http://www.chow.com/boards/23 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:53:21 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/664113#5164510 "they never were looking to promote customized menus and probably won't ever" My point exactly. That's why I won't request a customized menu; I figure if a business wants to offer something, in most cases they'll let you know. What I don't understand is why others are promoting Sukhothai's customized menus, as though it's a given, as though the owners are happy to accommodate if you only ask... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:50:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664113#5164510 http://www.chow.com/topics/665518#5164464 I'll be going to NOTL in the next 2-3 weeks. Usually I get there about noon and have lunch in a pub I believe called the Harp before looking for Christmas presents. Any suggestions this year for another place of similar fare and cost? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:47:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665518#5164464 http://www.chow.com/topics/665054#5164459 What a disappointment. My husband and I really enjoyed our meals the few times we were there, but we haven't been for over a year now. It was our anniversary dinner last year, and it was fabulous. I hope they enjoyed their County experience otherwise... Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:44:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665054#5164459 http://www.chow.com/topics/494673#5164429 Add my vote to Johnny's for worst burger. I went there based on recommendations on this board. What I saw was a guy taking out frozen burgers from a cardboard box. I went there once and I will never go back. The frozen burgers I make on backyard gril taste better, way better. Johnny's is gross. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:16:24 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/494673#5164429 http://www.chow.com/topics/664251#5164412 Chauhan's food is definitely decent enough for you to take a guest there. Whether its worth making a special trip from mid/down town is another question?! After all its no Michelin star restaurant! Ha! As for their vegetarian dishes, I only tried a couple ( aloo gobbi and Bhindi Nazakat (Okra) ), both decent. I am a 'meat' man when comes to curries...etc. So I'm not in a position to comment on best vegetarian. Sorry! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:56:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664251#5164412 http://www.chow.com/topics/642775#5164398 I lived in Toronto for three years, moved away in June, and I never found a suitable Shawarma place that got even close to an Ottawa Shawarma place. I feel your pain. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:41:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/642775#5164398 http://www.chow.com/topics/109164#5164396 Really Lebanese has moved to Montreal Rd near where the old Pizza Hut used to be. If you can make Dave (the cashier) laugh with a joke, you get your Shawarma free! (And it's GOOD Shawarma!) Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:40:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/109164#5164396 http://www.chow.com/topics/659889#5164353 Went on Saturday night, by 6pm our half of the resto was full. On the whole I prefer 168 because of the larger selection, and a couple of things were not good here. Salmon skin roll - skin was prefried a long while ago - chewey and fishy. California roll has no tobiko. Chicken karaage was almost unseasoned. "Fried rice" was hardly fried - was still pure white. The sashimi seemed ok but at AYCE I concentrate on cooked foods. So I probably won't be back. Service was very good though, better than 168. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:05:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659889#5164353 http://www.chow.com/topics/499001#5164286 True Brew Cafe on The Danforth, east of Woodbine, north side. A quiet little Cafe with free wi-fi. Good coffee and expresso and tasty treats. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:21:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/499001#5164286 http://www.chow.com/topics/665284#5164271 Kerr, operating out of Chatham, is a big operation now. Their herds are raised on grass and hay in northwestern Ontario, then shipped south for finishing on grain. To meet demand, they are getting similarly raised beef from other Ontario farmers, a co-operative of sorts, like Baretta. Kerr produces organic tomatoes and vegetables at their Chatham farm, and these are canned as Thomas Utopia or Eden Farm. If I was looking for Kerr beef or Just Beef at Sobeys, I would want to be assured it meets Canada AAA grade, otherwise it's Costco or Cumbrae for me. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:15:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665284#5164271 http://www.chow.com/topics/665482#5164256 We weren't able to make it to the group outing but did make it to the Vaughn CPK location on our own tonight. I've eaten a LOT of pizza in Chicago (grew up near there) and these guys got the two parts of it right that really define Chicago pizza, in my opinion: the crust and the chunky tomato sauce. Spent some time talking to the owner's son, Denny, and it was really nice to hear how much effort they've put into making it not only authentic but just all-around good food. We traveled quite a long ways to eat there and will willingly make that trip again, and soon. My hat's off to you, CPK. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:07:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665482#5164256 http://www.chow.com/topics/654928#5164254 We were at Spice Room on Nov. 7, 2009, and would not return, for four reasons: 1. They lost our reservation 2. They had the shortest wine list imaginable: 3 mediocre whites and 3 mediocre reds 3. The food was overly salted to an extraordinary degree 4, The service was glacial Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:06:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/654928#5164254 http://www.chow.com/topics/665357#5164160 Paulustrious' directions for making bacon from pork shoulder have been split to the Home Cooking board. You can find it at the link below: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/665481 Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:10:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665357#5164160 http://www.chow.com/topics/661286#5164137 Unfortunately, Manna is closing Tuesday. So swing by before then for one last meal of fresh and tasty korean. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:58:34 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661286#5164137 http://www.chow.com/topics/665475#5164063 For those who are wondering what an Ironage pig is, it's a Tamworth/wild boar cross. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:11:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665475#5164063 http://www.chow.com/topics/665320#5164049 Folks, please help us keep this board focused on the local chow scene, and keep your suggestions here focused on where to find this tea locally. blinknoodle, if you'd like suggestions for mail order options, please start a new thread on the General Chowhounding Topics board, where mail oder sources for chow are discussed. Thanks! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:05:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665320#5164049 http://www.chow.com/topics/664813#5164040 I love their chicken. I think that it tastes so good is because I think they use Peanut oil for the frying. Perhaps that could be the reason that there are not too many around (peanut allergies)?? Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:56:14 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664813#5164040 http://www.chow.com/topics/664424#5163990 there's a dutch store in richmond hill and it seems they carry Droste cocoa powder (i saw it in their online store). not sure about pricing or anything, and i've never been to the store, but maybe worth looking into... http://www.dutchproducts.ca Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:26:25 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664424#5163990 http://www.chow.com/topics/522805#5163976 All these and you left out one of the best, if not the best - Rahier?! Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:20:47 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/522805#5163976 http://www.chow.com/topics/639395#5163975 Hi Vinnie, I will check out Starsky next i am in Mississauga, thanks for the tip. Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:20:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/639395#5163975 http://www.chow.com/topics/627525#5163921 Those onion rings look and taste delicious and are wonderfully uber-crisp, but the batter absolutely oooozes grease. Love the fried chicken and pulled pork sandwiches, too, and agree that the pulled-pork sauce is too sweet. Still haven't managed to try the ribs and smoked chicken -- they've either been sold out when we've gone or we've been there on a rib/chicken-night-off. Will they ever be available every night of the week? Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:43:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/627525#5163921 http://www.chow.com/topics/662735#5163878 No, Yongeman, you're not getting it. It's not a cafeteria either. You line up to order. But, you don't get your food. You just get to order. They bring the food later. At a cafeteria-style place, you at least return to your seat with your food, after lining up. It is indeed what it is: just another guy who thinks he can run a restaurant but can't. Happens every day. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:21:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/662735#5163878 http://www.chow.com/topics/649526#5163781 I've changed my mind about Bona. In the last few months, the pizzas and salads don't seem to be up the same standard/flavour as before, like as if they're cutting corners on ingredients or quality or something. I'm currently on the look-out for good pizza that will deliver in the Danforth/Coxwell area. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:15:53 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/649526#5163781 http://www.chow.com/topics/665428#5163758 I liked it, though I wouldn't go there if I were craving a big deli sandwich. The burger was dynamite, but no lie, I had to lie down and nap after it. Its pretty greezy. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:01:43 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665428#5163758 http://www.chow.com/topics/648135#5163751 I haven't had the brunch there yet, but I've enjoyed every dinner at Jaipur Grille including last night's. http://www.jaipurgrille.com/brunch I wouldn't eat at La Vecchia again if they comped it and sent a limo for me. Never! Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:55:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/648135#5163751 http://www.chow.com/topics/665192#5163719 Apart from the clientele, the place always seemed a bit embalmed--stuffy, heavy-ish "old school" that actually offered little of the comfort that approach can give. I went twice in the past year with small-ish groups who seemed on both week nights to tax the staff and kitchen. Fouled up drink orders and some iffy plating and presentation were some of the problems. Snarky wait staff didin't help, either. It's just Oakville. I didn't get the hauteur of the place relative to its shortcomings. Thankfully I didn't play host but the tab was steep for what the kitchen delivered. Maybe weekends are happier? Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:42:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665192#5163719 http://www.chow.com/topics/105603#5163681 Well, it's certainly the only way Ace has been able to keep up with demand. However, where to find a grocery store with a wood-fired oven for a great smokey taste. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:21:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/105603#5163681 http://www.chow.com/topics/665422#5163557 Thai Plate 3434 Bathurst St at Ranee I went to Thai Plate for lunch today, Saturday. They had set up all of the room the other side of the door for a wedding lunch which was served buffet style. The platters of food coming out were freshly made and looked beautiful. I thought, what a wonderful idea to hold the celebration here. The alternative for the party would have been someplace like the Mandarin Buffet, and the food here is so much better and cheaper to boot, to say nothing of the Thai Plate room having more charm and intimacy. So I suggest that you try if you need a good, cheap and interesting birthday or other celebration meal for a group. VVM Sat, 07 Nov 2009 20:09:05 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665422#5163557 http://www.chow.com/topics/665249#5163449 Doesn't H. Salt still show up in the food building at the CNE every year, or has that stopped as well? Not an answer to your question, just made me wonder. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:17:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665249#5163449 http://www.chow.com/topics/665289#5163443 We use Corelle dishes. While you can get the marine style plates, etc with the anti slip stuff on the bottom, they are still plastic plates. At least Corelle is somewhat china-like but can still survive a good knocking around in your storage area. If you are determined to go with the marine style dinnerwear, you might be better to wait until the spring when the boating stores get new stock. I've always seen fairly nice stuff in the store at Port Credit. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:14:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665289#5163443 http://www.chow.com/topics/105185#5163416 While I wouldn't exactly rave about Indian Kitchen, I've found it a decent option for mid-priced Indian. You're right about the whole Tandoori salmon being good - so long as the kitchen doesn't overcook it. After a couple of overcooked ones, I now always warn them, as politely as possible, that I'll send an overcooked fish right back, and that seems to alert them that there's a fusspot in the dining room. I haven't had any of the dishes you didn't care for, so can't comment. But I recognize, regrettably, that, at the mid-priced level, a kitchen won't get everything right on a large menu. So I guess I've been lucky in my other menu choices, and tend to stick to them. I also advise the server that I'm not shy about spicing, so most items seem to arrive at the table with appropriate zing, saving me from the dreaded standard-issue gravies and spicing that pop up at many mid-level Indian eateries. I think that some staff at Indian Kitchen migrated from Cuisine of India, which may explain - as you noted - why the gravy on the Chicken Tikka Masala is similar at both places. I gave up on Cuisine of India years ago. It seems long past its prime early years. When I want to move up in class from Indian Kitchen, I now go to Bread Bar, on Yonge St. north of Lawrence Ave., which has improved markedly since its opening - though I still miss Tabla for first-class Indian when it was at its peak. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:50:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/105185#5163416 http://www.chow.com/topics/665385#5163333 I'm taking my son out for a birthday dinner, along with my 2 other kids. Besides the usual suspects are there any reasonably priced restaurants near U of W that you could recommend? Any type of food is good, although my daughter is a vegetarian. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:52:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665385#5163333 http://www.chow.com/topics/664040#5163295 Oh...I was actually there last night. It was almost empty at 8:00. I can't believe that it can actually be making any $$. It's always almost empty. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:25:13 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664040#5163295 http://www.chow.com/topics/665366#5163276 mi va mi , duffs , aroma , harveys , hartman s , aroma . second cup , grab n go , mr sub , 2 banks , dry cleaners, haircutters , pizza store , shoppers drug mart , phase 2 in summer Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:14:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665366#5163276 http://www.chow.com/topics/610826#5163208 I also saw them two weeks ago at the convenience store on the NW corner of Coxwell and Queen. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:29:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/610826#5163208 http://www.chow.com/topics/650589#5163189 Bummer. He's good, but I doubt I'll be renting a car to have his food. *Sigh* Next time I'm in Brampton, though, very definitely the next time. Duckdown, you lucky duck, he's all yours. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:23:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650589#5163189 http://www.chow.com/topics/650192#5163180 I generally go to Samovar after dinner so I can't tell you much about the food. I've snacked, but certainly not enough to have an opinion. The crowd is mainly one side or the other of 30. The long, high-ceilinged room is quite pretty. All seating involves a banquette of some kind. They have elaborate Russian teapots adorning the tables behind which are fireplaces built into the walls so they're above your head. Backlit is my favourite for that glowing look. I've enjoyed many (too many) martinis at Samovar the prices of which start at $8. and go up from there. Service is always terrific with just a spot of friendliness that makes it a comfortable evening out. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:18:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/650192#5163180 http://www.chow.com/topics/432200#5163172 Dino doesn't do slices. I recommend calling about 15 minutes ahead and ordering a pie. You don't want something that's been sitting there all day, you want a fresh pie out of a hot wood burning oven, that's when Dino's is at it's best. Can I just say that I still love Dino's and his quality has not gone down one bit. It's literally gotten better. His crust and sauce are fantastic. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:14:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/432200#5163172 http://www.chow.com/topics/599996#5163156 Not pandering to the neighbourhood would be death to any place anywhere. You'll get the experience you request at 7Star. In other words, if you ask them to make it as they would serve to themselves then, yes, you can get a pretty tasty experience there. If you're dining with your grandma and make no special requests you won't have to ask for extra water for the table. Here's their dinner menu. http://www.dine.to/menus/menu_1040_document.pdf Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:09:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/599996#5163156 http://www.chow.com/topics/523105#5163141 I was there a couple of weeks back with my wife. I was expecting kind of a low key, business casual type atmosphere but the place was one big frat party. There was a ton of young people there (that's not a complaint) drinking it up, making all sorts of noise. Don't get me wrong, everyone was well behaved but the din in there was very high. It was a bit surprising considering Earl's isn't exactly a cheap place to go for a night out. The food was very good but they were out of ribs so I ordered their angus burger and it was excellent. My wife had the strip steak. It looked great and she gave it the thumbs up taste wise Nice fresh sides too. Nice skinny fries as well. Service was a bit slow but I think it was because our server was juggling a lot tables. Service was polite and helpful though when they were at the table, however. I'd take it over the Keg. The price point is about the same but Earl's steaks are smaller. Earl's has a lot of non-steak options on the menu too---unlike the Keg. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:01:19 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/523105#5163141 http://www.chow.com/topics/665324#5163121 If you have time, I'd call in your order before you get to the resto!! I find Kenzo isn't all that fast at times. Manpuku is pretty speedy unless you order Takoyaki. I very much like the Jumbo Inari there (rice-stuffed tofu pocket). Btw, The Kenzo address is wrong (non existent, actually) in the chow DB. Kenzo is at 138 Dundas Street West, before Japango. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:50:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/665324#5163121 http://www.chow.com/topics/664743#5163098 me too - i've tried all the montreal style bagels in toronto (almost all - i haven't yet been to the bagel place on roncesvalles) and none of the made me want to go back. we go to montreal twice a year, and before we do, we make sure to clear out the freezer to make space for two dozen bagels. we also have to pick up bagels for several friends, so basically the whole back seat is taken up with bagels:) Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:38:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664743#5163098 http://www.chow.com/topics/656295#5163091 That looks pretty damn good. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:34:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/656295#5163091 http://www.chow.com/topics/659629#5162969 I went there yesterday. Chai latte was probably the worst I have ever had. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:05:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/659629#5162969 http://www.chow.com/topics/664644#5162785 Try http://www.cayneshousewares.com/home.php a good store to visit and they sell online as well. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:12:17 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664644#5162785 http://www.chow.com/topics/387295#5162779 Stockyard on St. Clair and Christie has pastrami that is excellent. It is more often than not sold out but, despite the misnomer (pastrami?), it is awesome smoked meat. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:03:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/387295#5162779 http://www.chow.com/topics/661171#5162603 the construction (the replacement of water mains) is scheduled to last well into 2010, then they are redoing the street for the new streecar bump outs.....sounds fishy and not in a good seafood way and their chalkoards say nothing of the sort..... Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:02:29 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/661171#5162603 http://www.chow.com/topics/664688#5162582 Regarding the Cutlet house, the Korean food is really good. I haven't tried the cutlet meals. Not sure if those are any good. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:45:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/664688#5162582 http://www.chow.com/topics/579219#5162581 bad reccomendations I've gotten from CH include the blue chip truck at city hall, Dante's italian, magoo's hamburgers, shawarma max on yonge, and south st. burger Sat, 07 Nov 2009 03:44:41 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/579219#5162581