It was around -15 °C outside when my boyfriend and I left home; and we both felt that the acute coldness was absorbing into our bone marrows. We were both craving for some warm and hearty food, where we somehow trekked through the bustling bus crowd to arrive at the most famous Downsview Filipino restaurant called, the Sampaguita Village.We arrived at 2:10 p.m., hoping that the lunch rush would have calmed down. Surprisingly, the restaurant was jam packed with elders, parents, couples, teenagers and little kids. We both thought the wait for a table would be long, but after about ten minutes or so, the cashier promptly took us to a table.We ordered Yang Chow Fried Rice, Pancit Sampaguita (stir fried noodles), Lechon Kawali (crispy pork belly), Pinakbet (stirfried mixed vegetables), and Sinigang (shrimp soup). While we were waiting for our food, we enjoyed ourselves with perfectly chilled Molson Canadians with surrounding sounds of laughter, and a faint melody in the background.Food arrived promptly, and while I was busy taking photos of all the mouth watering food, my boyfriend would snatch pieces out of the Lechon Kawali dish with an adorable grin on his face. After dozens of captures, I was silently enjoying the different flavor profiles of each dishes. The Lechon Kawali pork skin was crispy in texture and dark gold in color, yet tender and juicy from the inside; and it was served along with a special house sauce. The Sinigang soup on the other hand, was an impeccable duet with the Lechon Kawali because it gave us a nice break from the fried pork, rice and noodles. The citrus lemon and sweet tamarind flavor from the soup allowed me to reminisce back in time to a happy childhood memory, where I plucked and ate from fresh tamarind trees back in Sri Lanka.The mixed vegetable dish (Pinakbet) was accentuated in stir fried, dark green bitter flavors which contained long beans, bitter melon, okra, and other vegetables. While the flavors of this dish may not be acceptable to some; it is comparable to acquired flavors in western dishes such as caviar and beer.Lastly, we tried ‘Halo Halo’: one of the most famous desserts among Filipinos. Even though it was blistering cold outside, I was determined to try one. The meaning of Halo Halo simply means ‘mixture of ingredients’ which can include evaporated milk, boiled sweet beans, cherries, jellies, shredded coconuts, and other sweet ingredients. Halo Halo, is then nicely topped off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This eye catching dessert was beautifully presented in a tall cup, and as the name suggested, all the ingredients should be thoroughly mixed prior to consumption in order to enjoy different texture and flavors from each spoonful.Conclusively, Sampaguita Village showcased their delicious and interesting flavours, and textures of their traditional cuisine, which makes me want to come back and eat more with my friends and families.
Restaurant Review: La Traviata Ristorante & Pizzeria – 852 Wilson Ave. – www.latraviata.ca – 416-635-8891
La Traviata has got to be one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Downsview. On a clear moonlit night I dined with my extended family, on my wife’s side, due to the awesome generosity of my beloved in-laws, who have hearts of gold. We have dined here on maybe ten to fifteen occasions. The restaurant never fails to impress, therefore, never disappoints.The restaurant is impeccably clean, and the white table cloths add charm to the décor. The grey walls exude a feeling akin to something from Architectural Digest.The wait staff is always congenial, warm, effervescent, and beguiling, which always wins us over. I would be remiss if I did not mention that it was, of course, mainly due to the awesome cuisine.The restaurant is very intimate but still affords patrons the opportunity to converse at an audible level. When there are lulls in conversation, there is some very appealing pop music which serenades you as you dine.Since we usually go with a party of eight, everyone habitually delves into different entrees. We usually forgo any appetizers or desserts due to the fact the entrees are of generous proportions.My wife habitually opts for the chicken parmigiana with penne -which she devours since it’s so delectable. My father-in-law and mother-in-law sometimes elect to choose shrimp arrabiata or veal parmigiana. Those two entrees are finger lickin’ good! My sister-in-law and her partner usually share two entrees. Their entrees of choice are eggplant parmigiana and the margherita pizza. Since they both share two options, their choices go much further in pleasing the palate. I waver between the chicken cacciatore and the shrimp arrabiata depending on what my gastronomic consciousness is instructing me. Our niece is very much inclined to either of the aforesaid shrimp arrabiata or the mussels arrabiata. Our nephew, who is six feet tall, opts for various things. On our last visit he and I were in sync and so he indulged in the amazing chicken cacciatore.Regardless of whatever you choose off the menu, all the dishes are winners! You won’t go wrong. Plus the bread which is served with olive oil and butter does its job by whetting the appetite.The overhanging lights illuminate the restaurant quite nicely, providing ample lighting for you to see your meal and your dining companions, not like some restaurants which have dim lighting.It’s fully accessible via TTC as there is a stop nearby. If you’re driving there is some parking in the front of the resto or on a nearby side street.The lavatories are always very clean but be careful walking down the stairs en route if you have to answer the call of nature. La Traviata is open seven days a week so you can go anytime to have a delicious and very appetizing meal!
California Sandwiches: A delicious gem in Downsview
Tucked away in an industrial mall at the north-west corner of Sheppard Ave. W. and Chesswood Drive is California Sandwiches where they make the best hot Italian veal sandwiches on this side of mama’s kitchen.It’s a family business that reaches back into the history of Toronto and the heart of little Italy. In 1969 Christina and Giuseppe Papa opened a small grocery store at 244 Claremont Avenue between College St. and Dundas St. -a block away from where I grew up on Clinton Street. It was a typical mid-block grocery store that served the local neighbourhood.Their timing couldn’t have been worse. The area’s first supermarket, the Power Store, had just opened on Bloor Street and as more people bought cars and refrigerators their shopping patterns changed. The local mid-block grocery was dead. With seven kids to feed they had to do something to survive. The answer came out of Signora Papa’s kitchen. It was hot juicy Italian veal sandwich with a ‘to die for’ Sunday sauce that nobody could resist.They began making the sandwiches at the rear of the store. In the early days, Gina Severino, one of the five daughters (who now operates a California Sandwich shop in Woodbridge) remembers her brother hustling orders for sandwiches in pool rooms and at construction sites which she helped delivered on her bicycle.As the fame of the sandwiches spread, deliveries expanded with orders from as far away as the downtown area. California Sandwiches became a favorite of many Bay Street law firms. Toronto Council often ordered them when the meetings extended through the dinner break.In 1993, two of the sisters, Mary and Yolanda open a second California Sandwich shop here in Downsview which has been dishing out sandwiches: veal, chicken, steak, smothered in mama’s sauce, onions cheese and mushrooms, since that time.Before she died, their mother made them promise that the business would never be franchised. There are now 12 California Sandwich shops each one owned by a different member of the family. Everyone has their own unique décor but what they all have in common is the family recipe and a devotion to quality.So how is a California sandwich different from any other sandwich? Everything is made to order, fresh and from scratch. It doesn’t sit there waiting for you like a burger in a fast food chain: Each sandwich is made to your specs. You can order your sandwiches hot (spicy), medium, or sweet with a side of olives, rush it to your table and wash it down with a bottle of pop or an ice cold beer. Enjoy!
Restaurant Review: The Mandarin -1027 Finch Ave. West
Welcome to Mandarin! This restaurant chain is always very busy due to its delectable and vast panoply of foods it offers. I have patronized Mandarin well over seventy times during the past thirty years. It never disappoints. This particular location I have been to maybe twenty five times.Be forewarned: before going to any Mandarin, you must make a reservation. The effervescent hostess who answers the phone usually gives you an alpha-numeric reservation code. Not sure why it has to be alpha-numeric but I guess it’s a system that works for them.As soon as you walk into Mandarin they have a large waiting area resplendent with TV monitors and a fish pond. Some of the gold fish appeared to have been overfed because they are impressively huge!When you are led to your seats you bypass the cornucopia of foods on display for your buffet dinner. That being said, you can order a la carte but most patrons usually opt for the buffet. If you choose the latter, you certainly won’t go wrong.The magic of Mandarin is the food. It will keep you coming back again and again. I believe it’s probably the most successful restaurant chain in the GTA.The servers are always attentive. Be sure to not drink too much water, ergo, you will have more room for all that delicious food. If you love crab legs, please note: it is only served during the dinner hours, not at lunch. That might give you a more strategic approach to your reservation.Now for all that fabulous food: they have two stations of hot food; one cold salad bar augmented with their sweet and sour and won ton soups; one roast beef station; one station for sushi; and finally a long station for scrumptious desserts. The desserts are fit for a king!Here are some of the cuisine you might expect to dine on: shanghai noodles; sweet and sour chicken; chicken balls; beef with beans; vegetarian fried rice; assorted vegetables; onion rings; kung pao chicken (very spicy!); steamed broccoli; French fries; crispy fried chicken; and servings of pork plus more offerings. They are all mouth-wateringly good!Each meal is preceded with hot towels. As you can see Mandarin adheres to cleanliness. To top off every meal you’re always presented with sagacious and delicious fortune cookies. Always a great treat.So go with a date, a group of friends, or your entire extended family. Mandarin is always a winner in any epicurean’s book. You won’t regret it!For more information visit: www.mandarinrestaurant.com or call 416-736-6000 (Dufferin and Finch location)
Restaurant Review: Mr Greek in Downsview
Mr. Greek at 1000 Finch Ave. West, Phone: 416-661-2300Opa! That seemed like the only fitting way to commence this review of a genuinely fine restaurant. I’ve dined there on several occasions such as birthdays and also for lunch. It has never disappointed.The wait staff are mature and respectful. There is parking out front (after paying you can ask for it to be validated by the concierge). The washroom facilities are always kept very neat, tidy, and clean. The décor is typical of Greece which gives the restaurant some excellent ambience.Most of the staff are up on current events so it’s wonderful to exchange a few convivial words before your meal and beverage orders are taken. The restaurant is very spacious and has an event space which can be used for wedding receptions or baby showers (for those with deep pockets), of other private affairs.Since I usually attend with a large contingent, we like to do some food exploration. For appetizers we order long platters of hummus, spanakopita, and Greek Kalamari. All the upturned corners of mouths and the licking of lips are positive proof that the appetizers all have a great desired effect.If you are counting your calories you can opt for authentic Greek salads, with feta cheese, black or green olives, all dressed down with Greek or Italian dressing. Um, um, good.When it comes to visiting an authentic Greek resto, souvlaki is a go to option. Take your pick: you have succulent chicken, delicious pork, or tasty lamb. To augment your protein, you have the choice of one: their famous salads, rice, or vegetables. I would suggest go the salad and rice! But, that’s just me.A dinner date at Mr. Greek typically won’t break the bank. It’s great for business lunches, to catch up with an old friend, meet up with a sibling, to while away the hours with your lover or spouse, or to capture the great nightlife Toronto is already famous for with great food and libations.Major credit cards are accepted and if you need to split the bill using debit or credit, no problem! For the sports enthusiast there are a few flat screen monitors located near the bar so you don’t miss the latest replay.It’s not exactly like being in Greece but it’s the closest you will get without having to pay the expensive airfare and enduring the long flight!
Restaurant Review: Moxie’s Grill & Bar
Yorkdale is probably one of the best malls in Canada. In the GTA, it just might take the crown. It has a fairly new food court which is spacious and illuminated well. The many retailers in the mall add to its eclecticism, and proves it has a very vast expanse when it comes to its offerings. What it also has is a great Moxie’s!Located just south of the Indigo Books and Gifts store, it’s a wonderful, mouth-watering restaurant. I had patronized one of its locations in Brampton for family birthdays, then had the awesome idea of trying out the one at Yorkdale. It did not disappoint.I’ve lunched there a few times, later followed by a couple of dinners. The wait staff are mostly millennials. I have to say one thing, they have personality – both the males and females. The ones which I have dealt with have social skills which are par excellence! They know how to engage patrons, and try not to be superficial in their way of serving. Not sure if they are trained like this or if it’s their million dollar personality which gets them the job.The uniforms of the wait staff are classic black. In this case noir is the new black. Moxie’s is more family-oriented and the uniforms give the wait staff a very elegant touch.If you’re dining with your family there are some booths – which are made of leather or leatherette, not sure which – that can feasibly fit a family of four or five. If your family is more plus size it might be a tighter squeeze. There are some stand-alone tables which would be able to accommodate you.The food is delicious. During several trips to Moxie’s I’ve never been disappointed. The portions are very generous. If you are dining with your spouse, or significant other, and don’t have large appetites, I would suggest you get two appetizers and one entrée. It would leave you both satisfied.The last trip my wife and I had their spectacular bruschetta and chicken wings. Heavenly. Every bite was better than the last. It’s that good! My wife elected to opt for a Coke when it came to her beverage, I tried their Virgin Caesar. They really know how to make a Virgin Caesar! Be careful if you order one – it comes with a jalapeno pepper.The main course we dined on was fries and fish tacos. Moxie’s has one of the best fish tacos on this side of the universe! From the first time I tried it, I could not resist it on subsequent trips. One other dining companion opted for their burger. He was mightily impressed.Their restrooms are also a sight to behold with their flat screens and haute sinks. A very nice touch.Moxie’s is ideal for feasting any day of the week.Address: Yorkdale Shopping Centre, 3401 Dufferin St.Phone: (416) 787-7600Website: www.yorkdale.com/stores/moxies-classic-grill
Restaurant Review: Wimpy’s Diner, 590 Sheppard Ave W., Phone: (416) 635-7013.
Wimpy’s Diner is part of a chain of restaurants mostly found in the suburbs or exurbia. I’ve never come across one in downtown Toronto. The one that is being reviewed sits in that large strip mall at the northwest corner of Sheppard Ave. West and Bathurst.The restaurant is always hopping with patrons. For anyone who craves some good grub at 3am in the morning, this will be the place for you, because it’s opened 24 hours.The servers are always vivacious and have the joie de vivre. They always smile and always punctuate their pleasant greetings with a smattering of conversation, if you, yourself, are of the sociable ilk.The kitchen is exposed allowing you to marvel at the wonder of the cooks and sous chefs, who can whip up cuisine in a matter of minutes. Wimpy’s décor reminds one of Alice’s restaurant from the titular eighties comedy. But, rest assured, you won’t find a surly cook or Flo to tell him to “kiss my grits!”No, this Wimpy’s is always bursting with life! CP24 is on all day long on three overhead flat screen TVs. And that’s a good thing in case you’ve had a busy day and missed the news. The restaurant has many pictures celebrating iconic American celebrities from the days of yore, like Elvis, screen goddess Marilyn Monroe, and the quintessential American “rebel without a cause,” James Dean.Wimpy’s has a very eclectic menu. It offers an all-day breakfast menu, which would please those who are into hashbrowns, toast, and eggs. Sunny side up, anyone? If you have more of an affinity for Greek inspired food they offer three variations of souvlaki. Trust me, their Greek salads are, unequivocally, heavenly.Of course, there are pastas for those with an Italian bent. I would highly recommend the chicken parmigiana. The servings are so huge you can take home a care package for lunch the following day.For the health nuts, and those, who are more into seafood, there is wonderful haddock served with your choice of potatoes or fries (their mashed potatoes are out of this world!), and either a garden salad, or my favourite, Greek salad topped with olives, feta cheese, and Italian dressing.For more Canadian-inspired fare, you may want to opt for the club house sandwich with coleslaw, which was the choice of my dining companion. I did manage to taste a sampling of the coleslaw, and it was absolutely delish! Jamie Oliver, if you’re reading this, you don’t know what you’re missing!I’ve always found the wait staff very congenial at Wimpy’s. They always check in on you while you’re dining and can accommodate all requests. There is always music from the eighties streaming while you savour your meal. The miniature juke boxes by every booth are inoperable but add a nice aesthetic touch.For those wishing to place an order for pick-up, your wish can be granted. Make your next meal be one at Wimpy’s! Sorry, they don’t take reservations. First come, first served.
Restaurant Review by Michael Persaud Le Montmartre, 911 Sheppard Ave. West, Downsview, ON, M3H 2T7, phone: 416-630-3804
Restaurant Review by Michael PersaudLe Montmartre, 911 Sheppard Ave. West, Downsview, ON, M3H 2T7, phone: 416-630-3804Website: www.lemontmartrestaurant.comLe Montmartre, named after one of the most appealing districts in France, is a very fine-dining restaurant on Sheppard Ave. West. The building itself is a very resplendent colour of yellow. If you are taking public transit just exit the bus at Wilson Heights. It’s juxtaposed to the Petro Canada gas station. If your mode of transportation is via car, there is ample parking in the rear of the restaurant.Don’t be surprised when you hear the sweet, dulcet Parisian accents of the wait staff. It will transport your mind and consciousness across the pond to France or the 18th arrondissement. Bring your appetite because Le Montmartre’s menu will make you salivate. It’s mouth-wateringly good!For an appetizer I would highly I suggest the Caesar salad or lobster bisque. If you’ve not been to a French restaurant, you may recognize “lobster bisque” from one of Seinfeld’s iconic episodes made famous by Elaine. If you’re more adventurous you may wish to opt for the escargot, or in more everyday parlance, snails.Le Montmartre has a great selection of wines. To compliment your entrees you may wish to opt for a nice merlot, some red, or a special favourite of mine is the choice of chardonnay. The vino may even add a bit of spice to your dinner conversation. Libations at a meal are a must!The patrons at Le Montmartre are very eclectic. You may see Asians, Indians, and various other ethnicities within your vicinity while enjoying your meal. There are some seniors who also like to have a quiet meal while engaging in tete-a-tete. The French music over the P.A. system gives the restaurant great ambience. It really adds some character to the very European décor.One of my favourite dishes is the rack of lamb. It’s always cooked to perfection. It’s never stuck to the bone but slides off easily with your knife. Savour it. My dining companion has indulged in Sole Almondine which is basically filet of sole with wine sauce and roasted almonds. Truly heavenly!To accent your meal a good choice would be any of their sorbets, or for the dessert aficionado, there are always profiteroles. My dining companion, since she has a sweet tooth usually opts for the profiteroles. I usually derive great pleasure from watching her consume it.While dining you are never rushed, but have time to savour your meal. And when its French cuisine it must be savoured like the food gods meant it to be.If you arrive early for dinner there is no need to make a reservation, but if you plan to arrive during the prime dining hours, reservations are highly suggested.I have patronized Le Montmartre about ten times over a seven year period. Each time is well worth the visit. It is the best French restaurant in Downsview!Don’t forget to bring your appetite. Bon appetit!
If you like coffee, sandwiches and homemade dessert, Cafe by Kwin is the place to be!
Café by Kwin first opened in July 2015. This friendly neighbourhood café was created by J. Kwin and is a family business involving both parents and their three children as well as an aunt. The children work after school or on weekends and enjoy working while balancing their school and social schedules.The family works well together and they share bonding moments too. Working with family is, according to them, “a real pleasure.” The business schedule can be adapted to each individuals schedule making it easy to manage.Cafe by Kwin’s priority is to stick to good quality, healthy and fresh product at affordable prices –and they are great at making you feel comfortable. They provide great customer relationships and delicious food –can’t go wrong!It all started because J. Kwin is a coffee lover and a cooking devotee, so he came up with the idea of a cafe where he could work with his family. He did a lot of research and invented his own recipes to make good, healthy, fresh and homemade food. He also decorated and designed the café’s layout. The room is spacious which provides different areas that fit several groups of people and they even have outdoor seating!Their menu includes a variety of sandwiches, coffees, salads, cheesecakes (from The Cheesecake Factory), Belgium waffles, ice cream, and much more. Tu Anh Nguyen (J. Kwin’s wife) is fond of drinks, so J. Kwin also created a variety of drink recipes. I personally recommend the strawberry banana smoothie, which is very fruity and refreshing.Café by Kwin is a great place to meet with friends, to study or have a meeting. They provide a great atmosphere and friendly, respectful service along with good quality food. It is located at 1 De Boers Drive, 400 meters from the Downsview subway station.So, do not hesitate anymore, and come enjoy a delicious coffee with a slice of homemade cheesecake sooner than later!For more information visit: www.cafebykwin.comEmail: mail@cafebykwin.comPhone: 647-352-5558Facebook: Cafe by KwinInstagram: @cafebykwin
Nanalyn Jerk: Authentic Caribbean food in Downsview
Are you a foodie? Do you love to tantalize your palate with some of the most piquant tastes known to humankind? Your search is over! Nanalyn Jerk, in the heart of Downsview, might just be your answer. Nestled in a small strip mall just north of Sheppard Avenue West, on Wilson Heights, it is one of the newest and most welcomed restaurants to the neighbourhood.I have patronized the restaurant more than 30 times since its inception into the neighbourhood. I once spoke with a pregnant Asian woman who purchased the same take-out dinner as I did -she was salivating that finally we had an authentic Caribbean restaurant in the neighbourhood.If you’ve been on the foodie scene, or are an avid restaurant-goer in the city, you are probably know that The Real Jerk is one of the best in the city. Albert’s, on St. Clair Ave. West also has its adherents.Whenever you enter the restaurant – which is also a sit-down establishment for those wishing to dine in – your ears will be greeted by some reggae. It adds a nice touch when you’re ordering your entrees, whether from the menu, or from the counter.Some of the dine-in options offered include jerk/ BBQ/fried/ curried/ and stewed chicken -all mouth-wateringly delicious. If you’re more of the adventurous type there is jerk pork, oxtail, curried goat, and escovitch fish (one I will have to put on my hit list as that has escaped my order preference). For a more traditional choice they serve, callaloo and saltfish. Ackee, curried chicken, curried goat roti are great tasting as well. If you’ve never tried a roti in all your life you are missing something that is manna from heaven.Before Nanalyn Jerk entered the Downsview scene three other restaurants occupied its current location. One was a falafel house, the second was an Italian resto, followed by a diner. All did not fair well. It appears Nanalyn is a winner since it has been around for almost two years now.It is LCBO licensed and lunch seems to be their busiest -when the 9 to 5-ers and students from William Lyon Mackenzie queue up to place their orders.I would recommend the fried plantains. You may also wish to indulge in their steamed snapper fish and cow foot. I usually purchase their curried or stew chicken with rice and peas augmented with cole slaw. It is always served with a smile.Nanalyn Jerk caters for events, as well, should you be so inclined. This restaurant is an oasis in Downsview. If you’re driving, there is parking out front.It’s about time Downsview got a taste of Jamaica!