Review of Tabule

WHERE: LEBANON
2009 Yonge Street (south of Eglinton, North of Davisville)
416.483.3747
http://tabule.ca/

The warm inviting décor was not the only reason that this midtown restaurant was thriving on a Wednesday night. TFLCers were pleased with the menu options that they selected by the orange glow of the iron lanterns surrounded us. We observed in wonder as water was artfully poured in a steady stream from a two feet distance into our glasses.

The house salad surpassed its understated name. Mint leaves and the lemon garlic dressing made it very refreshing. The falafel salad was a heartier option and the falafel was perfectly crisp. The creamy humous and smoky baba ganuj were savoured with white and whole wheat pita.

For mains, many dishes came with rice that could be substituted for mujadara for a nominal supplement. I would highly recommend this option of rice cooked with lentils and topped with crisp fried onions. Both the chicken breast and chicken liver were very tasty. The kefta was also satisfying but slightly on the dry side.

To finish, there were some dazzling flavour options for ice cream. Unfortunately, the pomegranate ice cream was so popular that we did not get to try any. However, the smile on the person who ordered the pistachio spoke for itself. Baklava was a sweet treat that was enrobed in just the right amount of syrup. Many of us ordered mint tea, which is available in decaf and regular versions. The regular tea is black tea brewed with fresh mint leaves. The decaf version is with mint leaves only. Neither of these arrived sweetened, which many of us appreciated. The tea did arrive in ornate silver teapots with a colourful twist around the handle. Ill leave it to you discover this lovely presentation for yourselves. Tabulé deserves a TFLC and I look forward to my next visit.

Written by TFLC Reviewer Extraordanaire: Reshma Haji

Review of Mambo Lounge

WHERE: CUBA
120 Danforth Avenue (at Broadview)

416.778.7004

http://www.mambolounge.ca

 

So, we didn’t get around to doing an official review from our last dinner out so I will quickly re-cap. The turn-out was excellent, the vibe was great with live music and all, the service was ssss l o w and frustrating for some, the food was very good not excellent, the mojitos authenic, the prices and 20 fixed price menus (with choice of 4 tapas and drink or 3 course menu and drink) were very reasonably priced and awesome selection of choices. Walker bys kept peeping in to see what the fun fuss was about. It was wonderful to see everyone-old timers mixed in with some fresh newbies.  TFLc rating.

Written by TFLC’s CFO, Rishma Govani

Review of Little Bavaria

WHERE: GERMANY
3222 Eglinton Avenue East (near Markham Road) in Scarborough

416.261.7016

http://www.littlebavaria.net

 

It was a dark and snowy night when a small group of TFLC members met at Little Bavaria Restaurant, for a taste of Germany. Located at 3222 Eglinton Avenue East (near Markham Road), Little Bavaria has been in operation since 1987 and is owned by chef Johnny S Kuldip and his wife, Bholi. The cozy atmosphere and quaint décor are a welcome respite, especially at
this time of year.

We were seated at a long table near the kitchen, and proceeded to peruse the extensive menu of schnitzels (a dozen) all prepared fresh. A daily special is available along with rouladen, cabbage rolls, bratwurst, plus steak, fish and pork chops. German beers & draft are featured. There are monthly specials as well. Duck is the December special treat. Our pretty server, Angela, brought baskets of fabulous German bread and butter. Having made our decisions for dinner, the starters were brought to the table in a timely fashion. Gina & Nathan had the soup du jour, a Cream of beef, and both declared it light and flavourful. Although, they did add a dash of hot sauce. Fresh garden salads with a choice of dressings, were served to the rest of the party.

For mains, Dorothy had the Mexican Schnitzel (peppers& corn), Cora and I had the Jager(mushroom,onions & smoked meat in wine sauce), Nathan the Holstein (with egg on top), while Gina had Bratwurst (2 plump & light sausages), Barry dug into the cabbage rolls. Dinners are served on near platter-size plates with a choice of spatzle or home fries, red cabbage, sauerkraut or vegetables.

Having cleaned our plates and the bread baskets, no one had room for dessert. There were several to choose from, including “The Strudel”. Chef Johnny joined our table to regale us with wonderful stories of how hecame from India via Germany to Canada, and his adventures as a cook in training in Germany and eventually, a restaurant owner. He has a great sense of humour and when you visit, you just might hear him pounding the schnitzels in time to the music.
 
The highlight of the evening was when Johnny invited us to join him in a toast, with schnapps, while he recited that old German, ziggy ziggy, Chugalug chant. Our photo was taken and posted on their web site.  Check it out at www.littlebavaria.net. It was explained that our table was usually reserved for regular customers, and has a plaque above it that reads, ‘STAMMPISHE’.

It was a most enjoyable evening.

Written by TFLC Reviewer,  Phyllis Bassett

Review of Jerusalem

WHERE: JERUSALEM
4777 Leslie Street in North York
http://jerusalem-restaurant.ca

On Thursday October, 30th 2008 the TLFC met at the Jerusalem Restaurant for a lovely evening of dinner, conversation and belly dancing.

Established in 1971, the Jerusalem Restaurant was one of the first middle-eastern restaurants in Toronto. The food, in short is fresh, delicious and well presented. At $17.95 the dinner buffet is an almost overwhelming experience and excellent value. If one tried to taste each item available – one would need to eat six plate’s worth!

The salad bar is, well, considerably more than a salad bar and includes many meditterrean dips including an excellent hummos and baba ghanouge as well as seafood, cheeses and a variety of cold and warm vegetables. Try the grilled eggplant!

After salad, the author had the cheese rollato, kafta kebobs and beef stew. All were tasy, well prepared and very fresh for a buffet. A variety of cakes, ice cream and falafel sealed the deal and rendered the author incapable of participating in the belly dancing which followed. Probably for the best.

The atmosphere was very pleasant. Dining is unhurried and  the staff are friendly and attentive. The decor, music and patrons in addition to the food make for an authentic Jerusalem experience. I am looking forward to going back!

Written by: TLFC Reviewer, Elliott Brown
http://theflop.net

Review of Esto Cafe

WHERE: ESTONIA
Esto Café
958 Broadview Ave. (north of Danforth Ave.), 416-466-8906

A group of nine gathered this warm fall evening inside a very “square” 5 story tall building which from the outside has a government office meets retirement home feel. On the inside; all things Estonian can be found; the Consulate, an Estonian credit union, banquet hall, a shooting range and not the least of which, our small group came to know as “Estonia house” restaurant located in the basement.

Estonian pride is emanated throughout the walls of this warmly lit cafeteria-esque dining room by pictures and small artifcacts of places and things back home.Beef stroganoff, cabbage rolls, sauerkraut soup and pork schnitzel were some of the entrees on the one sheet menu. A smily-faced sticker beside the item indicated it was available. Our group had a chuckle and loved the “mom and pop” touch. Everybody enjoyed their meals and found them tasty. Shane and Nathan both ordered the “village soup” which had barley, carrots and potatoes seasoned with dill. Cora and Barry found their cabbage rolls pleasantly stuffed. Phyllis and I enjoyed our lightly fried pork schnitzel. Vegetarian Dee delighted in her custom prepared carrot stuffed perogies despite leaving her cucumber and tomato garnishes untouched (one of her many self admitted neurosises:-) however not unfinished thanks to my appetite of a nursing mother (an excuse I will hold near and dear as long as possible

Our server Stephanie, the owner’s daughter-in-law-to-be was more than hospitable especially when she served our group a generous sampling of some of their pastries known as pirukat (in Estonian). Translated, they mean perogies but these were baked and stuffed with bacon or beef. The “icing” on the cake was when she surprised us again, this time with a dessert called stritsel or sweet bread with raisins. Both were absolutely delicious attested by the empty platters left behind and our stuffed bellies as we rolled ourselves out of the restaurant. Despite this, the two Dee’s, Shane and myself still managed to find ourselves down the street at Dairy Queen, this of course was all Dee’s(Morgenstern) pushing.

Overall, I rated this experience a TFLC because of all the great service and laughs we had!

Written by TFLC Reviewer, Gina Thompson

Review of La Pasiva

WHERE: URUGUAY
LA PASIVA
896 Wilson Ave. (at Dufferin),  416-636-6555
http://www.torontolife.com/guide/restaurants/other-latin/la-pasiva/

With a bilingual menu in Spanish and English there was a variety of dishes to choose from in this small local family run restaurant. Located on Wilson Ave in a strip mall that commonly lies among many in this west end neighborhood the seven TFLC members were new to this South American cuisine.

Our meal began with a complimentary dish of Faina- a round pancake of chickpea flour and olive oil served piping hot and eaten with a dash of white pepper. Very tasty. Soon a basket of freshly baked rolls also arrived at our table.

The main dish of the region and restaurant is Chivito- a hearty meal that comprises of either chicken or lean slices of meat served with salad, French fries and fried egg on top. Empanadas are also on the menu which are crescent shaped dough pockets filled with either meat or chicken. Made on the premises this common snack item is slightly smaller than those found in other parts of the city. A palm hearts salad was also tried by one of our members and came with a mild ranch-type dressing that was a good match of flavours.

The highlight of the evening was when our hostess led us next door to the family bakery despite its doors being closed. There we were given guided tour and explanation of the many varied types of pastries, cookies and cakes. The owner graciously offered us a box to take back into the restaurant to be enjoyed with our tea and coffee. A pleasant and delicious ending to our venture into this part of town. Truly a family run business serving authentic local Uruguayan meals and desserts in a friendly and down-to-earth setting.

Review by TFLC member, Antoinette Alaimo

Review of Armenian Kitchen

WHERE: ARMENIA
Armenian Kitchen
1646 Victoria Park Avenue (north of Eglinton). 416.757.7722

The menu boasts of Authentic Middle Eastern Specialities and I would have to agree even with my limited knowledge of the cuisine. The group of ten TFLCers who attended this outing were treated to a flavourful array of dishes which were ample in size and reasonably priced. Two of the attendees were visitors from BC who were looking forward to the occasion after being introduced to some spots last year. Some of the dishes which were ordered were Sujok (Armenian beef sausage), Chicken and Beef Shawarma (sandwiches in pita bread), Lamb Shish Kabab, Fried Eggplant (thin and richly flavourful) and Fatouche (salad of mint, sumach, lemon, tomato, cucumber, onion). All orders are accompanied with a side dish of pickled turnip in beet juice which was a hit with all diners.

The Vegetable Combo Plate, which can also be ordered with your choice of chicken or beef shawarma, contains ample servings of baba ghanouge, hummos, falafel, tabuleh salad and labeneh which is a garlicky, potato paste and is substituted for meat. Add a fresh pita or two to scoop your food and you have enough for a takeaway lunch for the next day. We were all too full to sample any of the desserts but if the main courses were any indication, I am sure that some Baklava and tea would have finished off our meals nicely, so we will have to keep that in mind for next time.

And I say Next Time with gusto as I know this location will be part of my personal rotation through the various eateries that Toronto has to offer. I would give this restaurant a full TFLC and suggest that those who missed it this time around, should make a mental note to go there sometime as you will not be disappointed.

Written by: TFLC Reviewer, Dorothy Abbott

Review of Manyata Courtyard Cafe

WHERE: AFRICA(ish)
Hazelton Lanes, 55 Avenue Road
http://www.spiceroommanyata.com/manyata.html

Hidden inconspicuously amidst the shimmering bling that makes up Hazelton Lanes is a charming oasis called Manyata. Dressed up in safari brown wicker the members of TFLC ventured into this delightful African(ish) retreat for their 8 year lunch. It was Saturday afternoon in Yorkville but it felt like we were sitting in the Serengeti. There were a bunch of us, some old and some new but all impressed by the tranquility of our surroundings. The restaurant is set inside the lower level of the shops at Hazelton Lanes. We all sat in the outer section which is draped in large wicker chairs and dark brown furniture. The ambience was serene and tranquil almost perfect to be honest. We had a large table which was set up handsomely to reflect the open air and light which passed through courtyard. Don’t be fooled though this space which was once used as an ice rink has transformed itself into a summer oasis.

As you look at the menu you are tempted to order everything the menu includes such things as Masaii salad which sounds simple but includes red and yellow beets drenched in tamarind dressing over a large salad. The specialty is the Vietnamese Kraft dinner which consists of rice noodles with green marsala, cilantro dai bok choy, chicken breast and coconut milk. The tilapia with coco bread is fabulous it comes with a sweet and spicy mango salad that is just to die for on a hot summer day. The presentation is flawless each dish seems to take on a personality of its own. You definitely have to take a moment to pause before digging into your plate as if to take a step back and look at fine piece of art from a different angle.If I had one complaint it was the slow service but trust me its well worth the wait. The next time you are shopping for Gucci in Yorkville take a detour from the glam and glitz and make your way into Manyata, I assure you that you will be impressed by the atmosphere and moved by the menu.

I give this place a full TFLC not something that happens too often but well worth it.

Written by: TFLC’s Chief Reviewer, Aly Mulji

Review of Prague Restaurant

WHERE: PRAGUE
450 Scarborough Golf Club Road in Scarborough. 
 http://www.praguerestaurant.com/

One would never know that hidden between the main roads of southeast of Scarborough, you could find yourself in the middle of Prague. The restaurant, that is. Located on a very picturesque and serene park appropriately named, Masaryktown, the interior of Prague Restaurant has a feel of a large cottage. It’s wooden walls and large windows allow for a lot of natural light and backdrop to the beautiful greenery just steps outside. 

A wide variety of “schnitzels”, potato dumplings and goulash were some of the eye catchers on the menu. Most of the TFLCers tried some kind of schnitzel which I learned means breaded thin stips of meat. A few of our regulars tried the filet of sole and the goulash. Most were pleased with their dishes however I didn’t find anything special about my filet of sole however it was tasty. I found the Czech beer (Pilzner?) I ordered and smooth and enjoyable. The selection of sides were quite starchy (potato, rice or fries) and an addition of salad was badly needed though it could be ordered. The portions were big and many were able to take home doggy bags. Quite a few newbies turned up at this venue and one baby boy was in tow. Aly’s presence was missing, little did he know his manhood was being attacked as Rishma informed us that it was he who introduced her to “Sex and the City” series whose movie was being released in theatres that evening.

I rate this experience a TFLc.

Written by: TFLC Reviewers, Oral & Gina Hamilton

Review of Free Times Cafe

WHERE: ISRAEL @ Free Times Cafe
320 College Street (2 blocks west of Spadina on the west side)http://www.freetimescafe.com/

Note to self:  Don’t forget to assign someone to write the monthly review or it will never get done if its in the CFO’s hands.

Here’s my weak and very overdue attempt :

So, our last TFLC brunch was a blast. It had a definite authentic TFLC feel to it. There were 9 adults + 2 babies of us that convened for a morning TFLC at Free Times Cafe. The place was packed–a definite place to be on a Sunday morning. A very eclectic, fun and diverse crowd. The owner, Bella’s daughter-Julie?, was very hospitable and welcoming. The seating was tight and we wish in retrospect we sat farther away from the Yiddish live music. (Kishka!!!) The buffet was good but not great. They advertised over 40+ dishes but I don’t think this was a fair assessment–that was a gross exaggeration. We wished there was more variety but it was authentically Jewish and fit the overall TFLC specifications well. The group and vibe was fun. I would rate the overall experience a TFlc.

Written by : TFLC ’s CFO, Rishma Govani