Tea Shop @ 5184 aka Stop and Seat

So on yonge street, between finch and sheppard, there are a few bubble tea places, there's teashop 168, near by is Ten Ren (by the Loblaw's), and then there's the teashop with no name other than Tea Shop Chinese Characters.... WELL, good thing i took a picture of the menu, because the elusive name of this little tea shop is indeed:

 "STOP & SEAT" 

5184 Yonge Street, North York, ON M2N5P6
Phone: (416) 229-6288

where i would have translated it as... one bustop one seat. oh. there was no bus in there. so i would have been right if i could actually read things without associating them with other words...

I like this place. 

they let you sit there for as long as you want, there's free wireless, you get to play with cards. wait. that's every other bbt place. ok how is this place different....

i really like their Taro Sherbert. which is what i get. and all that i get.

and my date only ever gets the watermelon sherbert.

There's a nice assortment of yummy taiwanese treats... tho many have been crossed out... i really would have liked to try the "Onion Intestine"...

Here's the Spicy Salt Crispy Shrimp -$3.99

I love eating this, heat and all, and the deep fried basil adds a touch of greenery, so i feel this is a healthy dish.

Golden Fried Chicken Wings - $3.99

mmmm i've probably devoured a couple dozen of these, which tells you how many multiple orders i order each time i sit! at one stop and one seat! the wings are super juicy! (though i must say that Teashop 168 has pretty juicy wings itself!)

Pan Dried Onion Pancake $2.99 (I wonder if they meant "Fried")

These are mini pan fried onion pancakes, i like them cause they're perfectly fried up cause they're small, and i also get to feel like a giant. 

I usually only order the appeys, but there was one occasion (and if you know me, it was known as the time i spent $60.00 at a BBT place... and now you know why)... anyway, i was not in the mood to go home (scared of my roommate), and decided to hang out all night and play age of mythology at BBT..... haha... hey also i ate, so its ok.

Shanghai Fried Rice Cake - $6.99

For around the price of an extra value meal... you can get a burger and fries or shanghai fried rice cake. I'm not sure why i'm making the correlation cause now i really want a burger so there is no point to this sentence.  But! i always like gluttonous rice cakes, i love the chew chew chewing, its like eating salty gummy bears. if... that appeals to anyone... at all.

Here's some sort of fried rice in egg, im sure it was around the same price range, like $6-7 bucks.  Im an OK with this, i'm always impressed by a thinly fried scrambled egg, with really no other reason than it looks pretty cool when it's covering a plate of rice.  i think i remember the rice was also ketchupy tasting. so... kind of overkill on that.

Another attempt to try something new, some lemon chicken. again it was OK! Obviously it was all devoured but... i really like the lemon chicken at Oh Geul Buh Geul the Korean bbq place a few blocks down.

I think the next time i go, i'll continue to stick to the appy's. They're deliciously tasty, though it can rack up the bill, and a few bucks each, but washing it down with an ice cold sherbert... mmmmm. thank goodness it's opened late!!!! 

Tah Deeg (Khorak Sara) @ Yonge and Finch, another Kebab on my kebab quest!

TAH Deeg

5525 Yonge St. South of Finch on Yonge

416-225-1688

416-562-0138

one of the flyers they have, not actual menu

So, i have only recently discovered the AWESOMENESS (and apparently healthiness), of kebabs!

The first stop i made was at Taftan Kebab and i was in love... i had it like 3 times in a week.  It was threatening thundershowers and i still flip flopped over...and it totally did thundershower...

I've been doing this Sheppard to Finch walk back on Yonge for awhile now, one weekend i was peering into the window and checking out the menu, and was like, ok, i'll come check out out some time, when the owner chased after us (ok walked briskly behind us to get something at the korean store next door) was like hey! dont you like ********* food? i cant remember what he said. And i was like, oh YESSS!!!! i'll come back! i promise! and i did.

here's the inside of it, its pretty small, its like a small persian grocery mart.

here's the chef griller grilling away, he took off his glasses for my shot. hehe.

The owner came over and was like, here's a free appy, on the house!  It's a yogurt with shallots he says. thick thick yogurt with salty bits, was interesting. gonna save this to sauce my meats!

He also gave me this Sumac powder, i'm not too familiar with it, he said to put it on the meat.  I looked it up, its a greek/middle eastern spice, used as a rub on meats, and has a sour lemon taste. oh! also its like bright red and really crunchy. i totally forgot to use it after taking this picture.

So here it is. I got the number 4. which... i forgot what it was, but consisted of barb beef, and koobideh, which is a ground beef kebab. there were also these yellow rice cakes, he said usually they make it with chicken but today, it was rice and egg and saffron.  Also! i finally found out what the butter was for.... you pour it on everything.  kind of an no brainer if i actually think about it.

At $11.99, this portion was smaller than the $12.99 at Taftan, where  you get a larger piece of meat.  But the koobideh was super moist and juicy and flavourful.  You also get a salad at Taftan which i missed, but instead you get these rice cakes here.  Ever since i got horrible service at Utopia Cafe last week (update soon!), i have been all about good service, like the exceptional service we got at Sassafraz in Yorkville this weekend.  The owner was SUPER NICE, super friendly, and really happy that i was trying his food out, brought me stuff to try. He was like, how did you find out about kebab!?!  Even the guy who was dining in earlier, him and the chef was like, how is your food? are you liking it? and he gave a thumbs up and they were like giddy schoolgirls.  It's stuff like that that's cool, when people are just happy to make food for people to enjoy. When we went to pay, the pop was gratis, a special he says.

The portions may be smaller. but the heart of a restaurant is the ppl behind it, and their hearts are huge!!! Such nice people. 

There he is! the owner standing behind the til! Go give him a visit! Tell him you found out about it on some girl's blog who came and took pictures.  maybe he'll give you a free pop! haha.

Burrito Bar vs Burrito Banditos

Bar Burrito

This is my third time back at the Bar Burrito at my neighbourhood patio area @ yonge and sheppard,

If you know the area, you know what im saying, that block of second cup, mr. greek, quiznos, sushi one, bar burrito, etc etc and not in any particular order.

My neighbour and other father (not actual father), Jimmy recommended this place to be, back while you could get a combo for an extra 2 bucks, get a side of nachos. 

My first attempt was the Steak and Chicken was met with mediocre results (though others more recent experiences feel it was decent), and my fish burrito was not worthy at all. (I THINK it was cod?).

This time I went to a very basic ground beef burrito.  And it was good! There were lots of freshness in it.  And I love the fresh sauce station they have, where you can fill up your own salsa, spicy stuff, pico de gallo.

I also ordered a beef nacho, because I want to be fat, and it was aalllllrright. Meh. Cheese, ground beef, tomatoes, onions, stuff, not the most exciting platter.

Because. My heart is at Burrito Banditos. And I'm not choosing many to compare with, but the Halibut Burrito is the most amazing burrito I have ever EVER had in my entire life. 

In clubbing disctrict of dt toronto, this place has been winning awards for being a best late night eatery. Screw late night I wanna have this all the time.

I want to share my story, as you can see from the pictures, there's snow on the ground so it was taken a while back. SOOO I had a tradeshow at the CNE grounds and after it was over, I didn’t know how to get out of there, cause I took a taxi in so I walked until I couldn’t walk anymore, and jumped into any street car I thought was going to bring me to civilization… And when I realized I had a chance go have burrito! I got off and started my pilgrimage.  SMARTIE ME, googled Burrito Banditos on my phone and called ahead to order my Halibut Burrito ($8.85 on the website, is it only $8.85? Why do I only order one?) , cause they take their time in finishing the masterpiece. And that's what I love. They will stick that thing on the flat top grill and let everything melt and groove together. Love, takes time. So I finally get there, and my burrito was complete! A good 15 min walk. And I wanted a drink too so I got a ginger ale, there's no seating area really, a few bar stools, so I didn’t wanna stay in that 2 x 2 waiting area. (I don’t know what 2 x 2 means but im sure its small)… So I have my ginger ale in one hand. A MASSIVE burrito in the other hand… Then it hit me. Omg how am I going to eat this… In half snowed in toronto streets. I walked til I found a semi clean brill sill to sit my drink as I unwrapped my present, mmmm I can still image it hot flaky meaty filet of halibut surrounded in fresh goodness.  I love the slight heat they put in, oh according to their website, this is what goes in:  Mexican Rice, Jalapenos, Tomatoes, Guacamole, Green Pepper, Lettuce,  Refried Beans,  Green Onion and Cheese.  I have some friends in Vancouver, and when one of my friends here go back to visit, is requested to bring back burritos for all… That's how good it is.

I am addicted to Taftan Kebab...

I know i havent been updating lately... i blame my new found relationship with computer games from 2002... specifically Age of Mythology. what! everyone needs some kind of escapism! Anyway. I am a late in life kebab eater and man am i making up for lost time... This is my 3rd time back at the kebab place (see below!). This time i got the one that comes with steak, koobideh, and chicken.  The chicken was a bit dry but everything else was awesome as usual! Love it. Shared with a friend, the platter is $19.99.  One day i shall attempt to eat one all by myself.  There are other kebab places i have now noticed and want to check out, one at yonge and finch, and one at yonge and willowdale, Ava Food or something. Will keep you posted! and will try to update soon cause i am totally backlogged!

Taftan Kebab aka Fresh and Healthy Food Low Calorie! (@ 9625 Yonge St.)

Taftan Kebab
5372 Yonge Street
(south of finch)
Tel: 416-224-5985
Cell: 416-569-9992
(NOTE the info on the website directs you to another Taftan not in the Yonge/Finch area but more like Richmond Hill... a mistake that i made and ordered at Richmond Hill when i walked my ass 2 subway stops to get my take out and it wasnt there!!!!)

Wow. so i've been living in the area for around 3 years now, first at yonge and finch, and now yonge and sheppard, and i've made my trek to and from both ends many times, and Taftan Kebab AKA Fresh and Healthy Food Low Calorie! (that's what i thought the name of the restaurant was!!!! the Fresh and Healthy sign is SOOOO much bigger),

smak dab in the middle.  Every time i pass it, on the street or even across the street, there is an undeniable aroma of grilled meat on hot coals. It always reminds me of PNE (or any international fair i guess, where ppl are mass grilling meats, i dont know why, i guess it could be any BBQ but it specially reminds me of PNE).  I've always wanted to try this place, and i don't know why it took me so long, but yesterday i made it in. and man... it was AWESOME. 

I cant remember what combo i chose, but it was Beef Steak kebab, and Koobideh, which i asked, is a ground beef kebab, kinda like a hallow sausage? i guess, of ground meat.  The steak was amazing, juicy and tender, and made for you on the spot (unlike my lunch time experience at a stupid Taste of Mediterranean that wasn't even worth the mention here on my blog, where the meat was dry like shoe, ugh nothing redeeming about that place at all) But this place, is super busy all the time, so you know it's fresh.

Anyway this place was great. it's a shame it took me so long to check it out, they have tonnes of stuff on their menu i wanna check out.. Even though i'm not a lamb person, it's something i wanna check out cause i know they'll do it well. (plus, wanna try their quail kebabs!)... If you're in the area, check this place out! They have a small lil patio in the front for a great Spring/Summer dusty yonge street fest! Kinda like you were at a real fair!

Super Shawarma Plate!

Happy Monday!!!!  So i've been meaning to go to the gym for the last... 5 years... and figured... nah, why dont i just walk to take out some Shawarma over at....

Shawarma Max

4969 Yonge Street

Toronto, ON

(416) 224-2423

This is a great go to place for me and friends alike, they're open late, they're fast, quick, and you get bountiful tasty chicken... check this out, they filled my Shawarma plate to the capacity where it broke the friggin box!

So i got the chicken shawarma plate, see! ta da! @ $7.99, its like 2 scoops of rice, with veggies (lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, something pink (turnip?) and tastes like olives, and some pickles that tastes like olives,  3 sauces you can choose from, tahini, hummus, and some sort of garlic mayo, and you can tahini and hot sauce it up too, and what's the green stuff? and then tonnes and tonnes of chicken fresh off the rotisserie

here's a shot. Awesome monday to spend, eating shawarma and watching.. um Dancing with the Stars.  Btw, sidenote, it was driving me CRAZY cause i couldn't figure out the song that Kim and Hines danced to for their pasa doble that i kept thinking was the X-Men theme song and spent a good half hour on youtube trying to figure out what it was.... to save anyone who cares the trouble...  It's "Explosive" by this classical chick group, Bond. drove me crazy...more crazy...

New Izakaya: Raa Izakaya Sushi and Sake Bar @ Yonge and Sheppard..ish

Don't let the empty seats fool you, cause once we sat down, every 5 minutes there was a couple walking in.  So today I finally decided to check out the new Izakaya place down my street! Place was bustling! 

Raa Izakaya - Sushi Bar and Sake Bar

4848 Yonge St. Toronto

416-224-0075

info@raajapanese.com

Raajapanese.com

The restaurant itself is quite well put together, as i learned from the waitress at the end of the meal, the owner, who was walking around the whole time (see below), was a restaurant consultant who had a dream to open this restaurant, and it became a reality 3 weeks ago.  From the beautiful place settings and slate tableware, to the little touches like accent pillows on the banquettes, and wooden accents, and hanging lights, gorgeous!!!! But here's the con, man it was as expensive as it looked (like Melania Trump... she sure is expensive looking)

Here's the back of the owner's head, yes he's a white dude (who put a lot of thought into putting this together)

and in other news, let me add some CONS:

-There is a lighted menu in the front advertising Wagyu beef tataki in ponzu sauce. there was NO BEEF TATAKI. they changed the menu. i wonder if this has anything to do with wagyu beef coming from Japan?

-There was no Gindara: Grilled Black Cod. which i guess isn't their fault, cause black cod is so delicious, but it is their fault! for not having enough black cod. HUMF!

onward:

So to start, freebee from this kitchen is this fried seafood in some vinegar marinade, it was some white fish and a niblet of octopus.. tasted like the ocean, but otherwise, tasty

Kinpira $4.95

So, always wanting to try something new, i went for this Vegetable Appy called Kinpira (Lotus roots, Gobo, Yam Cake).  I really like lotus roots cause they always retain their nice chompability, love chomp chomp chomping em, it was interesting, like what was it, marinaded in some sweet soy slightly? plus the chewy cakes added nice juxtaposition (HA) to the crunchy lotus. it also tasted like it should be free. 

Spicy Deluxe Roll $8.50

Tuna, salmon, Hamachi and spicy wasabi tobiko.. $8 f*cking 50!!! if i had an $8.50 spicy tuna roll, it better do my laundry as well. wtf. welllll. in short, it was actually quite tasty and the fish was very melt in my mouth but. $8.50! I am so spoiled by Vancouver rolls.

Yakibuta $6.50

MMM Tenderous bbq pork belly with negi nuts sauce.  This was quite delicious (but what is up with the carrot hickory sticks?).. it was melt in your mouth fat and all, and amazingly tasty. This i will approve at $6.50.... maybe.

Snowcrab Croquette $7.95

Crabmeat, Creme Bechamel, tomato sauce

Soo this is new for me, i had no idea what a "Creme Bechamel" is.. but if i were a better student of Top Chef, should have remembered that they reference Bechemel, a thickened milk sauce, as one of the 5 mother sauces (Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise, and Tomato are the others.)

So this is what i have to say... innnteerresting.. its reminiscent to me in some chinese deep fried dish that escapes me right now that's like deep fried milk, but its interesting, and on a bed of tomato sauce... interesting...

Seared Peppered Tuna Carpaccio $13.50

THIRTEEN FIDDY!!!!

If you remember my Guu posts, ie. Guu Izakaya Church where i had BC Albacore Tuna Carpaccio @ $6.80, the tuna melted in my mouth... this one, did not, im not sure what kind of tuna it is, as you can see in the colour, this one is like a cassis syrupy purple/red, i mean in comparison, there is no comparison. However, stand alone, it was a tasty and decently done. there's a bunch of tomatoes and avocado on a bed of seaweed in the middle, so its a different mix up from my usual garlic and ponzu.

Seafood Yaki Udon - $13.50

What!!! ok im used to my Yaki Udon from Guu being in the $7-8 dollar range, however, we also needed a "filler" and i love yaki udon sooo i'm gonna have to make a BLLEEUGHH noise to this one. i mean, it is what it is, seafood, and udon and an emphasis on YAAeeuuKKKi! I mean nothing exciting or special about it at all, you got pieces of seafood like a whole octopus tentacle, and niblets of shrimp, perhaps a cameo by calamari, im not sure it was quick, some slivers of mushroom, red peppers and cabbage.. it is what it is. which is not much. not $13.50 worth.

Gyu Tongue Shio $7.50

Grilled Sliced Beef Tongue.

This was deeelicious! $7.50 delicious? verdict's still out. However, tongue was nicely seasoned, and super tender, it was like chewing on a crunchy piece of fat... um if you're into that, if not, it was like chewing on a seamless piece of crunchy tasty cow meat. yum!

Hmm and here's the bill... we got a 15% off from the bartender/hawker outside ... um i THINK this is a pretty expensive meal, i wasnt even appetizer full (1/4 full, if that makes sense), and felt the need to wander to the mcdonalds next door for an aftermeal meal..it was decent, and the decor was beautiful, the food was a decent attempt, however, slightly lacklustre from what i've been spoiled/accustomed to.  If this is your first go, i suppose you would be impressed. But, a nice try.

Korean Supermarket Galleria Food Court

The Galleria Supermarket re-opened up at a newer southern yonge location @ 7040 Yonge St (north of yonge and Steeles) and its... wait for it... open 24 hours!!!! Things i love about Toronto > Vancouver, the amount of 24 hour stores that are available... awesome! (Although i dont think the food court is open 24 hours)  It's a pretty huge Korean Supermarket, with fresh bakery, meat/seafood and ready to eat food sections, plus ailses of ramen, kimchi, and other korean and asian staples.  I actually didnt buy anything on my visit to check things out, but did check out the "food court" aka the 3 food stands in a row. I got a Pork Bone Soup from Wow Korean Restaurant Inc. and it was pretty good, it came to around 7-8 bucks, complete with freebie sides, and the pork was super tender and the broth was just as tasty as any korean restaurant in new korean town.  However i will judge, that usually at the end of my meal, at say, Owl of Minerva in North York, i'm usually about to roll over in a meaty pork induced coma, while at Korean food court, i'm just pleasantly full... which is good... i mean really who needs to puke a lil in their mouth from over eating....  

Here's the front...i think you have 15 options for food. haha.

And to the right, some japanese options:

Such as the pork katsu with udon.... im not a hugh fan of tonkatsu sauce but the cutlet was great.