TheTravelzine Toronto Scene

Rebozos "The Only Way To Eat Mexican Food"

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:44:37 GMT

126 Rogers Road,

west of Dufferin

Toronto, Ontario

416-658-5001

Regardless of the cultural origin, good old fashioned
traditional home cooking is always our favorite. Rebozos is
the Mexican answer. It's as informal as it gets with red
and white checkered plastic table cloths and utensils to
match. The homey setting is complete with a wide screen TV.

This is south of the border (US) soul food that we adored.
Pozole is a rich soup with a base of hominy corn simmered
with pork, chilies, garlic and Mexican oregano. It's served
with lettuce, extra oregano and lemon to be added as
desired.

Carnitas, pork simmered for a long time, then braised in the
oven, is served with warm tortillas, two salsas (secret
recipes), chopped cebolla (onions) and cilantro. Pile the
carnitas on the soft tortillas, garnish, and enjoy. Sold by
the kilo, we ordered a quarter of a kilo, just enough for
the included six tortillas.

We also had a crispy vegetarian tortilla topped with beans,
lettuce and sour cream and a quesadilla filled with Mexican
chorizo (sausage). All the makings were fresh and tasty.

Tere Medina and Indalecio Marroquin, from Mexico City, have
been at it for a few years now. Personable Izza Mojica, from
Monterrey, provided friendly, attentive service. Our regret
is that it has taken us so long to find Rebozos.

Dos Amigos - Authentic Mexican Food

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 23:00:35 GMT

Dos Amigos Restaurant

http://www.dos-amigos.ca/
1201 Bathurst Street

Toronto, ON

Tel: 416-534-2528

Fax: 416-535-6096

Dinner 5-9:30 pm

Sunday Brunch 11:30-5:00 pm

Closed Mondays

We long ago gave up any hope of finding authentic Mexican
cooking with a bit of creative flair in Toronto. That is
why we never considered Dos Amigos in spite of the fact we
constantly walk or drive by its Bathurst St. location.
Saturday we were walking south on Bathurst street to another
restaurant and took the big step of stopping to look at the
menu, very inviting. We are flexible, a fast change of
plans.

Once inside the ochre walls, Mexican artifacts, photos,
plants and bright smiling staff brought the menu to life, a
slice of Mexico right here on Bathurst Street. We were
welcomed by the floor manager, the vivacious Lizbeth, who
was born to the job. In the course of the evening we met
the "Dos Amigos" (two friends) Enrique of the cucina and
Mauricio who rules the front. Two fun loving fellows who
bring their spirit to the staff and clientle.

The wide cozy bar and stools toward the rear are a cheerful
spot to share a drink and appetizer while waiting to be
seated. The menu ranges from classic to updated fare based
on the best of fresh market availability. Everything offered
is made in house including the crunchiest, tastiest tortilla
chips that were served with sublime guacamole (crushed
avocado with chunks of onion and tomato, topped with queso
fresco) that was a marriage of velvety smooth and chunky
texture bursting with subtle fresh flavor.

Pozole is a chicken and hominiy (a type of corn) soup topped
with lettuce and laced with chopped onion, oregano and hot
pepper. Extras of these 3 garnishes are served on the side
and added to taste. This soup and the guacamole made us
believers.

Linda had the salad of the day, Ensalada de Manzana (apples,
baby spinach, tomato, carrots, avocado and peanuts with a
tamarind dressing) which she adored. I made the superb
choice of Carne Asada (grilled sirloin accommpanied with a
stuffed chicken mole enchilada, cheese quesadilla, black
beans, rice and guacamole). The quality steak was grilled
my way, perfectly medium rare, the accompaniments
exceptional. We finished with a delectable chocolate flan,
pecan cake topped with a layer of chocolate cream caramel
lightly covered with a spread of cajeta. We're regulars!

Of special note is the degree of cleanliness that is
maintained which carries down the attractive staircase to
the spotless mexicana washrooms.

Dos Amigos is a place for all Amigos to meet, have fun and
enjoy fine Mexican cuisine and drink.

There is complimentary parking at the end of the laneway
that runs along the south side the restaurant.

Mt. Everest Restaurant

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:20:56 GMT

Mt. Everest Restaurant

469 Bloor Street West

Toronto

Tel: 416-964-8849

Lunch Buffet:

Mon-Fri: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Sat-Sun: 12 noon - 3:00 pm

Dinner (a-la-carte):
Sun-Thur: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri and Sat: 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm

When we heard that out-of-town members of TheTravelzine
travel discussion group would be visiting Toronto, we planned
a get-together to coincide with their visit. When one of our
group moderators suggested Mt. Everest Restaurant as the
venue, we decided to "audition" the restaurant on our own.

The fragrant aromas of spices and herbs that greeted us at
the entrance made a favorable impression. The muted
lighting, simple decor and welcoming staff made us feel
right at home - it's that kind of place.

As soon as we were comfortably seated our waiter brought a
complimentary basket of papadam, crispy lentil crackers
toasted in the tandoori oven, accompanied by three dips.

The menu is quite extensive with offerings of traditional
Indian and Nepalese recipes. We chose the Nepali village
style Khasi Ko Masu (goat meat stewed with local spices and
herbs), bhindi masala (fresh okra sauteed with onions,
tomatoes and north Indian spices) and, of course, naan
(flatbread). You can specify the desired degree of heat;
mild, medium or spicy - we choose the latter.

Delighted with the quality, preparation, presentation and
service, we worked with Dibesh Regmi, one of the owners, to
plan the menu for the gathering of "Ziners".

On the get-together evening, we couldn't help but notice the
appropriateness of the family-style presentation of the
delicious food. Although we were a large group, the staff
anticipated all our needs to ensure that we were able to
enjoy the get-together as guests, rather than organizers.

We chatted about our travel experiences over plates of
assorted chef special appetizers (vegetable fritters,
tandoori seekh kabab, boti kebab, samosa), palungo Ko Saag
(Nepalese spinach), Jhaneko dal (Nepalese lentils), chicken
tikka masala, and lamb curry, served with white rice and
spectacular assorted breads.

Mt. Everest was a great choice for our event and we highly
recommend you choose this venue when you're planning your
party. Our get-together was a smashing success thanks to
our great members, their stimulating conversation, the
excellent food and caring service; it was a perfect evening.

Olivias at Fifty Three

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:31:18 GMT

Olivias at Fifty Three

53 Clinton, just north of College St.

Toronto

Telephone: 416-533-3989

Dinner from 5:30pm: Tuesday-Sunday

Brunch from 10:30am: Sundays

Closed Mondays

We have been purchasing our wine at Portofino, 305 Milvan
Drive, in Toronto, Tel. 416-740-4411, for years. The
charming owner, Alejandro de Miguel had told us that his
daughter, Alejandra, along with Julian Pinser, had purchased
Olivia's at Fifty Three restaurant at 53 Clinton St., Tel.
416-533-3989. We decided if Olivia's prepares food as well
as Portofino makes wine, it would make sense to find our way
there.

We were in the neighborhood this past Saturday and stopped
in to have coffee and do a little research. It was a
glorious day and the patio of the lovely small Victorian
home was bathed in sunlight. As we walked up the few steps
to the shaded porch we were warmly greeted by the gorgeous
and vivacious Alejandra. She happily took us on a tour. The
main dining room is small and designed for pure comfort and
relaxation. The co-owners are big jazz fans so there are
regularly scheduled performances at the front of the room.
The cucina is just behind the dining room and beyond is the
rear porch and patio retreat (cherry tree and all), a
perfect spot to linger over a glass of wine or enjoy a fine
meal. An added bonus is that you pass through the cucina on
the way and have the good fortune to watch chef Keith
Kowalzski and his team making their magic.

With the family wine making history, it was not surprising
to find Toronto's first microwinery in the wine cellar. Here
they produce their own vintages that can only be consumed on
the premises. The room is surrounded by wine racks, oak
kegs and steel vats for fermenting. A table in the center
can accommodate up to 12 people for tastings or special
parties.

Alejandra invited us to come the next afternoon for the
"grape crushing" event they were hosting. It was a blast.
The exclusive wines and jazz got everyone in a party mood.
Chef Keith produced amazing goodies, such as; quesadillas
with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, meat empanades,
boneless short ribs, large grilled cajun shrimp, scallop
ceviche, ricotta and chocolate chili tarts, and smoked
trout, goat cheese and pesto tortillas.

Now it was show time - the crushing of grapes. Two wooden
barrels were filled with purple beauties. Enthusiastic
volunteers stripped off their shoes, rolled up their
trousers, lifted their skirts, jumped into the barrels and
stomped away to the beat of the music.

Now we know that Olivia's is stylish, laid back, and fun.
The wine is divine, the jazz cool and chef Keith has talent.
His current dinner menu is inticing and when we've had a
chance to sample it, we will keep you informed.

La Paloma

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:42:24 GMT

La Paloma

1357 St. Clair Ave. W, at Landsdowne

Toronto, ON

Telephone: 416-656-9900
Fax: 416-656-8602

Hours:
Winter - Mon.-Thur. 7:30am-11:00pm
Fri.& Sat. 7:30am-12:00am
Sundays 7:30am-11:00pm

Summer: Every Day 7:00am-11:00pm

We have traveled through Italy for at least 30 years and
enjoyed gelato throughout the country. At home in Toronto,
we feed our gelato addiction at La Paloma on Corso Italia.
http://www.lapaloma.ca

Sal Giannone has been lovingly cultivating his craft for 30
years and, with his son Mel, produces gelato from flavor
bases imported from Italy enhanced by premium natural
ingredients. Sal has developed recipes that make his
creations rich in flavor and a pasteurization process that
adds a unique smoothness and creaminess to the texture.

Linda loves Mandorlinda, luscious chocolate with toasted
almonds, named after her because she suggested the
combination to Sal some years ago. It's a best-seller now.
I normally enjoy Pistacchio Siciliano and Bacio but when I'm
in the mood for fruit flavors, as today, a cone topped with
fragiola (strawberry), frutti di bosco (wild berries) and
limone - is amazing! The fragiola and frutti di bosco
contained luscious preserved strawberries and wild berries
and Sal pointed out that the limone tastes like lemon
because he uses freshly squeezed lemon juice, not
concentrate. This reminded me of the "old days" when Sal
had one machine at the front of the shop and we used to see
him peeling bananas, feeding them in at the top and scooping
the smooth, pureed product from the bottom. Nothing has
changed, it has just gotten better.

During the summer season you will find about 70 flavors from
which to choose, slightly reduced to about 60 during the
winter. One should indulge year round. when you can choose
from the likes of; moncherie (chocolate cherry), bacio
truffle (hazelnut and chocolate), caffe, cannolo siciliano,
cassata, mandorla tostata (toasted almond), stracciatella
(chocolate chip), fiesta (chocolate orange), tiramisu,
mango, watermelon, and the list of pleasures goes on and on.

La Paloma is a welcoming place from early morning until late
in the evening. It's a bright and cheerful authentic
gelateria and caffe. The espresso and cappucino are reason
enough to go, the real thing. Enjoy it with pastry or
panini and of course finish with gelato.

For those who may not know, gelato is not ice cream. Gelato
is lower in fat, La Paloma's contains only 3% to 5%. Fruit
flavors have almost no fat (.25%). Gelato is less firmly
frozen, softer than ice cream (gelato stored at +8F, ice
cream at -10F). Gelato uses lower amounts of sugar than ice
cream, is easier to digest. For those who haven't already,
it's time to switch.

Foxley Bistro

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 23:35:52 GMT

Foxley Bistro

207 Ossington

Toronto

Tel: 416-534-8520

Mondays-Saturdays:

Dinner only: 6pm-11pm

The junction of Dundas St. W and Ossington Ave. is a bastion
of the Portuguese community, a neighborhood rich in the
cultural growth of Toronto. As in most of the original
downtown neighborhoods change is happening. A younger and
diverse population is renovating, remodeling and replacing
existing residences. A restaurant such as Foxley at 207
Ossington, just south of Dundas, would have been unthinkable
in the past. Today it is a welcome new entry.

The name comes from an adjacent street and its unpretentious
storefront and interior have the charm and comfort of a
traditional "neighborhood restaurant". However, the menu is
not one you would associate with an eatery of that ilk. The
daily list of market fresh ingredients prepared by Tom Thai
exemplfy his roots in creating dishes influenced by the
cuisine of Asia, Latin and South America. This is the new
"neighborhood restaurant", just as welcoming, cozy, and
warm.

This evening's list had about 26 offerings, each of which
sounded irresistible. If you have trouble deciding the
helpful staff can offer knowledgeable guidance. The idea is
to choose a number of dishes and share. This was our second
visit so we knew the portions were fairly substantial for
this type of dining and that four selections would be
sufficient (just the two of us celebrating 45 years of
marriage). Linda was looking forward to a repeat of the
grilled meaty side ribs with caramelized shallot glaze.
Fortunately they were still being offered and she was in
ecstasy again, as was I. There were two types of fresh
spring rolls. Last time we had the rice paper wrapped
version with grilled spice rubbed skirt steak and rice
vermicelli, tonight we opted for the one filled with grilled
portobello mushroom, chipotle, vine leaf and herb salad.
Both are rich in tantalyzing flavor and texture. These two
delights were quickly followed by the grilled rib eye steak
with chimichurri and baby arugula and a grilled japanese pike
mackerel with yuzu-ponzu sauce. Beef rib steak is the most
flavorful (love that fat) and when topped with Tom's
rendition of chimichurri sauce it is over the top. I do love
mackerel, this type was a first. It is long and slender and
when grilled properly, as this was, the flesh is moist and
tender. If you like mackerel this version married with the
delicate yuzu-ponzu sauce is a wise choice.

The atmosphere inspires leisurely use of the offered
chopsticks and time for quiet conversation. In our case the
opportunity to relive 45 years of our enduring partnership.

Foxley is open only for dinner Monday - Saturday, 6pm -
11pm. No reservations. The prices are quite reasonable for
this style of dining. If there's a wait, it's worth it.

Chinese Lantern Festival 2007

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:59:36 GMT

The 2007 Rogers Chinese Lantern Festival at Ontario Place
is the largest event of its type ever produced and Toronto,
which is the only place in the world that it is staged.

We started at the entertainment stage where the beating of
drums introduced the first act featuring a masterful
performance by Chinese acrobats - truly amazing. There will
be many acts from China and Canada performing over the
course of the festival.

Just behind the stage is the brand new Marketplace where we
found cuisine and food demonstrations from the four regions
of China represented at the festival.

The nearby Craft Market offers lessons in paper cutting,
palm leaf weaving, candy making and many other Chinese art
forms, many of which are available for sale.

Forty new Chinese Lantern are on display during the 2007
festival. While they are stunning during the day and early
evening, they are amazing after dark. Come early, stay
late, you will have memorable evening.

The festival is on from July 19 to October 7, 2007.

Dates and hours:
- July 19 to September 3 - Every Day: 7:00pm to 11:00pm
- September-October 4,5 - Thurs & Fri: 6:00pm to 10:00pm
- September and October 6,7 - Sat & Sun: 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:20:21 GMT

Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill,
100 Adelaide Street East,
Lunch: Monday-Friday Noon-3:00
Supper: Monday-Saturday 5:00-10:00ish
Oyster Bar: All Day (Noon-11:00ish)

During "Summerlicious" in Toronto, participating restaurants
offer special 3 course menus for $15.00-$20.00 at lunch and
$25.00-$35.00 at dinner.

A friend recommended that we try Starfish Oyster Bed &
Grill, owned by Patrick McMurray, a World Champion Shucker
and world class authority on oysters (has even written a
book on the subject).

"Cape Cod ambiance" with photos of plump succulent oysters
greeted us as we entered the warm, welcoming rooms. The
oyster bar sets the mood which carries over to the glossy
wood tables, with comfy banquettes lining the walls.

No compromising here, Starfish has committed itself to
serving only the Summerlicious menus during the event. All
the 3 course meals consist of selections from the regular
menus. The goal here, as it should be, is to introduce
Starfish to potentially new customers and to reward old ones
for their loyalty.

To start, Linda chose the tomato gazpacho with poached
matane shrimp, diced vegetables and creme fraiche -
"ecstasy". I labored between the Shucker Paddy shellfish
plate (4 oysters and two scallops) or grilled whole Atlantic
sardines with black olive tapenade and preserved lemon.
Luckily I am a sardine devotee and did not miss out on these
beautifully prepared beauties.

Fish and chips is to Linda what sardines are to me, so her
main course choice was easy. But this was not your ordinary
wrap in newsprint to soak up the grease variety, this was
heavenly. Fresh halibut crusted in panko and horseradish
and baked crisp outside while maintaining the moist
freshness of the fish. Three large pieces were served with
nappa cabbage slaw, house made potato chips and an oyster
stout aioli. Hers came a few second before mine which
caused me to have an instant jealousy attack. Not to fear,
a thick seared filet of Nova Scotia char with roasted beets
and wild rice served with a carrot and orange beurre blanc
put me at ease.

Oh yes, we were in the mood for beer but were not familiar
with any of the draft beers on the list. After checking our
taste preferences our waiter suggested "Sergeant Major"
which is light brown in color and awesome in flavor. Draft
beer is $2.95 for 10 ounces and $5.65 for 20 ounces, very
reasonable.

The two desserts were a superb finish to a marvelous meal.
Chocolate brownie with chantilly cream and rhubarb jam for
the lady and a lemon square with Ontario strawberry salad
for me.

Starfish is a must for seafood lovers and we understand the
meat preparations are equally exciting. This is a kitchen
that cares - imagination, freshness, thoughtful preparation
and presentation.

Churrasqueira Aveirense

Fri, 11 May 2007 18:14:05 GMT

Bloor Village Grill House

1184/86 Bloor Street West

Toronto

Phone: 416-538-3197

Hours: 11:00 am-11:00 pm daily

We are so lucky to live in city of such cultural diversity
that at any given time we can dine in any country of our
choosing. Tonight we were joined by friends who like us are
seasoned Portugal travelers and have come to love the
cuisine. Fortunately we have a substantial Portuguese
community in Toronto which has resulted in a plethora of
restaurants and churrasqueiras from which to choose.

The Bloor Village Grill, Churrasqueira Aveirense (the owner
is from Aviero) is as authentic a Portuguese dining
experience as you can find on this side of the Atlantic.

The large space is comfortably designed reflecting its
country of origin including large TVs for football
coverage. The staff are welcoming and helpful. The
patrons are mostly Portuguese so it's a good place to learn
the language. It's a slice of Portuguese life.

There is a basic menu of typical appetizer, meat, fish and
seafood offerings. We like to choose from the long list of
daily specials. Oh my, chanfana de cabrito (goat stew),
chunks of tender goat stewed gently with herbs, garlic and a
bit of wine and served with boiled potatoes, broccoli and
carrots - the choice for two of us. Leitao a bairrada
(roast suckling pig), is a house specialty and is served
with french fries, rice, mixed salad - an order for one
please. And finally a slice of grilled grouper, sliced
fried potatoes and mixed salad for one.

Our waiter suggested a red wine from Alentejo (a region well
known for excellent reds) that was ruby red, well
balanced, with a lovely berry flavor and went very well with
our varied dishes.

Quality home cooking, ample portions, and very reasonable
prices (including the wine) equals outstanding value!

Castle Dragon Restaurant

Tue, 08 May 2007 01:02:42 GMT

308 Dupont Street, W. of Spadina
Phone: 416-968-9366
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am-9 pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays

Spring finally arrived so away we went to cruise the
neighborhood looking for a new spot for lunch. We headed
south past Casa Loma down Spadina Ave. to Dupont St. where
we turned west. We could have turned left or gone straight
ahead but something told us to go right and to stay on the
north side of the street. At #308 we saw a big sign, Castle
Dragon Restaurant, Chinese and Canadian food. Ordinarily we
are turned off when a restaurant offers food of two such
diverse cultures, but the same impulse that caused us to
turn right had us walking up the stairs for a closer look.

We peeked in to find a spotlessly clean room filled with
folks enjoying bowls of noodle soups and plates of appealing
Chinese food. The soft classical music in the background
was the clincher. Husband Jack (cook) and wife Jeannette
(front) have operated along this strip for 25 years! They
have been in this particular location for 2½ years. Thank
goodness we finally opened our eyes to discover this gem.

If you're driving there's lots of on-street parking and if
you prefer the Dupont TTC Metro stop is 2 minutes away.

The Chinese menu offers a diversified selection of
traditional dishes plus a few Cantonese and Szechuan
specialties as well as a balanced list of Buddha's
Vegetarian foods.

We opted for a small hot and sour soup (3.95) and shrimp
with lobster sauce on rice (6.70). Beware, the portions are
large and the preparations are exquisite so come with a
hearty appetite.

The hot and sour soup had a luscious broth with the perfect
amount of "heat" and "sour" flavor. It was loaded with
vegetables, pieces of barbecued pork and drizzled with egg
whites. There was enough for two good size bowls each.

The presentation of the shrimp with lobster sauce on rice
was a show-stopper. The large plate was piled high with
rice topped with a rich black bean sauce that was heavenly
in texture and taste and laced with medium size shrimp that
were crunchy and delicious. The diced green onion sprinkled
on top provided color and an added dimension to the overall
flavor.

The really good news is that the bowls and plates were not
filled with unsavory oil slicks and all the ingredients were
top notch quality. Jack works alone in the kitchen, it's
like dining in his home. Everything is made to order so if
it's busy, be patient, it's worth the short wait. A peek
in the kitchen showed us that it was as clean as the dining
room (as were the downstairs washrooms).

Castle Dragon is treasure.

Chinese Lantern Festival 2006

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 22:35:21 GMT

We love summer in Toronto - street festivals, markets, jazz
concerts and the list goes on. Tonight we experienced the
highlight of this or any other summer - Rogers Chinese
Lantern Festival at Ontario Place,
http://www.chineselanternfestival.ca

The night of the Lantern Festival is an ancient Chinese
Tradition. Cities and villages are filled with brightly-
illuminated, magnificently-crafted and decorated lanterns
that are hung from temples and carried by children
scampering through the streets. The tradition has been
enhanced by the appearance of gloriously designed floats and
dazzling light shows. The lanterns were historically made of
paper and illuminated by candles. In recent years electric
versions have become more popular. The latter have been
brought to our city and our lakefront to enrich our lives.

Each lantern is a unique and intricate work of art created
by master artisans who have handed down their artistry for
generations. The designs fall into two catagories, iconic
or scenic. The iconic are in the shape of butterflies,
dragons, birds and other creatures. (You've got to love
"Pandas' Paradise".) The scenic depict scenes from popular
stories and legends and are educational in reinforcing
Chinese values in an entertaining way. (You'll want to move
into the "Heavenly Temple Ming Dynasty".)

During the Lantern Festival, the colorful streets of China
become a backdrop for dances, parades and other festivities,
just as we experienced. We arrived a little after 7:00pm,
hungry as usual, and headed directly to the food and market
area of the festival to enjoy fried rice, dumplings and
spring rolls. At 8:00pm we were treated to a delightful
show featuring dragon dancing and performances by
beautifully-costumed all girl troupes demonstrating the
intricate and graceful dance routines of their regions.

At dusk the illumination of the lanterns dominated the
skyline. As we walked along the Subaru Walking Path our
spirits soared as the failing light intensified the
exquisite colorful lighting displays. As darkness crept in,
the sounds of the splashing waves and water jets combined
with the soft rhythm of Chinese music to create a feeling of
sheer ecstasy.

You must see it to believe it! The setting along the
waterfront, the tantalizing design and color, the meticulous
workmanship, the reality - truly amazing. Run, do not walk!

Nightly, July 20 - September 4, 2006 7pm to 11pm
Thursday, September 7, - October 1, 2006 6pm to 10pm
Tickets available at the gates from 6:30pm. Gates open at 7pm
Subaru Walking Path opens a 8pm. Lanterns on at dusk.

Rashnaa Restaurant

Wed, 10 May 2006 02:00:04 GMT

Rashnaa Restaurant

307 Wellesley Street East at Parliament

Phone: 416-929-2099

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11:30AM - 11:30PM

Friday & Saturday 11:30AM - 12:00AM

Rashnaa, which means "tasty" in Sanskrit, offers the South
Indian and Sri Lankan cooking of the Indian subcontinent.
Neither flour nor meat stock is used in the preparation of
the entrees; Ghee (clarified butter) is used when required.

Folks, you're in for a treat! This modest-looking place
produces some of the most exquisite Tamil specialties you'll
ever eat - and it's a win/win when you factor in the cost.

We started with the ever-popular Masala Thosai, a delicious,
tender crepe filled with beautifully seasoned potatoes,
which is served with coconut chutney and sambar (lentil and
mixed vegetable sauce).

Vegetable Briyani, exotic, spicy aromatic rice with ginger,
raisins, cashews and fresh herbs with sides of egg plant and
dhall and raita was best ever.

Vegetable Kottu Rotty, a heaping platter of chopped naan
sauteed with onions & green peppers - a brilliant rendition!

Three of us ate and ate and ate some more - and still
couldn't finish all we were served.

We might be the last to discover this bit of heaven!
Reviews and Awards from Ocean Drive Magazine, Toronto Life
Patrons Pick 300, XTRA-Best Indian Restaurant, Zagat Award.

Thai Shan Inn Restaurant

Sat, 01 Oct 2005 02:00:13 GMT

Thai Shan Inn Restaurant

2039 Eglinton Ave., West

Toronto, ON

Tel: 416-784-1491

Hours:

Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (except Tues)
Dinner 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm (every day)

Turn a blind eye to the decor and enjoy the astounding cuisine at this

authentic Thai eatery, where the food takes center stage. Probably
the best green mango salad that you'll find anywhere and pud thai that's
perfect, sliced chicken breast and shrimps throughout the lightly-sauced,

piquant noodles. An order of ginger shrimps is an excellent choice too.

Helpful, friendly servers juggle orders from the tables and take-outs as
well. This is top-notch food at down-to-earth cost in an off-beat location.

Worth the trip.

Le Paradis

Fri, 23 Sep 2005 04:17:33 GMT

Le Paradis

166 Bedford Road

Toronto, ON

Tel: 416-921-0995

Hours:

Lunch:

Tues-Fri: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Dinner:

Sun/Mon: 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Tues-Fri: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Saturday: 5:30 pm - 11:00 pm

Long time favorite French Bistro offers genuine fare at fair prices. Delicious
food from the open kitchen packs the house night after night. Professional,

knowledgeable staff are veterans of this Toronto institution.

Moules a la Mariniere; Arugula, Belgian endive, blue cheese, roasted walnut, apple salad;

Supreme de Voilaille a l'Estragon, Filet de Porc, sauce Robert; Jarret d'Agneau a la Flamande;

Foie de Veau a l'Ancienne; Frozen mousse au chocolate, Creme caramel - a feast for four!

Djerba La Douce

Wed, 21 Sep 2005 02:47:50 GMT

Djerba La Douce

1475 Danforth Avenue East

Toronto, ON M4J-1N5

Tel: 416-778-7870

Hours:

Tues - Fri: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Sat & Sun: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Cash only.

This simple spot offers North African/Mediterranean inspired treats

at delightful prices. Food is cooked to order by chef-owner Adul

Elmasari Abderrazak, and the friendly waiter reminds you to dunk
your bread into the sauce so it won't go to waste, just like home.

Lamb couscous is a standout and lamb chops in mint sauce, a special

the night we were there, was served with a choice of delicious veggies
or pasta. We'll repeat the main courses next time and try the crepes!

Café Nervosa in Yorkville

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 04:43:40 GMT

Café Nervosa
75 Yorkville Av.
Toronto, ON
416-961-4642

Summers Hours:
Sunday-Saturday
11:30 am - 11:00 pm

Winter Hours:
Sunday-Saturday
11:30 am - 10:00 pm

Friday and Saturday
11:30 am - 11:00 pm

Café Nervosa is a perfect fit, whether you want to drop-by for a
light bite or spend the evening tête-à-tête with your s/o. Great
Martini list and wine selection to compliment the fantastic menu.

Demetrio or Ricardo will greet and seat you and from then on one
of the friendly, professional waiters (Reagen) will ensure that
your visit meets your expectations in every way.

We couldn't have picked a better place for our anniversary
celebration! Sharing each course, we were able to sample a
wonderful variety without over-indulging: bocconcini salad, pizza
Margherita, daily special pasta (fresh tuna, scallops, jumbo
shrimps and smoked salmon), lemon sorbet & tart and biscotti.

The place is heavenly but the prices are down-to-earth! The
secret is out so make reservations - you won't be disappointed.

O Buzio Restaurant

Mon, 05 Sep 2005 03:28:54 GMT

O Buzio Restaurant
836 College Street
Toronto, ON

416-533-7272

Tuesdays through Sundays 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Authentic Portuguese cuisine, fresh fish, seafood and steak.

Good, reasonably-priced, home cooking. Portuguese wines.

Carman's Dining Club

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 04:23:45 GMT

Carman's Dining Club

26 Alexander Street

2 blocks N. of College,

E. of Yonge Street

Toronto

416-924-8558

416-924-8697

Dinner only. Phone for reservations! Major cards accepted.

For GREAT steaks, first, last and always, it's Carman's. But steak is not

Carman's only achievement. Each and every menu item is top quality,

skillfully-prepared and professionally-served in the clubby, eclectic

atmosphere that knowledgeable locals and returning visitors expect.

The shrimp cocktails at Carman's are incomparable! Four enormous,

crunchy beauties are enhanced by pungent cocktail sauce. The crisp-

tender charcoal BBQ back ribs are available as an appetizer or main.

You can order the Club or Greek salads; both are fresh and delicious.

Fantastic tiropites, garlic bread, tzatziki, cottage cheese, pickles, olives,
marinated hot peppers, baked potato or rice pilaf, dessert and coffee
are included in the price of each entree.

Carman's delivers excellent value without compromising quality. No
wonder the walls are lined with pictures of celebrities who have
dined at Carman's during his 46 years in the same Toronto location.

Highly recommended.

Sky Ranch Restaurant

Sat, 13 Aug 2005 01:27:45 GMT

Sky Ranch Restaurant

Argentinian Cuisine and Steak House

2473 Dufferin Street

Toronto, ON

Tel: 416-787-0491

Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm

Fri and Sat: 7:00 am - 2:00 am

Closed summer Sundays only

Live Band and Dance Floor

Saturday nights only in summer

Friday and Saturday nights in winter

Reservations recommended

We enjoyed Empanadas de Carne (Argentinian Meat Pies) while we awaited

the main event: wonderful Churrasco Argentino (grilled Argentinian steak)

with a side of fresh, hot mashed potatoes, and Paella (Spanish seafood rice

with chicken), which we shared. Folks at the next table were ecstatic about

their Parrillada (mixed grill of beef ribs, brisket, chicken, sausage, blood

sausage and sweetbreads), which sizzled on the tabletop grill as they indulged.

Our helpful, friendly waitress served us well - with a beautiful, sunny smile.

Tempo Restaurant

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 03:48:35 GMT

Tempo Restaurant

596 College Street
Toronto, ON

416-531-2822

Hours:

Mon-Thur: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Fri & Sat: 6:00 pm - midnight

Sundays: 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Asian fusion cuisine casually served by low-key wait staff. Food
is freshly prepared, deliciously spiced and portions are ample.

Photo Album: Cafe Nervosa in Yorkville

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 03:43:02 GMT

Cafe Nervosa in Yorkville

Cafe_Nervosa11

Cafe_Nervosa12

Cafe_Nervosa13

Cafe_Nervosa14

Cafe_Nervosa15

Cafe_Nervosa16

Cafe_Nervosa17

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More Photos...

Photo Album: Olivias at Fifty Three, Toronto

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:48:54 GMT

Olivias at Fifty Three, Toronto

Alejandra

Wine Grapes

Alejandra & Alejandro

Jazz warmup

Your turn in the barrel

Keith - Great Chef

Stuffed Potatoes

Top Flight Jazz

Alejandra struts her stuff

Start 'em young

More Photos...

TheTravelzine Toronto Scene

Rebozos "The Only Way To Eat Mexican Food"

Dos Amigos - Authentic Mexican Food

Mt. Everest Restaurant

Olivias at Fifty Three

La Paloma

Foxley Bistro

Chinese Lantern Festival 2007

Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill

Churrasqueira Aveirense

Castle Dragon Restaurant

308 Dupont Street, W. of SpadinaPhone: 416-968-9366Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am-9 pmClosed Saturdays & Sundays

Chinese Lantern Festival 2006

Rashnaa Restaurant

Thai Shan Inn Restaurant

Le Paradis

Djerba La Douce

Café Nervosa in Yorkville

O Buzio Restaurant

Carman's Dining Club

Sky Ranch Restaurant

Tempo Restaurant

Photo Album: Cafe Nervosa in Yorkville

Photo Album: Olivias at Fifty Three, Toronto

308 Dupont Street, W. of Spadina
Phone: 416-968-9366
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am-9 pm
Closed Saturdays & Sundays