High, high hopes expecting to bite into the best Pulled Pork I've ever had. Entering Lou Dawg's with a basement-esque feel with country music blasting, this scene was already not my kind of jam. Free Wi-Fi here, so that got a few things a tad more exciting. 

1. Meat Combos - 1 Meat + 2 Sides ($11.95)

Pulled Pork w/Deep Fried Pickles & Sweet Potato Fries

This was certainly underwhelming, such small portions. I would have been much better off trying a sandwich, but, damn my no-burger/sandwich misfortune. The Pulled Pork was of such a small portion, and wasn't great at all - I expected more from the sauces, very little flavour. The Deep Fried Pickles weren't fantastic either, the thin, fine breading was an irritating combination as well.

With the right words, I will say yes to everything you say. Roll Play Cafe was a great lead-up after enjoying a bite at Happy Hooker. Squished right between The World's Biggest Book Store and Panera Bread at Edward and Yonge, there is a staircase that leads up to the bright and inviting cafe. High ceilings and bright lights makes this place a great spot to hang out (and take food pictures in great lighting).

There are bookcases lining either ends of the wall, with neatly organised, stacks upon stacks of board games. I've only honestly played the few popular board games - Monopoly, Game of Life, Scrabble, Guess Who?, Trouble, Word Up, Badoo, Pictionary, Jenga and Cluedo. I've been truly deprived. But, I think that the bigger reason is that the costs for board games in Australia were atrocious; a $30 Monopoly board game here, would be $60 over there. There was no doubt as to why I didn't play board games more often.

I have not touched a bowl of Ramen since my last incredible experience at Menya Noodle Bar during my 'Birthday week' in 2012 (Yes, that's a thing). Hitting up three Japanese joints in a single weekend was no biggie, Sushi Rio, Wagaya and Menya Noodle Bar, I got this, and each were fabulous. During my last Japanese feed, I was accompanied by my wonderful sister and ex-neighbour, who always knew the go-to places for the best of the best in Sydney. We were seated along a row of open-spaced tables, nice and cozy, rubbing shoulders with other diners in terrific (Instagram) lighting, all while admiring monochrome photographs stretched across the walls around us. An evening of catching up, the best Ramen combo I've had to date, and many smiles, these vivid memories of my carefree-self began to flow my mind on my way to Santouka Ramen.

One of the things I like about Toronto, is how much restaurants and retails stores really get into play into celebrating each holiday. Santouka was adorably decorated with little pumpkins along the shop window, and hardly-scary mini ghosts at each corner of the restaurant. But, during Christmas time it's an incredible step up. The shock of so many things going on in one shop display window at The Bay and then the feel of walking into Eatons Centre in early December and being faced with multiple gigantic twinkly reindeers plopped across the mall (here and here). I definitely thought something was wrong and felt strangely uncomfortable, but now, it's a much more pleasant feeling gazing up at these incredibly over-sized reindeers. 

On the hunt for my mate's craving of Japanese food by Ryerson, a quick Yelp search and we found Santouka Ramen, a short walk away. Hungry and seated in a corner booth by the window, a look around and to not much surprise, there were groups of students chatting and chowing away. I already had my eye on the prize. Whenever I am at a Japanese restaurant for Ramen, I will always one-up and grab the set. I love the flavours of everything together! It's exactly how eating Ramen should be. Broth, the perfect chew of noodles, pickles and rice.

Route 66 ($11.99)

A Beef Patty with Swiss Cheese, Grilled Mushrooms, Grilled Onions and Mayonnaise, with fries on side.

Look at those thick slices of crunchy pickles. The burger was tasty! I loved the cheesy and soft bites of mushroom and onion. The beef was not greasy at all, the bun was nice and soft. I didn't feel disgusting after this. I would leave out the fries (or sub it for onion rings) next time though, drenching it in ketchup didn't make it any more appealing either. 

Popping my pickles in, ready for my first bite!

The whole menu is overpriced, especially since I was only satisfied with the burger! 

I would definitely skip the fries next time.

We welcomed into the restaurant by a moody waitress who clearly, just wanted to be home and in bed. Me too ma'am. I feel ya. The place was pretty spacious, there were two other tables at 10pm.