July 15, 2010

The Boiler House







After Cafe Moroc, I had another Summerlicious reservation at The Boiler House for dinner. I know, what a fatty right? I'm so bored and tired of the typical franchises (i.e. Jack Astors, Moxies, Baton Rouge, Kelsey's and more) and Summerlicious gave me the opportunity to try unique fine dining restaurants at a fixed price. The last restaurant out of my Summerlicious list before I fly off to Las Vegas in less than 10 hours. I originally had 6 but couldn't fit all that in one week. Again, please excuse the quality of the photos; Boiler House emitted very minimal lighting.

Location: 55 Mill St, Toronto (Distillery District) (416)203-2121, $$$

Here's a breakdown of what I ordered:

Chilled Sweet Pea Veloute, Garlic Chips and Mint Crème Fraiche
- Definitely something new and I'm glad that I tried it. I finished half of the soup though; guess I wasn't a fan. Had a bite of my friend's Baked Asparagus Strudel and is definitely recommended.

8oz Ontario AAA Angus Sirloin, Pomme Pont Neuf, Grilled Local Asparagus, Braised Cipollini Onion Jus
- The steak would've been perfect if I had it medium-rare. I ordered well done originally since my filet burger from Bier Markt was too red and chewy.

Strawberry & Rhubarb Crumble
- My favourite dessert during Summerlicious. This definitely tops the two creme brulee desserts I had at previous restaurants.

OVERALL: 8/10


Credits: Toronto's Summerlicious 2010

July 14, 2010

The Sultan's Tent & Cafe Moroc






Something new for my friends and I: Moroccan food. It was the second time that I was late for a Summerlicious reservation, thus a "Michelle time" came to exist. I guess I wasn't meant to bus/subway to go from Point A to B. It's about time I get my driver's license. Probably after my vacation, just maybe.

Location: 49 Front St E, Toronto (416)961-0601, $$

Here's a breakdown of what I ordered:

MAFTOUL
- Hand rolled “Moroccan Cigars”, hot crispy pastry stuffed with a mixture of mildly spiced beef, cashews and raisins, topped with our chipotle aioli

It was a skinnier version of an asian spring roll, but with spicy beef as the filling. The perfect appetizer.

MANGO SALMON
- A Pan Seared 5-ounce fillet of salmon, topped with mango salsa, served with saffron basmati rice and traditional Moroccan root vegetables

A really filling entrée. There were two kinds of vegetables and I was only able to recognize the squash. The mango salsa emitted very minimal taste though.

BRULÉE ROYALE
- A rich and flavourful crème brulée

Very rich in flavour.

OVERALL: 9/10


Credits: Toronto's Summerlicious 2010

July 10, 2010

BIER MARKT - ESPLANADE







Please disregard the quality of the pictures. The place emitted a small amount of light and I had no choice but to use flash. If only I had a DSLR...

My two friends and I decided against Fred's Not Here after reading reviews on how the place/food was "average" and a couple of friends also confirmed this. My first Summerlicious experience and I must admit, the price I paid was more for the atmosphere. After 9pm it became a bar/club and it had a live band. An older crowd but I regret leaving right after dinner. No comment about the rest of the night.

Location: 58 the Esplanade, Toronto (416)862-7575, $$$

Here's a breakdown of what I ordered:

BAKED OYSTERS BELGIQUE
- Malpeque oysters, Stella Artois crème, julienned fennel, baby spinach, gruyère gratin

Probably my favourite dish of the night. The flavouring was perfect. Reminded me of the oyster dish from GUU (minus the mushrooms).

FILET BURGER
- 6 oz filet mignon, caramelized onion, smoked bacon, vine ripe tomato, Mapledale Farms aged white cheddar, Markt frites, “Bier 58” sauce

I regret ordering a medium rare burger only because the meat was too chewy (for me). Their "Bier 58" sauce taste like balsamic vinaigrette with a more sweeter taste. Markt frites were too soft.

BANANA CRÈME BRÛLÉE
- banana cardamom brûlée, sweet banana croquette, caramelized banana, turbinado caramel

I enjoyed the sweet banana croquette and caramelized banana. I can't remember when I last had a creme brulee but this one had a smooth pudding texture.

OVERALL: 7/10


Credits: Toronto's Summerlicious 2010

July 08, 2010

where the grass is really greener








I'm not neglecting my blog! Nothing to talk about lately but I am heading to Vegas/LA next Thursday so I'm super excited as it is my first time. I will definitely be in tourist mode, taking pictures of almost everything I see. I am hoping to bump into a celebrity, just to say i've been in a close proximity of one since concerts don't count.

Summer updates: Demetres visit during Toronto's heat wave, Booster Juice to keep me and my friend hydrated, Mr. Green Jeans to watch the FIFA game between Germany and Spain, Blueberry Cheezecake (alcoholic drink with a smoothie texture - I hate Absolut but this was an exception), chicken chilli nachos to keep me busy during the game, and a quick stop to Petite Thuet where I had my first macaroon but stale ones left a bad impression - second time's the charm?

Summerlicious in Toronto officially starts tomorrow and I have my first reservation at Bier Markt for their dinner menu. I'm excited for their banana creme brule. I can't remember when I last had a creme brule...

Did I include how sad I was when Germany lost to Spain? Good thing I had my dose of Bud Light Lime when it all ended. For that, I hope Netherlands win the world cup. Take that Spain fans!