Lisbon by Night

Lisbon By Night 802 Dundas St West 416 603 6522

This restaurant is a Portuguese event. Every night is a fish festival offering a variety of grilled fish perfectly seasoned. I am not surprised that Lisbon By Night won an award from Summerlicious 2010. You walk up a steep set of stairs. On the second floor is an enormous room. A small stage is on one side. On this evening we were treated to a solo musician who played a keyboard and sang Portuguese songs. I almost melted listening to the music.

You must try the Fish Rodizio. (only $20.00) The very best Portuguese bread is presented. Fine olive oil and balsamic vinegar is on the table. From then the fun begins. Platters of fish are presented to each table. You help yourself to each offering. The server continues to come around with a variety of platters. They want you to try everything. You just keep eating. The platters continue until you say; “Enough.” We just kept eating and eating. At the end I almost had to get on my knees to plead that I had dined on quite enough for the next year.

Bowls of delicious roasted potatoes and the best rice I have ever tasted are placed on the table. There was also a bowl of fresh salsa. I was eating it alone. It was so tasty. On this evening we tasted calamari. shrimp, salmon, swordfish, sea bream, grouper, and mackerel plus more that I can’t even remember.

This is the most deluxe feast imaginable. The next table ordered a large Fish Platter. Every fish imaginable was piled on a platter. A group of 4 people were eating and eating. The pile never seemed to diminish. It was a work of art.

If you don’t want to indulge in the Fish Festival Rodizio ( I heartily recommend it) you have a full menu from which to select the finest of Portuguese food. Meat lovers will delight in the dishes offered. There is a variety of Pork offerings.

Fried Sardines are the best in town. So many different types of fish are offered as single plate options.

Our server, Susanne, is the best in town. I enjoyed her company and good service on my last visit. She is amazing. She kept urging us to try more. She explained the dishes. She was delightful company.

We even indulged in some ‘heavenly’ dessert that had more calories than I wanted to count. We stumbled out of the restaurant with a big smile on our faces. We knew we had dined on the best. It was a total experience and we loved every minute.

The Rex

The Rex 194 Queen Street 416 598 2475

This is not a review of where I have been but rather of an upcoming event. Many friends have asked about attending one of Alex’s performances. He has been busy all summer with composing music and applying for grants. He has plans for a new CD in the coming year. Most of Alex’s gigs have been private venues or out of town. I was so excited to hear of the upcoming gig on October 6 at the Rex. from 9:30 p.m.

All the music played by the Alex Goodman Quintet will be music composed by Alex.

I look forward to hearing the new music.

Alex Goodman guitar.

Max Roach drums.

Nick Morgan sax

Darcy Myronuk piano

Dan Fortin sax

The Rex offers a variety of drinks and food. You can have a snack or heartier fare. I have enjoyed their sandwiches on many occasions. Nachos or Spring Rolls are available for a light snack.

Alex’s goal is to perform many of the selections that will be part of his new CD. This is an opportunity to hear the music before it is officially produced.

I hope to see you there.

Bistro Grande

Bistro Grande 1000 Eglinton Ave. West 416 782 3302

This is the best kosher food in town. My granddaughter, Shoshanna was leaving to go back to Israel. This was our final evening together and I wanted to dine in style. The restaurant is well appointed. It is always lovely to see crisp white tablecloths and the tables set with wine glasses. I have used the private room at the back on a previous occasion. The service is always so friendly and efficient. Scott was our server on this evening and he made us feel special. He delivered the basket of warm delicious bread before we had even ordered. I liked the small white dish that had quantities of butter, olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well as a delicious white bean paste. All tastes were looked after here.

As this is a kosher restaurant it has only dairy items. There are no meat products served. There is so much variety and all tastes can be accommodated.

My readers may get tired of my talking about my love of tuna. I never get tired of eating it. Bistro Grande has the best Salad Nicoise in the city and I always enjoy it.($18.00) A large white bowl is filled with the finest ingredients. The green beans are perfectly cooked. The little potatoes are tasty. The greens are fresh and crisp. The vinaigrette is flavorful. Best of all are the chunks of perfectly cooked tuna. I would never get tired of trying this flavorful dish.

Shoshana opted for the Linguine. Organic whole grain pasta is served with portobello mushrooms, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic and infused with a light tomato sauce.($18.00) Shoshanna is a fine cook and she was delighted with her choice.

I was tempted with the Fettuccine Salmone. Poached salmon is prepared with assorted field mushrooms, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh cream.($20.00) The ravioli combines roasted house made vegetables and tops the pasta with an herb tomato cream sauce.($18.00)

Fish lovers have many choices. Of course I would opt for the Tuna Steak. It is peppered sushi grade and grilled with portabello mushrooms, sautéed spinach, tomato concasse and served with a shallot wine reduction.($34.00)

Halibut is prepared tempura style and served with chips. Creamy cole slaw and house made tartar sauce are part of the combination.($20.00)

Pizza lovers are well treated here.9 choices are available. The Mediterranean Pizza is flavored with feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, sun-dried black olives, roasted garlic, sweet onions, pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese.($18.00) Sounds yummy.

The appetizers and salads are numerous. You can dine lightly or enjoy a multi course feast. You are guaranteed finely prepared gourmet food. Whenever my family comes from Israel we look forward to a gourmet experience at Bistro Grande.

The Tillman Story

The Tillman Story

A good documentary is so satisfying and I always learn a lot. I remember when the Pat Tillman story first broke. Pat was a famous football hero. He was a defensive back for the NFL. He gave up all the glory to enlist with his brother in the American army. I remember questioning why he would do such an outrageous thing.

The documentary tells us many facts about his life and shows us the type of honorable person that he was.

He had an infectious smile and was very handsome. He was caring and friendly to his fellow soldiers and never seemed to play the football hero role.

Pat Tillman was killed on a road ambush. His memorial was huge. There were numerous flags and large amounts of flowers. Political dignitaries were in attendance. He was played up to be such a hero who died for the glory of his country. He was presented a Silver Star.

The facts began coming out that he was actually killed by friendly fire. The memorial was planned as a political device using his name to glorify the army.

Much of the story is told by his mother. She is an amazing woman and was relentless in trying to get the facts about his death. As the facts became known it was pointed out that it was actually known by higher political figures that he was killed by fellow soldiers. We see an actual clipping from the investigation. The army personnel and political figures couldn’t seem to remember anything. After the investigation we could see all the officials laughing together.

I was so repulsed when a news clip showed Barbara Bush speaking with her husband. The story had just broken about Pat Tillman’s death. Barbara Bush stated,” Why should we hear about body bags and death?”

One soldier tried to tell the facts as he knew it to happen. He was told to be quiet. Not only was he ordered to accompany the body back to the States he had to inform the parents about Pat’s death.( giving the false story) His father was so devastated at the news of his son’s death but even more upsetting was the lie perpetuated by the government. The father stated at his memorial.” He’s not with God. He’s fucking dead.” He said that the government picked the wrong family to lie to.

It is a powerful story well told.

The American

The American

I pushed my way through a torrential rain storm to reach the cinema. I am totally exhausted from my frustrating experience this year in getting my tickets for the Toronto International Film festival. My Book Club is coming this Tuesday and 12 guests are coming for dinner next Saturday. In other words I don’t have time to waste. I was getting all stressed and prepared to have a negative experience at this film. I sat through the total film with soaking shoes and clothes.

The film had a lot to offer and I do recommend seeing it. I loved every photo shot of Abruzzo. The mountains and valleys are breathtaking. I adored the small village scenes with the winding narrow lanes and little houses built up the mountain.

George Clooney is actually very good in this film. Sometimes the camera would focus a long time on his face. His facial expression would tell a lot.

I can’t say I fully understood the story. I am not sure what it was all about. There was suspense and intrigue.

George Clooney plays the part of Jack. He is a hit man and able to make a very special rifle. We learn that he is on a mission to kill someone but I was never sure who that was. Along the way he becomes involved with the gorgeous Clare who is a prostitute. He also befriends the local priest. It makes for some interesting action.

The women were so beautiful. There was one sex scene that was quite magnificent.

I did find it amusing when George Clooney is having a big shoot out in the middle of town and there is no interest from the locals. Not one door or window opened and the street was mighty quiet. I can forgive this flaw because I did enjoy the suspense and action.

Negroni Panini

Negroni Panini 492 College St. 416 413 0005

One of my favorite dinner companions was taking time from his busy music schedule. Alex has been writing a lot of new compositions and getting ready for a new CD. I was delighted that we were able to meet for dinner.

I have been a loyal fan of Side Car Grill on College St. I still maintain it has the best salmon in town. It is always busy. You must have a reservation. The food is superb.

Owners Bill and Casey had told me about their sister restaurant Negroni and I promised myself to try it out. My next visit will be to the newly opened bar Side Car Bar above the restaurant. It sounds like a fun experience to sip a fancy cocktail and listen to music.

The restaurant is beautifully designed. There is a small patio both in front and at the back. I like the way the tables are well spaced.

We sat outdoors on the front patio. Our perky server continued to make sure that the water glasses were filled and that we were satisfied with out food. We were totally satisfied.

Negroni offers Panini that are as delicious and varied as you might find in Italy. Every bite was a ‘wow.’ The restaurant is on my favorite strip of College St. There is such a buzz on this street. People are always strolling on the street. The restaurants are busy.

The Paninis are absolutely fantastic. They all include an arugula and fennel salad. That alone was worth a visit. The greens were fresh and flavorful. The freshly shaved grano pedano was perfect.

We started with an order of Herbed Bufula Ricotta Spread.($9.00) The crostini were made from good quality bread. The ricotta was infused with lemon and was creamy and delicious. Selections of Cured Meats are available.($14.00) If you prefer a Selection of Cheese is a good choice with a glass of wine.($14.00)

Chicken Salad is served with tomatoes, red onions, black olives and grana padano.($10.00) The side plates offer a choice from a panini. I recommend the Panini because they are so delicious. They are also filling. It makes for a complete meal.

Alex ordered the Sirloin Steak, Aged Cheddar and Horseradish Mayo Panini.($12.00) Alex declared the steak to be very tasty and the combination was thoroughly enjoyed. I was thrilled with the Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Pepperonata.($10.00 The flavors were very complimentary and made for one tasty dish.

I was tempted with the Italian Tuna with Lemon Capers, Artichoke and Hard Cooked Egg.($12.99)

I was told that the Veal Meatloaf with marinara and goat mozzarella is a favorite choice here.($12.00) The lady at the next table shared with us her pleasure with her choice of Capponata, Walnuts, Swiss Chard and Oven- Dried Tomatoes.($10.00)

The restaurant is about to introduce a new menu. I found the choices to be very creative. More important the food was fresh and flavorful. This is such a reasonable dinner or lunch choice.

It is interesting that Bill and Casey have established three venues on College Street that are so successful and all so different. I have enjoyed Side Car Grill and now Negroni. The new Side Car Bar will be my next stop.

Kos

Kos 61 Bellevue Ave. 416 597 6912

I adore going out with my friend Estelle. We always have such fun. We spent two weeks in Tuscany together and it was a great adventure. Last evening we decided to go to Kensington Market and find a little spot for dinner. I know the market as a great place to buy fresh cheese, fruits and vegetables. I know there are a lot of cafes in the area but I was not familiar with them. We parked the car and strolled around the streets. It was such fun. There are many boutiques, coffee shops and cafes. One patio was filled with beer drinking patrons even though it was quite chilly outside. The area takes on a different look in the evening. We saw the sign for Kos and decided to take a chance.

Kos is basically an all day breakfast place. There is an enormous patio outside. The wooden chairs and tables inside made us feel as if we were in some small town café. The server, Marianna, was very relaxed and friendly. She also did a great job. It was a great place to have a glass of wine and enjoy a relaxed light meal. There was no pretense and no noise. The food is unbelievably reasonable. We spoke with the chef. The owner chatted with us.

Estelle started with a Greek Salad.(sm. $4.95lLge $7.95)It was composed with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, cucumber, red onions, Kalamato olives and Feta Cheese. Estelle complimented Marianna on the delicious salad and the tasty vinaigrette.

I hadn’t had a Caesar Salad for a long time and thought that would be a treat.($4.50 small-$7.50 lge.) It was really tasty. The greens were crispy. The dressing was flavorful. The Parmesan cheese and croutons added to the taste.

We shared a Grilled Cheese Sandwich.($5.50) It was so delicious. We were very happy with our great discovery and enjoyment.

There are many sandwich suggestions on the menu. Philly Steak sounds so tasty with fried onions, mushrooms, green pepper and cheese.($6.95) Veal Parmesan also offers fried onions, mushrooms, green pepper and cheese with the veal.($6.95)

This is not a large establishment but they offer 12 different types of Hamburgers. I was tempted with the Veggeburger ($5.95) All the hamburgers are served with fries.

The egg and breakfast choices are numerous. Eggs Bennie offers 3 poached eggs, English muffin, peameal bacon covered in a Hollandaise Sauce.($7.95) Eggs Salmonnie is prepared with poached eggs, smoked salmon, English muffin and Hollandaise Sauce.($7.95)

A Spinach and Cheese Omlette is filled with tomatoes, red onions, green pepper, olives and feta cheese.($7.95)

The menu is available all day and evening. There are a few heartier offerings. Chicken Souvlaki is homemade. It is served with Greek Salad rice and Tzatziki sauce.($12.00) BBQ Chicken is served with rice or potatoes and salad.($10.50)

It was like going back into the past. The warm small town feeling was so appreciated. The food was really great. The prices are so amazing.

What a discovery! What fun!