Mitzie's Jerk - The Homestyle Eatery Next Door

This week for Small Business Saturday, I picked one of my favorite small delicious eateries called Mitzie's Jerk.

It's a Caribbean restaurant in Etobicoke offering roti, jerk chicken and pork, oxtail, curry goat and more. They also offer catering services at very affordable rates. Very homestyle and very personalized too!

I've met Mitzie a couple of times and always enjoy chatting with her - she's definitely created an environment that makes it feel like a friend is making you lunch :).

I love Mitzie's Jerk!

Psst! Remember to join them on their Facebook Page!

Mitzie`s Jerk 
3337 Bloor Street West (@Islington)
647-345-0077
www.mitziesjerk.com
"Like" their Facebook Page

Follow @tinasheonline

City Urbanista's Top 5 Restaurant Picks Toronto's Winterlicious 2012

Extra, extra! The 2012 Winterlicious list of participating restaurants is now out! This prix fixe culinary event is now in it's 10th year. If you've never attended Winterlicious before I suggest you get out this year and go indulge because it's a great way to discover Toronto on a plate.

Take advantage of the incredible value and exclusive prix fixe menus offered at 175 of Toronto's top restaurants.

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Restaurants start taking Prix Fixe reservations tomorrow on January 12, 2012.

City Urbanista's Top 5 Picks from 5 Toronto Neighbourhoods for Winterlicious 2012

DOWNTOWN NORTH

c5
100 Queen’s Park
[Yorkville]
International
Lunch: $25
See the menu | Website

DOWNTOWN SOUTH

Canoe
66 Wellington St. W.
[Downtown, Financial District]
Canadian

Lunch: $25 | Dinner: $45

See the Menu| Website

EAST

Pan on the Danforth

516 Danforth Ave.

[Danforth, Greektown]

Greek, Mediterranean, Seafood

Lunch: $15 | Dinner: $25

See the menu | Website

WEST

Noce
875 Queen St. W.
[Downtown]
Italian
Lunch: $25 | Dinner: $45

See the menu | Website



UPTOWN

Tabülè 
2009 Yonge St.
[Midtown]
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern

Lunch: $15 | Dinner: $25
See the menu | Website



Remember to check out the City of Toronto's website for full listings of other participating restos!

Twitter: @LiciousTO #LiciousTO Facebook: facebook.com/LiciousTO Foursquare: foursquare.com/LiciousTO

Delica Kitchen: So delish!

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My friend took me to this tres cute spot in Toronto's Midtown. It's called Delica Kitchen.

I decided to feature it today for Small Business Saturday simply because it's such a perfect spot that's locally owned! Seriously it's one of the cutest places I've been to in the city. Very intimate and I'm almost certain you'll find their innovative tray tables fun to look at and use. This little big find is located up just by Yonge and St. Clair. What are they about? In their words:

"We're driven by our love, respect and obsession for authentic, all natural, fresh food. We do our best to celebrate real food and try not to mess around with honest taste that high quality, pure and simple ingredients have to offer. You might have guessed that we're not really the type to follow trends. When we find a good thing, we stick to it – simple cooking methods, time-honoured traditions, bold flavours and good, wholesome ingredients." 

My friend was smart enough to have another lunch date before coming to Delica (silly girl :), but she ended up having a Tuscan Tomato soup (s $4.25, m $5.25) - stewed tomatoes, roasted red peppers, fresh
rosemary, roasted garlic, onions and olive oil, which she enjoyed. I had a grilled Pulled Turkey Sandwich ($8.95) with caramelized onion aioli, cured tomatoes, aged cheddar and arugula on ACE ciabatta. Yummy!

BTW, did I mention - just about all of the food components are made in-house with the exception of the bread, which is sourced from ACE Bakery (the owner of Delica is a daughter of the founders)?

I hope they open another location in downtown because I'm certain they will have more fans :). Until then, heading to Midtown is well worth it!

Delica Kitchen
1440 Yonge Street (@ St. Clair)
416.546.5408
www.delicakitchen.ca
Find them on Facebook 

Hideaway with Hernando and a Fajita

Okay, do you feel like having the best-est fajita in Toronto in secret (or not LOL)?

Then you must check out Hernando's Hideaway by Yonge and Wellesley. I really love this place! I went there with one of my girlfriends the other day after I hadn't dropped by in ages.

My friend tells me I have a tendency to know restos in the strangest places - this one is underground. LOL! Inside it looks like one of those Mexican diners you in shows like Weeds. Uber cool!

Another awesome thing about this place is that they have daily specials which basically mean an awesome featured dish for half price. I had the a chicken fajitas ($9.99 on Wednesdays): served in a sizzling cast iron pan on a bed of green and red peppers, onion and served with flour tortillas. Fixings on the side: lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Sorry I couldn't take a picture of my meal because I was so hungry that day.

Hernando's Hideaway 
545 Yonge St. (Wellesley St.), Toronto 
Phone: 416.929.3629

Pan it up, Jack!

Oh Jack!

I was at Jack Astor's and tried their signature Cheese Garlic Pan Bread ($7.93) which is a fresh-baked loaf, topped with a melted three-cheese blend, and served in a pan with garlic dip.

Jack Astor's Cheese Garlic Pan Bread ($7.93)

Mike (the server) also suggested I try the Chicken Parmigiana ($15.96) which is basically: fresh chicken breast, lightly breaded and topped with smoked Mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce served with bowtie pasta, tossed in a creamy cheese sauce. I got extra parmesan and pepper.

I always have a great time at Jack's, especially doodling with the crayons. Overall, as unhealthy as it is my favorite taste was definitely the pan bread. (I'm already looking for an excuse to go there again just to have it again! Wanna come with me?)

What a delicious night it was but definitely wouldn't recommend for those counting calories :).

A little taste of Serbia

Bonimi Restaurant

The other day a client of mine took me to this wonderful family owned Serbian style restaurant out in Etobicoke called Bonimi. The food was quite delectable despite the portion sizes being pretty large. Apparently Serbians eat a lot of red meats and pork which for those who know me, I don't so I thought I would be stuck with menu options but was pleasantly surprised.

Shopska Salad ($6.75)

I trusted him to go ahead and order my meal for me and so he ordered their signature Shopska Salad ($6.75) which is filled with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, onion and lotssss of feta cheese. It sound simple doesn't it? But I'm telling you it was delish! The only note I'll make is that if your aren't an onion fan, this salad will probably overwhelm your palate so maybe ask them to cut back. Same goes with the cheese although I hear it's the feta that makes the Shopska :).

I also had the Grilled Chicken Panini ($9.25) and he had the classic Vienna Schnitzel ($10.25) on a home style  bun with cream cheese.

You should check it out, it's just by outside the subway on Bloor Avenue [at Islington Avenue]. Visit their website to check out their menu.

A night out in the Alley!

So when I used to live in the Yonge and Eglington Area, Alleycatz Live Jazz Bar was one of my fave spots to hangout at. It's a bit hidden - I think that's why I like it much.

Alleycatz Live Jazz Bar @Yonge & Eglington

A friend and I decided to head there for a bite so we wound up there.

I had the ORGASMIC PENNE ($17) which is basically roasted chicken, portabello mushroom, asparagus in a pesto cream sauce. He had GIANT LOBSTER RAVIOLI ($20) filled lobster and blue crab, cured tomatoes, asparagus, herbs, roasted garlic butter topped with lobster pieces. Both delicious!

As always, there was a live band performing though I can't seem to remember their name. They did a number of Motown hits and took requests from the patrons.

Hamdi Restaurant

We went to one of my favorite African restaurants - Hamdi. They have a couple of locations in the city but the one I go to is by Carlton and Ontario St. I'm not certain but I believe it's a Somalian cuisine all I know is that it's delish. The food there is so good and as you'll notice, I forgot to take the pictures until halfway through the meal lol! One order is enough for two ;)

King Fish [Comes with rice] $12

Side order of drumsticks [$8]

Yummy rice

Do you have the sense to appeal?

A friend intro-ed me to this hidden gem this afternoon [he always knows all those special spots in Toronto]. This is an awesome spot worth dropping into [even when you’re not in the area]. You’ve just gotta! I had a yummy chai latte. The staff were friendly too :).

This is who they are;

WE’RE A CREATIVE COFFEE LAB IN TORONTO. WE ROAST. WE EXPERIMENT. WE ARE HERE TO MAKE COFFEE AWESOMER.

Sense Appeal

96 spadina ave, suite 101
(between king/adelaide, west side)
toronto m5v 2j6
-
416.907.8524

http://senseappeal.ca
http://twitter.com/senseappeal

Crispy Noodles at Oriental Gourmet House

I just found out that I love crispy noodles! Considering how much of a foodie I am, you'd think I would know what the infamous Chinese entree on crispy noodles tastes like eh? Well I didn't! I cant believe I hadn't tried it all this time. A bit unhealthy but loved it! A friend made me do it over lunch at the Oriental Gourmet House by Yonge St and Adelaide. [Btw, this spot is small and not too stylish but the food is amazing at an amazing price especially for this part of the city. Hidden gems.]

Aside for this being a pretty awesome meal, the company was even better. It was a work related lunch which I walked out learning that I'll be co-chairing a pretty awesome 3 hour workshop at the end of May! The topic is diversity and you know how much that excites me ;).

Most days, I feel so privileged to have such active, engaged and brainy friends. All I have to do is just hangout around them then I look cool too :)

♥

Food, Deals + Fun!

Some highlights over the last day were;

• Walking to downtown from my place and bumping into a pleasant man who then took a photo of a friend and I outside the Manulife building by Bloor and Church.
• An Amber Alert - Apparently Jack Astors servers can write upside down. I had a Mediterranean Chicken Sandwich from there with their yummy Sweet Potato Fries.

 

 

• Eglington West...again (you should know by now why I went there). You gotta love a friend who'll sit through your hair appointment with you lol [#patience]
• Crazy sale at Toronto Gap and finally replaced my jeans. Paid $24 for $80 jeans!!! Go grab yours now!!!
• A guy I don't know just gave me two passes to the pre-screening of the movie Arthur! #TDotLove It was such an awesome movie!!! The funniest I've watched in ages. 3 minutes didn't go by without the audience laughing so if you want a great laugh and maybe a tear or two- go watch it this Friday.
  
  

i was a sixth grade alien

And then we proceeded to The Rex on Queen West. Being in jazz bars always makes me feel like going back to playing saxophone. Maybe soon...

It was so nice to hang out with the guys. Lots and lots of laughs and I think too much beer for at least one of them by the end of the night.

So three of us decided to walk towards Spadina but soon after stepping out of the bar we realized just how pouring these Spring showers were. We stopped right outside New Tribe for cover to wait for the street car when one of our buddies just casually said he decided to walk to Spadina and Bloor!!! We looked at each other but yeap he was serious. We didn't really get a chance to decipher it and I think part of me thought he was just bluffing and would turn back but nope, he wasn't!

Funny thing when I got off to switch streetcars, he was now drenched and came onto the street car. [hehe]

Okay like that isn't random enough.

I was sitting right next to him and he bbmed me;

"there's a show about him being a purple alien in grade 6"

Then I was like what alien? Who?

Then he pointed to a guy and googled "I Was a Sixth Grade Alien"

What a bizarre night I tell you. Lots of fun. Needed the distraction that's for sure.

Simon, what happened?

Simon Sushi on Spadina Ave. and College St. in Chinatown has been one of our family's Friday favorites for years now. You know that feeling of you don't realize what you have until it's gone?

Well yesterday mum and I went there for lunch a late lunch. It was strange because we ordered the same things as we always do but this time, there staff have changed?!?!!! The ladies have all changed! You don't understand. It's not like the new ladies were horrible to us, but it was just that feeling of familiarity. Usually when we walk in there we're greeted by friends who know where we like to sit and what we like to eat.

Maybe we'll try going there one more time in hopes that our friends happen to be on vacation or something.

Spring Rolls

Unexpectedly went to Spring Rolls on by Yonge and Bloor for supper. Going there is always a tasty treat. I had the Tango Mango Tiger Shrimp served on white rice (approx. $13.00).

Sharing a meal is usually such a warm and intimate experience.

Asahi on Church

A new friend too me over a sushi place tonight by Yonge St. and Church St. called Asahi.
I had not been to this little spot and I actually liked their sushi! The menu prices were quite reasonable and the staff were not bad either. 

Asian Finds

Woke up in bliss this morning.


Last night was a relaxed night in with lots of food from Friendly Thai. Steamed Coconut Rice ($2.99), Gai Yang - which is marinated grilled chiken ($10.99), Gai Pad Krapao -basil chicken ($10.99). Delish!

In the afternoon I took a streetcar ride to Chinatown! I love strolling around in that neighborhood. Picked up a few things from there- my fav items being these satin cushion covers!

black satin cushion covers -chinatown toronto

green satin cushion covers -chinatown toronto

Friendship at Hey Lucy!

I met up with my boarding school roommate this afternoon for a bite. Spending time with her always leaves me feeling a warm and familiar feeling. I think I just might go visit her in London (Ontario) one of these days although I secretly hope she moves to Toronto!

♥

We went to Hey Lucy! on Bloor St. (and Spadina Ave.) in the Annex. Fabulous food at a great price. Our waiter was really friendly + he told us we smell good and he was intoxicated ;).

Try their Wood Fired Rosemary Chicken (roast chicken, balsamic roasted onion, basil pesto, tomato) only $12 and absolutely yum!

Coffee @ Jimmy's

A friend took me to this cool cafe in King West. I like the vibe and will definitely go back there again. Jimmy's Coffee is located by Portland and Adelaide streets. I had a trout wrap there but didn't quite enjoy it because of my strong dislike for raw bean sprouts. Other than that, I'd say definitely try it- it's worth checking out!

Soul food + Friendly Thai

Today was quite the eventful day for me.

I woke up über energized and keen to do lots of cleaning and reshuffling around the apt. I love spring redesigning! So much that I ended up burning my waffles in the toaster.

So After the fire went out my waffles were smoked. I decided to feast on some music. I hadn't listened to John Legend's Get Lifted CD in ages and really enjoyed it.  Had forgotten just how much I love every one of the songs on it.

I was able to get a lot done around my home. I love the feeling of moving things around. Makes me feel like I bought new stuff and I'm in a new place at no cost! There were also some pictures which were lying around the apt and finally I pulled out the concrete drill and drilled those walls to hang my pics!

Finally...

This is how my day ended...well, sort of:

Yummy delivery from Friendly Thai

Cutting Tradition through TIFF

I went to the Canteen once again this evening. It feels like I'm soon becoming a regular there :). I had the maple roasted squash served with mozzarella, balsamic, sage and a grilled lemon and herb chicken. So delicious.

It was my first time however to go for a film at the TIFF Bell Lightbox since it opened. My girlfriend asked me to check out the premiere of a friend's film. The Cutting Tradition narrated by Meryl Streep is a production of Safe Hands. This documentary is about the female genital mutilation in Africa. It had such powerful visual effects- very disturbing graphics, but powerful. Although I found it to be a well done film, it was definitely hard to watch. I chose to ask a provocative question and make a bold statement because I was upset by some of the ignorant comments that were being made throughout the Q & A. I dislike it when as people we create a "them" and an "us" especially when "they" aren't in the room to defend or speak for themselves.

Overall, such an exceptional evening and I really enjoyed spending time with my friend.