Life took over so Maple and Dariusz stopped writing for a bit.

But, Maple’s back now @ Table for Maple!

Come visit soon. (:

Cheers,

M

A small corridor in the restaurant

That is just a small part of the restaurant. You’ll have to check out the rest yourself!

I went with a company of five. If you’re lucky / unlucky, there are sometimes live music or entertainment at the restaurant. Though it will be a fun experience, probably not a good idea to go with people you would want to carry conversations with. I was a little disappointed as there was no live band during my visit. However, I was really immersed and enjoying the unique ambiance – felt like a totally different world from the usual Uptown King Street atmostphere.

Camarones in Green Tomatillo Sauce ($15.95)

If you’re similiar to me – with almost no prior encounters with Mexican food – the menu will probably look like a brochure full of alien codes. Luckily, there are helpful explanations under each intriguing dish listed on the menu. I ordered the Shrimp with Green Tomatillo Sauce, with a side of Guacamole ($4.25). It was a fascinating dish. To be honest, it was hard to benchmark is against anything else I’ve ever had, due to the lack of experience with Mexican food, so my enjoyment factor was amplified simply due to the exotic-ness of it.

The serving size was fantastic, way too much for me though. The presentation was unique, with the rice, shrimp in sauce, and a side salad separated on a long plate. Did I already mention… CACTUS!? Ooooooooooooh~

Beef Chorizo Enchiladas ($15.25)

This dish consists of corn tortillas with beef chorizo covered with your choice of sauce, topped with cheese and baked. There’s also a choice of chicken or vegetarian. Again, alien code. Wikipedia tells me that Chorizo is some kind of sausage, and Mexican ones are usually made with chili peppers.

Oaxacan Black Mole Chicken ($16)

Mole refers to different types of sauces used in Mexican Cuisine. Again, thank you Wikipedia – “The best known of Oaxaca’s moles is mole negro, which is darker than mole poblano and just as thick and rich. It also includes chocolate, as well as chili peppers, onions, garlic and more, but what makes it distinct is the addition of a plant called hoja santa. It is the most complex and difficult to make of the sauces.”

As you can see, the vocabulary of a Mexican restaurant menu is as foreign to me as a JavaScript code. Although a little on the pricey side, it was definitely a worthwhile visit. Did I also talk about how I polished off the tortilla chips & Guacamole? Heehee.

P.S. Magarita’s tweets!

Before heading to Elmira, I was trying to figure out the perfect plan to avoid the crowd. Should I head over early in the morning, or late in the afternoon? However, I soon realized there was absolutely no way to avoid the crowd.

It was like that ALL DAY!

It is best to go with a small group of friends or family. In that way, you will be able to try out as many different food as possible but not lose each other in the crowd. Important tip – pace yourself! Never start with eating a gigantic gyro or you’ll be too stuffed to have any other delicious items on sale there.

A typical Maple eating style – dessert first.

Funnel Cake with whipped cream & berries - $10

After eating the deep fried dough,  there’s the legendary deep fried Mars Bars…

Deep Fried Mars Bars - $6

… not for the weak-hearted. Some crazy profit though, $6 to deep fry mars bars which typically cost around $1!

Why Mars Bars, I’ve been wondering. Deep fried KitKat? Deep fried Hersheys? Deep fried Snickers? Deep fried Kinder surprise!!? Just don’t think about the calories. What you don’t know won’t hurt you… right? ;)

German potato pancake - $3

We couldn’t decide which condiment would be the best so a bit of everything – ketchup, mustard, sour cream… and maple syrup. The syrup was in a huge container which labeled Apple Cider so I had to ask the vendor -

Potato pancakes goes with apple cider?!

That was a small pancake appetizer before our pancake entree. To the right of the main crowded street were pancake tents. Many volunteers helping to serve piping hot pancakes with generous portions of maple syrup. I spoke to a vendor at around noon and they’ve already sold more than 3000 pitas. Imagine the number of pancakes made that day!

Thank you for making pancakes!

$4 for one and $5 for two. Both options include a drink – milk, coffee or tea.

Eat your pancakes with Maple and Syrup

After an overdose of sweets, we decided it was time for some savoury.

Potato and Chedder perogies - $6

Pulled pork burger - $5

Maple Burger - $3.50

We were about to leave at this point, but did not want to go without having arguably most popular item there. The vendor ran out of them and had to re-order from St. Jacobs. However, the traffic was terrible so it took quite a while. After a grueling 1 hour wait…

Turkey Drumsticks - $8

The triumphant feeling

A Saturday well spent – 5 hours there! If you missed out this year, be sure to check it out next year!

Located in the midst of all the crazy shopping on Queen Street West, this cafe is always packed with people regardless of the time during the day. The food usually takes a while, perhaps a standard 15-20 minute wait. However, the service received was always prompt and polite.

Unique and rustic decor

The restaurant is a little over-crowded, I must say. The booths are wonderful but individual tables are arranged too close together. It was not a problem over-hearing the couple at the next table discuss about their day during a weekday dinner, or the group of girlfriends talk about their latest purchases during a weekend brunch. Maybe a little too close for comfort. However, this did not stop me from returning for five meals!

One late snowy night, I went to get take out from Queen Mother Cafe. It was a long 20 minute wait before my order came but the server considerately provided a glass of water while I was waiting. WHY, did I still go in when it was insanely packed with people on a weekday night and wait so long for a take out?! Well, my brother came to visit from Waterloo and our conversation went like that:

Maple: You HAVE TO go to Queen Mother Cafe!

Brother: For?

Maple: The Ping Gai!

Brother: The Ping… what?

Maple: Ping Gai Ping Gai Ping Gai!!!

As he was too lazy to venture into the cold for that dish with a name typically unheard of, I bravely volunteered my services as I desperately wanted to share this lovely dish.

The legendary Ping Gai

The Ping Gai ($16.95) simply means Laotian Barbecued Roast Chicken. It was one scrumptious meal with juicy flavourful chicken! Served with a side salad, steamed jasmine rice as well as a spicy lime coriander dipping sauce. The chef is definitely not stingy with the portion of perfectly roasted chicken served.

I consider myself pretty adventurous when it comes to trying out new dishes at restaurants. However, I ordered this dish three times out of my five visits. Other dishes which I tried with my various dining partners were the Curry Vegetable Roti ($14.95), Grilled Flatiron Steak ($21), Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni ($14.95), Crispy Calamari ($9.50) and Spicy Pumpkin Dip ($8.95). The items seem a little pricey but serving portions are generous. There is also a separate Sunday brunch menu.

If you ask me what kind of restaurant this is, I will not be able to answer you.

Thai? It serves Pai Thai.

Laos? It serves Ping Gai.

Chinese? It serves Dim Sum.

Western? It serves steak and interesting salads.

Indian? It serves Curry Vegetable Roti.

Italian? It serves Spinach and Ricotta Canneloni.

Cafe? It serves good cappucino.

Bar? It serves a variety of drinks.

Awesome? Yes it is!

This will be the place to go if one is undecided on what type of food they’d like because Queen Mother Cafe seems to offer everything! I might not be brave enough to order something else other than my beloved Ping Gai though…

This is Maple’s first entry blogging from fair Toronto, as part of her foreign assignment :)  More K/W reviews, as well as other Toronto reviews, to come! – Dariusz

I love crepes. They are like pancakes’ mysterious cousin – there are always hidden treasures in them. Even just a simple sweet banana and Nutella crepe, or the savoury ones with cheeeese, I love ‘em all. After trying out numerous crepe restaurants in Waterloo, Toronto and Montreal, I have yet to find one that is better than the The Art Square Cafe & Crepe, which is located right in downtown Toronto.

Located directly opposite the Art Gallery of Ontario, this cafe doesn’t have the look of a typical modern downtown restaurant. The signature red patio umbrella and crepe sign board with information of weekly specials is what I look forward to everytime I head over to Toronto.

Crepes with Illys coffee

Walking into the cafe, the outer half is an art gallery while the inner half is a cafe. There are many unique art pieces for sale for the art lovers. The cosy place only holds about 8 tables so reservation is recommended if heading there during the busy weekend brunch hours. There is also a nice enclosed patio which will be open when it is not -20 degrees.

Chef at work

Art Square Cafe has an open concept kitchen. You can see your order being freshly prepared with high quality ingredients. Having gone there countless times, I am proud to say that I’ve tried most of their menu items. With a wide variety of savoury and sweet crepes, I shall recommend two of my ultimate favourites.

The smoked salmon & goat cheese buckwheat crepe ($11.95) and chocolate fondue for two ($16.50).

You have a choice of white or buckwheat but I usually opt for the latter, which is nuttier and flavourful.

The smoked salmon is served with goat cheese and a small organic salad. There is a mystery green sauce spread between the crepe layers, which is made from dill, parsley, olive oil, lemon zest and garlic. I love how the dish comes with a whole chunk of cheeeeese!

The Art Square Cafe has various  dessert crepes with fruits, nuts or berries. There are also special desserts like the homemade truffles, profiteroles as well as Tiramisu with vodka flambe. However, the chocolate fondue still remains as my favourite. Made with rich dark chocolate, I was initially worried that two of us will not be able to finish the generous serving. However, that wasn’t a problem at all. It was SO GOOD!

What sets the crepes here apart from the rest is its texture. With savoury, the crepes are crisp and thin, yet not dry and too crunchy. With the sweet fondue, the crepes are extremely chewy and soft. Every bite feels like heaven (to me!).

Wow. Just wow.

Compared with other establishments where crepes are pre-prepared and stacked, waiting for orders, or where crepes are just made mindlessly without sincerity, this place shows them what a good ole’ crepe should taste like.

Anyway, off on my hunt for new crepe places!

]]> http://loudlunch.com/2011/02/art-square-cafe-crepe/feed/ 6 http://loudlunch.com/2011/01/little-bean-coffee-bar-and-its-special-daily/ http://loudlunch.com/2011/01/little-bean-coffee-bar-and-its-special-daily/#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:11:18 +0000 dariusz http://loudlunch.com/?p=384 While it’s not every day I get excited about the success of a coffee place, but today is one of those days. If you haven’t been there for lunch yet, I’d like to introduce to you Little Bean Coffee Bar. It’s one block south/east from Victoria St on King St W, kitty corner from the new McCabe’s. The street signage leaves something to be desired, so look for Ziggy’s Cycle first :) If nothing else, look for trendy people working on laptops in the comfortable space, complete with stage and sound equipment for their evening events.

Daily Dose of Greatness

I’ve been going there for lunch for a few months now, and with the exception of one time where I forgot my wallet, I always get the same thing: the “daily special” for $9.85. It’s perhaps the most well-rounded lunch special in the `hood, with a hearty sandwich, soup or salad, veggie snack, and some chips, as well as a mug for coffee or tea. All of the coffee is fair trade, there are many organic options, and as of my last visit they carry Stone Hammer beer. Stone Hammer is brewed by F&M in Guelph, so it’s nice to see the local connection there!

The sandwich is always a little different, from turkey and roasted red peppers to pastrami and sauerkraut. Check out the details of the special on their menu, which doubles as a take-out order sheet (genius). There are different daily gluten-free soup as well! The variety here is excellent.

Generous, fresh, and tasty.

I’ve heard great things about the breakfast sandwich, but not having tried it myself I don’t feel right commenting (it’s probably just as fresh and satisfying as the rest of the menu, and yet another reason to go visit).

Ordering Made Easy, Please

If you’re not ordering the special, or the breakfast sandwich, the ordering process is a bit arduous. Kind of like Vincenzo’s when you’re in a hurry. I’d love to see more pre-packaged lunch or breakfast combos, so I can just say “number two with beef on rye”, rather than itemize each feature one by one (I often don’t care and would rather have the food wizards in the back office decide on some recommendations). When the serving staff was new, I’d find myself in an awkward silence contest followed by “and then?” … so I just stick to the special now.

As I hope you will too.

One fine evening at dinner with an elderly couple, who has been in this region for many years, we chatted about the recent developments at Uptown. I told the dear lady how much I adore the new Cora’s for breakfast. She, on the other hand, told me:

Nothing beats a greasy breaky at Angie’s Kitchen with a couple of old friends. Pancakes, eggs and mmmmmmm bottomless fresh coffee. Just the right boost for the perfect morning before work.

With Cora’s just a 30 second sprint away, I would assume Angie’s to be having a challenging time maintaining her customer base since both cater to the all-day breakfast lovers. Cora’s healthy focus might attract the younger crowd but it is Angie’s that holds all the memories. Providing comfort food since the 1960s, this place has a great rustic decor and tons of old photographs on the walls to bring you down memory lane.

Break the Fast

I took quite a while to decide what to get as the menu had a wonderful variety. Was craving pancakes but my partner felt like french toast. Wanted sausages while the other demanded eggs. Both of us were starving though. What to do what to do what to do! Decisions decisions decisions!

After a looooong debate, we finally decided on the Country Style Breakfast ($11.95) to share. Yes, one dish to share. We were both skeptical when our server assured us it’ll be enough for the two ravenous customers.

We told each other,

Well, we’ll order again later.

Yea right.

Two eggs, bacon, ham, sausage. Two toast, homefries. Two pancakes, one french toast.

YES. ONE DISH. nom nom nom!

There is also the Angie’s Famous Early Bird Breakfast Special ($4.99) with two eggs, bacon/ham/sausage, toast and homefries – served till 11am. Other interesting menu items include the Angie’s Son-in-Law Sandwich ($7.95) and Dieter’s Breakfast ($3.99).

Pretty cosy place to visit. If only their maple syrup was sweeter, and their pies were prettier. Other than that, great food, great value for money and great place to create some memories.

Any other great diners around Loo?

As winter approaches, I’m constantly craving for two things – a bowl of warm comforting soup and a plate of greasy flavorful  BBQ. Hidden in a small plaza at Laurelwood  is Hog Tails BarBQue, Waterloo’s first down home barbecue restaurant.

Tucked away from the major areas in Waterloo, this place is rather tricky to find, something intended by the owner. This family restaurant is modeled after the best barbecue joints in the States, where the good ones are always located at hard-to-reach spots. Entering the restaurant, I was greeted by walls covered with pictures of adventures and BBQ competitions which the owners participated in at US.

Wall of memories

Brightly coloured walls accented the jolly atmosphere. As a cosy family-owned restaurant, the store is rather small so many customers prefer ordering take-outs. I shared a dish with my lady dining partner – serving size was so huge that we could barely finish!

BBQ sampler platters - BBQ chicken, Southern Style pulled pork and Texas beef brisket

The BBQ sampler platter($16.99) includes three meats (choice of ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, bbq chicken or hot wings) and two sides (I chose sweet potato fries and molasses baked beans). My favourite was the BBQ chicken. Not usually a huge fan of chicken, I was so pleased with the tenderness of it and agree with what’s written on the menu:

We bet this chicken is the juiciest smoked chicken around!

Oh, did I mention that they have AWESOME sweet potato fries?

Hog Tails is an excellent restaurant with sincere service, generous portions and reasonable prices. Check out their website for some barbecuing tips and check out their store for some authentic Southern cuisine.

Happy holidays! Stay safe, warm and continue visiting loudlunch in the new year!

The Record reported on the upcoming closure.  I had a chance to speak to some of the staff about it, and sure enough it’s due to complications arising from the situation that the Eaton Loft block is in.  The restaurant was supposed to move to the MCL building at the corner of King and Water (where Desire2Learn used to be before moving to the Tannery), but City Hall red tape and nit-picking discouraged everyone involved (or that was the gist of it).

Loudlunch would like to lend our vocal support to the restaurant and its ownership.  If you can, please continue to operate in the area.  I understand that the family also owns a Bolero at the Kitchener Market, but the atmosphere, lunchability, and operating hours there just aren’t the same.

Get in there while the getting’s good.

Baker’s Cove prides itself as a restaurant that delivers the freshest seafood dishes. Hence, several menu items were unavailable during my visit. I am an avid fish lover. After being disappointed on numerous occasions  by the dry, tasteless salmon served in several restaurants, I’ve given up on ordering salmon when dining out. However, the excellent reviews on the  Poached Salmon with Fruit Salsa ($12.95) tempted me – I couldn’t resist.

Tender salmon poached in lemon herb tea

It was perfect! Excellent! Bravo! Nothing like the usual overcooked salmon served at other places! Wonderful!

Something to note – Baker’s Cove very thoughtfully offers a regular and small portion. Typically, ladies are satisfied with the smaller portion while men order the regular size. You can choose amongst different sides such as rice, roasted vegetables or fries. Everything is cooked in trans fat-free and cholesterol free canola oil. You can actually taste the difference. The other dish we ordered was the Sole Almandine ($11.95). It is an almond encrusted sole grilled with a light drizzle of lemon butter. It felt sweet and light rather than oily and heavy.

The service was excellent as well. A friendly, attentive and humorous server really enhances your dining experience.

Loyalty Card- 7th meal is free!

Hurray for the perfect salmon dish!