Monday, May 14, 2012
Seven Grams Espresso Bar
Seven Grams Espresso Bar 131 Avenue Rd 647 351 1317
Imagine getting excited about a coffee shop. I was taking my (98 yrs young) aunt out for a little stroll. We walked by this coffee shop and I suggested we stop in for a café. It is a relatively new shop on the Avenue Davenport strip. I couldn’t imagine this place being a hustle of activity.
It is such a charming spot. There are now tables outside. The fist level has several comfortable lounge chairs. The downstairs has more tables and chairs. Go up several steps and you are at the upper level with the food preparation and many more tables.
The art work is striking. It is creative and adds a whimsical touch to the charming place. It is the kind of coffee house where you want to lounge around and sip a good cup of java while indulging in a special sweet. Congratulations to Heran Choi, the director, for being so creative and smart to open this tasty little venue.
The coffee was extraordinary. I had a Cappuccino that was superb. My aunt thought her Coffee was very special. All the available drinks are posted on a blackboard. The Lemonade Tea seemed to be a specialty on this day.
We shared a Cranberry Biscotti. Most of the sweets are prepared on the premises. There was a variety of Cookies, Pastries and Squares. They all looked so inviting.
I was especially attracted to the Sandwiches prepared on multigrain bread. Several of the clients were indulging and it all looked so delicious. Bagels are also available.
This may be a coffee shop but it is extra special and worth a little stroll. It is just north of Whole Foods and across the road from those very special flower shops. Make it an excursion. I plan to go back and sample one of those sandwiches. Just thinking about that cappuccino makes me want to go right now.
Who would have thought that a coffee house would thrive at this location? Just watch the continual stream of clients coming and going. This is a little gem.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
The Lady
The Lady
I don’t care what the reviews stated. This lady is my muse and I greatly admire her. She faced the tyranny and abuse to fight the military in Myanmar to pursue democracy and her ideals. She is courageous beyond belief. She is steadfast, patient and tireless. In addition she is a beauty to behold. Her slim figure and the constant fresh flowers in her hair were charming and she was a total inspiration. Michelle Yeoh is absolutely stunning as Aung San Suu Kyi. They look exactly alike and her mannerisms are right on.
I adored the cinematography especially when it was showing scenes from Burma. What a spectacular country! The country was not always poor and ruled by the military. The film begins with Aung San Suu Kyi as a young child. Her father was an admired loving general who was fighting for the democracy in Burma. They lived in a palatial house and she was brought up by loving parents. He was assassinated.
Aung San Suu Kyi became the wife of an Oxford scholar and they were living with their two sons in Oxford England. It was a loving relationship. Aung San Suu Kyi is called back to Burma when her mother is dying. Burma is later changed to Myamar.
At that time the military had taken over. There was bloodshed and tyranny. She is asked to lead the opposition in the fight for democracy.
The film tells her story of trials and tribulations in trying to establish herself as the leader of the Democratic Party.
The military was ruthless. They slaughtered anyone in opposition. They treated prisoners in a horrific manner. Aung San Suu Kyi was often put into house arrest. Her valuables were destroyed. Her husband and children were not granted visas to visit her. If she left the country to visit her family she would never have been admitted back to the country.
What a price to pay. How many of us could put our country before our family?
She is so ethereal and lovely to watch. Her quiet manner and dedication to non violence eventually pays off at a very dear price to her family.
She plastered sayings of famous people all over her house. I was intrigued by a quote of Moshe Dayan,”If you want to make peace you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”
She went on a 12 day hunger strike to get help for her workers who had been detained under brutal circumstances.
I recall when she eventually won the Nobel Peace Prize and her husband and sons had to go in her place because she couldn’t leave the country.
This is such a timely film. We all read about her recent success at the polls. I just read that she is about to go to Norway. This is her first trip out of the country in years.
She paid a big price for her recent success.
There are flaws to the story. I thought the sons were weak in their portrayal.
It didn’t mater. I was so taken with the strength of this fragile looking beautiful woman. There is a lot of brutal bloodshed in the film. I did look away a few times. Kleenex is also advised.
I felt I was watching a slice of history. I am fascinated with the topic and didn’t know enough about it.
The Lucky One
The Lucky One
What makes one movie more acceptable than another? By all standards this is not a great film but it was enjoyable. The cast did an admirable job. The story was dramatic and there was emotion felt. There is also one adorable child.
Zac Effron plays the part of an ex marine who has just returned from Iraq. He has seen too much in battle and cannot settle down when he returns home. He is nervous and jumpy all the time. He cannot remain living with his sister because he unsettles his nephews.
The marine takes off (walking) to try and find himself and to locate a pretty young girl. He found her picture beside a dead marine. He is in search of a young girl. He found her picture by a dead marine and he felt the picture helped to save his life.
The girl is played by Taylor Schilling. Of course she is beautiful and lovely. She and her grandmother are running a kennel business. The young son also lives with her
A little drama is added when we meet the boy’s father. He is the local sheriff and not too smart. He is also mean.
The marine ends up being employed at the kennel and is the perfect worker. He repairs the property. He loves the dogs. He takes over and makes himself useful which totally irritates the sheriff.
There is high drama and a predictable ending.
I kept wondering why I was enjoying the film. It would be very easy to find fault if I analyzed it too deeply. I guess a romantic tale is good company.
Belong Cafe
Belong Café 550 Bayview Ave. 416 901 8234
Belong Café is regarded as one of the fine restaurants in Toronto. The menu is creative and a little too esoteric for my taste. The ambiance is charming. I was a guest at lunch and therefore find it a bit unkind to be negative. Personally I think the prices are excessive. I had trouble finding something on the menu. My dish was tasteless. The service was delightful but the numerous nose rings on our server were a little offsetting.
The restaurant is situated on the premises of the former brickworks. The location is in the midst of the city but not in an urban area. It is being developed as an eco friendly spot and is worth the trip to see the grounds. It felt a little hypocritical to drive to this eco friendly spot because there is no public transportation. It is situated in the midst of the Bayview extension. The restaurant carries on the theme of eco friendly and the former brickworks by using bricks in the bar area. One wall of windows looks out to the yard area. Students can be seen walking around doing science studies. On Saturdays there is a farmer’s market. There is a gift shop with some delightful products. Cruesset pots are on a shelf on top of the bar and on display at the entrance of the restaurant. The bright colors add to the décor. I wonder if anyone actually purchases them.
Visit the office of the electric car on the site and see the video. It makes for a lovely excursion.
The restaurant tries to use organic and local products and I applaud the effort.
The Faux Pho sounded great. I ordered the Vegetarian one with herbs and vegetable broth.($18.00) It was tasteless. It was filled with a variety of mushrooms and chard.( both of which were hard to chew) My host had the Faux Pho with garnishes and meat broth Thankfully hers was delicious.($22.00) I couldn’t find any noodles and the advertised herbs were lacking.
In addition our host ordered two Chopped Salads.($10.00) Our server promised us they were small. A large bowl of vegetables was placed on the table. Tomatoes, cucumber, white beans and red peppers were dressed with a tasty mint buttermilk dressing. It was tasty but we were too full and left most of it.
My host was actually taking a dear friend from Paris out for lunch before her return trip home. The guest ordered the Grilled Hanger Steak.($24.00)
Because of language difficulties it was hard to tell if her meal was enjoyed. The meat actually looked to be cooked to perfection. It was red in the middle and served with roasted potatoes and fiddleheads.
Potato & Egg Tart is served with apple, micro greens and dressed leaves.($14.00) Spring Lobster Salad is served with fingerlings, amaranth, mint, tarragon aioli, radishes and roe.($20.00)
The St Lawrence Salad is a nesting of greens, grains, nuts, frits and cheese with browned butter vinaigrette.($15.00)
Even the desert was lacking. A Tapioca Pudding was ordered. There was a little tapioca at the bottom of the dish but you had to look for it. There was ice cream on top and a cup of hot espresso was poured over the concoction.
The cappuccino was perfect.
I feel terrible because I suggested the place as a wonderful venue for an out of town guest. This was my second visit and I found it to be disappointing. The place is open for 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. I would give it another try for a breakfast.
La Playa Cabana
La Playa Cabana 11 Dupont St 416 929 3911
Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar
La mejor comida Mexicano. What a blast! Fiesta time! This place has been open less than a year. It is hard to get a reservation. By 6:30 the place was in full blast. The music is authentic. The chefs and servers speak Spanish. The food is amazing. Every table was packed and there was a buzz. My dining companion and I like to discover new restaurants. This had come highly recommended.
We had such a good time Why not start with tequila or rum based cocktail? There is a blackboard listing all the popular exotic drinks. Come hungry. The platters are enormous and the food is so delicious you will want to eat everything on the plate.
Chef/Proprietor Dave Sidnu brings great skill and creativity to this Mexican food. Manager, Evan, took such great care of us. He was extremely busy but took time to explain the menu. His suggestions were right on. He was patient and never rushed us even when there was a lineup at the door.
The Guaca Fresca is made to order in a lava rock. You can choose spicy, medium or mild. It is served with the most delicious home made corn chips. The portion is very large.($8.00) It is the most delicious guacamole I have eaten. I want more.
My friend opted for the Ensalada Picada. It was composed of avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, black beans and corn in a lime chipotle vinaigrette.($9.00) For an additional $4.00 you can add chicken, beef, Portobello mushrooms or shrimp. I tasted one of the shrimp. It was perfectly cooked and so tasty. She couldn’t even finish it all because of the size. The salad was unusual, creative and tantalizing on the palate.
Ceviche is a suggested appetizer. On this evening Swordfish was the offering. It is prepared with lime and chile and served with home made chips.($9.00)
Tacos de Pulpo Octo-Tactel is 2 plated tacos filled with grilled octopus and served with charred jalapeno salsa.($10.00)
Tacos are a specialty of the house. 3 very large tacos are presented with each order. We were both interested in the Tacos De Pescado. It features fish from the ‘catch of the day’ It is always white fish battered with Tecata-Cerveza. You can also order it without battered. The table beside us was enjoying this feast and I was tempted to reach out and take a sampling.
Tacos De Pollo Al Carbon is a most popular dish. The marinated chicken is free range and grilled over coals and served with a fresh mango salsa.($12.00)
Burritos are featured on the menu. They are filled with melted Oaxacan cheese and served with rice and beans. The tomatillo sauce and red sauce is on the side.
Burrito de Mariscos offers a choice of catch of the day or seared tiger shrimp ($16.00)
I have such happy memories of eating Poblano Chile Rellenos in Mexico. They surpassed anything I have previously eaten. ($17.00) The mild poblano chiles are stuffed with Oaxacan cheese and seared in an egg batter. Salsa rojo, crema, rice and beans compliment the dish. The flavors melded together for an exotic taste in the mouth.
Huevos Rancheros is another Mexican favorite dish offered here.($13.00) I must return soon because there are so many dishes I want to try.
Come ready to join the party atmosphere. Bring a hearty appetite. This place is a winner and hasn’t even celebrated a first birthday. Me gusto mucho.
United Bakers Dairy Restaurant
United Bakers Dairy Restaurant 506 Lawrence Ave. West
416 789 0519
This restaurant has been in business since 1912. I don’t go that far back but have been a regular for countless years. I look at it as a nostalgic visit when I go for my favorite Pea Soup. It is simply the best soup in town. Each day also features a different soup. Cabbage Borscht and Potato Soup are other favorites. I often feel as if my three children were reared at this restaurant. It was always a favorite for the Pancakes or French Toast. My late mother loved to indulge in the Gefilte Fish Platter.
When my son visits from Chicago he still makes a habit of going to United Bakers for a bowl of soup. It is a bustling place and always filled. I admire the fact that the servers are often of ‘vintage years.’ They can outrun anybody in speedy service. The owner can often be seen talking to the regulars and always has a smile on her face. It seems to be a neighborhood gathering for many seniors. They can dine on the foods they like and meet with friends. It is definitely a community feeling and the typical Jewish foods are available. I was meeting a cousin for lunch. This was the perfect spot for both of us.
It is also a bakery and take out. The bread and bagels are fresh. Cookies, cakes and pastries are also on sale at the front counter. I would always purchase a gingerbread man for my grandchildren after meeting for a brunch.
The Blintzes are so tasty and fresh. Apple sauce and sour cream are on the side. The Caesar, Chef, Greek and Farmer’s Salad is served in a large bowl.
Full dinners are available. Grilled Salmon is served with a potato, coleslaw, tomato and cucumber.
The Lasagna is prepared with layers of pasta and cheese with the restaurant’s own savory vegetarian tomato sauce.
Of course Lox and Cream Cheese is a staple dish.
All of the food items can be taken out. Catering is a big part of the business.
The prices are so reasonable and the food is always fresh. Whenever I need to soak in the atmosphere from a nostalgic visit I go to United Bakers. It is good for my soul and always a positive experience.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Lakvino Italian Ristorante
Lakvino Italian Ristorante 525 Bloor St West 647 345 2134
Lakvino came highly recommended from a friend who had recently dined there. Lakvino is a welcome addition to the Annex. Concert goers at Tafelmusik concerts and film buffs at the Bloor Documentary Cinema have a new home for delicious food before a performance. Rumor has it the chef, manager and other workers recently left another restaurant in the area in order to open this establishment.
I found the deep colored walls very soothing. The lighting adds a charm and a pleasant ambiance. The prices are very reasonable but the restaurant has a fine dining atmosphere. The owner and manager were so warm and welcoming. This has to be one of the toughest businesses to establish. I wish them well.
The bread and flatbread are enhanced with the creamy red pepper dip. I was dining with my grandson who quickly devoured every cracker and slice of bead. I love dining with him. He has a healthy appetite and a palate that appreciates fine food.
The Mixed Grill Vegetable Pizza was outstanding.($11.95) The crust was very tasty and thin. The toppings were plentiful and I loved the flavor of the basil pesto, mozzarella and goat cheese.. We shared the pizza and thought it was outstanding. My grandson and I like to sample pizzas in different restaurants and found this one to be exceptional.
Pizza Funghi is prepared with a black truffle paste and a medley of cheeses.($11.95) There are many selections from which to choose.
My grandson also managed a Penne with Spicy Italian Sausage.($13.45) Rapini, red onion and roasted red pepper is infused with chili fine olive oil.
Other pasta dishes were very tempting and will necessitate another visit. Linguini Di Mare offers black tiger shrimp, calamari, scallop, mussels, tomatoes, scallion, and garlic with a fine olive oil.($16.95)
Lakvino Fussili is prepared with smoked chicken, woodland mushrooms, artichoke and a rose sauce. ($14.45)
Sandwiches are popular at lunch time. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with sautéed spinach, goat cheese and a sundried tomato mayo will be my next choice.($7.95) The Smoked Salmon is prepared with deli cream cheese, cucumber, red onion, and lettuce.($7.95)
Hungry diners can enjoy a heartier offering of Free Range Chicken served with sweet mashed potato, sautéed spinach, chicken and natural jus.($16.95)
Grilled Atlantic Salmon is served with fried leeks, red mini potatoes, beans and shitake mushrooms in a grand mustard lemon butter sauce.($16.95)
The menu offers sufficient choices for any palate. The ambiance is pleasant. The service was outstanding. The Annex location is so central to many activities in the area. I do wish them all well at Lakvino. They are trying so hard.
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