This year, Winterlicious is taking place Jan 31st to Feb 13th, 2014. I’ve been a long time fan of this program as it’s a great way to check out new restaurants for a reasonable amount of money.   There’s three-course prix fixe lunch menus for $15 or $20 and $25, and dinner is priced at $25, $35 and $45. Perfect prices for someone who is on a budget. (Like. Me.)

Lucky me….I was invited by Pangaea to attend their Winterlicous Dinner and by the Hyatt on King  (King Street Social) to attend their Winterlicious Lunch Menu. I’ve never been to either restaurant so I was excited for both meals.

Here’s a recap:

Pangaea Winterlicious Dinner 2014: …$35

The minute you enter the doors, you are warmly greeted and your coats are taken into a nearby closet. Then you notice the high ceilings and the beautiful art. I was already impressed before I even ate anything. Our lovely waitress was uber professional and the menu choices I selected were well executed. It was truly a perfect meal – loved the service, the ambience and the food.

Top Left :Foie Gras Torchon, Grape Confit with Toasted Brioche.

Bottom Left Pork Tenderloin (brined and grilled), Chickpea ragout with spinach, honeyed sweet potato

Top Right: Hot Apple Cider

Bottom Right: Toasted Cinnamon Creme Brûlée, Poached Pear, GingerSnap Biscotti.

Please click here for the entire Winterlicious lunch and dinner Menu for 2014

Hyatt on King – King St. Social – Winterlicious Lunch 2014 …..$20

The entire team at Hyatt on King did an amazing job and reached out to a group of food bloggers to sample their Winterlicious Lunch Menu. Sadly I had an appointment that day that I could not miss and was going to decline. But then I noticed that lobster poutine was on the menu…and I knew I had to attend, even if I had to dash out. In the short period of time that I was there, this is what I sampled.

Top Left: Winter Greens (vegan)
Baby arugula and leafy greens, roasted pears, grape tomatoes, slivered almond with an Orange Chili vinaigrette

Top Right: Lobster Poutine
Butter poached British Columbia lobster served with our signature gravy, angel hair parmesan and frites.

Bottom Left: Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Tomato Bisque Truffle Crème and a Sweet Potato Soup (vegan)

Bottom Right: Grilled Black Tiger Prawns
bell peppers, grape tomatoes, red onions, micro green salad with a soy ginger reduction

Please click here for the entire menu for King Street Socials’ Winterlicious Lunch and Summer Menu for 2014.

 

I really hope you get a chance to check out Winterlicious. There’s still time left!!

For more information:

 

Pangaea  1221 Bay St. Toronto 416 920 2323

 

Twitter: @Pangaea

 

King Street Social – Hyatt Regency  on King 370 King St. West, Toronto, 416 595 2524

 

Twitter: @hyattonking

 

Nando’s has been around since 1987 and has a huge presence outside of Canada. They have seven locations in Ontario (with two of those locations being in Ottawa and continue to expand!. Yet – for some reason I had never heard of Nando’s before. This has now changed!!

I was invited to the opening of Nando’s downtown location (832 Bay St) on Friday and accepted this invitation even though I really don’t eat a lot of chicken. Well guess what? I ate EVERYTHING that night. In fact I even had two sliders..that’s how juicy the chicken was.

The Nando’s at 832 Bay St. is located in a huge heritage building. Think – massive ceilings….Think…original stunning columns. Their design team did a fabulous job to reflect this brands South African roots (the first restaurant was opened in a suburb of Johannesburg).

That night I experienced: hummus with pita, (drizzled with PERI PERI Drizzle) roasted red pepper dip, PERI-PERI Sliders, PERI PERI Fries, PERI PERI Chicken, and Chicken Skewers. I was in chicken heaven!! (and PERI- PERI  heaven too). Of course I had to try the carrot cake but it’s the chicken and the PERI-PERI that steal the show here.

Not only am I a fan of Nando’s Chicken but I’m also a fan of their clever marketing.

Note: Pili Pili is the Swahili word for the African Bird’s Eye chilli. Nando’s calls it PERI PERI and it truly is what makes their chicken so special. I will end this blog post with something I read on their brochure: The Result is ultimate PERI-fection!!

For more information:

Nando’s 832 B ay St. Toronto (416) 925 8888

Facebook: www.facebook.com/NandosCanada

Twitter: @NandosPeriPeri

 

Seeing as I’m a HUGE fan of anything related to Cheese – it was a no brainer for me to check out a new grilled cheese & mac ‘n cheese restaurant that is opening up in the Junction. I was pretty lucky to be invited to visit Cut the Cheese, as their soft launch is officially on Saturday Jan 18th at 4:00 pm (till 2:30 am!).

Don’t you just love the name of this restaurant and the cow on this sign?

As for the menu: (this will expand….but initially this is what they are starting off with). Plus there’s sides – like coleslaw, cheese coins, tomato soup and fries!!

First I took a few lactose pills and then I sampled 2 grilled cheese sandwiches and one mac’n cheese.

Top Left: Cartel,  Top Right: Beet-it-Up, Bottom Photo: Southern Comfort Mac n’ Cheese. What would I order again – all of them!!  However if I had to pick a favourite it would have to be the Beet – it – Up.  What a wicked combination of ingredients (beets, smoked gouda, portobello mushrooms and dried tomatoes).

What really impressed me, was that everything is made in-house: the pickles, the ROOT BEER ketchup and more. Not to mention, they offer gluten free bread and have wicked sense of marketing.

I am confident that this restaurant will be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood. Not to mention it’s going to appeal to many grilled cheese  (and mac ‘n cheese” fans out there. Like me!!

Speaking of grilled cheese – did you know there is a Grilled Cheese Festival on Feb 28th? Click here for more details. PS Cut the Cheese is participating in this event! WOOT.

For more information:

Cut the Cheese – 2901 Dundas St. W, Toronto ON 416 901 7166

Twitter: @cutthecheeseTO

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cutthecheeseTO

Instagram: cutthecheeseTO

Hours: Closed On Mondays, Tues-Thurs 1130 am to 9 pm, Friday-Sat 11:30 am to 2:30 am, Sunday 11:30 am to 7 pm

There is something about the month of January that just screams “TREAT YOURSELF” and I  have the perfect secret to share with you on how to achieve this – without breaking the bank!!

I recently discovered a new program called Gift Card Offers that is powered by Samba Days. It’s a gift card program that offers an array of gift cards for various highly rated restaurants, spas, services, products for  15 to 38% percent off the face card value. The cards have no blackout periods, do not expire and can carry a balance. (oh how I love these flexible conditions).

Von Doughnuts has recently opened on the Danforth (713 to be exact) and of course I had to go visit after my workout! Life is all about “balance” – right?

There are two types of doughnuts: Raised and Cake.  Plus there are a few varieties that are spiked, and some that are savoury. All I can say is “BRING IT ON”.

Here are some examples of their flavours:

Peanut Butter Jelly Time, The Sappy Pig, Chica Cherry Cola, Drunken Night, Curry Coconut etc. I counted 22 flavours on their printed menu but not all of them are available at the counter. I can see myself checking them out in future on Facebook so I can make sure that the flavour I want is available!

This morning, I tried a few! (does this surprise you?). Top Left: Dill-Dough, Bottom Left: Caramel Salt N Pepa, Top Right: Porky Monkey , Bottom Right: Cap ‘N Jack. Clearly someone has a sense of humour when naming these doughnuts.

Verdict: I love the flavour profiles and I love the fact that there’s two different types of doughnuts (cake and raised). My favourite was the Caramel Salt N Peppa. They were all excellent though and I look forward to trying more in the future. This is definitely a place that would be ideal for a tweet up so we could share a whole bunch of flavours. What do you think?

For more info:

Von Doughnuts, 713 Danforth Ave, Toronto ON 416 901 VOND (8663)

Twitter: @vondoughnuts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vondoughnuts

 

 

 

For months, I drove by a window sign that said “Fresh..Coming in the Summer”. I waited and waited and waited. Finally the day arrived (err..it was Fall but that’s OK) and it was open. I was excited to visit as I knew that this location was going to be a hit, for this popular  vegetarian/vegan restaurant. (which now boasts 4 locations).

Heading north of Bloor was a smart strategic move. This is easy for me to say – seeing as I live about a kilometre away!

I love that this particular location is paying attention to the fact that single diners might want the option to sit at a BAR  to eat, and not by themselves at a table. I think I counted THREE bars (by the window…when you first walk in ..and at the back). #ANOTHER #SMART MOVE.

What did we order?

Well I can’t seem to visit Fresh without having these epic quinoa battered onion rings . They come as an appetizer but I wish they came as a main dish!!

We also ordered:  the big salad, the soup of the day with grilled cornbread and hummus, and the picnic burger. Everything was FRESH FRESH FRESH and completely inhaled. Our waiter was also super attentive and helpful too.

For more information:

Fresh on Eglinton…90 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto 416.599.4442 PS take out is available too.

Twitter: @freshoneglinton

Facebook; www.facebook.com/freshsince1999

Instagram: freshrestaurants

Foursquare: Got a message today that if you check in before Dec 31 on Foursquare ,you could become the mayor and win!!

This company really gets social media and gets serving FRESH food. Hope you will get a chance to also visit this location soon.

Disclosure: I was given a gift certificate to visit this location however all opinions in this blog post are my own.

I’ve been following the burger scene for the past few years, so I was eager to check out the latest burger restaurant to open, which is called “P&L Burger” . This is the latest venture of the owners behind Parts & Labour and from what I have read online, they know a thing or two about hamburgers which is why they opened “P&L Burger”.

When you walk in, you immediately notice that the space is narrow and long! You order from the counter and then pick up your food at the back. As for the seating – only 14 seats are available

Here’s the menu….

I ordered the tempeh burger, kale salad and onion rings. I’m in love with the Kale Salad . I actually ate two portions of it – that’s how much I loved it. I also enjoyed the tempeh burger as it was a nice change from the usual veggie burgers.

However on my next visit Im ordering “the hamburger”, french fries and a milkshake…so that I can have another experience. Don’t you worry, I will be updating this blog post.

For more information:

P & L Burger: 507 Queen St. W, Toronto, Ontario

Twitter: @partsnlabour

Instagram: thepnlburger

#eatpnlburger

While visiting the Toronto Garlic Festival back in the fall, I had the opportunity to sample a Seafood Chowder from a vendor that was simply outstanding. That vendor was Smoked & Cracked, who also happens to own a restaurant at  516 Mt Pleasant Rd. (just north of Davisville).

Last week I went to visit their restaurant and it was so good that I returned a week later. I simply had to try more items on their menu and share this “find” with more friends.

The restaurant has a lovely “East Coast” feel without being too kitchy. (you know what I mean). There’s small touches that I really think are cute: i.e small jade plants can be found on each table that are planted in empty tomato cans.

The menu is on a chalkboard. Simple but effective.

This is what I’ve tried so far.

–Lobster Bisque

–Manhattan Seafood Chowder: This soup had  a beautiful broth with massive chunks of perfect scallops, shrimp, and mussels in it. I think this was my favourite soups out of the two that I tried.

–Lobster Mac and Cheese

–a WARM lobster roll (that was the best lobster roll ever)

What really impressed me was that every vegetable was perfectly diced. Plus the shrimp, scallops and lobster that were in my soup were cooked to perfection.  Bonus that the owners are super friendly and know the industry inside and out!

This is what I want to try on my next visit (which there will be…trust me).

Either the lobster omelette or the lobster scramble gratinee…which is served on Sundays only.

Who wants to join me?

For Further Info:

Smoked & Cracked  516 Mount Pleasant, Toronto ON 647 748 5722

Twitter: @smoked_cracked

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokedandCracked

I was on Twitter a few weeks ago and noticed that a new ramen restaurant was opening in Toronto. I was so excited seeing as I’m a  huge Ramen fan. I clicked the “follow button” and asked if they would  keep me in the loop when they were opening.

Shortly after, I received an email asking if I would like to attend their opening. I quickly said “YES…COUNT ME IN”.

They opened today for a media preview and I was one of the lucky people invited into their restaurant, which only has 36 seats!! Touhenboku Ramen is located at 261 Queen W. and in my opinion this is a great spot for a ramen restaurant.

Touhenboku Ramen features ramen soup that is made from chicken broth. It can be ordered be with your choice of lean pork, rich pork or chicken chasu. Plus you can choose between thick or thin noodles, which are made from their own blend of flour.

I tried the Garlicky Touhenboku Ramen and was surprised that the broth was so thick but it was indeed one huge bowl of flavorful ramen. I’m sure by the time winter is over I will have tried their other options, which are: Original, Spicy, and Light.

Sadly I didn’t have a chance to try their Chiffon Cake but it looks great, doesn’t it?

For more information:

Touhenboku Ramen: 261 Queen St. West, Toronto 416 596 8080

Twitter: @TouhenbokuRamen

I discovered Pukka via Twitter (does that surprise you?) and then found out that they  recently opened up a little over a week ago on St. Clair Ave. West.  I was eager to blog about Pukka seeing as I haven’t reviewed an Indian restaurant ever!!

Let’s start off with the space:

Not too dark. Not too bright. Plus I love the colour combos. It’s a pretty cool space for a restaurant in “North Toronto”. (in my humble opinion)

Now let’s talk about the food. Pukka has managed to make Indian food – INTERESTING. It’s not heavy, or greasy or boring at ALL.

Here’s four dishes that really were outstanding. They were interesting, fresh, extremely flavourful and light.

Top Left: Vegetable String Chaat – puffed rice, sprouts, chutneys and sweet yogurt

Top Right: Baby Kale Salad – dates, lotus chiops and spiced cashew dressing. See what I mean?

Bottom Right: Wilted Winter Greens – pickling spices.

Bottom Left: Tandoor Roasted Paneer – sweet peppers and pineapple

The meal continued with a few other winners:

Top Right: Chicken 65 – South Indian Fried Chicken (this is a MUST to order – and I’m not even a huge fan of chicken!!)

Bottom Right: Butter Chicken – tomato butter sauce.

On the Right: Vegetable Pakoras with Tomato Chutney

Believe it or not,…we managed to try dessert despite the fact that we were full.

Left: Eton Mess – rosewater meringue (my favorite), mango, pomegranate and sweet lassi cream

Right: Chai Pot Creme- candied pistachios, orange blossom creme anglaise, spiced shortbread (I loved the shortbread…hope they sell it separately one day)

Someone knows what they are doing in the kitchen and every dish was executed perfectly. I was super impressed with the flavours, textures, and presentation of each dish.

I have no doubt that the neighborhood is going to embrace Pukka. (which is pronounced PUCK – A).

For more information:

Pukka: 778 St. Clair Ave. West (West of Bathurst). 416 342 1906. They open everyday at 5 pm.

www.pukka.ca

Twitter: @pukkatoronto

Disclosure: Pukka is currently a client but I assure you that all opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.