PM</i><br />
* Pastries and savoury bites<br />
<b>-</b> <b>The Rooster Coffee House </b>♛<br />
<i>343 King Street East -7AM~8PM </i><br />
* $1.50 for a small coffee, $2 tea<br />
* Pastries and sweets<br />
- <b>G for Gelato & Espresso Bar</b> ♛<br />
<i>75 Jarvis Street</i><br />
* Daily in-house made Gelatos<br />
* Wednesdays: Two for One scoop of their house-made gelato<br />
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<b><i>Check out my other George Brown Lists:</i>
<br /><a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2015/01/list-george-brown-quick-feeds.html">QUICK FEEDS</a> - AFTER-SCHOOL SPOTS - OTHER</b></div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-70515843614340698212015-01-11T21:22:00.002-08:002015-01-29T16:46:40.913-08:00The Wren, The Danforth<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE WREN</b></div>
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<i>1382 Danforth Avenue</i></div>
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<i>Toronto, Canada</i></div>
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<i>Bar - Southwestern - Saloon-style</i></div>
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Sunday brunch stop, on the <b>Danforth</b>. This was my first time making a trip down to the Danforth, but not for their glorious selections of Greek spots, but, for brunch! <b>The Wren</b> is a s<b>aloon-styled pub </b>with a <b>sublime craft beer selection </b>- a week after the creation of my New Year's Resolution list, I am still at the peak of my confidence that I do not need to drink beer a 1PM. A skim of their craft beer list etched onto a chalkboard up front, my heart still skipped a beat at the sight of <b>Nickelbrook's Immodest </b>showing up on the list, other sweet selections included a few <b>Great Lakes</b> and <b>Flying Monkeys</b>. To soothe myself into my vow for a beer-free weekend, I opted for a low-carb traditional ol' Canadian <b>Caesar</b>. </div>
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<a href="http://thewrenondanforth.wordpress.com/menu/">The Wren's menu</a> oozes of <b>Mexican and Southwestern comfort food</b>, as well as <b>daily specials for dinner</b>. This was definitely going to be a more interesting pick for our Sunday brunch. Into the habit of our lingering experience at Bar Buca, we went for a few dishes that were definitely not going to be tapas, but we went for that style of dining.</div>
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<b><i>1. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice | $4/8oz</i></b></div>
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<b><i>2. Wren Caesar | $7.08</i></b></div>
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<i>Smoky Citrus-infused Vodka (1.5 oz), Clamato, Worchestershire and house-made Haberno Hot Sauce</i></div>
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I usually get mine extra-spiced, but this was already packed with a real punch.</div>
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All at once, we had a lovely spread to dig into. </div>
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<b><i>3. The Backyard Burger ($12) </i></b></div>
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<i>1/3lb of Beef Chuck, Hanger & Brisket on a Brioche Bun and a side of Fries </i></div>
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This super simple <b>Backyard Burger </b>was a beauty, it reminded me of the good ol' Licks days living by Q-beach. With all of the regular burger fix ins of lettuce, tomato, mustard and ketchup. A real pity because we originally ordered The Wren Burger - which had a bunch of other creative and amped up ingredients in it. The <b>Fries </b>on side were super crispy and delicious. A sweet <b>Brioche Bun</b> is also always key!</div>
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<b><i>4. Pork Belly Eggs Benedict ($12) </i></b></div>
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<i>Two Poached Eggs with Hollandaise Sauce on Tea Biscuits and a side of Home Fries and Salad</i></div>
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Brunch isn't brunch without an Eggs Benny! We were dang ready for oozing poached eggs. A very simple (untraditional Asian) pull-apart, lightly marinated <b>Pork Belly</b> served on top of perfectly sized warm biscuits. A delightful mixed salad on side - the home fries were simple bland broken up fries.</div>
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<b><i>5. Jalapeño & Cheddar Polenta ($11)</i></b></div>
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<i>Cheesy Polenta topped with Salsa, a Poached Egg and Pulled Pork in Dark Mole</i></div>
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Scattered with strips of <b>Tortilla</b>, it's so salted that they definitely needed more to dip with! The <b>Cheddar Polenta</b> was so beautifully seasoned, creamy and nicely spiced with <b>Jalapeño</b>... But it did feel more as an entrée/dip than a main meal.</div>
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Overall, a satisfying feed at The Wren. This definitely didn't work as a tapas style as we were absolutely stuffed by the third dish! A swell menu of southwestern picks and great service. The have awesome price points, their dishes running from $12~$17. I totally want to come back a second time around for dinner - their daily specials in particular and a craft pint... One day.</div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-85977836697414481232015-01-10T13:55:00.000-08:002015-01-11T15:28:20.556-08:00[LIST] Top 12 Toronto Notable Dishes of 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
This one was a tough one. Settling these based on the thought:<i> If I were to die after eating a piece of any of these dishes,would I die happily?</i> And yes, yes I will! I almost feel selfish for keeping these on the down low for so long, that, two of the twelve are no longer available... I present to you 12 dishes that, without a doubt, will be the best of the sort that you've ever had. A few of these picks are of course from my <a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2015/01/top-5-toronto-restaurants-of-2014.html">Top Toronto Eats of 2014</a> list.</div>
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<b>1. <i>Fried Chicken Skin in Sea Salt & Teriyaki Sauce ($1.90)</i></b></div>
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<b>ZAKKUSHI | 193 Carlton Street, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 5:30PM~1AM - Japanese Grill</i></div>
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After the surprise of a slurp of refreshing <b>Takowasabi </b>and falling in love with the atmosphere at Zakkushi, these two skewers is what tied it all together for me. This was one of the <b>mystery Chicken skewers</b> they use to have on their menu. Both flavours were incredible. Upon bite, we both took a deep gasp in appreciation of it's beauty. We were ready, then and there, to take the rest of the dishes and 10 more to go and run into a movie theatre. The crispiness of the <b>Fried Chicken Skin </b>tastes just like Pork Crackle - just with a thinner, and bouncier bite. Imagine that.<br />
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<b>2. <i>Baked Eel Puff Pastry ($5.30)</i></b></div>
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<b>CROWN PRINCESS | <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit;">1033 Bay Street, Toronto</span></b></div>
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<i>$$ - 9AM~11PM - Dim Sum</i><br />
<a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2013/05/crown-princess-fine-dining-toronto.html"><b>Review here</b></a></div>
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If anybody has dined with me, they would know about my profound love for eel. And it here was, presented before me in all of it's glory. This is always a must-order at Crown Princess. The genius behind this menu item better have gained a damn decent royalty, because this simple looking pastry is extraordinary. Always spot on - a puffy pastry flaking apart, and a juicy, sticky-sauced eel upon bite. Ugh.<br /></div>
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<b>3. <i>Khao Soi ($14)</i></b></div>
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<b><b>PAI NORTHERN THAI KITCHEN | 18 Duncan Street, Toronto</b></b></div>
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<i>$$ - 11:30AM/5PM~10PM (Mon~Sat/Sun) - Thai</i></div>
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I honestly never knew how bad I'd fall in love. Filled with <b>Fresh Egg Noodles</b> and "<b>Chicken Drumsticks</b>", in a Golden Curry.The <b>Khao Soi</b> was wonderfully smooth and incredibly full of authentic flavours. It was insane. And that topping of <b>Crispy Egg Noodles</b>?! Mix it all in when you're ready. The only disappointment was my expectation of peeling meat off the Chicken Drumsticks - the chicken arrived <b>boneless</b>, they did all of the dirty work for me.</div>
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<b>4. <i>Beef Brisket Rice Noodles ($5)</i></b></div>
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<b>WONTON TIME | 4392 Steeles Ave East, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$ - Chinese</i></div>
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This baby is situated in the <b>Market Village </b>next to Pacific Mall. My mate that introduced this place to me did not rave at all about their headlined Wonton Noodle Soup, but, instead, for this - their <b>Beef Brisket Soup</b>. Wow. I didn't expect to be swooned. You'll need two bowls of this, but, it is rich and absolutely perfect. You can taste the love. Don't forget to order a cup of <b>Soy Milk</b>!</div>
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<b>5. <i>Kinoko Bibimbap ($8.80)</i></b></div>
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<b>GUU SAKABAR | 398 Church Street, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 11:30~2PM & 5PM~11:30PM (to 12:30AM Fri & Sat) - Japanese, Tapas</i></div>
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<b>Kinoko Bibimbap</b>. The risotto of Japan - and, folks, this is the part where we fall in love. Incredibly rich in flavour, I can't believe that there was no meat in this! This sizzling hot-stone bowl is brought beautifully assembled with it's components of <b>Rice, Mushroom, Cheeese and Seaweed Sauce</b>, and stirred up right before your eyes. One of the best you'll experience in Toronto, guaranteed.</div>
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<b>6. <i>L.A Beef Short Ribs ($14.95)</i></b></div>
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<b>KIMCHI HOUSE | 149 Dundas Street West, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - Korean</i></div>
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Simply mouth-watering. The <b>L.A Beef Short Ribs </b>are always, always perfectly cooked, holding it's juices and incredible flavours. I'm going to cheat and sneak in that their <b>Seafood Pancake ($13.50) </b>sitting by side will be a wonderful conpanion to your meal! Oh god. It has to be the best <b>Korean Savoury Pancake </b>that I've had - an ample assortment of vegetables and seafood bits.</div>
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<b>7. Daily-made Agnolotti ($11)</b></div>
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<b>CAFE BAR PASTA | 1588 Dundas Street West, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$$ - 8:30AM~11PM (Tues-Sat) - Cafe, Italian</i></div>
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Hold those expectations high! The most wonderful surprise when this arrived at our table - these adorable Agnolotti resembled my all-time favourite childhood dish, Banh Bot Lot. This had plenty of wonder. Filled with Ricotta, Artichoke and Dill, it broke apart so beautifully. Incredible.</div>
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<b>8. <i>Porchetta Stuffed Focaccia ($12) </i></b></div>
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<b>BAR BUCA | 75 Portland St, Toronto, ON</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 8AM~2AM - Italian</i><br />
<a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2014/12/bar-buca-fashion-district.html"><b>Review here</b></a></div>
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Held at one of my all-time favourite restaurants during brunch, the <b>Porchetta Stuffed Focaccia</b>. Filled with <b>Roast Tuscan Pork, Farm Eggs and Mostarda</b>, a juicy wonder. The Focaccia Sandwich was was soft and salty, you could really taste the rosemary throughout. The perfect dish to share as two pieces are enough though since it is a bit oily, you can almost feel it's drenching because of how rich and delicious it is.</div>
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<b>9.<i> Duck Confit & Potato Hash with a Fried Egg, Hollaindaise & Greens ($18)</i></b></div>
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<b>ROSE & SONS | 176 Dupont Street, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 9AM~12AM - Comfort Food</i></div>
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[No longer available] A wonderful well-seasoned <b>Duck Confit </b>on top of a salad filled with<b> Cranberries and Walnuts</b>, this was a true beauty, The Duck was extraordinary, I'm in awe that it was a regular on the brunch menu! </div>
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<b>10. <i>Spicy Crispy Beef ($13)</i></b></div>
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<b>BAZARA ASIAN CUISINE | 188 Ossington Avenue, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 11:30AM~10PM - Asian Fusion, Sushi Bar</i><br />
<a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2014/06/bazara-asian-cuisine-little.html"><b>Review here</b></a></div>
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Don't be underestimated by it's simple name and appearance. The <b>Spicy Crispy Beef</b> is one of my (no longer, top secret) favourites in the West. No spice held here, and wonderfully marinated. The pieces of beef were chewy from being deep-fried, so they were just as juicy as you'd imagine. The thick and sweet sauce generously coating it all took the whole dish home. </div>
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<b>11. <i>Chicken & Waffles ($17)</i></b></div>
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<b>INSOMNIA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE | 563 Bloor Street West, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 10AM~2AM - Breakfast & Brunch, Comfort Food</i></div>
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The slaw was delicious, it was of the much more creamier type, and the two pieces of waffles were of a sweet batter, the whole thing wonderfully drenched in <b>Maple Syrup</b>. But, hold on, that wasn't all. The <b>Fried Chicken </b>was a complete different story, in three dark meat pieces, it was very lightly coated in fine breading. I would do it over and over again.</div>
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<b>12.<i> Garlic Doughnuts ($7)</i></b></div>
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<b><b>BAR HOP | 391 King Street West, Toronto</b></b></div>
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<i>$$ - 12PM~2AM - Bar</i></div>
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Craft beers and a food menu that you will automatically fall in-love with upon first skim. I've come upon Bar Hop with craft beers as it's sole purpose, but I vow to no longer make Bar Hop as my post-dinner stop, I will let it become my entire evening. Their <b>Garlic Doughnuts</b> were paired with a beautiful <b>Bone Marrow </b>and<b> Garlic Aioli </b>- it was so, so good. Doughnuts of perfect density, and strong tinges of garlic. Beautiful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1722807/restaurant/Cabbagetown/Zakkushi-Toronto"><img alt="Zakkushi on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1722807/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1546675/restaurant/Downtown-University-of-Toronto/Crown-Princess-Toronto"><img alt="Crown Princess on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1546675/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1708249/restaurant/Downtown-University-of-Toronto/Kimchi-Korea-House-Toronto"><img alt="Kimchi Korea House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1708249/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/136505/restaurant/Toronto/Wonton-Time-Markham"><img alt="Wonton Time on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/136505/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1716370/restaurant/The-Annex/Rose-and-Sons-Toronto"><img alt="Rose and Sons on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1716370/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1730330/restaurant/Little-Italy-Portugal-Village/Bazara-Asian-Cuisine-Toronto"><img alt="Bazara Asian Cuisine on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1730330/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1809604/restaurant/King-West/Bar-Buca-Toronto">
</a><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1773904/restaurant/Bloordale-Brockton-Wallace-Emerson/Cafe-Bar-Pasta-Toronto"><img alt="Cafe Bar Pasta on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1773904/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <img alt="Bar Buca on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1809604/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1585218/restaurant/The-Annex/Guu-Sakabar-Toronto"><img alt="Guu Sakabar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1585218/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1849546/restaurant/Entertainment-District/Pai-Northern-Thai-Kitchen-Toronto"><img alt="Pai Northern Thai Kitchen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1849546/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/132473/restaurant/The-Annex/Insomnia-Toronto"><img alt="Insomnia on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/132473/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1687740/restaurant/Entertainment-District/Bar-Hop-Toronto"><img alt="Bar Hop on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1687740/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-7535217665169270702015-01-04T19:58:00.002-08:002015-01-10T14:46:59.767-08:00[LIST] Top 5 Toronto Restaurants of 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Welcome 2015! </b>The best way I thought to welcome the New Year is by doing a brief recap of my favourite "Meet and Eats" experiences of 2014. There are plenty of more dining experiences awaiting my seating in 2015, I am definitely excited for what this year will bring. This list may be biased because of the wonderful company that I had by my side, but do take my word for it, you will wholeheartedly fall in love all the same!</div>
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<b>1. ELECTRIC MUD BBQ | 5 Brock Avenue, Toronto</b><br />
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<i>$$ - 6PM~11PM - BBQ, Bar</i></div>
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With great regret, I haven't made a single visit to this place until I moved far, far away from it. Rolling up on a <b>Monday</b>, helloooo<b> $2.50 pints</b>. It definitely surprised me. I thought that it would be obnoxiously loud and cramped. The complete opposite. Get in early! Dishes like <b>Crack Rolls </b>await your nibbles! An <b>adventurous dining experience</b>, you simply want to try everything on the menu!</div>
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<b>2. BAR BUCA | 75 Portland St, Toronto, ON </b></div>
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<i>$$ - 8AM~2AM - Italian</i></div>
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Tapas are the true way to my heart. Incredibly well done<b> Crispy Pig Ears </b>and the godly <b>Foccaccia Sandwich</b> topped it all. High tables, chairs and industrial ceilings and the most knowledgeable (and forgiving) service. The menu struck me as a gastropub - it's beautifully utilizing bits and bobs of the animal many wouldn't think twice enough. I fell in love with the <b>communal dining</b> and how well executed each dish, although incredibly unfamiliar, was created (yes!!! my post, <a href="http://meetandeats.blogspot.ca/2014/12/bar-buca-fashion-district.html">here</a>).</div>
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<b>3. ZAKKUSHI | 193 Carlton Street, Toronto </b></div>
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<i>$$ - 5:30PM~1AM - Japanese Grill</i></div>
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Zakkushi was my very first introduction to "izakaya". For this very reason, Zakkushi holds a special place in my heart. I let my friend take the lead this round and I can vividly remember the very mind-blowing feeling of first diving into their <b>fresh and exquisitely flavoured dishes along with their grilled skewers</b>. The very first dish was <b>Takowasabi</b>. I've never had such a delightful combination of mild, cold and firm, all in one nibble! I fell in love cold dish after cold dish and skewer after skewer. The atmosphere is an absolute charm, it's so open, but feels so <b>cozy and private</b>. The service has never failed to please and is incredibly prompt each time as well.</div>
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<b>4. BAR VOLO | 587 Yonge Street, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$ - 12/4PM~2AM (Fri & Sat, Mon-Thur) - Bar</i></div>
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Endless, endless praise goes out to Bar Volo. Their <b>Monday $5 pints</b> are what kicks the week off just right for me. With <b>25+ rotational craft pints </b>just to your reach and D.I.Y charcuterie boards to order, your tastebuds are never left dire. <b>Dieu Du Ciel </b>is always a must when it's available. My favourite time to frequent this bar is during the warmer seasons; while everybody elsr is hitting up the bars with an ample outside patio, I'm happy to kick back here, there's much less noise, an amazing selection of music blasting, and you are still able to enjoy a beautiful summer's breeze by their front open windows.</div>
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<b>5. CAFE BAR PASTA | 1588 Dundas Street West, Toronto</b></div>
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<i>$$$ - 8:30AM~11PM (Tues-Sat) - Cafe, Italian</i></div>
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From that point on, I learnt to only pretend to enjoy my pasta dishes. Any risotto that I devour is absolutely incomparable to the housemade, heavenly goodness that I experienced at <b>Cafe Bar Pasta</b>. An interesting menu regularly switched up and sure to please. I wish them all of the success that they deserve! Incredible service and amazing food - everything was incredibly spot on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1736158/restaurant/Parkdale/Electric-Mud-BBQ-Toronto"><img alt="Electric Mud BBQ on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1736158/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1809604/restaurant/King-West/Bar-Buca-Toronto"><img alt="Bar Buca on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1809604/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1722807/restaurant/Cabbagetown/Zakkushi-Toronto"><img alt="Zakkushi on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1722807/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/130822/restaurant/Downtown-University-of-Toronto/Bar-Volo-Toronto"><img alt="Bar Volo on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/130822/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1773904/restaurant/Bloordale-Brockton-Wallace-Emerson/Cafe-Bar-Pasta-Toronto"><img alt="Cafe Bar Pasta on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1773904/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6662890457082126012.post-67733395367661864582014-12-29T20:35:00.001-08:002015-01-01T15:15:45.087-08:00Bar Buca, Fashion District<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>BAR BUCA</b></div>
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75 Portland Street</div>
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Toronto, ON</div>
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<i>Bar - Italian - Open 7AM~2AM</i></div>
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<i>$$$</i></div>
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I've fallen in love harder and harder with <b>Bar Buca</b>. Open as early as<b> 7AM</b> (8AM on the weekends), running <b>until last call, at 2AM</b>, There is only a narrow 6 hours that you could possibly miss it for. Yet to experience their dinner menu, it's my definite go to for <b>brunch (onwards from 10AM)</b> whenever I am feeling adventurous and looking for something full of flavour. Situated conveniently by a <b>Green P parking</b> and sharing a condo complex, it can be easily missed, but it will find a cozy spot in your heart as your new favourite brunch spot treat. A beautiful communal gourmet treat; you will be drowned in unfamiliar Italian words, ask for recommendations - or follow my steps. The servers boast confidently - too sure that you'll fall in love with their favourites as well, and I have, I have, with only one dish found to be a miss.<br />
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<b><i>1. Testa ($5)</i></b></div>
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<i>Crisp Pig's Head, Chili & Marcona Almond</i></div>
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<i><b>2. Sardella Calabrese ($4)</b></i></div>
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<i><i>Fermented immature Smelts, Crostino, Chili & Burrata</i></i></div>
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Nothing could stop me from making an order of a plate of <b>Testa / Pig Head</b>. It was deadly delicious, deadly because each bite oozed, extracting more and more oil. This was taken in altering, bouncing back and forth inbetween less-oily dishes. It had the perfect amount of spice, and was sliced in the perfect pieces.The <b>Bianchetti </b>was definitely a surprising one, very minimal fishy taste, top-notch bread, and such a tasty fit of burrata.</div>
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<b><i>3. Uova Strapazzate ($14)</i></b></div>
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<i>Mixed Variety of Farm Eggs, Burrata & Truffle</i></div>
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<b><i>4. Porchetta Stuffed Focaccia ($12)</i></b></div>
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<i>Roast Tuscan Pork, Farm Eggs & Mostarda</i></div>
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The <b>Uova Strapazzate</b> was a very wet scrambled egg on a skillet, absolute perfection with a lightly oiled half slice of bread each to batter and down along with it; it was a light start. Now, the <b>Porchetta Stuffed Focaccia </b>HAS to be one of the best things I've eaten this year. It was absolute perfection. The Focaccia was an absolute wonder, it was soft, salty, you could really taste the rosemary throughout. Two pieces are enough though, it is a tad oily, you almost feel it's drenching because of how rich and delicious it is.</div>
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<b><i>5. Cicchetti Bruschetta ($5)</i></b></div>
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<i>Duck Yolk, Beech Mushrooms & Truffle</i></div>
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<b><i>6. Ammazza Fegato ($14)</i></b></div>
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<i>Tuscan Offal Sausage, Farro, Cavolo Nero & Poached Farm Egg</i></div>
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The <b>Bruschetta </b>was so simple, and surprisingly good, you get a Crostini, nicely goldened and duck yolk spread upon it. The truffle flavouring paired so well, and the seasoned Beech Mushrooms, an absolute gem to down as a trio. With how beautiful it presented itself, and for my love of offals, I really did wish to enjoy the <b>Ammazza Fegato</b>, All I truly admired was being unable to witness a more beautifully poached egg (twice!), it was a true mastered art. I do dig offals, but I couldn't get into this, the whole dish just tasted like a mouth full of flowers, I just couldn't.</div>
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<i>Must eats:</i></div>
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Everything I had was a wonder, besides the Offal Sausage that is, but the only dish I would eat over and over again, and have claimed as one of the best dish items I've consumed in 2014, is the <b>Porchetta Stuffed Foccacia ($12)</b>.</div>
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The service is wonderful, the servers truly know their stuff. I'm always sure for a mouth-gasmic surprise with every visit to this place, there will be plenty more in the future - I know it. Dinner is calling my name next!</div>
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Alice Phanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11305951352905474904noreply@blogger.com