Winterlicious is here!

Its that time of year again where new restos and old favourites open their doors for the city to experience everything they have to offer out of their kitchen at sometimes reasonable fixed price.  Winterlicious is upon us yet again which means alot of eating out and more food adventures to embark on.

This year I'm trying a few new places and a tried and true favourite of mine.  On my list so far are:

93 Harbord
Toula
Bangok Garden

Why these places you ask?  Well let me be honest, the menu speaks for itself at all three!  I am most looking forward to Toula because  few years ago I went there for a summerlicious lunch and it was by far the best 'licious ding experience I've had.  So many options and the food is AMAZING.  Not to mention the view from atop the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. 

Hope that you too are embarking on some Winterlicious escapades and do share them!

Toula Restaurant at the Westin Harbour Castle

93 Harbord

Bangkok Garden 

Origin

I always keep my promises and so here’s a long awaited post!

I’m ashamed to say that this place has been on my list of places to go for months and from reading review after glowing review of the food, the anticipation was only building.  On a blustery and cold winter night I finally found myself at this much-talked about King and Church resto with an open mind and empty stomach.

Origin is designed for tapas style dining which is slowly becoming one of my favorite ways of eating because you get to try so many different things at one sitting.  Upon walking into the side entrance which is lined by twinkling blue lights you notice instantly how open the space is.  Exposed brick and plush seating just inviting you to take a seat and indulge.  You also learn that you don’t get any attention from the side entrance and that walking through the entrance on the King side is where you will be properly greeted and then seated at your table :)

Our coats were taken for us and put away and we were seated at the bar table nestled along the open style kitchen where you can see all the cooks hard at work preparing and designing which was by far the prettiest looking food I’ve ever eaten.  Glasses of Malbec in hand we started to peruse through the options which are very well organized under the categories of Snacks & Sides, Raw Bar, Mozzarella Bar, Chilled and Hot.  Of course we over zealously decide that we want to try one thing from each section.  I’d like to preface at this point that we totally thought this was do-able – 5 plates between two girls?  Totally do-able.

On our Journey:

Snacks & Sides - Spicy Spanish Fries with Chorizo and Manchego

Raw Bar - Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls with apple, shiso, miso mayo and amaranth

Hot - Chinois Duck Wrap with pickled cucumber, hoisin, sriracha and sour cream

Mozzarella Bar – Bufala mozzarella with confit tomato, basil and preserved lemon

The tuna hand rolls came out first and the first thing that came out of my mouth was “but its too pretty to eat!”.  It should be forewarned that this probably one of the few dishes on the menu that actually cant’ be shared so of course we ordered one each.  I can’t even describe how one small hand roll can be spicy and fruity and savory all at the same time.  I’m a HUGE sushi fan so not only was I getting my fix but explosion of flavors I was experiencing was unreal. 

Next came the spicy fries.  Although they were great and the mix of chorizo and manchego cheese made it feel like a gourmet poutine, it was definitely one of the safer choices.  Still fabulous and really, how can you hate on fries? 

Next was the Chinois Duck Wrap.  O.M.G.  It came out and again I wondered how we would shared this but we just wrapped ‘er up and alternated bites.  At first bite the wrap literally melted in your mouth. The duck was soft and tender and perfectly marinated in the hoisin and sriracha (that red Chinese hot sauce!) sauces.  The pickled cucumbers added a little crunch and tart flavor and the sour cream cooled off your palette inc case you weren’t able to handle the kick.  At first glance you may think that this wouldn’t be enough for one person but it was so filling and SO good.  Definitely hitting the repeat button on this one!

 

We were definitely getting full at this point but felt like we needed one last dish to finish off our adventure.  On to the refreshing finish of the bufala mozzarella.  Although in my opinion this was just a fancy serving of bruchetta, I had NEVER tasted bufala mozzarella that was so soft and light that it felt as if it had been melted. Surprise of the night for sure but again was on the safe side.

 

Overall this place met everyone of my expectations – the food was to die for, the service was super friendly and the atmosphere of the place was one where you could be in a big group or on an intimate date.  I cannot WAIT to go back again :)

Origin
Address: 107-109 King Street East
Parking: Street Parking
Price: $$$ - depending on how much or how little you order
Service: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10

Cheers to 2011!

It’s been a long time since my last blog entry and I wish I had a better reason for being missing in action but unfortunately it seems as though I had fallen into my own trap.  The trap that first inspired me to take this adventure.  The ever familiar trap of comfortable repetitiveness.  The same restaurants, the same nightlife – week after week it was as if someone had pressed the repeat button on my social life.  Clearly these places are wonderful in their own ways otherwise the frequent visits wouldn’t be happening.  That being said, it’s a new year and new decade which means it’s time to reboot and refresh!

It’s an interesting time of year because you can’t help but feel a sense of hope and optimism come over everyone for the year ahead.  I’ve never been huge on making new year’s resolutions because undeniably they all fall under the rug within the first few weeks of the year. This past year however I witnessed first-hand the power of positive energy and putting your hopes and desires out into the world and watching them come to life.  I started off the year saying that this would be the year that I would make some big life changes.  Low and behold within the first 6 months I had an open heart, a new job and the prospect of a new home.  Now sitting in my humble little condo gazing at the view from the 21^st floor I’ve had some major milestones realized this year.  For the first time in a long time I am not chasing after something or looking to drastically change any one particular area of my life.  Although one specific area could DEFINITELY use some tender lovin’ care ;)

And so I start 2011 overjoyed and extremely optimistic because I have nothing acquire or run after.  I have only to revel in the next 360 something days and watch them unfold in front of me with what I hope to be wonderful, exciting and momentous adventures.

A mini peak into my new year’s resolutions:

1.  Breakfast – they don’t call it the most important meal of the day for nothing

2.  Be Active – 3-4 days a week – not unrealistic and totally doable.  The gym is 5 freakin seconds away. Indoor.

3.  Scale Back – after a holiday season spent buying gifts for underprivileged families, donating blood and collecting non perishables for the food drive I really don’t need another black pencil skirt

4.  Don’t make those a priority who only make you an option – ‘nuff said

5.  If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all – our mothers were so damn wise

I hope this year brings you everything that you hope for and that our paths can cross one day for an adventure!

Till next time! (very soon I promise!)

A Utopia of Taste

I’m a big believer in meals and food being enjoyed and savored and investing the time to really sit down and enjoy the pleasures that food brings us. Unfortunately being in the corporate world of 9-5 doesn’t always allow for that luxury and instead one must opt for the quick fix or the brown bag option. I’m lucky that I work where I do because there are endless (and delicious) options from the streets of Little Italy which actually makes the decision even harder.


Utopia Café & Grill has been one of the answers to the difficult “what to eat for lunch today” question. This small and cozy restaurant finds itself on the North side of College street sandwiched between Manning and Clinton street. It can be easily missed so this is one to look out for! The place is small and dining room is actually rather cramped for space when its full (which it usually is) there is also apparently a covered patio in the back which I haven’t had the chance to check out. To be honest I actually haven’t even had a chance to sit down since my visits always involved take-out.


The take out menu doesn’t consist of anything special – your standard salads, burgers, sandwiches, quessidillas and burritos. I have to give them credit for catering to the growing population of vegetarians out there with tofu and soy options. I have A LOT of vegetarian friends and I can see how it can be hard for them to find something worth eating on a menu. Although the choices may seem simple and standard, it’s the special ingredients (goat cheese, flavored mayo, homemade dressings) and extra flair they add which takes the ordinary to extraordinary. Matched with reasonable prices this is truly a staple for either a casual dine-in option or quick lunch grab. A few of the meals I’ve indulged in:


Poutine – served with veggie gravy and comes in your traditional form with cheese curds or Gourmet with mushrooms and goat cheese
Warm Grilled Chicken Salad - freshly grilled chicken breast over a salad of filed mix and roma tomatoes with a balsamic vinaigrette
Caeser Salad – with parmesan, croutons and garlic ceaser dressing
Greek Salad – crisp romaine, roma tomatoes, feta cheese, Bermuda onions and kalamata olives with grilled chicken and a light herb vinaigrette (crazy good!)
Homemade Chicken Burger – fresh ground chicken, scented with rosemary, grilled and served on a sesame bun topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, relish, pickles and green-onion mayo (it’s like summer BBQ anytime of the year!)
Grilled Chicken Club - a grilled breast of marinated chicken, crispy bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and roasted red pepper mayo on a fresh sourdough roll
Chicken Quesadilla - marinated, grilled chicken breast, cheddar & Monterey jack, green onion mayo and salsa
Mushroom & Pesto Quesadilla - sautéed portabella and white mushrooms with pesto, cheddar & Monterey jack and salsa
Chicken Goat Cheese Burrito - marinated grilled chicken breast, goat cheese, sweet grilled peppers, grilled onions, lettuce, green onion mayo and salsa


That list just made me realize how much I’ve eaten there and also how much more there is left to try. I DARE you to look at the menu and not salivate at the endless options and amazingly delicious ingredients. The burritos are by far my favorite because unlike the popular Burrito Boyz which is just down the street, these ones don’t make your tummy hurt as much after ;)


Utopia Café and Grill
Address: 586 College Street
Parking: Street Parking
Price: $$
Service: 8/10 (never had an issue with takeout although I’ve heard some stories of not-so-good service when dining in)
Food: 9/10
Ambience: 7/10

Enoteca Sociale

Sometimes there’s nothing better than enjoying the simplicity of a meal and reveling in the flavors and textures without being distracted by overbearing music and over the top décor. The creators of the ever popular Pizzeria Liberetto have designed a dining spot which stays true to the cuisine Roma and Nonna made famous without straying away from their own roots on the Dundas West strip. If the food doesn’t vouch for itself then the constant crowd inside and the need to call in days ahead to make (and get) a reservation should speak volumes.

The main room is cozy and quaint with simple wood tables adorned with dim candlelight. If you’re unfortunate enough to not get a table for your meal then there is communal seating at the bar which is actually specifically reserved for walk-ins and where we ended up on this fateful night. Cozy, but you can definitely bump elbows with your neighbors! There is also a semi open kitchen which allows you periodic peeks into the culinary treats being made. The menu is not long and doesn’t offer up a lengthy list of options but what it does offer is authentic, melt in your mouth, simple Italian cuisine.

On the menu:
Antipasti – Arancini Con Stracciatella, Arugula, lamb bacon & Caramelized Onion
Pasta – Spaghetti Carbonara (pancetta, egg, black pepper & pecorino) and Tubettone (cauliflower, roasted garlic, chickpea)
Dolce – Ricotta Cheesecake
Vino – Bottle of Valpolicella

So I won’t lie when I say that I usually opt for the more “commercial” Italian places because its just easier to understand what I’m ordering! So thankfully we had a very helpful and attentive waiter who helped us along and made most of the recommendations – which we went with! I would have been satisfied with the Antipasti on its own and will honestly go back JUST for that. A bed or arugula sprinkled with caramelized onions and small tender pieces of lamb bacon. Nestled among it all are fried mozzarella cheese balls with risotto inside. They literally melt in your mouth. The pasta was definitely simple but nonetheless very meticulously put together with each of its ingredients, none overpowering each other. Some would call it plain and in honesty maybe not the BEST pasta I’ve ever had but still tasty. None of the options we had featured a tomato based sauce which is usually my favorite so I would definitely go for a return visit to try something different. The dessert unfortunately disappointed, not a big fan of ricotta as I discovered.

Overall this atmosphere really is conducive to what I believe eating out should be – an experience. A relaxing casual atmosphere providing the ability to kick back, take time with your meal and wine and thoroughly enjoy the food, conversation and company.

On the menu next time:
Antipasti – Arancini Con Stracciatella, Arugula, lamb bacon & Caramelized Onion
Pasta - bucatini all'amatriciana (spicy tomato & guanciale)Dolce - apple crostata & whipped sweetened fifth town goats cheese

Address: 1288 Dundas Street West, 416-534-1200 (opens at 5pm daily – reservations highly recommended)
Parking: Street parking
Price: $$$ (with wine)
Service: 8/10
Food: 7.5/10
Ambience: 8.5/10

Welcome to Wabora

Let me preface this post by saying that I’m not a sushi connoisseur by any means. In fact I’m probably more than likely to opt for the commercial places versus the authentic ones. Some of the fancy rolls are just so pretty you feel bad eating them! Welllll okay not really, I never feel bad eating sushi. I can pretty much eat sushi anytime, anyplace and have learned a very valuable lesson: when opting for "all you can eat", dawning anything with an elastic waistband is highly reccomended :)

I’ve been to quite a few places ranging from the popular (Sushi on Bloor) to the high end (Blowfish) to the local favorite (Crazy Sushi) and the random (Asa Sushi on College). My favorite roll of all time (so far) has been the Snow Corn Roll from Crazy Sushi – NR I know you appreciate this one because I think we’ve shared enough snow corn rolls to last a lifetime! If you’ve never had it then make your way to the Winston Churchill AMC plaza and indulge in flaky white fish blanketed over an avocado and crabstick maki, baked in sweet garlic cream sauce and garnished with scallions and masago. Feel free to invite yours truly ;)

Back to the topic at hand! On this special night the posse finds itself at Wabora in the Thompson Hotel. I had never heard of Wabora but since I subscribe to one too many “Dining in Toronto” newsletters I seem to have the finger on the pulse of all the new hot spots in the city – so dangerous.

This was not just any night though. One of our very own has taken the plunge and is embarking on an extremely exciting new adventure in her life. MY LITTLE TR IS ENGAGED! Without making this entry too personal, this night was set up to celebrate this monumental occasion in her life and kick-off the many many events that are soon to come! Big yay! Since most of my sushi excursions are shared with her I figured this place would be perfect and the Thompson Hotel location just added that extra little something ;)

Wabora (the Korean word for Welcome or “Come in” actually first opened to acclaim in Bracebridge circa 2005 and chef Minsoo Kim has now brought his franchise to the T.Dot offering up to 60 different rolls, yup that’s right 60! Many of the specialty rolls also feature 5 of Wabora’s secret sauces and the restaurant also features a Robata Grill which burns with bincho – a highly sought after white charcoal from Asia which burns longer and more evenly.

There were 11 of us tonight so needless to say A LOT of sushi was tried, indulged and plates were completely wiped clean. Even Miss BK went for seconds and if SHE goes for seconds then you know the sushi is GOOD!

On Mine (and NR’s) Menu:
Crispy Valentine Roll – California Roll topped with spicy salmon and shredded crunch potatoes along with wabora sauce
Firecracker – Spicy Tuna Roll topped with Fresh tuna and shredded crabstick, drizzled with creamy wasabi sauce and dynamite sauce

Both rolls were to die for and literally melted in our mouths. You would also think that for being housed in the Thompson Hotel, the servings would be small and size would be meager but each of our rolls were 8 pieces and very hearty. My fave was definitely the Crispy Valentine Roll, there was just so much going on at one time that every bite was different! The textures of the crunchy potatoes with the soft rice and then the blend of sweet and with spice made for a perfect roll (pictured below). Firecracker was also amazing and all the fish was very fresh. I’m not the biggest fan of the raw tuna so I probably wouldn't get this one again . Two of the other diners were vegetarians and they also thoroughly enjoyed their rolls because the chefs were very accommodating with “customizing” their rolls for them. There were definitely some other crowd favorites – The Yonge Roll, Titan and the Mango Roll. I wish I could list the ingredients but there’s no website and I could only make so many notes on my Blackberry! Service was definitely very hospitable and attentive - they even offered our table of 11 separate bills which almost NEVER happens. The décor and ambience was beautiful, dark and dim with modern furniture and original artwork. High-class place without the high-class prices and snobby service.

On the Menu Next Time:
Crispy Valentine Roll (let’s be honest!)
Sundae Roll – crabmeat, cream cheese, tempura shrimp in the roll and topped with shredded crabmeat and four different Wabora special sauces
On the Border Roll – Tempura fried on the outside, yellowtail, cream cheese, jalapeno served with lemon ponzu dipping sauce

Address: Thompson Hotel, 550 Wellington Street West (at Bathurst)
416-777-9901 (reservations recommended especially on weekends)
Parking: Parking garage in the hotel or street parking on any of the surrounding streets
Price: $$ - prices of rolls vary from $8-15
Service: 8.5/10
Food: 9/10
Ambience: 9/10

CNE

Although the underlying meaning of the CNE opening in Toronto is that summer is over, you really can’t resist the kitschy carnival rides, overbearing game stalls and the smell of over buttered stale popcorn and sweet funnel cake. Although as a commuter I am NOT a fan of the traffic on the lakeshore – 2 hours to get home on a Friday night makes this girl one unhappy camper.

I’m not a Toronto native so I never really understood the appeal and pull of the CNE until I went for the first time a few years ago. Honestly, there is no better feeling then going out and spending the night (or day) really and truly feeling like a kid again. As much as I curse the CNE on my drives home and come way too close to running over pedestrians as they disobey the traffic rules, I can’t help but get this grin of pure unbridled excitement as I walk through the princess gates. This year we decided to head out on a Sunday evening to avoid the crazy crowds and of course the daunting humidity. Of course the first order of business is to figure out what to fill our bellies with. With options from your standard pizza, burgers and fries all the way to deep fried butter and snickers bars – the possibilities are endless. I stayed away from most things that were infused with grease but definitely couldn’t resist the frozen lemonade.

Then came the rides. For those who may not know, I’m DEATHLY afraid of heights. To the point that I have actually cried the entire way up on a roller coaster. Yes it was my first roller coaster ever but there were literally tears just pouring out from my eyes. So my dear friends decide that we’re going to risk our lives on this swing like contraption. Sitting on swings being held up by only hooks and chains raised high into the air and then spun around for a few minutes. Death trap. We get in line, I’m sweating and trembling but psyche myself into doing it. Not a big deal, there’s like kids half my size doing it right? WRONG. Because all of a sudden someone (I’m looking at YOU BK) has the brilliant idea to go on ANOTHER ride instead. A scarier, higher ride involving twisting and rotating and swinging – prefer to keep that kinda action for a Friday night ;)

There was no convincing me on this one, this actually required physical dragging. I was sweating and shaking and being laughed at all at the same time. I think the guys behind us thought I would throw up on them. We sat in our little four seater section and the floor sinks. Then the swinging starts. Going higher and higher we start twisting and swinging all at the same. Needless to say my nails were digging REAL deep into the handles. Best part is we get off, in one piece and alive, and I hear “oh man that was a lot scarier than I thought!” REALLLY??? Okay fine, I’ll admit, it was fun for all of 15 seconds. Maybe.

Since the food building was closed and most of the shopping was done for the night there wasn’t much else left to do except for maybe what turned out to be the happiest moment of the night. Tiny Tom’s Donuts. Little bundles of happiness enrobed in icing sugar. I had never experienced this joy before but my happiness was also doused with sadness when I was told that these were only available at the CNE. So quickly I fell in love and so quickly the affair ended. Story of my life.

And so the CNE closes and another summer comes to an end but I know now that the CNE should be a part of everyone’s summer in Toronto whether it’s for the food, the rides or just for preserving that little bit of childlike happiness in our lives :)