Tag Archives: lunch

Bloor Jinmirak Korean / Japanese Restaurant

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 708 Bloor
416-536-0545

Faline, Daniel, and I met up for dinner on Sunday night and we opted for something different than our usual Indian or Thai cuisine. We chose to go to Bloor Jinmirak, a favourite hangout of Faline’s in the Korean Business Neighbourhood at Bloor and Christie. I remember going with Wendy for dinner there to meet Faline and her friend Gail in 2001 prior to Daniel’s arrival to Toronto and I remember enjoying the food and service very much. With those cool Japanese closed-off booths and that big heavy wood door, all I remember was the marvellous combinations of little side dishes that really satisfied my apetite. I do not remember eating a large meal, rather snacking on small dishes.

On this occasion, 4 years later, the place still looks the same. With all meat dishes, I was pleasantly relieved to find that the staff were flexible. They mentioned in their broken English that any meat (beef, chicken, pork, fish, seafood) could be removed. I spoke slowly as I ordered the Den Jang Chige ($6.99) ( a tofu stew with squash, onion, mushroom, and carrot) in a delicious tomato broth. The dish came with pork but I asked to spare the poor pig. The dish was aromatic, and was accompanied with a free side order of white rice and was served piping hot in a sizzling stone bowl. I made sure to speak slowly and repeated, no animal products please. This means no fish, no chicken, no beef, no pork, no animals in this dish please. She assured me that this dish was vegetarian. Faline ordered Jam Bong, a HUGE bowl of soup with noodles and seafood. The dish contained a thick tomato broth and had squid, shrimp, many vegetables, in a spicy tomato broth. She loved it and it was only $7.99. Daniel ordered the Dol Sot Bibm Bap, which was comprised of shredded beef, vegetables, rice, a fried egg on top, and the Korean bbq sauce in a sizzling stone bowl. One of the best dishes Daniel claims he has ordered.

Half of Bloor Jinmirak’s menu includes a large variety of sushi dishes. The sushi bar serves a variety of sushi types ($9.95-$14.95) and patrons can order sushi as complete meals or a la carte ($3.00-$5.95). In addition to sushi, tempera dishes ($7.95-$35.00) and dumplings (steamed or fried) are also available ($3.99-$7.00), but unfortunately, veggie dumplings are not available.

The fun part of this place are the side dishes. The waitress brought little dishes of an assortment of spicy appetizers. My all time favourite appetizer is Kimchi – pickled cabbage in a spicy red pepper sauce (I think), YUMMA!. Other appetizers include water chestnut jelly in a hot pepper sauce, pickled radish, thick and crunchy, in that roasted red pepper sauce, bamboo shoots, seaweed in a hot pepper sauce, spinach (or parsley) in a hot red pepper sauce, thin, fine rice noodles, and black sweet beans, which are super crunchy and sweet.

The bill for 3 people was only $23.00 and we were stuffed. Food is very fresh, piping hot, very spicy, very affordable, and thankfully all of the dishes can be made vegetarian. Portions are huge, service is stellar, and they accept all cards, including Interac–a no bullshit kind of place!

Cafe Next Door [brunch]

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 790 Broadview
416 469 1971

Located right on Broadview right across from Broadway subway station, just a few steps north of Danforth, this funky cafe shares a patio with its sister company “The Magic Oven”. They serve quick, healthy, and light meals and weekend brunch and operates as a full service cafe. They offer a light healthy meals, salads, as well as energy bars, cakes, squares, muffins, and delicious fruit smoothies. They have a full brunch menu with traditional items like eggs, pancakes, cereal, fruit and granola, omeletes, and sandwiches and salads.

Wendy ordered the mushroom melt with asiago cheese and portobello mushrooms served with California fruit salad caught ($8.95). I ordered the bowl of oatmeal with fruit salad for $8.95. The portion size was not enough as this place emphasizes light meals (meaning tiny portions) so i also ordered the energy bar for $1.69. Most energy and protein bars are in the range of $1.50-$2.59. I was fortunate to taste Wendy’s dish and it was spicy and zesty and although sligghtly oily, i did detect the delicious Olive oil taste. YUMM!

Customers order at the counter and they serve the food to you. Staff are accomodating and friendly. However, on this particular occasion, we had a “newbie”–clearly this was her first day. She forgot to bring out Wendy’s fruit salad and she served me first but completely forgot about Wendy. I know Wendy was not happy. I think we both enjoyed the food but we felt neglected in terms of service. The “newbie” did not know anything regarding pricing and food products. The dessert menu is large. They make vegan soy shakes and bake cheesecakes, mousse cakes, creme brulee, ice creams, and snacks like spelt samosa rolls, kettle chips, healthy wheat free bars and desserts, flax bars, spelt and molasses muffins, energy bars, low carb meal replacement bars, sesame bars, and granola bars. They have a small summer terrace that sits about 3 tables. Inside the place is quite small with about 5-7 tables in one open dining room. Coffee creamers and sugar are all “help yourself” so it feels like Williams Coffee Pub since you order your food, but they do bring it out to you. Prices are between $7-$10. Accepts VISA and Interac.

Juliette et Chocolate

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Yumma! When my sister asked me if I wanted to go to the chocolate place I had no idea what was in store for me. I had about an hour & a half before my train back to Toronto, & this was definitely the best way to spend that time, relaxing with my sister & our friend Nancy, eating & drinking heaven from a cognac glass. The exposed stone walls & back patio, combined with the charming decor contributed to the joy of the experience.

Although chocolate is the star attraction, there are also other items to choose from; salads, crepes, fondue, ice cream, smoothies and more. The top price I noticed in the menu (they had English ones too!) was about $10.95. The place is licensed as well, so good times are abound at this warm & inviting cafe

As soon as we walked in we were greeted with complete friendliness from the staff, & smartly, they brought us all ice water to start.

For my hot chocolate I chose something called Manjari ? it was a dark chocolate 64% cocoa, and was composed of a combination of Criolla & Trinitario cocoa beans from Madagascar. Chantico this aint! This was the real thing, a thick liquid explosion of goodness. All that & I got a home made chocolate on the side. The drink was so big, it took me forever to finish.

I was also mighty hungry & uninterested in the prospect of eating train food, so I went for a buckwheat crepe with ham, cheese & asparagus. My sister had the spinach crepe & Nancy had a fruit crepe covered in chocolate & icing sugar. All of our crepes scored high on presentation as well as taste. Nancy?s was like a work of art. The portion sizes were decent as well.

It?s real easy to spend a $25 here; I had my crepe, my drink & I bought 2 pieces of chocolate containing cayenne, nutmeg, cinnamon & honey that was beyond fantastic. With my taxes & tip I spent just shy of $25 but it was worth it for a treat for sure. They also serve as an internet cafe …Good to know.

If I was in Montreal more, I would be there more. This was a completely fabulous experience worth repeating.

 

Bistro 990 Restaurant

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Bistro 990 is known as the place to go for a fancy dinner, especially during the film festival when all of the stars descend upon the place. My firs visit to Bistro 990 was with a group of people, the Toronto Chapter Executive of the Concordia Alumni Association. This place is great for group gatherings. If you go, hopefully someone else is taking care of the bill, otherwise bring a credit card, because it isn?t cheap.

The appetizers range from $8.00 – $24.50, with main entrees in the range of $21 – $42 and, are largely meat focused. They offer a wide range of meats including steak, veal, game, lamb, etc.

For my meal, I started with the house salad $8, and had the Noix de St. Jacques au feu-vif ($28) This dish included 4 seared scallops, with a butternut squash & walnut risotto. We drank shiraz, which is referred to as ?the new chardonnay?.

My meal rocked the house, it was fantastic. Around me, people who had the steak frites were determined to be a real winner. The kids who had this finished their plates in a flash. Anoter from my group had the ostrich, which he said was very good, as was the chicken dish his girlfriend had. Every dish went back to the kitchen licked clean!

Pavlova is my new favourite dessert. This meringue & marshmallowy dessert topped with a berry compote was out of this world amazing. It went down real well with the cappuccino I had. One of my dinner companions had a dessert what had a flourless chocolate cake & grand marnier, which she really enjoyed.

The service we had was excellent, our server was really attentive, friendly & helpful. One thing I noticed was that the restaurant was not too noisy, which is great for having either an intimate conversation or a business meeting.

I had a great experience, I’d definitely go again.

 

 

Bamiyan Kabob

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In the world of ethnic cuisine, Afghani doesn’t usually register high on the radar. With only a smattering of restaurants in Toronto, I was lucky to stumble across one while looking for a completely different restaurant during one day’s aimless lunchtime drive. Located in a small strip mall up near the Science Centre, a bright, clean and sparse decor welcomes the visitor to Bamiyan. With similar names to Indian cuisine, like tikka and lahor it is easy to assume that Afghani cuisine doesn’t differ greatly in the Pan Asian sphere. However, beyond the food names, the similarlities with Indian cuisine end there. While Indian food is cooked in a sauce, Afghani food is all about dry spice. Bamiyan offers several dishes served “kebab style” including chicken tikka, lamb, sirloin steak and ground beef. You can order each dish with rice or without and it always comes accompanied by a side salad and a helping of naan. Afghani naan differs from Indian naan in that it is firmer and breadier than its more floppy namesake. One more difference in the cuisines is that the curries used in Indian food are spicy while Afghani spice is more benign. Bamiyan offers hot or mild sauce with each dish though even the spicy sauce is benign compared to typical Indian fare.

Bamiyam is the perfect spot for a quick atypical lunch. Orders are placed at the counter and you are given a number which is usually ready in short amount of time. Ample seating is available, though the restaurant can fill up at times due to its popularity.

Utopia

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On a strip where overpriced and underwhelming is the norm, Utopia stands a cut above the rest. Serving up a wide variety of sandwiches including burgers and burritos for reasonable prices, Utopia’s small dining room is constantly packed with patrons. The quasi hippy mood mixed with the hustle and bustle service lends to a vibrant and trendy atmosphere perfect for a quick and delicious bite.

Since my roomate and his girlfriend were touting this restaurant for over a year before I even tried it, it has since become a staple of my local take out food. Burrito choices are varied including chicken, lamb, shrimp, steak and vegetarian mixed with cooked onions, lettuce and a choice of monterey jack, chedder, goat, and feta cheese. Sandwiches are served a la carte or with a side of rice and beans. Meal sizes are sufficient and I have always been left satisted.

Little Italy has its fair share of uninspired eateries but smack dab in the middle Utopia continues to serve up fine sandwiches.

Bombay Palace

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 71 Jarvis St
Phone: 416-368-8048

Iqbal Chatwal opened his first Bombay Palace in downtown Montreal over 20 years ago. It has been a trusted favourite ever since, expanding its proven recipe for success to locations in New York, Los Angeles, Budapest and Hong Kong, as well as Toronto. Dishes are prepared in Punjabi style and this place caters to a health-conscious crowd by providing a menu of low-fat and low-cholesterol dishes that still retain the flavours of traditional Indian dishes.

Having visited several Indian restaurants in Toronto since moving to Toronto in the summer of 2001, I have always passed Bombay Palace but never had an opportunity to go in, until Paulo’s 33rd birthday. Conveniently located downtown at Jarvis and Adelaide, just a pinch north of King. Known in Toronto as “high Indian cuisine” I was thoroughly impressed with the plain and simple and kitsch-free decor spread across two luxurious and comfortable, spacious dining rooms.

Tables were large and not jam-packed like many other restaurants that try to pack in as many people as possible into one small dining space. Bombay Palace was definitely not claustrophobic.

I was VERY thirsty, so I started with a Mango Lassi, which was a bit of a disappointment because it was not thick enough and it was filled with ice and portion size was small and kind of expensive ($2.95).

For my main I ordered 2 entrees- saag paneer (spinach curry with Indian cheese) ($8.95) and mushroom kaju muttar (curried mushrooms with cashews and peas). I did not see many mushrooms but i thoroughly enjoyed the peas and cashews and the wonderful coconut curry sauce ($8.95). As a side, i ordered kashmiri naan (thin white pita type bread) stuffed with a paste of dried fruit and cashews ($3.95). Most Naan bread and Roti/Chapati were in the $3.95 range.

Paulo ordered the Palace Feast ($22.95.) This included Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebab, Prawns, Lamb Roganjosh, Bombay Aloo and the vegetable curry of the day (pea curry)

Paulo complained that the service was slow and he was hungry but the food was very high quality and he could definitely taste the quality of the meat and the chicken. He was happy that the Tandoori chicken was white meat and not dark meat. To this day, I do not know the difference, having not eaten any meat since 1991 and chicken since 1992.

Although service was slow (especially since it was empty on that freezing -27 degree Friday night, staff were friendly, constantly refreshing water, and were helpful with answering questions.

Bombay Palace accepts all cards. Extensive wine list (you can order by the glass) and also includes a small menu of cocktails

Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu Korean Restaurant

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 691 Bloor St. west
(416) 537-0972

Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu is a small restaurant in the heart of the Korean Business District located on Bloor between Bathurst and Christie. This place is named after a popular street in Korea (Buk Chango Dong) and Soon Tofu, meaning Soft tofu. Located right near Christie subway station, the restaurant contains about 15 tables in a very brightly lit, casual dining environment

I avoid dining in this neighbourhood because I fear that there will not be any vegetarian options for me. On this particular evening I dined with Daniel, his friend Grace, and Grace’s roomate Anna. Both Grace and Anna are Korean. I was hesitant about going out for dinner in the Korean neighbourhood but Grace reassured me that there were vegetarian options for me. It also made it easier since she spoke the language.

At Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu the menu only contains 6 items. I was disappointed to find out that there was only one vegetarian item for me to choose from. Items include the Combination Soon Tofu (meaning Soft Tofu) dish which includes beef, shrimp, clam, and soft tofu, Seafood Soon Tofu includes a medly of seafood (oyster, shrimp, and clam) with soft tofu. Dumpling soon tofu is a beef and tofu dumpling. Soy Bean son tofu is a mushroom , clam, beef, and tofu dumpling. Vegetable soon tofu is a soup of mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, and onion, with soft tofu.

I ordered an alternative version of the Dolsot Bibimbab, a wonderful stone pot layered with rice, 6 veggies, and topped with beef and egg. I asked for them to omit the beef and egg and substitute it with a large serving of soft tofy (soon tofu). Staff were flexible and accomodating

Anna, who is also vegetarian had the vegetable soon tofu but she thought it was too watery. Grace and Daniel both had the Ddukbego Bulgogi and Dolsotbab, which is a stone bowl full of beef soup with vegetables, and glass noodles. All of their dishes came with purple rice while my dish came with white rice. Both Grace and Daniel loved their meal very much and Grace really liked the sweetness of the dish.

The last item was broiled bulgogi (beef?) and dolsotbab, a stew of beef and vegetables. Our meals came with an assortment of 4 free appetizers. Among them was the traditional Kim-chi, a pickled cabbage in a spicy red pepper sauce. It is as common to Koreans as white bread is common to North Americans.

In addition to Kim-Chi, other wonderful appetizers included Kong Na Mul (bean sprouts), Kong Ja Bon (beans with anchoves), and Do Ra Chi (Pickled raddish root). All of the dishes were $6.95 except Broiled Bulgogi and Dolsotbab which was $7.85

I would definitely go back. Portions were sufficient, service was good, and food was piping hot, fresh, and made to order. They accept cash and Interac. A bit noisy and crowded. Excellent prices.

Asian Legend

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 5186 Yonge St, North York (416) 221-9797
418 Dundas Street West – (416) 977-3909
505 RR-7, Thornhill – (905) 763-8211

Located right in the heart of the Newtonbrook neighbourhood at Yonge and Finch, comprising an extensive corridor of Asian (mostly Korean) restaurants between Yonge and Finch and Yonge and Sheppard. Asian Legend serves Northern Chinese cuisine with vast menu with many vegetarian options. This classy restaurant, which was jam packed with people at 5:00pm has 2 other locations in Thornhill and in Chinatown Downtown.

On this venture up to North York, I went to meet my father at Finch station. We both walked south on Yonge to find the perfect restaurant that we would both like. For our starters, we shared vegetarian steamed dumplings in a nice rice vinegar sauce. (4 for $5.00). In addition, I ordered a vegetarian hot and sour soup with tofu, mushrooms, baby corn, bamboo shoots, in a thick vegetarian broth.

For my main, as usual I ordered a vegetarian stir fry with tofu. Vegetables included broccoli, mushrooms, baby corn, baby bok choy, and baby corn. The sauce was vegetarian and I added some hot sauce to it. My father ordered a “small” crab, shrimp, and wonton soup. His “small” size soup was actually quite large in portion. As well, he ordered an order of spring rolls which he enjoyed because they were crisp, fresh, and not too greasy. For his main he ordered the beef and broccoli, huge portions, fresh and filling and affordable ($8.95).

Asian Legend has a sleek design that relies on minimalism, with huge tables spread across two dining halls separated by partial walls. Decor is not kitschy but with warm orange lights and minimalist design and high ceilings, the ambiance was relaxing, calm, and soothing. At the end of our meal, our bellies were full and the bill came out to $40 with drinks (2 Diet Cokes), 2 mains, and 2 appetizers. What an excellent deal. Accepts all cards and has a liquor license.

Cultures [chain]

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 416-626-6868
<br />The West Mall,
<br />M9C 1B8
<br />416-860-9313
120 Adelaide Street West,
M5H 1T1
416-204-1592
505 University Avenue
M5G 1X3

416-364-1215
Toronto Dominion Centre
416-486-5312
43 Eglinton Avenue East,
M4P 1A2

416-863-0647
Standard Life Centre,
M5H 3T9

416-865-0535
Royal Bank Plaza,
M5G 2J6
416-921-5732
175 Bloor E,
M4W 3R8
416-927-1544
2 Bloor Street West
M4W 3E2
416-495-1511
416-593-9647
317 Dundas Street West,
M5T 1G4
200 King Street West,

Cultures is similar to Quebec’s Fontaine Sante, a casual, affordable healthy alternative to fast food. Conveniently located in most food courts in downtown Toronto Cultures offers quick and healthy salads, sandwiches, wraps, quiches, smoothies, and fruit salads for business people who are on the go but want something healthier for lunch than just burgers and fries.

I went with a friend to the location at King and University, conveniently located on the ground level of the building. Sometimes located on its own on the first floor of most office towers, away from food courts, Cultures caters to business folk who are counting their calories and who want food that is not fried but fresh and contains green leafy vegetables. Cultures also offers freshly squeezed juices, healthy soups, wraps, pitas, quiche, frozen yogourt fruit smoothies, and healthy sandwiches.

The place is set up like a type food court restaurant: cafeteria style. Usually containing about 10-15 tables, most Cultures are clean, spacious, and have comfortable seating. For lunch that day, I ordered three choices of salad for $4.99 [good price!]-consisting of chick peas and corn in an Italian viniagrette, brocoli and celery in a sweet paprika dressing, and marinated vegetables. Other salad options included a fresh medley of vegetables as well as pasta salad

Other meals include chicken and fish sandwiches on a variety of breads, wraps, frozen yogourt in a cup, frozen yogourt smoothie. Complete meals with drink under $7.00