Showing posts with label waffle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label waffle. Show all posts

Hazel’s Diner Mount Pleasant (Toronto)


As a society, we seem to be a nostalgic bunch. Possibly a by product of living through the pandemic, or just because we crave the “good old days” when things were just simpler. We’re listening to more oldies than current top hits, television reboots are sprouting up, and the excitement around Top Gun Maverick is palpable. Does this bleed into the way we eat as well?

Unfortunately, rising rents and COVID has also claimed several iconic diners across Toronto. For Midtown residents, we’re lucky that Hazel’s Diner is still around. Having been to their Yonge location on numerous occasions, I was invited to visit the newer Mount Pleasant outpost, which serves the same menu.   

While the Yonge location’s dark wooden interior provides a homey rustic feeling, Mount Pleasant’s dining room is full of bright colours and light, a nod to the retro diners of the 50s. I almost expected to find Archie and Jughead lounging around the restaurant, tucking into large frothy milkshakes.

The Mount Pleasant location also has an outdoor patio, hidden by beautiful foliage and a wide sidewalk so that there's more privacy. 

You can certainly find the staple breakfast fare of bacon and eggs at Hazel’s, although I think their signature creations are so much better and love that their menu offers so many meat-free options.

Bonnie’s hash ($17), named after the owner’s wife who is a vegetarian, is a hearty combination of well toasted potatoes mixed with corn, onion, pepper, spinach, garlic, and jalapeno, topped with two eggs done to your liking (my over medium was done perfectly). It’s a satisfying breakfast that’s also refreshing and delicious.

I only wish the rye bread was less crispy – it’s more akin to melba toast – and is great for dipping into eggs but not solo with jam. Sourced from a local bakery, the owner explains the lack of preservatives does mean it can crisp up quickly, so perhaps order it untoasted if you like your bread soft.

The TPA benny ($17) is a healthy choice as the poached eggs are accompanied by a mound of arugula salad, tomato slices, and asparagus. Of course, they are also slathered in a rich buttery hollandaise and sit on a large crispy rosti, but what’s a breakfast without potatoes?

Picture and experience of TPA Benny from Yonge location

Hazel’s rosti is crunchier than the traditional Swiss version; it’s more like deep fried shredded potatoes than a pan-toasted potato pancake. Yet, it starts to soften as the egg yolk and tomato juices begin to meld into the rosti. Everything was so fresh thanks to the owner’s dedication to buying most of the ingredients himself… he’s a touch and see the ingredients kind of person. Oh, and if you’re wondering what TPA stands for, it’s tomato potato arugula.

On the other hand, if you’re craving decadence, the eggs Natasha ($19) places poached eggs on smoked salmon and pancakes topped with hollandaise, sour cream, and black caviar. It’s a savoury, sweet, and smoky concoction, certainly a dish to wake up the taste buds and makes me wonder if it’s too early to have a shot of vodka.

For those who like it sweet, the French toast is made from challah so that it’s extra custardy tasting with a faint cinnamon finish. I particularly love that Hazel’s uses maple syrup instead of the overly thick and plasticky tasting table syrup. When you’re creating such wonderful dishes, go maple!    

After such a filling brunch, I didn’t think we could get through the loaded waffle ($16), but as I took a bite of the fluffy creation with a sweet berry, I wanted another bite and another… needless to say, it did not go to waste. And despite what looks like an insane amount of whipped cream, it was as light as air and seemed to vanish on the tongue.

One thing is for sure, you’ll leave Hazel’s feeling satisfied (if not stuffed) as that’s how diners are supposed to be. I picture a stout smiling women with a slight Southern twang urging me to eat another bite and ending sentences with “sugar”. Imagine my surprise when I find out Hazel is the name of the owner’s car … so, not a person. I guess that’s one thing about nostalgia, we look back with rosier glasses, and in my mind, there will always be a Grandma Hazel.  


Overall mark - 8 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: 523 Mt Pleasant 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!


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CLOSED: Parcae (Toronto)

The day I heard Monk Kitchen was being shuttered was a sad day. Course after course of what Chef Roberto Fracchioni was churning out at the Chef’s table was fantastic – everything tasted great, for sure, but it was friendly behind-the-scenes view of the kitchen (and bantering) that made the experience incredible. I’ve since tried Flor de Sal, Fracchioni’s new restaurant; everything about the dinner is fancier, but the magic isn’t there.  

Hence, after hearing the initial reviews on Parcae, which now occupies the former Monk Kitchen digs, I had reservations already … the use of offals in a brilliant manner, but ultra-small portions. It sounded hoity toity, nothing like the warm hearty creations of its predecessor.    

It wasn’t until Winterlicious that I decided to give Parcae a chance – even if the dinner wasn’t fantastic, I’d be out $38, a manageable sum. On this visit, the restaurant was much easier to find (firstly, there was a board with the restaurant’s name out front) and I knew go to the left of the lobby and down the stairs to actually get to the dining room.

Our waiter, tatted with gorgeous geometric forearm tattoos, was just as friendly as the Monk Kitchen chefs. I took a deep breath… maybe this will be amazing, why had I waited so long to try Parcae? Certainly, the $7 glass of wine (another Winterlicious special) helped, the balanced Syrah coaxing me into comfort.

Then a bowl of house fried bread arrived – a genius concoction – balls of hot crispy goodness. The hard crust cracks to let you into the soft but chewy dough in the middle. Each morsel is covered with salt and grated pecorino crotonese cheese to give it a strong savoury burst. It even sits in a pool of olive oil, which thankfully doesn’t soak into the bread. The only “healthy” element is the thyme leaves dotted within the batter. Give me two bowls of these with wine and I’d be happy.

Feeling adventurous, I started with the cervelo or deep fried lamb brains. Even as the server sets down the appetizer, she warns that it’s best to eat them with a bit of the vinegary greens and plump mushrooms. The first bite (with all the condiments) is actually great – since the cervelo is piping hot, all you can taste is the crunchy crust and creaminess before everything’s swallowed to avoid a second degree burn to the tongue.


Then as the temperature drops and the meagre greens and mushroom supply depletes, the creaminess finishes with a gamey aftertaste and my once gung-ho feeling starts to wane. It starts to feel heavy … the creamy bite that just slid down my throat has turned to sludge. Truthfully, I would have given up every brain fritter for just another ball of fried bread. Oh well, I’ve tried it and have briefly supported the nose to tail movement.

Continuing on the lamb journey (if I’m going to eat the head part, I may as well benefit from indulging in the meat part of the animal as well), I chose the lamb parpadelle as the main. Aside from the bread (I know quit harping on the bread), the pasta was the best dish of the evening. The ribbons were thin and silky and the sauce closer to an au jus consistency so it just clings to the pasta. Then you lift the ribbons and little strands of scamorza cheese pulls apart. It’s a great dish - if only there was more lamb and it didn’t arrive in a kid-sized portion (seriously, the kid-menu fettuccine alfredo at Earls is comparable).


I almost felt bad taking a bite of my friend’s duck raviolo; after all, the lone thing at the bottom of the dish already seemed so meagre. Yet, our friendly waiter had raved about them, so a bite was in order. Although the rest of the table loved the raviolo, something about the creamy mascarpone sauce ruined the otherwise delicious braised duck filled pasta. Maybe it was the hazelnut pieces (why ruin a hearty pasta with nuts?!) or the lack of crispy duck skin as promised on the menu. The raviolo was no parpadelle.


After an exciting starter of lamb brains, my dessert waffle seemed so safe– it’s not overly thrilling, but it’s also hard to mess up. Parcae had the requisite eggy batter and crispy edges and the waffle neutral enough that the sweet Nutella ice cream wasn’t overpowering. But then the chef adds a shaving of frozen foie gras on top: that one ingredient made the dish, adding a creamy saltiness to everything.


Following such a nicely balanced dessert, a taste of the pudding chômeur felt like someone pumped a syringe of maple syrup into my mouth. Soaking cake in syrup already makes for a sweet dessert, so adding banana and peanut butter ice cream to it seems over the top. Something simpler like an unsweetened Chantilly cream would have been better and not leave me reaching for water.


Perhaps even a spoonful of the buffalo ricotta “pannacotta” would suffice. After all, it was watery enough to melt into the chômeur. Someone must have forgotten to add gelatin to the dessert as what arrived is more fittingly described as creamy cottage cheese with poached cinnamon quince (like a firm pear), this can’t be a pannacotta?


A meal that started strongly slowly waned at the end. Parcae certainly offers interesting options, but some things are just too hoity toity for its own good: the toppings on the duck raviolo is overly fussy and desserts like the chômeur simply overpowering. And don’t think the portions have shrunk in lieu of the Winterlicious special – judging by regular reviews, it’s always this small. So, unlike other three course meals, you’ll leave yearning for something more. One guess what I was yearning … of course, those genius fried bread balls.

Overall mark - 6 out of 10
Is Winterlicious worth it (based on my meal selection)?
Winterlicious - $38
Regular menu - $38 - cervelo ($12), parpadelle ($16) and dessert ($10)
Savings - $0 

After contacting the restaurant to understand why there was absolutely no savings for dining there during Winterlicious (something I thought the City of Toronto requires), they responded that the fried bread served at the beginning normally costs $5. There you go: you get complimentary shared bread. Parcae is the worst value I've ever calculated for a Winter/Summerlicious experience.
How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 348 Adelaide Street West (inside the Templar Hotel)

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!


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Smash Kitchen for Brunch (Markham)



When I don’t feel like trekking downtown for brunch, Smash Kitchen is a great alternative – they accept reservations and have all the typical favourites (egg dishes, chicken & waffles, burgers, etc.). If you’re feeling particularly hungry, their $20 prix fixe is a steal including any main (except the chicken & waffles), dessert, and coffee or tea.

I first discovered crab cake eggs benedict in San Francisco and since craved the decadent dish again. So, when it was on Smash Kitchen’s menu ($15 a la carte), deciding what to eat was a breeze. The thick runny egg yolk pairs nicely with the crispy coating on the cake and its seafood juices. Being denser patties, filled with crab and maybe even shrimp (?), the crab cakes held up against the eggs and hollandaise.


Pico de gallo was scattered over the benedict helping to cut through the richness. If only the seasoned home fries were hotter (albeit were crispy and cooked through), this would have been a perfect dish.

For dessert there’s a selection of chocolate mousse, cheese cake or berries; but, I wanted the vanilla butter waffle. Thankfully, they allowed this substitute and an entire golden Belgium waffle followed (in my defense, I did share it with a friend).


If you enjoy crispy waffles you’ll love them at Smash Kitchen. I found the waffle dry, which may be a result of it being served lukewarm and the butter on top not melting and soaking into the dessert. Nonetheless, with enough maple syrup, it was salvageable and still decent.

Sweet crispy crab cakes smothered in hot yolk, so glad they’re found in Markham. Plus, this time I didn’t even need to trudge up a huge hill to get them.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Markham, Canada
 Address: 4261 Highway 7 East

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:


Smash Kitchen & Bar Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Wooffles & Cream (Markham)

Wooffles & Cream

It’s inevitable, even with a busy mall’s distractions, when the Hong Kong egg waffle’s caramel aroma enters the nose, I become entranced in its melodic lullaby. Sweet dreams seem near but waiting ten minutes for a fresh batch feels excruciatingly long.

At Wooffles & Cream, you’d be lucky if the wait is under ten, given the waffles are made to order and there’s no hurrying their production time. Even with only a few people ahead of us, it took 20 minutes to get the delightful desserts.

Both the waffle and ice cream is $3.50 each; combining them won’t fetch you a discount, but makes the dessert that much better. Between four of us, we shared the original wooffle with matcha green tea and the black ‘n’ white sesame with vanilla - the perfect amount to satisfy without feeling glutinous.

A slightly crisp shell, airy inside and a mix of sesame to add interest; if we didn’t just have dinner I could easily have one to myself – breaking off a bubble and slathering it with ice cream before enjoying it. As my mouth settles into the warm memory foam waffle, the comforting spongy snack relaxes me – eyes momentarily flutter shut and a satisfied exhale follows.



Childhood memories of simpler times play out as each bubble prolongs the idyllic mood. With our hectic lives, society certainly deserves a luxurious catnap, even if it happens in a crowded suburban mall.

How To Find Them
 Location: Markham, Canada
 Address: 8360 Kennedy Road (inside New Kennedy Square)

Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog


Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:



Wooffles & Cream Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato