Kobi Korean BBQ (Thornhill)

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill

The smell of searing meat mixed with the faint caramelizing marinades gets me salivating. It’s agony having to wait for a table while visiting a Korean BBQ establishment, seeing the hot cast iron plates doing their duty and not enjoying the fruits of their labour. It’s difficult, but I try not to stare too much at fellow diners, my longing eyes likely making their meals uncomfortable.

If you don’t want to experience all this, call ahead to Kobi Korean BBQ to get a reservation. It’s packed during the weekends and even with a reservation it can be another 15-30 minute wait.

Also, go with at least four people. For the larger dishes, tables need to place at least two orders of each - although you’re able to mix-and-match amongst the options. For example, for their famed fondue BBQ platter, you can order the spicy chicken and cheese ($18.99) and the spicy squid and cheese ($19.99), they’ll get combined into a larger dish. The end product is predominantly onions, the chicken and squid relatively sparse, but everything is mixed into a wonderful flavourful sweet and spicy sauce.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: chicken, squid and cheese

If you run out of cheese an additional order ($5.99), the equivalent of two cups (and you can tell as it’s served in a measuring cup), is available to add to the plate. With the excess onions I suggest you combine them with a couple of bowls of rice, cheese, kimchi and garlic into the hot plate and make your own fried rice. We also threw in some seared pork belly and it was fantastic!

The seafood pancake with garlic chives ($6.99) is one of the better ones I’ve had with tons of ingredients and a sweet soy on the side. As you’ll notice, there is no picture and this is largely due to the dishes coming out too quickly. With a third of the table already occupied by the BBQ hot plate and another third consumed by all the utensils and small dishes there’s no room for food. We literally had to throw the beef onto the hot plate and divvy up the pancake onto our plates to keep things flowing.

Since the hot plate utilizes so much real estate, it’d be a shame not to try some of their BBQ items (also a minimum of two items but can be combined). The marinated beef ribs ($24.99) was delicious, a satisfying thickness, tender and well flavoured.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: beef

Meanwhile, while ordering the pork belly our waitress asked if we’d prefer a thick or thin cut. Answering “thick” she looked at us dubiously and suggested we switch to the thin instead. Who am I to argue against experience? So, the thinly sliced pork belly ($15.99) was placed instead. Not having tried the thicker cut, I really can’t see why it wouldn’t have suited us, but the thin ones ended up being fine – cooking quickly and there were more slices to go around – a quarter which ended up in the make-your-own fried rice.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: pork belly

Accompanying the larger dishes were also a host of complimentary items:
  • Various banchan of spicy napa cabbage kimchi, turnip kimchi, pickled cucumbers, a sad portion of sesame oil laced green beans, and peanuts.
  • A bowl of steamed egg (seen in the cover photo). As always so delicious that I could have easily consumed the whole thing myself.
  • A bowl of spicy bean tofu soup placed in the middle of the cast iron plate so that it’s kept hot and bubbling the entire time.
  • Leafs of romaine lettuce, a napa and green onion slaw, thinly sliced raw red onions, slices of raw jalapeno, and garlic to wrap the BBQ meats into.
Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: banchan

Despite the initial panic when all the food arrived and difficulties in capturing staff attention to get a refill of depleting condiments, we had a jovial and enjoyable dinner. The tightly packed table configuration does mean the circulation in the restaurant is poor and the dining room fills with smoke. If this bothers you and the weather is nice, ask to be seated outside where the view of the parking lot may not be the best but at least you won’t reek of cooked meat afterwards.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: patio

Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 100 Steeles Avenue West

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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!


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KOBI Korean BBQ Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

CLOSED: Chabrol (Toronto)

Chabrol Toronto


Ruth Reichl writes in Garlic and Sapphires, “Restaurants free us from mundane reality; that is part of their charm. When you walk through the door, you are entering neutral territory where you are free to be whoever you choose for the duration of the meal.” Dining at Chabrol provides this illusion, suddenly I’m transported to Southern France, stepping into a quaint café, sipping wine as I joke around with a handsome tattooed French man.

The smell of melting butter and cooking shellfish is intoxicating, I was marveled by Chef Penfold’s ability to produce such delicious creations from two induction burners that makes my four top range at home look palatial.


Although the cool riesling poached foie gras ($19) had a silky smooth consistency that simply glided across the tongue, its slightly gamey after taste threw me off. I tried to mute it by using the refreshing black currant sauce smeared on the plate.

Chabrol Toronto: foie gras

Baked in parchment paper, the papillote of whitefish ($29) steams in its own juices and leeks infuse their aromatic essence into it. Cooked to perfection, the light fish was flaky and moist. The fish was accompanied with sea asparagus (like thinner French beans) and swiss chard before being topped off with vermouth beurre blanc at the table.

Chabrol Toronto: white fish

The ballotine of chicken ($29) was the sole disappointing dish. To be fair, my dinner companions enjoyed it and perhaps it’s because I tasted the chicken last and received an end piece but found the meat dry and tasteless. Trying to revive the chicken by dipping it into the vibrant green watercress soubise was no help as my taste buds have a heightened sense for bitter flavours. At least the roasted fennel and apple were good, but these sides can hardly save an entire dish.

Chabrol Toronto: chicken

All can be forgotten as Chabrol’s ttoro ($29), a bouillabaisse from Southern France, is simply sublime. The rich seafood broth is infused with green peppers, garlic and such a well-rounded feel from saffron. As the soup is dispensed at the table, the fragrance is so tantalizing that it took immense self-control to not dig in while the pouring continued. Of course, the seafood was well executed: the fish flaky, the mussels juicy and shrimps sweet.

Chabrol Toronto: Ttoro

Best yet, with the dish, the sommelier gave us a lesson as to what Chabrol means: essentially adding a splash of wine to dilute the remaining broth, bringing the bowl to your lips and finishing everything off straight from the bowl. We didn’t gulp the remnants, instead using it to dunk more of the great in-house baked crusty bread into. Forget letting the alcohol burn off, the remaining concoction tastes of wine, a dish straddling between food and drink.

Chabrol Toronto: chabrol

Do yourself a favour and get an order of the potato gratin ($12); not only does it smell amazing, the taste rendered me speechless. The thinly sliced potatoes are covered with a rich cantal cheese mixture (a semi-hard cheese that’s similar to aged cheddar) and thyme. Getting an order of this with a side salad would make for a perfect meal in itself.

Chabrol Toronto: potato gratin

After hearing so much about Chabrol’s apple tarte ($13), I couldn’t leave without trying it. Chef Penfold painstakingly stands over a double boiler whisking together eggs, sugar and calvados (an apple brandy produced in Normandy) until it becomes a smooth luscious sabayon. Indeed, it takes a while, but it’s well worth the wait and if you’re in a rush just order the dessert before the mains are complete.

Chabrol Toronto: apple tartThe large disc of puff pastry is airy and crisp; despite the strong buttery essence it wasn’t greasy. Ample amounts of paper-thin apples rests on top and the liberal dusting of sugar sweetens it just enough. It’s a fantastic dessert, the best I’ve had over the last year.  

Normally, I’d prefer sitting at a table, but gathering around the bar makes for such a jovial atmosphere. Where else can you joke with the handsome sommelier and converse with other diners? Even Niall McCotter, co-owner of the restaurant, swung by a few times to chat with us. He informed us that in the summer Chabrol will be expanding outdoors with an additional 20 seats, an outdoor kitchen and a champagne cart (which may or may not be manned by McCotter himself).

Thank you Chabrol for the delightful dinner and for a couple of hours freeing me from the cold Toronto winter … instead transporting me into a warm and welcoming French café.  


Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 90 Yorkville Avenue


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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!


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Have You Heard? Maple Leaf Tavern is Opened!

Maple Leaf Tavern
Guest Post: Written and photos taken by Parv of Parv.ca

I’m a big fan of historic venues. There’s something special about being in an establishment that has withstood the test of time. Oh, if only the walls could speak, what colourful stories they would tell.
Touted as one of the oldest bars in Toronto, the recently-renovated Maple Leaf Tavern (MLT) is one of these fascinating spaces. 

Built in 1910, this Leslieville dive bar has been given new life and reborn as a gastropub by the owners of Pickering’s Port Restaurant. MLT also boasts three popular city chefs at the helm – Executive Chef Jesse Vallins (one of only a few Canadians who is certified as both a sommelier and a cicerone) is joined by co-chefs du cuisine Binhan Nguyen and Jonny O’Callaghan.


While the original space underwent substantial structural renovation, the owner’s goal was to retain a classic and timeless tavern feel, reminiscent of MLT’s thriving heyday. The tavern has achieved just that, creating a homely space that’s perfect for a meal with friends, or post-work drinks with your buddies.


At the pre-launch media event, guests freely flowed through all three dining areas: the well-lit main dining room, the more intimate (read: darkly lit) pub area with its cosier booths, or the private dining area and chef’s table where you can experience all the action in the open kitchen.


I’m not sure if it was the friendly bartender blending a Hotel Nacional cocktail, or me watching the Reuben sausages being carefully turned on the wood-burning grill, but I’m finding this resurrected tavern incredibly warm, rustic and very comfortable. And while I was half-expecting just beers and wines on the bar list, MLT offered up a selection of interesting cocktails that paired nicely with the appetizers.


The main highlight (well, for me at least) were the sliders – amazingly juicy mini patties of striploin beef served on soft brioche buns. As I watched the chefs lovingly prepare each slider, I gazed longingly, trying to imagine what that first bite may taste like. I’m guessing Chef Vallins caught my yearning stare as he grabbed two sliders and popped them on a plate for my friend and I to enjoy…much to the envy of others.


Well-played, Chef, well-played.

But that was exactly the kind of attention and passion that the MLT crew put not only into their service, but also the food. Classic pub fare has been beautifully transformed into delectable creations, clearly made with a lot of heart and soul. The food is…in one word…homely.

While the east end of Toronto is not known for its upscale dining options, I have a good feeling that the Maple Leaf Tavern will prove to be one of those places that will really revitalize the neighbourhood and the community.


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 955 Gerrard Street East

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CLOSED: Media Dinner at Stratosphere Gastrolounge (Toronto)



Situated in a quaint upper middle class neighbourhood, Stratosphere attempts to differentiate itself from the fine dining and casual bars in the area by offering locals a middle ground. Ultimately, they’ve curated a short comfort-food filled menu at affordable price points and launched in July 2015.

With a thick Guinness batter that’s generally synonymous with British fish and chips, their beer batter prawns ($12 for 8 pieces) were crispy and covered a fair-sized just cooked through shrimp. Given the thicker coating, the sweet chili sauce could be thicker as it hardly stuck to the batter; luckily, it was still sufficiently flavourful.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: fried shrimp

Although olives aren’t my favourite ingredient, Stratosphere’s tapenade ($7; smaller bowl that’s normally served with a full pita) was good, incorporating a salty yet not overly fermented taste. The dip was surprisingly fresh and would go well with a cold crisp beer.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: olive  tapanade

The beef sliders ($12 for 3 sliders) were fantastic. The super soft egg bun soaking up the juices from the huge sirloin patty. The creamy sauce and onions topping the sliders were simple and let the beef flavours dominate.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: slider

Since we had such a great experience with the sliders, a larger version was in order. Out of the four burgers, the strip loin ($18) incorporated a leaner beef but was still just as tender. There was no chance the bun could contain the hefty patty and ample toppings (crispy fried onions, mushrooms and other fixings). The hot fries were also good, I couldn’t stop myself from dipping just one more into the gravy.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: sirloin burger

Stratosphere uses three cheeses in their mac ‘n’ cheese ($15): apple smoked cheddar, mozzarella and grana padano. However, the garlic was so pungent that it masked any of the three and rendered the dish to be gooey macaroni in a creamy garlic sauce. Nonetheless, the dish was decent and you’ll likely love it if you’re really fond of garlic.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: mac 'n' cheese

I was momentarily taken aback when the ceviche fish tacos ($12) arrived in hard crispy shells, having expected soft corn tortillas. Yet, after biting into one, the crispiness contrasting against the soft mahi-mahi chunks works. Eating them can get a bit messy and perhaps changing the dish into a “chip and dip” type appetizer would be better.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: ceviche taco

With a large bar and speakeasy atmosphere, one would think Stratosphere takes their liberations seriously. Indeed, the restaurant infuses alcohol in house in order to concoct interesting cocktails. The citric infused silver gin fizz ($8) was light and refreshing, the citrusy gin slightly sweetened and diluted with soda for sparkle.

Stratosphere Gastrolounge Toronto: cocktail

When I first heard the restaurant’s name, Stratosphere, I envisioned solar systems and stars… something of a cosmic nature. So, when the cool New York jazz club vibe greeted us, it was a pleasant surprise. Owner Eleni Makedona explains that her 8-year old daughter named the place, hoping that while eating at the restaurant, diners would feel they’re leaving the world behind, even for a short period. What a great desire; after all, don’t we all want to just leave our worries behind, once in a while?

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: 2956 Bloor Street West


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VIPS Sushi (Toronto)

VIP Sushi Toronto

As much as I love the experience of dining out and eating dishes at their optimal temperature, sometimes I get lazy and the promise of food in the comfort of my home is so enticing. Not wanting the typical pizza, Thai food or Swiss Chalet, we decided to give VIPS Sushi a chance. Diners rated them highly across the food review networks and the restaurant is close by so I was hoping the sushi would still arrive at its best.

VIPS Sushi Toronto

Undeniably, we didn’t think out our order very well as three of the specialty rolls ($9.99 each) had a tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber and creamy crab meat base. The differences between each really stemmed from what topped the maki: the spicy dynamite wrapped in nori with the crab meat getting a hit of spicy mayo, the red dragon topped with vibrant tuna, and the rainbow dragon a mixture of avocado, salmon, tuna, and butter fish. Surely the rainbow dragon would have incorporated the ingredients of the other two options.

VIPS Sushi: rainbow dragon roll

VIPS Sushi: red dragon rollVIPS Sushi: spicy dynamite roll

Nonetheless, they were satisfying with the cucumber finely julienned for crunch and ample amounts of imitation crab salad to make the rolls hearty. The shrimp could benefit from being larger (especially in the dynamite) and crunchier, but otherwise they were all tasty.

VIPS Sushi: spicy salmon crunch rollThe spicy salmon crunch roll ($9.99) contained finely chopped salmon incorporated into an excessive amount of tempura bits, so the fish became lost in the mixture. In the future, I’d likely order a plain salmon roll and make it spicy by drizzling some of the sriracha mayo that comes with every roll myself.


Delivery from VIPS Sushi was quick, taking half an hour despite the quoted 45 minutes, and the rolls still really fresh despite the travel time. Moreover, the portions were HUGE and there was plenty of leftovers (tip: to save it for the next day, wrap each roll with plastic wrap. The rice remained soft and didn’t get soggy). Sometimes being lazy has it benefits, I’ve now discovered VIPS Sushi, a great contender for Netflix and chill nights. 

Overall mark - 7 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 9 Byng Avenue

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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!


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VIPS Sushi Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Byblos (Toronto)

Byblos offers a vast selection of cuisines under the Eastern Mediterranean umbrella. Consisting of countries such as Greece, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Israel and Cyprus, there is seafood from the Mediterranean Sea and a variety of spices creating flavourful dishes.

Their house labneh ($11) was rich and delightful, but too filling if you’re only a table of two. The strained yoghurt was impossibly smooth and decadent - you’d think you’re eating ice cream if it weren’t room temperature. Honey comingles with the olive oil so there’s a hint of sweetness against the pure oily sheen. As you dip the warm barbari, tasty on its own, the bread’s toasted grains gives the smooth topping a nutty bite.


Byblos Toronto: Lebneh

Widely written about, Byblos Turkish manti dumplings ($14) are nothing like the typical meat filled varieties from other cultures. These are delicate and bite sized – food for a princess - the mere smidge of smoked eggplant inside gives off such a powerful flavour that you’d swear there’s meat. Sitting in warmed yoghurt, the creamy sauce is further drizzled with molasses so the dish could be dessert if it weren’t for the hit of unexpected spiciness.


Byblos Toronto: Turkish dumpling

At first poke, the Spanish octopus ($19) seemed rubbery and overdone. Although its skin was a bit hard to permeate, upon chewing, the seafood was surprisingly meaty and tender. On the bottom, the urfa biber chili vinaigrette was tasty providing a light smokiness reminiscent of harissa and each tendril sat on a wedge of fingerling potato so as you cut through there’s a starchy surprise.


Byblos Toronto: Spanish octopus

The Persian rice ($24) was beautiful,the gorgeous yellow colour and the wafts of spices drew me close, beckoning me to eat spoon after spoon despite feeling full. With the decent amounts of small fried Laughing Bird shrimp and fried pieces of sujuk, a Turkish sausage that tastes like prosciutto, the rice is another filling but should be experienced dish.


Byblos Toronto: Persian rice

Joel, our server that evening, was laid back and attitude almost like he’s inviting you into his home. He cautioned that with a small table it’d be hard to share many dishes and would warn us if we ordered too much. However, his last push of asking if we wanted something to nibble on was really not required, as the resulting labneh excessive, disappointingly leaving us too full to enjoy Byblos raved about desserts. Note to self: always trust your first instincts.  



Byblos Toronto: gulab cocktail

Luckily, the virgin gulab ($6.25) was so tasty that it could be dessert… well … almost. The cocktail was refreshing and utterly enjoyable even without the rose infused vodka. Just be sure to stir well as the tart lemon juice sits on top and pomegranate syrup sinks to the bottom. The pieces of gulab (red rose) and rose water gives the drink an aromatic quality. What a wonderful concoction to ring in the warm weather, cheers!

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 11 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!


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


CLOSED: Morals Village (Markham)

Morals Village


If you’ve never tried dining at an all-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant, I can best describe the experience through the senses. Starting with the sounds you’ll hear: after settling there’s the frenzied ordering as diners chime out the ingredients they want, “For sure we need beef, wontons, fish balls, shrimp, pork, tofu, udon … oh and some vegetables - watercress and spinach please!”


The staccato ordering will be followed by an impatient hum as individuals wait for everything to arrive and the pot to soup to come to life with the bubbling steam. At Morals Villages, they run as a well-oiled machine. On both visits, as soon as all guests arrived our order was quickly taken, pots whisked out shortly thereafter and given their personal sizes didn’t take long to reach cooking temperature.

With eleven soup bases ($2.50 - $8), some with three levels of spiciness and the split feature ($3.50 for two choices), deciding can be difficult.


Personally, I prefer the neutral ones (such as chicken broth) given you can always add flavours through the plethora of sauces. Which leads me to the varied tastes you’ll experience: the metallic tang from the quickly poached beef; the saltiness of the soy, nuttiness of the sesame paste or spiciness of the sha cha sauce; and you can’t forget the wonderful unami essence of the soup after all the ingredients meld together.


Weekday pricing at Morals is as follows: $25.99 for adults, $19.95 for seniors and $13.95 for those under 13. An extra $2 per person is charged for weekends and holidays. Of course, you also have to add on the price of the soup.

Additionally, there are tons of upgrades such as an extra $3/person to switch from regular rib eye slices to the Angus short rib. Having tried both you can taste the difference from the short rib – the meat more flavourful especially with the ribbon of thin lard running throughout. Yet, it’s not astronomically changed so the regular rib eye tastes perfectly delicious.


For those who really want a feast there are luxury ingredients sold individually such as Alaska snow crab legs ($19 for 8), abalone ($6 each) or fresh oysters ($3 each). The “deal” would be their special platter ($9), which consists of 5 slices of wagyu short rib, 5 slices of Kagoshima pork and 6 tiger shrimp skewers.  

Even the tablescapes at Moral are a sight to behold - the wonderful contrast from the soups and ingredients popping against the black background (see title photo). There’s also the lovely hues from Morals limited dessert menu: green tea ice cream or golden deep fried buns with creamy condensed milk for dipping.  


However, the experience is best described by how you feel at the end: the warm fullness that hugs your body or the dewy glow on the skin from the free facial that occurs throughout the meal. For me, it’s the memories of past experiences that’s the most precious.

Inevitably, it’s my first hot pot encounter that’s the most vivid: seated around the kitchen table with just my parents and immersing food into a simple bone broth. There wasn’t a hundred ingredients to choose from yet the dozen we laid out already seemed like a lot. Indeed, the large shared electric red pot took much longer to heat up than the quick mini induction ones at Morals.

The laid back pace of hot pot makes me remember something that holds true for all dining experiences - it’s not necessarily about what you eat, but who you share it with.  

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 8333 Kennedy 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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