Showing posts with label lunch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lunch. Show all posts

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen for lunch (Toronto)


Ask Torontonians where to get good Thai food and Pai will likely be part of their response. The restaurant has been overwhelmingly successful; since its launch three years ago, lines during lunch and after work are still common. Your chance at securing a meal is higher during lunch since they take reservations and there’s a Pai Market offering quick grab-and-go options. During our recent lunch time visit, at least half the people waiting at the door at 11:30am made their way into the Market.

If you have the time, dining on site is preferable – you get to eat everything at its peak! The Thai style chicken wings ($5.50) are fantastic when hot, it’s slightly crispy skin already abuzz with lemongrass and chilli flavours. The light sweet and spicy tamarind dipping sauce helps cool it down, it’ll save your mouth before the first bite.


Thankfully, Pai cuts their spring rolls ($8) in half to let out the steam. The wispy crunchy rice paper is filled with glass noodles mixed with mushrooms, carrots, and bean sprouts. I’d like a bit more vegetables in it, but otherwise they’re decent and seems to be the go-to starter for every table.


Although there is a spiciness scale listed on their menu, when ordering curry dishes they already incorporate a standard heat and you’re given chili oil to augment, if necessary. Their Panang beef curry ($13) is much thicker than the green curry I’ve had in the past and even without the chili oil has an abundance of flavours: salty with a hint of sourness and even a slight nuttiness. There’s that mix of tastes that’s synonymous with Thai food. The beef slices are thankfully not overly dry and there’s a healthy portion of meat mixed into the vegetables.


If you arrive before noon, the food arrives at a controlled but quick pace, making Pai a good option for lunch in about an hour. Moreover, their lunch menu includes most of the popular dishes from dinner at a couple dollars less (the portion sizes seem equal in size). If you ask me where there’s good Thai food in Toronto, I’d suggest Pai. Just head to this well celebrated restaurant at lunch to avoid a long wait.

Overall mark - 8.5 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 18 Duncan Street

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____________________________
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:


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

Norman Hardie Winery (Prince Edward County)


Despite being a city girl at heart, as the snow melts and the mercury rises, an overwhelming desire to get out of town and into nature comes over me. In Toronto, we’re blessed to be within a 2-hour drive of two wine regions: Niagara-on-the-lake is the better known of the two, but Prince Edward County is becoming increasingly developed and offers a fair collection of wineries, without the crowds. After all, while lounging in nature, the last thing I want to do is battle a throng of tourists.

During sunny days, being outside in a vineyard is serene – basking in the sun and taking in the greenery and rows of vines. At Norman Hardie, you can do this in comfort while enjoying a glass of wine and a hot wood-burning oven pizza. Ah… relaxing perfection.


Before tackling their pizzas, our foursome shared a large portion of their organic greens ($15), tender lettuce leaves with crunchy heirloom carrots dressed in a light tangy oven roasted shallot dressing. It feels like you’re doing something healthy and dampens any hunger pains as we wait for the mains to arrive – given the pizzas are made-to-order by one person in one oven, it can take a while.


Ordering a margherita ($14) pizza is a great way to gauge a restaurant’s quality. It’s just tomato, cheese (in this case fior de latte) and basil – no overly strong flavours to detract from the tried and true ingredients. The crust made me swoon: despite being paper thin the bottom was crispy and allowed slices to be held without becoming a droopy soggy mess. Yet, the dough still has a soft chewiness to it and didn’t become a crispy cracker. If you’d prefer a meat version of the margherita, try the di taleggio ($17), which has the same base but also incorporates salty cured speck and mild taleggio cheese.


Yet it’s the salsiccia ($17) white pizza I yearn for with its plump pieces of crumbled sausage, sweet caramelized onions, spicy hot peppers, garlic, and fior di latte. The pizza is satisfyingly rich and flavourful; it went particularly well with the glass of County Gamay ($12).


Do yourself a favour and set aside at least an hour and a half for the meal – you may need to wait for a table and the freshly made pizzas take time. But most importantly, enjoy the time just being outdoors amongst the vineyard, sipping wine and tucking into a hot pie. Road trip anyone?

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Wellington, Canada
 Address: 1152 Greer Road

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:


Norman Hardie Winery Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato


South China Noodles Delight 桂林粉面食店 (Toronto)


As much as I love airy opulent dining rooms, there’s something about a small mom-and-pop shop that brings comfort. A feeling that soon I’ll be nourished with something hearty and I’m really supporting someone (not a massive corporation) in the process. Hence, when South China Noodles Delight came on the radar, a two-person team in a 20-seat restaurant, I bee lined there as soon as it opened and found it mercifully had no line.  

Despite furnishing the place with the narrowest tables I’ve ever seen (construction workers may mistake the thing for a work bench), the dishes are substantial – for a table of three we ordered two large bowls with a side of boiled vegetables ($4) and it was enough to satisfy. Small versions are available for $2 less.


The ox tail vermicelli in soup ($13) is the perfect combination of bites of tender beef augmented with bits of sticky chewy tendon. It arrives steaming and with all the bones and cartilage, the soup base was certainly hearty – a bit salty on its own, but goes wonderfully with the neutral noodles.


Without a doubt, the pork chop ($9) vermicelli is a great deal: incorporating at least two large lightly dusted deep fried pork chops, made fresh to order. For this, we tried the dry option, which still uses a layer of soy sauce broth at the bottom but is then also topped with pickled preserved vegetables. For me, it’s a little bland, but with a couple of drops of fragrant chili oil became tastier.


As a warning, the restaurant is small, so leave the strollers outside, refrain from wearing a huge jacket (it’ll reek like food anyways), and there’s nowhere to hang a purse so bringing a compact bag is key.

Nonetheless, South China Noodles Delight makes a great bowl of noodles. Not to the point that it would warrant travelling great distances for – after all, the entire meal lasts under an hour. But, if you’re hungry and in the mood for some hearty “home-cooking”, bring an appetite and your craving will be sedated.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 3380 Midland 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:


South China Noodles Delight Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

CLOSED: Mio Ristobar (Toronto)

Mio Restobar has commanded it’s prime Scotia Plaza location, between the building and Commerce Court, for a number of years. I myself have passed the restaurant an uncountable number of times, often wondering what cuisine they served and whether it’s good. Having finally stopped to try Mio’s Italian creations, I wish I just continued walking.

The side dishes accompanying the veal scallopini ($21) were decent enough – the savoury porcini cream, thick butternut squash mash, and the crunchy spears of grilled asparagus. Yet, the veal so overcooked the normally tender meat rendered tough and dry. Luckily, the scallopini method of cooking pounds the meat thinly so my knife could saw through the chewy beef and every drop of porcini cream was used to rehydrate the dish.


The pollo pizza ($18) looked more promising with its well toasted and evenly topped crust. Overall, the kale, roasted red peppers and chicken breast slices were fine (albeit the meat once again a tad dry), but the pizza itself lacked sauce (and hence flavour) relying on the dollops of ricotta and mozzarella instead. Something, even a swipe of marinara on the crust and drizzle of olive oil afterwards, would help. Gnawing through the crust made me wish there was more of the porcini sauce left.


Maybe the kitchen was having a bad day when I stopped by for lunch. After all, how can a restaurant be in business for so long serving up rubbery, mediocre fare? Until I hear otherwise, I’ll just keep on walking by, every time I traverse from Commerce Court to Scotia Plaza.

Overall mark - 6 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 40 King Street West (in Scotia Plaza, concourse level)


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:





Canyon Creek for Winterlicious (Toronto)

Few chain restaurants are part of Winterlicious, except for Canyon Creek who has regularly made the roster. I can see why, it’s hard to argue with value - their lunch menu is a steal at $18 (refer to the end of the post for calculated savings). Plus, their “upscale casual” menu is approachable while still interesting, although mains such as pho and bibimbap seem out of place at an establishment that use to label itself as a chop house.

Hence, the Southern fried chicken sandwich seemed like a safer choice at Canyon Creek. Even though the breaded chicken breast was tender and moist, despite being a thick piece,  something was missing. Perhaps it’s the promised buttermilk jicama slaw that should in the sandwich – shouldn’t I taste a lovely refreshing crunch? Why did it seem like someone simply slathered guacamole on instead, which in itself isn’t terrible, just tired and disappointing.


Or it could be the sandwich lacked a spicy kick from the chipotle mayo or jalapeño that’s listed as  ingredients. In the end, it’s good for a “Southern fried chicken sandwich”, but weak for a “Southern fried chicken sandwich with jicama slaw, chipotle mayo and jalapeño”.

On the other hand,  the candied Atlantic salmon appetizer surpassed expectations. At first, hearing there were golden beets and “candy” in the dish, I was apprehensive whether it’d would become overly sweet. Luckily, the sugariness was counteracted with sour elements (pickled onions and crème fraiche), using smoked salmon that gave a savoury quality to the dish, and incorporating horseradish for an unexpected zesty hit.


The peach crumble is everything you’d expected from the classic dessert: warm so it was comforting, the cinnamon sugar streusel topping, and a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream that melts into the  peaches creating a caramel cream sauce. It’s a satisfying dessert, canned peaches notwithstanding.


It’s a shame that taking an hour and a half break for lunch isn’t easier on a weekday, as the Winterlicious choices offer amazing savings. You’ll leave full and satisfied … and in desperate need for an afternoon nap.   

Overall mark - 7 out of 10
Is Winterlicious worth it (based on my meal selection)?
Winterlicious - $18
Regular menu - $32.35 - candied salmon* ($12.45), sandwich ($12.95) and dessert* ($6.95)
Savings - $14.35 or 44%

* Based on the coconut shrimp and double chocolate brownie
How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 156 Front 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:


Canyon Creek Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

FAMO Sandwich Creations (Toronto)


When Chef Babak Fami told his wife Shabnam Moier he wanted his own restaurant, she listened and supported him. What type of restaurant? Even though he worked at Terroni, Chef Fami had no desire to cook Italian. Instead, he wanted an inclusive menu where numerous cultures were represented and to share the diversity through a sandwich. Eighteen months later, FAMO (a combination of Fami and Moier’s surnames) finally greets Queen East.

I know what you’re thinking … sandwiches? What’s special about that? FAMO stays away from the overdone BLT and cold cuts. Instead, you’ll find ingredients like beef cheeks, lamb and tongue. Moreover, each incorporates spices, herbs or ingredients from different cultures so they’re global sandwiches. Oh my!

In tribute to our city, the Six ($13) takes beef tongue and braises it in red wine for hours until it becomes a flavourful piece of meat. For those who haven’t tried this part of the cow before, when prepared correctly, it’s like eating beef tenderloin.

After thinly slicing the tongue, it’s topped with truffle mayo, arugula slaw and red onions. Overall, a delicious combination of flavours – the truffle essence is evident but not the first thing you taste. However, the tongue does get lost between all the ingredients and thick bread. Perhaps a different bun or more meat would help.

The Cheek and Bun ($13) consists of slow braised beef cheek and caramelized onion – already a good start in my books – then adds arugula slaw for a bit of crunch and freshness. Of course, the beef is succulent and tender and this one of the more flavourful sandwiches I tried.


Since the East Ender ($12) uses chicken breast for the base, the meat is drier than what you’d expect from pulled chicken, but is lighter tasting and seems healthy. I love the spicy mango slaw that tops the creation, which adds a tropical twist and interest to this safer sandwich. If their vinegary hot sauce is available that day, be sure to grab plenty as it goes great with the chicken.


Although they’re all good, my favourite is the Famous Lamb ($13), which pays homage to the owners’ Persian heritage. In between the crusty toasted baguette are thick slices of slow roasted lamb leg rubbed in earthy spices such as cloves. Topped with a fragrant turmeric onion slaw this is a tasty sandwich. It goes even better with some of FAMO’s house made green chili hot sauce, just use it sparingly … it’s powerful.


Chef Fami tries to keep the sides that come with their sandwiches healthy with a variety of slaws (beet, fennel or green apple). Even the FAMO fries won’t leave you feeling guilty since they’re blanched and only fried once, instead of the multiple dips that competitors often rely on. Despite only one kiss with the hot oil, the wedges are crispy. Made with huge wedges of fingerling potatoes, these fries are hearty and will leave you full.


Drinks are affordable with $5 red or white wine that’s chosen to complement their sandwiches. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try the Station cold brew coffee ($4.50), which steeps the ground coffee in water for 18 hours so there’s no risk of scalding the beans. The coffee is so mellow, but still flavourful, I drank it black. 


Even though sandwiches are made-to-order, they’re finished quickly so it makes for a quick lunch. Additionally, FAMO’s dining area has long communal tables so you can sit and eat if you’re not taking out. Plus, you'll get to check out the heritage fireplace that the owners preserved when restoring the building. 


Shabnam is pleased with the great feedback they’re receiving from the neighbourhood. She notes they’re sticking with the seven sandwiches and burger for now. But, every week there’s also a special creation and depending on its popularity, may become part of the permanent fixture. Moreover, office lunches may soon get tastier as FAMO expects to start catering later in December. Goodbye cold cuts, hello tongue and cheeks!

Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10
Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will always provide an honest opinion.


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 122 Sherbourne Street
 Website: www.famo.ca

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:

FAMO Sandwiches Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Pai Market (Toronto)


Since opening Sukhothai in 2008, Nuit and Jeff Regular have owned or worked with various popular restaurants – all serving good old fashioned Thai food. At their latest venture, PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, they’re doing something different: it’s their first time creating a market area that introduces Toronto to lunch offerings popular in Thailand’s street markets.


After entering PAI, walk towards the back and make a right. The newly expanded area will lead you to separate dining room with grab-and-go counter with seating area serving a variety (generally six choices) of dishes that changes throughout the week. 


There could be curry, rice platters, or a salad … although their salads aren’t some sad leafy green variety. Instead, the laap gai is a hearty concoction of flavourful marinated minced chicken combined with roasted rice for substance. The citrusy dressing still keeps it light, but you don’t be reaching for a snack in a couple of hours.


If you’re lucky enough to see kanon jeen num ngiaw on the menu, make sure it’s one of the items you get ($10 for one choice or $12 for a mixture of two). The tomato broth has just enough heat to leave your tongue tingling but won’t render it numb. Pieces of pork rib are tender and easily pulls off to enhance the noodles. Grab some rice if you can as it does wonders to soak up every last ounce of the hearty soup.


I could do without the slight sweetness that accompanies the soy based broth in the guay jap but the hefty pieces of braised pork belly is pure blubbery goodness. The pork and egg sits atop silky curled noodles that will test your chopstick skills; make sure you grab a spoon!


Meat lovers will want a box of the Northern platter, which includes chunks of flavourful lean sausages that incorporates a Thai flair (could be some lemongrass added into the meat?). Also accompanying the sticky rice are crispy fried pork and pork rinds as well. Adding a dollop of the thick green chili relish on the side helps cut through the greasiness, but watch out it has some spice to it!


After lunch, feel free to peruse the display tables in the corner hawking a variety of unique Thai fruits, vegetables, spices, and ingredients. A juicy sweet mango (great for a dessert) or a bottle of their house made chili oil can help you replicate the Thai taste at home.


The PAI Market couldn’t have arrived at a better time, helping lunch diners combat the upcoming cold Toronto fall and winter with warm hearty dishes and heavenly scents emitted from slow cooked food. Just for a brief moment, that lunch hour, I’ll be transported away from Toronto to a sunny street market in Thailand.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10
Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will always provide an honest opinion.


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 18 Duncan 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!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:


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

CLOSED: Fran's on Front (Toronto)

Deciding on a restaurant for weekday lunches with friends or co-workers can be difficult. Where can you go that doesn’t take two hours, has a menu that can satisfy multiple cravings and isn’t too expensive? Fran’s is the place I turn to for these occasions, especially since they have great lunch specials that make it quicker for large groups.

The fair sized lunch salads are great if you don’t want something too heavy. Although not the highest quality meat, the grilled steak ($11.99) has always been satisfying – an amped up Greek salad adorned with flavourful grilled beef.

When I’m craving a hearty filling lunch, their tuna wrap with Greek salad ($8.99) is my go-to order. The wrap is stuffed with tuna that’s lightly mixed with mayonnaise and onions. The layer of lettuce between the filling and the soft tortilla helps to keep it from getting soggy too quickly.


During colder weather, their soups are warming and the chicken noodle is chocked full of ingredients. And the hot Western sandwich ($8.99) has a hefty layer of omelette within the slices of toasted bread.



Around since the 1940’s, Torontonians have been relying on Fran’s for their all day breakfast and large portions of comfort food. For me, I’ve been relying on Fran’s for their affordable quick lunch menu. Of course, their spacious patio is also great for the summer.

Overall mark - 7 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 33 Yonge 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!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:



Click to add a blog post for Fran's on Zomato

CLOSED: Little Fin (Toronto)

Little Fin


The Chase Hospitality Group has made quick service food a little more refined. Little Fin, located a few steps off Yonge on Temperance is conveniently located for the Bay Street crowd. Meals aren’t inexpensive, but is lower than their sister restaurant – Chase Oyster and Fish.

Moreover, the portion sizes are generous. The calamari po’ boy sandwich ($11) arrived brimming with hot freshly fried crisp calamari pieces, crunchy lettuce and various condiments – creamy Thousand Island, sweet corn relish and pickled red onions. The sesame studded bun didn’t stand a chance at containing all the ingredients, so protect yourself with a napkin. Tons of seasoned potato wedges (well flavoured but could be crispier) and a delicious vinaigrette based coleslaw (loved the horseradish like kick) fills the container.


If you’re fond of gooey cheese, Little Fin’s shrimp mac ‘n’ cheese ($13) will not disappoint: every forkful reveals long strands of white cheddar. This dish is full of flavour with pieces of smoky pork belly thrown in for good measure. I was impressed by the number of grilled shrimp mixed throughout, they certainly weren’t hard to find.


If only there was more macaroni and the pasta wasn’t cooked so long it’d be even better; the noodles were too soft and became lost amongst the ingredients. The thick sauce was actually great for slathering over bread, so share this with someone having a sandwich and borrow a piece of their fluffy bun.

Little Fin also treated me to one of their fresh pressed juices ($3), an apple raspberry blend. Normally, I refrain from juices as they’re overly sugary. However, Little Fin’s must be naturally flavoured as it was no sweeter than having an apple. The raspberry seeds remaining at the bottom was a telltale sign that the juice was actually made with fruit.


The restaurant’s prime location and catering service makes Little Fin great for office lunches - indeed, during my visit they were busy preparing for a large party order. After all, who needs another boring deli sandwich, when you can have a hot satisfying po’ boy instead?

Overall mark - 7 out of 10
Disclaimer: the above meal was complimentary. Rest assured, as noted in the mission statement, I will always provide my honest opinion. 


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 4 Temperance 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!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this: