Electrifying Mexican Delights

After starting to pay attention to the dining scene in Toronto you realize that just like fashion we go through our own ebbs and flows of trends.

There was a time when everything was “Enoteca something”.  Then there was mixology which I still don’t completely understand.  Gastro-pub invaded the city for time period which I loved and now it seems to be a trend towards authentic, eclectic and DELICIOUS Mexican food.  From the likes of Playa Cabana, La Carnita and Grand Electric leading the charge, we finally have more options than just Burrito Boyz for our Mexican food fix.

 I’ve been to La Carnita and loved it – review here: http://torontoismine.blogspot.ca/2012/08/la-carnita-fusion-of-food-art-and-music.html and Playa Cabana is still on my list.  I did however get to check out Parkdale’s ever popular Grand Electric.  Just from the lineup that forms outside night after night it was clear this place was building a reputation of its own.  It’s a small little place with hip hop music blaring from its windows and the second you enter its doors you know you’re embarking onto something special.  We got to sit outside in what I like to call their backyard because it’s probably not big enough to be called a patio but feels cozy enough to feel like you’re in your own backyard.  Except you probably don’t have a huge lit up menu like this in your backyard:

 

Ambience Check.  Hip-hop music check.  Cute backyard check.  And really strong tequila drink which I can’t remember the name of (obviously) CHECK!

 

And then came the food.  SO good, so messy and doesn’t matter who you’re with, you’re gonna lick your fingers and the plate CLEAN!

From the selection we decided to go with Baja Fish Taco, Spicy Arbol Chicken, Corn Supreme and Beef Cheek – I was too scared to try the beef cheek, won’t even lie.  Something about the words cheek, belly and other body part names in my food that just throws me off.

 
Everything was to die for.  From the tender tilapia to the smoky heat in the sauces and the fresh citrusy flavors of onions and coriander.

We also tried the special of the night which was sweet and sticky ribs which fell off the bone and made me realize that it had been a LONG time since I had good ribs.

 

 

The line ups in these places really don’t amuse me but I guess it always comes back to the old adage of good things come to those who wait.

Will definitely have to head back to a) figure out what the name of that drink was and b) enjoy the little backyard patio before winter invades our city.

Till next time!

Nothing much on their website:  http://www.grandelectricbar.com/

Follow them on Twitter:  @grandelectricTO

Smith – It’s all in the details

It’s the small things that matter.  Probably one of my favourite life mantras which seems to become more relevant the older I get.  It’s not the expensive piece of jewellery, it’s sending your favourite flowers.  It’s not the fancy dinner but the home cooked meal.  It’s not the 3 hour conversation but the text message to say “I miss you.”.  No matter what it is, the small things ALWAYS matter.

Smith Restaurant located in The Village seems to be one of those places that focuses on the small things if you can make the effort to notice them.  The name comes from the blacksmith themed décor and since opening in 2011 it has quickly become one of the must go-to brunch spots in the city.  Since summer was in full effect on our visit we had to take advantage of their adorable and amusingly romantic back patio.  Its a nice enough place to make you feel special but cozy enough to make you feel right at home.  Even their menu is inspired by traditional comfort foods and traditional  home cooking.

 

One of the first things that I took notice of was how their menu was designed as the morning paper.  Small thing, amazing thing.  There aren't a huge number of things to choose from but the minute the waiter mentioned homemade vanilla whipped cream I was sold – clearly.

 

On the menu for this lovely afternoon with my Sha Sha – Smith Breakfast (two eggs any style, choice of bacon, sausage or pea meal,  hash browns and toast) and the Daily Smith Waffle which today was toasted almond with the homemade vanilla whipped cream.

 

 

Simple, comforting and delicious!  Literally the waffle disappeared in about 5 minutes.  Melt in your mouth DELICIOUS.  Dessert or breakfast? Who knows!

The prices are great, the wait staff friendly and attentive and the food is DAMN good.

Definitely need to go back and get a Smith Benedict in my life.

They also do dinner which again seems to be inspired by good ol’ home cookin’ with a side of style.  Think Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Meat and Potatoes (aka Steak, crispy fingerlings and Chimmichurri aioli), Creole Catfish, Classic burgers and Mint Lamb.

Only negative thing I can say is that the menu isn’t very vegetarian friendly.

For more information:  http://www.553church.com/

La Carnita - Fusion of food, art and music!

Looks like my real life commitment issues are overflowing into this blog as I noticed the last time I wrote was a month ago.  Art imitating life.  Go figure.

I was scrolling through the photos on my phone and realized that I've been to some pretty cool place over the last month and shared them with no one.  Awful.  So here I am on the afternoon of a lazy long weekend Monday trying to play catch up.  Kinda wish I was on a beach instead.

The buzz around La Carnita was absolutely palpable.  The first time I heard about the Mexican pop up was when I went to the Toronto Underground Market Street Food Block Party.  Say that ten times fast.  Their fish tacos were delish and then before I knew it the little pop up resto "popped up" a few blocks down from my office.

Between the reviews from co-workers, crazy Tweets and pictures that literally induced mouth watering reactions, I knew I had to plan a visit.

I showed up with my dear friend on a Saturday night and based on their no reservation policy put our name down and had to wait 45 minutes which I actually expected so it didn't come as a shock.  Once inside it was a sensory overload of conversation, music and abstract wall murals and art. I didn't know whether to keep following our waiter to the table, stop and look at the art on the wall or start two stepping to the hip-hop beats.

We sat down, ordered some kick-ass margaritas and tried to figure out what to eat.  Oh and LOVE the slight references to hip-hop on their menu, ie their list of BALLER CHAMPAGNES.

On the menu for tonight - Ceviche, Mexican Street Corn, Tacos (In Cod We Trust and Chorizo) and a Coconut Paletas.

The street corn was what I was most excited about - I mean look at it! It was drizzled with Mexican creama, queso anejo and arbol and ancho chili powder.  I don't think I actually know what most of those mean but it basically comes down to a creamy sauce with some heat inducing spices.  Delish.

The ceviche was fresh and was a cool, refreshing starter, not something I would get again but glad I tried it.  The tacos literally disappeared before we could even speak.  I had the Chorizo which had a spicy kick to it and the Cod was flaky crunch with green apple and cabbage.

We finished off our meal with a Coconut Paleta (read Popsicle) which obviously didn't even make the cut of a full picture.

The best part of La Carnita is that every time you go back you can go and try something new. The price point is affordable, the atmosphere is buzzing and its a perfect spot for any occasion.

Can't wait till the next time!

For More info visit: http://lacarnita.com/

Or follow them on Twitter @la_carnita

Cheers to the Weekend - June 29-July 1

The smell of BBQ is in the air, the beaches are packed and the city is buzzing.  Long weekend is in full swing and there's SO much going on if you're not whisking yourself away to the cottage.  Whether you're celebrating PRIDE or Canada's birthday there's something for everyone in the city this weekend.  Check out my short list!

Pride Guide Courtesy of She Does The City - http://www.shedoesthecity.com/your_2012_pride_guide

Digital Dreams Music Festival (wish I had tickets!)

Toronto Jazz Festival (Nathan Phillips Square)

The Thompson All White Party (Sunday)

Happy Birthday Canada!

Cheers to the Weekend - June 16-17

Summer is in full effect and there’s so much going on this weekend! Of all the weekend that I need to go home and put in some family time!

The weather is going to be beautiful and there’s a little something for everyone.

A few of the highlights (and likely where I would be spending my time!)

Opening of La Carnita (Love me a good taco!)

Opening of Bar Hop on King West – craft beer bar with 24 beers on tap and another 50 by bottle/can

Friday Night Live @ The ROM – the revealing of the world’s largest dinosaur – Futalognkosaurus

Luminato – its wrapping up this weekend so it’s your last chance to take in the best of music, art and literature around the city

Taste of Italy – one of my FAVE taste events of the summer – College street comes alive with music and the best in Italian eats!

Whatever you get up to this weekend be safe, have fun and enjoy!!

Loving Long Weekend

It's May 2-4 Weekend which means only one thing- the official kick off to those long awaited summer months.  From here on out its nothing but sunny skies, open toe shoes, summer dresses and patio hopping!  I can't wait!

It's been a long week and I'm fortunate enough to get Friday off for every long weekend in the summer - thank you advertising and hello 4 day weekends :)

There's plenty to do this weekend and here's a few things that you can do and hopefully I'll be checking out too!

Friday Nights @ The Rom - The Out Film Festival
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees
Marben Fridays  - 90s Hip Hop and R&B
Artisans at the Distillery - Outdoor arts and crafts showcase
Ward Island - Picnic Time

Enjoy the long weekend everyone and most of all be safe!

Friday Nights Live @ the ROM

Remember those grade school field trips to the museum that we all dreaded and just used as an excuse to get out of the classroom and create trouble with our friends?  Well believe it or not but the museum is now actually a hot place to be!

Thanks to the Royal Ontario Museum they're giving us a chance to relive our childhoods but in a more adult way.  Introducing Friday Nights Live @ the ROM!  Every Friday from April 20th to June 22nd, the museum keeps its doors open beyond regular hours from 6pm to 11pm and features the best in the city's food, drinks and cultural programming.  Cover is only $9 and food and drinks start from $5.

This is exactly the kind of event I looked for when I wanted to try different things in the city and explore those places that were always on my list but I never got around to going to.

Low and behold a perfect chance to visit the ROM and not feel like I'm 12 again.

For more information on the weekly event themes visit:
http://www.rom.on.ca/fridays/

On my list to check out:
May 11 - Photography
May 25 - Toronto Live
June 8 - Music
June 22 - iDrum presents Gondwana Beats

Gusto 101 is Gusto!

Living and working on College Street can sometimes spoil you when it comes to Italian food because there are just SO many options.  I have however quickly discovered that as many options as there are, the actual quality doesn’t always measure up.  It seems that as delicious as the food at some of the places here is it can also feel heavy, bulk-made and sometimes hastily prepared without much attention to the nuances of spices and flavors that bring Italian food to life.

Gusto 101 (which literally means “tasty” in Italian) opened its doors earlier this year by transforming an old auto garage into and open concept, industrial-style feast for both the eyes and the tummy.  The owner has already made her mark and built her reputation off the success of her previous venture Café Nervosa in Yorkville (which I still have to try).  I started hearing rumblings of this place on various different newsletters and blogs and instantly had to add it to my list of places to try.  Judging that the place is always packed to the point where people are spilling outside I was excited to see if the food would live up to the hype.  

The atmosphere is exactly that of what you want for the bustling King West location – loud, busy, crowded with the noise from their open kitchen battling over the conversations from small groups, dates and after work drink seekers.  It’s hard to get reservations for any seating after 6ish so the trick is to get their early.  When you are lucky enough to get a table you are greeted by very friendly and knowledgeable wait-staff who know the menu, know their wines and have stepped into the new age of technology by taking your order on i-Phones.  Love. 

On this sunny Thursday evening we found ourselves in the back corner table ready to indulge!  We ordered our drinks and then promptly decided on appetizers.  They have a great selection of wines and also have their own winery in their basement.  House Wine for only $1 an oz – which is clearly why it was sold out on this visit of ours L  You can also book out the wine cellar in their basement for private group engagements – definitely  need to keep that in mind!

 Fresh Ricotta Bruschette (herbs, maldon sea salt, house made focaccia) and Arancini (rice wild mushrooms, fontina and tomato sauce)

Ever since I first had Arancini at Enoteca Sociale its actually become one of my most favourite appetizers.  Rice stuffed in a deep friend breaded ball?  SIGN ME UP.  The Gusto version was nothing less and literally made me not want to share!  But they do come two in a serving so it’s perfect to split.  The ricotta that came with the bruschetta was maybe the freshest, softest and fluffiest ricotta I’ve ever had, just perfect with the their focaccia and when that ran out, we used our bread basket!

On to the mains!

Spaghetti Chitarra alle Vongole (manila clams, white wine roasted tomatoes, toasted bread crumbs, pepperoncino), Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci (ricotta, spinach, tomato, smoked mozzarella di bufala), Fettucine ai Funghi (portobello, oyster mushroom, porcini, truffle paste, light cream) and Da Dee Pizza (sweet potatoes, cavolo nero, local fior di latte, spanish onions, pecorino, rosemary)

The spaghetti was not my cup of tea just because I’m not the biggest clam/mussels fan.  Just something about the texture but it LOOKED absolutely delicious.  So many textures and colors all in one plate.  The Ravioli was also nothing to write home about but still a great option if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish that’s simple.  My FAVOURITE pasta dish was by far the Fettuccine.  First of all, we all know my love for anything with cream and mushrooms so this was already a winner before it even got to the table.  It was full of flavor and each bite just melted in your mouth.  It doesn’t rival the mushroom pasta from Spuntini but it’s definitely up there.  The Da Dee pizza was an interesting choice.  We weren’t sure how the sweet potatoes and kale would work together but they actually created a perfect blend of bitter and sweet.  Not sure I’d go for it again but glad I tried it.

Looking at the menu now it looks like I’ve tried all the pastas that I would (and clearly have a favourite) but would love to try some of their pizzas.  The Funghi, Prosciutto and Salisicce are all on my list.  They also have some great salad options (starter and meal options) but who can go for a salad when there’s so many delicious options.

And Finally Dessert!

Being that we were 4 girls, there was really only one option – the Dessert Platter!

Dessert isn’t on their menu but from what I remember this included a caramel crème Brule, mini cinnabons, and mini chocolate cupcakes.  The Crème Brule was the clear winner of them all.

So all in all the food was sort of hit and miss.  You almost need to figure out what your favourite dish is and then not stray from it.  I found mine but feel excited that there are still some other options to try.  I’ll definitely be back seeing as Gusto 101 is so close to home, their open late Thursday-Saturday, have Brunch AND are opening their 90 seat roof top patio this summer!

Till Next time!

Address:  101 Portland Street (King and Portland)

Parking:  Plenty of street parking and lots

Price:  $$

Food:  7.5/10

Ambiance:  8/10

Service:  9/10

Khao San Road

So let’s start off with the apologies. I’ve said it once and I’ll probably say it few times.

“Life got busy. I forgot to blog. But I always remembered to eat.”

The bright side of the whole situation is that in my absence I actually didn’t venture out to try anything new or do anything particularly out of my comfort zone. So really you didn’t miss much. But I’m back and this first excursion was totally worth the mini hiatus.

Everyone has their go to foods – pizza, sushi, pasta, shwarma. The meals you know at the end of the day will satisfy your appetite and won’t fail you when the cravings hit.
A lot of people’s go to food is Thai. Its never been that way for me. Of course I’ve enjoyed my fair share of Thai Basil Chicken and Pad Thai but when it came down to it, I could do with out it.  The flavorless “ketchup” based pad thais, goopy and thick curries and most of all dry stir frys were not at the top of my list.

Until I took a walk down Khao San Road (not literally – but maybe one day!).

My workplace also supports my food craze and they have an International Supper Club where once every few months we try and get together to try out a new cuisine or restaurant in the city.

When I found out that we would be heading to Khao San Road I was beyond thrilled because I had been hearing about this place since they opened up just last year.. Rave reviews paired with my lack of excitement for the cuisine were going to make this an interesting night.

Khao San Road is located on the corner of Peter and Adelaide in a small space that you would probably miss while walking by if not for the bright little neon sign. We found out that on any night the standard wait could be from 15-45 mins and this was no surprise since at 9PM on Tuesday the place was packed.

The setting doesn’t boast anything over the top – long wooden dining tables for bigger groups and small tables for couples along with a long bar for those who can’t be bothered to wait for a table.

They have one beer on tap (SINGHA) which is a cold and refreshing compliment to the abundance of flavor and heat the food brings.

What I ended up indulging in on this visit (as there will be more) are:

Starters:
Gra Bong - Fried squash fritters battered with red curry paste, shrimp paste and lemongrass
Po Pia Pak Sod Gai Yaw - Fresh Rolls filled with home made chicken sausage, lettuce, carrots, mint leaves and Thai Basil, served with Tamarind, garlic sauce topped with peanuts and Thai coriander
Tao Hoo Taud Samoon Prai - Garlic Tofu - Nuggets of fried tofu breaded in a crispy garlic and fresh kaffir lime coating served with a sweet and tangy garlic sauce (we had the chicken version as well but Tofu was better)

Pad Thai (Street Style) with chicken
Pad Kee Mao - stir fried rice noodles with fresh green chili and fresh garlic, long green pepper, bamboo shoot and Thai Basil laves
(the above dishes can all be served with Tofu, chicken, beef or shrimp, ask the staff for the best combo)

They don't lie when they say this is the best Thai food in the city.  I have found a new love for Thai food but I can never eat any where else except here.  There is nothing more to be said except the the food is dripping with flavour, fresh ingreidents, heat made the way you want and most of all authenticity which seems to be lacking in today's Thai cuisine.

Another dish that I plan to have next time which I only had a taste of this time around was the Khao Soi - egg noodles in a coconut milk enriched curry, garnished with crispy noodles, green onion and lime.  Can be served with chicken or braised beef.

Highly recommended to go with a group of people so you can all order different things and sample.  Truly a gem of the city.

I will be back soon and there will be more photos - if I can be patient enough to take them.

Address: 326 Adelaide West (Adelaide and Peter)
Parking: Plenty of street parking or a lots
Price: $$
Food: 9.5/10
Ambiance: 8/10 (simple and quaint)
Service: 8/10 (very attentive, quick and accomodating)