ROCK LOBSTER

ROCK LOBSTER

Location:
110 ossington Ave
Toronto, ON
(416) 312 7662

http://www.rocklobsterfood.com

Ratings:
Service: 3/ 4
Ambiance: 3/4
Food: 2.75/4
Price:$$$

ROCK LOBSTER started off as a pop-up restaurant in Toronto, but as talk spread, they were pressed to open a standing location.  Now Rock Lobster is located permanently in a tiny, trendy space on the ever growing Ossington strip. The staff and ambiance are quite low key, and friendly. They do not take reservations, so we went for an early dinner, as we knew the space would fill-up quite quickly. The menu is limited, featuring mostly seafood options.

We started off with the LOBSTER TAIL COCKTAIL.  The lobster was perfectly cooked and tasted fresh. 

Next was the SURF AND TURF. The creamy steak tartar was served with house made chips and large chunks of lobster meat.  The tartar was tasty but a little under-seasoned and basic. We were expecting some unique flavours- more than what was provided. 

The JERK CRAB AND SHRIMP were finger-licking good.  This flavour packed hot appetizer was extremely messy, but 100% worth it. The jerk spices were nicely balanced with some fresh-squeezed lime juice. The dish was spicy and tasty, but the star of the show was definitely the fresh crustaceans themselves.

We also go the LOBSTER MAC AND CHEESE.  The al dente pasta and fresh lobster chunks were  covered in a white cheddar sauce and fresh lobster.  This dish was the reason I had been wanting to go to Rock Lobster, unfortunately, it left a lot to be desired: it was bland, dry and rather boring.  I was hoping for a much richer and cheesier dish.

FLANK STEAK AND DUCK EGG.  The steak was cooked to a nice medium rare and toped was topped with a generous portion of their house made hickory stick fries. Once you crack the yoke over the fries and steak, you are in for a real treat.  It was delicious.

Would we go back? undecided

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT:

The Jerk Crab and Shrimp

FOXLEY

FOXLEY

Location:

207 Ossington Ave

Toronto

(416) 534 8520

Ratings:

Ambiance: 2 . 75 / 4

Food: 3 . 5 / 4

Service: 3 / 4

Price:$$$

Foxley is located on the Ossington restaurant strip. Like the other restaurants in the vicinity, Foxley is  warm and comfortable, yet pretty small.  Anticipate a little wait time, but know you can leave your name and number and grab a drink at one of the many places near by. This restaurant is  definitely worth the wait.  The extensive menu of sharable plates is largely influenced by Asian flavours (lots of cilantro). I went with my very pregnant friend KS hoping since she would be eating for two we could order lots of their brilliantly flavoured dishes.

The LAMB AND DUCK PROSCIUTTO DUMPLINGS came first. After one bite we both knew we were in for a real treat.  These crispy dumplings came piping hot and packed full of minced lamb and duck prosciutto. The Japanese dipping sauce added a nice, cool, vinegary-ginger flavour that went beautifully with the juicy meat filling.

The BLUE CRAB AND AVOCADO had a nice blend of exciting flavours. The crab mixture is served in half an avocado an toped with a few crispy crunchy pieces of panko which provided a nice textural contrast. Simple, yet impressive.

The refreshing GRILLED SHRIMP AND CALAMARI MANGO SALAD was delicious, but quite spicy.  The sweet mango was mixed with onions, cucumbers, grilled calamari, peanuts, green onions and large, plump shrimp. The fresh vegetables were dressed in a tangy, sweet and spicy dressing.

 The SPICY CRISPY SHRIMP did not disappoint either.  The delicate fried shrimp were crispy and, surprisingly, not too greasy. They were topped with an interesting mix of jalapeno peppers, garlic, basil and black beans.

We decided to also try the the TARO FRIES with spicy aioli. The crispy fries were served hot and topped with dill, which was a surprisingly nice pair to the taro. 

I had been told many times that when I make it to Foxley I must try the GRILLED SIDE RIBS WITH SHALLOT GLAZE, so I insisted that we give this dish a try. Boy was KS happy with this choice. The two long, ultra-tender ribs were smothered in a thick, dark, sweet and savoury glaze. We devoured this dish so quickly; we couldn't get enough.

We had to finish off with something sweet. We decided on the BANANA AND CHOCOLATE SPRING ROLL with ginger ice cream. I don't usually like dessert, but this one was fantastic. The hot chunks of chocolate and banana were nicely balanced by the cool, ginger ice cream. Mmmm

Would we go back? Yes

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT:

Grilled Side Ribs

THE STOCKYARDS

THE STOCKYARDS

LOCATION:
699 St Clair Ave, W
Toronto, ON
(416) 658 9666

www.thestockyards.ca

RATINGS:
Ambiance: 2 . 5 / 4
Service: 3 / 4
Food: 3 / 4
Price: $$

Don't be fooled by  The Stockyards greasy spoon vibe: this little eatery has great service and you are guaranteed to leave happy and full. The menu serves up ribs, fried chicken, hot dogs and a variety of burgers. The first time we went the place was quite full, not difficult, given that  it only fits about 15 people, we managed to get a seat at the back bar. 

We ordered the FRIED CHICKEN DINNER, the portion was so huge it was definitely

 enough for two people. he dinner came with four large pieces of juicy, well seasoned fried chicken - some of the best we have ever had. The portion of shoe string fires which accompanied the chicken seemed like it was endless - more than the two of us could eat. 

Would we go back? Yes!

MEZES

MEZES

LOCATION:

456 Danforth Ave  Toronto, ON M4K 1P3

(416) 778-5150

www.mezes.com

RATINGS:

Service: 2 . 5 /4

Food: 3 / 4

Ambiance: 2 . 5 / 4

Price:$$

Mezes has been on the Danforth in the heart of Greektown, for years. Often the places can be quite busy for it provides consistently fresh, Greek classics and plentiful portions, combined with the efficient, friendly service, often results in this restaurant being quite busy. While he prices at MEZES are a little higher than other local restaurants the authenticity and flavours by which Mezes food is characterised make it well worth the few extra bucks.

We always get the POIKILLIA MEZES with their two most popular dips, the  Taramosalata and the Tirokafteri.  The dish is served with their fresh and garlicky pitas. The Taramosalata is a red caviar dip with pureed potatoes, extra virgin olive oil and lemon. The tasty Tiroafteri is a feta cheese blended with hot peppers, and yogurt. This dip  is wonderfully spicy yet creamy; a must try.

Mezes serves up an authentic GREEK SALAD with green peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, black olives and feta cheese, with a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing.

The FRIED CALAMARI is lightly floured and spiced, served with Tzatziki, red onions and fresh lemon wedges.

Mmm the DOLMADES: hand-rolled grapevine leaves surrounding lean ground beef, rice and fresh herbs covered in a light lemon glaze. One of my favourite authentic Greek dishes. 

Although the OCTAPODI SKARAS is a little pricy for the size of the portion yet cant stop ordering it as it is one of the best octopus dishes in the city.  Tender pieces of grilled octopus served with red pepper slices, Greek herbs and lemon.  

At Mezes you can order both LAMB CHOPS and CHICKEN SOVLAKI by the piece, both served with Tzatziki and lemon wedges. The chicken and lamb are always  very juicy and well seasoned.

Would we go back? Yes

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT:

Dolmades

CANYON CREEK CHOPHOUSE

CANYON CREEK CHOPHOUSE

LOCATION:

156 Front St, toronto ont

www.canyoncreekchophouse.com

RATINGS:

Ambiance: 2 . 75

Service: 4

Food: 2 . 75

Price:$$$

AM finally won and we made our way to Canyon Creek for dinner.  The restaurant chain is a standard meat and potatoes kind of place. The food is good, but no knock your socks off surprises.  The one thing they do have going for them is that their menu is quite inclusive and any one can find something of interest for them, even though meat is their big ticket item.  The service was the best I have seen in a long time and for a chain it was quite surprising.

We started off with the chili marinated GOLDEN CALAMARI. The calamari was crispy fired and served with a duo of sauces spicy sesame and garlic aioli.   I preferred the spicy sauce as the garlic aioli was quite bad.  The calamari was quite tender and fresh, with a little squeeze of lemon we polished off the plate.

We shared the PRIME RIB SLIDERS. The fresh shaved prime rib was placed between the bun and then served with a cabernet jus and horseradish cream sauce. we found these to be bland and boring they needed some sort of topping in addition to the sauces.

I had the ASIAN NACHOS as recommended by our waiter.  The portion was large and tasty. The crispy wontons were topped with roasted Thai chicken, julienned vegetables and melted cheese, then drizzled with spicy sesame and lime sour cream sauces.  I liked how they put the sauces on the side as to not allow the nachos to get soggy. 

Of course, as you can guess AM had the SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB. He found it to be pretty average in size and flavour. 

Would we go back? Probably not

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT:

Golden Calamari

LADY MARMALADE

 LADY MARMALADE

LOCATION:
898 Queen St E
Toronto
(647) 351 7645

www.ladymarmalade.ca

RATINGS:
Ambiance: 2 . 5 / 4
Service: 3 / 4
Food: 2 . 75 / 4
Price: $$
Lady Marmalade is considered one of the best  Leslieville brunch spots.  If you drive by Queen Street East any weekend morning you are guaranteed to see a long line up of people willing to wait 45 min to an hour for a table.  Lucky, I made plans to meet up with one of my favourite teacher friends for a week day lunch during the break.  The interior feels like an upscale diner with mix and match seats, plates and salt and pepper shakers and mugs still hanging around from the 80s.  The  extensive menu offers some interesting breakfast items.  We were both were scratching out heads trying to decide what to order; after a few cups of bottomless coffee, we were ready to decide.

As TM says no breakfast is complete without some super crispy BACON. Neither of our breakfast bennies came with it, so she ordered a side dish. She asked for extra crispy, and they sure did follow through with her request.

After a trip to Cuba I was still dreaming about the pulled-pork, so I went for the “COCHINITA PIBIL” YUCATECAN pulled pork & citrus marinated red onion bennie.  The eggs were cooked to a nice medium-soft and covered in their famous lemony hollandaise sauce.  The pork was tender and went beautiful; with the marinated red onions.  The baked hash-browns were extremely tasty and a little spicy; I especially loved how they had a crispy outer crust yet soft and fluffy on the inside.

TM got the ROASTED VEGETABLES & AGED WHITE CHEDDAR bennie. which was also served with the hollandaise and hash-browns  as well as a sesame-dressed side salad.  The servings were so big, it took us quite some time to make it through all of the food on our plates.

Would we go back? Yes, but I don't think it's worth the long line

BAIRRADA CHURRASQUEIRA

BAIRRADA CHURRASQUEIRA

LOCATIONS:

1000 College St  

Toronto, ON M6H

2293 St Clair Ave W 
Toronto, ON M6N1K8

33 Hillcrest Ave 
Mississauga, ON L5B1K5

RATINGS:

Service: 1 . 5 / 4

Ambiance: 2 / 4 (unless you are on the patio which is a 3 / 4)

Food: 2 . 8 / 4

Price: $$

If you are you looking for a casual, laid-back place for Portuguese food, then Bairrada is the place for you. The service is slow and a bit inattentive, but the food and backyard patio make it worthwhile. The portions are plentiful, yet your final bill will be slim.

 They always start you off with some Portuguese bread and their famous homemade  PIRI PIRI SAUCE. This sauce is the reason Bairrada is soo good. You will want to put it on every thing.

We started off with the GAMBAS A LA PLANCHA. Whole large tiger shrimp lightly grilled then sautéed in Stella Artois beer, herbs, spices, lemon and butter. They came out nice and hot. The shrimp came with the backs cut which made for an easy peel, and provided a nice grilled flavour on the meat. 

We also ordered the FRANGO NO CHURRASCO.  This whole BBQ chicken is the house specialty.  It's marinated and grilled in their piri piri sauce, which coats the chicken's  crisp crackling skin and juicy thigh and breast meat.  The chicken  had a great fresh-off-the-BBQ taste. 

For our sides we picked the VEGETABLE RICE and POTATO CHIPS. These dishes were a little boring, but  were easily made more exciting by drizzling a little bit of the piri piri sauce on top. 

Would we go back? Yes. We found Bairrada to be a nice casual family dinning spot.

STANDOUT DISH OF THE NIGHT:
Frango no Churrasco