Deals on Drinks

More than delicious food, I love a good deal.  As a follow up to my post on getting drinks in the city I've decided to start an ongoing list of places that offer up weekly specials on, you guessed it, DRINKS!  Perfect way to spend a night out with the girls, catch up with a friend or dodge an awkward first date.

Disclaimer - these are places that I would probably go to versus just a laundry list of deals.

DRINKS
Monday - Milestones // $40 - 4 Bellinis and 4 apps
Tuesdays and Thursdays - Joe Mamas // $5 Martini's
Tuesday-Friday - Spirithouse // $7 mixed doubles + $2 oysters (5:30-7pm)
Wednesday - Hey Lucy // $5 Martinis
Thursdays - Cibo Sociale - Cibo Wine Bar // Specials on cocktails and wine (4-7pm)
Friday - The Fifth/Cabin 5 // $3.50 drinks until midnight

Friday - Crush Wine Bar // 1/2 select bar items (5-7pm)

La Cubana

Brunch really is one of my favourite meals.  I'm one of those people that can't eat first thing in the morning and I always hear the preaching of everyone around me "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."  Whatever.  With brunch, I get the best of both worlds. I get to sleep in, not eat something right away and then have a blend of some of my favourite foods because the ironic thing is, I actually LOVE breakfast foods.

So you can imagine my joy, when two of my really good friends RS and SS (Yes, you are finally getting a shout out!) texted me on Saturday morning asking if I wanted to do brunch.  In my half sleepy state I texted back "um, yah I do!".  So off I went on a rainy November Saturday, hopped on the King Streetcar and landed in the lovely little area of Roncesvalles.  I love this little neighbourhood.  I could totally see myself settling down here when I grow up ;)

SS had suggested we try La Cubana which was getting some great reviews and comes to us from the same people of Delux on Ossington.  Apparently Cuban food is quite rare in the city and most of the reviews I read were of pure joy that an authentic cuban diner has opened its doors.  Its a super kitchy, cute and small place that makes you feel like you're in a very clean subway station with the tiled walls and minimalist furniture/decor.

I grabbed us a table by the window where we could get some light and still enjoy the view of the restaurant.  They had their brunch menus in the form of table mats out so we started to peruse our options as the rumblings in our bellies were growing louder.

Once the waiter offered mimosas we couldn't say no.  Especially when the options were guava, mango, pineapple and orange.  Now that's how every morning should start.  The menu had options that seemed familiar but all with a little bit of cuban flare. After much deliberation we decided to start with Cuban Grilled Corn and then we each got the Cuban Breakfast (Slow roast pork, poached eggs and served with rice & beans, tostones and slaw.

There are no filters on these photos for the record.  The corn was just a wonderful little starter.  I love love love corn on the cob and since I've started to experience this new style of dressing it, I've fallen even deeper in love.

The breakfast itself was such a nice treat away from the standard eggs benny.  As RS put it "the egg is not the star of this show".  My poached eggs were a little overdone, i do prefer them runnier but because everything else surrounding them was so delicious, I didn't really mind.  The pork was soft and tender and had the right amount of salt.  The slaw was tart and tangy and brought the crunch to the whole meal.  The rice & beans, one of the more cuban side dishes was simple and filling.  The tostones were probably my least favourite.  I think they were meant to act as a hash brown but were a little harder than I expected.

I would definitely go back because there were a few options on the menu that I would have liked to try but all in all it was really nice to do something different for brunch and of course experience a different style of cuisine.

La Cubana
392 Roncesvalles Ave.

Origin - Better than EVER!

The best part about trying new places and experiencing the different cuisines the city has to offer is when you find those gems and start to build your own list of tried and true favourites.  Origin is one of those places that has quickly become one of my go-to places for an experience that I know won't disappoint.

The last time I was at Origin was years ago, I want to say close to when it first opened.  I thought the food was okay, portions were small and I didn't necessarily feel satisfied after we were done, especially for the price point.  Since then they have opened two more locations (Liberty Village and North York) and the takeover doesn't seem to be slowing down.

Two of my favourite ladies, BK and TR, were up for going back and it was also going to be TR's first experience since she had heard me go on and on about the Chinois duck wrap and how much I was in love with it.  So on a blistery October evening we set out to experience the amazingness that is Origin.

I also have to make a note about our waitress who was AMAZING.  I'm a big believer that a huge part of your experience at a restaurant is based on how you are treated.  She was helpful, kind, not overbearing and because we were three people she made sure there were 3 portions in every dish we ordered.  Simple but well noted.  Thank you!

Everything is built to share and they recommend ordering two dishes per person.  For us she said 5 would be totally fine.  After quickly perusing the menu we decided on some dishes to start with.

From the Mozzarella Bar we ordered the fior di latte + mushrooms + truffle oil + spinach
From the Chilled section we ordered the beet + goat cheese + pickled red onion + walnut + sherry dressing + yogourt
From the Hot section we ordered the pumpkin risotto (which is not showing up on their online menu right now) but it had pumpkin, butternut squash, marscapone and crispy fried plantains

These three dishes alone contain every single one of my favourite foods - beets, mushrooms, pumpkin/butternut squash and THREE different cheeses.  HEAVEN.  The beet salad came to our table first and I was in shock because it looked like Snow White's apple on a plate.  A full beet surrounded with creamy yogourt, goat cheese and sprinkled with walnuts and the sherry dressing.  It was a perfect portion for the three of us after I cut it into equal pieces. So fresh and creamy and a wonderful way to start. I then moved on to the mushroom/mozzarella bites which were just a delightful mix of textures. Crunchy, soft, a little tart and perfectly bit sized.  Then on to the risotto which was a really good portion size for the three of us and holy was it RICH.  The way I described it to people the next day was that it felt like I was being hugged on the inside.  Such a flavourful fall dish with the sweet pumpkin and butternut squash, hints of cinnamon and spices.  You are left with a creamy comforting feeling after.  I definitely want to come back for this!

So after feeling pretty satisfied we couldn't leave without having the Chinois Duck + flour tortilla + cucumber + hoisin + sour cream + sriracha (right???)

I mean come on.  Do I even need to describe this?  You only needed one and it was every flavour and texture all in wrapped in a beautiful little taco.  Sweet, spicy, crunchy, creamy and soft. Move over La Carnita!  On a side note, we also had the Spanish Fries which I wouldn't recommend because in all honesty, they were just regular ol' fries hence the lack of a picture.

No evening would then be complete without the "always look up" shot to try and capture some interesting light fixtures or a cool intricate ceiling.

I don't think there's anything more I can really say except just go.  Go and experiment and try the numerous dishes on their menu or any of these that I had the honour of trying. I can't wait to go back for some old favourites and new discoveries.

Origin
107 King Street East
www.origintoronto.com

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Drinks Anyone?

If you’ve read the intro to my blog then you know that one of the reasons that I set out to do this was to answer some popular questions that I often get about “where should I go for the best pizza?” “where do I got on a first date?” “where should I have my birthday party?”.  All things that I’m of course still trying to figure out.

 

The one offer I hear the most is “Let’s go for drinks.”  In my mind this usually means that dinner isn’t involved, there could be some appies, and you'll end up at a place where you can casually or not casually enjoy a few beverages.  Most people would probably end up that their neighborhood pub or even their favourite restaurant.  I on the other hand, really do enjoy a place that puts as much effort, thought and creativity into their food as they do their drinks, and also doesn't turn into a crazy club after.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this request usually comes with a price tag but sometimes it’s really worth it.  Especially when you don’t have to deal with a super annoying host that tells you and your guest “Sorry we don’t allow people to come in for drinks unless they’re buying dinner.” Whomp whomp.

So here I set out on a quest to find some cool, interesting (read not pretentious) and fun places to just grab drinks.  Two places that are usually my go-to’s are Spirithouse and BarChef.

Spirithouse is located at Adelaide/Portland and if you weren’t looking for it as you walked by you may completely miss it.  As you head downstairs you become completely enveloped with the dark and dim lighting.  You can sit at the bar or in some of the more plush leather couches in the back room area.  I’ve been here a few times (on a date and with groups of girlfriends) and to be honest, the place never really disappoints.  Yes you will probably pay at least between $12-14 for any of their signature cocktails but I believe it’s worth it to go somewhere that serves more than just your standard vodka/soda.  If you also happen to be there on a slower night, sit at the bar and watch the bartenders be super attentive and actually take the time to get to know what you like and don’t like. 

The other spot BarChef I’ve only been to twice (once for a special event and very recently with some girlfriends).  This most recent time was super fun, the vibe was exactly what we were looking for, we scored some prime seats right at the bar and took our time just chatting and sipping on super delicious Basil Margheritas and Coconut Mojitos.  I won’t lie, when we first arrived there was a line up which put me off a little bit but turns out there was a massive birthday party they were waiting on.

Some other places of note that won’t make a big deal if you’re not having dinner are Earls, Joeys, The Drake, Hemmingway’s, Remy’s, Mavrik Wine Bar, Beaconsfield oh and of course your standard Friars, Firkins and Foxes.

A few places I’m looking to try soon are Salt, Midfield Wine Bar, Skin and Bones and Glas Wine Bar.

Where are you favourite places to sit back and enjoy a few bevvies?

Buca

Buca has been on my list of places to go since it opened back in 2009.  Finally I had the opportunity to visit Rob Gentile’s now infamous and still wildly popular restaurant in the heart of King West.  Between raving co-workers and friends and a few mixed reviews, I was excited to finally get the chance to make my own opinion on this traditional Italian resto.

Buca is located in the back alley way just east of Portland next to Mexican restaurant Valdez (the old Cheval and an AWESOME spot for tequila!).  Upon entering, you are taken down a slightly winding staircase and enveloped with brick walls, dark wood dim lighting and the smell of all things delicious.  I found out that it was old 19^th century boiler room which would explain the simple and clean décor and setting.

 

We were a little early for our reservation so we parked ourselves at the bar which is in the front foyer (best way to describe it) and proceeded to order the only Prosecco based cocktail.  Obviously amazing and delicious.  Our party arrived and we were seated and started to pour over the endless options on the menu.  We all decided to share the Salumi Di Buca (meat plate) and asked if the chef could select the options.  We also shared the Nodini (warm bread knots in olive oil, rosemary, garlic and sea salt).  I wasn’t a huge fan of the meat plate, to be honest I’ve had better and the bread knots could have been softer but they were still a great small dish to share with the table.

 AC and I shared the Prosciutto pizza and I think my most favourite part was that it came with scissors to cut!  Again, I feel like it wasn’t the best pizza I’ve had but definitely nothing wrong with it.

 

 

The BEST part of the entire meal was by far the dessert.  The tiramisu was to die for.  I may or may not have wanted to bathe in it.  Three of us shared it and from the first spoonful the only thing we kept saying was “Oh my god!”

 

Overall, Buca was an okay experience.  Its highly possible that I didn’t order the right things so I would definitely give it another shot.  There’s a duck egg pasta that View The Vibe wrote about which sounds and looks amazing!  http://viewthevibe.com/toronto-restaurants-buca-on-king-west/

The place is beautiful and really nice for small groups or a one on one.  I will need to go back if only for that tiramisu.

Till Next time!

Buca
604 King Street West
www.buca.ca

Campagnolo - BEST Meal Ever

It was a bold statement.  I knew it the minute it came out of my mouth but it was true and I couldn’t deny it.  I had just had the BEST MEAL OF MY LIFE.  Crazy right?  Maybe I was still hazy from the "out of this world" meal I just had but the fact is that I’m still thinking and talking about it.

Campagnolo has been on my list of places to eat for months.  After being on every “Top Restaurant” list that the city puts out including Canada’s 50 Best Restaurants, there was no way I couldn’t try out this place and it had to be soon.  Thank god for my lovely friend SB for suggesting it instantly when we were trying to figure out a place to go eat good food and catch up.  The owner apparently created the concept as an homage to his nonna’s Venetian cooking keeping all aspects of the food and drink, simple, authentic and ridiculously tasty.  This lovely little gem is located at the North East corner of Dundas and Euclid and is only open for dinner 5 days a week.  Reservations are HIGHLY recommended.

The restaurant itself is very cozy with printed wall paper, wood ceilings, booth seating and dim lighting.  You walk in and the place may seem empty but within minutes there is not one vacant seat.   The wait-staff is super attentive and friendly and I love how the bend down to be at eye level when speaking with you. 

 

I had read a blog a while ago where they spoke so highly of their Spaghetti that I already knew going in that I had to have it.  So on the menu for this evening was:

Appetizer:  Fresh Burrata Cheese with Roasted Grapes and Toasted Bread

Mains:  House-Made Spaghetti All’Amatricana and Wild Boar, Spare Rib, Meatball and Tripe Ragu with Soft Polenta

Dessert:  Salted Caramel Budino – pudding with crunchy toffee chocolate bits

I don’t’ think my pictures or description will do it justice but I literally wanted to lick my plate clean.  The Burrata appetizer was a plate of fluffy, cloud like cheese spread over toasted bread and drizzled with olive oil and toasted grapes.  The saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the grapes was the ultimate combination.  I probably could have easily ate two of these servings on my own.  Great sharing plate though.

 

I ate EVERY bite of the Spaghetti.  The sauce was fresh, you could taste the delicate herbs, it had a bit of kick to it which I loved and had small tender bits of pork which weren’t overwhelming as you at but added an amazing texture and saltiness to the dish.  Simple is sometimes clearly the way to go.  The Wild Boar dish was quite heavy and was A LOT of food but again, you just wanted to eat EVERYTHING.    One thing I will say (also because I asked) this place is probably not extremely vegetarian friendly as they won’t accommodate adjustments. There are two veggie options and one fish option on the menu.   Most of my friends are not big meat eaters and will usually stick to chicken which is hardly on the menu so unless you’re willing to expand your meat eating horizons, this may not be the place to dine.

 

 

The dessert.  Good god the dessert.  I basically told the waiter that I work down the street and that he may find me at the bar during the week just having this dessert.  Whoever decided to mix salt and caramel is a genius.  The pudding was sweet no doubt but I have a big sweet tooth and didn’t mind at all.  The crunchy and light toffee/chocolate wafers also added the perfect texture to the dish.

 

Bottom line – don’t come here if you’re scared of meat or paying for amazing tasting food.  Who wants to go again???

http://campagnolotoronto.com/

832 Dundas Street West
416-364-4785

Bazara - Sushi on Ossington

One of the most interesting parts about trying new places or going outside of your comfort zone is the feeling of not knowing what to expect.  I love walking into a new restaurant or bar and just taking in the sights and sounds while deciding if I'll end up coming back one day.  Trying to keep "my list" up to date is hard but with the help of Toronto Life, dineTO and other bloggers/sites I can at least try and keep up.  My lovely friends who keep me in the loop are also a HUGE help.

This past week I read about a  new Sushi place on Ossington called Bazara and everyone knows I LOVE my sushi.  So when RM and AC brought up a Friday night outing, I knew we had to try this place out.  Ossington is of course the area in the city that has the most buzz about it right now with new resto's opening up almost weekly and smaller more intimate bars bringing in the non-club district crowd.  All in all its a win-win situation.

Immediately when you walk in to Bazara you don't feel like you're in a typical sushi place.  Its intimately lit, plush booth seating, exposed brick walls and a GORGEOUS chandelier in the middle of the room.  Really great atmosphere for small groups or a one on one.

They don't have a drink menu ready which made ordering drinks a little bit difficult.  We went with a bottle of wine to keep things simple and because we didn't feel like complicating things for the waiter.  Their menu is made up of Chinese, Thai and sushi dishes but turns out that their true speciality is sushi and some of their special rolls.

On the menu for the evening was:
- Chicken Gyoza
- Vegetable Tempura
- Riceless Spicy Tuna and Avocado
- Spicy Salmon Sushi
- Trio Roll
- Hamachi Roll
- Butterfish Sashimi

We also ordered the Bazara roll (their house roll) which never arrived.  Sad.  Its made of smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, seaweed and black rice so we were all super excited to try it.  Check out this picture to get a visual - MUST TRY! http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2013/02/11/bazara/

The food was SUPER delicious and everything tasted really fresh.  The tempura and gyoza didn't feel over fried and the sushi rolls had enough special ingredients to make them different from your typical rolls but not overwhelming so you can't decipher what you're tasting.  After ordering, we thought we got too much food but it was the perfect amount for three people.  The prices are also super reasonable which makes you want to try EVERYTHING on the menu!

 Chicken Gyoza and Vegetable Tempura

 Spicy Tuna and Avocado Riceless Roll (tasted like a salad!)

 Spicy Salmon Sushi Pizza

Trio Roll

Will definitely need to head back soon if not to just the Bazara roll but also try their sweet potato tempura topped with spicy tuna and the deep fried ice cream.

Any takers?

Location:  188 Ossington (Dundas and Ossington)
Atmosphere:  8/10
Service: 8/10
Food:  8/10
Price:  $$