Elegance Chinese Cuisine 雅景豪苑 for dim sum (Toronto)

Posted on Saturday, November 07, 2015 by
Elegance Chinese Cuisine

It's been a while since my first visit to Elegance Chinese Cuisine, but after getting frustrated while waiting at another restaurant, we decided to switch locations. Much to our delight, we found they also serve an early bird dim sum special ($3 for anything listed as S to L) if the order is placed by 10:45am. In case you’re not an early riser, I’ve listed the sizing beside each dish for their regular pricing (S: $3.00, M: $4.20 or L: $5.20)

Their har gau or crystal prawn dumpling (L) and siu mai or pork dumpling (L) were both decent.  The pork version the better of the two, juicy and studded with shrimp and mushrooms.


The steamed seafood and chive dumpling (L) was good as well with plenty of plump shrimp and added flavour from the fresh chives.


Of the two dishes, the steamed squid with shrimp paste (L) is generally my favourite, but it’s execution at Elegance varies in terms of flavour - on one visit containing little taste and another much better but tasted more like spicy XO sauce than shrimp paste. Meanwhile, the steamed squid with curry sauce (M) is more consistent and on all visits have had a hefty helping of curry.


Since it’s fresh from the steamer, the minced beef ball with orange peel (S) arrives puffy and voluminous - eat it quickly to avoid a shrunken dense ball. The mixture had nice flavours but given little lines the bottom of the dish (typically tofu sheet, peas, watercress or corn) it does tend to stick to the dish.


The steamed rice roll with Chinese donut or prawn (L) were both satisfactory versions of the traditional dim sum. The silky rice sheets are thin enough yet have elasticity to it.


Surprisingly, their bowls of congee (L) are rather large. The minced fish and preserved egg version pictured below was a tad bland for me. Personally, I enjoyed the spare ribs and dried fish style more, which although sounds strange had more flavour and plenty of meat.


The minced pork and cuttlefish steamed rice (M) lacks the crusty bottom normally found in hot pot steamed rice. However, this is typical for dim sum versions as other than Dragon Dynasty the rice is precooked and later steamed with the ingredients afterwards. The steamed chicken version is also tasty with plenty of meat along with black fungus.


Elegance’s steamed buns were disappointing. The large chicken with ginger sauce (M) variety lacked ingredients other than the named chicken (there’s usually Chinese sausage and mushrooms as well) and the bun had a gluey layer between the bread and chicken. Similarly, the steamed sticky rice roll (M) was a poor interpretation of the dish where the glutinous rice mixture lacked flavour.


Made with glutinous rice flour, the pan-fried seafood cake (L) had a chewy doughy texture and crisp edges. In all, the dish was fine, but a tad greasy for me. Another special dish is the veal ribs with honey sauce (L), which had a delicious sweet glaze and was relatively tender.


Elegance does offer some delicious desserts, despite not being described incorrectly. The coffee sweeten cake (M) is more of a gelatin than cake but the layers of deep coffee and creamy jello were delightful. Similarly, the mango pancake roll (M) should be described as a crepe but contained a fair portion of fruit and light whipped cream.


Overall, the dim sum at Elegance isn’t fantastic and generally the flavours can vary (sometimes bland and other occasions well-seasoned). Nonetheless, compared to other restaurants it isn’t too packed so you shouldn’t wait more than 20 minutes. For a dim sum fix, it’s a good compromise. 

Overall mark - 7 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 20 Gibson Drive

 Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!
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Elegance Chinese Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato


Hanmoto (Toronto)

Posted on Sunday, November 01, 2015 by


Hanmoto Toronto
Hanmoto is laid back and chill with a slight hipster vibe (but not too much plaid). The dining room seats less than 30 and is decorated in a mismatched “I’m not going to be impressive” manner, the service is attentive but not over baring (they’re not rushing you out of the small place) and even the cocktails go down easy. 

The Arisaka sour ($12) a light concoction of citrusy yuzu, refreshing cucumber, green tea, gin and soda. While the North Town Hashi ($12) just a tad sweeter from the Asian pear that’s balanced with bitters having an almost Amaretto and brandy taste.


The menu is small; with a table of four you can likely order it entirely. My favourite was the salmon aburi ($10), a mound of sushi rice wrapped in diced salmon and tobiko before being blow torched – the method du jour in Japanese cooking. Scallions and a bit of teriyaki (?) finish off the dish with a basket of crisp nori on the side so you can make your own hand rolls. I liked the lighter use of condiments, which allowed the melting smokiness of the salmon to become the prominent taste.

Aburi salmon

On the other hand, the hamachi tartare ($12) is more about what comes with it (avocado, sweet chili sauce, ponzu, shiso, cilantro, fried garlic slivers and nori) than the neutral fish itself. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing given the dish was delicious and packed with flavours & textures to start off the meal.


Inevitably, all dishes at Hanmoto is rich and flavourful. The dyno wings ($8), a well-publicized offering, takes de-boned chicken wings and stuffs them with a pork dumpling filling. Thankfully, the chef shows some restraint and doesn’t over salt the filling… although I would have liked some vegetables (chives, bok choy or cabbage) to lighten and add contrast. The deep fried wing was hot, crispy, juicy and delicious; smothered in mayo, green onions, cilantro and chili.


After reading Chris Nuttall-Smith’s review, we didn’t bother asking for a knife to split the katsu bun ($7). Honestly Hanmoto, just invest in some knives! It’s unreasonable to expect diners to want an entire bun to themselves and splitting the thing with chopsticks is a messy endeavor.  

Within this katsu the pork chop was replaced with a thick slab of pork belly, which had its marbled areas but plenty of meat as well. Covered with panko and then deep fried, it’s crispy and tender. With a sweet glaze and sitting on top a mound of Thousand Island/tartar sauce dressed iceberg lettuce, the dish combines the Filet o'fish and Big Mac in one. The pan fried coco bread, thinner and smaller than the pork belly, didn’t stand a chance at keeping the sandwich together.

Even Hanmoto’s vegetables would make a dietician blush. The enoki arrives with a pat of miso butter ($7), once melted leaving the crunchy mushrooms in a pool of oil. Some ponzu is added and its sourness does help cut the greasiness, the fresh scallions even more. Personally, I feel the butter and even the ponzu wasn’t required as these detract from the delicate mushroom; it would have been nice to have a lighter diluted miso sauce to add flavour without drowning it.


The salmon face ($12) is exactly as it sounds: a halved salmon head grilled and then covered with mounds of greenery (lettuce kimchi and a scallion slaw). You need to do some digging, but you’ll eventually find the fish.


Of all the dishes, this one is passable unless you love sucking on fish bones. Perhaps I was thinking of the jowl, which is much meatier, but there was little salmon meat in the dish itself. Moreover, since it was cooked to a medium doneness (something I normally like) it did make it hard to remove from the bone – even the prime cheek was hard to take out, turning into a stringy mess. A touch more time on the flames would help.

Their sole dessert is the miso ice cream ($7) made of a rich sweet base of condensed milk. It’s then balanced with white miso and nori dust to add a savoury element to the dessert. The toasted puffed rice spheres was a great addition, adding a satisfying crunch. As a warning, the dish is rather rich so you’ll want to share it.


Overall, Hanmoto creates inventive dishes not normally found at other izakayas and builds lots of tastes and textures into each one. Despite a small menu, there are many tempting options. It would be nice to have the menu expanded to incorporate a couple of simpler dishes. Everything was so heavy that by the latter half of the meal, I was craving something to help balance it out - the kimchi lettuce with the salmon head was a good start and could easily be sold by itself.

There are bigger problems than having too many strong flavours and lavish dishes. After all, a lackluster menu would be even worse. Lucky for Hanmoto, dull tastes is not a challenge they are plagued with.  

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 2 Lakeview Avenue


 Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:

Hanmoto Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Miku (Toronto)

Posted on Saturday, October 31, 2015 by
Miku Toronto

Miku proceeded cautiously, quietly opening in early October and without much press until later in the month. It’s a smart move, allowing them to work out the kinks before the onslaught of diners arrive. With the size of their dining area, this will be important as the sheer capacity could easily overwhelm the kitchen.

By our visit during the third week of October, I was impressed by the precision of their service: my reservation was in the system; the table ready and waiting; upon being seated immediately greeted and offered water; and drinks, food & fresh cutlery brought out in succession.

The smoked soy grilled octopus ($19) offered a heavenly aroma from tender meaty tendril of octopus glazed in the slightly sweet sauce. In the middle, a piece of togarashi-dusted chicken skin, which worked with the seafood (perhaps similar to the bacon and scallop combination). Despite the plain looking dish, on the bottom was a delicious wasabi chimichurri that provided enough heat without being overpowering and went well with the octopus and tasty sides (wonderful roasted baby potatoes with a creamy centre and tiny roasted cauliflower florets). 

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Kaisen soba pepperoncino ($28) but it was fantastic. Laced with a chili-garlic soy, the buckwheat noodles were tossed in the flavourful sauce adding a stir fried quality to the dish. A selection of Oceanwise seafood accompanied the noodles: a single prawn and scallop (despite the plural form used on the menu) were a fair size and cooked wonderfully; the calamari rings meaty and delicate; but the clams and mussels a bit overcooked.


Bell peppers, crunchy bok choy, prince mushrooms were also included to add contrast and colour. However, I could have done without the make shift salad on top – the arugula was bearable, adding a peppery freshness to the noodles, but the diced tomatoes rather strange.

Of course, we couldn’t visit without trying the aburi prime ($55 for 10 pieces), a chef’s choice nigiri selection. Aburi is essentially lightly blowtorching the ingredient to help warm and release an extra boost of aroma and flavour. Each piece was then carefully paired with sauces and garnishes to best showcase the ingredient. Understandably, there was no chance in me remembering all the combinations as they were listed out, but since it’s supposed to change depending on ingredient availability, you’ll likely have something different anyways.


It was beautifully presented, thanks to head sushi chef Kazuiki Uchgoshi and his team, with each piece an art form of its own. At first, we had intentions of cutting the sushi to try them all. However, after seeing the intricate placement and knowing all garnishes are required to get the intended taste of the sushi, my husband and I each chose five.

  • The lobster tail was substantial and its sweetness apparent (especially on the thicker end) and well matched with a tangy sun-dried tomato. Since it was cooked rare, it did have a gummy texture I’m not particularly fond of but wasn’t off putting either.
  • Reminding me of an upscale Big Mac, the wagyu was delicious with the well-marbled beef melting on the tongue and topped with a pickled tartar sauce.
  • I also consumed two pieces of rather neutral fish, which were both good. Admittedly, one wasn’t overly memorable, but the other that was paired with prosciutto was yummy, the meat adding a strong saltiness against the delicate fish.
  • The most disappointing piece was the squid, which was somewhat hard and had an awful fishy aftertaste that had me reaching for my shiso mojito ($15).
Overall, the aburi prime was fine but not as impressive as one would think from a dish that is described as “prime”, “omakase” and “premium”. Although it’s been touted that Miku brought the aburi method of cooking to Toronto, in reality it’s been around for years (my first experience during a dinner at Ja Bistro). On the nigiri selection, it was done so lightly that I really couldn’t notice a difference. Moreover, the rice itself could be improved – being warmer and incorporating more vinegar – as we found it rather tasteless if not for the plethora of ingredients on top.

Personally, I found the salmon oshi sushi ($17 for 6 pieces) did a better job at highlighting the aburi method, helping to release the fish’s oils and melting the Miku sauce. Our waiter advised that only seven people at the restaurant are told the ingredients for their namesake sauce, even then each only knowing certain ones so it becomes a team effort to make it. To me, it tastes like a kewpie mayonnaise with butter.

Slices of BC wild sockeye salmon is sandwiched in the pressed sushi and on top, which was an ingenious idea to add a richer flavour as the two layers of salmon permeated throughout. The layer of cracked black pepper between the salmon and sauce also helped add an interesting heat that’s different from the jalapeno.


The Miku roll ($22 for 8 pieces) incorporated tons of tobiko (fish roe) giving it a beautiful vibrant hue. We should have read the menu carefully as this also had the Miku sauce, which after the salmon was too heavy and similar. In this case, the crab, uni and salmon within the maki became lost amongst the smoky torched sauce and flavourful tobiko.


Miku’s green tea opera cake ($13.50) has a bit of everything in it, with the matcha flavour found in the sponge cake, butter cream and ice cream. The cake also included layers of silky dark chocolate ganache, a thick adzuki bean paste and crunchy hazelnut wafers. It was rich and delicious, having an almost Kit Kat essence within the dessert.


Walking into the cavernous white dining room, you wouldn’t think you’re at a Japanese restaurant. That is, until the hostess gets everyone’s attention and the kitchen greets you in unison. It’s a stunning space that marries simplistic Japanese décor with modern European elements, much like some of the items on Miku’s menu. Moreover, it’s great for large groups and a good choice for those who want upscale Japanese without the traditional elements (everyone speaks English and you don’t have to use chopsticks). Another Vancouver exports joins the Toronto scene, welcome to town!

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 10 Bay Street

 Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

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Gourmet Food & Wine Expo Giveaway

Posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 by

The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo ("GFWE") has got to be the largest food and drink event of the season. Occupying the Metro Convention Centre and entering its 21st year vouches for GFWE's prominence and popularity.

Their extensive list of exhibitors ensures that no one will be hungry or thirsty. But, they've also included travel operators and other service providers in case you need a brief non-indulging break. My biggest decision is where am I going to spend my sample tickets?! Rock Lobster, Little Fin and Mad Mexican are just a few of the vendors I'll be looking int.

Thanks to the folks at GFWE, you can join me on Thursday, November 19th for their VIP Preview Evening. Gastro World is giving away two pairs a tickets (valued at $90 for the pair), so you and a friend can also indulge alongside industry professionals, corporate sponsors, media and trade partners. Aside from getting a sneak peak of the weekend, you'll also beat the crowds from the busy weekend. 

Choose any of the two ways to enter through social media:

Tweet about it on Twitter

  1. Simply follow me on Twitter
  2. Tweet out the following (in it's entirety)
, I'd love to mingle @GFWE 's VIP Preview Evening, choose me! 
http://bit.ly/1PVkC7a #GWContest #GFWE 

 Comment on Instagram

  1. Simply follow me on Instagram
  2. Look for the picture below and in the comments section let me know why you want to go to GFWE (to sample from a particular vendor or show a loved one a good time perhaps)?


Do both and you'll score two entries!

Other Things To Keep In Mind:
  • One entry per person, per social media platform
  • The winner will be announced on the afternoon of Sunday, November 8
  • Winner will be contacted through direct message with instructions on how to obtain their prize
Good luck and enjoy all the food and drinks!



CLOSED: The Red Tomato (Toronto)

Posted on Sunday, October 25, 2015 by
the red tomato toronto

Attending the Red Tomato’s “Pie Tunes” party allowed me to sample their new pizzas, which occupies half of the menu’s real estate. But, as the name alludes, their Italian roots offers so much more! Therefore, when a return invite for a dinner was extended, “Sì!” was my immediate answer.  

Large thick slices of fresh mozzarella was the highlight in the salad caprese ($11); it was soft and delicate but could use more pesto for flavour. The handful of spring mix detracted from the other ingredients – covering the stars to the salad. Rather, I would have preferred the caprese traditionally served with additional juicy tomatoes (sliced) and adorned with fresh basil.


Although the chorizo, garlic and white wine sauce in the steamed clams ($11) was delicious, the clams themselves were overcooked, losing the delicate sweetness you’d expect from the seafood. Decreasing the cooking time by a couple minutes, adding more of the wonderful broth and including bread for dipping would make this a tasty dish.


Despite the breading on the coconut shrimp ($8) being a tad thick (using a thinner batter and longer shreds of coconut may be better), it had a great crunch and the shrimp itself as cooked nicely. The dish certainly doesn’t scream Italian, making it a peculiar addition to the meal, but would be great for cocktail parties.


The Red Tomato’s stronger offerings are in their mains. The mushroom agnolotti ($17) is for those who want a rich pasta. Plenty of pieces of crescent shaped dough were filled with a delicious cheese mixture - smooth ricotta and gooey cheese – then cooked al dente. A sautéed mushroom medley in a truffle butter sauce tops everything; an indulgent dish that’s ideal for sharing.


Who says meatballs should only be paired with spaghetti? At the Red Tomato, their plump sausage and Angus beef ones are married with gnocchi ($16) and it works! I rather enjoyed cutting pieces of the meat and spearing it with the plump chewy gnocchi. The marinara is thick and comforting smothering the other ingredients.


In spite of gorging on tons of pizza at their Pie Tunes event, we had to have a second helping of the Peking duck pizza ($18). Juicy just cooked through duck breast, meaty shiitake & enoki mushrooms, bright green onions and crunchy pieces of duck skin work so well together on a thin crispy crust. There’s the sweetness from the hoisin that’s counterbalanced with the savouriness of the other ingredients – a yin and yang pizza.


The picture below is a testament to how thin their crust can be. Nonetheless, it still holds up against the plump garlic shrimp ($18), although something other than the walnut pesto is required to keep them in place.


A manageable list of desserts is offered at the Red Tomato (all $7.99). For those who want something indulgent, the Belgian double chocolate mousse cake is rich and creamy with an intense chocolate flavour. Or the dense duo of cheese cake (a dark chocolate and vanilla bean during our visit) may be better if you can’t make up your mind.


The bourbon pecan pie peaked my interest, with plenty of nuts and a strong twinge of the alcohol. Its filling was perhaps not as gooey as I’d like, but the flavours were there. On the other hand, the espresso crème brulee had the right coffee essence and crackling sugar crust – but the crème’s consistency could be thicker.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and carefree – you’d feel comfortable in jeans but not out of place dressed up for the theatres. Service is also well timed and efficient - you don’t feel rushed but also aren’t afraid of missing curtain call. In my opinion, the pastas and pizzas are their stronger dishes, providing you with plenty of carb filled energy, for a night on the town.  

 Overall mark - 7 out of 10
Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will be honest in all the reviews.
How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 321 King Street West

 Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:




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