Notes On A Meal

Banh Mi Boys Sandwich Shop, Toronto

Quick service, low prices and delicious food…what more coulod you want for lunch or a super quick dinner? Located just west of Spadina on Queen st, this little sandwich shop pounds out food like it’s going out of style. A very short menu helps the kitchen work fast on the fly and cook almost everything to order while keeping the lines as short as possible.
The menu is divided into three sandwich styles: banh mi (white baguette), taco and a steamed bao (bun) all of which can be filled with one of few meat or veggie options. I can definitely recommend the pulled pork on the steamed bao. Served with cucumber, pickled carrots and cilantro, the pulled pork is not overly sweet or juicy and therefore the sandwich is not messy and can be eaten on the go (pulled pork sandwiches usually result in a laundry day for me). The cilantro and pickled carrots complement the saucy meat very well, keeping the sandwich light and leaving a very fresh flavor in your mouth. All orders come in a varying degree of spiciness so choose carefully (don’t be brave) and keep it milder in order to truly enjoy the flavours.
The shop has a limited amount of seating that’s generally occupied so I do recommend getting your meal to go and enjoying it on the go.

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Moroco Chocolat, Toronto

Let’s just say, that if Willy Wonka and Alice in Wonderland had a baby, well, it would look a lot like Moroco Chocolat!!!! Located just behind the store fronts of Yorkville Avenue, this venue calls out to every adult’s inner child while still allowing them the sophistication that the neighbourhood endorses. It’s cute, whimsical and it will satisfy your every want and need as it morphs from pastry shop, to restaurant, to lounge; all in one day.

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Guu Sakabar, Toronto

Having just opened its doors in the beginning of 2011 this location of the Guu empire (another location in Toronto, six in Vancouver and one in China) has definitely taken the Annex by storm. Located a block east of Bloor and Bathurst this Japanese pub (Izakaya) is constantly busy and I can definitely understand why. The atmosphere is fantastic, the food is strange but definitely tasty and the staff is probably the friendliest around. I promise you won’t be leaving the venue disappointed.

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The Socialist Pig Coffeehouse, Gananoque

I know this little coffee shop is off the beaten path but if you find yourself in the 1000 island area, this is a cafe worth visiting. Located just across from the town hall in Gananoque (21 King St. East to be more precise) the cafe shares the main floor of a corner lot with its sister restaurant, Pig Iron Barbecue. Husband and wife team work together in bringing their customers fresh, local and delicious food.

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Final meal at Marben, Toronto

I am very disappointed to have to write this review but I think in light of the situation, I need to stand up for what I believe! Marben has a special place in my heart but all feelings aside, Notes on a Meal readers deserve my honesty. A few months ago, my fellow diner and myself received a meal that was a little off (a.k.a. expired to the point of stomach malfunction). It was a very unfortunate accident and it was forgiven and forgotten due to the numerous outstanding meals I had enjoyed there previously.

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Marben

“A little farmhouse revival” in downtown Toronto

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of being invited to dine at the Chef’s table at Marben, a cozy and cool restaurant specializing in the art of butchery and charcuterie. From what I understand, the imaginative and passionate kitchen staff of Marben are responsible for making nearly every single item that hits the table, right down to the bread and condiments. What makes things even better is the fact that most, if not all, of the produce and meats served are grown and purchased within 100km of Toronto, meaning guests are served the freshest ingredients, and local farmers are supported. Awesome!

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Les Quinze Nits – Barcelona

There’s never been a restaurant more embedded in my memory as Les Quinze Nits in Plaza Real, Barcelona, Spain. More particularly, I remember every nuance of the dessert that I had there, the dessert that started my culinary passion. I even waited in line a second night in a row in order to experience that same bliss. However, that was six years ago and although the restaurant still remains nothing is the same!

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Torito Restaurant, Toronto

A fierce competitor for the number one restaurant in Toronto (in my books anyways) is Torito, a little restaurant in Kensington Market (Augusta and College st) serving up delicious tapas. The atmosphere is very laid back and friendly, the staff is very knowledgeable and very genuine and welcoming and the kitchen (open to the dining room) is absolutely spotless.

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Tacos el Asador – Toronto

If you’re craving some spicy “Mexican” food and find yourself in the Annex, well then Tacos El Asador is definitely worth a try. Located just east on Bloor from Christie, this little place cannot be missed. Regardless of the time of day, the half dozen little picnic tables located inside are always full and the take-out counter just as busy. Although there’s a Mexican flag proudly displayed on the wall, this place is just a blend of Central American flavours and a North American standard for these particular combinations. Bring some cash (1 person can probably eat for around $20) and a very empty stomach.

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Pizzeria Libretto Revisited

After much deliberation and some very full stomachs, it has been officially decided that Pizzeria Libretto is my top restaurant of Toronto. Last night we returned for the second time, only to be enchanted once again by the warm and cozy atmosphere and unforgettable food. Similar to our first experience, the service was flawless, the staff knowledgeable and friendly (but not over the top) and the meal was outstanding.

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