Best Top 5 "Must Eat" in Toronto

 

My roaming adventures in Canada has been quite festive. Coming from New York I thought I knew what cold was. To my surprise, I did not really understand real cold weather until I visited Canada. Never the less, I quickly  learned the proper dress code and all was good. So, I have complied a list of the Best Top 5 things you must eat when traveling to Toronto. Enjoy!

 

5.  Fanzorelli's Restaurant & Wine Bar

Fanzorelli's is a wonderful Italian restaurant located in the downtown area of Brampton, Ontario. The interior is quaint and romantic with beautiful paintings of Italian scenery on the walls. The delicious smells of the Italian flavors envelops you as soon as you walk through the door. My cousin Keesha, a native of Canada told me she has been dining at Fanzorelli's for 12 years.  Her most favorite dish that she has been ordering for 12 years is Farfelle, which is fresh  roasted peppers pureed in a cream sauce with diced grilled chicken presented on a mountain of bow tie pasta.  Keesha also stated that in all the years she has been visiting there, the staff has always been very welcoming and friendly.  The owner, Mr Anthony is always there to greet the patrons with a warm smile. Fanzorelli's offers great food, large scrumptious portions, flavorful mixed drinks, delectable desserts and excellent customer for a reasonable price. http://www.fanzorellis.ca/index.html

4. Ketchup Chips 

Ketchup Chips is a must have in Canada. It is a staple well-loved snack that can only be found in Canada.   I first learned of Ketchup Chips in the early 90's from my Canadian cousins. At the time, Herr's was the distributor of the chip. When the flavour was introduced in the early-1980s by Herr’s, the recipe was changed three times before everyone was satisfied. The chip has been consistently sold and adored ever since. The chips are potato chips, that are treated with a ketchup-based powder that turns them red and adds the flavor of ketchup. Most recently, Lay's has started producing Ketchup Chips. However, I don't feel the company has captured the original taste of the beloved chip. This version tasted more like salt and vinegar chips. You can hardly taste the signature ketchup taste. So on your visit to Canada look for Herr's or Hostess Ketchup Chips and get the authentic flavour  of this tasty treat.  http://www.herrs.com/products/chips/ketchup.html

 

 3. Poutine

As I journeyed around town, I kept seeing ads for something called Poutine.  This dish was being offered at many establishments even McDonald's so I had to get the full scoop on this foreign dish. I learned from the locals that poutine is a common Canadian dish originated from Quebec in the late 1950's.  The word poutine is the meaning "fries with cheese and gravy."  Poutine is made with French fries and topped with a light brown gravy-like sauce and fresh cheese curds. The French fries are of medium thickness then fried so that the inside stays soft while the outside is deliciously crunchy.

This fast food dish can be found all across Canada and also in some places in northern United States. It was suggested that I visit a restaurant called Poutine ( http://www.poutinedaretobefresh.ca/) in downtown Brampton, Ontario for my first sample of this exotic dish. I must say that the poutine was delicious. The fries tasted crunchy and fresh. I learned from the owner that the fries are freshly cut and fried everyday. The gravy had a traditional gravy taste with a hit of other spices that the owner explained was their secret sauce. Well, whatever the secret it, it's delicious.  I had the classic poutine. The menu also showcased  loaded poutine, Philly Cheese Steak poutine, chili-cheese supreme, vegetarian and much more. 

 

I did a little research and learned that the great taste of poutine can be experienced and enjoyed in New York. Below are links to a few establishment that serve this mouth-watering dish.

http://www.cornerburger.com/ 

http://www.divebarnyc.com/

http://pommesfritesnyc.com/

http://www.sheepstation.net/production/ 

2.   The Burger's Priest

I learned of The Burger's Priest  from another local referral. Amongst the many burger joints in Toronto, The Burger's Priest reigns supreme.  I was told that this establishment was featured on Toronto's Burger Wars as the best chow in town.  The Burger's Priest, which is a classic American cheeseburger joint is the brain child of owner/chef  Shant Mardirosian.  After graduating seminary school, Mardirosian realized being a priest wasn't the future for him. So he took his love of hamburgers and being a good Christian and created the Burger's Priest. (Read more of  Shant Mardirosian's Burger story http://www.yongestreetmedia.ca/features/burgerspriest040312.aspx ).  Since opening its first shop at Queen and Coxwell in June 2010, the classic American-style burger joint rapidly gained a devout following. 

photo credit: www.nowtoronto.com

I had the California Classic. I was told that is was one of the most popular. I really enjoyed this burger. The  meat was tender, seasoned well and very juicy.  The manger told me the beef is always fresh and I could taste the freshness in the burger. A custom blend of ultra premium beef is ground multiple times a day on premise. The meat was sandwiched between a lightly buttered and grilled fluffy bun. The meat was coated with priest sauce, a slice of melted cheese, caramelized onions with lettuce and tomato - amazing. I mean the burger literally melted in mouth.  My side of fries were divine. The crisp and awesome flavor was heavenly.  The manager told me the French fries are first blanched and then fried to lock in the flavor.  Overall, the Burger's Priest was a sinfully indulgent  time. The lines can get a little lengthy. However, it's well worth the wait.  http://www.theburgerspriest.com/menu/

 

1. Harlem Restaurant 

My most finger- licking discovery was Harlem Restaurant  located in downtown Toronto. Harlem Restaurant  serves a fusion of Southern Caribbean cuisine.  From the moment I walked into the establishment, I feel in-love.  There were so many lip-smacking choices,  I had a difficult time choosing. Thankfully, owner/ chef Carl Cassell suggested I try the signature dish of Chicken and Waffles. And oh was it extraordinary roller coaster ride for my taste buds.  Read full review  Harlem Restaurant Review

Toronto FEATURE: Joe Mama's Southern Restaurant: Review

Enjoying a Gladys Knight cocktail at Joe Mama's

My roaming adventures have taken me to the province Ontario, Canada. I always enjoy coming to Canada. I love the wide open spaces, clean air, clean wide streets and the charming friendly people.  A wonderful refreshing change of pace from the crazy rat race of New York. 

 

Upon my arrival to Canada I was greeted by the aftermaths of a winter ice storm. The entire city was covered in layers of ice, from the trees to the road ways. I learned that ice rain and snow had been falling for three days. So, although a little frightening on the roadways, the ice frozen trees added a beautiful artistic touch to the holidays. The neighborhood street sparkled as the bright sunlight bounced off the snow and reflected unto the uniquely shaped trees. It was exquisite.

After a few days of being shut- in due to the icey conditions, I was finally freed to venture out and explore. I received a recommendation from the locals to visit Joe Mama's a Southern Styled restaurant with nightly entertainment. Now, having lived in the south for more than seven years I had to sample this cuisine to authenticate the flavor.

Originally I wanted to visit the restaurant on Saturday because I heard great reviews about a cover band named Shugga. However, for Saturday the reservation was a little difficult to attain so I had to visit on a Friday.  If you are planning to visit Joe Mama's on a Saturday, reservations are recommended.

Joe Mama's is located in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district on the King Street strip . The interior of the restaurant is intimate and quaint. The walls are painted red and decorated with large photos of Motown greats like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder.  There are round marble glass retro light fixtures hanging from the ceiling and attractively placed on the walls.  The entire room was dimmed in a warm red and orange light. The entire space screamed sultry, jazz and soul.

Performance stage at Joe Mama's

Now on to the food. I was eager to read the menu to discover what tasty southern delights awaited me. However, I was a little perplexed as I read through the choices. The menu reflected more of a Cajun style than a southern style.  Some of the menu items included Etouffe, Cajun Cob Salad, Cornmeal Crushed Catfish Sticks, Seafood Soul Pasta and Grilled Cajun Chicken n' Shrimp. I was looking for more southern classic dishes such as mac & cheese, fried chicken or items that were smothered, in gravy or fried.

Cornbread basket

Strawberry butter

 Since I traveled with friends, I was able to try a few dishes. I sampled the Seafood Soul Pasta, Cornmeal Battered Fried Shrimp, Surf n' Turf Fettucini, and Shredded BBq Chicken served with angel hair pasta. For dessert I had Red Velvet cake and  Bailey's coffee. Overall the food was unexciting.  The presentation was nice but the dishes were a little bland and most certainly lacking Southern spices and flavor.

Surf n' Turf

Seafood Soul Pasta

Surf n' Turf Fettuccine

Cornmeal Batter Fried Shrimp

Shredded BBQ Chicken 

Red Velvet Cake  & Bailey's Coffee

However, I did enjoy the drinks. The cocktails are named after musical artists. I found that to be quite cleaver. The drinks tied right into the decor of the eatery. I loved that. The choices included, Barry Gordy which is 2 part Absolut and dash dry Vermouth, Gloria Gaynor which is 1 part Absolut kurant, 1 part Southern Comfort, orange juice and dash of Grenadine, Marvin Gaye which is 1 part Absolute and Blue Curacao, and Gladys Knight, which was recommended as the most popular, is made with 1 part Absolut mandarin, Cointreau, Malibu rum, Grenadine and a dash of pineapple. ( Full cocktail list http://www.joemamas.ca/frames/menu.html)

Gladys Knight Cocktail

My favorite part of the evening was the live music. The entertainment for the night was a cover band named The Grind. The band featured R&B and Funk music. The lead singer was high energy and engaging.

The Grind

The Grind

Altogether, Joe Mama's is a nice place to visit. The menu is a bit pricey, however the atmosphere is enjoyable. So next time you're in downtown Toronto stop by  Joe Mama's (http://www.joemamas.ca/),  if not for the food, definitely for the entertainment.

FEATURE: New Euro - Soul Restaurant Opens in Rosedale, Queens

ROSEDALE, QUEENS, NY

As I roamed around this past weekend looking for new and interesting things to report, I stumbled upon a new eatery in Rosedale, Queens called Pa-Nash Restaurant & Lounge.  This rare jewel serves what the owners call Euro Soul food which is a fusion of Mediterranean, Moroccan and Caribbean Soul food. Sounds delicious I know. I strolled in and was blown away by the beautiful Moroccan inspired decor. Highlights of the luxurious interior included dazzling chandlers dripping with clear glass drops that sparkled in the light, tall soft cushioned silver seats, and a illuminating bar stocked with the finest top shelf drinks. The upscale furnishings provides a Manhattan chic with local comfort.

I was introduced to manger Mel Renci who gave me the grand tour. On our walk down to the lounge area he explained that Pa-Nash is a family owned business. The owners, who wish to remain anonymous are from Ocho Rios, Jamaica W.I. Renci said the owners wanted to provided the Queens community with a new food sensation. The restaurant opened Tuesday, November 18th. The restaurant is currently in its introductory stage. Renci stated the grand opening is scheduled to happen during the Christmas holiday. An official date has not yet been announced.

The lounge area, called the Euro Soul Lounge, located on the lower level is truly striking. Here I really saw the Mediterranean Moroccan style come together. The furniture included wall to wall leather seats coated in rich warm colors of yellow, red and chocolate, complemented with beautifully beaded pillows. There were mosaic textured walls that added visual depth. Overall, a really vibrant charming space. The Euro Soul Lounge also provides weekly live entertainment. The music varies from Classic R&B, Smooth Jazz and Reggae. The entertainment is presented by JT Mac Productions.

Now, on to the food which was quite delicious. The menu featured many interesting combinations of food.  Renci recommended I try the Three Cheese Penne Mac & Cheese Roll. He said if I tried nothing else on the menu I must have that dish. So I did. The Three Cheese Penne Mac & Cheese Roll is a signature appetizer. It is made with asiago, white cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. I found it very clever that someone thought of the idea to put mac and cheese in an egg roll. It had a delightful crunchy texture with a creamy cheese filling.

Three Cheese Penne Mac & Cheese Roll

Next I tried the Fig Glazed Chicken Wings served with Hot Chile Sauce presented on a bed of spinach. The meat on the tender wings practically melted off the bone filling my mouth with a bust of sweet spicy flavor.  The meal was complemented by the signature Pa-Nash Coconut Martini.

Fig Glazed Chicken Wings

Coconut Martini

Other delightful delectable include Grilled Pomegranate Glazed Jumbo Shrimp, Toasted Coconut & Almond Crusted Salmon over Buttered Cabbage, Pistachio Crumbled Lamb Chops with Rosemary Syrup and Israeli Cous-Cous plus many more. The specialty drinks include Fresh Pineapple Mojito, Lemon Drop Martini and Orange Mint Tea.

Pa - Nash is located at 144-14 243rd Street in Rosedale, Queens.  The restaurant is opened Tuesday to Thursday 5pm - 10pm, Friday -Sat 5pm - 12pm and Sunday 11am - 8pm. Live music can be enjoyed Thursday - Saturday 9pm -1pm and Sunday 4pm - 7pm.

So, if your looking for a restaurant with great food, elegant flair, friendly service, amazing live music and local comfort, Pa- Nash is for you. Pa-Nash Restaurant & Lounge where their motto is life with a bit of Pa-Nash!