About a month ago, I attended a media dinner at the recently opened Captain’s Boil which is located at 671 College St. This is the 5th location for this restaurant chain, which I know will continue to grow as it’s such a fun concept. The location is uniquely design to resemble the hull of a ship and I must admit that the decor caught my attention.

The invitation to this event also caught my attention as I simply adore seafood. Plus I liked the idea of eating seafood in Little Italy!! I don’t know why …but I love all varieties of seafood – lobsters, oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams etc.

The concept at this restaurant is that you eat with your hands. Yes – gloves are provided.

Cute bibs are provided too and I’m proud to announce that I left the event with a white shirt and not a stained shirt!!

As for the food:

Step 1: You choose your catch: Snow Crab Legs, Lobster, Mussels,Clams, Chicken Slices, Shrimp, Crawfish, King Crab Leg or Dungeness Crab

Step 2: Choose Your Flavour: Cajun Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Captain’s Boil, Garlic Sauce

Step 3: Choose Your Heat: Non Spicy, Mild, Medium, Fire. (I chose the Medium and it certainly had heat to it).

There’s also  a huge list of side dishes to choose from: Okra, Lotus Root, Sausage, Corn, French Fries, Sausage etc.

Before you know it, bags of hot seafood arrives at your table and you dig in with your hands (oh ya – there’s no plates). It’s messy but it’s fun!!

You are also provided with lime, salt and pepper in little containers. I’ve never seen this before and was eager to try it. I will now continue to eat seafood with this idea. Thanks Captain’s Boil!

For more information:

Website: www.TheCaptainsBoil.com

Address: Captain’s Boil – Little Italy – 671 College St.

Telephone: 416 538 8868

Twitter/Instagram: @thecaptainsboil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecaptainsboil

Disclosure: This meal was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

I went on a Ramen Crawl last winter and guess what? My fascination for Ramen continues.

The lastest ramen restaurant I checked out just opened on Dec 29th. It’s called Isshin Ramen and is located at 421 College St.

The menu consists of:  8 different types of ramen (including TWO vegetarian options), 4 appetizers, 3 rice bowls and 3 desserts.

I asked the waitress to assist me in ordering and before I knew it I ordered the “Isshin “Spicy” Black Tan Tan Ramen”– Thick twisty noodles in a miso broth, topped with wok fried ground pork, spicy chives, bok choi, black sesame, pork belly, cha-shu and a home made chilli oil. Once again – I’m no expert but all 3 components really worked for me (the broth, the noodles and the toppings). It was DELICIOUS.

They encourage you to use the mortar and pestle to grind the black sesames and add it halfway through to enhance the experience. I was impressed with this added touch!!

I also had the chance to try “Crunchy Chicken Karaago” – crispy crunchy flavourful bits of chicken, deep fried to perfection and served with a garlic kupe mayo. Ate all three pieces even though I’m not such a huge fan of chicken and I was FULL.

The meal ended off with a Fresh Mango Pudding which is made in house daily with fresh mangoes. It was light and refreshing not to mention a perfect way to end the meal.

I read a review on BlogTo today that highly recommends the Isshin “Red Miso” Ramen. I have no doubt that I will be returning. Cant’ seem to get enough Ramen during the winter.

For More Information:

Isshin Ramen, 421 College St, Toronto, ON 416 367 4013

Twitter: @isshinramen

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ramenisshin

Restaurant Review: Jungle Juice

This little gem just opened a few weeks ago and is located on College St (smack inbetween Caplansky’s and Fancy Franks).

After reading a review on BlogTO, I then checked them out on Facebook. (PS and you should too). When I saw the photos that they were posting I knew I had to visit!!

It’s owned by a lovely Brazillian entrepreneur that only moved to Toronto five years ago. She was so passionate about cooking Brazilian food to her Canadian friends, that she opened up a small juice bar/restaurant.

I tried the “cheese bread” (pao de queijo) and was instantly in love. One could definetly tell that it was not made with white flour and had a diffrerent taste and texture to it.

I also tried the special of the day which was scrambled eggs with cassava.

Next visit, I’m going to try a “cleanser” which is ginger, apple, grapes, ice and water and a panini.(Brazilian style of course).

I also love the prices at Jungle Juice – everything is under $8.00. My type of “cheap and cheerful restaurant”.

Please welcome this great little (unique) juice bar to Toronto. They deserve a warm welcome!!

For More Info:

Jungle Juice 370 College St. Tel: 647 748 4899 Hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm. Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays

 

The other day I  received an invitation to go to the opening of Briscola Trattoria and I was delighted to accept. I  knew that Charles Khabouth, who is the founder and CEO of  the hospitality empire INK and  and Toufik Sarwa, the owner of Amber in Yorkville, would collaborate and develop, yet another successful venture.

I was not disappointed. The space is cozy and very inviting. I liked the whole layout….the intimate booths, the communal wood tables, and the interesting light fixtures too. (I noticed..LOL).

As for the food: I’m in love with the deep fried olives.

Not only did I enjoy all the appetizers, I enjoyed a few glasses of wine..(which means that I maxed out at two) and chatted with the lovely @geekigirl @christinallison @racboutique and @theFlist.

Always fun to meet new and old twitter friends at events. Plus it’s great to be able to support new restaurants too.

I really hope you get a chance to visit Briscola Trattoria soon.  They are located at 501 College Street and open 6 days a week. For further info please click here: Briscola