blogTO | Posts by Devon

Pretty Picture Menu Leaves us Fishing for Promises

Devon Scoble — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:48:11 PDT

Fin Izakaya at Yonge & Eglinton offers a wide selection of primarily Japanese snackables - everything from fresh vegetable salads and pickled kimchis, to sashimi plates and wagyu hotpots to shark-fin (gasp!) based dishes. But the disparity between the enticing and artful picture menu and what ends up on the table is rather gaping, and after trying a few hit-and-miss dishes we elect to end our only partially satisfying fishing expedition.

See my review of Fin Izakaya in the restaurant section.

The New Massimo's Opens on Queen, But do the Slices Live Up to the Hype?

Devon Scoble — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 22:40:02 PDT

Massimo's Pizza is now Vinny Massimo's Pizza & Pasta, which recently opened at its new location at Queen and Dovercourt.

Previously a contender in the best pizza slice in the city battle, my expectations were set pretty high going in. But on my first visit, a few misses have me thinking that after the move they still need to do some work to get everything in its right place.

See my review of Vinny Massimo's Pizza & Pasta in the restaurants section.

Sweet Talkin' Karine Serves Up All-Day Breakfast and Vegan Treats

Devon Scoble — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:27:12 PDT

Located in the Village on the Grange food court, Karine's offers both reasonably priced all-day breakfasts and a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. And, to complete the experience -- or ruin it! -- patrons are treated to a sort of 50's style banter from a chef who I can only guess is Karine herself.

Read my review of Karine's in the restaurant section.

Awesome Jerk at Jane and Finch

Devon Scoble — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:17:48 PDT

Jane and Finch is known mostly for its troubles: drive-bys and high rises, gangs and guns. But Mainsha Plus, with its unique pairing of Caribbean and Khmer food, is a veritable diamond in the rough. And with meals starting at 3 bucks, it's also wonderfully cheap.

Read my review of Mainsha Plus in the restaurant section.

Off Key at the Annex Live

Devon Scoble — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:50:22 PDT

The Annex Live is all about small plates. With choices like Watermelon or Mixed Greens Salad, Yukon Gold Gnocchi or Egg Yolk Tagliarini, Roasted Sea Scallops or Cornish Hen, along with a selection of premium ice creams, the $25 Prix Fixe caught our attention but missed a few notes.

See my review of The Annex Live in the restaurants section.

The Court of Good Taste at Yonge and Dundas

Devon Scoble — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:15:41 PDT

Dundas Square has never been my favourite place. Maybe it was the years of construction, or maybe it's the crowds. More likely it's the Eaton's Centre, a place I avoid until Christmastime, at which point my cell phone invariably dies, requiring me to wait hours in line at the Rogers store.

Whatever the reason, Yonge/Dundas is an area that sees me on a need-to-go basis only. When young friends from Ireland, or visiting ESL students tell me they're going there, I inwardly smirk. Tourists. I'm similarly smarmy when academic-darling Richard Florida lauds the area. Newbie. As far I've been concerned for a long, long time, locals avoid Dundas Square as much as they can.

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No Wows at Wow Chicken

Devon Scoble — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 07:58:29 PDT

Although initially excited by the affordable offerings at this King and Portland rotisserie joint, my visit threw me a few surprises in the form of poorly described menu items and dishes overpowered by boatloads of salt.

Read my review of WOW Rotisserie Chicken in the restaurant section.

Hearty British Fare at The Queen and Beaver

Devon Scoble — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:04:23 PDT

The Queen and Beaver Public House near Yonge & Dundas offers solid traditional British treats in a beautiful dining space. Prices, however, seem to be reflective of the décor and real estate value of the location as much as the quality of ingredients and flavour of the food.

See my review of The Queen and Beaver pub in the restaurant section.

Moderately Satisfied at Hue's Kitchen

Devon Scoble — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:48:52 PDT

Hue's Kitchen, at Yonge & Bloor, offers a more serene environment than your average fast-food joint and is a quick, no-hassle spot to grab a cheap and moderately healthy Asian meal. Granted, its a little underwhelming compared to some of the finer pho joints in the city.

See my review of Hue's Kitchen in the restaurant section.

Hit or Mitzi's on College

Devon Scoble — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:46:56 PDT

I took a trip to the newest brunch spot in the Mitzi empire - the new location on College - for their opening weekend. Service faltered (I'm sure they'll sort this out in the fullness of time), but the pancakes were divine (clearly they've already figured these fluffy and delicious things out).

See my review of Mitzi's on College in the restaurants section.

Soup, Roti and The Madison Sandwich at The Annex Hodgepodge

Devon Scoble — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:57:31 PDT

I never know what to expect in the Annex, but often meet flavours that are gourmet but overpriced or inexpensive and boring. So it was a happy day when I discovered the Annex Hodgepodge: a delightful mix of fresh, inventive flavours at a friendly price point.

Read my review of The Annex Hodgepodge in the restaurants section.

Naples and Kansas City, in the Back Alley

Devon Scoble — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:43:16 PDT

Naples and Kansas City are worlds apart, but Back Alley BBQ and Grill guides diners from the sun-drenched shores of Italy to the baked backyards of a Kansas City BBQ, all without leaving their open-air perch on Kensington's Augusta Ave. The itinerary is strange, but it's one helluva tasty trip.

See my review of Back Alley BBQ and Grill in the restaurant section.

Sunshine and Burritos at Johny Banana

Devon Scoble — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:52:09 PDT

I took a trip to Johny Banana's in Queen West to try out their $7, lime-infused burritos and colourful décor. I learned that their burrito is fresh and tasty, but even tastier if you ask for spice (because mine didn't come with much by default).

See my review of Johny Banana in the restaurant section.

Sweet over Salty at Krepesz

Devon Scoble — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:01:28 PDT

Krepesz European Palacsinta Cafe in Kensington serves palacsinta. Palacsinta are essentially crepes and Krepesz does both sweet and savoury. I popped in to try both types, and definitely preferred the former over the latter.

See my review of Krepesz European Palacsinta Cafe in the restaurant section.

Poutini's Magic

Devon Scoble — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:23:56 PDT

Poutine, the quintessential (and artery clogging) Canadian food, has been quite the rage in Toronto in recent years, and it seems like the effort to fill (what used to be) the void isn't slowing.

Another poutine shop opened just this weekend, in West Queen West. Poutini's take on the classic is magical, and they also do a vegetarian version, and baked potato poutine.

See my review of Poutini's House of Poutine in the restaurant section.