Category Archives: Uncategorized

Pappas Grill

Posted on by

440 Danforth Ave,
469-9595
 

Web site: http://www.pappasgrill.com

Located right in the heart of the Danforth, Pappas Grill serves fresh traditional Greek fare and Italian cuisine as well. Call it Gree-talian or Euro Fusion. Located on two “half” levels, plus a semi-basement dining hall, this spacious restaurant has that “open concept,” “airy.” feel. Those two terms are overused but the space really gives the illusion that Pappas’s Grill is a large place, when in fact, it’s not that big.

The menu is super large with many items. Unfortunately, there are very few vegetarian items. I love the exposed brick surrounding the restaurant, the many plants, art, olive oil decorative bottles, and the high ceilings and windows.

On my first visit I ordered a whole pizza called Hearts and Sole with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. It was yummy but did not have enough tomato sauce for my liking. Pappas Grill also has an extensive wine list and many desserts. There is a wine list but not dessert menu. Each night there are about 5-6 cakes and pies to choose from. Some include chocolate mousse and various cheesecakes.

On my next visit, I decided to avoid pizza since it was not really Greek. I ordered two appetizers; an order of Spanakotiropita- a pie consisting of spinach, leek, feta, and egg wrapped in thin sheet pastry ( known as filo dough). Most places call it Spanokopita. It was super delicious and not too greasy. I also ordered the Eggplant Patriota, which was simply two slices of grilled eggplant with a brushchetta topping, talk about Greek fusion (Greek + Italian).

There are not many vegetarian options as the Vine Leaves (Dolmades or Dolmodakia) are sadly not vegetarian. As well, the Mousaka only comes in the meat version. However, there is an Italian flavour to this Greek establishment as they have a Grilled Vegetable sandwich and a large assortment of pasta dishes.

My cousin ordered a Pork souvlaki that came with salad, rice and roast potatoes. His partner ordered the grilled Atlantic salmon topped with sautéed spinach, served with rice and steamed vegetables and she said it was fabulous.

There is a nice bar on the upper dining level and it overlooks the main floor. The restaurant is very “open concept” High windows make the place very bright and cheerful. The food is very good (according to my cousins) and the overall ambiance is really nice. Prices are between $10.95-$15.95 for most meals. There is an extensive brunch menu for the weekend (Sat/Sun 11am-3pm) and their large lunch menu is only valid Mon-Fri from 11am-3pm.

Sunset Grill

Posted on by

2006 Queen E
(416) 690-9985

2313 Yonge Street
(416) 482-4229‎

1422 Dundas Street West
(416) 532-1571‎

1602 Danforth Avenue (near Coxwell)
(416) 466-0648‎

1 Richmond Street West
(416) 861-0514‎

2200 Bloor St W
(416) 763-1444‎

I went to this diner with my friends on an early Sunday morning. Be warned, go early because the lineups start after 11:00am. They serve breakfast all day long but breakfast specials end at 11:00am. The place is non-pretentious, noisy, has that “greasy spoon” feel and has a large menu of classic breakfast food. The only problem is that there is very little selection for the vegetarian person. The only vegetarian breakfast items are fruit salad and yogourt and cereal, all served a la carte. I ordered the fruit salad with an order of yogourt. The portions were decent and I was satisifed. The second time I visitid Sunset Grill, I had the frittata, a yummy egg white omelete with mushroom, onion, and green pepper. It was not greasy, and light and fluffy and very fresh.

My friends had typical breakfast fare: eggs, bacon, and toast with coffee. The tables are close together and the place is very noisy. The place is bright and seats many tables. There are no bells and whistles, no super cheery waitresses, just good, honest, fast, reliable service. The prices are cheap (<$10) and the food is flavourful. I would not go back because I could not eat very much but it is definitely a hit with my carnivore friends. They only accept cash. 😦

Mocha Mocha

Posted on by

Mocha Mocha
489 Danforth Ave.
(416) 778-7896

I went here with my parents one lazy Saturday morning and enjoyed a fresh fruit crepe with some coffee. The place is small and trendy, tables are close together, and food is colourful, trendy presentation, and kind of expensive.

I usually order the fresh fruit crepe with yogourt ($6.99). The crepe was thin and non-greasy and had some nice fruit and strawberry syrup. I ordered some table syrup but was given a tiny portion, only by request. (They do not give out syrup unless you ask- yes, they’re stingy).

Mocha Mocha serves up light meals, mostly fancy designer salads and sandwiches and some hot meals. Some salads include the wamr brown rice salad with a variety of beans and grains and veggies ($7.35), salad nicoise, Mediterranean salad, avocado salad plate, chicken, tuna, or smoked salmon salad, and a regular house mixed salad. All salads are from $6.95-$8.90

Hot meals include a vegetable strudelt , vegetarian lasagna, chicken enchilladas, bean burrito platter, and the East African cicken stew. Hot meals are all $7.95-$9.95. Sandwiches include the typical and trendy house club, vegetarian club (both $6.99), BLT traditional and BLT with avocado ($5.99 and $6.75), mixed veggies in a pita ($6.50). Other sandwiches include the chicken salad ($5.50), tuna salad ($5.50), egg salad ($4.35), and black forest ham and swiss cheese sandwich ($5.75). Bagels and cream cheese are also served ($2.50). Add lox to it for $6.99.

When I visit Mocha Mocha I always order the spicy chick pea guacamole pita sandwich ($6.50) -a deliciously spicy purree of chick peas and guacamole with mixed vegetables, in a thin pita wrap. I have also ordered the vegetable mozzarella crepe ($8.95) a pizza-like crepe with cheese, tomatoc sauce, eggplant, green and red pepper, zucchini, and green onions, wrapped up in a thin crepe. YUMMY. They also have a variety of fruit crepes (topped with ice cream , frozen yogourt, or whipped cream) , and a ham and cheese and avocado crepe ($6.99-$8.95).

Some of my friends have ordered the vegetarian lasagna ($8.50) which they say is excellent and finish to the last little bits of cheese. The vegetarian bean burrito platter is excellent and filling. ($9.95) as well as the vegetable strudel with salad ($6.99). Mocha Mocha also serves a variety of specialty coffees, desserts, pies, cakes, squares, cookies, brownies, and fruit plates.

All day breakfast is served. Most breakfast items include scrambled eggs and organic toast ($4.75) add bacon ($5.99), add sausage ($6.50), scrambled eggs and lox ($8.99), vegetable omelete ($6.50), Belgian waffle with fruit and frozen yogourt ($6.50), fruit bowl ($3.75), lastly toast or bagle ($1.75).

The setup is as follows: patrons order their food in this cafeteria style cafe and wait for their meals to be served. The food is light, very colourful, fresh, and salads are colourful, funky and trendy. Let me repeat myself: portions are small. Vegetables are cut in funky shapes and most of the food is colourful, healthy, and delicious. My parents ordered the traditional eggs and bacon (for breakfast) and they enjoyed their food, but complained of the small portions. The large plates deceived them, they say. [small portions alert]

The service was quick and the staff were generally friendly. According to Wendy, staff traditionally do not deal well with customer complaints. There is a nice terrace for people watching in the summer. The only drawback is the tables are places closed together so this is not a place for a first date. If you want light food, creative salads and sandwiches and a touch of trend, then Mocha Mocha is for you. Always packed. Accepts all cards.

Sierra Grill

Posted on by

 2901 Bayview Ave (Bayview Village)
416-224-1700

Food is a big part of my (Jewish) identity. This place has food and I mean large portions. Located at Bayview and Sheppard, in the parking lot of Bayview Village, a posh mall with designer names and posh labels, Sierra Grill, formally known as Sunshines is a Jewish paradise of food, flavour, and fun. The food is not “Jewish” per se, but most of the clientele is Jewish and the preparation and style of the food is “Jewish style”, schtuppy, rich, large portions, and filling. The menu had Jewish jargon, so that was comfortable. Known as the best and largest salad bar in Toronto, I opted for the salad bar as a meal and my partner opted for a large Seafood medley with unlimited salad, potatoes, all for $16.95. Entrees are between $12.95 and $18.95 and the salad bar as a meal is only $12.95. I was stuffed as I gorged on sauteed vegetables, like eggplant, zucchini, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and green peppers. I also took advantage of the many other salads like chick pea salad, cous cous salad with vegetables, and many stir fried vegetable dishes. In addition to the salad are a variety of fruits, fruit salads, breads, desserts, soups, marinated and sauteed vegetable dishes. I was so stuffed, I felt full for the next two days. The ambiance is loud, like a mall. The tables are far apart- enough for intimate conversation, but be prepared to speak loudly. There were no lineups and reservations are not required. The restaurant is very large and sits over two hundred people. The salad bar consists of five areas, and the food is fresh, colourful, not greasy, and very flavourful. It is not super spicy but not bland either. The prices are a bit high but the portions are large and be prepared to be stuffed. Drinks are expensive but large quantities. Overall, it was too loud and had that “food court” ambiance. The decor is pleasant, very “dining room” type of theme- woody, bright lights, and people everywhere.

Lotus Garden [closed October 2005]

Posted on by

393 Dundas Street West
416-598-1883

Nov 2005 Update: Lotus Garden closed in Oct 2005. They plan to open up again somewhere else soon.

Located at the edge of Chinatown, near the corner of Dundas and University. This restaurant serves strictly vegetarian Vietnamese cuisine, with seitan and tofu as the main ingredient for some marvelous dishes. Recommended; the ginger “chicken” and the BBQ “pork”. Ordering is very simple. Patrons fill out the order form themselves and all dishes are assigned a code. I have been many times and ordered the tasty veggie cold rolls, the deliciously spicy hot and sour soup (it’s red!), and the vegetarian chicken curry dinner with strips of vegetarian chicken, beef, and tofu chunks. They also have vegetarian shrimp and duck.

Very affordable, laid back, casual dining. Limited seating and ambiance is nothing special. Dishes look and taste remarkably like meat dishes. They accept Interac and VISA but not Mastercard.

Tulip, The

Posted on by

1606 Queen E
(416) 469-5797

 

I have only heard of good things from the Tulip. This review is not intended to bash the restaurant whatsoever. Situated at the cusp of the Western Beaches at Queen East and Coxwell, it is only a short distance from Ash Bridges Bay and the Beaches.

The Tulip is a nice cosy diner that has that neighbourhood feel. It is known to be THE place for steaks in Toronto. Steaks are quoted as being “the juiciest and best” in Toronto. I have not had a steak since thwe age of 16 so I am not familiar on how to rate a steak.

I do know from my visit to the Tulip is that is it popular, and that people love it. The place was crowded that cold rainy Sunday in early 2003. There were line ups from the time we got in until the time we ended our meal. Unfortunately, I was not aware that this place was a steakhouse.

I was disappointed to find out that there was nothing on the menu for vegetarians. Personally, this was a nightmare since I was very hungry. The place is known for its famous steak and traditional breakfasts at very affordable prices. Not trendy or pretentious, but expect lineups from 10am-12pm.

I enjoyed a healthy vegetable salad from the dinner menu, pretty pathetic considering the place is well known for breakfasts. I was surprised that there was no cereal, oatmeal, egg whiete omeletes, or granola and fruit.

Some famous items from the Tulip include the bacon and scrambled eggs, hash browns, burgers, cheeseburgers, fries with the special “Tulip” gravy, fried mushrooms. grilled chicken breast sandwich, and liver and onions. Eye magazine calls the burgers are “fat, impeccably seasoned, juicy and delicious.” If this place is all about traditional breakfasts (eggs, bacon, etc), steaks, and burgers, this is not the place for me.

The decor is dated back to the 1970’s. Restaurant staff are friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, this place is not suited for vegetarians.

El Sol

Posted on by

1448 Danforth Av
(416) 405-8074

This small cafe serves up spicy, hearty Mexican dinners for those seeking a lot of food and a lot of grease. Portions are enormous and food is quite greasy and full of cheese and very spicy. The place is surrounded by brightly coloured papier mache sun’s, beautifully displayed on the walls. All are unique and hand made. They sell for under $25.00 whether you choose the largest sun or smallest. The restaurant has a dance floor at the back and contains about 15 tables. The food is quite tasty and the ambiance is colourful and bright. Every time I go eat at El Sol I cannot decide which sun I to buy. There are so many to choose that it becomes overwhelming. I always go home empty handed. Table D’hote meal for two is $19.95. They accept all major credit cards.

Beacher Cafe, The

Posted on by

2162 Queen E
(416) 699-3874

A major disappointment! From what we thought it would be, we thought it was some deep jazz cafe with lots of cool, diverse dishes, with some funkiness. When we got inside we found spacious tables, a beautiful outdoor terrace, all resting on top of a hill in the eastern tip of the Beaches. The artwork is stunning and it resembles a gallery where customers can purchase the art if they so desire. The food is BLAH! Really nothing special, and there is nothing vegetarian at all. I had a pathetic vegetable and rice stiry fry that lacked flavour. The plates were nice but that’s it. The staff are friendly but nothing spectacular. The ambiance is nice, it had me wanting to come back. My food was warm and the stir fry sauce was plain soy sauce, how boring. I was hungry after that meal, so I was very disappointed. I really had high expectations for this place. It is a great neighbourhood place and they have lovely art on the walls (for sale too) but the food is BLAH.

Red room

Posted on by

444 Spadina Ave.
(416) 929-9964

Part of the same three restaurants of Green Room, and Java, Red Room was once a tea shop and restaurant that served alcohol, but now it’s a bar that serves food and tea. Inside this gorgeous restaurant at Spadina and College, you will find many tables and booths with gorgeous dim lighting and cherry wood interior, luxurious in design, detailed moldings, and antique woodwork. The whole decor or the Red room distracts the visitor from the low quality food it serves up.

There is a reason the food is so cheap. Although the restaurant appears very high class, it’s actually a bar that serves pub type food. The only different part is that this pub type food is Asian in its influence (the cooks and owners are Asian) and most of the selections are light and healthy Asian dishes from Pad Thai to Singapore Noodles to Vegetable Stir Fry to traditional Hamburger and French Fries to Fish and Chips.

Portions are decent but quality is very low. I’ve gone to Red Room over one hundred times since late 2000 and the tofu is always overfried or stale, the food is bland and lacks any exciting flavours, and you cannot make food requests because the cooks do not understand any English. The atmosphere is funky, with many of
U. of T. students, an array of herbal teas, an impressive bar with a large selection of beers, liquors, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. The key is to only purchase food and avoid alcohol. The waiter may frown at you but four people can eat for $20.00 and that is difficult to achieve in Toronto. Expect a lot of noise and a lot of smoke- afterall it’s a bar. Anyone under 19 is not allowed

Patris

Posted on by

888 Danforth Av
(416) 466-1967

Really good, authentic Greek food, traditional decor, slightly kitschy, but reasonable prices, yucky white garlic bread, home cooked flavour, it seems that the owners work there, so it has that “family restaurant” motif. Located right at Danforth and Jones, this large restaurant is on the outskirts of the Danforth, so it may get missed by some. There are many vegetarian items, and prices are between $8.95 – $11.95 for main dishes. There is a 2 for 1 coupon when someone purchases a meal greater than $10.00, then the second meal is free. This is based on the more expensive meal of course. Seating is ample and there are never any crowds. Pleasantly built on two half levels, you can sit upstairs and watch the people downstairs or sit on the bottom level. The kitchen and cooks are in the front and you can see them making some of the food. The Spanakopita is quite good and so are the Domades, and the other appetizers. Most of the appetizers are vegetarian. I would recommend trying it out if you want a more relaxing, less pretentious place, where it’s never crowded, then try Patris.