http://www.chow.com/boards/23 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:02:37 GMT Keep track of the lastest threads on Chowhound http://www.chow.com/topics/558283#4043225 We've noticed a recent upswing in the number of local hounds calling people out for shilling (aka astroturfing, posting fake reviews and undisclosed comments on the site), and we wanted to post a note about it. Shilling is an issue we take very seriously on Chowhound -- we value the honesty of the resource, and we know that maintaining that honesty is what makes the site useful. Our team of moderators actively looks for shilling on the site, as well as thoroughly investigating every report flag and email we get from users about suspicious posts. When our investigations confirm that a shilling situation exists, we remove the posts in question. If the pattern of shilling behaviour on a given restaurant continues, we're sometimes forced to remove all posts about a restaurant because no conversation about it can be assumed to be honest. It's not a step we take lightly. It's one that we try to avoid ever taking -- we want you all to be able to discuss every restaurant freely. But sometimes we have no choice, or only the fool's choice between having no discussion of a restaurant or a biased, heavily manipulated discussion -- at least with no discussion, we aren't misleading anyone. But we can't be everywhere and we can't read everything, so we'd like to ask your help in all of this. If you spot a post that you think is suspicious, don't call them out publicly (not even with the currently popular 'Welcome to Chowhound'). Instead, use 'report' to bring it to our attention. Or, if it's not one post but a pattern of posts you're concerned about, email us at moderators@chowhound.com to give us the details. Reporting rather than commenting in a post makes less work for us, and lets us know we should investigate and remove the post, rather than leaving it up. It also prevents arguments over whether something is or isn't a shill. Plus, even if we can't confirm the problem, if we're aware of it, we can continue to track the issue in case we get more information later. Our thanks to all those who have helped us in the past, and in advance for those who'll help in the future. We're all working together to build this resource for everyone's benefit. It's a pretty amazing thing, and something we want to protect as long as possible. If you value the chow tips you receive and take pride in the ones you give, please help us keep an eye out for those who would make those tips less useful by surrounding them with dishonesty. Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:02:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/558283#4043225 http://www.chow.com/topics/500169#3502558 FEEDBACK If there's something you think is vitally important for new members of the board to know that we've missed, please comment on this Site Talk thread: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/458608 Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:54:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/500169#3502558 http://www.chow.com/topics/576508#4213374 I bought a PC dark at No frills a few weeks ago for $3.99. I can't recall if they had the bittersweet specifically, but I know they had a few other varieties on the shelf also. The $3.99 was a sale price, maybe Loblaws had the same sale and they temporarily sold out? Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:52:26 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576508#4213374 http://www.chow.com/topics/576510#4213369 Dutch Toasted Westerns with home fries. They were luke warm, bad processed cheese not only unmelted, but actually cold....not homefries, but some deep fried potato wedge-type thing, of which there were exactly 4 on each plate. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:51:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576510#4213369 http://www.chow.com/topics/533079#4213353 That's really bad! I haven't had an experience like that at the place, but I did stop in recently for a quick pint and the floor around my stool smelled like somebody's dog had just taken a dump there. REally! Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:44:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/533079#4213353 http://www.chow.com/topics/576565#4213340 Some very funky baked goods and site-roasted coffee at Moonbeam Coffee Company on St. Andrews in Kensginton market. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:39:09 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576565#4213340 http://www.chow.com/topics/570442#4213326 Did you try anything else? The pizzas looked good. Based on your comments, I'm guessing that the business plan here is to build a credible cafe concept with real dishes, and prove the price point before branching out with a franchise concept. Good Italian cafes have done very well over the years, such as Cafe Doria, Boccone, and Pastissima in well-heeled areas. Not sure about the 'not very clean' comment. Tables and eating areas looked fine, and the kitchen looked 'in progress', not pristine, but what one would expect. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:32:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570442#4213326 http://www.chow.com/topics/576197#4213266 but why not make homemade mayo instead? it's easy and keeps quite a while! Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:08:40 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576197#4213266 http://www.chow.com/topics/576557#4213193 Looking for an entertaining dinner for 60 people at the end of January, preferably close to the Eaton Centre. Something like Brazilian Rodizio or other lively atmosphere would be perfect. Quality of food is not as important this time around. Budget roughly $50-$75 per person all in. Thanks in advance! Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:42:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576557#4213193 http://www.chow.com/topics/576523#4213107 I've gone to Mercatto twice after being told that the wait at Terroni on Adelaide would be over an hour, and twice I've left satisfied. The food is great, the atmosphere is better for an intimate chat (it gets so loud at Terroni!), there is no attitude, and no line up! I think the pizza is swell as well. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:06:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576523#4213107 http://www.chow.com/topics/576275#4213103 I love Le Paradis. Not fancy but delicious - and an inexpensive French meal which is fairly unique in our city. I'd also put in a vote for Nota Bene and I love Zucca as well. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:02:49 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576275#4213103 http://www.chow.com/topics/576539#4213059 Looking for a decent, not too pricey, restaurant for a Christmas Party. 10 people. Ideally there would be a place off to the side where we wouldn't annoy other diners. In the past we have done Sauvignon, Adega, Brassaii. We're not too loud but like to have a good time. We may be a bit thirsty. Appreciate any good ideas. Downtown preferred but will stray a bit east or west. Prefer not north as we have some 905ers driving in. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:39:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576539#4213059 http://www.chow.com/topics/573082#4213052 yeah, skylineR33 good must be pretty good Mind if I ask what your dinner came to cost per head? Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:35:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573082#4213052 http://www.chow.com/topics/575546#4212934 Went last weekend... unfortunately the menu I posted seems to be wrong... but go definitely, we had a great time. One thing, unless you know the are well phone and get directions, its a bit hard to find. Cheers! Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:45:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575546#4212934 http://www.chow.com/topics/576505#4212920 Really? The gnocchi and seafood pasta wasnt that great ... I dont think I'm going there again... :( Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:39:46 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576505#4212920 http://www.chow.com/topics/499001#4212853 Dark Horse has free wi-fi...amazing coffee and amazing muffins! Starbucks now has a deal with Bell that you get 2 hrs free, but you have to have a Starbucks card. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:10:08 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/499001#4212853 http://www.chow.com/topics/576079#4212845 i was at Old Galley 3 days before it closed, much to my surprise! our waitress said that the landlord had evicted them (he was jacking up rates to such a level that they couldn't afford to pay). Furthermore, she said they were looking for another location but didn't think it would necessarily happen. The blue rinse crowd will have to find something else... Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:06:42 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576079#4212845 http://www.chow.com/topics/566660#4212762 I've been to this place twice now for brunch and I've been pleasantly surprised. The room is warm, with exposed brick and sleek tables. The vibe is sophisticated urban jazz lounge. Imagine any ad for downtown condo living and this place fits the bill. Normally, this type of atmosphere would turn me off. I'm more a Cadillac Lounge kind of guy. And we sure don't look like the part coming in all weary from a bathroom reno, resplendent in MEC goretex and Blundstones. Whenever I'm in a place like this, I swear the staff can tell I permanently destroyed any possibility of personal cool playing D&D in the 80s. However, the food turns our to be fabulous and the waitress friendly and attentive. A lot of thought seems to have gone into the menu. Little touches like lime water are appreciated. Both times I am there, staff from the kitchen come out to check on things. They look sharp and professional, instead of overwhelmed and freaked out "newbie". Each time I've been, I've had the really well executed eggs benny with peameal and homefries. The eggs ooze yolk appropriately and the hollandaise is rich, with a nice, refreshing zip of lemon. And it doesn't immediately congeal, like a lot of hollandaise does around town. The homefries are exceptional. Maybe the best I've had in town. They slice the potatoes in discs (ala scalloped potatoes) and then, as far as I can tell, individually fry each one until the edges crisp beautifully and the center gets soft and creamy. There's a liberal amount of caramelized onions and the whole thing is stacked on the plate so that it clumps attractively. I keep wondering how they do them and picture a giant flat top grill covered in a layer of potatoes, frying away. You can order they home fries as corned beef hash. They come with a dollop or two of moist, melt in your mouth corned beef, almost like rillettes in the texture and richness. I don't believe the potatoes and beef are fried together, so that may be a mark against it for some, but I still found it great. The rest of the menu looks very promising, but I'll probably have the same thing the next time I go. I tend to do that at a place that does something well. So I understand the jamesm's comments about the Parkdale Drink and the Kitchen. This place appears to be like some opportunistic money grab eagerly awaiting for the Bohemian condos to be built. It does seem a little out of place in that stretch of Queen. But, right now it's a weekend brunch spot with a lot of promise. I have no idea if it will work as a night spot or if it'll open for dinner service. The owners seem to be taking it slow and have a plan, so I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. I'll post again once I've gone a few more times and sampled the rest of the menu. As it's less than five minutes away from my place, it has now supplanted The Cadillac Lounge and Rustic Cosmo as the official "lazy brunch" spot in my nabe. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:28:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/566660#4212762 http://www.chow.com/topics/575946#4212666 So I tried Chimichanga's for dinner and I have to say, I'm with likescrab---it's really good! We had the shrimp quesadilla, venetian veggie chimichanga and the spinach & portobello enchilada. Very tasty stuff. It surprised me when they confirmed that they are the same place as the one that existed down at Yonge & Dundas but just goes to show some places can't do takeout well. Oh, and the table staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Overall, I'd say there is no sit-in Mexican food in Toronto I like more; I'd definitely go back. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:57:07 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575946#4212666 http://www.chow.com/topics/576487#4212650 I attended this event last year and enjoyed the food and drinks. It supports the St. Andrews' Out of the Cold program. This year's event takes place on December 4 and features cocktails and food from top gastronome Rodney Bower, Includes entertainment, and a silent auction spilling over with just-in-time-for-Christmas bargains. LOCATION Ritchies Auction House 380 King Street East (King & Parliament) DATE & TIME December 4, 2008 7 to 10pm http://www.standrewstoronto.org/feast.htm Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:50:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576487#4212650 http://www.chow.com/topics/576272#4212605 When Debu first opened this new spot, some of the criticisms seemed to be that there were too many things going on on the plate. I understand that the menu has reflected the criticisms and been slightly simplified. When I went, I found it to be fantastic, with more complexity than I've seen for Indian food anywhere else in the city. Takeout food is slightly dumbed down, as the presentations wouldn't work in cartons. A Vegetarian tasting menu is posted on his blog from now until December 7 Goan Food Festival Veg Tasting Menu ($40) Whole-wheat Goan pao with spicy marina potato bhaji, garlic flavoured Goan street-style tomato chutney Curry leaf and coconut-scented black eyed beans soup with vegetable porial flaky puff and tamarind-cashew pheni sauce Young jackfruit racho curry with lentil-coconut pancake, masala yam wedges and fluffy basmati rice Coconut-scented rice pudding and jaggery-poached pears with nuts and dry fruits Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:29:54 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576272#4212605 http://www.chow.com/topics/573706#4212604 i know Sears sell an eco pan and the Bay sells 2 kinds. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:28:59 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/573706#4212604 http://www.chow.com/topics/570615#4212409 Just checked out The Harbord Romm last night and VERY impressed. The soup ( ham hock and collard greens) was really tasty and my partner's salt cod fritters delish. For mains, he had the clams and chorizo and it was nicely done and well presented. While the steak part of the streak-frites was good, the fries were lame and limp, but it was nice to be offered aioli on the side and that kind of perked them up. Dessert was rice pudding with really good beignets thingies. With wine both pre and during the meal for two and port to follow: $121 pre-tip...that ain't bad. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:22:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/570615#4212409 http://www.chow.com/topics/563926#4212347 I loved this place. It was a great place to go for a mid day break during th ewarmer months and sit in the park across the street for some people watching. I hope someone will post when/if they find a new home. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:08:36 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/563926#4212347 http://www.chow.com/topics/576453#4212332 I walked by Madelene on Sunday about 1pm and saw Igor from Restaurant Makeover unloading his tools and walking into Madelene.... not sure if this is an official "Makeover" so soon or if he is just getting some work done on Igors non shooting days... Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:02:35 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576453#4212332 http://www.chow.com/topics/576335#4212312 Ho Shim? Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:54:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576335#4212312 http://www.chow.com/topics/575698#4212235 I third FLO'S........ unpretentious, not over-priced, simply good diner food:) servers always polite, on-top-of-it nice booths, casual ps.....waiting to see if we get to number 8 .... someone say "I 8 flo's"........(yeah I got nuthin') PPS....forgot to mention, if you are new to the city you can find Flo's if you LOOK UPPPPPPP (it's connected to an office building/mini-mall...dont know the name however) it's on the 3rd floor I believe either take the elevator from inside or zeeeeeee stairs from outside Peace~! Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:26:12 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575698#4212235 http://www.chow.com/topics/576387#4212228 The answers were posted in this thread: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/575887 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:24:37 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576387#4212228 http://www.chow.com/topics/549400#4212219 i went to crema several times in the past couple of weeks and they've been consistently good. i usually make my own coffee at home with the pc brand great canadian coffee (i know i know) but too many early mornings called for good strong coffee. crema doesn't have any lactose-free milk so i ordered a soy latte. i've had the low fat milk latte before and the low fat milk one wins hands down. soy milk just doesn't have the same mouth feel as cow's milk. i also don't find that soy milk blends well with coffee. each espresso-based drink was made to order (grinding the beans per order) with very pretty foam art. the only downside to this is that there might be a longish wait if there are several people in line. a large soy latte was just under $5. i also had the drip coffee (large is $2) and this was excellent. no bitterness at all. they also have some loose leaf tea available and cold drinks. beans are for sale as well. i think crema finally has an oven installed so maybe they're starting to bake their own pastries. i had a really gigantic and moist pumpkin muffin (topped with some toasted pumpkin seeds!). their blueberry scones are very delicious too. pastries were around $2.50/each. there was an assortment of muffins, scones, biscotti, brownies and cookies. crema has free wi-fi too. i highly suggest going to crema if you're in the junction. beats starbucks and second cup any day! one of the baristas has a blog about crema: http://www.ummonshadow.com/shadowblog/?page_id=25 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:19:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/549400#4212219 http://www.chow.com/topics/576349#4212187 When their shills were posting at the time they first opened, they "neglected" to answer this question despite several requests in another thread. Then someone posting as a cook there said to come in and ask. I'd like an answer from a 'hound who has eaten there. I don't know whether the implication is that they won't, or that they will but won't admit it. I'm not inclined to show up, get handed a well done burger, and leave frustrated and hungry. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:09:02 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576349#4212187 http://www.chow.com/topics/456162#4212178 I agree with Scaramouche as well. It's a shame they are closing in a year. Every time I've been there, our servers have been very attentive, but not intrusive. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:04:21 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/456162#4212178 http://www.chow.com/topics/576397#4212084 Hi thanks for the review, is the chicken white or dark meat do you know? Mon, 01 Dec 2008 19:34:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576397#4212084 http://www.chow.com/topics/576411#4211930 It's that time of year again -- the Hilton Hotel in London, ON is offering their annual Dickens Luncheon Buffet. It runs Monday-Friday from 11:30am-2pm until Dec. 19th. I've been going for several consecutive years and can report that today's Buffet was excellent, as usual. For starters, there are no fewer than 8 kinds of salad to start, and today's soup of the day was a Harvest Vegetable with Beef, which was lovely (the Hilton London always does an excellent soup). The carving station has Oven Roasted Turkey, with all the trimmings, such as veggies, mashed potatoes (really good today!), savoury stuffing balls and cranberry sauce. The Turkey Gravy was fantastic!!! There's also Roast Beef au Jus with condiments such as grainy dijon mustard and horseradish available on the side. If you save room, there's also a good selection of desserts, such as fresh fruit salad, tarts, cheesecake, tortes and the traditional Christmas Pudding with a warm creme anglaise. As an added bonus, they have included coffee ot tea with your meal this year. All this and more for only $15.95/person (plus tax). This can't be beat!! Just be sure to come hungry. Kerri the server was excellent -- friendly and efficient -- and the coffee was hot and fresh. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:51:45 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576411#4211930 http://www.chow.com/topics/452061#4211823 You can't fail with Scaramouche. It's closing in a year, and I feel like I must visit as often as I possibly can. Excellent views of the city, but without the awful city traffic. One of the most romantic places I've ever been to, great desserts. If anything you should at least come here after a meal for their desserts, their lemon pie or coconut pie is really orgasmic (yes, orgasmic). Amuse-Bouche, and Auberge Du Pommier are also very romantic as others have said. I haven't been to Oro, but I hear it's up there as well in the romance department, but I can't say personally. There's also Prego Della Piazza, and finally Canoe. Canoe requires a bit of work...the restaurant itself is more awe than romance, but there's a few tables, secluded from the rest of the restaurant, that just exudes romance. The feeling of being alone on the top of the TD building at sunset...your wife, or anyone would be impressed. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:20:10 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/452061#4211823 http://www.chow.com/topics/379228#4211810 I must say I disagree with Catch 22. Just awful. Been there 3 times. The first time I admittedly thought it was fairly decent, with the exception of my entree which tasted frozen not fresh, but it just worsened on every visit. I’ve washed my hands of it. I do agree about Café Chartreuse. Their food is amongst the best in Collingwood. It’s casual breakfast lunch fare mainly but done expertly, and the space is really cute and laid back. The staff is fairly inept. It’s run by kids. If you can suffer the staff and disorganized ordering line the food and atmosphere are well worth it. Also agree on Green Mango Tree. I live in Toronto and I’ll tell you it beats almost, if not every, thai/pan-asian restaurant I’ve tried. It’s amazing. A must visit. I’m standing by Mill Café in Thornbury. Service has always been borderline cold (but efficient), but love love love the food and summer patios. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:13:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/379228#4211810 http://www.chow.com/topics/576075#4211804 I dont think I have ever tried pork hock, can someone explain to me briefly what it is? Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:11:55 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576075#4211804 http://www.chow.com/topics/575761#4211762 How is the food there compared to what is served at the RCYC restaurant on St George? I was there in January with 9 people, and it was about the worse food I've ever had at a restaurant in Toronto. The other diners thought the same. My wife didn't even eat hers, and I only ate my diner because I was hungry. I remember two things: 1) the fish I ordered had about 10x more salt than it should, 2) made a mental note to *never* ever accept any offer to eat there again. I had originally planned to hold the meeting at Le Paradis, but when we exceeded 6 people I had to cancel as that's all Le Paradis will seat at one table. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:56:16 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575761#4211762 http://www.chow.com/topics/462779#4211713 Thanks! Will have to pop in and check it out soon. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:36:57 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/462779#4211713 http://www.chow.com/topics/571589#4211557 because that's the current buzzword in the restaurant biz. I will post my review about localco when I have time, but I''ll tell you that the four items we ordered were nothing special. I found that the Roast Alberta beef sliders particularly stood out as an item that was overpriced. Each of the 3 were like tiny beef sandwiches with about 1oz of thinly shaved meat in each. I mistakenly expected they would be small burgers as I didn't read the menu carefully . I'd say this item should sell for $13 tops., especially when you see the appetisers available one door to the east in the same price range. I'll be interested to see what other people think after eating here. I tried a bit of all three deserts and they were great, so don't forget to order those. I just didn't find the food all that exciting, and I had my expectations set higher after reading where the chef has worked in the last 15 years, and also because I know what I can get at Lolit'as Lust which is right beside them. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:34:31 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/571589#4211557 http://www.chow.com/topics/446286#4211521 Tried Harlem on Friday. The place was great. The live music was excellent. Service was somewhat lacking (but friendly). The food we ordered arrived cold -- both the appetizers and the main meal. Had to send it back to the kitchen. Needless to say we were disappointed. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:20:56 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/446286#4211521 http://www.chow.com/topics/576099#4211475 Back in the mid 60's I used to buy a can of satlpeter very few weeks for experiments. The drugstore near my house had many cans of it, and the sulfur was on the same shelf. I didn't realise it was harder to find saltpetre in the pharmacy now. Has anyone had any good results making corned beef? That's what I've been wanting to make after I locate the saltpetre. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:03:11 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576099#4211475 http://www.chow.com/topics/572908#4211473 It's open. I walked by on Saturday night (on my way to the green room - which is still open so don't worry!) and there was a note on the door that said it was closed for a private function, but would be open for Dinner starting November 30. No menu was posted, but I do look forward to checking it out. Anyone have more information on this new place? Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:01:20 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/572908#4211473 http://www.chow.com/topics/482607#4211469 I know its a chain and all.. but Eggspectation's (on Yonge, basically attached to the mall, in between dundas and queen) has never dissapointed me in the eggs benny department. Nice strong flavour for the sauce and a TON of different variations available.. Also - for a more quaint place - La Palette in Kensington has a delicious french twist on eggs benny - on a croissant, with frites and mayo Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:59:22 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/482607#4211469 http://www.chow.com/topics/523775#4211455 FYI: ... Torito's Tapas bar in Kensington has a delicious Chorizo on the menu.. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:50:50 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/523775#4211455 http://www.chow.com/topics/575799#4211427 Thanks for mentioning your recent experience, Embee. That's disappointing to hear. I tried a couple of their pastries (koks, and other chocolate or pastry cream-based pastries, not baklava and not filo-based) at some weddings and an engagement party over the summer, but I didn't notice a decline in quality. Sounds like it would probably be the oil/fat that they're using which would lead to bitter, almost gagging quality, rather than the filo itself. I've noticed that same type of taste in several commercial versions of kourabiedes (a cookie similar to shortbread, which is not fllo-based,in case any Chowhounds reading this are not familiar with them) from two different bakeries located on the Danforth. Haven't tried their tiropita- but I don't like commercial tiropita- not even the commercial tiropitas in Greece! All commercial tiropitas are almost inedible to me;) Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:40:39 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/575799#4211427 http://www.chow.com/topics/569611#4211370 Mildred's Temple Kitchen has it on the menu, and its delicious. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/575546 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:13:30 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/569611#4211370 http://www.chow.com/topics/544577#4211282 My wife and i went this weekend, around 8pm on a saturday night. The place was half full and we were warmly greeted and shown to our table. The place is nice, and warm. Thank god they put a shade on the front window...otherwise we would be looking at the apartments across the street. The service was the worst part of our visit. It took almost 15 min before the waitress made her first visit to the table to take our drink orders. Then another 10 min to get our drinks.....we were served some really nice warm bread, but I think thats a result of the hostess seeing that we were still waiting for our appetizer(45 min). The french onion soup was fantastic...the salad with warm goat cheese was ok, but there really wasnt much in the way of greens on the plate. Waited another 25 minutes after that before we got our entrees. My wife has the poutine, which was ok...didnt like the cream sauce, as it was kind of bland and took away from the cheese...but the addition of the pork was excellent. I had the wild boar burger,with foie gras. The burger with the foie gras was excellent, but the foie gras placed on top of the bun, rendered the top of the bun kinda useless. Should have been served without the top bun and that would have been better. The waitress asked if we wanted to look at the desserts....we were given the menu, and then 5 minutes later she came with the bill....I guess no dessert! Anyway I looked at the bill, and really felt the prices could be a little cheaper...and the service could be a lot better....We were there for 2 hours, and it wasnt even 100% full. We will go back in a couple of months hopefully when things are a little smoother Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:15:51 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/544577#4211282 http://www.chow.com/topics/576338#4211230 I used to live in Ottawa, so I'm reasonably familiar with the scene, but I was really mad after taking my kids to the Elgin St. Dunn's location for breakfast on Saturday. (The Mayflower was busy, so we thought we'd give Dunn's a try.) The sign outside proclaimed a cheap breakfast, but did note it was Monday-Friday. When we were seated, I asked the very pleasant server about the special; she said it wasn't available on weekend. No problem, I said, but maybe they shouldn't put the sign out. "It says right there the special isn't available." Gotcha. Then the menus came--limited breakfast selection and your basic breakfast was a ridiculous $7.99. Three pancakes cost $7.49. Which I could have lived with if there was something distinctive about any of it, but there wasn't. Air bread for toast, run-of-the-mill sausages, pancakes from a mix, fake syrup. And the bathrooms were, while not dirty, clearly dingy and uncared-for. At least the server was nice. All I was hoping for was a good, solid diner breakfast, but do yourself a favour and go somewhere else on weekends! Mon, 01 Dec 2008 13:36:52 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576338#4211230 http://www.chow.com/topics/576269#4211146 I meant to write about this also. We stopped in last weekend and bought some cheeses. They are still in the midst of bringing stock in, some of the shelves were bare when we were there but I know they are selling foie. The staff are very friendly. We had a chat with one of the chefs and she was great! The space is really nice. I will go back for sure. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:07:28 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/576269#4211146 http://www.chow.com/topics/553268#4211084 I didn't realise that the Aussies winemakers had invaded Niagara ... I hope my enjoyment of the local wines hasn't been because they've been too familiar! That would be most amusing considering how I've avoided the many Australian wines I've seen on menus in an effort to try the 'local' flavours! Sorry for the delay in replying, we finished our stint in Toronto & have been enroute to Germany via a Christmas party in Amsterdam on Sat night ... Japanese restaurant with a fabulous tasting menu and a switch to the wines of Sancerre & Bordeaux! Home is Melbourne, when we manage to spend any length of time there ;-) But that is hardly relevant to this thread. Will continue to pop in here for updates on the local scene, we hope we won't have to wait too long to return to your lovely area!! Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:01:38 GMT http://www.chow.com/topics/553268#4211084