REVIEW | Cafeteria

[Guest Writer: Jonathan L.]

For my first food blogging experience, I head over to a pre-opening at Cafeteria by Playa Cabana with Monica from the Food Sisterhood. The newest addition to the Mas Playas group is located on College and Dovercourt, an area with many up-and-coming restaurants.  We are seated at a table with fellow bloggers, Laney & Nick from Best of Toronto, Jess from Where Jess Ate, and Jess' fiance, Mike. While he refuses to contribute to her blog, he has at least put a sufficiently sizeable ring on her finger to warrant a few perks (ha ha).

 

REVIEW| Let's Be Frank

Hot dogs have come a long way in the culinary world. Always the bridesmaid and never the brides at a family barbeque when paired with its hamburger counterpart, and sharing the spotlight with beer and other snacks at a baseball game, hot dogs have finally taken center stage.

Let's Be Frank, a newly opened hot dog bar at College and Spadina has finally given hot dogs the attention they deserve. You may have run into them in the past as they started off on a much smaller scale at festivals, food truck and even a pop up restaurant, they've finally settled down for good. 

REVIEW | Stoney Bread Company

Clara's been to the the original location of Stoney's Bread Company in Oakville many times, urging me to make a visit myself for their yummy menu offerings.  In this particular case, I didn't have to go all the way to Oakville because Stoney's opened a new location just 5 minutes from my place in Etobicoke! I have been a couple times already, both for their Sunday brunch service and I must say that I am quickly loving the new neighbourhood restaurant addition.

REVIEW | Get ready to pig out at Pig Out BBQ, the newest BBQ joint in The Annex

Patio season is sadly over with the weather getting colder everyday but that doesn't mean you can't have your BBQ ribs! Pig Out BBQ, a popular BBQ joint offering affordable and delicious BBQ ribs, wings, briskets and more. Lucky for us Torontonians, they just opened a new location on Spadina Ave. at Harbord St.!

REVIEW | Playa Cabana on Dupont offers generous portions of delicious Mexican staples

I've been a fan of Playa Cabana's Barrio Coreano since its opening (read review here) but didn't have a chance to visit their original location on Dupont until September this year. Thank goodness that I did because I can't stop thinking about their jar of jabanero sauce and scrumptious tacos!

REVIEW | Mississauga Marketplace Fish and Chips

Although fish and chips may seem like a fairly easy meal to prepare by deep frying a battered covered fish, there are so many components to creating the perfect texture and taste.  If you’ve read our review on Homestyle Fish and Chips, you’ll realize that it’s definitely one of our favourite places in Mississauga but it was closed one day so we had to venture out of our comfort zone and decided to try Mississauga Marketplace Fish and Chips.

REVIEW | Sugar Marmalade Inc, - comforting Chinese snacks and desserts in the heart of North York

Sugar Marmalade Inc. is an excellent restaurant for dessert lovers seeking for fine Chinese and Taiwanese desserts. Located on Yonge St. in a popular Korean district, Sugar Marmalade Inc. offers an excellent blend of finely crafted dishes, convenient location and a comfortable environment reminiscent of shops from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

REVIEW | Daal Roti - a quaint Indian restaurant tucked away in Mississauga

Brampton is no stranger to Indian Cuisine and with so many choices, it can be difficult to find a good one. When we go out for Indian, we try to stay away from big name restaurants and franchises when there are so many little unique restaurants.  Daal Roti is highly rated and for good reason too! 

OPENING | D.W. Alexander - Toronto's new premium cocktail bar at the Distillery District

With its blended entrance, dark interior and mysterious atmosphere, D.W Alexander is reminiscent of an upscale British gentleman’s club. Located at the corner of Church and Front, it is a mere 10 minute walk from Union station and plentiful parking in the Downtown Distillery District.  

EVENT | Muscadet Magic at iYellow Wine Club - discovered a new favourite French white!

Ever since our wine class last December (read review here), we've become big fans of what Toronto's iYellow Wine Club does - create a wine experience like no other for wine-lovers.  This time around, we were invited back for their 'Muscadet & More' event, to discover France's hidden gems.  I mean, who can say no to that?

REVIEW | Destingo for Winterlicious 2014 - quaint & casual trattoria on Queen West

Queen West is one of those neighbourhoods where you're bound to find a great place to eat.. on every corner! I have yet to visit Destingo so Winterlicious was a good excuse for me to see what they're all about.  Yes, it's hard to judge a restaurant during this time as service may be compromised, but my dinner at Destingo was close to perfect.

REVIEW | Over Easy - loved the famous potato hash, but not so much the slow service

I walked by Over Easy Restaurant, a popular brunch spot in the U of T neighbourhood, many times in the past but never had a chance to eat there.  Finally, I headed over there for brunch recently.  

REVIEW | Biff's Bistro - Toronto's casual, yet refined French cuisine by Oliver & Bonacini

Being a big fan of Oliver & Bonacini's Jump Restaurant  (read review), I was excited to head to Biff's Bistro for dinner to celebrate my friend's birthday.  It is located on Front St, just off Yonge, right beside the O&B Cafe and Grill.  The European inspired tablecloths, an eye-catching red door and the name 'Biff's' lit up 'Moulin Rouge' style, had me excited to try some French dining.

EVENT | First Bite of TUM Alum's Hot Bunzz Collaboration with La Carnita, Rock Lobster & Fidel Gastro!

Another Toronto Underground Market event is just around the corner! With so many vendors attending this year, it’ll be hard to choose where to start!

We were so excited to be invited to preview what Hot Bunzz will be preparing at this year’s TUM (Toronto Underground Market)  event on September 28, 2013! Mark Oliver, the creator behind Hot Bunzz is collaborating with three top restaurants in Toronto to come up with three amazing creations for next week.  Here's a sneak peak:

 

REVIEW | The White Brick Kitchen - a lovely Brunch in the midst of Toronto's Koreatown

Brunch on the weekends is a welcome treat when you work a 9-5 job Monday to Friday. However, living west and traveling east on a weekend can be a little tiresome because it feels like a day of commute for me.  The thought of trying out The White Brick Kitchen in Korea town was tempting enough for me to finally make that trek.

REVIEW | La Carnita - a good spot for delicious tacos in Little Italy

La Carnita has been on my foodie bucket list for quite some time now but I forgot about it until my friend Meghan recently brought it up again! Just a 20 minute walk from work on College, we decided to head there for a double date.

REVIEW | Crush Wine Bar - a great way to end Summerlicious 2013

My dinner at Crush Wine Bar ends my 2013 Summerlicious adventures.  I think I did pretty well this year given a hectic work schedule and just overall lack of energy after a day at the office. I managed to try 3 different places and I just realized I had fish as a main for all three of them… I guess my appetite for fish dishes is growing.