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Showing posts with label Leslieville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leslieville. Show all posts
9.1.16
1.11.15
Jim's Restaurant
Mon Cheri eyed this little family diner ever since we moved to the neighborhood. We thought it might be a good introduction to the East part of town for us.
APPEARANCE
Situated on a corner of a small plaza, Jim's had a local feel to it. I would have definitely passed it by, if it was not for Cheri's sharp eye. Their narrow horizontal sign really made this place seem like a variety store. "Jim's Restaurant" written in a simple sans serif followed by the tag line "the Best Westerns". With two Coke logos on either side, we knew what we were in for. Some metal chairs lined the front, for those who wanted to observe local folks passing by. In a case of chilly weather, like that day, there was another line of chairs (high chairs, to be exact) right by the window. Overall, not very easily approachable setup, I would say
NOSE
We were faced with an open concept once inside with some seating by the bar and plenty of light from the large front windows. The shades of brown inside make the place cozy and out-dated at the same time. Plenty of laminate everywhere added to the diner feel.
Despite our initial reactions, we were really charmed with our elderly yet swift waitress - Debbie. She asked for tea of coffee straight away. I decided to try their beer, which our waitress couldn't comment on as she confessed she is not a beer drinker. In reality it was a light and plain ale - food friendly and good for the price.
SWIRL
We submerged in the atmosphere as we waited for our order. The demographic was mixed - family with kids, older couples, college students, middle-aged men... There was no music, but plenty of chatter and kitchen sounds. It seemed that the owner was the chef as well. He was not shy to remind the two waitresses when a new customer had entered. There was a large TV in the corner with CP24 on (definitely a powerful distractions). Overall it is a pretty tiny place with tables nice and close - keeping the community bonding.
PALATE
My home-made burger arrived open and loaded with thick slides of pickles (a must), lettuce, tomato, onions, relish - note that I opted in for all the toppings. It was a great burger and with a side of fries, which I luckily upgraded for Greek fries. This means that the potatoes were served with grated cheese and a light vinegar, oil and pepper dressing. Took me back to fries back home at the Balkans, where feta is an essential addition to almost everything.
Cheri had to order their famous Western. He was smart to ask for a side of salad instead of home-fries. We managed to see the pile of them ready in the open cook top - definitely a heavy dish, probably ideal for a hung-over morning. Their house salad had a Greek theme with plenty of feta, olive oil and olives. I was not impressed with the Western though. It was light on veggies and overall salty, heavy and a bit over-done. The portion was generous though.
FINISH
We should note that as our sweet Debbie was writing down our order on carbon copy paper, she did warn us that changing sides meant a change in price. She inquired to check with the owner for us but we decided that it can't be that bad. Also, note that they only accept cash (with an ATM in-house).
Despite all the not-so-perfect details, we really enjoyed this place. Felt very true and warm.
APPEARANCESituated on a corner of a small plaza, Jim's had a local feel to it. I would have definitely passed it by, if it was not for Cheri's sharp eye. Their narrow horizontal sign really made this place seem like a variety store. "Jim's Restaurant" written in a simple sans serif followed by the tag line "the Best Westerns". With two Coke logos on either side, we knew what we were in for. Some metal chairs lined the front, for those who wanted to observe local folks passing by. In a case of chilly weather, like that day, there was another line of chairs (high chairs, to be exact) right by the window. Overall, not very easily approachable setup, I would say
NOSE
We were faced with an open concept once inside with some seating by the bar and plenty of light from the large front windows. The shades of brown inside make the place cozy and out-dated at the same time. Plenty of laminate everywhere added to the diner feel.
Despite our initial reactions, we were really charmed with our elderly yet swift waitress - Debbie. She asked for tea of coffee straight away. I decided to try their beer, which our waitress couldn't comment on as she confessed she is not a beer drinker. In reality it was a light and plain ale - food friendly and good for the price.
SWIRL
We submerged in the atmosphere as we waited for our order. The demographic was mixed - family with kids, older couples, college students, middle-aged men... There was no music, but plenty of chatter and kitchen sounds. It seemed that the owner was the chef as well. He was not shy to remind the two waitresses when a new customer had entered. There was a large TV in the corner with CP24 on (definitely a powerful distractions). Overall it is a pretty tiny place with tables nice and close - keeping the community bonding.
PALATE
My home-made burger arrived open and loaded with thick slides of pickles (a must), lettuce, tomato, onions, relish - note that I opted in for all the toppings. It was a great burger and with a side of fries, which I luckily upgraded for Greek fries. This means that the potatoes were served with grated cheese and a light vinegar, oil and pepper dressing. Took me back to fries back home at the Balkans, where feta is an essential addition to almost everything.
Cheri had to order their famous Western. He was smart to ask for a side of salad instead of home-fries. We managed to see the pile of them ready in the open cook top - definitely a heavy dish, probably ideal for a hung-over morning. Their house salad had a Greek theme with plenty of feta, olive oil and olives. I was not impressed with the Western though. It was light on veggies and overall salty, heavy and a bit over-done. The portion was generous though.
FINISH
We should note that as our sweet Debbie was writing down our order on carbon copy paper, she did warn us that changing sides meant a change in price. She inquired to check with the owner for us but we decided that it can't be that bad. Also, note that they only accept cash (with an ATM in-house).
Despite all the not-so-perfect details, we really enjoyed this place. Felt very true and warm.
29.8.15
Purple Penguin
This page was moved to our new blog:
https://www.ispalette.com/ilianaspalette/2015/08/purple-penguin.html
https://www.ispalette.com/ilianaspalette/2015/08/purple-penguin.html
22.8.15
Savour Toronto Coffee Tour
This page was moved to our new blog:
https://www.ispalette.com/ilianaspalette/2015/08/savour-toronto-coffee-tour.html
https://www.ispalette.com/ilianaspalette/2015/08/savour-toronto-coffee-tour.html
15.8.12
Le Canard Mort
http://lecanardmort.ca/Waiting the regular Lady Marmalade line, we couldn't ignore the duck gesture sketch logo next door. So we made a reservation on their half-price drinks day - Wednesday.
APPEARANCE
dark plum purple
Big open door-windows, flowers, white, careless, handwritten type on black background with a spiral, gold, duck sketch on the door.
NOSE
rip black cherry and berry aromas
It was empty and kind of spacious inside - dark red and green tones all arround, felt very right. We were the first people to come in at 6:30. The waiter, greeted us and asked to pick our spot. We sat by the window, where you can hear the busy queen street. He instantly offered to close the large windows, but they added a nice fresh breeze I wasn't willing to give up.
SWIRL
honeysuckle, prune, trces of oak
He handed us two pieces of paper each (not the weight a menu deserves) with their duck logo nicely screened back in the background, as well as the restaurant name (fighting a bit with the items). Reading through the simple, well-spaced type, we decided to try many appetizers because they seem to be the playground for chefs. The main courses are somewhat typical due to their price and portion. That, and some wines. Asking for their wine selection, the waiter read a few off a private list and I asked to take a look at that used-up paper.
After his attempt to explain to me what is a Charminer variety, I decided to order it. Cheri asked for their Primitivo wine.
To start, we ordered their Duck Confit Poutine and Tomatoes Grilled Asparagus & Chevre Salad
(due to their beet, pear salad being out).
PALLETEgentle, fresh, medium body, round
Our wines made their way quickly. My Charminer (which is really a bled of Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer) turned out to be fruity, light with a bit of a zing - exactly what I felt like having. The Pimitivo was a heady deep red.
The music playlist was a bit random, but as couples started arriving - it was getting really cute and cosy.
The Duck Confit Poutine arrived in a deep bowl-like dish. The shredded duck was a bit on the dry side, but the brie in cognac made up for it. Topping it with mushrooms and peppercorn really work well. The Salad was not too special, the asparagus was a bit too raw, but the balsamic vinegar and chevere made it work.As we lingers on our plates, we heard our waiter recommend a few wines to the side tables and also talked about their sweetbreads. So we asked for their Estrada Creek Chardonnay and Cab Franc/Merlot with our sweetbreads. The Chardonnay was clean and crisp (not too impressive). The CabFranc/Merlot was great - oaky and a bit spicy. The Crispy Fried Sweetbreads also made their way. We picked the blue cheese aioli option, which was a great contrast with the sweet, slightly hot and garlicky bread sauce. The breads themselves were nothing special, they looked like fried chicken balls and came with a lovely arugula salad.
FINISH
good mouthfeel, easy-drinking style
For dessert (there was no menu) we took their cheesecake, as the waiter recommended. It was kind of neat - a build-it-yourself style cheesecake. Cream cheese paste surrounded by a cranberry-raspberry filling and pie crumbs on one side. Not presented very cleanly, but really fun to eat.
overall.. a tasty Petite Syrah
15.7.12
Lady Marmalade
http://www.ladymarmalade.ca/
People have asked me what my favourite restaurants are, and strangely enough I never wrote about them. Perhaps, its some kind of selfish back thoughts, that I like to keep them gems untouched. Or perhaps being afraid that my benchmark places might end up disappointing me for whatever reason. Either way, I have decided to start.
On my way to the beaches, if I ever have over an hour and an appetite, I am coming in. (not to mention, if I feel like spoiling myself with the city's top bennies)
APPEARANCE
light, bright
Light green and yellow front with well-tracked, hand-painted, elegant serif type and always a long line, you can't miss this little hub on Queen East. Recently they have started opening their windows, hopefully soon enough they'll figure out a way to make all front window panels retractable.
SWIRL
pear, floral
As the line gets shorter and you enter there is a curtain, to separate people in line from drooling on others' food, or giving them looks. To entertain the hungry crowd there is a wall with all kinds of small local artists and events happening. On top of that, the walls inside have local art. This time there was some really neat photographs with perspective lines of thread on top and some 3D photo collages. The green walls everywhere and energy of people give this place the feel of spring morning. My favourite part of this place is that no two chairs match, same goes with their cutlery and there's also a variety of tables.
NOSE
light honeysuckle, hints of apple and mineral
The long line realistically took about 30min - not bad, at all. Once we sat down menus were quickly given out to us. They are rather flimsy, and these were also wet. There has always been a doodle-like portrait at the front, a bit too tight around the edges. Cheri is convinced its Muammar Guddafi, but our waitress didn't seem to think so. We saw a special on their little chalk stand-up board - french toast with banana caramel so we had to give it a shot. Also, to share, one of my favourites -Brie, Avocado, Bacon Benny. My other benny recommendations are the Ham, Red Option and Chipotle Mayo and the Cheddar, Bacon and Mango Salsa.
PALATE
medium-light bodied, light acidity, smooth
Their caramel banana french toast seemed to be too popular, so we went with their second best option - Chocolate Raspberry. Getting our food took some time, no matter how long it would've been, its worth the flavour. The hollandaise is just the perfect texture, the eggs are just the right amount of solid & liquid and the brie, bacon, green onion and avocado just make it above and beyond. With a pinch of paprika/chipotle (perhaps a bit on the stingy side), a side of home-made fries and a small bowl of salad this is all I can ever ask for.
We had never tried their french toast, and what a mistake that is. With a few fruits on the side and a side of maple syrup, this chunk of sweet goodness is not to miss. I kept on wandering how this dish was possibly made - there wasn't a single dry or undercooked part, also hardly any air inside. This bread was made to be a fresh toast (not just a last minute decision) and my assumption - it just came out of the oven. It was a generous chunk, definitely for sharing. A bit on the heavy side though, with chocolate chips and berries inside, topped with chocolate syrup and raspberry jam.
FINISH
sweet notes of flower and light spice
Energizing like spring - the bright, local, small community feel together with mouth-watering food draws me to Lady Marmalade again and again.
As for the line, there's always one.
overall.. a warm, aged Riesling with a soul.
People have asked me what my favourite restaurants are, and strangely enough I never wrote about them. Perhaps, its some kind of selfish back thoughts, that I like to keep them gems untouched. Or perhaps being afraid that my benchmark places might end up disappointing me for whatever reason. Either way, I have decided to start.On my way to the beaches, if I ever have over an hour and an appetite, I am coming in. (not to mention, if I feel like spoiling myself with the city's top bennies)
APPEARANCE
light, bright
Light green and yellow front with well-tracked, hand-painted, elegant serif type and always a long line, you can't miss this little hub on Queen East. Recently they have started opening their windows, hopefully soon enough they'll figure out a way to make all front window panels retractable.
SWIRLpear, floral
As the line gets shorter and you enter there is a curtain, to separate people in line from drooling on others' food, or giving them looks. To entertain the hungry crowd there is a wall with all kinds of small local artists and events happening. On top of that, the walls inside have local art. This time there was some really neat photographs with perspective lines of thread on top and some 3D photo collages. The green walls everywhere and energy of people give this place the feel of spring morning. My favourite part of this place is that no two chairs match, same goes with their cutlery and there's also a variety of tables.
NOSElight honeysuckle, hints of apple and mineral
The long line realistically took about 30min - not bad, at all. Once we sat down menus were quickly given out to us. They are rather flimsy, and these were also wet. There has always been a doodle-like portrait at the front, a bit too tight around the edges. Cheri is convinced its Muammar Guddafi, but our waitress didn't seem to think so. We saw a special on their little chalk stand-up board - french toast with banana caramel so we had to give it a shot. Also, to share, one of my favourites -Brie, Avocado, Bacon Benny. My other benny recommendations are the Ham, Red Option and Chipotle Mayo and the Cheddar, Bacon and Mango Salsa.
PALATEmedium-light bodied, light acidity, smooth
Their caramel banana french toast seemed to be too popular, so we went with their second best option - Chocolate Raspberry. Getting our food took some time, no matter how long it would've been, its worth the flavour. The hollandaise is just the perfect texture, the eggs are just the right amount of solid & liquid and the brie, bacon, green onion and avocado just make it above and beyond. With a pinch of paprika/chipotle (perhaps a bit on the stingy side), a side of home-made fries and a small bowl of salad this is all I can ever ask for.
We had never tried their french toast, and what a mistake that is. With a few fruits on the side and a side of maple syrup, this chunk of sweet goodness is not to miss. I kept on wandering how this dish was possibly made - there wasn't a single dry or undercooked part, also hardly any air inside. This bread was made to be a fresh toast (not just a last minute decision) and my assumption - it just came out of the oven. It was a generous chunk, definitely for sharing. A bit on the heavy side though, with chocolate chips and berries inside, topped with chocolate syrup and raspberry jam.
FINISH
sweet notes of flower and light spice
Energizing like spring - the bright, local, small community feel together with mouth-watering food draws me to Lady Marmalade again and again.
As for the line, there's always one.
overall.. a warm, aged Riesling with a soul.
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