2014 Oscar Nominations: "12 Years a Slave," "American Hustle," and "Gravity" top contenders

So the day has finally come! The 2014, 86th Annual Academy Awards nomination list was announced this morning live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Academy Awards or the Oscars is the peak of the awards season. I can not wait to see the performances, hear the fabulous jokes from this year awesome host Ellen DeGeneres, ( who I recently learned is from Metairie, Louisiana. Shout out to my Louisiana homegirl) and ofcourse the sensational fashion pieces that will glide down the red carpet. It will be all the rave. The Oscars will broadcast live from Hollywood's Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 2, at 7 p.m. EST. True, this is not the usual local Roaming Reporter article. However, this is entertainment and who doesn't love entertainment. Now, to the list of this year's nominees:

BEST PICTURE

American Hustle

 (Great movie. Awesome team of actors. Jennifer Lawrence was hilarious)

 

Captain Phillips

 (Excellent movie. Great acting by Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. This was Abdi's first project and he knocked it out the park. Good for you Barkhad)

Dallas Buyers Club

(On my "catch up and watch list". However, I have been hearing great reviews. I know it's a film I'm going to love.)

Gravity

(Sandra Bullock and George Clooney were excellent carrying the move. The computer graphics were phenomenal. I really feel Alfonso Cuarón has a chance at Best Director)

 

Her

 ( I thought the concept for this movie was brilliant. Especially now that we are living in the era of technical evolution. This is on my "hurry up and  watch" movie list)

Nebraska

(Very interesting. I love the way it was filmed. This is also on my "hurry up and watch list"

 

 

Philomena

(This is a beautiful story. I always enjoy watching Judi Dench. She is a marvelous actress.)

 

12 Years a Slave

 ( I have been following this film since it's debut at the Telluride Film Festival and the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival. The film received such artistic acclaim before its wide release. I am also very excited for Lupita  Nyong's Supporting Actress nomination. This s her first film in America. Yay Lupita! Congrats to Chiwetel Ejiofor. He is an awesome actor. I am glad he is finally getting recognition.)

 

The Wolf of Wall Street

(Excellent film. Great directing and acting. It was humor and drama all rolled up into one. Congrats to Leonardo DiCaprio for his Best  Actor nomination. I really hope he wins this year. There are many great contenders in this category, so it will be tough. However, he has yet to be blessed with a golden statuette. I would be so happy for him if finally this year is his shinning moment. Also, Congrats also to Jonah Hill for his Supporting Actor nomination.

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Martin Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street


BEST ACTOR
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetel Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club


BEST ACTRESS
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club


BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
David O. Russell and Eric Warren Singer, American Hustle
Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine
Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, Dallas Buyers Club
Spike Jonze, Her
Bob Nelson, Nebraska

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Richard Linklater, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke, Before Midnight
Billy Ray, Captain Philips
Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope, Philomena
John Ridley, 12 Years a Slave
Terence Winter, The Wolf of Wall Street

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Croods
Despicable Me 2
Ernest & Celestine
Frozen
The Wind Rises

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
The Broken Circle Breakdown (Belgium)
The Great Beauty (Italy)
The Hunt (Denmark)
The Missing Picture (Cambodia)
Omar (Palestine)


BEST DOCUMENTARY – FEATURE
The Act of Killing
Cutie and the Boxer
Dirty Wars
The Square
20 Feet From Stardom

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Alone Not Alone," Alone Yet Not Alone
"Let It Go," Frozen
"The Moon Song," Her
"Ordinary Love," Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
"Happy," Despicable Me 2 ( Congrats to Pharrell Williams on this nomination. I'm so happy!)

 














BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Philippe Le Sourd, The Grandmaster
Emmanuel Lubezki, Gravity
Bruno Delbonnel, Inside Llewyn Davis
Phedon Papamichael, Nebraska
Roger A. Deakins, Prisoners

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Michael Wilkinson, American Hustle
William Chang Suk Ping, The Grandmaster
Catherine Martin, The Great Gatsby
Michael O'Connor, The Invisible Woman
Patricia Norris, 12 Years a Slave

BEST DOCUMENTARY – SHORT SUBJECT
CaveDigger
Facing Fear
Karama Has No Walls
The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life
Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall

BEST FILM EDITING
Jay Cassidy, Crispin Struthers and Alan Baumgarten, American Hustle
Christopher Rouse, Captain Phillips
John Mac McMurphy and Martin Pensa, Dallas Buyers Club
Alfonso Cuarón and Mark Sanger, Gravity
Joe Walker, 12 Years a Slave

BEST MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
Adruitha Lee and Robin Mathew, Dallas Buyers Club
Stephen Prouty, Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Joel Harlow and Gloria Pasqua-Casny, The Lone Ranger 
 
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
John Williams, The Book Thief
Steven Price, Gravity
William Butler and Owen Pallett, Her
Alexandre Desplat, Philomena
Thomas Newman, Saving Mr. Banks


BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Judy Becker (Production Design) and Heather Loeffler (Set Decoration), American Hustle
Andy Nicholson (Production Design); Rosie Goodwin and Joanne Woollard (Set Decoration), Gravity
Catherine Martin (Production Design) and Beverley Dunn (Set Decoration), The Great Gatsby
K.K. Barrett (Production Design) and Gene Serdena (Set Decoration), Her
Adam Stockhausen (Production Design) and Alice Baker (Set Decoration), 12 Years a Slave


BEST SHORT FILM – ANIMATED
Feral
Get a Horse!
Mr. Hublot
Possessions
Room on the Broom


BEST SHORT FILM – LIVE ACTION
Aquel No Era Yo (That Wasn't Me), Esteban Crespo
Avant Que De Tout Perdre (Just Before Losing Everything), Xavier Legrand and Alexandre Gavras
Helium, Anders Walter and Kim Magnusson
Pitääkö Mun Kaikki Hoitaa? (Do I Have to Take Care of Everything?), Selma Vilhunen and Kirsikka Saari
The Voorman Problem, Mark Gill and Baldwin Li


BEST SOUND EDITING
Steve Boeddeker and Richard Hymns, All Is Lost
Oliver Tarney, Captain Phillips
Glenn Freemantle, Gravity
Brent Burge, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Wylie Stateman, Lone Survivor

BEST SOUND MIXING
Chris Burdon, Mark Taylor, Mike Prestwood Smith and Chris Munro, Captain Phillips
"Gravity" Skip Lievsay, Niv Adiri, Christopher Benstead and Chris Munro, Gravity
Christopher Boyes, Michael Hedges, Michael Semanick and Tony Johnson, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Skip Lievsay, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland, Inside Llewyn Davis
Andy Koyama, Beau Borders and David Brownlow, Lone Survivor

 
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Tim Webber, Chris Lawrence, Dave Shirk and Neil Corbould, Gravity
Joe Letteri, Eric Saindon, David Clayton and Eric Reynolds, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Erik Nash and Dan Sudick, Iron Man 3
Tim Alexander, Gary Brozenich, Edson Williams and John Frazier, The Lone Ranger
Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Ben Grossmann and Burt Dalton, Star Trek Into Darkness


There you have it, the full 2014 list of hopefuls. It's going to be exciting to learn the final results. So, if you haven't seen any of the incredible films on the list, you still have a few weeks to catch up before the grand event. Also, you can visit the official Oscar  websites to print a ballot and learn more about the spectacular nominees. Cheers and I'll see you on "red carpet."


 

Top 5 Yummy Eggnog Left Over Recipes

Sadly the holidays are over and you may have a few containers of eggnog remaining. Now, because everyone is preparing to begin "the New Year diet" you think to yourself, "what am I do with all the nog?" Well don't you fret. The Roaming Reporter has some suggestions. As I roamed around through holidays meeting people and asking "what do you do with left over eggnog," I have finally complied some answers. Enjoy and let me know your eggnog recipe success stories. Cheers!  +Shuga Henry 

 

5.  Eggnog Hot Chocolate 

 The winter season is the perfect time for hot chocolate. A little eggnog adds a creative awesome twist. The recipe is super easy and it's delicious!

Photo by  Peanut Butter and Peppers

 Ingredients 

• eggnog
• milk chocolate squares or coco power
• whip cream
• vanilla exact
• nutmeg (optional)
• cinnamon (optional)

In a medium sauce pan add eggnog, vanilla extract and cinnamon to bubble. Then add
the chocolate squares or coco power and whisk all together. Then pour into your favorite mug, top with whip cream and freshly grated nutmeg.

** add a scoop of instant coffee to the mix and create eggnog chocolate coffee. Yum!**

4. Eggnog Cupcakes

I tried this recipe on New Years and the results were quite scrumptious. This is a great companion to the eggnog hot chocolate. Yum!

Ingredients

Makes 12 cupcakes

1-1/3 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  1/4 cup rum
  1 cup low-fat eggnog
  1/4 cup vegetable oil
  1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   
• For the frosting
•  1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  2 to 2-1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
  3 tablespoons low-fat eggnog
  1/2 tablespoon rum
  1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks for garnish, if desired

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line 12 cupcake cups with liners. 
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and nutmeg. 3. In a separate bowl, combine the rum, eggnog, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract together. 4. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and beat just to combine. 5. Fill the cupcake liners. Fill about 2/3 of the way if you want flat cupcakes and 3/4 of the way if you want rounded tops.
  6. Bake for about 18 minutes, until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.  

• To make the frosting
  1. In a large bowl, using a stand or electric mixer, whip the butter for a minute or two, until light and fluffy.
  2. Slowly add the confectioners sugar, mixing as you add the sugar.
  3. Continue adding sugar until the mixture becomes stiff. 4. Add the eggnog, rum and nutmeg, and whip until combined.
  5. Frost cupcakes as desired.
  6. To garnish, sprinkle with ground cinnamon and half a cinnamon stick, if desired.       

• 3. Eggnog Pancakes

  This recipe is my favorite. I prepared this for my family on Christmas Eve and it was  an excellent hit.  This is a quick easy recipe. All I did was replace the milk with eggnog, added vanilla and freshly grated nutmeg. The nutmeg really give it that extra kick.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

                                                                                                                                          2.  Eggnog Jello Shots

  I discovered this recipe on EisforEat.com. Jaymee Sire submitted this delightful drink.  I prepared this the day after New Years and it really was a festive party in a cup. Thanks Jaymee for helping me keep the good times rolling.     
   +Jaymee Sire 
  
  

  

  Photo by EisforEat.com

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
    Ingredients (12 shots)

  • 1 cup eggnog
  • 1 packet Knox unflavored gelatin
  • 3/4 cup vanilla or whipped cream vodka
  • 1/4 cup amaretto
  • 12 small plastic shot glasses
  • 12 cinnamon sticks
  • whipped cream (go for the can in this instance)
  • nutmeg or cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)

  Instructions

  1. Pour eggnog into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top of eggnog and let it soak in a minute or two so it "blooms." (It will sort of look like applesauce). Heat over medium, stirring, until gelatin is dissolved.
  2. Combine eggnog with alcohols into something with a pour spout (such as a measuring cup). Place plastic shot glasses on a sheet pan and fill 3/4 of the way full. Refrigerate and allow to set four hours or overnight.
  3. When ready to serve, insert a cinnamon stick into the side of each shot. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. 

  
  
  

    1.  Eggnog  Ice -cream

  I love ice-cream and I love eggnog. This recipe combines that best of both world.  This is my number one favorite recipe I enjoying making during the holidays.  Recently, someone shared a twist on the traditional idea with eggnog brownie chunk ice-cream.  I tried this new twist and I was in heaven.  The marriage of eggnog and chocolate into creamy ice-cream was dreamy.  Thanks +shawn syphus  for the decadent holiday treat.
  
  

  

  
  
   
  
  
      Recipe Instructions

Toronto Feature - REVIEW: Harlem Restaurant

My trip to Canada concluded with dinner at  Harlem Restaurant in downtown Toronto. I tell you, this was the best food I tasted during my trip. I dinned at the 67 Richmond St. E location of the restaurant. As soon as I walked through the door I feel in love with this eatery.  +Harlem Restaurant serves Southern Caribbean cuisine.  Now, being a gal of the south and Jamaica W.I., I had to authenticate this concoction of flavor.

 

 

 

I entered the establishment as was mesmerized by the charming hanging red curtain and phonograph that lead to the main dining area. I parted the curtains and was instantly drawn in by the welcoming embrace of the eclectic environment. The  warm red covered walls, the intimate space, the beautiful assortment of color infused original paintings, created a soulful inviting atmosphere. I loved the artsy feel of the interior. The owner did an excellent job capturing the art inspired Harlem Renaissance aspect of Harlem, NY.

I had the delightful impromptu opportunity to sit down and chat with owner and chef Carl Cassell.

Owner/Chef  Carl Cassell

Shuga: What is the inspiration behind Harlem Restaurant?
Cassell: Harlem is the evolution of another restaurant I owned named Irie. Harlem is more inclusive of the entire diaspora. At Harlem we can provide an inclusive menu of Southern and Caribbean style of cooking. The people from the south cook food similar to the way we [Caribbean people] do. Like collard greens which would be our [Jamaicans] version of callaloo.

Shuga: How long has Harlem been in existence?
Cassell: We have been opened for 7 years. 

Shuga: Why did you choose Harlem as the name of restaurant?
Cassell: Harlem is instantly recognizable. I wanted to evoke a response in people that they'll never forget it. Positive or negative, I wanted it to leave "you" with an impression. That's what I wanted to do, "kick the door open."

Shuga: What is the inspiration behind the decor?
Cassell:  The decor is inspired by the 1920's. The original name was Harlem 1920. As you come through the door you will see the phonograph. It's kind of a 1920's art deco feel. The deep red....gives it a bold feel.

Shuga: I understand you have weekly live entertainment.
Cassell:  Yes. That was kind of our mantra. That's what created Harlem in a sense. When I had Irie, which has been converted into a Harlem as well, it kind of became the place to meet people. I've been in the city [Toronto] for a while and half of my friends are artists, actors, musicians and Irie became  like an impromptu music venue. So when this place [Harlem] opened the idea was to create an artistic space which we provide with a stage upstairs.

Harlem Restaurant has two floors, both of which feature dining rooms with candlelit tables. The top floor has a stage where weekly entertainment is presented.

Top floor stage

After my Q&A, it was time to taste the delicious food. The menu was mounted on a vinyl record which a found to be quite clever. It really tied into the rustic chic theme. There were so many lip-smacking choices.  I had a difficult time choosing. Thankfully Carl Cassell provided some excellent suggestions, and oh was it extraordinary roller coaster ride for my taste buds.

Menu

I went with a group of friends so I was able to sample a few dishes. I started with a Miles Davis cocktail which was a mix of  Jamaican Overproof Rum, Peach Schnapps, mango, passion fruit juice and lemon. Cassell said that was a signature drink for Harlem.  It tasted smooth and was mixed just right. Next I sampled the Harlem Kool-Aide. This drink was made with Triple Sec, Melon Liquor and cranberry juice. It tasted tangy and sweet with just the right amount of alcohol. It was simply superb.

Miles Davis

Harlem Kool -Aide

We started by sharing a plate of Catfish Lafayette , which was breaded deep fried morsels of catfish served with a sweet chilli mayonnaise sauce for dipping. The breading was seasoned well and the catfish was light and flaky. The dipping sauce added an extra kick. However, I also found the catfish quite scrumptious on its own.  

Catfish Lafayette

Mac- n - Cheese

The baked Mac-n-Cheese sprinkled with Parmesan cheese was hearty, creamy and satisfying .  

Blackened Salmon 

Blackened Salmon is a creole inspired dish-- salmon topped with a seafood étoufee sauce, served with mixed greens and coconut rice and peas. The interesting part of this dish was the mixed greens which was collard greens infused with carrots and celery. I have never had collard greens prepared in such a manner. I found it quite pleasing.

BBQ Jerk Chicken

The BBQ Jerk sauce really made the dish. The sauce was sweet with a hint of spice. I loved it so much I asked for a small container to carry home.

Coconut rice and peas

Rice is a very important componet to the Caribbean dish. This rice was fluffy and light with a pleasant hint of coconut flavor. It came very close to the sweetness of my mother's cooking.

Chicken and Waffles

The signature dish of Harlem is Chicken and Waffles. First, the presentation of the dish was the best I have ever seen. I have been to many restaurants that serve this dish and Harlem's presentation is the most attractive. I love that the chicken came with three dipping sauces - sweet and sour, maple syrup, and scotch-bonet-corriander-lime gravy. The chicken was exquisitely prepared --juicy, tender meat, covered in a thick, crispy batter. One bite and I feel under it's sinfully delicious spell. The waffles were fluffy with a tasty buttermilk flavor.

Mango Chiffon Cheese cake

My meal concluded with a signature slice of  Mango chiffon cheese cake. The delectable dessert was velvety light and heavenly extraordinary.

The dinner was accompanied by a comedy show presented by one of Toronto's top comedians +Quinn Martin. He was very entertaining and a great complement to a satisfying evening.

Quinn C Martin - Comedian

Overall, my experience at Harlem Restaurant  was filled with appetizing foods, gracious portion sizes, friendly service and excellent entertainment. The restaurant provided a great taste of the traditional South with new twists of flavors. I truly had a marvelous time and look forward to returning in the future. So, next time your in Toronto, stop on by Harlem Restaurant  for a roller coaster ride your taste-buds will never forget.  Harlem Restaurant -East

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