The Food Map

Whenever I'm in a random corner of the city, hanging out with friends or family informally, the inevitable occurs. Someone's stomach grumbles, and slowly heads turn my way. As a self-proclaimed Lover of All Things Edible, people just automatically assume I know where we should all go eat. Food is so personal; what floats my boat just might rock yours the wrong way!

So, this is something I've been tossing around in my head for a long time. A food map marking places I want to check out, as well as places where I've had great experiences. So I can just whip it out and say, well, we're here, so let's go... here!

Let's see if it makes my life easier. We all know technology is fraught with pitfalls, but aside from that, everyone's got an opinion ;) 

Pretty Hot and Tempting

wanna check out these phatty joints asap:

1. Yasu (no lunch)
2. Splendido (no lunch, only weekend brunch)
3. Edulis (only Sunday lunch) - mom n pop French
4. Patria (no lunch)
5. Campagnolo (no lunch)
6. Bar Buca (lunch)
7. F'amelia (no lunch)

Pretty Italian-focussed, no?

One of these days I'm going to create a Google map overlay with these want-to-try and the tried-tested-true restos I listed in a previous post.

Confessions of a Closet Hippie

Probiotics

Recommendations

• Consume fermented foods and beverages like sauerkraut, kim chi, beet kvaas, kefir (water and dairy), yogurt, cortido, etc. on a daily basis.
• Consume prebiotic foods that selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria already inhabiting the gut. These include onions, jerusalem artichoke, and fruits and vegetables high in soluble fiber (sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, asparagus, turnips, mango, avocados, strawberries, apricots).

Fiber

Recommendations from my midwife

• There are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble
• Soluble fiber is more important for you now - try to eat more apples!
• Insoluble fiber comes from cellulose - carrots, greens, etc and 'bulks up' the stool

Recommendations from my naturopath

• For insolube fiber, eat chia seed pudding. Check out Oh She Glows for inspiration
• Eat fermented foods like tempeh, kimchi, kefir, sauerkraut
• Consume foods rich in omegas and fatty acids like avocado, oily fish

Surf and Turf

A group of friends and I were thinking lately of doing a surf and turf night. Sounds simple enough - but we want to re-create something very special.

Rewind a few years. Hubby and I had bought a couple of steaks for dinner, when we got a call from Thanh and Jenn (then childless and prone to spontaneity).  "Lobsters on sale at TNT! Let's do this." "This" being, show us how to cook lobster fo' real. My friend Gilda's dad had just extolled the virtues of Maggie sauce, and Thanh had scoffed.

The issue was, we had just bought these lovely hunks of marbled, grass-fed protein, and there was no other opportunity to cook them in the coming days. So we pulled a Jesus-with-the-loaves-and-two-fish, and decided to pool and share by cutting the steaks in half. We also threw in some wedding-at-Cana action (hope I'm not going to hell for these references) and popped open a Watson.  That's a gorgeous, buttery Chardonnay from my favourite winery in the world, Closson Chase, in that little slice of heaven called Prince Edward County. The tragedy is that we don't often eat foods that pair well with this big, butterscotch majesty - but this proved to be the perfect occasion. Yes, our guests also brought a big bad red, for the meat course. And Thanh got down to business with those crustaceans.

We surfed, we turfed. At the time our son was 6 months old or so; I still remember him peering out from behind his plate heaped with a giant lobster, in utter rapture. I rummaged through the gadget drawer and found a forgotten butter-warmer (ceramic dish on a tiny stand with a votive candle for heat) that my mother had picked up from a trip to the Maritimes almost a decade ago.

That night became legendary: the wine, the laughter, and oh! the food - all the elements randomly slipping and sliding into a blissfully perfect meal. I think the impromptu nature of that night was part of its success; the feeling that "we'll make do with what we have" blanketed all the proceedings in such a way that no one felt pressured to perform, but instead supported to take risks without the fear of failure. Isn't that what a good test kitchen needs? An environment where you can learn, you can create, and above all, you can have fun.

Forward to the present. A couple additions to both our families (baby girls), and though we wouldn't like to admit it, we are probably less spontaneous than in days of yore. But, whenever we get together, a gleam will get into someone's eye, they'll mention that night, and we'll all lapse into silence, licking our chops. It seems inevitable that we should do it again, right?

Food and Film

There are some amazing films out there for people who love food. My favorite is Ratatouille. And on the flight back from Bali this summer, we watched Chef. It was so well done, I wondered how on Earth Hollywood found the main character and urged himto  share his story. I was completely floored when I found that it was written by, directed by, and starring 'that guy from Swingers'.

Then, a few days ago, we watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Due to my love affair with sushi (we jumped on a plane once, mainly to eat sushi in Tsujiki market, despite me being pregnant), many people have recommended that I see this film. And one of my favourite Toronto sushi suppliers, Hiro from the eponymous restaurant, will be doing a talk prior to a screening at Humber later this month.  There's way more I need to say about this movie, but I wanted to document the 20 course meal we had to rewind again. and again. and again and again and again (yes, five times), to live vicariously through the scene.

Dante might have had 7 levels to Hell, but I've got 20 levels to Sushi Heaven. Here they are, in symphonic order:

First Movement

hirame, or halibut

sumi-ika, or squid

aji, or horse mackerel

akami, or lean tuna

chu-toro, or medium tuna

o-toro, or fatty tuna

kohada, or gizzard shad

Second Movement

hamaguri, or hard shell clam

shima-aji, or striped mackerel

kuruma ebi, or wheel shrimp

sayori, or half-beak

tako, or octopus

Third Movement

saba, or mackerel

uni, or sea urchin

kobashira, or bay scallop

ikura, or salmon roe

anago, or saltwater eel

kanpyo-maki, or dried gourd roll

tamagoyaki, or grilled egg

If the words are not enough to move you, perhaps Adam Goldberg's pictures will. 

And if you are mathematically inclined, you might notice there are only 19 courses listed here (the melon course couldn't count). Even so, all this means I might have to embark on a sushi-driven, mad quest to Japan again before I die, just to try Jiro's delectable, 20-min meal. But if I can't, I'll take a big swig of some Jiro haterade.

Other notable notes, besides Ratatouille, Chef and Jiro Dreams of Sushi:

- Julie & Julia (Norah Ephron)

- Babette's Feast (need to watch)

- Woman on Top (Penelope Cruz)

- Chocolat (Juliette Binoche)

- Eat Drink Man Woman (need to watch)

- Sideways (okay, this is about wine, you got me)

I should make a playlist or something. What are your favourite foodie films? Do you have a foodie quest?

Toronto for Tourists

Here's a list of my current favourite eats in 'tasty Toronto'. Yum.

These are places I actually suggest to friends and family in town. Here we go, in no particular order: 

• Burgers: Get your blessing via the High Priest at the Burger Priest
• French: La Société on Bloor for wonderful, traditional cuisine
• French Bistro: Got to be Biff's - best tartare ever
• Middle Eastern: The thought alone of the apps at Tabülè makes my mouth water
• Pizza: Wood-burning oven? It's a toss-up between the crispy pies Pizzeria Libretto (Ossington) and the east end's yeasty Queen Margherita Pizza
• Pho: Lower down on Ossington, rumour has it that the great Susur Lee used to get his fix at Pho Tien Thanh
• Ramen: Both Sansotei (for the broth) and Santouka (gotta have that jowl) are tops in my books, and I love you can customize "less salt", "less noodles", etc
• Sushi: Hiro has the best lunch, "Sushi for One and a Half" - but Japango has something similar for cheaper.
• Tacos: Hmmm - Grand Electric or La Carnita? Weigh in!
• Thai: Flavorful Thai from the best female chef in the city, Sasi at Mengrai. A cheaper Thai option at Sukhothai - so good for so little; great takeout.

Special Occasions 

• Black Hoof: Tip-to-tail like you've never had it before. Must-order: Tongue on brioche.
• Cava: Stellar tapas as you would expect in Spain.
• Chiado: For a quiet, romantic dinner - Upscale Portuguese
• George: For the best meal you ever had. Period.
• Jacobs or Harbour 60: Top steakhouses Jacobs will tell you the genetic breeding behind the cattle, and Harbour Sixty has a Japanese toilet.
• Kaji: True omakase-style.

You better believe we eat at these places as often as we can! I'm basing these lists purely on the food, so there's a wide variation in price, service level, location (stained glass windows vs strip malls) and cuisine.

2013

31 Dec 13

Terroni carpaccio fest, ostrich and beef #truffleoil #nye #lastsupper2013 pic.twitter.com/fTxKPAIxSN

30 Dec 13

**1/2 El Catrin, Mexican in style. Finally something good in Toronto's Distillery District. pic.twitter.com/unhN8tdwqK

30 Dec 13

El Catrin: tiny pastelito crab fritters, blah tzic de res (beef tostado), tacos gobernador, spicy la catrina (pulled chicken torta) #mexican

25 Dec 13

This is how we do... Christmas, with Malivoire Mottiar: slightly green, melon golden goodness #chardonnay #holidaze

23 Dec 13

@raypal if you want to look up the Malbec I ordered at Hy's: Gauchezco Plata Malbec, 18.50/gls

19 Dec 13

La Bella Managua's homey vibe so Central American. Mouthwateringly tart ceviche, perfect lomo in carne asado. Who wants #nicaraguan ?

18 Dec 13

@barquebbq: hot butternut! next time get sarnies over #wings, #fingers. The ribs were in, @ long last. But I think hubby does them better ;)

18 Dec 13

@Hys_Steakhouse : great standby when stick in the Path during a snowstorm. Killer table side spinach salad, bone-in rib

14 Dec 13

Pho Tien Thanh: great gift for a new mamma = tripe + raw beef slices floating in the best broth I know. 1/2 noodles are still 2 many noodles

23 Nov 13

@TheBlackHoof : loving this wine menu and PEC chard. Fried chicken, foie, tongue, tartare to come #dink tonight pic.twitter.com/L4Ho6NKobt

22 Nov 13

Fabrica by @Chef_MarkMcEwan : insanely good carpaccio, octopus salad - waiting for mains (striploin, sausage #pizza) pic.twitter.com/vWF0vdzPTt

31 Dec 13

Terroni carpaccio fest, ostrich and beef #truffleoil #nye #lastsupper2013 pic.twitter.com/fTxKPAIxSN

30 Dec 13

**1/2 El Catrin, Mexican in style. Finally something good in Toronto's Distillery District. pic.twitter.com/unhN8tdwqK

30 Dec 13

El Catrin: tiny pastelito crab fritters, blah tzic de res (beef tostado), tacos gobernador, spicy la catrina (pulled chicken torta) #mexican

25 Dec 13

This is how we do... Christmas, with Malivoire Mottiar: slightly green, melon golden goodness #chardonnay #holidaze

23 Dec 13

@raypal if you want to look up the Malbec I ordered at Hy's: Gauchezco Plata Malbec, 18.50/gls

19 Dec 13

La Bella Managua's homey vibe so Central American. Mouthwateringly tart ceviche, perfect lomo in carne asado. Who wants #nicaraguan ?

18 Dec 13

@barquebbq: hot butternut! next time get sarnies over #wings, #fingers. The ribs were in, @ long last. But I think hubby does them better ;)

18 Dec 13

@Hys_Steakhouse : great standby when stick in the Path during a snowstorm. Killer table side spinach salad, bone-in rib

14 Dec 13

Pho Tien Thanh: great gift for a new mamma = tripe + raw beef slices floating in the best broth I know. 1/2 noodles are still 2 many noodles

23 Nov 13

@TheBlackHoof : loving this wine menu and PEC chard. Fried chicken, foie, tongue, tartare to come #dink tonight pic.twitter.com/L4Ho6NKobt

22 Nov 13

Fabrica by @Chef_MarkMcEwan : insanely good carpaccio, octopus salad - waiting for mains (striploin, sausage #pizza) pic.twitter.com/vWF0vdzPTt

10 Nov 13

Ongoing wanton drinking at Prohibition #gastrohouse @EatWellPGH  one glass at a time - Zin, Shiraz, more #gastrofoie pic.twitter.com/tyJLLPOtX5

6 Nov 13

Lunching @TheGabardine #inadrunkenstupor induced by some excellent #mourvedre. Sorry Toronto, #imjumpingonthebandwagon

5 Nov 13

***Sansotei #ramen, finally: broth milky opaque, thin noodles, 2x meat, <salt, 1/2 noodle. Next time, tonkotsu black pic.twitter.com/jB7ujib6S1

4 Nov 13

Breaking a longtime ban to check out The Roy (Leslieville), and it paid off - habitant style soup, steak and beet salad #neversaynever #pub

7 Oct 13

****Santouka: tongue happily burnt by go-to miso less salt #toroniku accompanied by tart #shibazuke. Love impromptu visits to fave haunts

2 Oct 13

Serene back patio @ Hanoi 3 Seasons Leslieville, cold shrimp roll to calm my frazzled nerves pic.twitter.com/30ZV7LdQEP

20 Sep 13

***Jacob & Co: oysters, tartare, Caesar table side were good, elegant wine choices by the glass. Phenomenal #wagyu. Nice 2b treated, thx js

3 Sep 13

Academie Café: salted caramel cappuccino pic.twitter.com/GcHu4OB9A

30 Aug 13

***1/2 @woodstoronto : classic pairs - petit Chablis w foie, Pinot w duck. Superb carpaccio, random dessert #delish pic.twitter.com/LAW12ikyxf

17 Aug 13

Red Rooster Family Restaurant: this is what happens when you randomly pull over 'anywhere' for dinner pic.twitter.com/NLXkFMqKnk

7 Aug 13

**1/2 Rock Lobster: fun #canadiana vibe. From secret market to franchise, wow. Lots o mayo, fried fare. Best bet lobster taco #hipsterlife

7 Aug 13

416 snack bar: a bar in restaurant clothing. Bouncer?! Decent steak tartare. Trini double, charcuterie, blah. Best bet pork bun #hipsterlife

7 Aug 13

**1/2 Guu (church): ebi mayo > Hapa? Perhaps. Chicken skin taco fab, Gomaee flavors reincarnated in ice cream #izakaya #loudbirthday

19 Jul 13

@BarIsabel797 Love of my life! You can't pretend... #px #tapas #siblingnight @Sarooot pic.twitter.com/aaL7L3rLLc

17 Jul 13

Against The Grain: Next time, don't order riblets to compensate for pork belly #nocomparison. Abbaye d'Roc Grand Cru close, no #Westvleteren

17 Jul 13

***1/2 Red Tea Box: bring friends - like rediscovering your fave Teedot tea. Crispy tilapia a crowd pleaser, spicy kale, blah basmati #bento

5 Jul 13

***@thedrakehotel : this blueberry muffin blew me away. Bacon egg biscuit >> spiceless scramble burrito #hipsterlife pic.twitter.com/gXWCyXIYln

5 Jul 13

**1/2 Grace: Sophisticated space, lovely managers and burgeoning talent in the kitchen. Real potential - needing more creativity on the menu

21 Jun 13

Omg must go “@ClossonChase: Come join us at Allen's on the Danforth for a sampling of the 2011 Vineyard Chardonnay, 2010 Watson Pinot Noir!”

19 Jun 13

Just opened on Harbord: kid-friendly, crispy clean café serving ginger cookies and yummy lattes @RfishBfishcafe pic.twitter.com/YlU99iSCzA

19 Jun 13

***1/2 Carmen: expanding Toritos success, T.O's best #tapas delivers terrific Spanish fare w fab sardinhas, morcilla, tortilla @carmensayz

17 Jun 13

The County General: Wild Turkey Bourbon Brunch for him,  Fried Chicken Thigh sandwich for her #happyanniversary pic.twitter.com/wssAwj0eSY

16 Jun 13

Carmen (#tapas from the owners of Toritos) sardines kale tortilla jicama morcilla butifarra y PX pic.twitter.com/OM0fvcBDHR

 14 Jun 13

****Tabülè (Leslieville): fantastic caterer; tho I speculated telling guests "secret source", I shared the ❤ and credited u @TabuleToronto

13 Jun 13

**1/2 Gourmet Kobo Fine Food (Pickering #sushi): surprisingly decent Japanese option despite being in the burbs #downtownprices

12 Jun 13

**Craft Dogs: artisanal, hormone-free #hotdogs put a dent in my pocket, but I didn't really savor the flavor; sloppy Kobe dog was dry, salty

10 Jun 13

***Momofuko (#ramen) was worth another shot. Tho Santouka broth reigns supreme, crispy chicken skin and other fixins might just win me over.

29 May 13

Can't believe how awful #italian ice is. Never again.

21 May 13

Twilight Tea at the Windsor Arms: Private house breakfast blend is smooth but robust, Tibetan Tiger densely aromatic pic.twitter.com/3YUzgIF21n

2 May 13

Thursday burgers continue @ Great Burger Kitchen. Trying the lamb burger w garlic aioli, pickle in addition to feta, roasted red peppers.

27 Apr 13

***1/2 Olde Yorke #fishandchips (Leaside): family-friendly, hearty halibut, sunny seating despite weak fries. Will return to try more soon.

25 Apr 13

****B&B authentic #fishandchips (@leslieviller , worth a trip): crispy greasy goodness you might not want to share. Just don't ask to eat in

18 Apr 13

@Bigsmokeburger industrialization meets customization and holy heaven, lamb+garlic mayo+pickle is a winner. I could eat two of these #yummy

18 Apr 13

***kirei #sushi: smoky madai and perfect, firm texture hirame sashimi. That pretty, tiny waitress knows how to upsell #plumwine

18 Apr 13

@beerbistroTO patrons: if you have the good fortune to get server who stands beer bottles on his head(!), take heed. Awesome suggestions.

4 Apr 13

***1/2 @Bigsmokeburger : thank u kind server for my new favorite #burger, lamb w cilantro feta spread, add garlic mayo + pickle next time <3

31 Mar 13

**Aft Bar: Barbecue, straight up. No frills, nothing fancy, wobbly tables (if you get one). But they do Q right - sausage, ribs, fries, slaw

26 Mar 13

Hats off to Colborne Lane for dedication to innovation. Chef Aprile closing doors to devote time to that Restaurant That Shall Not Be Named.

26 Mar 13

***Holy Chuck: Gratuitous copy of that *other* religious burger joint but flatter patties. Must try milkshake! Big Chuck = High Priest.

10 Mar 13

*** @LongestYardTO: Organic food, stellar service. We even got balloons. Delicious curried lentils, halibut benny, wings a bit dry #fishcake

2 Mar 13

**** @richmondstn our new fave spot. Kid friendly, killer charcuterie, keep the quinoa coming. Next time save the last lobster bisque for me

28 Feb 13

****pho thien thanh: extra bowl of broth, next time order "more soup" #33 w chicken to #coldkiller #pho #to #spicy pic.twitter.com/Lbd6E59wMk

27 Feb 13

*1/2 @QMargherita Pizza: takeout after a long absence (walk-in, 4 min flat). staff so friendly, crust thick/doughy, pancetta bitter. so sad.

26 Feb 13

The excuse was Origin was hot so doors were opened and it came in, but pest control would be notified. Guess I should tweet the City. Nasty.

26 Feb 13

Weird. We went to Origin for Ray's birthday, had a lackluster meal, saw a live insect* ON our table, told waiter - to land in "spam box"?!?

25 Feb 13

****Red Tea Box: chai en bol, brown butter red lentil soup (w a kick!) divine #solotreat

19 Feb 13

Hoping @origintoronto contacted pest control as promised to me Sunday night. Weird critter... definitely wouldn't want to see one next time

19 Feb 13

*Origin: sour mushroom salad, gooey lobster ceviche, boring chili chicken. Buffalo mozza crostini w toasty pine nuts, rosemary oil saved day

19 Feb 13

**Hot House: kids bursting outta the seams @ weekend brunch, delayed seating, hordes milling @ the trough. Best: roast chicken, French toast

19 Feb 13

***1/2@swish_by_han: thoroughly impressd w korean fusion esp wild mushroom salad. Tacos, ssäm. Family wc, booming hip hop, sparkle = :) baby

19 Feb 13

***1/2 Santouka: got perfect order again  w Thannifer. Spicy miso a bit of a miss, tho even thru spice, velvety broth texture mellow comfort

16 Feb 13

****@jacobsandco: hole burnt in pocket, but #YOLO. US Snake River > Aus Oakley Ranch in our humble wagyu comparison. pic.twitter.com/FOAFN7Ht

16 Feb 13

***1/2 Santouka ('D' Day for S): discovered shibazuke, a tart pickle side, perfect complement to rich, low-salt tokusen toroniku miso #ramen

16 Feb 13

**Sushi Inn: Tastes evolved? seated @ back = fryer. Kids (all 3) weren't enthused. Good: Eggplant, avocado salad. Ok: tempura. Ugly: Karaage

16 Feb 13

****beachtree @fourseasons hualalai: Pacific sunset behind slow motion, loincloth-clad brawn. Steak, lobster poppers, crème brûlée good too

8 Jan 13

***Bashu Szechuan: fast, delicious, cheap but mega portion size. Goat in pot, off-menu 'tea shrimp', pea leaves. #authentic #szechuan

8 Jan 13

**1/2 Rodney's at Rodney's: Mega shrimp cocktail, New England chowdah as good as we remembered.

2012

20 Dec 12

**Daishō (@momofuku toronto): picture perfect dishes pack a punch; food and music are LOUD. Black Rice Juk best by far pic.twitter.com/Mta6tUsd

20 Dec 12

***The Burger's Priest: less of a lineup on a Wed night. Secret menu High Priest, no cheese - my go-to greasy, homestyle #burger of choice.

20 Dec 12

***Red Tea Box, sans bento box. Very meaty ribeye salad, good sandwiches, but chai en bol doesn't disappoint. Remembered to NOT get dessert.

11 Dec 12

***1/2 Richmond Stn. Get bisque w kick over lobster tempura - tiny bites on iceberg. Sea bream, burger #topchefcanada pic.twitter.com/rE3jpa2z

11 Dec 12

***1/2 Santouka: Pork jowl so soft it melted, miso custom ordered less salt, seaweed side. Fun servers. pic.twitter.com/Anq5CBNX

5 Dec 12

***Biff's: Highly anticipated seafood platter disappoints, esp tuna tartare. Veal tenderloin weak. Stick w bistro fare pic.twitter.com/meMk6Ggb

3 Dec 12

****pearl harborfront: T.O's pinnacle #dimsum experience, with an unparalleled view, flaky pork pies, and hockey pucks pic.twitter.com/5aIZggwZ

27 Nov 12

***1/2 Starfish: impromptu celebration to administrative errors ;) #restaurant #review #oysters @shuckerpaddy pic.twitter.com/3sOMHXO5

15 Nov 12

***1/2 August: cozy vibe permeates navy bean & bacon soup, spätzle, lobster quiche; lavender crème brûlée, pudding sweet endings #beamsville

13 Nov 12

Not too sweet Pb square & La Canadienne drip w maple syrup. No wifi. #cafe #balzac

5 Nov 12

***Mangia&Bevi: In 3 recent visits: pasta&pizza (Amatriciana, Siciliana) would rate ****, salad (Polipo) ok, panini (Senatore) a huge miss.

1 Nov 12

***Volos: Upscale #Greek cuisine in the downtown core. Nice saganaki, octopus appie, and oh, the eye candy. Boo lamb shank phyllo, yum orzo.

1 Nov 12

**Momofuko: Much ado about #noodles, doesn't live up to the hype. Best dish hands down, pork buns. Would prefer no lineup dimsum any day.

1 Nov 12

***1/2 Barbarians #steakhouse: Delicious rib cooked to perfection, a wine cellar peek, Garbage | Milk, and attentive svc have turned my head

1 Nov 12

***Prohibition: Duck confit poutine, oysters u had me @hello. But don't tell me to "GF it" w/o foie gras. #gastropub pic.twitter.com/v7dQOlhJ

23 Oct 12

Beer Academy: Belgian Brown my fave, Oatmeal Stout coming out next month. pic.twitter.com/QnZ4K5Ir

4 Oct 12

Ditto ***1/2 Japango: Green River roll good. Escolar, salmon sushi still unreal! Anago okay. Tamago cakey, still yum.

30 Sep 12

***1/2 Japango: Green River roll now a custom order. Escolar, salmon sushi unreal! Spicy scallop hand roll bit greasy pic.twitter.com/xXv5F9Td

20 Sep 12

***1/2 Khmer Thai: Pronounced "k'my", TO's only #cambodian (NOT thai) family-run joint serves up mouthwatering kako khmer, spicy golden beef

18 Sep 12

**Pho Mi Asia (Mississauga): For the <3 of all that is holy, listen 2 Jung, save $2,  DON'T get extra meat. Spring rolls greasy, #116

great.

18 Sep 12

***Hy's: Escargot good, Riserva Shiraz good pair with super spiced Cajun 16 oz bone in, salty sautéed spinach. Wasn't sliced table-side, boo

14 Sep 12

***1/2 Woodlot: Industrial, chic décor, blunt waitstaff. I'll return for grilled ox tongue, house made cola, perfect madeleines, saffron tea

10 Sep 12

***@HapaIzakaya is2 #izakaya what gastropub is2 firkin: swish decor, slim menu, eyecandy. best bets: beef bowl, wings, ebi mayo. not karaage

9 Sep 12

****Saving Grace: Clearing my sinuses with my fave brunch in TO, firey Rajasthani eggs with Oktoberfest sausage side pic.twitter.com/HdfRQ0cG

7 Sep 12

***1/2 Kirei: guilty pleasure otoro pricey but worth $20, sea bream > hirame, pacific seared salmon > atlantic, anago > unagi. takara sweet.

1 Sep 12

****Cafe Michi: Derelict Scarberia plaza houses cafe w pricy, masterful sushi. Premium nigiri, scallop maki, chyo-chin bento, crème brûlée

31 Aug 12

****Biff's: prix fixe wild mushroom soup & steak tartare w giant capers, lentilles du puy, and various accoutrements pic.twitter.com/VtdZQvB3

28 Aug 12

****Hiro: We realized 1.5 sushi comes with smaller pieces of fish than à la carte (got unagi, salmon); still worth it at $15.  I <3 Hiro.

28 Aug 12

****Pho Tien Thanh: Après cottage choix du jour. Clean, flavorful pho ga; S liked over shrimp sugar cane, shrimp roll. No avocado milkshake.

20 Aug 12

***Bonjour Brioche: Yummy & quick, surprisingly seated 6 on a Sunday (930 arrival). Next time don't order $4.50 pea meal bacon side or juice

15 Aug 12

***Nami: Fish doesn't drape over sushi rice as b4 but 12$ robata takes me back to Hakone: miso, salad, pickled veg, seasoned rice, 3yakitori

15 Aug 12

***Chantecler (few doors down fr GE) stole show w horseradish cream salmon, cod roe gnocchi and KILLER zucchini blossoms w sweet corn sauce

15 Aug 12

**Grand Electric: Highly anticipated "obvious option" churns out $3.50 tacos (beef cheek best) but specials (sirloin fajita) outshone them.

13 Aug 12

No Stiegl? Radler Fest @ Bier Markt cure: Italiano (Dolimetti Pedevana lager, blood orange soda) or Monk (Leffe Brune, passion fruit soda)

10 Aug 12

**Kinton: On 2nd thoughts (Shio/med/shoulder) decided #ramen isn't my thing. If Raypal visits, get spicy garlic/rich broth/shoulder w 2*meat

3 Aug 12

**1/2 Jump: Well-sheltered, non-smoking patio ideal for preggers and aspiring young bankers (Sacha). Saltless mushroom soup FAIL, quail PASS

3 Aug 12

****Hiro: Today's 1.5 sushi came with wild salmon, Spanish mackerel, kumquat ice cream and an 8 day old early bird. pic.twitter.com/WMg5cs68

 2 Aug 12

***Il Bun Ji: Über value for two: Congee, pickled veg, lotso tempura, sushi (on a *boat*) and galbi ($3 upgrade), $40ish. Can't get better.

27 Jul 12

****Hiro: Waitress delivers me my go-to #sushi, saying "I think you know most of them" lol

22 Jul 12

***1/2 Origin: If lunch/dinner not an option, makes a great local brunch spot. Fantastic duck confit French toast but only one booster seat.

21 Jul 12

**Pacific Junction Hotel (by Betty's): Fab ginger beer, beer cocktail make up somewhat for ok food, missing Radler

21 Jul 12

***1/2 Petit Dejeuner: Still best waffles in T.O. w eggs benny 4 ray, slightly salty bacon 4 me. I'd forgot how good the green apple slaw is

21 Jul 12

***Osteria Ciceri E Tria: great service, good food make up for slightly inflated prices. Antipasti+Primi+Gelato was $40, enough to doggy bag

20 Jul 12

**1/2 Pizzeria Libretto: 1st time in ~5 orders, my spelt was... different (doughy, thick). NB: Raypal likes the nduja, not housemade sausage

13 Jul 12

**1/2 Kinton: My winding #ramen journey brought me to miso, corn broth ordered med/shoulder. Rodney got standard shio.

10 Jul 12

**1/2 Kirei: 1st lunch, bit disappointed w assorted raw fish "kaisendon"; obviously bits of fish left over fr sashimi cuts. Svc pretty weak.

10 Jul 12

***Burger Priest: Nice apres-swim alternative (usually sushi&swim fridays). Preggers settling on hamburger (no cheese) w tom, on, 2x pickles

10 Jul 12

****Biff's: Pleased to say I have a standard order, 'prix fix' mushroom soup and beef tartare. For $17 you can't go wrong. Dined w Saby&Boo

10 Jul 12

**1/2 Ajisen: Went out on a limb and tried curry lamb, while Raypal stuck with the basic pork #ramen in famous white soup. Better than Japan

23 May 12

***1/2 Gabardine:#Gastropub serving crisp romaine, soft boiled egg Caesar salad, and dill-flavored club. *Was beer battered cheese croquette

21 May 12

***Dragon Boat (Richmond Hill #dimsum) w Gilda and family including Fred just in fr Shanghai. Sponge cake dessert airy hot and not too sweet

21 May 12

***Lee: Vegan, 16-ingredient Singapore Slaw a sweet show-stealer at Susur's posh, retro-Asian themed establishment. Dining is family-style.

21 May 12

**No Bull Burger: Too many fries! Made to order, organic patties in mom'n'pop feel setting. Adjoining Greek restaurant missing octopus salad

21 May 12

***School Bakery: Well it was at closing time, but how can u not love a place that gives you free stuff! Nice west end option, over-ordered.

21 May 12

**1/2 Hot House Cafe: Probably the best place downtown to take an "eclectic" group (think picky in-laws, kiddies, red meat-averse siblings)

21 May 12

We've been to 4* #sushi a few x in the last months, Hiro holds title for best value lunch, Kirei edges out takeout-only Sushi Marche overall

21 May 12

***Origin: LUV that brunch. If u know anywhere else w/ a nice egg white frittata, Clash of the Titans playing in the background, let me know

21 May 12

**1/2 Milagro: 2nd to Frida for my fave Mexican joint, accommodated our no-reso, largeish crew w/o issue. Easy to fill up on homemade chips

21 May 12

C5 (at the ROM): Kid-friendly fancy pants w tot menu. Enormous empanadas, tasty pakoras nice break after Mayan exhibit

21 May 12

At the Remarkable Bean (the Beach) enjoying some very yummy banana bread with Kailin

18 May 12

**1/2 Black Hoof Raw serves mainly seafood, albeit cooked. Jerk kingfish, cured fish platter 'crazy good'crowdpleasers. Chawanmushi my fave

18 May 12

***Barque's got bite; pulled pork sarnie w Asian pear topped brisket. No ribs so server gifted us deelish mushroom soup, lemon curd dessert

3 May 12

***1/2 Ed's (Leslieville ice cream): Blood orange sorbet and Tahitian vanilla pair up for a delightful 'creamsicle'. Will try mango next

14 Apr 12

At Rodney's Oyster House (1st time ever), ordering a dozen and Huff bubbly. While Sacha's away, these cats will play!

5 Apr 12

Luv that Esplanade Bier Markt. Especially when they have the last patio hour of sunshine, followed by complimentary mussels w Rodney & hubby

30 Mar 12

***Burger Priest: For a mere $10, my soul was greased up and liberated via the "High Priest" Big Mac knock off. Single patty next time.

29 Mar 12

****Pizzeria Libretto: Hands down fave, eat-in or take-out? Berkshire Ham, Egg, Stracciatella, Truffle Paste on spelt crust (Ossington only)

5 Mar 12

***Lucien: Excellent yet expensive steak w bonus bone marrow, $38. Wines overpriced - $13 malbec?!? Pretty good tartare, overdone black cod.

1 Mar 12

****Hiro, again! Been 3x now since his Jan Japan trip. 1. Rodney, 2. solo and today w KS. He's going to start recognizing me soon, weird...

1 Mar 12

**The Old Mill had (albeit leaky) profiteroles for princesses, dry sarnies @ their v affordable afternoon tea on Monday

22 Feb 12

Happy Birthday ****Hiro: Arigato gozaimasssss for the special treat :)

15 Feb 12

****Kirei: Since it's in our 'hood, worth paying a little > Sushi Marche. FYI takeout can be ordered from Dine In menu

10 Feb 12

Life is good at ****la societe

2 Feb 12

****Chiado: Old world class, luscious 'tile' 4 hubby, 'cantaro' (whole redfish) 4 me. GM Albino "Rocaz most spectacular ocean perch" #review

1 Feb 12

***1/2 The Real Jerk (Now CLOSED): Sign the petition http://www.savetherealjerk.com/  to save the BEST jerk snapper, stuffed w spinach, you never tasted

25 Jan 12

*1/2 Nota Bene: Rammed on Tues! More disbelief over salty suckling pig w boudin noir. ADHD menu: sashimi/steak/pasta/duck/short ribs #review

20 Jan 12

***1/2 La Pallette: quiet and cosy french sophistication, great prix fixe deal. house escargot and the nicest venison medallions i've tried

20 Jan 12

****Black Hoof: "24carrot" foie, spicy horse tartare, albacore tuna crudo w kohlrabi insanely good. blood custard a vampish crème brulee...

20 Jan 12

...elevated by crisp pear tendrils. tongue on brioche consistent crowd pleaser. tempranillo better accompaniment than s. rhone house wine

9 Jan 12

**Great Burger Kitchen: Ya got nice buns, hun, but my custom "Argentinian BLT" (w spicy mayo, guac) left something to be desired. Hero wins.