Malak - Mediteranean Cuisine

The tagline reads "mediteranean cuisine" though the menu leans like windswept cedars on open desert plains toward classic Arabic fare 

ya gotta know that the Greeks wouldn't have purposely selected the name 'Malak'a linguistic faux pas for sure - particularly for a pita wrap shack who's neighbour is a Caribbean jerk shack (Mitzie's Jerk)-  WTK? (...what the ki'fah?)


It's been my ongoing quest to find reliable falafel / shawarma eats in the Etobicoke 'hoods (see previous posts) so I made a deliberate push bike voyage  to this oft over-looked space on Bloor St. near Islington Ave.  Meat, chicken, veg plates with potatoes, rice, fatoush salad also kebabs, kibbes, hummus, pita bread meals and more entree's on offer...
They have wraps for $3.95 each, so I ordered my 'standard trio' to test ; 1 chicken shawarma, 1 beef shawarma and 1 falafel to go, grabbed a seat and sipped an icy Corona while waiting for my order. It is a comfortable, clean, humble little dining section with trinkets and chatchkas from the medi-mid-eastern lands as points of interest. There were a few other diners within and another take-out patron came through, so not a bad bit of business going on. It could really use some colour and tunes on rotation to 'sparkle up' the ambience - perhaps even some Arabic music, hey why not? I love that stuff.

The 3 wraps were available in good time and I peddled them home, chopped
them in half and shared the bounty with the family. Not too bad actually, could've used a little more saucyness and I don't recall coming across any 'spicy' options (though that all may be easily
rectified with a brief Q&A at order time...).
The beef was the tastiest, falafel texture was good, chicken was a tad
bland - corrected via external spicing.
Malak has great value overall and decent enough food on sample. A repeat
visit will occur and spice/sauce customization options explored - can't
give up the dream.

Price: good - approx $17 (with Corona)
Rating: C+

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Lemongrass - Asian

Lobby of the Sun/Shipp Ctr. at Islington and Bloor. Asian offerings of Viet-Thai- China in a clean fresh atmosphere.  Staff is always friendly and exceptionally accomodating - very family friendly, kids menu is good value (selection of mini chicken balls / crisp fish / veggie tofu , mango juice and ice cream for under $5).  There are a variety of noodles, stir-frys and soups for the lunchy take-outs  - also, some elaborate mains (seafood - beef -duck ) that look and smell delicious ...so I've discovered whilst eyevs-dropping and sniffing intrusevely across the tables of unknown fellow diners.

The kids and I biked over to this busy hub recently and waddled on in for a munch-down. Ginger beef, garlic veg and curry phadtai with shrimps along with the chicken nugs kiddie plate.  All were delivered  hot, fresh and colourful and by animated servers. Baby loved the fried tofu. broccoli , snowpeas and garnish best. Unexpected to me,  my #1 munchkin, 5 quipped to our waitress "xie xie" (thank you) and the two seemed to have a rather bizarre conversation in Mandarin that he somehow understood...? I simply enjoyed the rest of my tea - I'm not hip to that new Sino-Jive talk. We brought the ample leftovers back for Mamma - they were good cold too.

Price: Reasonable , approx $40
Rating: A-

Lemongrass has several locations
Gluten free options - accesible indoors by subway

3300 Bloor st West #150
416-231-8288

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The Longest Yard

------- Guest review by Jeff the DreamCrusher -----------

On Bloor near Islington
The Longest Yard, self-styled hub of politics, sports and er, other fun things, has been humming along as the reincarnation of the aborted Office pub, which flamed out after a disastrous Restaurant Makeover [on cable TV]. Generally busy, TLY tends to meld a good blend of family restaurant, after-work spot and non-dodgy watering hole. The menu is relatively non-threatening pub fare with specials daily for sangers, soup and dinner entrée. The taps boast a standard mix from Molson with a few others

tossed in for consideration including Steamwhistle, always worth a bonus point. Families are also very welcome and staff go out of their way to treat kids like royalty (at all hours so far as I can tell) with colouring, balloons and lolipops... and better drink specials.

Food-wise, TLY is a good spot, but the large-ish menu leads to very little in the way of fresh or seasonal beyond occasional themed meals at holidaytime. Inconsistent seasoning and visit-to-visit variability suggests some QA work to do in the kitchen. That said, what's on offer is done well and simply - the fries and soups are generally excellent and no items disappoint if the expectations are well framed. Staff are great though a bit over-run during busy times and treat the regulars well. Ask for a Dream Crusher special and expect good times*.

All in all, a worthy spot next to the scenic Bell Canada switching
facility just north of DreamCrushing headquarters.

Price: Average
Food and drink: B-
Atmosphere: B+

* a blank stare
 
3313 Bloor Street West
416-239-9484

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La Rose!

It was a Pizza Loving neighbour's official day of birth and she was entitled and honoured to receive a fresh home-baked pie from one of the world's best pizza artisans - but first I needed to get some quality ingredients on a fast pick-up enroute home.  I was travelling with a fellow west-end gourmond also requiring sundries so I turned to an old friend, La Rose Bakery at La Rose Plaza on La Rose ave. (between Scarlett rd. & Royal York rd. just North of Eglinton). The well known Zia figure, 'Seignora' is gone but her hot table surrounded  by fantastic breads and deliciousness remains.

I practically grew up on La Rose chow; chicken fingers, panzarottos and sangweech were staples for meals on the move. 
Our house always had at least one loaf of Italian bread on the go, usually many.  One of my wacky woggy uncles from the west coast used to come stay with  us just so he could go there every morning, pick out savoury snacks and bags of fresh baked bread to inhale the aroma all day - I like his style.  No trip to Plant World is truly complete without at least a slice from LRB for the ride home. Their pizza dough was of excellent consistency for my preferences - fresh bufalo mozzarella, pancetta and marinated mushrooms & olives gathered with my famous San Marz B tomato sauce - so many good vibes were happening in the oven that my pizza stone actually cracked.  That's OK, I'm due for a new one , and a few more trips to the old neighbourhood.  Coffees and Gelatos are also available, of course.

Price: Good
Rating: A

140 La Rose Ave, Toronto

416-248-9828

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La Veranda Osteria

Easter Bunny set up shop at the corner of Royal York and Bloor and the adoring throngs were queing up for a glimpse of the mythical pre-paella pseudo diety entertaining the public on a sunny holiday weekend.  Live keyboard entertainment boomed out from the corner scene and did good noise battle with the roaring bus traffic passing through RY Station. The patio of La Veranda Osteria seemed the perfect spot to take in the day and fuel up with my 5 year old dining companion (a massive fan of the Easter Bunny).  This location was formerly known as Cru, which was a promising spot with really good tasting food - I recall that the "overall experience" of Cru was missing 'something' though, not sure what exactly ....
La Veranda has a simplified classic Italian look and menu and has made a concerted effort to create a euro-esque outdoor patio space - tobacco smoke encounters and all.  We got comfortable under an umbrella and paroused the lunch specials; Jr. went for the minestrone soup, I chose the veal parmagiana with penne and we shared an antipasto plate. The outdoor liquor license wasn't yet in effect so the singing , dancing Bunny show was safe from Blues Brothers style saloon pelting for at least one more meal.

The food was all pretty decent and the prices weren't bad  - I enjoyed killing a couple hours on 'the Veranda'.  A few chocolate eggs compliments of the big guy himself made everything right again. Inside LVO definately looks different than Cru - seems a good place for gatherings, parties, celebrations.

Price: $28
Rating: B-

946 Royal York Road

(416) 231-3800

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Easy Meal Solutions with SupperWorks Etobicoke

What if we told you it could take you  5 minutes (or less) to make supper for your family tonight?
We're sure you might think we are pulling your leg, what with all those preparations, interruptions and the million other things you have to do.  But seriously, it can be done... we have proof. Sherry Mcleod from SupperWorks in Etobicoke showed us first hand that is possible.

"This not only saves you time with grocery shopping, chopping and clean-up, it also saves you money" Sherry says enthusiastically. "Every month we have 14 main entrees to choose from, plus side dishes and desserts, to make a full meal." Sherry is clearly passionate about about SupperWorks. She first experienced the concept a few years ago near her Oakville home and lived it.

"This is just so much more fun that doing all yourself at home" she says. It's so organized and best of all you don't have to do the dishes! It's really a no-brainer. If you think about it grocery shopping would take at least an hour a week. Here you can make 6 family sized meals in one hour."

SupperWorks offers pick up services where they'll make the meals and you have to do is pick them up. A popular option  is the Stork Special for new parents-- by purchasing entrees for the first two months after your bundle of joy arrives SupperWorks will prepare all the meals for you. And, just in time for hot summer weekends, check out the Cottage Specials that feature great grilling options you can whip up, or pick up pre-made, before heading north for the weekend. So many ptions and everything is kept at a relatively low cost, with out sacrificing quality.

SupperWorks is located at 1136 The Queensway (just west of Islington Ave.) For more information, visit SupperWorks.com or call 416-354-2220 or email etobicoke@supperworks.com 

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Future Bakery - N. Queen

Reporting for Dessert Duty Sir!

On request, I accepted a mission from a neighbourhood Dinner Host Skipper to bring the sweets to a "Bring on the Spring" Saturday BBQ. I enlisted my two best (and only) mini-soldiers, strapped them into the mobile family command unit and set course to patrol the "Fresh Baked Factory Outlet Sector" around Kipling and Norseman.  Locked target on Future Bakery on North Queen, near East Mall.
The place was doing some good business - moving imported groceries, foods prepared onsite,deli, breads and lunch specials.  My squadron scouted the dessert displays and selected a sampling of rumballs, portugese custard tarts, walnut baklava and pistachio baklava. All had good reviews from the principals - Mission successful, except the Spring was a no show.
I love the smell of napalm in the morning... but actually prefer the scent of roasted nuts and sugar.

Price: $12
Rating: B

106 North Queen
416-231-1491

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Lee's Thai Spring Roll - Lakeshore

Twas a special evening and the Mrs. and I were both in a colourful far eastern mood - we decided to head out somewhere new.  Set up a reservation for Lee's Thai Spring Roll on Lakeshore Blvd. just west of Islington.  I believe this is a new location - moved just down the street from the original and it had recently been very nicely renovated.  The decor and ambience was clean and modern but still had a relaxed feel.  They happened to have some type of 60's show tunes on rotation when we entered that unintentionally created an odd eclecticism - The bar seemed to have a touch of "Tiki" to it, which is hardly ever a bad thing. We started out with spring rolls & cocktails - I had a Tiger Beer from Singapore - why not?

We ordered up a few of our signiture Thai favourites; tom yum soup (fair), beef salad (had better), mango salad (good) and off our beaten path with some chicken & pineapple fried rice (real nice). It was a comfortable night, we hung out and sipped down some red wine for a little while after our spoons/forks stopped clanging up the symphony of flavours.  The tunes were now something completely different and the bits of tiki were still oddly fitting in - of course.

Price: Good
Rating: B-

2976 Lakeshore Blvd. W
416-252-8868

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West 39 Bistro

You feel as though you've stumbled onto a secret when you come across West 39th Bistro in the city's west end. Nestled along the Lake Shore in South Etobicoke' Long Branch neighborhood you'll find an oasis of New York trendy dining in an intimate yet simplistic elegant setting. While the menu changes ranging from gnocchi, salmon, lamb, chicken and daily specials depending what's fresh at the market, there is always homemade soups and desserts.

In addition to chic lunch time and evening dining, the new incarnation of West 39th Bistro features a prix fixe menu every Tuesday which treats you to a delight of specials at one fixed price.

If you are craving great food surrounded by elegance with an urban vibe, save yourself the flight to New York and stop by West 39th Bistro.

West 39th offers a relaxed, modern atmosphere, with comfortable and variable seating arrangements that lends itself perfectly to any function.

The menu is an eclectic continental fare with a definite Italian flare. Main courses range from $17-$25 with options for casual lunchtime diners as well as those interested in a very special evening. While a number of wines from around the world compliment the culinary creations at West 39th Bistro, there is a focus on Italian offerings.

The knowledgeable staff is able to accommodate requests varying from book-club gatherings and birthday parties to fundraisers and corporate meetings. A traditional brunch menu - with comfort foods as well as a few nods to international flavors - is offered on the weekends.


3747 Lakeshore Blvd W.

* As reviewed on Dine.TO

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Kalamata

I was in the mood for greek food and happened upon this wonderful restaurant one Saturday morning. I was incredibly amazed with everything from the moment I walked in the door until the time I left. The food, ambiance and service are all exceptional. I was not rushed at all and took as much time as I wanted. I have made Kalamata's my favourite weekend brunch spot. The menu is so different from any other brunch I've ever had and the food is very tasty. I brought my hard to please husband there for brunch on a different Saturday, and he was quite impressed, which says a lot!

Rating: B+
Price: Good

• 
  
  3473 Lake Shore Blvd W Etobicoke, ON M8W 1N5

As reviewed on www.restaurantica.com

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Galway Arms - Queensway Pub

Needed a family Winter adventure to chill us up with a destination in mind to warm us down.  That's one of the many things that Irish pubs are for isn't it? So the missus and I packed up the excursion stroller and mushed our mob of munchkins on over to the Queensway and into The Galway Arms.  This is a jolly good pub with a warm Irish Canadian atmosphere and great friendly service.  A first trip for our family unit, The Galway accomodated the kids handily - there were also several other ruddy faced runtus about with Mums, Ds and Grans.  Please don't get the wrong idea, The Galway Arms is not some sort of hybrid Chuck-E-Chipsn'Curry Keltic Romper Room.  It is an Irish Pub proper, with scheduled hi-def viewings of live rugby and football akin to local supporters of the favoured firms at play. The decor is what I'd imagine a modern regular working / middle class pub in the great green homeland would be like with plenty o' tell tale accents about.  A real bonus of The Galway Arms is the fact that they pour a mighty lovely pint of the Goodness (one of Bob's personal favourite beverages). The Sunday menu was pretty simple; cabbage, ham and boiled potatoes / beef and roasted potatoes / chicken fingers and fried potatoes and a few other dishes that ryhme with "tomatoes" - they also have a typical "pub grub" menu and specials.  We ordered some things that the kids would eat and they actually noshed it up. The missus and I filled up on the same - she enjoyed it ... did I mention they pour a mighty lovely pint of Guiness..?
Great reception, jovial clientele and excellent service all add up to a future repeat expedition to The Galway Arms.

Price: Good
Rating: B+

840 The Queensway Toronto, Ontario
416-251-0096

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Cafe du Lac - a taste of Quebec

Winterlicious blew a massive busy front into the southern most region of Etobicoke
and Cafe' du Lac got buried by a "lac effect blizzard". It was indeed Winterlicious and I had signed up to experience Cafe du Lac's fixed price offerring with a group of friends for the second sitting on a Friday night when the Lakeshore  bistro was getting totally slammed!
Cafe' du Lac bills itself as a "Quebec Style" restaurant and on this night it operated about as efficiently as the FLQ's Victoria Day picnic party or Montreal City Hall on any given day. To be fair to the good people at Cafe' du Lac, the popularity of Winterlicious can be a challenge for even the most seasoned Toronto restauranteurs but this was actually my 3rd visit and the machine was not well oiled on previous occasions either. I do like the ambience, location and the spirit that Cafe du Lac represents but there is a lot of "hit n' miss" wrinkled up in the whole equation that needs some ironing out. We eventually got over "the hump" and settled in to have an really enjoyable time.
The down side: Our party was left waiting for far too long (40 mins) without beverage to ease the awkwardness even though some transition libations were subtly suggested, then outright requested to the staff. The place was under staffed and a bit frantic (needed at least one more server and a bartender/sommalier)  - another set of patrons just gave up and left (but I think that's pretty lame personally).
Our group was able to cover all aspects of the fixed menu - we are good enough friends to sample each other's plates and although there are some very rich and tasty dishes, some were actually a bit too rich and left a slightly heavy feeling...

The up side: The proprietors (hailing from la belle Province) are interesting, energetic and well intentioned. The food is pretty tasty on whole - the duck confit was delicious, it was our big winner on the Winterlicious menu and their signature short rib poutine was a hit across the board.
Prices are very reasonable and it seems that they make a sincere effort to bring something unique to the neighbourhood (blues night, open mike night etc.). Desserts were top notch and just the right portion size (about 4 morsels worth of maple tart, chololate mousse or upside down berry cake)
Just like Montreal itself; a city that I have lived in, visit often and have a special fondness for, Cafe' du Lac is far from perfect but has a certain "je ne c'est quoi" that will probably bring me back to it again - just not during Winterlicious, Habs play-off games or St. Jean Babtiste Day. Perhaps for a semi-annual "bring back the Expos" fan club banquet..??
Je me souviens...

Price : very reasonable ($35 fix price)
Rating: C

2350 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
416-848-7381

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Sliders - not your ordinary burger

A new Burger joint / Breakfast Diner has emerged on the Queensway stretch just east of Royal York. Don't let the box seat view of the House of Lancancaster throw you off, this is a family friendly fast food eatery (although window seats may come at a premium during shift changes at theinfamous gentleman's club...). Junior and I popped in for an inauguaral visit and shared a classic cheeseburger, fries and drink combo. Fries are fresh cut, hot and crispy - the cheeseburger was divine and desrves the "homeburger" moniker that Sliders attaches to it. The menu offers an interesting range of well known sandwiches (philly steak, chicken breast,
back bacon etc.) aswell as mouthwatering breakfast suggestions and old fashioned milkshakes. Ambience was fresh, clean and modern with lively colours, television and tunes. It's a start up family run endeavour headed up by proprietor, Dino Petsopoulous. Keeping pace on the crowded Queensway burger scene can most assuredly be a grind (although not quite the same
"grind" as their cross-street neighbours) but Sliders has the right elements in place to distinguish itself - let's see how it goes. I'll be returning - let us know what you think.

Price: $10

Rating: B

Sliders - 416-503-8232
704 The Queensway

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Dino's Wood Burning Pizza

 Below is a Review of Dino's from Amy Pataki at the Toronto Star
I too enjoy Dino's Pizza and his shop - although there have been occasions when I tried to order some pizza and for some reason didn't connect and ended up having to go to Pizza Nova instead.  
Hopefully Dino fixed his telephone and great wood fired pizza is flying out the door. Have a read of Amy's excellent write-up then go check out Dino's and enjoy delicious pizza
- Bobby
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dino's Wood Burning Pizza
(out of 4)


Address: 820 The Queensway (near Royal York Rd.), 416-259-0050
Chef: Dino Ari
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Reservations: Yes
Wheelchair access: Washrooms downstairs
Price: Dinner for two with pop, tax and tip: $30

---

There must be easier things to tend all day – colicky newborns, say, or David Hasselhoff – than the wood-burning oven at Dino Ari's Etobicoke pizzeria.
It's a 12-hour babysitting job, six days a week. Ari comes in at 9 a.m. to care for his two-metre-long charge. He starts by raking out the ashes and gently mopping the insides with a damp cloth. Then he lays down kindling (his preferred starter is the Toronto Star). Once the kindling catches, Ari slides in huge chunks of Manitoba maple that he chops and cures himself.
All day, he stokes the 1,000-degree fahrenheit oven, hot enough to cook a pizza in three minutes. Sometime before 10 p.m., Ari closes the metal doors and puts the fire to sleep.
"It's a big job. With an electrical pizza oven, you just turn it on," Ari says. "But I love fire. It's relaxing to me. People go and buy artificial fireplaces. I watch the real thing all day."
The pleasure is shared by all of us. Dino's pizzas – both Italian and Turkish – are gorgeously crusty and delightfully restrained.   READ MORE

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Creme de la Creme - Kingsway

On Bloor just east of Royal York.

This is one of the Kingsway's only traditional breakfast joints and down to
Earth cafes. The steady weekend morning rush of family outing walkers,
Hangover remedy seekers and of course... The almighty after-churchers is
enough to sustain any business model. This is a clean and cozy
hash-slinging house delivering a menu we've all seen many times before and
will undoubtedly crave many times in the future. Paid a visit recently with my sidekick Kindergarten Critic who had the French Toast - I went for the peameal bacon and eggs with coffee. Staff was friendly, service was quick - great start to the day!

Price: approx $20
Rating: B

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High Seas Diner

On Islington, Just North of Norseman ...

True to it's name, this is a classic G-Spoon diner land locked between Timmy Ho's and Mr. Sub - it is old school Fish n' Chips, All Day Breakie, Souvlaki and "CheeseBurga-CheeseBurga-CheeseBurga-PepsiNoCoke" kinda place.  Took the kids on a few occasions and sampled the Grilled Halibut, Toasted Western, Fried Cod and Chips and Greek Salad.  The food was great and the staff took good care of us providing earnest, quality service.  On the occasions I've been there it has been fairly busy and the facilty clean and well kept - all good signs. It's great to try the new age spectrum of fusion and fancy foodie avant gardity available out there but there is always a place for honest neighborhood eats - enjoy.

Price: good
Rating B+

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King Henry VIII - Kingsway

King Henry VIII on Bloor, just East of Montgomery

--- Guest Submission by Jeff the Dream Crusher -----

As it has since its opening several years ago, King Henry's maintains a
clean and welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of whiskeys and beers
(both bottled and on tap). With a great front window pouring in the light
and nice pubby stuff on the wall, King Henry's has a great vibe and is a
nice place to be.

However, of late, the fare on offer at King Henry's has become decreasingly
reliable. While at one time a strength, the lack of quality control from
the kitchen has resulted in one too many wilty salads and soggy fries.
Given the simple menu, there is really no excuse and given the competition
in the area, this should be a real cause for concern for the owners.

If you are up for a good pint and a nice view of morons in SUVs jockeying
for Starbucks parking, you've got the place.  Unless, however, there's a
change in the kitchen, give the food a pass.



Price: Fair
Rating: as a pub: A, as a restaurant: D

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Drink Beer for a good cause!

Great Lakes Brewery is giving back to the community.   So far, Hops for Hunger has raised over 1000 lbs for the Daily Bread Food Bank, and they need your help to reach our goal of 3000 lbs. You can also drop off non-perishable food items when you visit their retail store. According to their web site they also have a Beer Club of sorts....Quoted from their web site:
"Become a member of Project X! Held on the second Thursday of each month, we feature a one-off cask conditioned ale along with a sampling of delicious beer themed food. Entry to each event is only $10. New members are always welcome – a one time $10 membership fee gets you an exclusive t-shirt and access to each event."

Great Lakes Brewery is located
30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.,
Etobicoke, Ontario

Tel: 416.255.4510

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1800 Degrees

1800 Degrees - Bloor just west of Royal York

This is the new hot spot on the Kingsway - and by "Hot" we mean the cooking technique that this snazzy new restaurant uses to fire up meat and fish.  Using a super heated gas broiler that actually reaches a temperature of 1800 degrees, the steaks and fillets take only a few mere minutes to roast that leaves a unique blend of seared flavours and fresh succulent textures. The decor is fairly flash, minimal yet functional and somewhat reminds me of swishy eateries I've experienced in Melbourne, London and Shanghai (the more understated ones). It was a popular weekend night and the Mrs and I met up with a few friends for a birthday party - The menu is chocked with interesting meals all paired with veg and starch - we had apps: Lobster Bisque (good) & Cesar Salad (average+) Mains: Bone in Rib Steak, & Black Cod - Both were excellent. Some of our party ordered the Lobster Bernaise Poutine and I couldn't resist snatching a morsel just to taste - just because .... very rich . The Mushroom Streudel Pana Cotta plate is great looking but lack of taste unfortunately disappoints (note Spelling of "Beet" Carpaccio - That's right! bright burgundy mini beetroot slices - dumb) . French Onion Soup is below avg.
Had the Maple Creme Brule for dessert (not bad...).  
Good wine and good service from Owners / Operators, The Papas Family. It was a joyful dining experience overall despite having to cash in a few bonds in order to cover the tab. Be sure to find oppotunity to use the WC facilities - they are delightful.

Price: Really expensive
Rating: B-

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Birds and Beans Cafe

BIRDS AND BEANS - MIMICO
--Guest Submission by Jeff the Dream Crusher--

About halfway between Royal York and Park Lawn on Lakeshore, Birds &  Beans is one of the finest* avian-based coffee spots in scenic Mimico. With a
hearty community feel to it, Birds & Beans fires up some excellent java
without all the associated froufrou which has crept into such fancy coffee
places as Starbucks and Second Cup. Mark my words, you can just order a large coffee and not get a totally blank stare in return.


What you will get, certainly, is a delicious cup - this is no coffee-
flavoured bevarine being foisted upon you. With a variety of "normal"
freshly-roasted organic & fair-trade coffee options along with the
espresso/latté/cappuccino craziness as needed, Birds & Beans looks, feels
and frankly smells how a coffee house should. The baked goods are highly
delicious as well, the cookies alone being well worth a visit. Add to this
a touch of ambience enhancements such as live jazz and 2-storeys of cozy
seating, you have a very pleasant experience in the heart of the
hilariously eclectic Mimico lakeshore strip.


Price: less than $5 for an XL coffee and a cookie
Rating: A

*only 

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The Best Portugese Chicken ??

A Tale of 2 Chicken Shacks...
Queensway - just East of Islington is a place called "The Best Portugese Chicken" a little further West is "Bom Appetite" - both specialize in Azores Style, Rotisserie Piri Piri Chicken and the traditional acqoutrements; roasted potatoes, soft buns and fish (which I don't really go for). I've spent a fair amount of time and money at various Toronto establishments in Portugese enclaves known for this tasty specialty (Dupont, College etc.)and have a good idea of what I'm looking for. Here's my take on the South Etobicoke version...

"The Best" is not actually the best. It's a nice enough place to enjoy a bite to eat - clean, efficient, organized with a nice seating area. The chicken itself is good quality but the potatoes are not deep roasted enough for my liking, it seems the little potatoe balls have been par-boiled making them a tad light and fluffy. the texture of the spuds can be forgiven but the spicy piri piri sauce is a critical element. Unfortunately, "The Best" comes up short on sauce, I think it's just plain old Frank's Red Hot from the jar - cop out!

"Bom Appetite" may not have the quaint ambience of it's rival but it has dense potatoes and some mighty tasty bird slathered in a proper chili sauce to spice it up (get a little extra on the side to help jazz up the white bits). Bom Appetite more closely resembles the greasy Churasquerias of the inner city and let's face it, It all about the food - price is a bit lower here aswell.

Caution: be sure to step cautiously in any of these type of restaurants during the World Cup Soccer Tourney

"The Best Portugese Chicken"
Price: approx $10/chicken
Rating: C+

"Bom Appetite"
Price: Approx $9/Chicken
Rating: B-

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Home Made Swine Flu Vaccine

Ok - So a typical vaccine is a little synthesized dose of the disease you're trying to avoid (to kick your body into gear to fight it off when the bugbug invades)

This concoction exactly replicates what one would imagine a frosty glass of swine flu would look like - It familiarizes the taste buds, optical and ol' factory senses with swine flu composition and helps prevent any form of seasonal ailment taking hold - And it's Delicious!!

In a stainless shaker filled with ice, combine:
1.2 Oz Tequila
1.0 oz Vodka
0.3 oz Lime Cordial
0.5 oz Ribena (or blackcurrent nector /liqueur)
1.0 oz Fresh squeeze Lime juice
very slight dash of sugar (optional)

Shake it - shake it - shake it
salt only half the rim of a martini, wine or Margarita glass
serve it well shaken on the rocks
garnish with nothing

Good at any time of year but especially enjoyed during Flu Season
*Side effects include; inebriation, hangovers, uncommanded dance moves that can last for several hours

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Falaffel - Hasty Market

Falaffel Stand in Hasty Market

My personal journey to find a decent falaffel sandwich in the 'Choke lead me into the Hasty Market on Dundas and Burnhamthorpe in the evening hours one weekday. There is a falaffel stand occupying the street side section of the store. I ordered falafel sandwich - not bad, but not great - raw onions too strong, definately not authentic - I did polish off 2 of them though. The food prep area was very clean and organized and the sandwich man seemed quite skilled at proportioning and wrapping the sandwich. I think I will return for a lunchtime visit. Great value - cheapest falaffels I've found.
They are also partway through construction of a wood burning oven - There is potential there, I like what it represents. Check it out for yourself, let us know your thoughts...

Price: very reasonable
Rating: C-

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Cheese Curds! Cheese Outlet

Cheese Outlet - N.Queen and East Mall

Teamed up with a fellow prospector to cook up some smoked Chicken Poutine to celebrate All Hallows Eve at a Back-yard BBQ down by the Tracks near ECI - Great times!
True Poutine requires fresh squeeky cheese curds. Not easy to find in small doses. Checkin' around revealed to me that the Cheese Outlet gets Cheese Curds in from Simcoe County every Fri so I picked them up. Nice little spot, friendly service.
Fresh Cut Yukon Gold Fries (procured at Chef's Choice on Jutland)cooked up in the great outdoors - The curds combined with pieces of smoked chicken covered with a smokey veloute' gravy would make even the staunchest Pequiste Habitant au pied du cochon proud - The Poutine was fantastic - well worth the hard work

Price: $4.79 /bag
Rating: B-

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Toji Sushi - Japanese Cuisine, Dundas

Toji Sushi is at 5088 Dundas St. W
Wally's is gone and Toji Sushi moves into the re-configured location.
Tried it out to satisfy a hankering for Japanese - had a spicy Tuna Roll, Maki Lunch Box and Teryaki Salmon. All was decent enough though the place is still finding it's groove. Family Friendly, Good Value.

Price: $36
Rating:C


I really enjoy good Pacific Rim Fare - There are a lot of Japanese / Korean spots around that area. More to come on an Asia-Pacific taste quest of the 'hood at end of line.. Kipling Stationville

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Food Review of Just Greek (The Kingsway) on Toronto Life

The food served in this newly renovated yet still unassuming room is of a surprisingly high quality. Flawless spanakopita wraps flavourful spinach and feta in crisp phyllo. Tender squid is tossed with garlic and mushrooms in a fresh-tasting tomato sauce spiked with chili and oregano, and finished with feta and white wine. The authentically Greek texture of tirokafteri (mashed feta and hot banana peppers) will please Hellenophiles, as will a skewer of juicy little shrimp barely charred from the grill. Token wines; cheerful service. Courtesy of Toronto Life - Cheap Eats

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John's Fish n' Chips

Tucked into the Dundas st. strip malls, just west of Kipling. Good ol' John's... wipe away the typical Fish & Chip joint images of boiling oil leeching from mini golden logs and turning cones fashioned from yesterday's newspaper translucent. John's is not limited to the deep fryer and offers tender flakey fish specials in pan fried, grilled and yes, deep fried fish dinners. Choice of sole, halibut, salmon and Bobby's personal favourite, orange roughy (I like it pan-fried with a greek salad and rice). Take a chance and explore other acquoutrements dotting the menu - calamari, spinach dip etc. Long standing , family owned, friendly lunch and dinner restaurant - John's Fish n' Chips is a guaranteed winner.

Price: Reasonable
Rating: B++

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Big Papa's - The Kingsway

The place looks good from the street on Bloor at Royal York, but once inside, Big Papa unfortunately disappoints overall. The prices are average but the food is too average and although the staff are relatively friendly, the service is the pits - forgotten orders, disorganization, long waits and screw ups. How hard is it to keep pizza and pasta in line??? Several visits have noted a progressive decline in "customer experience" and proper service follow through. They even stopped giving out small toys to amuse the kids - cheap move Big Papa - time to get it together, the place needs to be brighter, smarter and the game lifted across the board. There will be no return visits until there is visual evidence that something new has happened or someone convinces me otherwise - I'm listening...

Price: Fair
Rating: C-

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Falafel World

Had to satisfy a falafel sandwich craving after revising a blog post about Babaz at the behest of one loyal reader - (see below) - unfortunately, I was forced to "cross the Humber" to do so. Check out Falafel World on Bloor, just East of Jane for classic Falafel, Kibbi, Warma and Shawarma plates and sandwiches - don't be afraid to also grab a bunch of stuffed vine leaves and some Tabouleh, "Queen of Salad "if you have the capacity. Good enough prices and great food from a beat up, but legendary Bloor West landmark,

Price: $3.75 / Falafel
Rating: A

PEOPLE!! Are there any places to find a decent falafel in Etobicoke South proper? - Please let us know - Thanks, Bobby

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Vatra Cheese - Queensway

The Mrs. was kind enough to pick up some perogies and schnitnzel to go from Vatra Cheese at their new location on the south side of Queensway west of Royal York. I warmed the perogies with a light oniony fry-up and promptly engulfed them in sour cream with a dash of seasoning salt, pepper and thinly chopped chives. The schnitzel was tossed upon a Vatra bun and kept safe for later. Both really hit the spot at their respective consumption times and tasted like ..... well, perogies and schnitzel on a bun - I find few things wrong with such tastes. Staff were reportedly very nice and the store was clean and roomy with a large selection fresh, frozen, preserved and hot table options. Good to know for quick, easy meal options.

Price: resonable
Rating: C

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Burrito Boyz - Lakeshore

Another Burrito Boyz has opened on Lakeshore near Brownsline - that made me happy because I love their chow. The place is typical Burrito Boyz fashion and fits in nicely with the colourful Lakeshore scene. I ordered their signature "Hally" (Large Halibut Burrito) with everything. Service was a bit slower and disjointed than previous BB missions at other locations but it should come together in time - definately to return
Burrito Boyz features small and large quesadillas & burritos in Chicken, Steak, Veg, and only burritos for Haddock and Halibut. They've got a delicious array of toppings including, beans, guacamole and zingy burrito sauce. Don't be a whimp! - get the large - the second half tastes great cold.

Price: Approx $10
Rating: B

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West End Meats - Steaks!

On the corner of Kipling & Chauncey (right around where about a million hydro lines have not powered the semi-iconic WESTWOOD theatre sign for decades) you'll find West End Meats. Heavy Greek influence and fresh meat at outlet prices are available amongst an array of unique local and imported food products. I went right to the counter and picked up a few choice looking Striploin cuts and some Macedonian Hot Sausages for a sunny Labour Day BBQ. Both came out excellent and were enjoyed under a cloudless sky with friends right on the same patio they were grilled upon. And that was a great relief because sometimes WEM can be a bit hit n'miss. In the past there have been some incidences of overspicing and boring Kalamata olives have been scooped but nothing that can't be forgiven (check Sobey's for good Olives). Their village grade vinegar is a cupbord staple for livening up fresh veggies - It's the best thing to spend a twoonie on at $1.99. Thick, homestyle tsatzikie and yoghurt seem to be a draw, as do their chicken wings, and back ribs - WEM is all about the succelent lamb at Orthodox Easter to help enjoy the resurrection in style when that time comes 'round .... why are there so few long weekends...?
Kids get a free drink!

Price: Good
Rating: B-

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Tom's Dairy Freeze - Queensway

Admist the noisey quaintness, sleeze and grit of the Queensway stretch between Royal York and Parklawn is a marvellous little family friendly ice cream stand, Tom's Dairy Freeze. The ambience is authentically carnival throw-back and the place is hoppin' all summer long. Soft cones / Dips / Banana Splits and Shakes all exactly as they should be. There is also a reliable greasy grill menu featuring burgers, dogs, steak sandwich and of course... French Fries - Tom really knows how to fry up sliced potatoes - don't even ask how they come out so crispy and tasty, I'm sure you don't want to know... just enjoy! It's a popular outdoor hang-out all summer long, complete with tunes - but operates in the winter aswell, that's when they let you come inside. Prices are very reasonable - Tom's is refreshing, satisfying, grubby and wholesome all at the same time.

Price: Approx $2-3 / cone
Rating: A-

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Check these out ... Poached eggs ----------->

Served on rye bread with fresh garden veg and herbs plucked from Etobicoke Orchard Soil - Slathered with homemade hummus, sprinkled with sea salt and crushed black pepper - enjoyed with OJ!

Rediscover the delicious simplicity of Poached Eggs on toast !

BOBBY'S CANTINA - opa!

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Daniela's Deli - Lakeshore

Daniela's Deli - Lakeshore / Brown's Line.
Needed a quick picnic table lunch munch while the kids played in the park, so I darted into to an unassuming hole in the wall called Daniela's Deli on the south side of Lakeshore Blvd. and grabbed a couple of cabbage rolls to go. Nothing to really report on this place other than the cabbage rolls were darn tasty and really hit the spot.

Price: approx $5 with a pop
Rating: B

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