I decided to check out a local pub called Shakey's located at 2255 Bloor Street West. I had been in 4 months ago when I was in Bloor West Village and to be honest with you I walked right back out. I had to pass a few homeless looking fellows when I went in and the exterior matched the interior. It was a very boring sports pub with old TV's, a musty smell, and a boring atmosphere. At this point food was out of the question.
Three weeks ago I walked past this location again and was in a state of shock. They had shut down for some renovations and man did it work. Shakey's is an entirely new place. The revitalized bar with a new display of draught taps, the reduction of clutter on the walls, 7 brand new large TV's, fresh new warm colour choice of paint, and new ceiling lighting makes for a new look that is 100% different then before. I was very impressed and followed up a week later for some lunch.
The menu didn't have more the 15 items on it which seemed a little disappointing. Though there is two ways to look at a simple menu. If there is enough to satisfy the standard patron looking for a quick bit to eat then the basic menu works. But from the new look it seems as though they are looking to attract more of an upscale crowd and that means you need to have some unique different menu items that will intrigue people to purchase them. Regardless I had the chili fries and a caesar salad and my guest had the burger with a side salad. The food was great but the only issue I had was that the lettuce was wet. It watered down the dressing and made the caesar salad very bland.
I went back again one evening with a small group and we were enjoying some beers and decided to order some nachos. They are the BEST nachos I have had in the Bloor West Village area. I was very impressed once again.
The service at lunch wasn't that great as the bartender socialized with some regulars. One might argue that they are there everyday and tip well but I would say that it is those guys that should understand when you need to focus elsewhere to ensure new guests become regulars. The evening server seemed a little bitter upon arrival but started to warm up as the night when on.
I would recommend Shakey's to a group of guys looking for a place to go to watch the game. There isn't a lot of seating, so for any big event I would get in there early.
The best part about Shakey's is that at the bottom of their menu they indicate that all of their food comes from local suppliers in the immediate Bloor West Village area. It is great to see a local company supporting its neightbours.
If you are looking for a quick lunch, a bite with the guys, or simply drinks in a pleasant atmosphere then this is your place. With a basic menu, fairly good service, and a great atmosphere I would rank it a 7.5 out of 10.
Enjoy the Game.
- The Hungry Ginger
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
FAT BASTARD BURRITO - fulfills its name!
This little walk in Mexican oasis is found at 1180 The Queensway in Etobicoke right by Hollywoods. The first thing that went through my mind when I decided to finally eat here was, "I better feel like a fat bastard after I eat here." For me that is a lot to live up too.
So when I walked through the front door of this little stripmall location you are quick to discover that they do not want you there to eat. They do have a few spots for people to wait for their food but thats about it. I noticed right away that it was amazingly clean inside. Whether its just a new location or not, it was CLEAN! Also everything is laid out for you on the menu board off to the right. You also can't get very lost on the menu board because it is very straight forward, not like other places that decide they want to serve you the world.
So we were greeted from a pleasant younger female from behind the counter who was very understanding that it was our first time there. We then ordered two medium size burrito's. I had Buffalo Chicken and my guest had the Steak. The choice of topings where plentiful and the nice part is that there wasn't any extra charges for certain ingredients that you wanted to add. Everything you could see was included in your price. So with beans, rice, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, garlic sauce, and fresh steak and chicken we had our very own burrito's. These are just some of the ingredients that were behind the glass.
The cost of this massive meal of simply two Burrito's and a bottle of water was less then $20. After consuming my burrito the name of this location fulfulled itself. I was so stuffed and so satisfied. There wasn't anything else I would have needed even as side dish with this meal.
I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual meal to take home with them while watching a movie, sports game, or your favourite TV program.
For the experience, quality food, and the right price I would like to give this location a 9 out of 10 for walk-in dining.
Arriba Arriba Andale Andale.
- The Hungry Ginger
So when I walked through the front door of this little stripmall location you are quick to discover that they do not want you there to eat. They do have a few spots for people to wait for their food but thats about it. I noticed right away that it was amazingly clean inside. Whether its just a new location or not, it was CLEAN! Also everything is laid out for you on the menu board off to the right. You also can't get very lost on the menu board because it is very straight forward, not like other places that decide they want to serve you the world.
So we were greeted from a pleasant younger female from behind the counter who was very understanding that it was our first time there. We then ordered two medium size burrito's. I had Buffalo Chicken and my guest had the Steak. The choice of topings where plentiful and the nice part is that there wasn't any extra charges for certain ingredients that you wanted to add. Everything you could see was included in your price. So with beans, rice, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, guacamole, salsa, hot sauce, garlic sauce, and fresh steak and chicken we had our very own burrito's. These are just some of the ingredients that were behind the glass.
The cost of this massive meal of simply two Burrito's and a bottle of water was less then $20. After consuming my burrito the name of this location fulfulled itself. I was so stuffed and so satisfied. There wasn't anything else I would have needed even as side dish with this meal.
I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a casual meal to take home with them while watching a movie, sports game, or your favourite TV program.
For the experience, quality food, and the right price I would like to give this location a 9 out of 10 for walk-in dining.
Arriba Arriba Andale Andale.
- The Hungry Ginger
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Curry Twist in The Junction
So this past week I decided to try something a little different and opted for some local Indian Cuisine. This restaurant has been around for years, and under new ownership for only the past four years. Anant Singh became the proud owner of this restaurant in the Junction and has only watched it grow. The popularity of his restaurant has resulted in some great press, knowing this I decided it was time to check it out.
When my friend and I walked in for dinner the restaurant was very busy. We sat down and had to wait a few minutes before getting waited on. This wait seemed long because we weren't being acknowledged. Now in all fairness to them I was on my phone checking a message when he came the first time to get our order. So as it got busier, so did he and it took a while to have him come back. Regardless, on the tables was some traditional Indian bread called khakra. I found it very salty and it dried out my mouth, but we were hungry and it passed the time. During this time, I had the opportunity to check out the open concept miniature kitchen, where all the cooking is done. The brightly yellow painted walls created a warm and inviting feeling. The decor was very basic, except for the artistic pieces of Indian fabric which were pillowed in squares on the back wall creating a colourful mural.
For dinner we had Butter Chicken - $12.95, Chicken Tikka Masala - $12.95, side order of Naan Bread(Large enough for two to share) - $1.95, Plain white rice - $2.95, and Raita(cooling yogurt) - $2.95. Now to elaborate on the "cooling yogurt" from the previous statement. This saved my mouth since I am a mild to medium type of spice guy. When you have this on some Naan bread, it puts out the fire in your mouth which came along with Chicken Tikka Masala.
I really enjoyed the food, and the simplicity made it even easier to enjoy it. Everything came individually in its respective dishes which allows even vegetarians to share meals with meat eaters.
As for beverages, water was readily available which is handy when you have something a little more spicy. We did decide to share a bottle of wine which was Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio for $29.95. The amazing part was that if you decide to purchase a bottle you don't have to worry about not finishing it because they allow you to take the bottle home with you. (corkage fees apply)
When dinner was finished to ensure we had experienced everything I decided that we should have dessert. We shared Ras Malai with pistachios for $2.95 and Alfonso Mango Kulfi for $3.95. Both of which we would not have again. The first was a rice pudding in coconut milk and the second was an overly sweet mango ice cream. It was way to much and not worth it. They were nice enough to take the Alfonso Mango Kulfi off the bill since we didn't really eat any of it. Now I am sure the authenticity of the desserts where above par but they were not welcoming for my taste buds.
Other then the wait at the beginning of this adventure, and the intriguing desserts, this authentic Indian Cuisine experience was amazing. I really enjoyed myself and I would recommend this place to anyone.
I give this location a 8 out of 10.
Enjoy this cultural adventure.
- The Hungry Ginger
When my friend and I walked in for dinner the restaurant was very busy. We sat down and had to wait a few minutes before getting waited on. This wait seemed long because we weren't being acknowledged. Now in all fairness to them I was on my phone checking a message when he came the first time to get our order. So as it got busier, so did he and it took a while to have him come back. Regardless, on the tables was some traditional Indian bread called khakra. I found it very salty and it dried out my mouth, but we were hungry and it passed the time. During this time, I had the opportunity to check out the open concept miniature kitchen, where all the cooking is done. The brightly yellow painted walls created a warm and inviting feeling. The decor was very basic, except for the artistic pieces of Indian fabric which were pillowed in squares on the back wall creating a colourful mural.
For dinner we had Butter Chicken - $12.95, Chicken Tikka Masala - $12.95, side order of Naan Bread(Large enough for two to share) - $1.95, Plain white rice - $2.95, and Raita(cooling yogurt) - $2.95. Now to elaborate on the "cooling yogurt" from the previous statement. This saved my mouth since I am a mild to medium type of spice guy. When you have this on some Naan bread, it puts out the fire in your mouth which came along with Chicken Tikka Masala.
I really enjoyed the food, and the simplicity made it even easier to enjoy it. Everything came individually in its respective dishes which allows even vegetarians to share meals with meat eaters.
As for beverages, water was readily available which is handy when you have something a little more spicy. We did decide to share a bottle of wine which was Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio for $29.95. The amazing part was that if you decide to purchase a bottle you don't have to worry about not finishing it because they allow you to take the bottle home with you. (corkage fees apply)
When dinner was finished to ensure we had experienced everything I decided that we should have dessert. We shared Ras Malai with pistachios for $2.95 and Alfonso Mango Kulfi for $3.95. Both of which we would not have again. The first was a rice pudding in coconut milk and the second was an overly sweet mango ice cream. It was way to much and not worth it. They were nice enough to take the Alfonso Mango Kulfi off the bill since we didn't really eat any of it. Now I am sure the authenticity of the desserts where above par but they were not welcoming for my taste buds.
Other then the wait at the beginning of this adventure, and the intriguing desserts, this authentic Indian Cuisine experience was amazing. I really enjoyed myself and I would recommend this place to anyone.
I give this location a 8 out of 10.
Enjoy this cultural adventure.
- The Hungry Ginger
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sakura Sushi - Bloor West Village Secret
For those who know me they know that when I eat sushi I am the standard eater. Don't get me wrong I love to try new things but sushi has been something that when I have found what I like, I stick to it. I have enjoyed Sakura Sushi on two different occasions so you get two for one in this post.
Located on Jane Street just before Annette St. north of Bloor is where you will find this small sushi restaurant. When I dined at the location it was very peaceful and simple. Nothing fancy. The perfect spot to get away from all the traffic of downtown busy sushi restaurants. The decor was mostly IKEA which is seeming to be the first choice for new small restaurants. I mean who can blame them though its inexpensive and consistent plus it looks good. I can't be one to talk as my apartment is furnished with IKEA.
So now for the food. I have to say I was very impressed. The person I was dining with and I ordered a pop each, edamame to start, 2 spicy tuna rolls, 1 California roll, 1 green dragon roll, 1 salmon and cream cheese roll, 1 shrimp tempura roll, 1 tuna roll, 1 avocado roll, 4 sushi salmon pieces and 2 sushi tuna pieces. Yes the answer to your question is we were very hungry. The sushi was very good and it arrived very quickly. The restaurant did only ever have one other table other then us but still did about 3 or 4 orders for take out orders also. The sushi was very fresh which is a big must for a place this size. You can tell right away when fish has been sitting for too long just from the taste.
The service was very good also. Language is usually a partial barrier for small locations like this and I will admit that at times I didn't understand a word that was said to me but at the end of the day we got exactly what we ordered and for me that's the most important part.
The best part of the meal was that all of that food came to $56. You really can't beat this for a local spot that has great fresh sushi and here's the kicker, THEY DELIVER! When I discovered that they delivered I was in heaven. Now they won't deliver all over Toronto but if you are in the Bloor West Village area and the order is over $25 then you get free delivery also. So the second time around I decided to order in and there is nothing better then having sushi delivered to your door. The sushi was just as good the second time. Just be sure to ask for extra soy sauce because they don't give too much.
This was a great overall experience and would recommend this sushi secret to anyone. I give them a 8.5 out of 10.
Arigato gozaimasu!
- The Hungry Ginger
Located on Jane Street just before Annette St. north of Bloor is where you will find this small sushi restaurant. When I dined at the location it was very peaceful and simple. Nothing fancy. The perfect spot to get away from all the traffic of downtown busy sushi restaurants. The decor was mostly IKEA which is seeming to be the first choice for new small restaurants. I mean who can blame them though its inexpensive and consistent plus it looks good. I can't be one to talk as my apartment is furnished with IKEA.
So now for the food. I have to say I was very impressed. The person I was dining with and I ordered a pop each, edamame to start, 2 spicy tuna rolls, 1 California roll, 1 green dragon roll, 1 salmon and cream cheese roll, 1 shrimp tempura roll, 1 tuna roll, 1 avocado roll, 4 sushi salmon pieces and 2 sushi tuna pieces. Yes the answer to your question is we were very hungry. The sushi was very good and it arrived very quickly. The restaurant did only ever have one other table other then us but still did about 3 or 4 orders for take out orders also. The sushi was very fresh which is a big must for a place this size. You can tell right away when fish has been sitting for too long just from the taste.
The service was very good also. Language is usually a partial barrier for small locations like this and I will admit that at times I didn't understand a word that was said to me but at the end of the day we got exactly what we ordered and for me that's the most important part.
The best part of the meal was that all of that food came to $56. You really can't beat this for a local spot that has great fresh sushi and here's the kicker, THEY DELIVER! When I discovered that they delivered I was in heaven. Now they won't deliver all over Toronto but if you are in the Bloor West Village area and the order is over $25 then you get free delivery also. So the second time around I decided to order in and there is nothing better then having sushi delivered to your door. The sushi was just as good the second time. Just be sure to ask for extra soy sauce because they don't give too much.
This was a great overall experience and would recommend this sushi secret to anyone. I give them a 8.5 out of 10.
Arigato gozaimasu!
- The Hungry Ginger
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
eggsmart - a value size breakfast
This is a chain location but a place I have driven by quite a few times and have wanted to try. There are quite a few places in the Bloor West Village area to go for breakfast but they are mostly pubs so to avoid going somewhere for breakfast that I had just finished having beers in 10 hours earlier just doesn't seem appealing.
When I arrived I stood at the front for a few moments before I was acknowledged but once that happened I was seated in under 5 minutes. A lady named Dar was my server. She seemed a little rough when she first approached the table to get the drink order but became nicer throughout the meal. In all fairness she was working a larger section of tables.
So eggsmart got the call one morning and was it worth the drive. I had the Big Breakfast which consisted of 4 eggs cooked any style, which I had over hard, 2 sausage links, 2 strips of bacon, 2 slices of ham, which I replaced for more bacon, and 2 buttermilk pancakes. The meal was very good and very large. I was pleasantly surprised.
The value of my meal was fantastic for what I got. So for the Big Breakfast I paid $8.99 which to me fantastic. Most places for a breakfast of this size you would paying well over $11. It might be small savings but a dollar here and a dollar there really adds up.
When eating at some breakfast locations it is understood that you are to pay at the cash. The problem is that it is never explained to you to do so. A common mistake that can be made in a lot of locations like this is that your server needs to be the one that cashes you out and you are forced to wait for them. You never want to make someone wait who wants to pay because that is there last experience and you want that one to be positive, not negative. Also tipping someone at a cash register while they are standing right in front of you is also a negative. Stores like that should have a cashier so that way you can feel comfortable tipping what you want, related to the service and food quality you received.
The website for eggsmart is http://www.eggsmart.ca/welcome.aspx. It is a very good website that has a lot of information for you to look through.
The great size of the meal, the amazing value, the efficient table side service were fantastic. Unfortunately the communication issues of where to pay and the lack of acknowledgment when arriving and departing left a bad taste. I give this breakfast location a 7 out of 10.
Happy eating!
-The Hungry Ginger
When I arrived I stood at the front for a few moments before I was acknowledged but once that happened I was seated in under 5 minutes. A lady named Dar was my server. She seemed a little rough when she first approached the table to get the drink order but became nicer throughout the meal. In all fairness she was working a larger section of tables.
So eggsmart got the call one morning and was it worth the drive. I had the Big Breakfast which consisted of 4 eggs cooked any style, which I had over hard, 2 sausage links, 2 strips of bacon, 2 slices of ham, which I replaced for more bacon, and 2 buttermilk pancakes. The meal was very good and very large. I was pleasantly surprised.
The value of my meal was fantastic for what I got. So for the Big Breakfast I paid $8.99 which to me fantastic. Most places for a breakfast of this size you would paying well over $11. It might be small savings but a dollar here and a dollar there really adds up.
When eating at some breakfast locations it is understood that you are to pay at the cash. The problem is that it is never explained to you to do so. A common mistake that can be made in a lot of locations like this is that your server needs to be the one that cashes you out and you are forced to wait for them. You never want to make someone wait who wants to pay because that is there last experience and you want that one to be positive, not negative. Also tipping someone at a cash register while they are standing right in front of you is also a negative. Stores like that should have a cashier so that way you can feel comfortable tipping what you want, related to the service and food quality you received.
The website for eggsmart is http://www.eggsmart.ca/welcome.aspx. It is a very good website that has a lot of information for you to look through.
The great size of the meal, the amazing value, the efficient table side service were fantastic. Unfortunately the communication issues of where to pay and the lack of acknowledgment when arriving and departing left a bad taste. I give this breakfast location a 7 out of 10.
Happy eating!
-The Hungry Ginger
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