Estiatorio Volos (Toronto)

Posted on Sunday, February 01, 2015 by
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 133 Richmond Street West
Website: http://volos.ca
Type of Meal: Dinner


Estiatorio Volos may not be the easiest to pronounce, but once you understand what it means – an upscale Greek restaurant from Volos (a city in Greece) – the name makes sense. The dining room is spacious, tables covered in linen and the chairs comfortable. And their menu doesn’t have a skewered meat in sight, instead focusing on the seafood dishes of this port side city.

Of course, their prices also reflect the “estiatorio” nature of the restaurant. Which makes their Winterlicious offering (refer to the “is Winterlicious worth it?” section below) even more attractive. For $35 a person, the value is one of the higher dinner savings I’ve experienced and the portions generous to match.

The grilled Moroccan octopus appetizer was tender and meaty, where it was very lightly smoked and flavoured simply with an olive oil and balsamic dressing. The garlicky eggplant dip on the side went well with the octopus or was even better on top of a slice of warm baguette.


We certainly got our fill of bread (a second helping was required) when adding an order of the saganaki ($12). Essentially a giant slab of kefalotyri cheese doused in ouzo and flambéed. It’s a great sight to behold with an exclamation of “Opa!” before a final squeeze of lemon finishes it off. Yes, it’s a bit cliché but certainly brings the cheerful Greek flair to a meal.


Deliciously salty and gooey, the cheese has the consistency of mozzarella but the flavourful punch of feta. Containing a substantial portion of cheese, this is best shared amongst a table of three or more.


The lobster kritharoto wasn’t exactly what I expected (but then I had no idea what kritharoto meant) yet was enjoyable. I loved the smooth texture of orzo mixed with chunks of sweet lobster, salty feta, more ouzo and a slightly spicy tomato sauce to give a risotto finish to the dish.  


But our table definitely experienced food envy when we saw the lamb shank my friend ordered. It was huge and impossibly tender as it flaked apart while she tried to give us a taste. Flavourful, rich and hearty it was likely the better choice out of the main options.


Volo’s baklava was the best I’ve ever tasted. The phyllo was crispy and retained its airiness since it wasn’t doused with syrup. Stuffed with plenty of finely chopped walnuts and pistachios the dessert was sweet and satisfying but not overly heavy.


Volo’s mission is to deliver a sense of warm Greek hospitality and during our visit they successfully accomplished this. From taking your coat at the door and bringing wine tastings when decisions were unclear to the light hearted conversations, I got a sense of that friendliness.


Furthermore, they have expanded my appreciation for Greek food with tasty seafood creations that doesn’t involve calamari. I will always have a love for the garlicky tzatziki yoghurt. But the salty kefalotyri cheese, meaty lamb shank and flavourful kritharoto simply didn’t need it. Sometimes it’s nice not having to eat a meal off a stick.

Overall mark - 8 out of 10

 Is Winterlicious worth it?

As a special feature to the Winterlicious blogs, I will attempt to calculate the savings being offered (based on my meal selection).

Winterlicious - $35

Regular menu - $54 - Octopus ($17), lobster kritharoto ($28)* and baklava ($9)

Savings - $19 or 35%

* The lobster kritharoto isn't part of their regular menu; the price based on the seafood kritharoto
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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!




    CLOSED: A La Carte at the Gardiner (Toronto)

    Posted on Saturday, January 31, 2015 by


    A La Carte at the Gardiner has been opened for almost two years, occupying the space from the former Jamie Kennedy restaurant. However, they’re not new to the block; they’ve been involved with catering at the Gardiner Museum, so if you’ve attended an event there you’ve likely tried their creations.  

    Situated on the third floor, the space is wonderful with high ceilings and soaring windows overlooking University. Having reconfigured the dining room’s layout, the space is much larger with a bright airy feeling to it. With beautiful wooden floors, a baby grand piano and sculptures by the entrance, it’s comfortable, contemporary and elegant.

    Their prices are surprisingly reasonable for their prime location. The charcuterie board arrives with cured ham, Calabrese salami, prosciutto, chicken terrine and plenty of accompaniments for only $14. So, even if you’re not in the mood for a meal, it’d be a great option for resting, a small bite and drinks after checking out the Museum’s exhibits (or any of the other tourist destinations in the area). With glasses of wine for $10 and cocktails at $12 it’s an affordable option.


    The meat on the charcuterie was decent but what I enjoyed most was the house-made julienned pickled vegetables served with it. They’re vinegary and crunchy, a great way to start the meal. Along with cornichons (small French pickles), olives and toasted crostini this was a full and satisfying platter.

    Despite the above, we couldn’t help but dig into the complimentary bread as well. It was accompanied with a great za'atar spice mixture which had a chili, citrusy and savoury essence to it.


    I have a love-hate relationship with paella – love the Westernized versions but still acquiring the taste for those I’ve tried in Barcelona. At a la Carte, if you’re ordering this expecting paella ($16), you may be disappointed. Unfortunately, it lacked the saffron essence, fluffy rice and caramelized crust quality that really makes the dish become paella.


    Nonetheless, it wasn’t a bad dish. It had great flavours and plenty of ingredients (chicken, bay scallops, chorizo, a tiger shrimp and mussel). For me, the dish would be more aptly described as a seafood jambalaya risotto. With the abundance of the holy trinity, chorizo (that is so similar to andouille) and spicy kick, it made me reminiscent of New Orleans. The creamy Arborio rice and saucier finish is where it deviates from a jambalaya, hence the addition of ‘risotto’ required in the description.

    My husband was more than satisfied with the catch of the week ($17) – in this case a lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. It arrived bubbling giving off such a fragrant aroma of butter, cheese and lobster. Thankfully, for my stomach’s sake, it wasn’t overly creamy. But, it’s not exactly healthy either as there was still plenty of butter and cheese mixed into the pasta.


    I enjoyed the hint of lemon added to the dish, which helped to brighten it up. In the end, it reminded me of a cross between mac ‘n’ cheese and scampi shrimp. The frisee salad had a delicious unexpected dressing on it: vinegary and savoury but also a hint of spice - perhaps curry and/or tamarind?

    What I liked enjoyed most about a la Carte was their hushed and elegant but not stuffy environment. It’s a great place to visit where you can actually carry a conversation with fellow dinner guests. Dinner is only served Fridays as events and weddings fill the space the rest of the time. Generally, they are opened for lunch and brunch service. And I’d imagine the daytime view, when you can see everything, would be even better.

     Check out my return visit to the restaurant to try their summer menu.

    Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10

     Disclaimer: The above meal was complimentary but the thoughts are still my honest opinion. 

    How To Find Them
    Location: Toronto, Canada
    Address: 111 Queens Park (3rd floor of the Gardiner Museum)

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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!


    CLOSED: Maple Yip Seafood Restaurant 陸羽海鮮酒家 (Toronto)

    Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2015 by
    Location: Toronto, Canada
    Address: 4227 Sheppard Avenue East
    Type of Meal: Dinner

     Some of the best ethnic restaurants are tucked away in a non-descript plaza in the suburbs. Maple Yip is no different and has been a family favourite for years. It’s not a fancy, but perfect for casual family dinners with prices to match.

    They are known for some of dishes that require 48 hours advanced notice. Their winter melon soup ($48 for the large) is great for the winter as the soup stays hot within its vessel throughout dinner. For smaller tables they also have a tinier version, simply tell them your table size and they’ll make one accordingly. However, large tables can always opt for a medium one as there is just so much soup! With ten of us and the large version we each had two bowls and still had plenty leftover.


    Winter melon soup is essentially a fragrant broth made with chicken, Chinese cured ham, dried and fresh scallop, shrimp, crab, Chinese mushroom and other dried herbs. It’s all placed into the hollowed out squash and steamed for hours to infuse the melon’s sweet juices into the rich soup.


    As it’s eaten, you scrape off the melon’s sides to enjoy with the soup, which is pretty bland by itself but lightens the flavourful broth.


    Another dish I highly recommend is the deep fried glutinous rice stuffed chicken ($38). An entire deboned chicken (except the legs and wings) has its cavity filled with a sticky rice mixed with Chinese cured sausage (lap cheung) and mushrooms. After cooking they deep fry it so that the skin is golden red, light and crispy.


    On the inside, the chicken meat remains juicy and tender. The sticky rice was the highlight mixed with all the chicken’s juices – it’s fragrant and flavourful.


    If you don’t want a full chicken, another dish I’ve enjoyed is their crispy chicken topped with ginger and scallions ($9.95). Unfortunately, it’s not on their regular menus (it’s on one of those papers tacked along the wall). So, be mindful not order the steamed version on their regular menu; this is the crispy one called “yow lum giy” in Cantonese.


    The chicken is essentially like the deep fried chicken with rice crackers you’d find at most Chinese restaurants. Then they douse is in a sweet diluted hot soy sauce (similar to what accompanies steamed fish) and top it with tons of green onions, ginger and deseeded chilies. That combination of crispy skin, juicy meat, sweet/salty sauce and fragrant herbs is simply delicious.

    Maple Yip’s stir fried double lobsters with green onion and ginger ($34.95) was admittedly not the best. The lobsters, perhaps were smaller than normal, ended up looking shrunken due to the tinier pieces. But, there was a good flavour to the dish.


    A special for the night was an old fashioned steamed grouper tail ($27). A meatier fish, the grouper was cooked well and topped with slivers of onion, orange peel and other items which added great flavours against the neutral fish. Its larger bones are also perfect for those who aren’t use to eating bone-in steamed fish and are squeamish about swallowing them in the process.


    The stir fried clams ($9.95) had a decent fragrant black bean sauce but the seafood itself was rather small and there wasn’t much to eat.


    Maple Yip’s chili shrimp and eggplant ($9.95) certainly has some heat to it. Served in a clay pot it’s piping hot (be careful) and allows it to be left out for a while retaining its temperature. Although timing is not an issue here as they whip out dishes in quick succession. In fact, most of the time, this is the problem with their service: you will have gotten the winter melon soup and before you even finish the first bowl other dishes will start arriving.


    The deep fried pork chop with spicy salt and pepper ($7.95) was crispy and satisfying. If you like it spicier, wait for a piece in the middle or bottom that’s covered with the chili and salt mixture.


    Meanwhile, the sweet and sour pork ($7.95), although having a great sauce, could have been cut into larger pieces. I found it a tad doughy and lacked the juicy pieces of meat I enjoy.


    Most dishes are enjoyed best with steamed rice. But, if you’re already ordering the rice stuffed chicken and would like another starchy dish, the stir fried e fu noodles with mushrooms ($8.95) is reasonably priced and tasty. Just be aware of the spongy texture of the noodles – some may find its softer springy texture strange.


    Despite most dishes being under $10, their vegetable dishes are pricier, but the portions are substantial. Below is the stir fried prince mushroom with bean shoots, although $16.95 is a satisfying dish.


    Maple Yip is hidden in the corner at the back of the plaza whose entrance can easily be missed. But, it’s worth the search and plenty of people have found it. So, do yourself a favour and make a reservation to avoid disappointment. And be sure to order the winter melon soup or deep fried glutinous rice stuffed chicken if you’re visiting with a crowd.

    Overall mark - 8 out of 10
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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!



    CLOSED: Barrio Coreano (Toronto)

    Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2015 by
    Location: Toronto, Canada
    Address: 642 Bloor Street West
    Type of Meal: Dinner

    It’s surprising … I’ve never been to Playa Cabana. Me, a person who loves a good taco! But, after a less than ideal visit to Grand Electric, hyped up Mexican restaurants leave a bad taste in my mouth. So, when my friend introduced me to Barrio Coreano, I was surprised to find out it was fourth restaurant from the Playa Cabana family of restaurants.

    Situated in Korean Town, Barrio mixes Mexican and Korean flavours amongst an urban feeling cantina. Bright lights and graffiti-like artwork comingles with wrought-iron and exposed bricks. It has a lively and down-to-earth atmosphere and some beautiful gothic elements in the design as well.


    Indeed, it doesn’t feel like you’re in Korean Town, except for the sole Coreano movie poster at the back.


    As for the food, the menu is predominantly Mexican. The crowd favourite guacamole ($9) and salsa ($6) didn’t have a banchan (Korean side dish) feel to it. Nonetheless, they were satisfying. The guacamole was thick, creamy and intensely savoury (there didn’t appear to be a drop of lime juice or herb in it).


    The salsa tasted fresh but could have benefited from more salt. However, its muted flavour did allow us to add hot sauces into it. At each table were four sauces – a hot spicy green habanero, a slightly milder yellow habanero oil with garlic, a tangy red chili sauce and a chili oil. I highly suggest using the green one sparingly as there’s certainly a kick to it.


    This was my first experience having a torta – essentially a fluffy, soft, flat bread stuffed with delicious ingredients. We tried the torta Corean with kalbi (grillied and braised short rib; $10) and the de puerco (a shredded Mexican pulled pork $10). Both were tender, flavourful and filled with ingredients that complimented it well – creamy queso cheese & avocado and a crunchy tart cucumber-radish kimchi.


    We over ordered having no clue how big Barrio’s tacos were. For the baha fish tacos (1 for $5 or 3 for $13), we paired it with the “salad” option where it’s wrapped with lettuce rather than tortilla. This is a great take on the Korean bo saam. Given the fish was deep fried, the lettuce helped lighten the taco.  The fish was fairly sized and delicious topped with a napa slaw.


    The pulpo al carbon (1 for $6 or 3 for $16) contained a large piece of smoky grilled octopus that was tender but still had some bite to it. To lighten the protein, there was a crunchy cabbage slaw and a thick salsa on top. Personally, I found the tortilla (although soft and fresh) was too heavy with it. I actually enjoyed the octopus solely with the toppings and without the wrap.


    Unfortunately, we ended off on a sour note as the fried chihuahua cheese taco (1 for $6 or 3 for $16) was generally detested at the table. Perhaps it’s due to it arriving last and thus suffered from sitting around and becoming soggy. But, the fried cheese was essentially a fritter and insanely heavy with the tortilla shells. But, I sense it wouldn’t be any better with the lettuce as that would make it even soggier.


    I’d imagine this would taste better if the cheese was coated with bread crumbs instead so it’d be closer to a mozzarella stick consistency than fritter. Additionally, there was such a liberal portion of habanero sauce on it that it left all our mouths scorching.

    Luckily, there was a large ice cube in my no love cocktail ($12) so I resourcefully used it to cool down my tongue. The cocktail was delicious and strong made with gin, Pimm’s, watermelon juice and hibiscus syrup.


    Since I was stuffed I opted out of the churros poutine ($9). My friends seemed to be enjoying it but the creamy sauce on the bottom was a miss for some individuals.



    Overall, I was pleased with my experience at Barrio Coreano and would be interested in trying another restaurant in the Playa Cabana chain. Their tacos are a tad pricier, but also larger and filled with tons of ingredients. So maybe popular Mexican restaurants are not all made the same – the music isn’t overwhelmingly loud, you’re allowed to make reservations and you’re not expected to pack yourself into a shared table. Olé!  

    Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10

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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!



    Have you heard about the Harbord Room's social media contest?

    Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2015 by
    Location: Toronto, Canada
    Address: 89 Harbord Street
    Website:     http://www.theharbordroom.com/

    In these increasingly competitive times, it's difficult for most restaurants to make a name for themselves. For the Harbord Room, not only are they known, but they have also thrived. In February 2015 they will be celebrating their 7 year anniversary!

    To mark this milestone they will be offering a special 7-course menu, featuring their best selling dishes for $77. Their iconic burger will likely be part of their menu, but I hope their freshly made ricotta doughnuts will be as well.


    Contest Details

    Additionally, they are also running a contest on social media. The prize is something I hope to experience - a private dinner prepared by Cory Vitiello along with six friends! But, if I'm not lucky enough to win, I hope to hear about it from you!

    How to Enter:

    1. Post a picture of your favourite memory (dish, party or cocktail) from the restaurant or repost the image of the burger above on Twitter or Instagram
    2. Tag it with #theharbordroom7
    For me, there are two memories both with their individual merits. My best food experience at the Harbord Room was during the Zomato launch. We were spoilt with a rich five-course meal complete with sides. The meal ranged from a stick-to-your-ribs partridge pot-pie topped with a generous slice of foie gras to a lighter grouper and fruit ceviche. You can read the full experience here.

    On the other hand, my best experience with the restaurant's space happened a few years ago (sadly, before I started blogging about my meals). My husband and I had simpler fare consisting of their famous burger, a po-boy and those amazing ricotta doughnuts. They were all delicious and satisfying, but what made this memory stand out was the experience.

    It was a beautiful summer day so we definitely wanted to sit on the patio. There was only one table left and we were warned that it was under the air conditioner so it could be loud. Indeed, there was the whirr in the background, but for us it just helped to drown out the crowd. Instead, all we could concentrate on was the shining sun and us enjoying it in the shade cooled by a slight breeze, Sure the delicious food helped. But, being able to enjoy food with someone you love, in beautiful weather and in a tranquil setting makes it that much better.  


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