tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11406341744749286072024-03-14T03:19:27.301-04:00Davwud's Food CourtVini Vidi MangiDavwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-35638896058615485032016-04-07T09:11:00.001-04:002016-04-07T09:11:44.703-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://diarydiehard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/03-16-So_long_and_thanks_for_all_the_fish_by_ifrrost-d4oty7o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://diarydiehard.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/03-16-So_long_and_thanks_for_all_the_fish_by_ifrrost-d4oty7o.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-19163992045478571882014-01-10T07:46:00.000-05:002014-01-10T08:11:37.162-05:00Closed for Renovations<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be back soon</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DT </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">davwud@hotmail.com </span></span></i>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-71342022216634299212013-12-28T09:28:00.000-05:002013-12-28T09:30:08.460-05:00Okra (Fayetteville, Tn)<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #927203;">The Town Square</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #927203;"> </span></span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ABr-9cMvpIw/Ur2rp_efwzI/AAAAAAAAOP4/30Q8J0PPixM/s1600-h/20131129_132427%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #134495;"><img align="left" alt="20131129_132427" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BawJ9UZJBLI/Ur2rqQSSEPI/AAAAAAAAOQA/6fD3rnTVsF8/20131129_132427_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20131129_132427" width="359" /></span></a><span style="color: #134495;">If you visit a small town, most of the time you'll find one common denominator. A courthouse and square right at its heart that is not only historic and beautiful but is (or was) often the center of the towns universe. Butchers, bakeries, mercantile, and other various and sundry businesses lined the square and was where locals would do their shopping. Often the movie theatre is there as well. So common is this setting that Universal Studios has a permanent </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courthouse_Square" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">set</span></a><span style="color: #134495;"> dedicated to the “Archetypical American” town. The set has been seen in such movies as To Kill a Mockingbird and Back to the Future and TV shows like Leave it to Beaver and Night Rider.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sadly, the advent of mega malls and grocery stores saw a lot of these businesses surrounding the courthouse fail. Due to the proximity of the courts they are quite often, sadly taken over by law firms. Some towns that haven't suffered from recessions still have a variety of merchants offering antiques, books and souvenirs. And rest assured, there will be restaurants.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2UhJrRm5CS0/Ur2rrAqY9_I/AAAAAAAAOQI/ZapFqCnF0JU/s1600-h/20131129_132439%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #134495;"><img align="left" alt="20131129_132439" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XlY954yKTXw/Ur2rrnr0bHI/AAAAAAAAOQM/lm7cX6p36oY/20131129_132439_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20131129_132439" width="359" /></span></a><span style="color: #134495;">Such is the case with Fayetteville, Tn. A wonderful courthouse square is surrounded by some of the afore mentioned establishments. That's where you'll find Okra Restaurant. The latest offering from artist </span><a href="https://twitter.com/TobyPenney" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134495;">Toby Penney</span></a><span style="color: #134495;"> and her husband </span><a href="https://twitter.com/OKRAchefmike" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134495;">Chef Michael Bradley</span></a><span style="color: #134495;">. Local restaurant veterans, one time operators of the famous </span><a href="http://youtu.be/8xwOu8rkdwQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">Mrs. Mary Bobo's</span></a><span style="color: #134495;"> in nearby Lynchburg and owners of </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.amazinggraciesbbq.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">Amazing Gracie’s BBQ</span></a><span style="color: #134495;">.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134495;">Combining a love of art and food Okra serves as restaurant and </span><a href="http://www.tobypenney.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #134495;">art gallery</span></a><span style="color: #134495;">. Not to mention the upstairs apartment serves as living quarters and studio.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134495;">You have your choice of ordering off the menu or the white board. Toby advised me that the only thing that comes in a can is the ketchup refill. Other than that, everything is made from scratch. So lets get a look.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Both Mrs. Sippi and Madame Butterfly opted for Fried Catfish Blue Plate Specials with a variety of sides. I ordered off the menu. </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z-7414D9QqY/Ur2rsY4ubMI/AAAAAAAAOQU/2qIRmAE3kYQ/s1600-h/20131129_133834%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #134495;"><img align="left" alt="20131129_133834" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dz04naCB_vE/Ur2rtG2VSeI/AAAAAAAAOQc/xv33aepd1lw/20131129_133834_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20131129_133834" width="359" /></span></a><span style="color: #134495;">Breaded Catfish: Nothing earth shattering here. It was straight up, cornmeal breaded on the outside and flaky yet creamy inside. It was just solid. Fried catfish 101</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fried Okra: As good as it gets. Not the crusty balls of slime you get in some places but lightly battered, fresh tasting and just cooked. Mrs. Sippi hailed it as some of the best.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mac n Cheese: Your typical old school creamy mac n cheese executed very well. As I said to Toby, mac n cheese doesn't have to have 4 cheeses I've never heard of to be good. It just has to be good.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pinto Beans: These are great. Nice rich gravy with earthy beans. Sadly, there was no pepper sauce on the table to kick them up a notch. Not that the NEEDED it.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Turnip Greens: A nice example that had a touch of sweetness followed with a peppery finish. Thoroughly enjoyable.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Squash: Mrs. Sippi had mixed emotions about this. She was disappointed in that it wasn't what she thought she was getting when she ordered it. That said, it was still fantastic.</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zRvxpAOg7Eo/Ur2rtmnlFnI/AAAAAAAAOQk/JvhZs3J5YYs/s1600-h/20131129_133829%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #134495;"><i><img align="left" alt="20131129_133829" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0-ztRcO1rbA/Ur2ruP_cBHI/AAAAAAAAOQs/vhSfpiSZ5GE/20131129_133829_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20131129_133829" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #134495;"><i>'Mento Cristo: This play on the famous Monte Cristo (which is a fancy way of saying grilled ham and cheese sandwich) is made with Pimento Cheese rather than cheddar. The sour dough was basically made French toast style, complete with cinnamon sugar which I didn't care for (nor did the lady sitting at the table next to us) and easily dusted off. This sandwich however after the fine tuning was an absolute home run. The lady beside me agreed.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fresh Cut Fries: Another item that needed some fine tuning in my mind. They needed to be more well done. As I said, that's just a personal preference. Outside of that, these are fantastic. Great potato taste and seasoned with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur_de_sel" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">Fleur de Sel</span></a> which was a very nice touch. Fries like this would easily fetch north of $10 at a fancy steak house if you simply named them "Pomme Frites."</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--z_GWi6CS_o/Ur2ru7CyRYI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/5lNg_qUR2ls/s1600-h/20131129_135448%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #134495;"><img align="left" alt="20131129_135448" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AmDX0tNTUKM/Ur2rve5K2mI/AAAAAAAAOQ8/_FUeVL-gL3c/20131129_135448_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20131129_135448" width="359" /></span></a><span style="color: #134495;">Apple Bread Pudding: There was a significant difference of opinion here. While the other two thought it was only okay, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Much like Mrs. Sippi and the squash, this wasn't exactly as I expected but decided I liked it for what it was not for what it wasn't. Most notably, I was hoping for a nice apple cinnamon flavour. The caramel sauce on top was really nice but not (in a good way) over the top rich. It came with a nice fluffy whipped cream.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, some terrific southern fare in a lovely little town.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Okra at 113 Main Ave. S. in Fayetteville, Tn.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Okra&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=okra+restaurant+fayetteville&cid=17068275550749166631&ll=35.151821,-86.570797&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Okra&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=okra+restaurant+fayetteville&cid=17068275550749166631&ll=35.151821,-86.570797&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134495;">You can also find them on the </span><a href="http://www.okrarestaurant.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">web</span></a><span style="color: #134495;"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/OKRA.Fayetteville" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">facebook</span></a><span style="color: #134495;">.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134495;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/300/1617239/restaurant/Tennessee/Okra-Fayetteville"><img alt="Okra on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1617239/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134495;">Well that's all for now folks, see ya next time in the food court.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134495;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-59292209910216908742013-12-18T07:29:00.000-05:002013-12-18T07:29:55.294-05:00Fresh Burger (Richmond Hill, On)<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #f23c60;">Tastes Good Like a Hamburger Should.</span></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vow3MPqCjbs/Uq-a1FbYwjI/AAAAAAAAOOQ/Q23arZJmmtE/s1600-h/FB-Logo4.jpg"><img align="left" alt="FB Logo" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R7ZVHa5Up-s/Uq-a16Yj5zI/AAAAAAAAOOY/WIDSGIYISaU/FB-Logo_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FB Logo" width="288" /></a>For <a href="http://images.lpcdn.ca/435x290/201310/30/764187-jacques-kavafian-sest-inspire-domaine.jpg"><span style="color: #445f91;">Jacques Kavafian</span></a> it was time to plot a different course in life. Having spent 28 years in the financial industry he was ready for a new challenge. Taking his love for food and most specifically hamburgers and fries he created Fresh Burger. In his words, "Many of them (nouveau burger joints) complicate the hamburger into various concoctions. We emphasize the taste of the hamburger itself. At Fresh Burger we promise to offer great tasting hamburgers done right." What a concept. A burger place that is focused on the platform (the burger) rather than the myriad of condiments/concoctions that drown out the fundamental building block on which they construct these monstrosities. But don't get me wrong, a well executed monstrosity is still a very tasty thing.</span></span></i><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n5xQWMgRbvY/Uq-a2200MDI/AAAAAAAAOOg/EFvQzPCwEgo/s1600-h/Fresh-Burger3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fresh Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dH8ooaCdMSc/Uq-a3i4G-hI/AAAAAAAAOOo/bya96LCWJ8w/Fresh-Burger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fresh Burger" width="359" /></a>Kavafian is following a template used by Southwest Airlines. Founded on 4 basic tenets; Equipment (in this case the burger not an airplane), Price (make it as inexpensive as possible without cutting corners), Service (he's all about keeping the customer happy), and Simplicity (Keeping a small menu and concentrating on doing a few thing very well rather than a number of things poorly). Jacques is also taking cues from other successful companies as well. His house made burger sauce is inspired by that of the great <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #445f91;">In 'n Out</span></a> chain based in California.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The store is quite small and the menu, as I pointed out, is even smaller.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As of now, you basically have two options, burgers and fries. There is some room to customize within those two options such as Poutine and single or double burgers but at the base, burgers and fries is all Fresh Burger does.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let's get a look at those items shall we??</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I will first point out that all cheeseburgers come with American cheese as a default. Upon request you can change up to Cheddar, Swiss or Provolone.</span></span></i></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w9JCFCiKc1E/Uq-a4d8eB6I/AAAAAAAAOOw/k7nZLKFIa4k/s1600-h/FB-Double-Cheeseburger3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="FB Double Cheeseburger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JupWGWhJ_iA/Uq-a5Y6W7YI/AAAAAAAAOO4/uYrNMRsWCbs/FB-Double-Cheeseburger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FB Double Cheeseburger" width="359" /></a>Double Cheeseburger: An excellent burger. Two 4 oz. ground sirloin patties, American cheese on a soft white bun. This is what it's all about. Simple and absolutely delicious. Sirloin isn't overly fatty but Jacques doesn't over cook them so they're still juicy enough and the flavour of the meat is nicely complemented by the cheese. Which also adds a nice creaminess. The bun provides little more than a way to get deliciousness to the mouth and soak up whatever juice does run out.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rynvemQ82lA/Uq-a6flg2FI/AAAAAAAAOPA/mt-LOSgNPv0/s1600-h/FB-Prime-Burger3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="FB Prime Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fpcOY1rE668/Uq-a60WmuRI/AAAAAAAAOPI/srpiZLakpdk/FB-Prime-Burger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FB Prime Burger" width="359" /></a>Prime Burger: A White Board special this is even better than the single or double. Made with USDA Prime Beef it's a little fattier and as such, juicier with that unctuousness that fat can give. Adding bacon and cheese just makes it that much better. It comes with tomato, lettuce, onion, pickle and secret sauce as a default and while I removed the rabbit food I stuck with the sauce and I'm glad I did. It's very good and lends a nice flavour component.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bhgY5BZO26g/Uq-a7iXCJzI/AAAAAAAAOPQ/opPH7aq2sOM/s1600-h/FB-Fries3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="FB Fries" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WplYUtM9o3I/Uq-a8_H9-aI/AAAAAAAAOPY/4DkalJytbfY/FB-Fries_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FB Fries" width="359" /></a>Fries: These are really good but nothing I would consider the best I've had. Fresh cut and nicely fried I think maybe they could've used a bit more salt but that's something you can easily add at the table. I like the size and they didn't come with a whole bunch of those crummy bits that you sometimes find when a place cuts 'em fresh.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hxyKXboeFlM/Uq-a98mjj6I/AAAAAAAAOPg/z1IL16fsEzI/s1600-h/FB-Poutine3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="FB Poutine" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6EcCSaT69q4/Uq-a-hBidHI/AAAAAAAAOPo/UKHIa_i8jHs/FB-Poutine_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FB Poutine" width="359" /></a>Poutine: A decent representation of this classic Quebecois dish. Made with beef gravy as basically every place in the GTA does but the flavouring wasn't quite right. So all in all, I'd say that if you like poutine you'll probably like it but not love it. If you're one of those so called "connoisseurs" of the dish then you'll probably find enough to complain about and should probably steer clear. FWIW, my buddy Gus, an expat Montrealer gave them his approval.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, quite possibly THE BEST burger in York Region and one of the better ones the GTA has to offer.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Fresh Burger at 9206 Leslie St. in Richmond Hill, On.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=fresh+burger&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=fresh+burger&hnear=Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario&t=m&ll=43.851365,-79.405746&spn=0.173309,0.291824&z=11&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=fresh+burger&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=fresh+burger&hnear=Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario&t=m&ll=43.851365,-79.405746&spn=0.173309,0.291824&z=11&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></span></i><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;">You can also find them on the </span><a href="http://www.fresh-burger.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #445f91;">web</span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">, </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresh-Burger/557111641000196?bookmark_t=page" target="_blank"><span style="color: #445f91;">facebook</span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span><span style="color: #0b1166;"> and </span><a href="https://twitter.com/FreshBurger2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #445f91;">Twitter</span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1778780/restaurant/Toronto/Fresh-Burger-Richmond-Hill"><img alt="Fresh Burger on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1778780/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Well that's all for now folks, we'll see ya next time in the food court.</span></span></span></i> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-18629470621955495242013-11-30T08:16:00.000-05:002013-11-30T08:16:52.182-05:00Chuckwagon BBQ (Madison, Al)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #a00391;">Alabama meets Texas</span><br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SlRUmI6wU3M/UplN1P1z_XI/AAAAAAAAOL4/wChdWNs1JoU/s1600-h/20130814_130921%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_130921" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T0kpR8dsDgQ/UplN16RITuI/AAAAAAAAOMA/2wWD3P-2MBc/20130814_130921_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_130921" width="287" /></a>You sometimes have to wonder what possesses people to do the things they do. I mean, what would posses a person to open a Texas BBQ joint in Madison Alabama. Right in the heart of North Alabama BBQ country. Especially given that people from one BBQ region DO NOT, as a rule, like BBQ from another region. But....there it is, Chuck Wagon BBQ not 10 minutes from the legend, <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.com/2010/07/white-bar-be-que-sauce.html"><span style="color: #445f91;">Big Bob Gibson's</span></a>. It's a recipe, no pun intended, for disaster.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L7V-pYpz9m0/UplN4O3bV-I/AAAAAAAAOMI/sswgXWBu2mU/s1600-h/20130814_130847%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_130847" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t1ngAVqPtic/UplN4hKhJwI/AAAAAAAAOMQ/d7qIKzceyhE/20130814_130847_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_130847" width="359" /></a>But what if I told you that at lunch time, you can't get near this place. That lineups start before the doors open. That ya, it's that good.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FDICs5Z7phc/UplN5Rpp1rI/AAAAAAAAOMY/eMWQmrzv8wA/s1600-h/20130814_153503%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_153503" border="0" height="175" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iUBxXvJ1xY4/UplN6M-gjGI/AAAAAAAAOMg/5IYLftPE1PM/20130814_153503_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_153503" width="359" /></a>Owner <a href="http://blog.al.com/kaylor/2008/03/medium_chuck-wagon-bbq.jpg"><span style="color: #445f91;">Mike Holley</span></a>, a genuine transplanted Texan is churning out what could very well be the best Texas Q East of the Pecos. Using recipes handed down from his Grandfather, George Washington Gray he's found enough room in the BBQ saturated landscape of Madison and Limestone Counties. While he toiled in the oil fields of Texas for many years, Mike had cooking in his blood. His Great Grandfather was a chuck wagon cook on the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goodnight%E2%80%93Loving_Trail"><span style="color: #445f91;">Goodnight-Loving Trail</span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r4sstc2qfRk/UplN7b2uqOI/AAAAAAAAOMo/BF5Pp_8w488/s1600-h/20130814_153402%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_153402" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-csVc3lbmkI4/UplN_L_fF3I/AAAAAAAAOMw/8skn9XJ_6go/20130814_153402_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_153402" width="359" /></a>Located just off I-565 Chuckwagon BBQ is a sight to behold. An honest to goodness joint. Decked out in weathered barn board with a bright red roof and big BBQ spelled out it's a stand out. Smoke stacks and catering pits pop up like mushrooms in a damp forest.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0tfcPakAyB0/UplOBVsS9pI/AAAAAAAAOM4/ligXNL-9Kew/s1600-h/20130814_145819%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_145819" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U0lyILvm7wQ/UplOCTDhdpI/AAAAAAAAONA/r2Ju9T2ldTA/20130814_145819_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_145819" width="359" /></a>Inside it mirrors the outside with more barn board and is decorated with many things Texas. You enter around back and go through the outdoor dining area. Food is served to you cafeteria style from a large serving station inside and the cramped main dining room seems to accommodate many more than you'd think.<br /><br />So let's get a look at what's got Alabamians betraying their roots shall we??</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"> </span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CJisjslCFc8/UplODp2NfiI/AAAAAAAAONI/3YHFKtrJl58/s1600-h/20130814_150623%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_150623" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yZDpewxP0oM/UplOEQtEnWI/AAAAAAAAONQ/a0MuVZ1_SDE/20130814_150623_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_150623" width="359" /></a></span></span>The Beans were much better but seemed to be lacking something. It seemed to be an acid of some sort. I added a bit of BBQ sauce and that seemed to brighten things up a bit. So I added more. I found that there was a level that was perfect and one that was too much. So easy does it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;">I quite liked the Tater Salad. Nothing special about it, it’s just good old solid tuber goodness. Nothing wrong with that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"> </span></span> </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DbimT6hBdrA/UplOF1MgqxI/AAAAAAAAONY/Omcap23wuA8/s1600-h/20130502_180443%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130502_180443" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E9pJEeqjfjE/UplOGsjIGjI/AAAAAAAAONg/tDtLfJb-5Y4/20130502_180443_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130502_180443" width="359" /></a>A 2 Meat combo of Brisket and Sausage is a nice match. Smoked pork sausage and Texas style brisket are as ubiquitous in Texas as cows it seems. While both were terrific, they both lacked that great smoked flavour that I love. Otherwise, the sausage was incredibly tasty and perfectly cooked. When smoking sausage the casing can become rather rubbery and downright unappetizing. This wasn't the case here. The brisket also hit all the appropriate buttons but the smokey one as I mentioned. The meat was fork tender, juicy and great tasting. Gven that these are the two house specialties, they’d better be good.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vGFty0Zya1s/UplOIGMIjaI/AAAAAAAAONo/tg1ceObxBkE/s1600-h/20130814_150637%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_150637" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u7IqB7YLLDM/UplOI62GxXI/AAAAAAAAONw/9SWj1sMUJts/20130814_150637_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_150637" width="359" /></a>They do actually do pork products as well. This horrible photo is of ribs. Given that we showed up 5 minutes before close and I got the last order of ribs they were needless to say, not very photogenic. Not to worry, the taste was pretty much everything you’d want. As you can tell by the pink in the meat, the smoke flavour was spot on.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eXVwtpEOAR8/UplOKe9ftVI/AAAAAAAAON4/yOOTc3xLy9E/s1600-h/20130814_152240%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130814_152240" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y4O-ItVY-Ms/UplOLf8xnOI/AAAAAAAAOOA/_qMKjDT8FPM/20130814_152240_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130814_152240" width="359" /></a>For dessert there are some options but Mrs. Sippi was all over the Fried Pies. The apple was terrific but the peach was just slightly better.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, terrific Texas BBQ in the <a href="http://www.netstate.com/states/intro/al_intro.htm"><span style="color: #445f91;">Heart of Dixie</span></a>.</span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;">You can find Chuck Wagon BBQ at 8982 Madison Blvd. in Madison, Al.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Chuck+Wagon+BBQ&fb=1&gl=us&hq=chuck+wagon+bbq+madison+al&cid=17112142451655525107&ll=34.675866,-86.754358&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Chuck+Wagon+BBQ&fb=1&gl=us&hq=chuck+wagon+bbq+madison+al&cid=17112142451655525107&ll=34.675866,-86.754358&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on <span style="color: magenta;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/ChuckWagon-BBQ/111743785343" target="_blank"><span style="color: #445f91;">facebook</span></a></span>.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/1420501/restaurant/Huntsville/Chuck-Wagon-Madison"><img alt="Chuck Wagon on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1420501/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: x-large;">Well that's all for now folks, see ya next time in the food court.</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com1United States49.152969656170391 -112.148437523.630935156170391 -153.4570315 74.675004156170388 -70.8398435tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-55442078821429516332013-11-16T10:13:00.001-05:002013-11-16T10:13:57.228-05:00Patty and Franks (Toronto, On)<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Gourmet Burgers and Hotdogs.</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g-YKtNK2CqA/UoeIrOId5oI/AAAAAAAAOJs/T5QUNc-3D_w/s1600-h/Patty%252520%252526%252520Franks%252520Sign%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Patty & Franks Sign" border="0" height="177" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Uu_T-Ido47E/UoeIrxt5U4I/AAAAAAAAOJw/OqZipfaZso4/Patty%252520%252526%252520Franks%252520Sign_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Patty & Franks Sign" width="235" /></a>"Gourmet Burgers and Hotdogs." "Signature" burger. Sigh. </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Here is another case of not judging a book by it's cover. When I see things like "Gourmet" attached to burgers and such it makes me think that they're really over thinking things. </i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Gilding the lily doesn't make it better. </i></span>When I see the use (or in many instances, over use) of buzz words like "Signature" it makes me wary. That there's a corporation just trying to sell a concept based on a craze. Cutesy names are another red flag. Like you need to sell the sizzle because the steak isn't good enough to sell itself. "Beau Thai" is a good example of a name that's a turn off. Sometimes I'm right. Sometimes of course those things should just be over looked. Such is the case with TO's newest burger emporium, Patty and Frank's. Which doesn't fit the first two warning signs and walks a fine line with the last.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ut8DAoYEdkE/UoeIueHd1cI/AAAAAAAAOJ8/Pvq1IWLWXqw/s1600-h/Patty%252520%252526%252520Franks%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Patty & Franks (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-InpJu0twNJA/UoeIu4u04FI/AAAAAAAAOKE/vtJltpGv84Y/Patty%252520%252526%252520Franks%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Patty & Franks (1)" width="359" /></a>Perhaps they should've led with this: "At Patty and Franks Gourmet Burgers and Hot Dogs, we create juicy burgers from family recipes and offer real food without any fillers or preservatives!" That's the kinda thing I like to see. That's the kinda place I love to visit. Let's face it, there's nothing inherently "Gourmet" about ground beef or a simple hot dog. They're simple yet tasty concoctions and in no way need gussying up.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gr7XHnuqlmE/UoeIvji950I/AAAAAAAAOKM/P7XSZlUmHec/s1600-h/P%252526F%252520Interior%252520%2525283%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&F Interior (3)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3jKUYr2qnCc/UoeIwH1O-LI/AAAAAAAAOKU/FVyBhRqY7lM/P%252526F%252520Interior%252520%2525283%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&F Interior (3)" width="359" /></a>So, once I was able to silence the alarm bells and give P & F's a chance I was glad I did. Opened in the fall (of 2013) they're, as you can imagine, doing burgers and dogs (Patty & Franks, get it??) along with some of the normal sides and terrific shakes. Located in <a href="http://www.greektowntoronto.com/"><span style="color: #95021c;">Greektown</span></a> their off to a fast start. Immediately grabbing the attention of the GTA's burger loving crowd and so far, the early reports are great. Both links and disks come in preordained creations or you can mix and match parts and accessories to create your own masterpiece. The best part is, everything is house made. Yes, even the Onion Rings.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>From the outside it's yet another store front along "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danforth_Avenue"><span style="color: #95021c;">The Danforth</span></a>." Mixed in amongst many restaurants it's bright and simple outward appearance makes it stand out from the rank and file.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QXJ_3ly3rRM/UoeIxHm0KBI/AAAAAAAAOKc/qRus01CSKaI/s1600-h/P%252526F%252520Interior%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&F Interior (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9Z3eKQLvy1g/UoeIxjIy74I/AAAAAAAAOKk/g814BCemB2k/P%252526F%252520Interior%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&F Interior (1)" width="359" /></a>Inside I loved the space. It's kind of a cross between retro a burger place and a modern burger place. Bright, white and clean like an operating room it has some subtle reminders of the glory days of the diner. Chrome napkin</span><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"> and straw</span><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"> dispensers with vintage Pepsi logos on them are a nice homage to days gone by.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor">There's some hardwood on the walls with real tables and chairs (not quasi booths) filling out the dining room. There's a prep kitchen in the back and an open assembly kitchen in the middle of the space.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor">So let's get a look at what's cookin' in those kitchens.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eET0haD1vnA/UoeIykyTsRI/AAAAAAAAOKs/h7rpFdDKmDo/s1600-h/P%252526F%252520Signature%252520Dog%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&F Signature Dog" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J_tiTmkUEWQ/UoeIzWOgRBI/AAAAAAAAOK0/fdMkNjh-8qc/P%252526F%252520Signature%252520Dog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&F Signature Dog" width="359" /></a>P & F Style Frank: A hot dog with cheddar, real bacon bits, chopped up burger and sautéed onions. I loved it. The wiener was good quality and everything had a nice balance with the exception of the burger meat. It was rather lost in there.I added only mustard and was rewarded with one of the best dogs I've had in the GTA. Perhaps anywhere. Sadly for you self proclaimed "Purists" out there the dog doesn't have the natural casing and snap that y'all see as a deal breaker. I'm not as picky and worry more about taste than anything else. On this second issue, they deliver in spades.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pOI3q8rCT8Y/UoeI0OGATbI/AAAAAAAAOK8/5TQdRa93hAE/s1600-h/P%252526F%252520Bacon%252520CBurger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&F Bacon CBurger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZEyvZ4FlHMs/UoeI08dBWzI/AAAAAAAAOLA/mT3BadyoeEQ/P%252526F%252520Bacon%252520CBurger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&F Bacon CBurger" width="359" /></a>BYO Burger: I liked, not loved the burger. It's 5 oz. AAA <a href="http://www.certifiedangusbeef.com/"><span style="color: #95021c;">CAB</span></a> (yeah) that is seared on a flat top and then finished on a grill. I ordered my usual bacon cheeseburger. It tastes very much like it's a grill burger not a flat top. As such, there's just no way I'm gonna love it. It's just not my style. I spoke with one of the owners and had a debate on the merits of the grill or griddle. He loves the searing of the flat top but thinks that it NEEDS to see fire. I disagree but this is Canada and we're not only allowed to, we're better off because we can. So, all that said, a good burger is a good burger no matter how it's prepared and this is certainly one. I'd order it again.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PVMAFBpJxJ8/UoeI1uLjo9I/AAAAAAAAOLM/eaMiZGrD9c4/s1600-h/P%252526F%252520Poutine%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&F Poutine" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gxk7Hf2dmys/UoeI2PpYBtI/AAAAAAAAOLU/wrS6TW7StUc/P%252526F%252520Poutine_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&F Poutine" width="359" /></a>Traditional Poutine: Probably the closest to the real deal I've had in TO. It's made with beef gravy (which isn't traditional) but at least they seem to understand that it's more of a sauce than actually a gravy. The best I've had is at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montreal_Pool_Room"><span style="color: #95021c;">Montreal Pool Room</span></a> and this seems close. The flavour and consistency is very good. The curds were massive and melted nicely. The fries on their own were nice, crispy but a bit under salted. Perhaps because they were being covered with salty condiments. It's better to err on the side of under salted so no big deal. The purists here will lament the lack of squeak but as I've said in the past, I like my curds to melt so they wouldn't squeak anyway.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"><span id="post_content_8435933_in_place_editor"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PRpd7KQZSB8/UoeI3V-4biI/AAAAAAAAOLc/iZlomhSkHuA/s1600-h/P%252526F%252520Rings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&F Rings" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7_6_Q1sBofE/UoeI3wPwkaI/AAAAAAAAOLk/RTY94xbBUcs/P%252526F%252520Rings_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&F Rings" width="359" /></a>Onion Rings: Also very good. Home made they passed the pinch test although some of the breading did shatter and fall off. The pull test they passed with flying colours. They were tasty in a basic way. Not a lot coming from the breading other than crunch so the onion had to and did carry the dish. They were a bit greasy even for rings. I mentioned it to one of the owners and he said he knew that and is working on it.</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span id="post_content_8407048_in_place_editor"><span id="post_content_8435933_in_place_editor"> </span></span></i></span> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Shakes: The Strawberry/Banana was fabulous. (no picture) Made with real ice cream, strawberries and bananas. What an idea!! I can remember back as far was when I was a kid that being a great combination of fruit flavours. </i></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>It seems, thanks to a competitor who shall remain nameless, that while Toronto was getting a burger upgrade, a residual effect was an upgrade in the shakes being offered around town as well. At the very least, the availability of great shakes.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>So there you have it folks. Great, (not) gourmet burgers, dogs, shakes, well lots of great stuff in one of the cities newest fast food havens.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>You can find Patty and Franks at <span class="st">467 Danforth Ave. in Toronto, On. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=467+Danforth+Ave,+Toronto,+ON&aq=1&oq=467+toronto&sll=43.481104,-79.249581&sspn=1.002427,2.705383&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=467+Danforth+Ave,+Toronto,+Ontario+M4K+1P1&t=m&z=14&ll=43.677746,-79.350091&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=467+Danforth+Ave,+Toronto,+ON&aq=1&oq=467+toronto&sll=43.481104,-79.249581&sspn=1.002427,2.705383&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=467+Danforth+Ave,+Toronto,+Ontario+M4K+1P1&t=m&z=14&ll=43.677746,-79.350091" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st">You can also find them on the <a href="http://pattyandfranks.ca/"><span style="color: #95021c;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PattyandFranksCanada"><span style="color: #95021c;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PattyAndFranks/"><span style="color: #95021c;">Twitter</span></a>.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1786360/restaurant/Greektown-The-Danforth/Patty-and-Franks-Gourmet-Burgers-and-Hot-Dogs-Toronto"><img alt="Patty and Frank's Gourmet Burgers and Hot Dogs on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1786360/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span class="st">Well that's all for now folks, catch ya later in the food court.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></span> <br />
<span style="color: #781430;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-74135034797921897472013-11-02T09:28:00.000-04:002013-11-02T09:28:04.568-04:00Huntsville's 20 Most Distinctive Dishes Pt. II<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #134495;">Welcome back. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>Here is the second of my trilogy in four parts on the Al.com article <span style="color: #0b1166;">Huntsville's 20 Most Distinctive Dishes</span>. The <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2013/09/huntsville-20-most-distinctive-dishes.html"><span style="color: #0b1166;">first</span></a> of which was last month and the other two will be posted over the next couple months.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>6) Locally brewed beer by Olde Town Brewing and <a href="http://www.straighttoale.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Straight to Ale</span></a>. (Huntsville) Available at various locations.</b></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RKu_tDCQlV0/UnQ5OOMtBEI/AAAAAAAAODg/wrBtGa-MieI/s1600-h/Straight%252520to%252520Ale%252520%25257E%252520Monkeynaught%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Straight to Ale ~ Monkeynaught" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1sOvVnrp8KE/UnQ5POrD8II/AAAAAAAAODo/i_cCGQxwyw0/Straight%252520to%252520Ale%252520%25257E%252520Monkeynaught_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Straight to Ale ~ Monkeynaught" width="359" /></a>Olde Town Brewing Co.: They began operations in the summer of 2004 and were the first brewery in Huntsville since the repeal of Prohibition. The brewery was devastated by a fire in 2008 and the company never seemed to recover. They officially closed shop in early 2011 before I was able to sample some of their wares.</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>Straight to Ale: Born in the basement of co-owner Dan Perry, Straight to Ale first hit the market in the spring of 2010 and as of the summer of 2012 was only available in North Alabama. Their beer names are either puns such as "<a href="http://www.straighttoale.com/beer/he-aint-heffe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b1166;">He Ain't Heffe</span></a>" or locally themed such as this sample, <a href="http://www.straighttoale.com/beer/monkeynaut-ipa/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Monkeynaught IPA</span></a>. A tribute to the monkey's dispatched to space from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redstone_Arsenal"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Redstone Arsenal</span></a> during the pioneering days of NASA. This is almost a glass full of tangerine or sweet grapefruit. It's very citrusy (as they advertise) and downright fantatic. If you like the citrus fruits, you'll probably love this.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>7) Fish Taco's ~ <a href="http://www.theoriginalbandito.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Bandido Burrito Co.</span></a> (Huntsville)</b></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FgSOAX7WdsM/UnQ5P-QJ_oI/AAAAAAAAODw/ld_urLt2w_Q/s1600-h/Bandito%252520Burrito%252520Co.%252520%25257E%252520Fish%252520Tacos%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Bandito Burrito Co. ~ Fish Tacos" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hOpD8WVtXik/UnQ5Qisos4I/AAAAAAAAOD4/9v8Occhv0LY/Bandito%252520Burrito%252520Co.%252520%25257E%252520Fish%252520Tacos_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bandito Burrito Co. ~ Fish Tacos" width="359" /></a>Certainly one of the best things on this list. BBC is not a lot to look at from the outside. Occupying what looks like a one time Burger King. In fact, the exterior doesn't hold much promise of good things within. But don't ever judge a book by it's cover. This place is great, led by the fish tacos. They come 2 to an order with Mexican Rice and Refried beans. (both sides were very tasty) A piece of lightly seasoned tilapia each, topped with cabbage, tomato, onions, cilantro and a white sauce made of dill, lime juice and Mexican crema. They are utterly delicious.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>What made this dish is the sauce. It added a great deal of depth.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>I can also recommend the Combo Burrito. Nothing earth shattering about it. Just plain tasty.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968395/restaurant/Bandito-Burrito-Company-Huntsville"><img alt="Bandito Burrito Company on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968395/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>8) Jalapeno Cheddar Bread ~ <a href="http://fredbread.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">FredBread</span></a> (Huntsville) Available locally.</i></span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jZV3H59eWD8/UnQ5RQnjjwI/AAAAAAAAOEA/wW7ijcLS21Q/s1600-h/FredBread%252520%25257E%252520Jalapeno%252520Cheddar%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="FredBread ~ Jalapeno Cheddar" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qpMK1fq4_jg/UnQ5SO57XmI/AAAAAAAAOEI/LyGTcRH1WQE/FredBread%252520%25257E%252520Jalapeno%252520Cheddar_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="FredBread ~ Jalapeno Cheddar" width="359" /></a>What we have here is basically a loaf of sandwich bread studded with jalapenos and cheddar cheese. On it's own with a bit of butter this was great. I didn't get a chance but I think it was just screaming to be made into a grilled cheese sandwich. Very tasty stuff.</i></span></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>What really makes this is, it's bread. Nuff said.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>I recommend purchasing this on court square at <span style="color: #073763;"><a href="http://www.harrisonbrothershardware.com/" target="_blank">Harrison Brothers Hardware</a></span>. A wonderfully restored hardware store from days gone by.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>Chicken Berlin ~ <a href="http://www.cafeberlinhsv.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Cafe Berlin</span></a> (Huntsville)</b></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z3wkwPJovMs/UnQ5TIJ8nlI/AAAAAAAAOEQ/PEkrx09AuJA/s1600-h/Cafe%252520Berlin%252520%25257E%252520Chicken%252520Berlin%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Cafe Berlin ~ Chicken Berlin" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5nKH5FciVQI/UnQ5TtopqLI/AAAAAAAAOEU/XPYYjeyNVwU/Cafe%252520Berlin%252520%25257E%252520Chicken%252520Berlin_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cafe Berlin ~ Chicken Berlin" width="359" /></a>A breaded chicken breast topped with Jarlsberg cheese, sauteed onions and sliced green apple. It was okay but really lacked any depth. The chicken was plain breast meat, the breading wasn't particularly well seasoned and even the Jarlsberg cheese, onion and apple didn't kick this up a notch. Here, the sum was exactly that of it's parts.</i></span></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>What made this dish was the red cabbage that was a side. It was fantastic.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>I can also recommend the bratwurst platter. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968445/restaurant/Cafe-Berlin-Huntsville"><img alt="Cafe Berlin on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968445/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></i></span></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b> </b></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><b>10) Big 8 Pizza ~ <span style="color: #0b1166;">Big Ed's Pizzeria</span> (Huntsville)</b> </i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O1k24ZzBEYc/UnQ5UiKkKUI/AAAAAAAAOEg/jR3U_1baHcA/s1600-h/Big%252520Ed%252527s%252520Pizzeria%252520%25257E%252520Big%2525208%252520Pizza%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Big Ed's Pizzeria ~ Big 8 Pizza" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uCrxss9aWOk/UnQ5VUFuyLI/AAAAAAAAOEo/v9eX1PK9Fxs/Big%252520Ed%252527s%252520Pizzeria%252520%25257E%252520Big%2525208%252520Pizza_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Big Ed's Pizzeria ~ Big 8 Pizza" width="359" /></a>Pepperoni, sausage, ham, green pepper, onions, fresh mushrooms, green and black olives. A seemingly nice combination however the thin crust was way too weighed down by all the toppings and too much water leached out and in general, the whole thing was a mess.</i></span></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>Nothing made this dish. It's just ill fated.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i></i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>I can however highly recommend Big Ed's pizza. We had a simpler pizza with just pepperoni and black olives and it was fabulous. The best pizza in the city.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/1413153/restaurant/Big-Eds-Pizza-Huntsville"><img alt="Big Ed's Pizza on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1413153/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a> </i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i>So there you go. Some great and some not so great stuff. Check back in a few weeks for part III.</i></span></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #134495;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-40776113922450438582013-10-19T13:11:00.000-04:002013-10-19T13:26:00.679-04:00Motor Burger (Windsor, On)<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #445f91;">Vrrmmmmmmmm</span> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v9Kh_V-S9Kc/UmGSks3X-uI/AAAAAAAAOAs/XHuIt8p28u4/s1600-h/20130809_204836%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_204836" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NdKNUlh4bqE/UmGSlKIjSGI/AAAAAAAAOA0/3ATo8N4bP60/20130809_204836_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_204836" width="270" /></a>I'm quite certain you've heard this story before. Several times over in fact. A business is no longer viable due to the "Economic Downturn" that occurred late in the last decade. It happened all over the globe but perhaps no where more so than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit%E2%80%93Windsor"><span style="color: #a00391;">Detroit/Windsor</span></a> area. While they are separate cities in separate countries they're more than just cross river neighbours. Their communities are tied together in just about every way imaginable. The parade of cars crisscrossing the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambassador_Bridge"><span style="color: #a00391;">Ambassador Bridge</span></a> (and through the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Detroit%E2%80%93Windsor_Tunnel"><span style="color: #a00391;">tunnel</span></a>) on a daily basis for work or play is staggering. Not to mention that north of one quarter of the commerce between the two countries crosses that bridge connecting the two metropolises (or is that metropoli??). Simply put, if one bumps it's knee, the other says ouch. </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Mosby"><span style="color: #a00391;">Ted Mosby</span></a> fun fact: The D/W crossing is one of two crossings where you actually head north into the US from Canada.)</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fC9GQlKn5LM/UmGSmFXMMzI/AAAAAAAAOA8/szYKIyW2HvY/s1600-h/Motor%252520Burger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Motor Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d8YEKKwOirk/UmGSmluFuaI/AAAAAAAAOBA/Hk_M1Cv86Vs/Motor%252520Burger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Motor Burger" width="359" /></a>That down tur......well, lets call it what it was, a full on, dreadful recession, destroyed many businesses. A few were able to weather the storm and survive and others, such as Noi in Windsor's Little Italy, were forced to reinvent themselves. The Italian restaurant that once required you to wait for a table suddenly found itself struggling. Could they have stuck it out and waited for the up turn?? Maybe. Not wanting to chance it and interested in a new challenge the place underwent a transformation that has spared them the executioner's axe. When <a href="http://wpmedia.blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/05/motor_burger_beer.jpg?w=630"><span style="color: #a00391;">Gino Gesuale and Jay Souilliere</span></a> reopened as Motor Burger, most people didn't see it coming.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CfO9PVEabMU/UmGSnf0YcsI/AAAAAAAAOBM/51WgkTcOxG4/s1600-h/20130809_205909%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_205909" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-itWNAv_CwSs/UmGSnx-1eDI/AAAAAAAAOBQ/-hCovx_xEs0/20130809_205909_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_205909" width="359" /></a>Motor Burger is the marriage of burgers and cars. The automotive themed restaurant opened in 2009 and has been going strong since. A trendy vibe and functional design is punctuated with chalk, schematic type drawings of cars and that's not the end of the vehicular theme. Menu items are named for automobiles or automotive terms. Heck, even the napkins are actual shop towels. And, much like the auto industry itself, they're in on the green movement. Ditching bottled water and utilizing a reverse osmosis system for their flat and sparkling waters for instance.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xNE2j9SR9Jc/UmGSo78EYJI/AAAAAAAAOBc/zlmMqt9zWp8/s1600-h/20130809_205749%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_205749" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wP9NUB-RnXM/UmGSpU4WuhI/AAAAAAAAOBk/2aRkSryR5EM/20130809_205749_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_205749" width="204" /></a>While they tell you the restaurant is a “present day rendition of a vintage burger joint with a modern twist on design” it may be better to think of it as a Bar and Grill focused on burgers.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">They've also dipped their toes into the lubricant business. Creating their own craft brews right on the premises.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u-WMQ429zOY/UmGSqJ9QtFI/AAAAAAAAOBs/C8-nidbavIE/s1600-h/20130809_205809%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_205809" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rTvI8Gl73q8/UmGSqhqrIMI/AAAAAAAAOBw/eYmNHs4dhbE/20130809_205809_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_205809" width="359" /></a>The success and quality of Motor Burger hasn't gone unnoticed either. Recently Readers Digest recognized their <a href="http://www.readersdigest.ca/food/bbq/great-canadian-burgers-5-top-chef-recipes"><span style="color: #a00391;">Deux Chevaux Burger</span></a> as best in Canada. The Huff-Po has it as one of (#16) the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/adrian-brijbassi/brewpubs-canada_b_1932505.html"><span style="color: #a00391;">Top 24 Brew Pubs in Canada</span></a>. What brought it to my attention though was the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/you-gotta-eat-here/videos.html?titleid=265117"><span style="color: #a00391;">visit</span></a> paid by the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/ontv/shows/you-gotta-eat-here/show.html?titleid=265117&type=specialshow"><span style="color: #a00391;">You Gotta Eat Here</span></a> gang. They were also featured in a <a href="http://www.nfb.ca/"><span style="color: #a00391;">National Film Board of Canada</span></a> documentary series <a href="http://gdp.nfb.ca/episode/1348/second-sitting"><span style="color: #a00391;">GDP</span></a> which investigates the financial woes of Canadian businesses such as this one.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But enough of this, let's get a look at these vehicular inspired goodies.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-niaQm1LEOb8/UmGSrA6lArI/AAAAAAAAOB8/UztyjuTyKKI/s1600-h/20130809_211158%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_211158" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tntGBPnoPLU/UmGSrsEFfyI/AAAAAAAAOCE/aM7FQLmfSe4/20130809_211158_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_211158" width="325" /></a>The Motor Sauce is incredible. A compound mayonnaise that's full of garlic and chilies that's roots are in the French (and Creole) condiment, remoulade with chipotles added to the party. It comes on burgers or as a dipping sauce and is quite nice. It's not overly hot but does have a bit of jump and some tanginess.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5-m7EJpiWzU/UmGSspFP2II/AAAAAAAAOCM/eCfFjMHOnbI/s1600-h/20130809_210059%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_210059" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HX1vxY69ELw/UmGStOT8jCI/AAAAAAAAOCU/CJ9uLk95pRs/20130809_210059_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_210059" width="359" /></a>We started with an order of Chili Spring Rolls. A really solid opening act here. Not quite blown away but very happy with these. Chorizo chili, lime, black beans, smoked cheese and topped with sour cream. The main taste is the chorizo with the others playing a supporting roll. They come 3 to an order, are deep fried and cut in half lengthwise. </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i><br /> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fgPxo01rL9E/UmGSty--1WI/AAAAAAAAOCc/gpYdXxZpaLE/s1600-h/20130809_211139%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_211139" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LuqnpJYX6ec/UmGSuQUXxfI/AAAAAAAAOCg/_zVJ37BJK6U/20130809_211139_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_211139" width="359" /></a>The Motor Mac n Cheese is solid and fairly standard. There's not a lot that stands out but it's solid none the less. The use of tortiglioni rigate is a great choice for two reasons. First of all the standard elbow that's used in M&C is nice but the added length and helix shape are both aesthetically pleasing and seems to stand up better to the cheesy sauce. As well, "rigate" means it has those little ridges on the outside of the noodle. That adds surface area and more for the sauce to cling to. The pasta was nicely cooked. Falling somewhere between a perfect al dente and over cooked.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ac6txmfHA7w/UmGSvM5tjpI/AAAAAAAAOCs/MbVjTCjcxsk/s1600-h/20130809_211215%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_211215" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xs3K_hK5VVA/UmGSvysME6I/AAAAAAAAOC0/p8lXp9he2kM/20130809_211215_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_211215" width="359" /></a>The Shrimp Fuel is, as you can imagine, a shimp burger flavoured with chilies, garlic, fresh tomato, cilantro and topped with avocado and mango salsa. I had probably over hyped this burger a little too much in my mind. I found it to be really good but still just ever so slightly disappointing. There was nothing wrong with it, in fact, it's very well executed. I guess the flavours were a little more subtle than I was expecting. Having seen it on TV I was excited to try it. It happens.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8DBYWjDHfog/UmGSw-pNJFI/AAAAAAAAOC8/tX9GR-JIzso/s1600-h/20130809_211125%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130809_211125" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lghA4v4p2yA/UmGSxakoh8I/AAAAAAAAODE/nItxyzzI0o8/20130809_211125_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130809_211125" width="359" /></a>The <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/the-auto-strata-burger/13534/"><span style="color: #a00391;">Auto Strada</span></a> burger is an absolute home run. It took everything in me to forego a beef burger for a sausage burger. I can honestly say it's one of the best burgers I've had and easily the best non beef burger ever. Chipotle rubbed northern Italian sausage, gorgonzola cheese and sliced apple slaw. There's a lot going on here and it's all good. The sausage is very flavourful and has a decent hit of spice. The cheese and slaw are up to the challenge as supporters. I just thought this was crazy good.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, some truly great burgers in a hip, trendy setting.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Motor Burger at 888 Erie St (Via Italia) in Windsor, On.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=motor+burger&sll=42.317622,-83.021021&sspn=0.031923,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=motor+burger&hnear=&ll=42.313564,-83.021043&spn=0.031923,0.084543&t=m&z=14&iwloc=A&cid=10278252641905989501&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=motor+burger&sll=42.317622,-83.021021&sspn=0.031923,0.084543&ie=UTF8&hq=motor+burger&hnear=&ll=42.313564,-83.021043&spn=0.031923,0.084543&t=m&z=14&iwloc=A&cid=10278252641905989501" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://motorburger.ca/"><span style="color: #a00391;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Motorburger/165173136848858"><span style="color: #a00391;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Motorburger"><span style="color: #a00391;">Twitter</span></a>.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/367/1545882/restaurant/Motor-Burger-Windsor"><img alt="Motor Burger on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1545882/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well that's that folks. Catch ya next time. </span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-90562153772906127742013-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:002013-10-14T09:30:45.997-04:00The Clubhouse Sandwich Shop<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #927203;">Join the Club</span></span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JG0Kbo-H-o8/UlvpIO9c9OI/AAAAAAAAN_E/rCKWuhJHTFY/s1600-h/Clubhouse%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Clubhouse (1)" border="0" height="145" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rkUlr8UpSfc/UlvpIs_KcbI/AAAAAAAAN_M/QewXhjBP6Nc/Clubhouse%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clubhouse (1)" width="359" /></a>Life for people in the south end of the <a href="http://www.utoronto.ca/"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">U of T</span></a> area just keeps getting better. Never mind that real estate prices are going through the proverbial roof or the on going improvements to the transit system making the city run smoother (so they say). It's becoming a foodie mecca of sorts. Stalwart noshing destinations such as <a href="http://www.kensington-market.ca/Default.asp?id=home&l=1"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Kensington Market</span></a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinatown,_Toronto"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Chinatown</span></a> have always been great options. The last decade however has seen several great additions. Some of which, for instance, <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/12/gourmet-hot-dogs.html"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Caplansky's</span></a> and <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/12/gourmet-hot-dogs.html"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Fancy Franks</span></a>, you've read about here.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5h-VqBMmHQ8/UlvpJnXOVEI/AAAAAAAAN_U/zv7OGI0_6Z8/s1600-h/Clubhouse%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Clubhouse (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-isO6MWWXJh4/UlvpKMVkKAI/AAAAAAAAN_c/gVd-HZM1KgM/Clubhouse%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clubhouse (2)" width="359" /></a>Welcome The Clubhouse Sandwich Shop to the nieghbourhood. The little eatery opened by neophyte restaurateur Doan Nguyen has quickly become the talk of the town. As first time restaurants go, this one avoids some of the pitfalls that plaque the newbie. First and foremost, location, location, location. It's in a good spot. Secondly, the food is first rate. It should go without saying but if you don't have a good product, you don't have anything. Lastly, they're not over thinking here. The menu is very simple. Soup and sandwiches and not too many choices either. You're far better off doing a few things very, very well than a number of things that leave people feeling; Meh. Simply put, Doan isn't (ahem) biting off more than he can chew.</span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The small store sits nestled on the edges of Chinatown and the University of Toronto. Inside it's minimalistic and "natural" looking. There's an abundant use of wood an a faux forest wall paper behind the counter. Suggesting the name is not an homage to the classic sandwich but the tree fort of ones childhood.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FwFLByAi6es/UlvpLKjGa8I/AAAAAAAAN_k/ZKlEBRZfOcg/s1600-h/Clubhouse%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Clubhouse Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QMVhY-u2C9k/UlvpLu6WaaI/AAAAAAAAN_o/igKNv5KSyY4/Clubhouse%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clubhouse Interior" width="359" /></a>Seating is communal and can accommodate about a dozen seated and probably a handful more standing. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">The kitchen, whence the goodies emerge is in the back.</span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let's get a look at said goodies.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JHA1ciWp2Uc/UlvpMvxS5MI/AAAAAAAAN_0/wJpkD5trdo8/s1600-h/Clubhouse%252520Fries%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Clubhouse Fries" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hg4BudKqaoM/UlvpNe3I8HI/AAAAAAAAN_8/uEGemPm1Jn4/Clubhouse%252520Fries_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clubhouse Fries" width="359" /></a>The triple cooked Hand Cut Fries are simply amazing. The best JEB claims to have had. Supported by the sight of him hoovering up every last crumb like a Dyson. So what exactly does "triple cooked" mean?? Well, the day before, large, skin on, wedge style potato chunks are boiled in salt water and left to dry for the next day. From there they get the standard <a href="http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2010/01/the-burger-lab-why-double-fry-french-fries.html">double frying method</a> (poached then crisped) that produces the best fries. To say these are crispy just doesn't do them justice. They're potato chip crisp on the outside and almost melt in your mouth fluffy/tender on the inside. Certainly some of the best I've ever had as well. I'm really hoping they offer a Cajun or some other type of seasoning down the road because I feel the possibilities are endless on this type of platform.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mH_VY32Qy88/UlvpODr-VcI/AAAAAAAAOAE/lS9jHL0OSAI/s1600-h/Clubhouse%252520Steak%252520Sand%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Clubhouse Steak Sand" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c69FrLSJwCA/UlvpO_g1yyI/AAAAAAAAOAM/QYQbdxBf4MQ/Clubhouse%252520Steak%252520Sand_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clubhouse Steak Sand" width="359" /></a>The Grilled Flank Steak sandwich is terrific. Very tasty marinated and grilled flank steak is accompanied by cashew pesto, braised red cabbage and Carlo's Trail Mix. I thought the whole thing had a very nice balance with, for the most part, no one thing taking a lead role. Once in a while however you'll get a bite and notice a bit more pesto or steak in the bite. JEB felt the steak was a little sparse and would be better with more. As I said I liked the balance however I could certainly agree that more steak would be a good thing. Seems to be just a fine tuning/personal preference issue.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iCbtZNlK4rQ/UlvpP_tZc_I/AAAAAAAAOAU/XTeZ-2VRFZQ/s1600-h/Clubhouse%252520Halibut%252520Sand%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Clubhouse Halibut Sand" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QYSmNGZcYvk/UlvpQXrQrhI/AAAAAAAAOAc/rw4_ndvYZF0/Clubhouse%252520Halibut%252520Sand_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Clubhouse Halibut Sand" width="359" /></a>The Beer Battered Fried Halibut is an amazing sandwich. There's plenty of fish on this and it's good in it's own right. The addition of tartar sauce, smoky mayo, lettuce and tomato are nice complements. It's light yet filling and keeps a nice crunch. Even with the flavours of the mayo and tartar it retains a bit of a simple feel taste wise.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, some great sandwiches in an area that's becoming a bit of a go to neighbourhood food wise.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find The Clubhouse Sandwich Shop at 455 Spadina Ave in Toronto, On.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=455+Spadina+Avenue,+Toronto,+ON&aq=0&oq=455+spa&sll=43.429778,-79.344322&sspn=1.003287,2.705383&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=455+Spadina+Ave,+Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario+M5S+1A1&t=m&z=14&ll=43.658256,-79.399893&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=455+Spadina+Avenue,+Toronto,+ON&aq=0&oq=455+spa&sll=43.429778,-79.344322&sspn=1.003287,2.705383&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=455+Spadina+Ave,+Toronto,+Toronto+Division,+Ontario+M5S+1A1&t=m&z=14&ll=43.658256,-79.399893" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://www.clubhousesandwichshop.com/"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheClubhouseSandwichShop"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CLUBHOUSEswshop"><span style="color: #4f81bd;">Twitter</span></a>.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134495;"><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1759613/restaurant/Kensington-Market-Chinatown/The-Clubhouse-Sandwich-Shop-Toronto"><img alt="The Clubhouse Sandwich Shop on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1759613/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: times,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #134495;">Well that's all for now folks, see ya next time in the food court.</span></span></i></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-58146520428751549052013-10-07T18:17:00.000-04:002013-10-07T18:17:05.482-04:00Stanlieo's Sub Villa (Huntsville, Al)<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Home of the Kitchen Sink</span> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In May of 1971, Glenn Watson opened what would be Huntsville, Alabama's first sub shop. Taking over a tiny ice cream shop on Jordan Lane before out growing and moving next door. Glenn wanted to bring a little taste of Boston to the city in the heart of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dixie"><span style="color: #95021c;">Dixie</span></a> and put his own spin on things. He decided that cubing the vegetation that tops the subs was a good idea. It turned out to be a bit of a signature for his sandwiches.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hUTC2w8GR-U/UlMmkXOZv2I/AAAAAAAAN9M/jUXrFqt5CVw/s1600-h/Stanlieo%252527s%252520Subs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Stanlieo's Subs" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3DWpyS9z0LY/UlMmlIMnDdI/AAAAAAAAN9U/Rbt97uHuX4Y/Stanlieo%252527s%252520Subs_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stanlieo's Subs" width="359" /></a>Over 40 years later, Stanlieo's Sub Villa in Huntsville is still going strong. They now have 2 locations and have caught the eye of <a href="http://www.al.com/"><span style="color: #95021c;">Al.com</span></a>, as well as the local TV stations, magazines and newspapers. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The whole operation is now run by his daughter, <a href="http://media.al.com/entertainment_impact/photo/13271672-standard.jpg"><span style="color: #95021c;">Connie Ward</span></a> who literally grew up in the store. Recounting, "Cobblers' kids have no shoes, so we didn't have food in the house. If they'd make a mistake (on a sandwich), that would be my lunch."</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">They now offer catering as well for all your party and gathering needs. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The restaurant shown is the Governors Dr location. Originally located on Whitesburg it's settled here and is a little nicer than the Jordan Ln location but both have a homey feel to them. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've not noticed any quality disparity between the two places. Always good to be consistent.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qsbgD8_c1ik/UlMmlyUiawI/AAAAAAAAN9c/hHOAiSUiP1c/s1600-h/Stanlieo%252527s%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Stanlieo's Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bf62exDBpkU/UlMmmtN09OI/AAAAAAAAN9k/sSsho4STEQk/Stanlieo%252527s%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stanlieo's Interior" width="359" /></a>It’s pretty much a fast food ordering system. You walk in, place your order and wait in the dining room. The shop is quite friendly and efficient. The family atmosphere of the restaurant is a product of the family atmosphere of the company. Many employees have been with Stanlieo's for years.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">They're also using technology well to their advantage. You can text stanlieos to 55469 and receive updates and specials right to your phone.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So all that is fine but how are the subs you're probably wondering. Well, they're terrific. I will point out somethings first though. All their subs come with cubed onions, pickles, and tomatoes. While this is a great combination I've found that for the most part, the pickles don't belong on some of the subs I've tried. Your mileage may differ but I'll ask for them to be excluded if I don't think they'll work. If possible. BTW, the pickles are really quite good themselves. They just, at times, seem foreign to me.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As well, they bake their own bread daily. Uncooked loaves are purchased and cooked as needed making for a nicer bread than normal.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hr-ic_zcdUw/UlMmnWgNZ9I/AAAAAAAAN9s/T9dTecGGbmc/s1600-h/Stanlieo%252527s%252520Sub%252520Villa%252520%25257E%252520Kitchen%252520Sink%252520Sub%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Stanlieo's Sub Villa ~ Kitchen Sink Sub" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ysw4wMkCL_4/UlMmn4WI29I/AAAAAAAAN90/MA1J_8obE0M/Stanlieo%252527s%252520Sub%252520Villa%252520%25257E%252520Kitchen%252520Sink%252520Sub_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stanlieo's Sub Villa ~ Kitchen Sink Sub" width="359" /></a>The <b>Kitchen Sink</b> sub, (shown) number 12 on <a href="http://blog.al.com/entertainment-times/2010/07/huntsvilles_20_most_distinctiv.html"><span style="color: #95021c;">this</span></a> list is really, really good. I love Genoa salami and it had a very prominent taste here. Since this is pretty much an "Everything" sub I didn't mind the pickles here. 7 meats, 3 cheeses and over a pound of deliciousness. You can't go wrong.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The <b>Steak and Cheese</b> is quite nice. A good beef flavour but maybe needing a bit more cheese. The topping would be good without the pickles but was fine with them. People put pickles on cheeseburgers after all.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The <b>Pizza </b>sub is terrific but here is where the pickles are just way out of place. I made it through half just to see if I liked it. I didn't. Didn't hate it though. I picked as many off the second half and was good to go. Again, a good presence from the Genoa was very welcomed.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iryjzk3TUd0/UlMmomzfvtI/AAAAAAAAN98/tZRY8iKmZlc/s1600-h/Zapp%252527s%252520Voodoo%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Zapp's Voodoo" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2d0slXYFI1c/UlMmpONB0HI/AAAAAAAAN-A/5p2870xSHaY/Zapp%252527s%252520Voodoo_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Zapp's Voodoo" width="204" /></a>There are some options for dessert and one of them is a really nice selection of Otis Spunkmeyer cookies. Resist the temptation these present and grab a bag of the <a href="http://www.zapps.com/"><span style="color: #95021c;">Zapp's</span></a> Voodoo potato chips. These are awesome. For the life of me though, I couldn't figure out what the flavour of them actually is. There's a good reason for that. According to their website the flavour was created when an employee knocked over some spice boxes. The resulting amalgum was tasted and thought to be "Great." Not the first time a shop accident has been the genesis of discovery.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks. Fine submarine sandwiches that are a definite cut above the chains in a nice friendly place. </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Stanlieo's Sub Villa at 605 Jordan Ln and 602 Governors Dr in Huntsville, Al. </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stanlieo's+Sub+Villa,+Huntsville,+AL,+United+States&aq=1&oq=stanlie&sll=43.745398,-79.368238&sspn=0.007348,0.021136&ie=UTF8&hq=Stanlieo's+Sub+Villa,&hnear=Huntsville,+Madison,+Alabama,+United+States&t=m&ll=34.725361,-86.607076&spn=0.012019,0.050333&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Stanlieo%27s+Sub+Villa,+Huntsville,+AL,+United+States&aq=1&oq=stanlie&sll=43.745398,-79.368238&sspn=0.007348,0.021136&ie=UTF8&hq=Stanlieo%27s+Sub+Villa,&hnear=Huntsville,+Madison,+Alabama,+United+States&t=m&ll=34.725361,-86.607076&spn=0.012019,0.050333" style="color: blue; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #012f00;">View Larger Map</span></a></small></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #012f00;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://stanlieossubs.com/"><span style="color: #95021c;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stanlieos-Sub-Villa/83321350336"><span style="color: #95021c;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Stanlieos"><span style="color: #95021c;">Twitter</span></a>.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #012f00;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/1436617/restaurant/Stanlieos-Sub-Villas-Huntsville"><img alt="Stanlieo's Sub Villas on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1436617/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #012f00;"> </span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #012f00;">Well that's all for now folks. I'll see you next time in the food court.</span></span></span></i>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-20753152071792325272013-09-28T12:16:00.002-04:002013-09-28T12:16:57.091-04:00The Fish Store (Toronto, On)<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #9b00d3;">Our Food Treated with Love</span></span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Vh_wX6FEfCA/Ukb84-kPfDI/AAAAAAAAN6k/nTeKtG30LX8/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520Sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store Sign" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dEvQZdpQduk/Ukb85UenhTI/AAAAAAAAN6s/wjkW6eM8gS8/Fish%252520Store%252520Sign_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store Sign" width="204" /></a>It would be impossible to live in a city and find they have no hidden gems. Places that are flat out awesome however somehow stay below the radar. Even with people such as myself blogging about them or customers posting their experiences on some of the internet food boards or review sites out there they go unnoticed. They somehow never seem to be at the top of anyone's list of great places to eat. Yet just about everyone who pays a visit, raves.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UUjtMIGVKqQ/Ukb86YVHiMI/AAAAAAAAN60/c2KPwNFnvSY/s1600-h/The%252520Fish%252520Store%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="The Fish Store" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-v-LVqLxkaq0/Ukb860jRBnI/AAAAAAAAN68/5pFDnjl5YpM/The%252520Fish%252520Store_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="The Fish Store" width="359" /></a>Take The Fish Store and YuNes Sandwiches in Toronto. The tiny spot owned by a friendly immigrant Korean family in Toronto's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Italy,_Toronto"><span style="color: #b3354b;">Little Italy</span></a> sells fresh fish you can take home. However what will really get your attention are the fresh fish dishes they offer. Give or take there are 18 different sea critters available daily and your fish can be presented in 4 different ways. Sandwich, on rice, a burrito or tacos. All cooked to order. If that weren't enough, they have 3 different soups on the daily menu as well. All are very good.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7V-vIwq2pV8/Ukb875_1zRI/AAAAAAAAN7E/Rfu5QB5CfI4/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520Interior%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store Interior (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bnfbPIxhX0k/Ukb88sCDCpI/AAAAAAAAN7M/B_NV1WR3KXg/Fish%252520Store%252520Interior%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store Interior (1)" width="359" /></a>The sky blue store has a nice distressed look. As if it's been weathered beaten over the years as if it overlooks the sea. Not College St. Your seating options are very limited. Both in room and choice. They have a patio with about 12 seats and that's it.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LqO-eIxDAvk/Ukb89jX0J2I/AAAAAAAAN7U/0unmgzuxF8M/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520Interior%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store Interior (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mmw2WEBbFtQ/Ukb8-TM08HI/AAAAAAAAN7c/pB7qBeXaq7I/Fish%252520Store%252520Interior%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store Interior (2)" width="359" /></a>Inside it's little more than a closet. Almost every inch is dedicated to stock. It's actually a pretty efficient use of space. There's very room to maneuver but enough that they can cook up some of the city's best sandwiches from their tiny little kitchen. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quite literally, the smallest place I’ve reviewed.</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All fish is, more or less, cooked exactly the same. In a terrific sauce that I think can best be described as a fish sauce vinaigrette. It's tasty, earthy and tangy. So let's get a look.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LDIgnl7g3sg/Ukb8_dnZQ_I/AAAAAAAAN7k/aqJVVJXSuoM/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520BBQ%252520Sauce%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store BBQ Sauce" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fGcUOokR_bI/Ukb8_6rZ7rI/AAAAAAAAN7s/EZCAvKGMU4w/Fish%252520Store%252520BBQ%252520Sauce_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store BBQ Sauce" width="204" /></a>YuNes makes their own BBQ Sauce and it's really quite good. I suppose it has to be since it appears to be either completely a home made <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriracha_sauce"><span style="color: #b3354b;">Sriracha</span></a> (rooster) sauce or is the base and back bone of the sauce. I occasionally felt like I tasted cucumber but I wasn't sure. Either way, as I said, it's really good. I would describe it more of a hot sauce than a BBQ sauce FWIW.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zjBqTkJ6aT0/Ukb9Ak4-gOI/AAAAAAAAN70/di7-VDIRpAA/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520New%252520England%252520Clam%252520Chowder%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store New England Clam Chowder" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RY-2WET-XzY/Ukb9BL-5TpI/AAAAAAAAN78/0oMlA2c8EGQ/Fish%252520Store%252520New%252520England%252520Clam%252520Chowder_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store New England Clam Chowder" width="359" /></a>The New England Clam Chowder (they also make Manhattan style) is not the best I've had but there is a good reason for that. It's dairy free. Now, I normally would pass but I've heard great things so I gave it a go. I just can't say that you don't miss the richness the cream provides however I can say that this is fantastic. It still has a buttery-ness even without dairy. It has the signature clam chowder taste. It's just not as rich. Using a potato broth means it's not really lighter, just not as rich. Even better with a bit of pepper.</span></span></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Butternut Squash soup is fantastic. With a nice squash flavour, slightly rich, a bit buttery and silky smooth. About half way through I added some of the BBQ sauce and it was probably equally as good. Neither way was better, just slightly different.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u54BlTv_Mfw/Ukb9CB1gD-I/AAAAAAAAN8E/aLPuE1k-Jvo/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520Grouper%252520Sandwich%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store Grouper Sandwich" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o6B3CyXCpSA/Ukb9Cla9cvI/AAAAAAAAN8M/jIStyuasLUQ/Fish%252520Store%252520Grouper%252520Sandwich_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store Grouper Sandwich" width="359" /></a>The fish sandwich really is all that. Here we have grouper on a nice bun with lettuce, tomato and a hint of cilantro. The whole thing works great with the cilantro adding a bit of personality. Not so much as to put off the bazillion people who hate the stuff but enough to give some flavour. The bun is spectacular. Tender yet crisp. A thin, crispy crust that is tender enough that the guts don't squish out the back yet sturdy enough to stay a bit crunchy throughout consumption. The mild, buttery grouper is at it's delicate best. One of the best fish sandwiches I've ever had. Phenomenal.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-52tfkI2qwkY/Ukb9DjDpZII/AAAAAAAAN8U/j5sOXx-TnGg/s1600-h/Fish%252520Store%252520Catfish%252520Tacos%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fish Store Catfish Tacos" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vH4jihoHqvU/Ukb9EmvP4RI/AAAAAAAAN8c/-o8wXsX0T5I/Fish%252520Store%252520Catfish%252520Tacos_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fish Store Catfish Tacos" width="359" /></a>The Fish Tacos here are both fantastic and disappointing at once. 4 soft flour tortillas stuffed nicely with fresh vegetation and then topped with your fish of choice. The freshness of the veggies really shone here. The fresh catfish was really nice however I felt rather skimpy. They'd probably do better offering the same amount of fish but spread out across 3 tacos instead. I mixed and matched the BBQ sauce and vinaigrette and any combination was really good.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0iV3BsD9_MI/Ukb9F9fJE6I/AAAAAAAAN8k/PvEsHViTIwU/s1600-h/Pancho%252527s%252520Bakery%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Pancho's Bakery" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XZdWuR_fN6I/Ukb9GTp3twI/AAAAAAAAN8o/rgR59Q61Wtk/Pancho%252527s%252520Bakery_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pancho's Bakery" width="204" /></a>They don't do dessert so a trip across the street to <a href="http://www.panchosbakery.ca/"><span style="color: #b3354b;">Pancho's Bakery</span></a> will let you score what they claim is the "Best churro in the city." Pancho's does Mexican sweets that are, from my experience, hit and miss. A group of us paid a visit during a food tour and the over all consensus was that we must be missing something. I got the impression that a lot of what we had was designed to be eaten with a cup of coffee. That said, I've had a few things that I really liked. Not the least of which was a strawberry empanada.</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dQU52GFm-TE/Ukb9HBRytMI/AAAAAAAAN80/HJrFkTdWmmg/s1600-h/Pancho%252527s%252520Churros%25255B24%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Pancho's Churros" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4AeZV9xTTjA/Ukb9H6JmHHI/AAAAAAAAN88/NNOd8EYJIP8/Pancho%252527s%252520Churros_thumb%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pancho's Churros" width="359" /></a>It's hard to say whether or not the churro is the best but I can say I'm not sure I've had better. Perhaps the crunchiest I've had with good flavour in the dough. I'd like a bit more cinnamon hit but it was fine. There's ample dolce de leche squeezed into the middle that it last the whole length of this terrifically tasty tubular treat. The more of these I eat the more I seem to like them. With a growing Latin community, that's only gonna get better.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it. Some of the best fish and churro's this city has to offer.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find The Fish Store at 657 College St in Toronto, On. Pancho's is right across the street.</span></span></i></span> <br />
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<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i></span> <iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=The+Fish+Store+%26+YuNes'+Sandwiches,+College+Street,+Toronto,+ON&aq=0&oq=fish+store+%26+y+toronto&sll=43.693446,-79.39476&sspn=0.124864,0.338173&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&ll=43.654919,-79.416214&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=The+Fish+Store+%26+YuNes%27+Sandwiches,+College+Street,+Toronto,+ON&aq=0&oq=fish+store+%26+y+toronto&sll=43.693446,-79.39476&sspn=0.124864,0.338173&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&ll=43.654919,-79.416214&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://fishsandwich.ca/index.html"><span style="color: #b3354b;">web</span></a> and "like" them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Fish-Store/172329656123713"><span style="color: #b3354b;">facebook</span></a>. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/131791/restaurant/Little-Italy-Portugal-Village/Fish-Store-Toronto"><img alt="Fish Store on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/131791/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></i><span style="color: #781430;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well that's all for now folks. See ya next time in the food court. </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><br />
<span style="color: #781430;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-69826603188106549552013-09-14T09:15:00.000-04:002013-11-02T09:29:23.406-04:00Huntsville's 20 Most Distinctive Dishes Pt. I<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">As many of you know I married a southern girl. Originally from Memphis and raised in north Mississippi, both her and her sister (Sil) have now relocated. Known on here as Mrs. Sippi she's living up here in Canada while Sil's journey would see her settle in Huntsville, Alabama (her parents would later follow). This, if you've been scoring at home, you may already know.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">With family in Rocket City, several times a year we make the drive south. Stopping along the way at some great mom and pop shops that I've shared with you here.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I've also shared some of the great eats the City of Huntsville has to offer as well.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><br /></span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">You may have noticed me referencing a list of the <a href="http://blog.al.com/entertainment-times/2010/07/huntsvilles_20_most_distinctiv.html"><span style="color: #0b1166;">20 Most Distinctive Dishes</span></a> in the region. Originally published by the Huntsville Times and posted on AL.com it's a pseudo guide to noshing in the greater Huntsville area. I set out to sample each and every item on the list. Along the way I've made new friends, eaten interesting foods, discovered great new restaurants and foods I didn't know existed.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Some items </span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I found </span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">to be absolutely incredible while others were miserable failures. Either in terms of taste or execution. </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">So here are my findings in the order they appear in the original article.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">This is part 1 of a trilogy in 4 parts. </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b>1) White Bean Chili ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duffys-Deli/175144265838766"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Duffy's Deli</span></a>.</b> <b>(Huntsville)</b> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-23BRJfKE5B8/UjRgo6HyBDI/AAAAAAAAN5I/KltUJZzsyj4/s1600-h/Duffy%252527s%252520Deli%252520%25257E%252520White%252520Chili%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Duffy's Deli ~ White Chili" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-szJKEaZqVuM/UjRgpyEqL3I/AAAAAAAAN5Q/qPjrzTi2vgc/Duffy%252527s%252520Deli%252520%25257E%252520White%252520Chili_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Duffy's Deli ~ White Chili" width="359" /></a>It's possible this is the best thing on the list. In fact, it's so much a part of Duffy's that the recipe is considered an asset to be sold with the business. I asked if I could get a copy and that was the explanation that accompanied the "Sorry." It was suggested that the recipe is simple and not hard to decode. I suspect there's RoTel in it and plenty of recipes exist for Rotel White Chili.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">What makes the dish is the generous amount of cheese loaded into the cup before the chili.</span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I can also recommend the Deep Fried Cheesecake for dessert. </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968527/restaurant/Duffys-Delicatessen-Huntsville"><img alt="Duffy's Delicatessen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968527/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><b>2) Hush Puppies ~ (Old) <a href="http://www.oldgreenbrier.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Greenbrier Restaurant</span></a> (Greenbrier)</b> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GYorF5-LwGQ/UjRgsLjLuYI/AAAAAAAAN5Y/NfVfr_iHhL4/s1600-h/Greenbrier%252520Restaurant%252520%25257E%252520Hushpuppies%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Greenbrier Restaurant ~ Hushpuppies" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u3irT2LQR4Y/UjRgtNCS5LI/AAAAAAAAN5g/uCnbRYtOPg8/Greenbrier%252520Restaurant%252520%25257E%252520Hushpuppies_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Greenbrier Restaurant ~ Hushpuppies" width="359" /></a>Rumour has it </span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>these deep fried cornmeal dough balls (finger shaped here) were invented by hunters as a way to keep their dogs satiated. As meals were prepared a simple cornmeal dough ball was fried as a treat to “Hush the puppy.” Around here pretty much everyone agrees, these are far superior to any other hush puppies. </i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>They don't need it to "Make" them but make sure you try them dipped in white sauce.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>I will also recommend the Catfish Plate. </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968361/restaurant/Huntsville/Old-Greenbrier-Restaurant-Madison"><img alt="(Old) Greenbrier Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968361/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>3) Coconut Pie ~ <a href="http://gibsonsbbq.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Gibson's BBQ</span></a> (Huntsville)</b> </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tSxZrpNLUmM/UjRguCEnwxI/AAAAAAAAN5o/kWKYp2MouqQ/s1600-h/Gibson%252527s%252520BBQ%252520%25257E%252520Coconut%252520Pie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Gibson's BBQ ~ Coconut Pie" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D3BITWl6nwE/UjRgvQsBPKI/AAAAAAAAN5w/-rjthOe-qIM/Gibson%252527s%252520BBQ%252520%25257E%252520Coconut%252520Pie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Gibson's BBQ ~ Coconut Pie" width="359" /></a>The name Gibson is synonymous with BBQ in north central Alabama. What some may not realize is they're also famous for their outstanding pies. Sadly, this Gibson's has lost it's way over the years serving Q not nearly worthy of the family name. However, their pies are every bit as good as ever. The coconut offering possibly leading that charge.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>What makes this dish is it's home made.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>I will recommend you stick with pies and skip the BBQ. </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968561/restaurant/Gibsons-Barbecue-Huntsville"><img alt="Gibson's Barbecue on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968561/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>4) Chicken with White Sauce ~ <a href="http://www.bigbobgibson.com/"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Big Bob Gibson's</span></a> (Decatur)</b> </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IWIsZXrw4wo/UjRgwhE88oI/AAAAAAAAN54/IfT5Tha-eAI/s1600-h/Big%252520Bob%252520Gibson%252527s%252520%25257E%252520Chicken%252520and%252520White%252520Sauce%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Big Bob Gibson's ~ Chicken and White Sauce" border="0" height="181" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bBjZLSoGwXk/UjRgxWaqOVI/AAAAAAAAN6A/TKk214grBl8/Big%252520Bob%252520Gibson%252527s%252520%25257E%252520Chicken%252520and%252520White%252520Sauce_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Big Bob Gibson's ~ Chicken and White Sauce" width="359" /></a>The Commodore. The Patriarch. The Headwaters. Whatever you want to call Bob Gibson, he practically invented north/central Alabama BBQ. His main contribution is a little known (outside the area) condiment simply named, White Sauce. At Big Bob's they take their smoked chickens and give them a dunk in the white stuff. It's fantastic. The tangy, mayo based finishing sauce nicely balances out the smokiness of the chicken.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>What makes this is the balance of chicken and sauce.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>I can also recommend the ribs. Some of the best I've had. </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968121/restaurant/Huntsville/Big-Bob-Gibson-Bar-B-Q-Decatur"><img alt="Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968121/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><br /></i></span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><b>5) Hamburgers with Cheese ~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Spring-Cafe/100877459956528"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Big Spring Cafe</span></a> (Huntsville)</b></i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a9WxvrXnYSs/UjRgzb-TX_I/AAAAAAAAN6I/wbN51SnhKHA/s1600-h/Big%252520Spring%252520Cafe%252520%25257E%252520Hamburger%252520w%252520Cheese%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Big Spring Cafe ~ Hamburger w Cheese" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jr6axB8aBu8/UjRg0kOAj5I/AAAAAAAAN6Q/2j1X1ypfVOQ/Big%252520Spring%252520Cafe%252520%25257E%252520Hamburger%252520w%252520Cheese_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Big Spring Cafe ~ Hamburger w Cheese" width="359" /></a>First of all, they're not cheeseburgers, they're hamburgers with cheese. Cooked on a flat top they're held in an au jus bath until serving. They get a quick trip to the sandwich press and </i></span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><i>voilà</i>. It comes slider size with pickle and mustard. </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>Add some onion for the classic condiment combination. So named because they did not require refrigeration.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>What makes this is the simplicity. Just a great, easy snack.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>I'll also recommend the Chili Burger. On the list of <a href="http://www.al.com/living/index.ssf/2012/02/100_dishes_to_eat_in_alabama_b.html"><span style="color: #0b1166;">100 Things to Eat in Alabama Before You Die</span>. </a> As is the Slaw Dog.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968414/restaurant/Big-Spring-Cafe-Huntsville"><img alt="Big Spring Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968414/biglink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 146px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </i></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><br /></i></span></i></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i>So there you go. Stay tuned for <span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2013/11/huntsville-20-most-distinctive-dishes.html" target="_blank">part 2</a></span> coming to a computer near you.</i></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i> </i> </span></i></span></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-46515923968408064772013-09-08T09:57:00.000-04:002013-09-08T09:57:51.633-04:00Hey Meatball (Toronto, On)<div align="left">
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #445f91;">You'll Love the Size of our Balls</span></span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ht7j6XgRnxM/Uix5pebyArI/AAAAAAAAN2g/LjEP1_u8HK4/s1600-h/HM%252520Sign%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Sign" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pwcYLPSZXMI/Uix5p08HeWI/AAAAAAAAN2o/Z_0aS11clUY/HM%252520Sign_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Sign" width="253" /></a>In the Spring of 2011 <a href="http://www.blogto.com/upload/2012/05/20120510meatball02.jpg"><span style="color: #a00391;">Rodney Bowers</span></a>, the self proclaimed 300 pound Nona opened an interestingly titled if not concept-ed restaurant named Hey Meatball. </span></span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></i></span><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Having spent time in Eastern Europe and in particular Turkey, he discovered that for every burger place in North America, there was a Kofta (meatball) Shop in that north eastern Mediterranean region.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bowers, who'd previously owned <a href="http://www.therosebudtoronto.com/"><span style="color: #a00391;">Rosebud</span></a>, modeled his new venture on a business that failed to hire him. <a href="http://www.chipotle.com/en-US/Default.aspx?type=default"><span style="color: #a00391;">Chipotle Mexican Grill</span></a>. Yep, the quasi Mexican</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> mega</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> franchise. Oft heralded as a top notch chain they certainly impressed Rod with it's branding and simplicity.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Noh0b9ZDSD4/Uix5qwa624I/AAAAAAAAN2w/O0Iw_EO1OVc/s1600-h/Hey%252520Meatball%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Hey Meatball" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CTlC-DJ5q-k/Uix5rsxIkxI/AAAAAAAAN24/7OSQp6dPEag/Hey%252520Meatball_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hey Meatball" width="359" /></a>Rod didn't want to open just another burger place and really loved the meatball idea. He just couldn't envision it. Then came parenthood and the epiphany. Kids (and people) love spaghetti and meatballs. It's been a hit. Local television stations and media love this place and word has spread. So much so that the gang at Triple D followed Guy here During the winter of 2013. Hey Meatball was featured in the episode, European Inspired. He’s just recently opened a second location in TO’s east end and a kid centric place named <a href="http://heyrestaurant.tumblr.com/"><span style="color: #a00391;">Hey</span></a> on <a href="http://www.roncesvallesvillage.ca/"><span style="color: #a00391;">Roncy</span></a>.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--sYUKn5oJfw/Uix5sqsBXOI/AAAAAAAAN3A/lW4VTb0KGv8/s1600-h/HM%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SMElRjAfxt0/Uix5tBIljzI/AAAAAAAAN3I/--7-shksu_A/HM%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Interior" width="359" /></a>Situated in Toronto's<span style="color: #a00391;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Italy,_Toronto"><span style="color: #a00391;">Little Italy</span></a> the store is a contrast of basic and bold. A large window surrounded by white subway tile isn't the most eye popping store front. However if you add some assertive red graphics you have a visually catchy place.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inside it's really all about function. A smattering of tables and chairs up front, a small bar on one side, a menu on one wall where the cutlery is and a order station in front of the open kitchen in back where the balls are handled.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So what about Bower's balls??</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SCAJAsd56mU/Uix5t1vN8WI/AAAAAAAAN3Q/l-gvIauiwxg/s1600-h/HM%252520Sign1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Sign1" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GK7JNCsF_lo/Uix5ui4JEvI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/paju9jYIjkg/HM%252520Sign1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Sign1" width="204" /></a>Well, they really are quite good. Made from pork and beef they </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">hold together nicely and aren't weighed down with a bunch of competing herbs or other flavourizers. Just letting the meat carry them. They, like basically everything else are made from locally sourced ingredients and hormone and anti biotic free. You can order them in sandwich or plate form.</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let’s have a look.</span></span></i></span><br />
<br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-a30LscMcxAI/Uix5vhXD-2I/AAAAAAAAN3g/rHR5Ki2GZb4/s1600-h/HM%252520Hot%252520Sauce%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Hot Sauce" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kvX57ekuvD4/Uix5wIoOJUI/AAAAAAAAN3o/LqppswN9MX8/HM%252520Hot%252520Sauce_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Hot Sauce" width="359" /></a><span style="color: #4c1130;">They offer 2 house made hot sauces. The green one appears to be pesto with some chilies involved. It looks innocuous enough but has a pretty good back bite. The orange was somewhat scary. What with habaneros being orange and all. It's not nearly deathly hot and has a pretty fruity flavour. Really quite nice and probably less spicy than the green.</span></span></span></i><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Incidentally, the two combined is a nice mixture as well. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LXNv2GgQDks/Uix5xO8axGI/AAAAAAAAN3w/mEZduU2ubz4/s1600-h/Rigatoni%252520%252526%252520Meaballs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Rigatoni & Meaballs" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CylyLDYil5c/Uix5xhcSVjI/AAAAAAAAN34/ave89-v44hU/Rigatoni%252520%252526%252520Meaballs_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rigatoni & Meaballs" width="359" /></a>You can get your balls with various forms of pasta and even polenta. Fresh Spaghetti, Mac n Cheese and even white board specials are some options and are quite tasty. The noodle itself in this case (Rigatoni) is quite good (although I could stand a bit more salt) and is cooked to al dente. The meatballs, as I said, are really very good. What I especially love is the basic red sauce. A simple tomato gravy with not a whole lot, </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">in a good way</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">, going on in it. Just let that great tomato flavour shine through. (It's essentially a mother sauce that can be altered to create something else). Some fresh parmasean adds a bit of background. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RgforR-TqQc/Uix5yhLgvtI/AAAAAAAAN4A/szpCQFo5OZc/s1600-h/HM%252520Rodfather%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Rodfather" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-El2mIfD4hoE/Uix5zaOmVkI/AAAAAAAAN4I/iXnmy4XZpBk/HM%252520Rodfather_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Rodfather" width="359" /></a>The Rodfather</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> caught the eye of a local <span style="color: #741b47;"><a href="http://sandwichestoeatbeforeyoudie.com/2012/04/10/the-rodfather-at-hey-meatball/">blogger</a></span> and Guy sampled it during the episode. </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #4c1130;"> It’s a terrific sandwich. Three meatballs on a grilled chiabata bun with pesto, tomato sauce and Parmesan. While I wasn't as enamoured as they were I still think it's an excellent offering. I was especially impressed with the perfect balance. No one component stood out but all added exactly the same amount of flavour to the whole dish. My only complaints are structural. The meatballs rolled out of my sandwich a couple times. So when I got to the last one I cut it in half and it gave me much better handling. Also, the bun was just slightly too tough for the innards. I had some issues with things squishing out the back when I bit in. It seemed like the bifurcated meatballs helped with that problem as well.</span> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8h153OVccuk/Uix50UjqUkI/AAAAAAAAN4Q/yoXmv0CpnvA/s1600-h/HM%252520Pickled%252520Salad%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Pickled Salad" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZfgDwHaTo_A/Uix51IbGhvI/AAAAAAAAN4Y/2Pq8u0xEnCg/HM%252520Pickled%252520Salad_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Pickled Salad" width="359" /></a>The sandwich comes with a salad on which I decided to pass. I was assured that it was a great salad and as such decided to go ahead and take it. Sure enough, it was. Lightly pickled kale, chard, dandelion and arugula tossed with chopped cucumbers and topped with fully pickled red cabbage and onion. Terrific as is I thought it was better with the addition of some Parmesan. I think it would be even better with something like pine nuts as well but that's just gilding the lily. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lWUXaZdz3vE/Uix52LyTeHI/AAAAAAAAN4g/nXkVFR8zing/s1600-h/HM%252520Sodas%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Sodas" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1s7uppn-lWc/Uix52nB-QLI/AAAAAAAAN4o/pgcGCVGS0fU/HM%252520Sodas_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Sodas" width="359" /></a>Your main option in the drink department is house made pop (or soda or drinks or soft drinks depending on you <a href="https://tastyresearch.files.wordpress.com/2006/10/popvssodamap.png"><span style="color: #a00391;">locale</span></a>). All ingredients are extracted (squeezed, etc) from scratch, by hand and blended with soda water on site. I thoroughly enjoyed my Cream Soda. It has a more mild and clean flavour than the pink stuff in the can. The awful aftertaste from HFCS is missing and with it the heaviness of the drink. A lot of the same applies to the Peach (seasonal) as well. Blended with some apricot it has a very mild taste and I found to be a terrific palate cleanser and quite refreshing.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mD6vlwUM7hA/Uix53sYBm6I/AAAAAAAAN4w/47VmeUKpvSg/s1600-h/HM%252520Brownie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="HM Brownie" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jYwOGDGEvhY/Uix54GU_G9I/AAAAAAAAN44/-mDGZhVepgo/HM%252520Brownie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="HM Brownie" width="359" /></a>They have some small dessert items that are made at their sister restaurant. I normally don't bother saying something if I don't like it but am open to make exceptions. Exception made. This brownie is down right awful. Now, there's absolutely no chance I'd like this. It's basically no sugar added so it tastes like baking chocolate and what's worse, it's gluten free. I gotta tell ya, I loves me some gluten. So if you're into the gluten free thing you could very well like it as I'm sure it's executed well. Just totally not for me.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it. Some great food in a cool little place.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Hey Meatball at 719 College St. in Toronto, On.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Hey+Meatball&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=&hnear=&ll=43.65508,-79.418561&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=Hey+Meatball&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=&hnear=&ll=43.65508,-79.418561&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://www.heymeatball.com/"><span style="color: #a00391;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeyMeatball"><span style="color: #a00391;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TeamHeyMeatball"><span style="color: #a00391;">Twitter</span></a>. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1620272/restaurant/Little-Italy-Portugal-Village/Hey-Meatball-Toronto"><img alt="Hey Meatball on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1620272/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Well that's all for now folks, we'll see ya next time in the food court.</span></span></span></i> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-54026759464452910172013-09-02T09:24:00.000-04:002013-09-06T08:22:33.904-04:00Nina's Taste of Tennessee (Lynchburg, Tn)<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Put Some South in your Mouth</span></span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1_HteDbUhYI/UiSKpZufEiI/AAAAAAAAN04/q0q-nwdP7P8/s1600-h/Ninas3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Nina's" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3QgtTE7lm4w/UiSKqMX7aaI/AAAAAAAAN1A/D4q3T9k6cYo/Ninas_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nina's" width="359" /></a>It would be very easy to say that the only reason to visit Lynchburg is Jack Daniels. The large distillery almost literally being the life support system for the tiny town in Middle Tennessee. It's basically a given that if the distillery wasn't there perhaps the entire town wouldn't exist. However, to say that JD is the only thing worth visiting in Lynchburg is simply not true. A number of small businesses, particularly in and around the courthouse square offer a wonderful way to spend a couple hours shopping and eating. Purveyors offering things such as antiques, JD collectables as well as snacks and full restaurants.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cg5I1PLVLiU/UiSKsX-oBQI/AAAAAAAAN1I/4h3qaRwSpvk/s1600-h/Ninas-Curio3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Nina's Curio" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qWBou7pZNg4/UiSKti209yI/AAAAAAAAN1Q/KAmVM0Pvzf4/Ninas-Curio_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nina's Curio" width="359" /></a>I've even blogged about one of <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/10/smokey-hollow.html"><span style="color: #e0710c;">them</span></a>.</span></i></span></span><span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are a few full restaurants but if you're feeling a bit peckish, there are a few places offering snacks and/or sweets. One such place is Nina's Taste of Tennessee. Named after Linda Ward who's lovingly known as Nina by her grand children this little store sells home made confections as well as other food related items and seasonal bric-a-brac. All made in the long thin state. While you can pick up items like <a href="http://www.lodgemfg.com/"><span style="color: #e0710c;">Lodge cookware</span></a>, various sauces, <a href="http://shop.jimshore.com/?gclid=CMmAksHgrLkCFUxgMgodm1gALQ"><span style="color: #e0710c;">Jim Shore</span></a> collectables and other nick-nacks hand crafted in the "<a href="http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Tennessee/TennesseeNickname.html"><span style="color: #e0710c;">Volunteer State</span></a>" it's the sweets coming out of Nina's kitchen that brings people in the door.</span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ampI4CktJc0/UiSKvt2mI3I/AAAAAAAAN1Y/1iDBSJK1HNk/s1600-h/Ninas-Interior3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Nina's Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hBWuCmDQBps/UiSKxbdY8hI/AAAAAAAAN1g/xd0F2oJyoQQ/Ninas-Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nina's Interior" width="359" /></a>Out front you'll find Johnny manning the counter, greeting people with that southern hospitality and charm. All the while Linda whisks away in the kitchen.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let's get a look at what she's got cookin' in that there kitchen.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DG_G7LsWdVo/UiSKzNXnzkI/AAAAAAAAN1o/XvaIvM2_8Ws/s1600-h/Ninas-Trophy-Case7.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Nina's Trophy Case" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0mpXIWJJDFM/UiSK0Gn2EhI/AAAAAAAAN1w/ZR92KeXFncM/Ninas-Trophy-Case_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nina's Trophy Case" width="359" /></a></span></i></span><span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are plenty of things to sample and among them are some fudges. I was able to sample the Chocolate, Whiskey, and Peanut Butter Fudges along with some straight and Whiskey Caramel Syrups. I'll deal with the fudges in a second but as for the syrups they're really good. They come from a local purveyor which also has other offerings. The addition of a little JD in syrup really adds some depth. You don't get that "Boozy" taste that can often times happen when alcohol is used but a nice, well rounded flavour. It has much more going on than the virgin syrup.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1RUJ8u3i4SA/UiSK1nFp8BI/AAAAAAAAN14/iGMmu3zQvSQ/s1600-h/Ninas-Choc-Oreos3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Nina's Choc Oreos" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S3U3fpb6rSk/UiSK272X66I/AAAAAAAAN2A/wDHDmPOAO5c/Ninas-Choc-Oreos_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nina's Choc Oreos" width="359" /></a>One thing that really caught my eye was the chocolate dipped Oreos. Now, some will say you shouldn't mess with perfection and in principal, I agree. Citing Oreos as perfect the way they are. There's no getting around the fact that on their own, in their original incarnation, Oreos are possibly the king of the grocery store bagged cookies. These original types, dipped and then drizzled with the opposite colour chocolate are simply incredible. I wouldn't say better than plain but different. No better and certainly no worse. They come in white and dark chocolate and if you're like me and can't decided which one to chose, get both. I cut both in half and split them with Madame Butterfly. Even after all that, I couldn't decide which cookie was better.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HfNuRbwbiDU/UiSK4sYzC9I/AAAAAAAAN2I/ojJg-No2G94/s1600-h/Ninas-JD-Fudge3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Nina's JD Fudge" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D1O2IkY0YrI/UiSK5oU4bbI/AAAAAAAAN2Q/mtwCCav4G7g/Ninas-JD-Fudge_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Nina's JD Fudge" width="359" /></a>The star of the show and what got us in the door is the house made Whiskey Fudge. Being able to compare the regular version with the whiskey version it was clear, much like with the caramel sauce, the JD makes a difference. It just has more body. There's not so much that a non whiskey person would be turned off, enough you can tell there's some in there and certainly enough to push it over the edge as far as fudges go. As with most places selling fudge, it's sold by weight so you can pretty much buy as much as you like.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Incidentally, the Peanut Butter Fudge was absolutely amazing.</span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you go folks, some excellent goodies to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.</span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Nina's Taste of Tennessee at 14 Short St on the north side of Lynchburg Square in Lynchburg, Tn.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=nina's+taste+of+tennessee&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=nina's+taste+of+tennessee&cid=0,0,12820481089058509319&ll=35.282963,-86.373632&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=nina%27s+taste+of+tennessee&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=nina%27s+taste+of+tennessee&cid=0,0,12820481089058509319&ll=35.282963,-86.373632&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=m&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://www.ninastasteoftennessee.com/"><span style="color: #e0710c;">web</span></a>.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/300/1777609/restaurant/Tennessee/Tullahoma/Ninas-Taste-of-Tennessee-Lynchburg"><img alt="Nina's Taste of Tennessee on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1777609/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b3354b;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well that's all for this time. We'll see ya again in the food court.</span></i></span></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-86716890579155703202013-08-31T16:46:00.000-04:002013-08-31T16:47:00.556-04:00Mama’s Boys Burgers (Toronto, On)<span style="color: #445f91;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mama’s Food is Fresh not Frozen</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you've been following along at home you've certainly figured out I love burgers from a flat top griddle. The heat nicely sears the outside of the beef which then fries in it's own juices. There are people who don't care for this kind of burger. Citing a "Flame Broiled" offering as the best. If you're one of those who can't decide or if your buddy likes the other, then Mama's Boys Burgers in Toronto's east end is a good choice. Offering both types of sandwich and plenty of other great consumables.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ddjl9XIwwMM/UiJQ0e0ONwI/AAAAAAAANzA/7Dl5MTF7r5o/s1600-h/Mama%252527s%252520Boys%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Mama's Boys" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-20NlT4BFlrM/UiJQ1BTiP3I/AAAAAAAANzI/Qk1WV5ZNK2o/Mama%252527s%252520Boys_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Mama's Boys" width="359" /></a>Opened in the spring of 2012, Mama's Boys is a bit of a throwback to the type of place that wasn't hard to find in TO in the 70's and 80's. Greeks doing home made burgers, soulvaki, O-Rings and fresh cut Fries among other things. As the turbulent decade drew to a close these joints had, for the most part, sold out. Once a place to get great fast food they expanded and quality suffered greatly. Others were bought up. In any case, few survived.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Thankfully, this little hidden gem has the kind of goodies that will take you back to those times. Offering fresh everything. Not frozen fries and burger patties. They pride themselves on that fresh quality. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b2j9zOU7NZ4/UiJQ1-Ti_gI/AAAAAAAANzQ/QoI8vQuICO0/s1600-h/MB%252520PanInt%25255B78%25255D.jpg"><img alt="MB PanInt" border="0" height="139" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_oXdMaK2EU8/UiJQ2ZH0glI/AAAAAAAANzY/10SpRXsHKMI/MB%252520PanInt_thumb%25255B76%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MB PanInt" width="504" /></a>From the outside it's not much more than a corner unit in a strip mall.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inside is bathed in sunlight and is straight up fast food. An order station where Bessy (Mama) will be waiting for you (usually) and a long counter where the condiment station resides. </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There's seating for a couple dozen with tables and a ledge along the windows. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Like with a lot of these places there's an open prep kitchen and a main one in the back. Here's where you'll likely see "Mama's boys."So let's get a look at what the boys are serving up shall we?? </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Everything, as they tell you, is "Made with love." </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--DSQc3XRwg8/UiJQ3QMP6NI/AAAAAAAANzg/_oEftYnsCLQ/s1600-h/MB%252520Spicy%252520Feta%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="MB Spicy Feta" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hwzrWAwMOKo/UiJQ373LBGI/AAAAAAAANzo/gHe0Tl90vXI/MB%252520Spicy%252520Feta_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MB Spicy Feta" width="359" /></a>They have the usual suspect when it comes to condiments but a signature offering is Spicy Feta. Oh baby this stuff is good. Hot peppers are pureed with olive oil and blended into some crumbled feta. The richness of the feta is nicely cut by the acidity of the peppers. Said peppers add a nice bit of heat and some flavour with the oil smoothing everything out. It won't blow the doors off you but if you're not into the hot stuff, it'll probably get your attention.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">They offer a few different French fry options. I've had some plain and they're okay. First off, the fries weren’t overly salted which is better than being too salty and easily fixed. They use fresh cut Yukon Gold potatoes which are considered a very good all purpose potato but I believe that Russet's make better fries. Creating a crisp and golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside fry. These ones here are somewhat limp. Not at all a deal breaker though as the taste is still solid.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-v8xXD61mea4/UiJQ4pWnv6I/AAAAAAAANzw/v5qrsFvS_DY/s1600-h/Poutine%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Poutine" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O4eVww7_SM4/UiJQ5eq5JWI/AAAAAAAANz4/m5kIpwUuqro/Poutine_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Poutine" width="359" /></a>The Poutine, is good but not great. My feelings on the fries are the big reason. A simple food like this can only be as good as it's weakest link and the tater of choice is just that. The gravy is beef which seems to be the norm here and is quite good. The curd seems to have some squeak which will make the purists somewhat happy. As I said, all in all, this is good stuff.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uZk6llUbjfg/UiJQ6VtKwpI/AAAAAAAAN0A/C-J_ZtdxhJM/s1600-h/MB%252520Greek%252520Fries%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="MB Greek Fries" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jrf4IYo7Ac0/UiJQ7DtNL3I/AAAAAAAAN0I/sE0uKVTW_Rc/MB%252520Greek%252520Fries_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MB Greek Fries" width="359" /></a>The Greek Fries again are good but not great. Again, the potato being the weakest link. These fries topped with crumbled feta, olive oil and oregano are still pretty tasty. The cheese isn't as pungent as I'd like but it's fine none the less. The oil and oregano work really well in the dish. So again, over all, good.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #445f91;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #445f91;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pVXF9up2GHw/UiJQ7y9zvkI/AAAAAAAAN0Q/EhRdaRZAJrM/s1600-h/MB%252520Souvlaki%252520on%252520a%252520Bun%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="MB Souvlaki on a Bun" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KYhoa_0jyOE/UiJQ8glttEI/AAAAAAAAN0Y/xF9gabitPSs/MB%252520Souvlaki%252520on%252520a%252520Bun_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="MB Souvlaki on a Bun" width="359" /></a>The Pork Souvlaki is, stop me if you've heard this, good but not great. In fact, it's very good. What really keeps me from rating this higher is that it's fairly mildly marinaded. Souvlaki can range from mild to punch you in the face bold with garlic and oregano flavours leaping out at you. I prefer that latter. This offering is incredibly tender though, has a nice taste but didn't stand up that well to the tzatziki which in and of itself is fantastic. It normally comes in a pita but I had it on a bun and added some of that great Spicy Feta. Very good overall.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--6p8TRyNdS8/UiJQ9pqSrCI/AAAAAAAAN0g/iyDZ6H6HFJ8/s1600-h/BDCB%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="BDCB" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NacYlAShe_M/UiJQ-AyPaHI/AAAAAAAAN0o/vN-NeZEzBPM/BDCB_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="BDCB" width="359" /></a>I really liked the burger. Called the Signature American it’s a Banquet Burger that has sautéed onions on it. As you can imagine, being named American, it’s 4 oz. (per patty) double burger done on a flat top. It’s not in my pantheon of great burgers but is solidly in the next group below. The beef is ground in house but, as with the fries, under seasoned. A little S&P helped with that. The beef was otherwise good and while the cheese lacked a bit, (only 1 slice) the bacon had a good presence. I love onions and want to love sautéed onions on a burger but I just don’t seem to. So next time I’ll omit them.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have folk. Some really good fast, no make that fresh food in Toronto's east end.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Mamas Boys Burgers at 480 Danforth Rd in Toronto, On.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=mama's+boys+burgers&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&ll=43.708418,-79.267666&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=h&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=mama%27s+boys+burgers&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=&ll=43.708418,-79.267666&spn=0.006295,0.006295&t=h&iwloc=A&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #445f91;">View Larger Map</span></a></small><span style="color: #445f91;"> </span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #445f91;">You can also find them on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MamasBoysBurgers"><span style="color: #f23c60;">facebook</span></a><span style="color: #445f91;">.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #445f91;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1658678/restaurant/Scarborough/Mamas-Boys-Burgers-Toronto"><img alt="Mama's Boys Burgers on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1658678/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> </span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #445f91;">Well that's all for now folks, see you again in the food court. </span></span></span></i> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-39927113430993265922013-08-16T08:45:00.000-04:002013-08-16T08:55:45.076-04:00Zip's Cafe (Cincinnati, Oh)<div dir="ltr">
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><span style="color: #012f00;">Cinci’s Best Burger? Vol. II</span></span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GXVyC4QGYQk/Ug2hL8H5PwI/AAAAAAAANw0/7YX4aTvecbk/s1600-h/Zip%252527s%252520Sign%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Zip's Sign" border="0" height="221" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8uOUaocRyhM/Ug2hNOI-uDI/AAAAAAAANw8/lBAVyPlumnc/Zip%252527s%252520Sign_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Zip's Sign" width="294" /></a>For more than 85 years residents of Cincinnati's gorgeous <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Lookout,_Cincinnati"><span style="color: #a00391;">Mt. Lookout</span></a> neighbourhood have called Zip's Cafe their local watering hole. Opened in 1926 it's made it's reputation not on it's service, beer lineup, (which incidentally now features offerings from the terrific <a href="http://www.greatlakesbrewing.com/homepages/age_verification"><span style="color: #a00391;">Great Lakes Brewing Company</span></a>) or quaint atmosphere but on it's burgers.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Cbm_MgLLyQ4/Ug2hP7UBSNI/AAAAAAAANxE/uO4-WN54Lt0/s1600-h/Zip%252527s%252520Cafe%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Zip's Cafe" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E_4zqEpVLj4/Ug2hSubk9MI/AAAAAAAANxM/ztDhsp0Sn8E/Zip%252527s%252520Cafe_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Zip's Cafe" width="359" /></a>Such is their reputation for burgers that they're often rated as best in Cincinnati by local diners, bloggers and media outlets alike. In fact, they're burgers are such an institution in the area they resisted adding bacon for almost their entire existence. However, in the spring of 2013 they gave into the smoky, salty overlord. At 5pm EDT Wednesday, April 24, 2013 they held their bacon release party. An event marked earlier in the day by Cinci mayor Mark Mallory declaring it "Zip's Cafe Day" in the Queen City.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /><span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">What makes their burgers so good?? 2 words: Flat Top. Well, that cooker of all things delicious and of course quality ground beef delivered daily by <a href="http://www.avril-blehmeats.com/"><span style="color: #a00391;">Bleh-Avril & Sons, Inc.</span></a> and the soft honey egg buns from <a href="http://www.klostermanbakery.com/"><span style="color: #a00391;">Klosterman Bakin Company</span></a> on which they are served.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FAmAHGv2A2Y/Ug2hVjjoyhI/AAAAAAAANxU/4k4v3YtO6i4/s1600-h/Zip%252527s%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Zip's Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sUc2jwGR6JU/Ug2hXfQVvKI/AAAAAAAANxc/4xsqFVmsng8/Zip%252527s%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Zip's Interior" width="359" /></a>The cafe sits right in Mt. Lookout Square and has an almost European feel to it. Hanging baskets adorn the facade and a nice green awning punctuates the front door.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Inside it's dimly lit adding some ambiance and is rather a tight squeeze. The main dining room out front seats about 30. Behind that is the "Code Room" which is really just the bar area and behind that the kitchen. There is a number of beautiful old Cinci-centric photos scattered through out. A toy train circles the dining room and pokes its head into the bar for a short stretch.</span></span></span></i> </div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">But enough of all that, time to get to the million dollar question; are they the best burgers the city has to offer?? In my mind, no. That's not to say that they aren't fabulous eats though. So let's get a look shall we??</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4cS60ieRqwQ/Ug2haPh1wZI/AAAAAAAANxk/jA3g2On6mBA/s1600-h/Chili%252520Cheese%252520Fries%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Chili Cheese Fries" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-s9Bp4Xu_ug8/Ug2hcj24g0I/AAAAAAAANxs/oyLsW0M7SC8/Chili%252520Cheese%252520Fries_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Chili Cheese Fries" width="359" /></a>The Chili Cheese Fries are good even if they are pretty low brow. Shoestring fries are covered in a very tomatoey chili and smothered in cheese sauce. It really is a very tasty dish however the complete antithises of fine dining. They very much reminded me of the ones at <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-best-darn-hot-dogs-around.html"><span style="color: #a00391;">Ritzy Lunch</span></a> in Clarksburg, WV. Where the chili and cheese almost completely dominate. While I think the dish would be better suited with a heftier fry, I'd miss this mess if they changed it. As with Ritzy Lunch, it was almost like chili cheese potato soup. Which as I'm sure you can imagine is a good thing.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0V4e0vXnGr8/Ug3XMjq92xI/AAAAAAAANyM/YLebflVrMfc/s1600-h/Zip%252527s%252520Cheeseburger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Zip's Cheeseburger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8xSuq4Q8l1Q/Ug3XRQgOMNI/AAAAAAAANyU/d_HQ3fUWkI0/Zip%252527s%252520Cheeseburger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Zip's Cheeseburger" width="359" /></a>Their Burger is a text book rendition of the Classic American Cheeseburger. Fresh ground beef, simply seasoned, done on a flat top and served on a Wonderbread style bun. It's right in line with the likes of <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.com/2012/08/home-of-world-famous-ground-round.html"><span style="color: #a00391;">Miller's Tavern</span></a> in Detroit. It's absolutely perfect, tasty, juicy and beefy. It practically melts in your mouth.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gg5JQZCgWOs/Ug2hftfqwDI/AAAAAAAANx0/8G7OKzDJ3WE/s1600-h/Train%252520Wreck%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Train Wreck" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nH0S3oUKPdI/Ug2hgUONHbI/AAAAAAAANx8/jjHlyCciaWc/Train%252520Wreck_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Train Wreck" width="359" /></a>I just couldn't resist the Train Wreck Burger. This is their basic sandwich with deli ham, three cheeses and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mettwurst"><span style="color: #a00391;">Mettwurst</span></a>. It also comes with a host of condiments but I skipped most of them. I don't care for tomatoes on a burger and for the most part, can't stand lettuce on one. There are of course exceptions to rules but I wasn't about to make one here. Anyway, all the flavours worked nicely together and at times took turns standing out. Delicious.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Well there you have it folks, some great burgers in a historic Cincinnati pub located in a quaint part of town.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">You can find Zip's Cafe at 1036 Delta Ave, Cincinnati, Oh.</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://www.zipscafe.com/"><span style="color: #a00391;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/zips.lookout"><span style="color: #a00391;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/zipscafe"><span style="color: #a00391;">Twitter</span></a>.</span></span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/363597/restaurant/Hyde-Park-Mount-Lookout/Zips-Cafe-Cincinnati"><img alt="Zip's Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/363597/minilink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 36px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></span></span></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Well that's all for now folks, we'll catch ya later in the food court. </span></span></span></i></div>
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-78917800483633374362013-08-05T09:12:00.000-04:002013-08-05T18:21:55.211-04:00Porchetta and Co. (Toronto, On)<span style="color: #95021c;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Hogtown Heaven</span></span></i></span><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ychte5DH3bU/Uf-ibMGafwI/AAAAAAAANu0/7xj9_qijbj0/s1600-h/P%252526C%252520Logo%25255B32%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&C Logo" border="0" height="242" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1QEsi8PHFh0/Uf-icFeXJkI/AAAAAAAANu8/LERGwCJd_mg/P%252526C%252520Logo_thumb%25255B35%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&C Logo" width="251" /></a>In the mid 19th century William Davies immigrated to Canada and before long, set up a stall at Toronto’s <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/03/community-anchor.html"><span style="color: #fc143d;">St. Lawrence Market</span></a>. William sold hams and bacon and quickly learned, he was onto something. By the 1860’s he was shipping high quality salt cured pig products back to his native England. In time, the William Davies Company would operate the largest pork processing plant in the British Empire, the second largest in North America and would be credited (in part) for creating the Canadian pork industry we know today.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This success wasn’t lost on others as competitors soon cropped up and would be the genesis of Toronto’s nickname, Hogtown.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0qAkgAZqItY/Uf-idDd3R4I/AAAAAAAANvE/FxPB9l_De-4/s1600-h/Porchetta%252520%252526%252520Co%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Porchetta & Co" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yAOmDYQ0-yI/Uf-if16TewI/AAAAAAAANvM/e2iKud8w0yw/Porchetta%252520%252526%252520Co_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Porchetta & Co" width="359" /></a>Toronto has never gotten over it’s love affair with the pig. Toronto’s signature sandwich is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peameal_bacon"><span style="color: #fc143d;">Peameal Bacon</span></a> on a Bun. This simple dish, an almost “Must do” for any trip to the St. Lawrence Market, traces it’s DNA back to the inventor of Peameal Bacon; William Davies.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Another piggy treat that’s really gained a lot of steam over the last half decade or so is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porchetta"><span style="color: #fc143d;">Porchetta</span></a> Sandwich. In “Hogtown”, there’s no better offering of this rich, slow roasted porcine deliciousness than at Porchetta and Co.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This small (mostly) take away only place nestled in the heart of Toronto’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Italy,_Toronto"><span style="color: #fc143d;">Little Italy</span></a> neighbourhood churns out plates, sandwiches and sides. The menu is really that small but is shored up by weekly “white board” specials like Fried Chicken.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #95021c;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r97zNhAjXVw/Uf-ikdE1pFI/AAAAAAAANvU/AmN-XEw7L8Q/s1600-h/Porchetta%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Porchetta" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--AX0nd8hS4c/Uf-inBmTOcI/AAAAAAAANvc/0MybCsgxZ8E/Porchetta_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Porchetta" width="359" /></a>P & Co. take the basic porchetta and soup it up. A pork shoulder is marinaded 24 hours with a variety of aromatics like rosemary and lemon zest. It’s then wrapped in proscuitto. Just because that simply isn’t good enough, the whole thing is then wrapped in cured pork belly. From there, the whole monster is blasted in an oven to create a great crust before slow roasting for hours to achieve that melt in your mouth, decadent flavour that has people lining out the door.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chef/Owner Nick auf der Mauer open shop in December of 2010 and it has been on my “To do” list pretty much ever since. It wasn’t until a season 2 <a href="http://dai.ly/xw1308"><span style="color: #fc143d;">episode</span></a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Bourdain"><span style="color: #fc143d;">Anthony Bourdain’s</span></a><span style="color: #fc143d;"> </span>show <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/the-layover"><span style="color: #fc143d;">The Layover</span></a> came to town and, what with Tony being big on the pig, paid them a visit that I realized I could no longer put it off. Couple that with a tweet pronouncing they were serving Soft Shell Crab Po’ Boys, it was a done deal.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-66aoJx8Amdc/Uf-iqqocrqI/AAAAAAAANvk/4FiQGW22lj8/s1600-h/P%252526C%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P&C Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YqPz81pQEC0/Uf-isSwUlOI/AAAAAAAANvs/_YOKGaB-GjA/P%252526C%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P&C Interior" width="359" /></a>The tiny shop is a little hard to spot from the street but sniffing it out is well worth your trouble.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inside there’s a handful of stools across the front window where you can eat your goodies but those seats can be hard to get. Especially when it gets busy. A good bet is to get out to one of the many local parks. Weather permitting of course.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The vast majority of the small space is dedicated to food prep and sales. The counter is backed by an open prep kitchen with the main one in the back. </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Just a word to the wise. There’s no public bathrooms so you may want to wash up before hand and bring cash ‘cause they don’t take plastic.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let’s get a look at these goodies.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hAiNXjtFn60/Uf-it37wfHI/AAAAAAAANv0/eWiXAfvLsEE/s1600-h/Porchetta%252520Sandwich%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Porchetta Sandwich" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QKFCXTRt9QU/Uf-iv6EcDkI/AAAAAAAANv8/1pat-mBuyKE/Porchetta%252520Sandwich_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Porchetta Sandwich" width="359" /></a>Let’s start with the flagship. The porchetta sandwich. You can DIY your own with modifiers like Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Rapini. The latter being fantastic on porchetta.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This day, on the specials board was a sandwich constructed with Truffle Sauce, (real) parmesan and grainy mustard. This was simply an awesome sandwich. The bread was perfect in that it added some flavour but not a lot. It had enough body to hold together yet not so much as to cause the innards to squish out the back when you bite in. It had great pork taste as well. Bolstered by some cracklin’s which also added some crunch. The parmesan and truffle sauce were more back ground players. What tied the whole thing together is that mustard. It was tasty, tangy and had a little kick. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fX-aNcDdNEA/Uf-iyf65TSI/AAAAAAAANwE/RXuDydu-2PY/s1600-h/Baked%252520Beans%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Baked Beans" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4oGk1RP8vMQ/Uf-i0AaJljI/AAAAAAAANwM/-xJFCv7TYbk/Baked%252520Beans_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Baked Beans" width="359" /></a>They offer up a trio of sides from which we selected the Baked Beans. These don’t resemble canned beans too much with hunks of pork and plump beans in a rich sauce. The whole mess is then garnished with cracklin’s. Very tasty although I’d leave the cracklin’s off next time. I didn’t feel they added much and were excellent of their own accord. So much so that Mrs. Sippi tried unsuccessfully to purchase some as a side. </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9PLIRcsNkt0/Uf-i2u9ziWI/AAAAAAAANwU/4QJnJNakh9E/s1600-h/SS%252520Po%252527%252520Boy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="SS Po' Boy" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xJvTRP0pU-Q/Uf-i3U38-5I/AAAAAAAANwc/DLz4yzp7fj0/SS%252520Po%252527%252520Boy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="SS Po' Boy" width="359" /></a>The reason for the visit was the Friday - Saturday special that weekend. The Softshell Crab Po’ Boy. Crabs, as you probably know, have an exoskeleton. The bones don’t grow so need to be shed regularly as the animal grows. A process known as molting in case you didn’t know.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For a brief period the crab has no shell. Such beasts have become a delicacy world wide. </span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Typically (in NA) they’re deep fried and often served up sandwich style. P&C serves theirs on a Wonderbread style hot dog bun with sriracha mayo, slaw (which she omitted) and prosciutto bits. The crunchy crab shone on this and was nicely complemented by the garnishes. The bun served its purpose perfectly. It was merely a vessel to get from plate to mouth. A superb sandwich.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well there you have it folks. Some rather decadent foods at a reasonable price.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Porchetta and Company at 825 Dundas Street West in Toronto.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #95021c;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=porchetta+%26+co&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=porchetta+%26+co&hnear=Mississauga,+Peel+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&t=h&ll=43.646262,-79.407892&spn=0.021738,0.036478&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=porchetta+%26+co&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=porchetta+%26+co&hnear=Mississauga,+Peel+Regional+Municipality,+Ontario&t=h&ll=43.646262,-79.407892&spn=0.021738,0.036478&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://www.porchettaco.com/index.html"><span style="color: #fc143d;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Porchetta-Co/150491471663582"><span style="color: #fc143d;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PorchettaAndCo"><span style="color: #fc143d;">Twitter</span></a>.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #95021c;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1568154/restaurant/Little-Italy-Portugal-Village/Porchetta-Co-Toronto"><img alt="Porchetta & Co on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1568154/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #95021c;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So that’s all for now folks. See ya again in the food court.</span></span></i></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-83297758104832643932013-08-03T16:15:00.001-04:002013-08-03T16:15:43.917-04:00Wahed Shawarma (Aurora, On)<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Peerless</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9TjWBy5lX9k/Uf1dFgnSvlI/AAAAAAAANrk/UN_zeifWpTI/s1600-h/Wahed%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Wahed (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xSYjazRQeMU/Uf1dHtjAYlI/AAAAAAAANrs/Ih2bd6eL_Wk/Wahed%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Wahed (2)" width="359" /></a>As you may have figured out, I love shawarma. The heavily seasoned, super marinaded, rotating meat of the Middle East. It's really pretty simple, I love meat, bread, sauces, </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">seasonings</span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">, spices and </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">ethnic food. </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Which, when veggies are added, exactly what shawarma is.</span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It should then come as no surprised that in the Spring of 2012 I was very excited to see a little mom and pop shawarma place open out on the main drag, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yonge_Street"><span style="color: #134495;">Yonge St</span></a>. in the little town where I <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurora,_Ontario"><span style="color: #134495;">live</span></a>. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wahed Shawarma is a small Iraqi place in the south end of town in a little strip mall. The name translates from Arabic to mean "Unique" or, as the title of this review suggests, "Peerless." In the town of Aurora, if not York Region, that may simply be the case.</span></span></i><br /><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Like with all good shawarma places, pretty much all food items are made in house with the exceptions of the breads and are tasty and fresh. While the shawarma itself is not the best I've had it's certainly first rate. The Falafel is another story. It's awesome and flat out my favourite. Opinions bolstered by the many Middle Eastern people I've talked to while waiting in line. All rave about the place so don't just take it from this Canadian. Those who know, know.</span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RC7iRRFeZeQ/Uf1dKvWuwLI/AAAAAAAANr0/yPQ_XyObkxo/s1600-h/Croutons%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Croutons" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LoKflzbfTDI/Uf1dMWt-uUI/AAAAAAAANr8/gUMP8JEr5V4/Croutons_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Croutons" width="359" /></a>One thing that they do as well that I really love is put a bowl of "croutons" on the counter for you to nibble on while you're there. Said croutons are deep fried, seasoned pieces of pita bread that are used in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fattoush"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Fattoush</span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">. The Middle East’s version of a bread salad</span>.</span></span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /></span></span><span style="color: #0b1166;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kNMa5xTkCA4/Uf1dPMaWdvI/AAAAAAAANsE/hFHJNX2iPO4/s1600-h/Wahed%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Wahed Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3aJ4XtkBUjc/Uf1dQzSxfII/AAAAAAAANsM/m1CJqhXiAVs/Wahed%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Wahed Interior" width="359" /></a>Wahed's interior is not much to look at but then again, it doesn't need to be. A gaggle of tables and chairs in a dining area that has seen better days. There's the counter/prep station just as you walk in. Requisite religious items and pictures of the homeland decorate the walls. The main kitchen is in the back corner where all the main cooking and prep work are done.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> </i></span></span></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But enough with all this, let's get a look at the food. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">First off let me say that the pitas they use are rather small. So if you’re a big eater, you may want to order 2. They’re a little more bready than others I’ve had. Most are pretty thin with a crispier shell while these have a bit of fluffiness to them. Inside and out. </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That said, they’re also among the most inexpensive shawarma. </span></span></i></span></span></i><br /><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i>They also serve them “clamshell” style, not “tucked and rolled.” I prefer the latter. It doesn’t affect the taste either way. Just a preference in presentation and maneuverability. After assembly they get a quick grilling in a sandwich press. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jbTqPpLNt_Q/Uf1dTcYXeAI/AAAAAAAANsU/j5POiGK7he4/s1600-h/Falafel%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Falafel" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q41oPD_ckaQ/Uf1dUTgOnyI/AAAAAAAANsY/HjGjWy-1s4k/Falafel_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Falafel" width="359" /></a>The Falafel is outstanding. Like any shawarma place worth its salt, they cook it to order. These chick pea dough balls have a nice crispy exterior (because they’re cooked to order and don't sit around steaming and getting gummy) and a fluffy interior. They have a really nice “fried” taste with a good hit of cumin and a bit of cardamom. As I said before, I’d have to say this is my favourite falafel in the GTA. I don’t do hot sauce on it though. I just don’t like it hot. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XkpTn4YQQCU/Uf1dVgR3bCI/AAAAAAAANsk/pCZj0UplQE4/s1600-h/Wahed%252520Chicken%252520Shawarma%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Wahed Chicken Shawarma" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sDfXajLNB-w/Uf1dW5XlH-I/AAAAAAAANss/gv_NxPfeqFo/Wahed%252520Chicken%252520Shawarma_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Wahed Chicken Shawarma" width="359" /></a>The Chicken Shawarma is also quite good. Juicy, chickeny and highly seasoned with overtones of cinnamon. They have the standard toppings and I get all of them. They have a pretty kick butt hot sauce and aren’t shy with it either. If you ask for it spicy, you get spicy. Not some hint of it that leaves you wanting more.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Beef Shawarma is even better. Similarly spiced however the beef tends to stand up a little more than the more delicate chicken. Again, with everything and spicy is my order. I simply love it.</span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I must say though, these days I'm on a "Mix" roll. That is to say, I get a mixture of beef and chicken. Blended together they work well and don't fight with each other.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, some great shawarma and falafel north of the city.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Wahed Shawarma at 14810 Yonge St in Aurora, On.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=43.988736,-79.46495&num=1&t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=43.988748,-79.464958&spn=0.007611,0.021136&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=43.988736,-79.46495&num=1&t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=43.988748,-79.464958&spn=0.007611,0.021136&z=14&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Oddly enough, this may be the only restaurant on the planet that isn't on the web, facebook or Twitter. It's such a hidden gem that even Urban Spoon doesn't know about it yet.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;">Well that's all for now folks, catch ya next time in the food court. </span></span></span></i>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-56522736790037138772013-07-16T18:43:00.001-04:002013-07-16T18:45:06.433-04:00New Market BBQ (New Market, Al)<span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Follow the Smell of Hickory</span></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FV9vaW62do0/UeRipPs-NQI/AAAAAAAANpA/G0Z87uqob30/s1600-h/Sign%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Sign" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XzUr46kQXH0/UeRip4hU2rI/AAAAAAAANpI/f1Qjgr-S6Kk/Sign_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sign" width="359" /></a><a href="http://mw2.google.com/mw-panoramio/photos/medium/33285789.jpg"><span style="color: #f23c60;">Kelly and Libby Webb</span></a> were born to cook. Kelly grew up at his fathers side, tending the smoker for family gatherings. Libby meanwhile was in the kitchen cooking for the large family in which she was raised. These skills meshed perfectly when the couple, since met and married, took over New Market BBQ in, conveniently enough, New Market, Alabama.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PhsLkStrgP4/UeRiq20c_VI/AAAAAAAANpQ/45hPiKs3fBM/s1600-h/NMBBQ%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="NMBBQ" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0uQds0PM868/UeRisIyPEzI/AAAAAAAANpY/CxPyAa4S528/NMBBQ_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="NMBBQ" width="359" /></a>Opened in 1995 by Virginia and Darrell Day, the business would find a “For Sale” sign in the window a little over a decade later. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">It had been Kelly’s dream to own his own BBQ joint and when a co-worker of his at Boeing (yes the airplane people) informed him of it’s availability, the couple pounced. Leaving the corporate world would be more than just a change of jobs. It would be a radical change of life for the couple as the restaurant came with a house (where they now live) and property as well. </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">While Day stayed in the picture to make for a smooth transition, as the years passed, so too has the torch. NMBBQ is now completely a Webb operation. The business has stabilized and the menu has been shored up. Q standards like ribs and shoulder are bolstered by specials such as BBQ spaghetti (‘sketti). They’ve also augmented the main part of the meal with the reward for clearing your plate, dessert. All prepared on site in either the pit by Kelly or the kitchen by Libby.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qapf7f2Pp3I/UeXLyFTTCKI/AAAAAAAANq8/vAuizUMn1YQ/s1600-h/Picnic%252520Pavilion%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Picnic Pavilion" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Z7ws5DF_x8o/UeXLytuvHCI/AAAAAAAANrE/1sDjil4gWwA/Picnic%252520Pavilion_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Picnic Pavilion" width="359" /></a>NMBBQ sits at the edge of this tiny little town less than a half hour drive from Huntsville. It is that kind of town that qualifies for “Blink and you’ll miss it” status. As such, there’s just not the traffic to be a full time venture so their hours are confined to the weekend. Even with it’s proximity to the “Big” city.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jwJ_pnT24mA/UeXLzkayHMI/AAAAAAAANrM/ax6pIUSkmCE/s1600-h/Interior%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Interior (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n3Zw-n6w5bc/UeXL0JpnaDI/AAAAAAAANrU/SnO6aQLjqyU/Interior%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Interior (2)" width="359" /></a>The restaurant itself is a quaint little place. It has most of the trappings of a BBQ joint. Piles of hickory, obligatory pig picture, smell of wood smoke and pig fat, etc. Most of it’s footprint is dedicated to food prep. One area houses the smokers and another the kitchen. There’s a small area for expediting orders and a very nice screened in porch with about a dozen or so chairs facing outward.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">There’s also a nice picnic pavilion (pictured above) across the parking lot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let’s get a look at what Kelly and Libby are serving.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span> </span></i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-taQwdgFebX4/UeRitHAuEeI/AAAAAAAANpg/qWfUa3hmljE/s1600-h/Sides%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Sides" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PD3LDXFORrc/UeRiuXKK7vI/AAAAAAAANpo/RbuYZV1HyVg/Sides_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sides" width="359" /></a>For sides we have BBQ Beans and Tater Salad. Both are solid if unspectacular. The beans were of the doctored up canned variety with bits of smoked pork. As I've mentioned before, many competition teams do this and there is nothing wrong. So long as their good. These are. The Potato Salad is your typical mayo based style and all in all, about what you'd expect and more over, what you want.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7BB7QIspNG4/UeRivzIWAeI/AAAAAAAANpw/Ov_icqP0Niw/s1600-h/Brisket%252520Sandwich%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Brisket Sandwich" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hm870JKA1-Q/UeRiw-BiKKI/AAAAAAAANp4/zDTTlMJujLs/Brisket%252520Sandwich_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Brisket Sandwich" width="359" /></a>As far as Brisket Sandwiches go, this is one of the best I've had. Brisket is not a beginners cut. It takes time and is quite easy to dry out. So to find a place that knows how to make good brisket is great. NMBBQ does it right. I ordered it sandwich style and it was excellent plain. No sauce or slaw required. It was as juicy as brisket will be, smoky, meaty and with just the right amount of the salty rub. One of the best things I had here.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tkSFXt6tBqs/UeRix4VXoLI/AAAAAAAANqA/-rhPqUjT-A8/s1600-h/Smoked%252520Turkey%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Smoked Turkey" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ki9D6qcZqS8/UeRiy8XiJGI/AAAAAAAANqI/MH381ZUfoLc/Smoked%252520Turkey_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Smoked Turkey" width="359" /></a>Not to be out done by the brisket is the Turkey Breast. Again, not an easy cut for novices as it too is easy to dry out. Again not so here. This is moist and as flavourful a piece of breast meat I've had. Nicely smoked and served up in slices. No need for the White Sauce on this and in fact, it detracted. It's not that the sauce wasn't good, it was fine, it's just that it covered up the subtle turkey flavour.</span></i></span></span> <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #95021c;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u0zr-dcpJ80/UeRi0WgNROI/AAAAAAAANqQ/4gE7ctrmxOE/s1600-h/Ribs%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Ribs" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fntJt0SMk98/UeRi1WN8dmI/AAAAAAAANqY/bbwqm8nJPls/Ribs_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ribs" width="359" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The ribs, served dry, are pretty much perfect. Smoky, meaty, juicy and the right amount of chew. They yielded the bone when tugged on just as they should be. I can’t say these are the best ribs I’ve had however they were more than satisfactory.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-p5dixL6ceig/UeRi2rDrkJI/AAAAAAAANqg/56u9V-3vxCw/s1600-h/Peanut%252520Butter%252520Pie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Peanut Butter Pie" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AxLXhaPF6Xg/UeRi3RiaqGI/AAAAAAAANqo/3ydhmwPMEDI/Peanut%252520Butter%252520Pie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Peanut Butter Pie" width="359" /></a>There are a few options for dessert but I couldn't resist the Peanut Butter Pie. Peanut butter flake (like what's in a Crispy Crunch) topped with custard and meringue, crumble. It's baked into a standard pie shell and is absolutely fantastic. I hemmed and hawed about but in the end, I made a great choice.<br /><br />So there you have it folks, one of the best examples of North/Central Alabama BBQ in a quiet little historic town.<br /><br />You can find New Market BBQ at 5601 Winchester Rd, New Market, Al.<br /><br />You can also find them on the </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.newmarketbbq.com/"><i><span style="color: #f23c60;">web</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #95021c;">, </span></i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewMarketBBQ?ref=br_tf"><i><span style="color: #f23c60;">facebook</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #95021c;"> and </span></i><a href="https://twitter.com/newmarketbbq"><i><span style="color: #f23c60;">Twitter</span></i></a><i><span style="color: #95021c;">.<br /><br />Well that's all for now folks, see ya later in the food court.</span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #95021c;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"></span> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-14626758655666724292013-07-08T18:25:00.000-04:002013-08-05T18:22:24.673-04:00Phipp's Bakery, (Toronto, On)<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #e23c03; font-family: Rehotalko;">Sweet and Savoury.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bb2Dr-S8olg/UdsnChDbKzI/AAAAAAAANlo/7gN8aQGvEBw/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Sign%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Sign" border="0" height="194" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4GUdUFljkPA/UdsnDZCgAYI/AAAAAAAANlw/ypIikdh-Cd4/Phipp%252527s%252520Sign_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Sign" width="258" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>In 1986, with little fanfare, a small bakery opened in Toronto's up and coming trendy neighbourhood, </i></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbagetown,_Toronto"><span style="color: #a00391; font-family: Georgia;"><i>Cabbagetown</i></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>. Already having outgrown owner </i></span><a href="http://www.postcity.com/Village-Post/November-2010/Plenty-of-lsquofresh-rsquo-goodies-in-the-Village/Biz-Phipps.jpg"><span style="color: #a00391; font-family: Georgia;"><i>Janet Schreiber</i></span></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="color: #a00391; font-family: Georgia;"><i>'s</i></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i> kitchen, it would be 4 short years before Phipps Bakery outgrew those digs. An upsize to include a cafe and relocation found their new home on Eglinton Ave. E. </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i> </i></span></span></span><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Such was the success of Phipps that 10 years later further expansion would occur. Another 5 years would pass before, too busy to run as one entity, they split their retail and wholesale operations and both have thrived.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">The retail store (bakery) offers great options for both the sweet and the savoury along with espresso (coffee, etc.) and a quaint little dining area in which to enjoy. </span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I've said before, sometimes it's just better to let the place speak for itself.</span> "</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; language: en;">At Phipps we love everything about great desserts and food. We love to make it. We love to eat it. We love to savour it. And we especially love the pleasure that it gives to all our customers. Selling good food is not just business for us—it’s our way of expressing what we stand for and our long time commitment to our customers." </span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; language: en;">If you see a mission statement like this, you can pretty much take comfort in the knowledge that you'll leave satisfied if not smiling like the cat that just swallowed the canary.</span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; language: en;"> </span></span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; language: en;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; language: en;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0abpxgfp_qI/UdsnETKap-I/AAAAAAAANl4/HQvtfLmqXm4/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Bakery%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Verdana;"><i><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Bakery" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7USnB2fQfW4/UdsnE5VC4TI/AAAAAAAANmA/EIG6AK6NOps/Phipp%252527s%252520Bakery_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Bakery" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i>Phipps is a bit of a community anchor in the high rent, </i></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Hill,_Toronto"><span style="color: #a00391;"><i>Forest Hill</i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i> neighbourhood of Toronto. It's location is at once on the fringe of Forest Hill and right in the heart of the "Upper Village." Occupying a store front among the likes of pilates studios, clothing stores and other food purveryors.</i></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; language: en;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VtToV6Ys5qg/UdsnFkIaBGI/AAAAAAAANmI/NCzL2pOOAjg/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520FOH%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><img align="left" alt="Phipp's FOH" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o4WVYYXuDyg/UdsnGT5pwwI/AAAAAAAANmQ/W_N32eB2AMg/Phipp%252527s%252520FOH_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's FOH" width="359" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The front of the bakery is simply that. A bakery. As far as the offerings anyway. There's, as I call it, a Trophy Case with cakes and pies and all those great goodies. The coffee bar is up here as well. It's almost it's own, separate place. You can come in, get a coffee and sweet, walk out and never know there was a tea room in back.</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0Bbl8N3Rg-c/UdsnG4R8yzI/AAAAAAAANmY/tzhkW3QrUy0/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520BOH%25255B51%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img alt="Phipp's BOH" border="0" height="153" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4kW0LloIZSA/UdsnHnP_AsI/AAAAAAAANmg/nO4HESOZiDQ/Phipp%252527s%252520BOH_thumb%25255B47%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's BOH" width="504" /></i></span></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Back there is the hot table and salad bar. You can also find breads and sundry items. In an interesting decor plan, there's almost no transition. The dividing line between sweets and savouries is more or less marked by the Babka's. </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is also where the seating is. The small area of about 10 mismatched tables and chairs is set up like a European street cafe. Up to and including (faux) store fronts.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the very back where </span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">the kitchen is and </span></i></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">all the magic happens. So let's get a look. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wUS7Y1BRIFA/UdsnIdX4JRI/AAAAAAAANmo/3UrUKzk_jbE/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Hot%252520Tabl%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Hot Tabl" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WTTg5mJsbrI/UdsnJMJ6QTI/AAAAAAAANmw/ic7ZACDiIs0/Phipp%252527s%252520Hot%252520Tabl_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Hot Tabl" width="359" /></a>There are a handful of items on the hot bar that are supported with a salad bar and some soups. There is also Chili daily. Entree's can include Ratatouille and Vegetable Chow Mein. These dishes as with the soups are subject to change daily but from what I can tell, pretty much anything you choose won't disappoint.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lXtwasX6tlI/UdsnJ7TNlVI/AAAAAAAANm4/Os3ucBhQX3I/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520MacNCheese%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Phipp's MacNCheese (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kwNzbXtC9fQ/UdsnKbfG3yI/AAAAAAAANnA/mPgjth34O40/Phipp%252527s%252520MacNCheese%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's MacNCheese (2)" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The Mac n Cheese served at Phipp's is good though not spectacular. It's got good cheese flavour and it pretty creamy. For those who like their pasta al dente then you'll be somewhat disappointed. This is not the be all and end all in mac n cheese however it's a solid offering that'll get ya where you want to go.</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ggDHiVpg5K4/UdsnLB8NySI/AAAAAAAANnI/647_e_XNIzM/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Lentil%252520Stew%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Lentil Stew (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1kVkLUJistk/UdsnLprL7xI/AAAAAAAANnQ/v9JUmyF-mFI/Phipp%252527s%252520Lentil%252520Stew%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Lentil Stew (2)" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The Lentil Stew is absolutely fantastic. My only exposure to lentils (in stew form) is the Indian dish, dal. Which is curried lentils. </i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here we basically have a beef stew with a minimal amount of beef and loads of lentils. The gravy is definitely tomato based with some beefiness to it. There's not a lot of heat and make no mistake, this is not at all "Indian like." Which I suspected. I felt it benefited from some pepper on top. Enough to up the heat level just a bit and thoroughly round out the flavour.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So after saying all that I get a message from the "Twitterverse" telling me it it's vegetarian. Leaving me, thoroughly, completely, with egg on my face. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Phipps uses Mountainview coffee in their shop and I can honestly say, it’s some of the best I’ve had. </span></i></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qj8y93UWmsA/UdsnMPnLBsI/AAAAAAAANnY/LK6uC6jnTkU/s1600-h/Americano%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Americano (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8-KEUcs9Ax8/UdsnM62pQ6I/AAAAAAAANng/06TBjwzIHkk/Americano%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Americano (2)" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>My usual order, Americano, is smooth, rich and comes with a nice crema. While I like the slight hint of bitterness some coffee delivers I find that I don’t miss it here and even prefer it. </i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H9oXISxnMas/UdsnNZdyPcI/AAAAAAAANno/IydwUMA3v6M/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Espresso%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Espresso" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yPqgBI3Y7rE/UdsnN7P_b0I/AAAAAAAANnw/xKXHMzxqXOU/Phipp%252527s%252520Espresso_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Espresso" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The Espresso delivers that bitterness. They serve up a nice, chewy, creamy strong cup of Italian coffee here. It has beautiful crema, so thick it left a hefty foam on the sides of the cup when I was finished.</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b0DgSSPAT8k/UdsnOk6I02I/AAAAAAAANn4/tXbJGqWS9sQ/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Babkas%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Babkas" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IutFT1SEzRs/UdsnPfsBo0I/AAAAAAAANoA/i1lJNgpJYkk/Phipp%252527s%252520Babkas_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Babkas" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The a fore mentioned Cinnamon Babka is excellent. As you know I'm a huge chocolate lover but if it's not chocolate, it better be cinnamon in my books. Oddly enough, I'd never had babka. I'm quite familiar with it's smaller sibling, the cinnamon roll so it's not like this is a new food for me. The biggest difference is cinnamon rolls are thin (ish) disks often covered with an icing, babka is the same type of yeast dough in loaf form with a streusel topping. Absolutely, thoroughly enjoyable. It would be nice to see them sell this by the slice in the cafe to drink with your coffee. It comes in chocolate as well.</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-acVusAWvbpA/UdsnQcfLZ6I/AAAAAAAANoI/HQwyKdM-SDw/s1600-h/Phipp%252527s%252520Rugelah%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Phipp's Rugelah" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ToLYH0CKC-I/UdsnQ7FRCWI/AAAAAAAANoQ/igoN9BAkT_w/Phipp%252527s%252520Rugelah_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Phipp's Rugelah" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The Apple Rugelah is simply fantastic. It's almost like a small apple pie. Big apple flavour complemented nicely with cinnamon. The pastry is not to be confused with pie dough but is good none the less. It's not quite as buttery or flaky as you'd find and texture wise it's maybe more like shortbread. </i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ccQx-RnX7yA/UdsnRldavBI/AAAAAAAANoY/Os_LW9C6VCA/s1600-h/Cookies%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Cookies (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W0N-4h6l7zI/UdsnSHLU23I/AAAAAAAANog/5Hr6NaGD9lA/Cookies%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cookies (2)" width="204" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The cookies for the most part are very good. My lone exception to this is the Peanut Butter cookie. I should’ve known to begin with since I’ve had a hard time finding PB cookies I like. Their offering, while tasty, had a very dry, crumbly texture that I just didn’t care for. Much better is the Double Chocolate Chip which had good chocolate flavour and some really nice chew. Better still was the Cranberry, Oatmeal. Nicely chewy without a displeasing oatmeal taste but oatey none the less. The cranberries and golden raisins provide a nice amount of sweetness. My favourite though is the Chocolate Chip. A nice balance of chew and crispiness and with plenty of chocolate chips but not overly sweet. It’s just a good solid cookie.</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>One of the things on which non Canadian residents miss out is Butter tarts. These tarts are somewhat similar to pecan pie with it’s sugary custard. There is a base way to make them and then some will introduce pecans or raisins to the party. Phipps takes them further. Adding caramel or chocolate drizzle. They mix and match pastry and pecans to come up with 4 different varieties. First and foremost, I’d skip the chocolate ones. Chocolate and buttertart don’t mix IMHO. </i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_WfCkJ0QgIs/UdsnS-Q91GI/AAAAAAAANoo/D8iQ0a9MeTY/s1600-h/Caramel%252520Buttertart%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><img align="left" alt="Caramel Buttertart" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QS0VcLnJ5kc/UdsnTgEZYdI/AAAAAAAANow/CU1dQgJcKAc/Caramel%252520Buttertart_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Caramel Buttertart" width="359" /></i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>The best I think is the Caramel Buttertart. They use shortbread as pastry and top it with caramel. What’s neat is you get a bite and think, mmm shortbread. Oh, there’s that filling. Then finally you get the caramel left since it’s a bit chewy. A terrific butter tart.</i></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So there you go folks. Whether it's a just a coffee, a peace offering to your sweet tooth or a full meal. The home cooked offerings at Phipp's won't disappoint.</span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find Phipp's Bakery Cafe at 420 Eglinton Ave. E. in Toronto, On.</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="color: #6a0b57;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&q=phipps+bakery&ie=UTF8&hq=phipps+bakery&hnear=Toronto,+Ontario&t=h&ll=43.704154,-79.411114&spn=0.112042,0.061445&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&q=phipps+bakery&ie=UTF8&hq=phipps+bakery&hnear=Toronto,+Ontario&t=h&ll=43.704154,-79.411114&spn=0.112042,0.061445&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span></i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>You can also find them on the </i></span><a href="http://www.phippsbakerycafe.ca/"><span style="color: #a00391; font-family: Georgia;"><i>web</i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>, </i></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/phippsbakery"><span style="color: #a00391; font-family: Georgia;"><i>facebook</i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i> and </i></span><a href="https://twitter.com/phippsbakery"><span style="color: #a00391; font-family: Georgia;"><i>Twitter</i></span></a><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>.</i></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/134241/restaurant/Midtown/Phipps-Bakery-Cafe-Toronto"><img alt="Phipps Bakery Café on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/134241/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> </i></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Georgia;"><i>Well that's all for now folks, see ya next time in the food court.</i></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="color: #6a0b57;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-79757424999662099662013-06-30T12:49:00.000-04:002013-06-30T12:49:55.857-04:00Rotiers Restaurant (Nashville, Tn)<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: blue;">The Old Carriage House</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Fevu8xmahHw/UcyfjqCwYwI/AAAAAAAANio/9uU-h0ynylw/s1600-h/Rotiers%252520Sign%252520%2525281%252529%25255B101%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Rotiers Sign (1)" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ih6H1DdPCZg/UcyfkSnnSeI/AAAAAAAANiw/qciohdVJZ8A/Rotiers%252520Sign%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B98%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rotiers Sign (1)" width="271" /></a>In the early 40’s John and Evelyn Rotier (Ro-Tear) were operating a gas station in the Belmont neighbourhood of Nashville. After returning from the war, John, wanting to be in the restaurant business, took over a small space that was once the carriage house for the <a href="http://contentdm.atiba.com:8080/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fndc&CISOPTR=57&DMSCALE=12.50000&DMWIDTH=600&DMHEIGHT=600&DMMODE=viewer&DMFULL=0&DMOLDSCALE=3.15657&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=%2520%28POW%29.&DMTHUMB=1&REC=3&DMROTATE=0&x=22&y=80"><span style="color: #445f91;">Elliston Mansion</span></a>. With that, Rotier's Restaurant, a Nashville, if not American legend was born.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">If nothing else, Rotier's is a family business. The odd twist here is, it’s in many ways, a two family business. There’s the Rotier/Crouse family that are children and grand children of Evelyn and John. However, if you head into the kitchen you’ll see a fleet of workers that, more or less are all related. These young men and women are brothers, sisters, cousins, second cousins, etc. Though not related to the owners they treat the kitchen like they do own the place.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Students from the local university round out the staff.</span><br />
<br /><br /><span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7XITVtFxioo/UcyflbXyrFI/AAAAAAAANi4/97yWF-P3twI/s1600-h/Rotiers%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Rotiers (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qzHuBx2dOrQ/Ucyfl8RiBWI/AAAAAAAANjA/JwcPx4HODQ0/Rotiers%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Rotiers (1)" width="359" /></a>Location, location, location. When the restaurant opened and for many years after Rotier's was, more or less, the only game in town. In that part of Nashville there were only 2 other restaurants and neither of those served beer. John had the market cornered. If that wasn’t enough to keep ‘em coming back the hamburger would. Those two things and gambling were the lifeblood of Rotier's in the early days. The restaurant went more “Full service” after the abolition of gambling in the state of Tennessee.</span><br />
<br /><span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5WHN5fc3dOY/Ucyfm1Qo7yI/AAAAAAAANjI/C2KVOK9NlAc/s1600-h/Ad%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Ad" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-63HOjpFGQyQ/UcyfndWbr3I/AAAAAAAANjQ/hDGu8IDtl6c/Ad_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ad" width="204" /></a>It was the book Hamburger America by <a href="https://twitter.com/MotzBurger"><span style="color: #445f91;">George Motz</span></a> (Moat-s) that put Rotier's on my radar. He’s since featured it in the Tennessee episode of his new show, <a href="http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/food-and-drink/photos/burger-land"><span style="color: #445f91;">Burger Land</span></a>. It consistently wins “Best burger” in the local Nashville magazines. It’s ranked as one of the 10 best cheeseburgers in Jimmy Buffett’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000JF0290"><span style="color: #445f91;">Parrot Head Handbook</span></a> and the French Bread version is #27 on the list of <a href="http://www.nwtntoday.com/news.php?viewStory=25021"><span style="color: #445f91;">40 Things Every Tennesseean Should Try</span></a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">The cut stone building sits right at the road on the edge of <a href="http://www.vanderbilt.edu/"><span style="color: #445f91;">Vanderbilt University</span></a>. The original doors have been replaced and now serve as the entrance and windows.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M8laVQXAUwg/Ucyfn5-CFqI/AAAAAAAANjY/-6Fn4TXSdng/s1600-h/Interior%25255B72%25255D.jpg"><img alt="Interior" border="0" height="95" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UVfn9QVog9g/Ucy1eetOL7I/AAAAAAAANjw/IFsdE32E31Y/Interior_thumb%25255B70%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Interior" width="486" /></a>The interior is pretty tight. There isn’t a lot of space or tables and business is usually brisk. Maximizing space is paramount and it has the feel of an old saloon. There is, as is the case with many legendary places, news article after magazine article after award lining the dining room walls that “horseshoes” around the bar and kitchen.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">So let’s get a look at what’s coming out of that kitchen.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1AsHgTULKWc/Ucy1fDmd2wI/AAAAAAAANj4/y49YLc7sBQk/s1600-h/Chili%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Chili" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TNX21Au-NgA/Ucy1frh5ebI/AAAAAAAANkA/Bav3jws_LDg/Chili_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Chili" width="359" /></a>I opened with a bowl of Chili. While not the greatest bowl of Red I've ever had, this is one solid dish none the less. Tasting mostly of chili powder and very mildly like cumin it was just tasty. As you could see by the picture it came piping hot but not however spicy hot. Not to worry, there's a bottle of hot sauce on the table. A few drops to add a bit of heat really rounded this out for me. The acid in the hot sauce also brightened up the flavours. Quite meaty with very few beans in a broth somewhere in between rich and delicate.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FXCwzaGUsWA/Ucy1gSVPI7I/AAAAAAAANkI/5wzGGGVnMEg/s1600-h/Pimento%252520Cheese%252520Sandwich%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Pimento Cheese Sandwich" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FIfAkbfIRWA/Ucy1g6jMnDI/AAAAAAAANkQ/7iXpliU6zJk/Pimento%252520Cheese%252520Sandwich_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Pimento Cheese Sandwich" width="359" /></a>We had decided to split a Pimento Cheese Sandwich but Mrs. Sippi needed to make a few modifications. It comes toasted with mayo, lettuce and tomato. All those modifiers needed to go and we got it straight up on plain white bread. I took a few bites and thought it was excellent. Mrs. Sippi loved, loved, loved it. Proclaimed it the best PC sandwich she'd ever had. I gave her the other half of my half.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m1bk_Ke0xUg/Ucy1h8LMvVI/AAAAAAAANkY/YzA5GWwprc0/s1600-h/Fried%252520Gizzards%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Fried Gizzards" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kfaBPZPVFuc/Ucy1iZxpb5I/AAAAAAAANkg/98qjKcpEaCU/Fried%252520Gizzards_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Fried Gizzards" width="359" /></a>She could not resist the Gizzard Dinner. It comes with Fries (frozen but very good) and a salad (it's salad) with home made dressing. I'm no gizzard expert and as such, didn't get much out of them. Mrs. Sippi thought they were good. She then put some hot sauce on a plate and started dipping. That was the "Ah ha" moment for her. She gobbled them down and thoroughly enjoyed them. One of the kitchen staff came out and was talking with her and said that with gravy is the best way. Sean suggested his favourite was was with their home made Blue Cheese dressing. Next time she says she'll try both ways.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O7hlQR_PkQM/Ucy1ixd_2rI/AAAAAAAANko/StNtTuDMhYQ/s1600-h/Cheeseburger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Cheeseburger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nDEkx21Llrs/Ucy1jVeGPdI/AAAAAAAANkw/icxwMmOAu7w/Cheeseburger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cheeseburger" width="359" /></a>Now, the legendary burger. Lemmie tell ya, it's "All that." Simple in nature in that it's just ground beef (not some special blend of cuts), brought in fresh every morning, simply seasoned and done on a flat top. It comes on a simple bun and I added cheese of course. It's just delicious. The classic American cheeseburger completely done to perfection. I skipped the house specialty served on French bread. I dislike sandwich innards squishing out the back when you bite in and suspected this would be the case. Our waitress confirmed my suspicions. There’s also an option to have it on “Grill bread” which means the patty is jammed into a grilled cheese sandwich. I wanted to try the classic preparation on this trip.<br /><br /><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lQIhV9HRBmU/Ucy1kRsXU0I/AAAAAAAANk4/_emGjlNooFE/s1600-h/Hershey%252527s%252520Cake%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Hershey's Cake" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uVR8KY4GbpY/Ucy1k8paDTI/AAAAAAAANlA/D6GDI1kX85I/Hershey%252527s%252520Cake_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Hershey's Cake" width="359" /></a>For dessert they have a number of options but being the chocolate fiend I am, I couldn't resist the Hershey's Chocolate Cake. Not really what I was expecting, however it was great. First of all, I love the decadent, uber rich cakes you get sometimes. This isn't it. This is the cake equivalent of taking a mouthful of Hershey's chocolate chips and eating them. Very choclately but not sweet and with a nice, ever so slight bitterness. It was nicely frosted and the chocolate sauce on top was just a bonus.<br /><br />So there you have it folks. One of America's great burgers (not to mention other fantastic options) in a Nashville institution.<br /><br />You can find Rotier's at 2413 Elliston Pl, Nashville, Tn.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=rotiers+restaurant&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=rotiers+restaurant&t=h&ll=36.147775,-86.807936&spn=0.01802,0.032015&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?q=rotiers+restaurant&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hq=rotiers+restaurant&t=h&ll=36.147775,-86.807936&spn=0.01802,0.032015&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small><br /><br />You can also find them on the <a href="http://www.rotiersrestaurant.com/"><span style="color: #445f91;">web</span></a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnJacobRotier"><span style="color: #445f91;">facebook</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/rotiers2413"><span style="color: #445f91;">Twitter</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/47/511534/restaurant/Belmont-Vanderbilt/Rotiers-Nashville"><img alt="Rotier's on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/511534/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://foodio54.com/restaurant/Nashville-TN/687bf/Rotiers-Restaurant"><img alt="Rotier's Restaurant on Foodio54" src="http://foodio54.com/images/badge-1-687bf.jpg" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0; width: 104px;" /></a><br /><br />Well that's all for now folks, catch ya later in the food court.<br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f23c60; font-family: rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"></span> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-49649675940131259592013-06-21T10:34:00.001-04:002013-11-01T19:35:06.157-04:00White Squirrel Snack Shop (Toronto, On)<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: aquaduct italic; font-size: x-large;">Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red; font-family: aquaduct italic; font-size: x-large;">This restaurant ceased operations as of November 1, 2013</span></span><br />
<br /><br /><span style="font-family: rehotalko;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JyyguG5knNc/UcAycMS9cHI/AAAAAAAANgQ/RhD-3rYXIPk/s1600-h/White%252520Squirrel%252520Snack%252520Shop%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><img align="left" alt="White Squirrel Snack Shop (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d6n8LvB6nKI/UcAyci01VrI/AAAAAAAANgY/ikN49bD44fM/White%252520Squirrel%252520Snack%252520Shop%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="White Squirrel Snack Shop (1)" width="276" /></span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">It’s always interesting and even exciting to see a new “Foodie” part of town develop. The intersection of Queen Street West and Spadina Avenue in Toronto has, in the past, just been an area that, more or less, intersects the Business, Entertainment, Fashion and Chinatown districts. While still in its infancy, it’s looking like it’s trying to become it’s own little sub district. Call it the “Snack” district if you will. Within the last couple years no less than 5 places have opened up serving high quality fast food. Taking advantage of the lunch late night bar crowds. The latest of which, White Squirrel Snack Shop offers a little taste of Toronto. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: rehotalko;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><span style="color: #0b1166; font-size: large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-I9SRw9aq_tg/UcNUE6hD3DI/AAAAAAAANhI/Vprku1ZLp6c/s1600-h/White%252520Squirrel%252520Snack%252520Shop%252520%2525282%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="White Squirrel Snack Shop (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lHmJXfLyWR8/UcNUFRfK33I/AAAAAAAANhQ/iZ4AlBq6nR0/White%252520Squirrel%252520Snack%252520Shop%252520%2525282%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="White Squirrel Snack Shop (2)" width="204" /></a>In 2009 </span><span style="color: #0b1166;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/ZBX6arOfdh/#"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">David Ginsberg</span></a> opened <a href="http://www.torontocoffeeshop.ca/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/White_Sguirrel_Toronto.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">White Squirrel Coffee Shop</span></a> just west in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity%E2%80%93Bellwoods"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Trinity Bellwoods</span></a> neighbourhood. It’s been a hit ever since but the small shop doesn’t have a full kitchen. Wanting to expand his horizons, David found a spot and together with Chef Chelsea White crafted a menu that takes from Toronto’s strength; Diversity. Influences from across the globe can be found in items like Nachos, Fried Rice, Souvlaki and Po’ Boys. Many of those items coming in full or snack sizes.</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: rehotalko;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--i9wQWBYZd0/UcNUGVpHMTI/AAAAAAAANhY/Y7GeTxE8x64/s1600-h/WSSS%252520Interior%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="WSSS Interior" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0b8xtMAVJIg/UcNUG-VoEbI/AAAAAAAANhg/3luCaMWTC9c/WSSS%252520Interior_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WSSS Interior" width="359" /></a>The Snack Shop operates out of a store front on Queen Street West. Up front is the dining area with it’s half dozen or so seats as well as couple tables beside the counter. Which is about half way through the space. The restaurant has high ceilings and is very long and narrow. Two things really stand out, first is the completely unfinished wall down one side and the enlarged 100 year old <a href="http://www.torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/introducing-white-squirrel-snack-shop-toronto-07.jpg"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">map</span></a> of the city on the other. The map is beautiful with it’s collage of vintage photos adorning. The unkempt feel of the place… not so much. The kitchen is in the back and where you pick up your goodies.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: rehotalko;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And speaking of those goodies, let’s have a look at some. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: rehotalko;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: rehotalko;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--aXjZkOcf3I/UcAydUa_lPI/AAAAAAAANgg/uoVM984ObAk/s1600-h/WS%252520Hot%252520Sauce%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><img align="left" alt="WS Hot Sauce" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vcjpkcOrpGo/UcAyeNMBLuI/AAAAAAAANgo/T4PocGhFzpY/WS%252520Hot%252520Sauce_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="WS Hot Sauce" width="359" /></span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">They make their own hot sauce and it’s just as good as anything you’ll find anywhere. There’s a hint of smokiness that comes from Chipotle. Other than that there’s a medley of chilies and other flavourizers. The whole purpose was to make it flavourful and not just hot for hot’s sake.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XnsMFWzORh4/UcAye0tXycI/AAAAAAAANgw/SJf_8xjqk8A/s1600-h/Kimchi%252520Fried%252520Rice%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><span style="color: #0b1166;"><img align="left" alt="Kimchi Fried Rice" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_U2cdIGwrlA/UcAyfl4VoZI/AAAAAAAANg4/XZIrkDlC_po/Kimchi%252520Fried%252520Rice_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Kimchi Fried Rice" width="359" /></span></a><span style="color: #0b1166;">The Kimchi Fried Brown Rice is a bit of an odd dish. Brown fried rice with kimchi, oyster mushrooms, tofu and topped with grilled bok choy. What I’ve heard and read so far, for the most part matches my findings. Which are that it wasn’t really what I was expecting (not that I really know what I was expecting), wasn’t wowed by it but at the same time, found it addictive. It was slightly spicy with a bit of crunch and packed with flavour. About half way through I decided to add a bit of the hot sauce. It was just that much better. Adding another layer of flavour and kicking the spice level up a few more notches really helped solidify this dish for me.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-akt5y6FEZDs/UcNbdKj2DjI/AAAAAAAANiQ/s8-JwkhzYuQ/s1600-h/Sweet-Spicy%252520Wings%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Sweet-Spicy Wings" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tdjvlmNI878/UcNbdj1-l4I/AAAAAAAANiY/Q_Ds1BHfWP8/Sweet-Spicy%252520Wings_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Sweet-Spicy Wings" width="359" /></a>I thought the Sweet/Spicy Wings were quite good but not really my thing. They come grilled and tossed in a maple, chili, lime, cilantro sauce. They have good flavour but I find the sauce a bit thin. I like a heftier sauce that really sticks to them. I also found that the taste was somewhat restrained whereas I like a bolder flavour. So all in all they were really good but just not what I go for.</span></span><br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-l7-mWZZAcFE/UcNUHxJcVMI/AAAAAAAANho/aACUvEOM9jg/s1600-h/Cubano%252520Sandwich%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Cubano Sandwich" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-In3HJIgZClo/UcNUIdV1LEI/AAAAAAAANhw/oDys3y4ykVw/Cubano%252520Sandwich_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Cubano Sandwich" width="359" /></a>The Cubano is one tasty sandwich. Slow roasted pork, smoked ham, slaw, grainy mustard and pickles on fresh French Bread. White Squirrel’s version of this classic Florida sandwich is fairly close to traditional. The use of grainy mustard and slaw a slight departure but it holds fairly true. And does it justice. The most pronounced flavour is the piggy, roasted pork. The rest of the ingredients all play supporting rolls. The bread is delivered fresh from a local bakery every day and is excellent.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cks2ZBD66HE/UcNUJXNDG1I/AAAAAAAANh4/oG2wWUy6PsE/s1600-h/Snack%252520Shop%252520Burger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Snack Shop Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y9hqdLgzgxQ/UcNUJ8MyBbI/AAAAAAAANiA/L4BSYfEzSmk/Snack%252520Shop%252520Burger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snack Shop Burger" width="359" /></a>Their Snack Shop Burger is pre ordained with a half pound of house ground beef on an egg bun with caramelized onions, pickles and dijon mustard. While it’s not my “Go to” burger (bacon, cheese, pickle, raw onion, prepared mustard) I thoroughly enjoyed this. Make no mistake though, that is because of the meat. It’s excellent. The bun is good. It doesn’t detract and is sturdy enough to stand up to the oozing juice. The toppings are okay but nicely balanced. The sweetness of the sautéed onions equally measured by the pickle and mustard. The beef is, well, beefy. It is loosely formed into a patty and though it was cooked to well done, it’s still plenty juicy. The nice thing is, it’s ground corsely enough to still have a pleasant chew. This is just a great burger.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">So whether you’re stumbling out of a bar or escaping the rat race, White Squirrel has some tasty treats for you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can find White Squirrel Snack Shop at 507 Queen Street West in Toronto, On.</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=507+Queen+Street+West,+Toronto,+ON,+Canada&hl=en&sll=43.656877,-79.32085&sspn=0.663696,1.09726&hnear=507+Queen+St+W,+Toronto,+Ontario+M5V+2B4,+Canada&t=m&ie=UTF8&hq=&z=14&ll=43.648241,-79.398731&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=507+Queen+Street+West,+Toronto,+ON,+Canada&hl=en&sll=43.656877,-79.32085&sspn=0.663696,1.09726&hnear=507+Queen+St+W,+Toronto,+Ontario+M5V+2B4,+Canada&t=m&ie=UTF8&hq=&z=14&ll=43.648241,-79.398731&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a></small> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on the <a href="http://whitesquirrelcoffee.com/"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">web</span></a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/TOwhitesquirrel"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Twitter</span></a>.</span><br /><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1749530/restaurant/Queen-West/White-Squirrel-Snack-Shop-Toronto"><img alt="White Squirrel Snack Shop on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1749530/minilink.gif" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; height: 36px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Well that’s all for now folks, see ya next time in the food court.</span></span></span> <br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span><br /><span style="color: #0b1166;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b1166;"></span> Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-12152423549575670962013-06-14T14:06:00.000-04:002013-06-21T10:32:48.978-04:00Duffy's Deli (Huntsville, Al)<span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Famous White Chili</span></span></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Ed Hyter graduated from Huntsville High School almost 40 years ago. To say he’s stayed fairly close to home is an understatement. Ed got a job at Duffy’s Deli in Huntsville, Al a week later and <span style="color: #134495;">has, for the most part, been there ever since. Sure, he did leave for a couple of weeks but found the grass on the other side of the fence was not greener. So he came back. Ed didn’t turn his back on </span>his alma matter either, acting as HHS’s Panther football squad as Equipment Manager. His work at Duffy’s has earned him the title Chef Edward and The Soup King. His work with the Panthers has earned him the title, Mr. Huntsville High. In the Five Points area of Huntsville, he seems to be Mr. Everything.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xlxpTQHtkBA/Ubjy1YczZUI/AAAAAAAANe0/joii8E4JUy4/s1600-h/Duffy%252527s%252520Deli%252520%2525281%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Duffy's Deli (1)" border="0" height="159" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fgTt480IQJI/Ubjy1vQfNdI/AAAAAAAANe8/zRVKnOLj6VM/Duffy%252527s%252520Deli%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Duffy's Deli (1)" width="359" /></a>Duffy’s, founded by former University of Alabama Crimson Tide Quarterback John “Duffy” Boles, sits in a 100 year old house. Sadly, the house is in probate court right now and Linda Ledbetter who owns and operates the Deli with her husband Terry, has no interest in relocating. The plan is to continue the tradition until they’re uprooted and then retire. They’d like to sell the business but time will tell. It’s an unfortunate part of life when an institution is taken from locals however life is not always sunshine, lollypops and rainbows.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YpWSFhqu7YI/UZqkSJEAjWI/AAAAAAAANas/1Tukds-Uhw8/s1600-h/20130103_141651%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130103_141651" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dRWO7Qw9pgY/UZqkTRt31DI/AAAAAAAANa0/-asmNZ5nB4o/20130103_141651_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130103_141651" width="359" /></a>From the outside it looks like, well, an old house. Of course, most houses don’t have a sign outside and the lawn has been replaced with a parking lot. As with any century home, it needs some TLC but given the uncertain future, no one wants to invest the money. So there it sits, sadly needing some love, awaiting it's fate.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tsMKmFRxJ9A/UZqkVK-XLaI/AAAAAAAANa8/taGbfKTERI0/s1600-h/20130103_141726%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130103_141726" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oSct3IWX1R4/UZqkWa5KK7I/AAAAAAAANbE/AgH5txTYV6I/20130103_141726_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130103_141726" width="359" /></a>Inside Duffy’s has an order counter as you walk in. You then procede to the dining room and wait for your goodies. There really isn’t one big dining room but a handful of smaller ones. There’s plenty of newspaper and magazine articles decorating the walls. Of course, there’s all kinds of Crimson Tide paraphernalia. Perhaps the most important feature though, Eddie is always near by. When not cooking in the kitchen he’s in the dining room mingling with customers. Talking football mostly.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Speaking of Eddie and his kitchen, let’s get a look at what he’s got to offer.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-efsvZjLk0Vg/UZqd6fexOwI/AAAAAAAANZk/M6tvXp1bfvQ/s1600-h/20130103_1419273.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130103_141927" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1s6toHsj5Y8/UZqd879qwdI/AAAAAAAANZs/bkknOVdE17o/20130103_141927_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130103_141927" width="359" /></a>I’ll start with the star of the show. The White Chili. Very simple in nature and not heavily seasoned it’s truly a work of art. The beans and chicken really shine through. It has a really nice, well rounded flavour. I found the gravy to be fine as far as thickness although reviews I’ve seen see people consider it thin. What really ties this whole dish together is the generous amount of cheese in it. It’s a spectacular dish.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yU9rc29ssKw/Ubj0_YQgtcI/AAAAAAAANfM/o8LTxDSR5Dw/s1600-h/Catfish%252520Dinner%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Catfish Dinner" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZMRkd7y6jcs/Ubj0_9zU2jI/AAAAAAAANfU/oBOmEJou2z0/Catfish%252520Dinner_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Catfish Dinner" width="359" /></a>The Catfish is quite good. A nice, thin, crispy cornmeal batter encases a melt in your mouth filet of fish. As far as the fish goes, it has that signature earthiness to it. While they use frozen fries, these are among my favourites. They’re coated and makes for a really crisply exterior and conceals a fluffy, potatoey interior. As I’ve said before, good frozen fries beat bad fresh cut every day of the week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o0PUqkKBe9o/Ubj1AbujxFI/AAAAAAAANfc/qq99Qn_mGnQ/s1600-h/Meatball%252520Sandwich%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Meatball Sandwich" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dB-cLCs3aWw/Ubj1AznzRlI/AAAAAAAANfg/w0ILlrB9L-E/Meatball%252520Sandwich_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Meatball Sandwich" width="359" /></a>A daily special sandwich is Italian Meatball. Served on a hoagie bun it’s packed with gum ball sized meatballs in Maranara and topped with Mozzerella cheese. There’s no alchemy going on here, it’s just a</span><span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">n around tasty sandwich.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ez6bNY9J-xQ/UZqd_wFl19I/AAAAAAAANZ0/JIhGnQIwSlk/s1600-h/20130103_1436163.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130103_143616" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g_fdgIau9HM/UZqeDRH6wgI/AAAAAAAANZ8/XwjsXviEASE/20130103_143616_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130103_143616" width="359" /></a>The Baron sandwich is also fantastic. Salami and Ham on Rye (they were out so a whole wheat bun was subbed) with Swiss. The meats really complemented each other rather than competed. What really “Made” this sandwich though is the mustard. A nice deli mustard. Just enough to add some character but not so much as to take over the whole thing. Fab-U-Lous.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MjVmnfbGix0/Ubj1Be8axRI/AAAAAAAANfs/-4nVXPQokPQ/s1600-h/Bayou%252520Hoagie%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Bayou Hoagie" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PZn9HL_jhOo/Ubj1BzCPUjI/AAAAAAAANf0/exRxJnx9k9g/Bayou%252520Hoagie_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Bayou Hoagie" width="359" /></a>The Bayou Hoagie is a tasty sandwich as well. Pieces of Cajun Sausage on a hoagie roll with mayonniase and spicy mustard. The simplicity is really what makes it. The condiments are only there to compliment the sausage and the bun to hold it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YqIpk5dN-CI/UZqeF8laEbI/AAAAAAAANaE/VV9OZ0TfvLI/s1600-h/20130103_1436363.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130103_143636" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h3w1RBmaSdM/UZqeHkyP2_I/AAAAAAAANaM/TtYjUQ7H9XM/20130103_143636_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130103_143636" width="359" /></a>Eddie takes great pride in his burgers and it shows. Some hail it as Huntsville’s best. As of yet, I‘ve found no better. A great beef taste in this hand formed and flat top (ahhhh) griddled burger. Topped with cheese on a nice fluffy bun. It’s simply great.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r80OEZGi2Qc/UZqeJgFz2xI/AAAAAAAANaU/6xM2EA9mpwE/s1600-h/20130103_1456483.jpg"><img align="left" alt="20130103_145648" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-84xWmkO4l70/UZqeLgyhKbI/AAAAAAAANac/XKXL8XX5iT8/20130103_145648_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="20130103_145648" width="359" /></a>The Deep Fried Cheesecake is fantastic. They get a simple cheesecake from a local bakery and deep fry wedges. They top it with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Eddie tells us that he loves it with raspberries on top.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">So there you have it. Great sandwiches and legendary white chili in a Huntsville institution that, hopefully, will endure.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">You can find Duffy’s at 2324 Whitesburg Dr S, Huntsville, Al.</span><br />
<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Duffy's+Delicatessen,+Whitesburg+Drive+South,+Huntsville,+AL,+United+States&aq=0&oq=duffy's+deli+hun&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=26.354456,86.572266&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=Duffy's+Delicatessen,&hnear=Whitesburg+Dr+S,+Huntsville,+Alabama,+United+States&cid=4705458882063662658&ll=34.725389,-86.57896&spn=0.02469,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><a href="https://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Duffy%27s+Delicatessen,+Whitesburg+Drive+South,+Huntsville,+AL,+United+States&aq=0&oq=duffy%27s+deli+hun&sll=49.891235,-97.15369&sspn=26.354456,86.572266&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=Duffy%27s+Delicatessen,&hnear=Whitesburg+Dr+S,+Huntsville,+Alabama,+United+States&cid=4705458882063662658&ll=34.725389,-86.57896&spn=0.02469,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Duffys-Deli/175144265838766" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a00391;">facebook</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/168/968527/restaurant/Duffys-Delicatessen-Huntsville"><img alt="Duffy's Delicatessen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/968527/minilink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://foodio54.com/restaurant/Huntsville-AL/d65/Duffys-Delicatessen"><img alt="Duffy's Delicatessen on Foodio54" src="http://foodio54.com/images/badge-1-d65.jpg" style="border: medium none; height: 15px; padding: 0px; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Well that’s all for now folks, see you next time in the food court.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134495; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-7728036473933629672013-06-10T19:41:00.000-04:002013-07-16T14:26:49.428-04:00Hamburger Heaven<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">“You can’t get a good burger in Toronto”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TydVHrfxngw/UbZhrC9g4FI/AAAAAAAANcU/77xuv18A8I4/s1600-h/100_2968%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="100_2968" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Im2ZgEzA02Y/UbZhrnC16dI/AAAAAAAANcc/SldR9QTrQlQ/100_2968_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100_2968" width="359" /></a>There was a time not too long ago when trying to get a great burger in Toronto was a real challenge. Particularly if you’re a fan, like myself, of the Classic American Burger. Sure, you could get a good, maybe even really good flame grilled beef patty with plenty of extenders and flavourizers. Those can fill a void but the truly great burger, in my humble opinion, is basically fresh ground beef with minimal seasoning (usually salt and pepper only), done on a flat top, topped with American Cheese and on a Wonderbread style bun. It’s a hamburger (or cheeseburger) at it’s most primal. It’s back to it’s roots. Simple yet challenging but when done right, a thing of beauty.</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">In Toronto there was precious few places to find one of these classic gems. Your best bet would be at a diner. The problem is, there’s so many and most just use frozen patties. Very quietly though a little diner on Gerrard St in Riverdale was producing a very inexpensive and quite honestly, superb version. Collegiate Lunch is a run down relic of the 60’s but their Banquet Burger is one tasty sandwich and with a Coke and fries can be had for less than $10. A steal based on what a similar version can fetch these days.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RrwdCbkWjTM/UbZhsao2rBI/AAAAAAAANck/QiNsHpwojxk/s1600-h/100_2967%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="100_2967" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FDggtwGWP7k/UbZhsz7VI7I/AAAAAAAANcs/bQrFZtz5JQ8/100_2967_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100_2967" width="359" /></a>The beauty of the flat top is really two fold. First of all, the burger releases some of it’s fat and begins to fry in it’s own juices. All that luscious fat that would drip down onto the fire now splashes back onto the meat, basting it as well as cooking. Secondly, with fat being an outstanding cooking medium, the meat begins to cook to a hard, caramelized crust. Searing in juices and adding more flavour. No it’s not the healthiest way to cook a burger but really, who cares?? It’s about the taste. If I’m worried about my health, I’ll eat a salad.</span> <br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xOTTKKb4_ZY/UbZht4SljKI/AAAAAAAANc0/E23-LaHEQF0/s1600-h/100_2958%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="100_2958" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2dBa8g0Guxc/UbZhuRpWjTI/AAAAAAAANc4/pHo4cdSKtDE/100_2958_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="100_2958" width="359" /></a>In the late spring of 2010 the burger landscape in Toronto would change. A revolution would begin in a tiny store on the edge of Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood. <a href="http://www.blogto.com/upload/2012/04/201245-shant-06.jpg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9e9707;">Shant Madrosian</span></a>, an expat from California, longed for the simple burger. The type on which empires were built. In SoCal you could just drive a block to <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9e9707;">In n Out</span></a> Burger. One of the most highly respected chains for foregoing profit in the form of expansion to preserve quality and reputation. Necessity being the mother of invention, former seminary student Shant decided to fill the void and opened The Burger’s Priest. His plan was simple, redeem the burger one at a time. Celebrating it’s 3rd anniversary at the time of this writing he’s shunned franchising for control and has opened 2 more locations with a 3rd, flagship store in the works. As far as burgers go, BP may possibly make the best burgers I’ve ever had. Certainly the best in the city.</span> <br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WtT0eQAouXA/UbZhuxFEQpI/AAAAAAAANdE/Z_Xx6unChT4/s1600-h/2012-02-23%25252011.11.44%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="2012-02-23 11.11.44" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--k7FqNQ9_Z8/UbZhvSBkmJI/AAAAAAAANdM/iXAhxOac778/2012-02-23%25252011.11.44_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="2012-02-23 11.11.44" width="359" /></a>Johnny Prassoulis and Bill Koutroubis were so impressed with BP that they wanted in. Shant wasn’t about to let anyone else in on what he had going so John and Bill devised their own burger strategy. In the late summer of 2011 they opened <a href="http://holychuckburgers.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9e9707;">Holy Chuck</span></a> in mid town. Taking that basic burger and adding their own spin. While BP had started to introduce a secret menu, HC’s more extravagant novelty burgers were right on the wall. The result was a burger that fell JUST shy of the standard set by BP. It’s a great burger. </span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">They plan on opening a second location in the summer. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Since 2010 a host of upstarts have opened. Trying to cash in on the success of Burger’s Priest. All serving the same flat top burger, known generally in this areas as a “Smashed burger” for the way most places squish a meat ball onto the griddle. For the most part, they’ve been successful. I’ve sampled quite a few and have seen a few that really seem to be more “concept” or just seem to be people trying to cash in on the latest craze. Trying to sell the sizzle not the steak as it were. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hmLF1_VjtWM/UbZhwOF4L9I/AAAAAAAANdU/oVDl2DZX7w8/s1600-h/The%252520Stockyards%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="The Stockyards" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0shQ3IBbDVY/UbZhwpiUvwI/AAAAAAAANdc/QnjBijkhLHE/The%252520Stockyards_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="The Stockyards" width="359" /></a></span><span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">There is also one place that precedes the Priest by about a month that is serving the same type burger along with signature burgers mixed in with BBQ favourites and other southern inspired goodies. <a href="http://www.thestockyards.ca/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9e9707;">The Stockyards</span></a> burger is in the conversation for best in TO. Recognizing the great crust that the flat top gives, they push the envelope and produce a burger with easily the best crust.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Now don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of tasty burgers that aren’t done on a flat top. Heck, my buddy Gus makes a hand formed patty on the grill that is as good as anything you’ll find in a restaurant. But it aint my favourite. Nope, unless it’s seen that wide expanse of stainless steel, it won’t rival those in the pantheon of greatness.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">So for what it’s worth, here’s a list of my top 5 burgers the city of Toronto has to offer. All have opened or made their reputation since that little burger shop in Queen St. E opened 3 years ago. My default order is a Bacon Double (4oz. patties) Cheeseburger with pickle, raw onion and mustard. But I do vary.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-058pN2SnBq0/UbZhxmDEP-I/AAAAAAAANdk/_PiCA0YXXks/s1600-h/101_0679%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="101_0679" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g8X6iPxX-kk/UbZhyC9rKUI/AAAAAAAANds/E61hEDQq4Qk/101_0679_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="101_0679" width="359" /></a>1) <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2010/08/redeeming-burger-one-at-time.html"><span style="color: #9e9707;">The Burger’s Priest</span></a>. 3 locations as of spring 2013 and possibly the best burger ever. If you want to get a little bit crazy and don’t want to worry about your waist line, try the Vatican City. A Double Double (two patties with two slices of cheese) with grilled cheeses used for buns. Add bacon to it but skip the jalapenos.</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1532244/restaurant/The-Beaches/The-Burgers-Priest-Toronto"><img alt="The Burger's Priest on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1532244/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FM6aDGWUnUo/UbZhy73E8CI/AAAAAAAANd0/UUGYw3T1_2A/s1600-h/Farmers%252520Threesome%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Farmers Threesome" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SVT59apUCd8/UbZhzZkoaCI/AAAAAAAANd8/jWTJ3sA7g4k/Farmers%252520Threesome_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Farmers Threesome" width="359" /></a>2) <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/03/chuck-ya.html"><span style="color: #9e9707;">Holy Chuck</span></a>. My favourite burger place (they exceed BP in most other categories) in town and almost as good as BP. Make sure you grab a shake. (I suggest Salted Caramel Nutella) If you’re in a diet busting mood, the Farmer’s Threesome, consisting of 1 patty each of ground beef, ground lamb and ground bacon is awesome. All are topped with cheese and the whole thing is topped with more bacon and sautéed onion. The addition of mustard rounds it out very nicely. Make sure you get a shake as well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1618198/restaurant/Midtown/Holy-Chuck-Toronto"><img alt="Holy Chuck on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1618198/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4a9ErZtzfe4/UbZh0Ib-GhI/AAAAAAAANeE/cMIlUFRld3E/s1600-h/Stockyards%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Stockyards" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xaEc1nVbmxg/UbZh0dN-crI/AAAAAAAANeM/XpxA8vT8D5o/Stockyards_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stockyards" width="359" /></a>3) <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/05/citified-southern.html"><span style="color: #9e9707;">The Stockyards</span></a>. Stick with the Classic here. A single 6 oz. patty topped the way you like if you don’t like how they suggest. The meat is great, the crust is incredible and it’s just an all around outstanding burger. There’s plenty of other great things on the menu as well but we’re talking burgers here.</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1453248/restaurant/St-Clair-West/The-Stockyards-Smokehouse-Larder-Toronto"><img alt="The Stockyards Smokehouse & Larder on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1453248/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #9e9707;"><img align="left" alt="Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KeIVR0bp71c/UbZh0-zsLlI/AAAAAAAANeU/ZvTFUlsySyE/Burger%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Burger" width="359" /><span style="color: #012f00;">4)</span> <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2012/10/smmmokin.html"><span style="color: #9e9707;">Stack Smmmoked</span></a></span>. While this burger can be a bit hit and miss, it’s mostly hit and when it’s on, it’s terrific. Bill, the owner is a big believer in the “Dirty burger” as he calls it and worked to perfect his. Version 2.0 is really is a terrific burger and for those who abhor “plastic” cheese, they use real cheddar. The bacon get’s a second tour in their smoker for added goodness.</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1676412/restaurant/North-Toronto/STACK-Restaurant-Toronto"><img alt="STACK Restaurant on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1676412/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ev96FZOCtbw/UbZh1pnKFLI/AAAAAAAANec/F8Pr3dbDZcE/s1600-h/Snack%252520Shop%252520Burger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Snack Shop Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SQ7AJ4XHnyM/UbZh14LW8II/AAAAAAAANek/JKJS5GzONNQ/Snack%252520Shop%252520Burger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Snack Shop Burger" width="359" /></a>5) I’m torn about putting this last place on here because I just had their burger for the first time. White Squirrel Snack Shop produces one burger, topped with sautéed onion, pickles and Dijon on an egg bun. I would love to do it up my way and see how it stacks up but for now, I’ll stick with the data at hand. What really puts this into the top 5 is the beef. It’s as good as anything on a bun any place serves. </span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1749530/restaurant/Queen-West/White-Squirrel-Snack-Shop-Toronto"><img alt="White Squirrel Snack Shop on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1749530/biglink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Honourable mention goes to <a href="http://davwudsfoodcourt.blogspot.ca/2013/03/home-of-juicy-lucy.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9e9707;">Big Moe’s</span></a>. Resist the temptation to get the Juicy Lucy and stick with a Double Cheeseburger. No bacon here as this place is Halal but you won’t it. They serve a great tasting burger. </span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">As well the afore mentioned Collegiate Lunch. Their fresh ground beef with cheddar and bacon is a great burger and even better value when you factor in the fact that you get fries along with it for less than the cost of a 5 Guys Bacon Cheeseburger.</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">So a happy 3rd anniversary to The Burger’s Priest and a heartfelt thank you for popularizing the greatest style of burger ever.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">That’s all for now folks, see ya next time in the food court</span><br />
<span style="color: #012f00; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1140634174474928607.post-89513404973343925592013-05-20T11:36:00.000-04:002013-06-11T09:32:56.898-04:00Cinci's Best Burger?<div dir="ltr">
<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-r5sH7hxpJSE/UZmDGgmWdII/AAAAAAAANXs/dgMdEnIpE4I/s1600-h/Terry%252527s%252520Turf%252520Club%252520%2525281%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Terry's Turf Club (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9zOOYGFjxgA/UZmDIy8gVwI/AAAAAAAANX0/IN95rdoS7gE/Terry%252527s%252520Turf%252520Club%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Terry's Turf Club (1)" width="359" /></a></span><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">If you’re a fan of vintage neon signs you may have heard of Cincinnati’s Terry Carter. Terry owned a night club aptly named Neon in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over-the-Rhine" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Over the Rhine</span></a> neighbourhood. Terry has moved on and now owns and operates Terry’s Turf Club in the near by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Washington,_Cincinnati" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">Mt. Washington</span></a> neighbourhood. While the old place was a night club, the Turf Club is all about the food. Other than Terry, the two places have one thing in common. Terry’s extensive collection of metal and neon signs, figures and other sundry quirky items. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IEBPbJwd_VY/UZmDLUiX-SI/AAAAAAAANX8/O7_LQvSz6GI/s1600-h/TTC%252520Grill%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="TTC Grill" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yp-uCwVrbv8/UZmDNFtxRjI/AAAAAAAANYE/60nf8Ta57wk/TTC%252520Grill_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="TTC Grill" width="359" /></a>The Turf Club may be a neon museum but it’s the food that brings people in. Often voted Cinci’s Best Burger (along with it’s main rival, Zips). </span><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko;">What makes Terry’s burgers so
special isn’t the meat or the bun. Even though they’re great. It’s not
that they’re cooked on a flat top. The best way to cook a burger. No,
it’s the toppings. And I’m not talking Pickles and Lettuce here. Terry,
an avid outdoorsman, has travelled the country and the world and is
always looking for something unique that’ll work on a burger and take it
to another level. Like Fois Gras or Swedish cheese or Mangos or Lobster
Tails. Heck, even his burger seasoning has off beat ingredients like
Grains of Paradise and Annatto. He’s constanly reinventing the wheel.
Always trying to keep it fresh and interesting. </span>With a reputation like that line ups can be long and arduous. It’s not uncommon for there to be people snaking out the door and down the street. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vL83itNdd8Q/UZmDQKe3dmI/AAAAAAAANYM/fhKi-OC5WCo/s1600-h/Terry%252527s%252520Turf%252520Club%252520%2525282%252529%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Terry's Turf Club (2)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W5jvJRbj_Vw/UZmDR06zUBI/AAAAAAAANYU/UuBQqTmOl4Q/Terry%252527s%252520Turf%252520Club%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Terry's Turf Club (2)" width="359" /></a></span><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Terry’s looks like it used to be someone’s home. It rests on the side of a hill and is an awesome spectacle. Gorgeous hanging plants shroud the large front porch and The collection of restored metal and neon is worth the drive itself. They’re everywhere and add a nice level of kitsch.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zTN_ET1wvG4/UZmDTHbGP-I/AAAAAAAANYc/4wbgD1Hi03Y/s1600-h/TTC%252520Interior%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img alt="TTC Interior" border="0" height="109" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UMwsHRNETX0/UZmDUsr-XYI/AAAAAAAANYk/7aEaVqEovq8/TTC%252520Interior_thumb%25255B13%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="TTC Interior" width="504" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Inside place mirrors the exterior. Neon, neon everywhere and cylindrical coolers known as </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.454871857925113.1073741829.101863899892579&type=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6a0b57; font-family: Rehotalko;">Bevadors</span></a><span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko;">. There are basically no light fixtures so the whole place is bathed in neon glow. Space and seating are minimal at best. Every nook, every cranny has a function or is otherwise employed. Because it’s so busy and seating is limited it’s communal. So don’t be surprised if you’re seated with people you’ve never met. As well, don’t be a stranger with these people. We met a father/son pair when we sat down and had a wonderful conversation about absolutely nothing in particular. After they left, 3 gentlemen about my age sat down and we chatted food. Food, food and more food. We didn’t meet 5 strangers. We made 5 new friends.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">A few years back I started compiling a bit of a “To do” list of places that I felt we needed to visit. On that list was Terry’s Turf Club. It took a while to get there but it became a high priority after viewing the <a href="http://www.flavortownusa.com/locations/358/terrys-turf-club" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">visit</span></a> of Guy Fieri and the Triple D gang.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Seeing what Guy was served made it just that much more tempting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">To start things off, I'll explain the menu for you. It's basically in 3 sections. Appetizers, Sandwiches and, to borrow a Starbucks term, Modifiers. If you order a sandwich it comes bare bones. There is a small section of free condiments like onions and pickles. The standard stuff. Then there's about a full page of up charge extras like cheese, bacon, crab cakes, specialty sauces, etc., that you can add as well to customize your sandwich. For instance, when Guy was there he ordered a Burger with Swiss, Grilled Onion and Burgandy Wine w/ Wild Mushrooms & Truffles Sauce. Not really my cup of tea but he sure enjoyed it. So you get the idea.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Anyway, on to the food.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NEauAlvTLuU/UZmDYOdCsmI/AAAAAAAANYs/-dKJ_KJPwyY/s1600-h/TTC%252520Fries%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="TTC Fries" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Aq2AWeW52uw/UZmDa7eM43I/AAAAAAAANY0/1FN58-zDgwQ/TTC%252520Fries_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="TTC Fries" width="359" /></a>All sandwiches come with potato chips but since I hate plain potato chips (unless there's dip) I added fries. They're fresh cut and cooked to a beautiful brown colour. They had really good potato flavour but lacked a good crunch. There was a bit of crispness so it's not like they were limp, soggy tuber sticks but not the best either. So satisfactory all in all and certainly better than the chips would've been.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-35YkZctHmOw/UZmDeE9XShI/AAAAAAAANY8/UJGfwvr2VsY/s1600-h/TTC%252520Portabello%252520Burger%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="TTC Portabello Burger" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LDytwsI-hgo/UZmDgOWV-BI/AAAAAAAANZE/yYU4t-QR8Mk/TTC%252520Portabello%252520Burger_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="TTC Portabello Burger" width="359" /></a>Our lunch guest, The Squire, opted for the Portobello Burger with Provolone and Mango/Curry Sauce. It comes out looking really nice as you can see but sadly, that didn't last. It lost complete and total structural integrity (and not in the good way) almost immediately. The Squire was mildly frustrated but quickly picked up a knife and fork and set to it. He said it was fantastic all in all with just the right amount of kick.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rv4vhrnELZM/UZmDiIAmw5I/AAAAAAAANZM/UoWLqQrlXkY/s1600-h/TTC%252520Bacon%252520Cheeseburger%252520%2525281%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img align="left" alt="TTC Bacon Cheeseburger (1)" border="0" height="270" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1mjqYVQormU/UZmDkLA-HZI/AAAAAAAANZU/NLip6m43HG0/TTC%252520Bacon%252520Cheeseburger%252520%2525281%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="TTC Bacon Cheeseburger (1)" width="359" /></a>Both Mrs. Sippi and I went fairly old school. The standard burger with American Cheese and Bacon. What we got was a burger that was way up in the heirarchy of best burgers. This is magnificent. Definitely a top 5 burger for both of us. The meat had as good a taste as any I've had. Almost steak like in flavour. The cheese adds a nice creamy component, not to mention the cheesiness. The bacon, 3 strips of it, was good quality and really stood up well to everything else. Again, this is one incredible burger.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">So there you have it folks, one of the US's best burgers in a cool and funky place.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">You can find Terry's Turf Club at 4618 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, Oh.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=terry's+turf+club&oe=utf-8&aq=t&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=terry's+turf+club&t=m&ll=39.118281,-84.419087&spn=0.006295,0.006295&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br /><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=terry%27s+turf+club&oe=utf-8&aq=t&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&hl=en&hq=terry%27s+turf+club&t=m&ll=39.118281,-84.419087&spn=0.006295,0.006295&source=embed" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">View Larger Map</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">You can also find them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Terrys-Turf-Club/121926241213318" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6a0b57;">facebook</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/32/363284/restaurant/East-End-Mount-Washington/Terrys-Turf-Club-Cincinnati"><img alt="Terry's Turf Club on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/363284/minilink.gif" style="border: medium none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://foodio54.com/restaurant/Cincinnati-OH/10987f/Terrys-Turf-Club"><img alt="Terry's Turf Club on Foodio54" src="http://foodio54.com/images/badge-1-10987f.jpg" style="border: none; height: 15px; padding: 0; width: 104px;" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;">Well that's all for now folks, we'll see ya next time in the food court.</span></div>
<span style="color: #0b1166; font-family: Rehotalko; font-size: x-large;"></span>Davwudhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10159013247192572909noreply@blogger.com0