Let's Get Social Party at the Intercontinental Toronto

Posted on Sunday, May 22, 2016 by


With its prime location along Front Street, the Intercontinental Toronto Centre has always played host to tons of corporate functions and events. The décor for these proceedings has just become more modern as the hotel redid their Ballroom to incorporate a steely grey palette highlighted with clean white and silver accents.


To showcase the new space, the Intercontinental threw a Let’s Get Social Party inviting Torontonians to experience the entire bottom level space including a cool minibus photo station, food stations, dessert buffet, candy bar and freshly made waffles!


To promote mingling eats were served through food stations, encouraging attendees to move throughout the room and strike up conversations with other guests at cocktail tables. One popular station was the seafood corner containing freshly shucked oysters and a large sushi spread.


With tons to sample, my favourites for the evening were the beef empanadas with a light cinnamon spice and beautifully crinkled edges as well as the juicy thick chicken breast sliders topped with tropical salsa.


The braised BBQ brisket perched on a disc of crumbly corn bread had to be the most artfully plated.


Yet, it was in the smaller area beside the Ballroom that I saw the most joy amongst the adults: oh the smiles as they laid eyes on the spread of cakes, tarts, macaroons and chocolates! Luckily, I snapped the picture upon arrival, as the dessert was thoroughly ransacked by the end of the evening with guests going back for seconds … and thirds.


For my husband, I left with a take-out carton from the candy bar. Although, I may have also filled it with peanut M&Ms and Fuzzy Peaches, two childhood favourites, for myself.


What a great idea to throw a full blown event to show off the newly renovated space. With the full set-up you really got a sense of what a great corporate celebration the space could accommodate – is it too early to start planning for the holidays?
How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 225 Front Street West

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Agua (Grand Cayman)

Posted on Saturday, May 21, 2016 by
Auga Grand Cayman

Agua’s menu sounds like the United Nations of the food world: tons of Peruvian specialties, European influences, dishes incorporating Asian ingredients and comforting Italian pastas. The all-encompassing commonality between the selections is the predominantly seafood-based choices, which isn’t surprising for a restaurant named as ‘water’.

Their ceviches (CI$13.50 each) are popular, it seemed every table was graced with one. With five choices, the two we selected were pretty similar: you would think a classic Peruvian (clasico Peruano) and Thai recipe would be different, yet both incorporated the classic lime juice base, red onion and cilantro. The coconut milk added to the Thai version did give that dish an edge, resulting in the ceviche having a lovely creamy finish.

Auga Grand Cayman: cevicheAuga Grand Cayman: ceviche

Both were good: tender large cubes of fish incorporating enough flavour without being overpowering – you could taste the citrus without a lingering burning sensation. The lackluster wonton chips could use some improvement: not crispy enough to really withstand scooping and much too oily leaving a sheen on your tongue that detracts from enjoying the ceviche’s tastes.

I had my doubts when reading the description of the tuna tartare (CI$14.50) … sweet and sour sauce AND truffle oil? Two very different ingredients that in my mind had nothing to do with tuna. Admittedly, the truffle oil was a tad overpowering, but overall everything worked. The tuna itself was left in large enough pieces to not drown in sauce and the mixture ended up being slightly sweet with a mild chili finish.

Auga Grand Cayman: tuna tartare

The tower was also pretty, the tartare perched perfectly on a bed of diced creamy avocado. If only there was a taro chip for scooping; with all the flavours something salty and crunchy to tie everything together would have been nice.

We moved into warmer waters for the mains, my Peruvian mixed grill (CI$28.50) consisting of a perfectly cooked fillet of mild white fish topped with shrimp and calamari rings. Yet it was the buttery aji panca pepper sauce that made the dish: the Peruvian pepper offering a mellow heat, smokiness not unlike chipotle and a slightly sweet finish. If I weren’t feeling full from the rather large appetizers, I would have eaten every drop of the sauce with the steamed rice.

Auga Grand Cayman: Peruvian mixed grill

I was glad to see that Agua’s lobster and shiitake ravioli (CI$27.95) was more than a handful of pasta. There were about a dozen, each filled with a mushroom mascarpone and also containing broth so the stuffed pastas had an almost dumpling quality. On top was a healthy portion of cubed lobster finished with a chive butter sauce.

Auga Grand Cayman: Lobster and shiitake ravioli

The first meal of the Cayman Island’s trip was delicious and the restaurant’s prime location along Seven Mile Beach a convenient draw. Thanks to our host for introducing us to the place, Agua set the bar high for the other meals to come…

Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
 Address: West Bay Road (in the Galleria Plaza)
 Website: http://www.agua.ky/

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____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

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Hornito and Sauza Tequila's Cinco De Mayo Event

Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 by

Until Hornitos and Sauza tequila invited me to participate in their Cinco De Mayo event ($20 including five drink tickets and all the food), I had limited knowledge on the May 5th celebration other than it being a festive day filled with sombreros, tacos and tequila – a party day not unlike St. Patrick’s!


Aside from the parties, it’s seen as a day for participants to embrace the Mexican culture and the delights they’ve gifted the world. It wasn’t until educating myself on Wikipedia about Cinco De Mayo’s significance that I discovered it’s really a holiday to commemorate the day General Ignacio Zaragoza lead the Mexican army to win the Battle of Puebla. The army was poorly equipped to fight against French forces, so when they experienced victory, the day was used to symbolize unity and perseverance of the underdog. What a great representation!

Since the LCBO led event was my first time observing Cinco De Mayo I didn’t know what to expect, other than being warned there’d be PLENTY of tequila! We arrived early and were treated to delicious cocktails including a guided DIY citrusy Paloma and a scrumptious professionally created mango margarita.


The sit down Hornitos tequila tasting was eye opening: I sampled the mixer friendly Plata, sipping quality Reposado and the Black Barrel, which was oaky and fragrant – if you enjoy Scotch or whiskey this is the tequila with the peatiness you’d enjoy.

Hornito's Black Barrel tequila

Luckily, Valdez was also preparing a number of Latin eats to balance the alcohol. The empanadas were a highlight, its crispy fluffy corn meal crust stuffed with plenty of spiced minced beef studded with potato.

Valdez: empanadas

On every table were bowls of chips with creamy guacamole and salsa, the typical tortilla chips expanded to include crispy plantain, yucca, taro, corn and potato varieties.

Valdez: chips, guacamole, salsa, mango margaritas

It was difficult, but we nabbed the fragrant seared beef skewers we saw circulating the restaurant. It was worth loitering around the open kitchen, the sticks of meat flavourful, piping hot and juicy.

Valdez: grilled beef skewers

There were other eats: messy spicy hot chicken wings in a slightly sweet BBQ sauce and salty chorizo tacos topped with peppers, onions, goat cheese and chipotle mayo. All doing their magic to keep the tequila at bay.  

Valdez: chorizo tacosValdez: BBQ chicken wings

Little did I know this event would be my last chance to eat at Valdez’s starter restaurant. Shortly after the event, the 606 King West location was shuttered as the restaurant moves to a larger four-floor space down the block. The food was good, I could definitely be convinced to return.  

At the end of the evening, participants left with a loot bag filled with Paloma mix (that I swiftly used that weekend), a comfy Hornitos skull t-shirt, cool sphere ice cube molds, and a recipe booklet, all in a trusty LCBO bottle separating carrier bag.


Thank you Hornitos and Sauza for introducing me the holiday’s traditions. Until next year, Feliz Cinco De Mayo!

Disclaimer: I attended the event on a complimentary basis. Rest assured, as noted in my mission statement, I will provide an honest opinion. 

How To Find Them
 Location: Valdez in Toronto, Canada
 Address: 606 King Street West

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Valdez Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato


Shinobu Revisited (Toronto)

Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2016 by
Finding a Japanese restaurant that serves reasonably priced sushi but is also feels authentic makes me happy. The fact that Shinobu is relatively close to my house makes things even better! I love introducing people to the place, so when two friends had a hankering for sushi, the small cozy restaurant came to mind.

Having had a great experience previously with their maki rolls, they had to be ordered again: you can read all about the double shrimp cannon ($9.80) and volcano rainbow roll ($10.90) in my first dinner post about Shinobu.

Another favourite that’ll have me coming back is the hotate dream roll ($10.50), a spicy salmon roll covered with thinly sliced scallop sushi and salmon roe. If sushi rolls could be a pillowy cloud the hotate is close, the scallop soft and creamy then topped with popping salmon roe and micro greens for interest.

Hotate dream roll

Plenty of avocado was layered over the green dragon ($9.90), the roll filled with BBQ eel and cucumber for an umami filled crunch. Their spicy tuna ($6.90) is the type I enjoy, where the fish isn’t pulverized instead left in small cubes and tossed with spicy mayonnaise.

Green dragon rollSpicy tuna roll

Yet, you should branch out and try their izakaya eats, which were also impressive. The takoyaki ($6.90) is five soft glutinous mashed potato like balls of dough, fried so there’s a crispy coating and each containing a piece of grilled octopus. It’s one of the better versions in the city.

Takoyaki

The nasu dengaku ($6.90) was surprisingly delicious despite being a relatively simple dish. A Japanese eggplant is lightly fried, slit open and filled with a rich sweet dengaku miso sauce; since the longer Asian eggplant is not as seedy, it combines to become a creamy texture.

Nasu dengaku

Strangely, the green tea cheesecake ($5.50) is more ice cream than cake - the first thing you see is the large sphere of black sesame ice cream, on the side is the thinnest slice of cake I’ve seen, really just a garnish. The cake itself is pretty good, velvety with a deep matcha flavour, too bad it becomes lost in the ice cream.

Black sesame ice cream with green tea cheesecake

Oh well, it’s a small miss compared to all the hits at the restaurant. There’s no doubt I’ll be returning and welcome you to try this great find in the neighbourhood. 

 Overall mark - 8 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 3403 Yonge Street

 Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:

Shinobu Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Markham residents, Diana's Oyster Bar & Grill has a 2nd location to make your seafood dreams come true!

Posted on Saturday, May 14, 2016 by
Diana's Oyster Bar and Grill

Diana’s Seafood in Scarborough has been an institution offering fresh seafood at low prices. About a decade ago, the seafood purveyor expanded to include a restaurant near the site and just this year a second Diana’s Oyster Bar and Grill has been added to the delight of Markham residents.

Fresh seafood but cheap? Seems like an oxymoron given low prices normally implies items that are frozen and defrosted. Diana’s is able achieve to achieve both as they also have a wholesale and retail arm where they purchase in bulk and essentially cut out the middle person; in fact, they are the supplier to many other Toronto hotels and restaurants.

Oyster lovers rejoice, they have a huge selection that changes with the seasons. At the new Markham location, all are prominently displayed on the oyster bar in the middle, ready to be freshly shucked and slurped down.

Oyster barFreshly shucked oyster

For those who don’t like the raw mollusks, Diana’s has plenty of cooked options - I was stuffed to the gills from all the great eats sampled at their grand opening party. The sole oyster I tried was a baked version where it had just been cooked through and topped with bacon pieces. With no other seasoning but the natural saltiness of the oyster’s juices, it was enough.

baked oyster

The lobster slider was fantastic, chunks of sweet lobster just moistened slightly with a light citrusy mayo on a toasted brioche bun with crunchy lettuce. Move over lobster rolls, I could easily eat three of these any day!

lobster slider

Of course Diana also served the fried appetizer favourites: calamari and crab cakes. The later were crispy nuggets of predominantly crab meat with finely chopped vegetables studded throughout. Talk about all meat and no filler.

Fried calamariCrab cakes

As the summer months grace the city, the cool salmon or tuna tartare is refreshing – gem-sized cubes of fish tossed in sesame oil and soy.

Salmon tartareTuna tartare

Or slices of their lovely house-smoked fish may be in order. I’ve never been a fan of smoked salmon but it wasn’t overly oaky at Diana’s and the white fish version had a great creamy texture that may have converted me.

Smoked fish

There’s also the “Grill” side of the restaurant, which I’ve been advised creates some of their best-selling dishes. The seafood mixed grill composed of salmon, shrimp and scallops is popular; at the party I had a taste of the juicy medium-done grilled salmon and can see why it satisfies. And they’re not all about seafood, there’s also a Black Angus striploin that’s popular well-liked too.

Grilled salmon

Honestly, everything consumed at their grand opening event was delicious leaving me wanting more. Despite being stuffed, the heavenly smelling salmon slider called to me for one last (alright maybe three) bite. The patty was made from large chunks of salmon combined with vegetables and spices.  
Salmon slider

Oh and there really is a Diana: a small quiet Greek women who has turned their initial business into a budding empire. Congratulations Diana on the second location and for bringing the reasonably priced fresh seafood to those living north of Steeles Avenue!
How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 

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Simply Snacking: Toronto Popcorn Company's Tuxedo Popcorn

Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 by
Toronto Popcorn Company

Popcorn is the go-to food at for movies and a beloved snack, but let’s face it, it wasn’t exciting and sexy. However, after seeing a popcorn station set up at a friend’s bridal shower and guests reacting to it, there was certainly excitement in the room … oh the will power I exhibited from not devouring handfuls of every single flavour.


Toronto Popcorn Company is making it delightful to snack on popcorn again with flavours segregated into savoury, sweet, premium (includes toppings) and even gluten free options. After trying a bunch of them at my friend’s party, the one that has me going back for more is the Tuxedo: caramel popcorn drizzled with milk, white and dark chocolate...  yum!


I know, it sounds like a lot of sugary ingredients piled on top of each other, but the Toronto Popcorn Company shows restraint. The caramel popcorn base has a butterscotch taste and is sweet but the various chocolates aren’t so everything balances out.

Kernels of delight drizzled with chocolate? I don’t know about you, but I think it’s hot. 
MORE: Back to Simply Snacking

How To Find Them 

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Kobi Korean BBQ (Thornhill)

Posted on Sunday, May 08, 2016 by
Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill
The smell of searing meat mixed with the faint caramelizing marinades gets me salivating. It’s agony having to wait for a table while visiting a Korean BBQ establishment, seeing the hot cast iron plates doing their duty and not enjoying the fruits of their labour. It’s difficult, but I try not to stare too much at fellow diners, my longing eyes likely making their meals uncomfortable.

If you don’t want to experience all this, call ahead to Kobi Korean BBQ to get a reservation. It’s packed during the weekends and even with a reservation it can be another 15-30 minute wait.

Also, go with at least four people. For the larger dishes, tables need to place at least two orders of each - although you’re able to mix-and-match amongst the options. For example, for their famed fondue BBQ platter, you can order the spicy chicken and cheese ($18.99) and the spicy squid and cheese ($19.99), they’ll get combined into a larger dish. The end product is predominantly onions, the chicken and squid relatively sparse, but everything is mixed into a wonderful flavourful sweet and spicy sauce.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: chicken, squid and cheese

If you run out of cheese an additional order ($5.99), the equivalent of two cups (and you can tell as it’s served in a measuring cup), is available to add to the plate. With the excess onions I suggest you combine them with a couple of bowls of rice, cheese, kimchi and garlic into the hot plate and make your own fried rice. We also threw in some seared pork belly and it was fantastic!

The seafood pancake with garlic chives ($6.99) is one of the better ones I’ve had with tons of ingredients and a sweet soy on the side. As you’ll notice, there is no picture and this is largely due to the dishes coming out too quickly. With a third of the table already occupied by the BBQ hot plate and another third consumed by all the utensils and small dishes there’s no room for food. We literally had to throw the beef onto the hot plate and divvy up the pancake onto our plates to keep things flowing.

Since the hot plate utilizes so much real estate, it’d be a shame not to try some of their BBQ items (also a minimum of two items but can be combined). The marinated beef ribs ($24.99) was delicious, a satisfying thickness, tender and well flavoured.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: beef

Meanwhile, while ordering the pork belly our waitress asked if we’d prefer a thick or thin cut. Answering “thick” she looked at us dubiously and suggested we switch to the thin instead. Who am I to argue against experience? So, the thinly sliced pork belly ($15.99) was placed instead. Not having tried the thicker cut, I really can’t see why it wouldn’t have suited us, but the thin ones ended up being fine – cooking quickly and there were more slices to go around – a quarter which ended up in the make-your-own fried rice.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: pork belly

Accompanying the larger dishes were also a host of complimentary items:
  • Various banchan of spicy napa cabbage kimchi, turnip kimchi, pickled cucumbers, a sad portion of sesame oil laced green beans, and peanuts.
  • A bowl of steamed egg (seen in the cover photo). As always so delicious that I could have easily consumed the whole thing myself.
  • A bowl of spicy bean tofu soup placed in the middle of the cast iron plate so that it’s kept hot and bubbling the entire time.
  • Leafs of romaine lettuce, a napa and green onion slaw, thinly sliced raw red onions, slices of raw jalapeno, and garlic to wrap the BBQ meats into.
Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: banchan

Despite the initial panic when all the food arrived and difficulties in capturing staff attention to get a refill of depleting condiments, we had a jovial and enjoyable dinner. The tightly packed table configuration does mean the circulation in the restaurant is poor and the dining room fills with smoke. If this bothers you and the weather is nice, ask to be seated outside where the view of the parking lot may not be the best but at least you won’t reek of cooked meat afterwards.

Kobi Korean BBQ Thornhill: patio

Overall mark - 7.5 out of 10


How To Find Them
 Location: Toronto, Canada
 Address: 100 Steeles Avenue West

 Follow me on twitter to chat, be notified about new posts and more - https://twitter.com/GastroWorldBlog
____________________________
Gastro World's Grading System
  • Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
  • 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
  • 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
  • 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
  • 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
  • 10 - absolute perfection!

Is That It? I Want More!

Other Gastro World posts similar to this:

KOBI Korean BBQ Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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