Foodie Blog: Hot Mama Noi Thai on the Fly

Hot Mama Noi Thai on the Fly
1410 Bayly St, Unit #6A
Pickering, Ontario
Cuisine(s): Thai
Date visited: September 2010

I wanted to try something different than our usual pickings on a Saturday night. I wasn't particularly craving asian food but the name caught me completely off guard and had good reviews on Restaurantica so we decided to check it out.

Food: 4.5/5
The food was fantastic! We ordered pad thai, red curry, cashews with chicken and mango chicken. The pad thai was really good (the sauce tasted a tad thick but that's ok, at least it didn't taste like ketchup like the other place). Chicken dishes were good with a healthy serving of peppers (it was a bit saucy). My favourite was the curry. It was delicious .. I think I had most of that dish haha. Everything but the pad thai came with a large lump of rice (it was put on one plate so we could share). Chef also gave us some home made chili sauce - whooo that stuff is hotttt.

Service: 4.5/5
There was next to no one there at 8pm (I guess all their business comes from lunch/take out) so we were seated immediately and our drinks were gotten promptly. The food came out quite quickly and the "waitress" came to check on us frequently. At the end, the chef (Mama Noi, I presume) came out to talk to us, and we complimented her on the great food. Talked for about 10 minutes and got to know her a bit. She was so grateful for our support, and it seems like she gets to know her customers on a personal level, which is pretty nice (and rare).

Atmosphere: 3.75/5
When we tried to find the restaurant, we actually passed by it without knowing. The place is actually sitting in what looks like a business plaza so it didn't really stick out. It's quite a small place but the chef has said that on a weekday basis it's packed at lunch. There are a handful of tables, with a buddhist shrine and a small cashier on the side. However the tables and the area are quite clean. Didn't get a chance to hit up the bathroom.

Price/Value: 4/5
Price was expected for thai dishes - around $8-10 for each dish. Some dishes don't look like a lot but at the end we were quite full. Service was great and the food was good.

Overall dining experience: 4.5/5
I don't think I've ever been at an establishment where the cook comes out to talk to the customers! It was nice that she came to talk to us, and we could sense the tremendous effort she puts into the food, as it's a small family run business. You know there's lots of love going in. Really liked this place (esp the name, hahha), we'll definitely return another time.

France banned burqa's today. I don't agree with it ..

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/860669--french-senate-votes-to-outlaw-islamic-veils

Proof that the world is getting worse ..

This idiot and his "followers" need to be smacked a few times and then some

http://www.thestar.com/article/858519--cancellation-of-qur-an-burning-a-possibility-pastor-says

Foodie Blog: Pho 88 Vietnamese

Pho 88 Vietnamese
325 Bamburgh Circle
Scarborough, Ontario
Cuisine(s): Pho, Vietnamese
Date visited: September 2010

We wanted to try some place different than our usual pho place.

Food: 4.5/5
For the four of us, we ordered a large bowl of pho, two grilled meat plates and a plate of veggies. The pho was decent, and the other dishes were pretty good (not overly salty like the other Pho place). The pork was very tender, as was the chicken. The beef was mediocre. Plate of veggies looked kind of small. Oh yea and we had a deep fried tofu appetizer - very yummy!!

Service: 4/5
Service here is snap snap. You wave your hand and once someone catches wind they're at your table before you can slurp up the last of your noodles. May not be greatest but I wasn't expecting much and they delivered decent service.

Atmosphere: 3.75/5
The arrangement of seats is for maximum capacity. When you see it packed, it looks like a cafeteria. Not pretty, but there was enough space between "aisles" to get thru. Tables were clean and it was a bit loud but there were a lot of people. Didn't get a chance to use the bathroom.

Price/Value: 4.5/5
Great deal on the food. For what we got, we ended up paying like $8/person and ended up quite satisfied (and not over salted)

Overall dining experience: 4/5
Quite satisfied with the experience. At these kinds of places I expect prompt (but not necessarily great) service, good and fast food, and Pho 88 delivered. Will come back.

Foodie Blog: Akashia

Akashia
607 Kingston Rd West
Ajax, Ontario
Cuisine(s): Japanese, sushi
Date visited: August 2010

Wanted to try something new while we were in town for the afternoon.

Food: 4/5
We ordered spicy salmon roll, some other specialty rolls (spider/dragon? I don't remember), and a teriyaki beef bento box. We don't usually order bento boxes, but it was quite a steal for the amount of food you get for the price. Our meal came with soup, salad (for both of us, even tho we only ordered 1 box), I think there was a noodle appetizer too! The specialty rolls were ok, but the spicy salmon roll was quite something. Wasn't very spicy, but I could taste the freshness of it. I think it's one of best tasting and freshest salmon rolls I've ever had. I think also got green tea ice cream at the end too .. bf was ecstatic.

Service: 4/5
It's a husband/wife run shop ..I saw the husband making the sushi while the wife was tending everything else. That's when you know they put the love in it. Could have come around to refill tea more often but both were very nice.

Atmosphere: 3.75/5
It sits opposite to a busy plaza, right beside a car auto shop with parking a bit sketchy. Inside is small and quaint, with about half a dozen tables. Didn't get a chance to use the washroom but didn't even see if there was space for one!

Price/Value: 4/5
I think we walked out paying about $32, and were absolutely STUFFED. The bento box does numbers on any sized stomach and wow it was a lot of food. Probably ordered too much for lunch but can't beat the value.

Overall dining experience: 4/5
Overall, we quite liked Akashia. The food was very good, as was the service. As we were leaving, they gave us 2 coffee mugs and even a frequent eater card! (you know, buy 10 spicy salmon roll, get 1 free) Not sure how good it'll work out for them but hopefully it does. It's a bit far from us but if we're in the area again then I wouldn't mind returning.

I was bitchy and selfish today.

I wanted to go out with him in the evening
But I couldn't
I wanted to have my own place where I could just be by myself or be with him
But I couldn't

So I got quiet. My selfishness overtook me. I silently reeled about how badly I wish we could be like every other couple I know where both parents know and are cool about our relationship. I want to be able to sit in his kitchen and chat with his family like it's an everyday occurrence. I want to be able to hold his hand while walking in Walmart even if his relatives see. I just want us to be known in each other's family without feeling like we have to hide each other from them.

And as I sit here crying silent tears, my selfishness will not leave me tonight. All I can think of is this, instead of thinking about the wonderful person who loves me. Maybe this is the cause of my recent sleepness nights ...

Food

Saag paneer roti @ Gandhi's on Queen is one of my favourite things to eat. It's incredibly delicious, but incredibly deadly, in terms of nutrition .. here's the damage:

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/diet/article/855899--the-dish-vegetarian-roti-outrageously-high-in-calories-fat-and-sodium

Proof that the world is getting worse ...

Shame on the guy running this scam
Even MORE shame on the people stupid enough to bring $200K+ CASH in a BAG. IDIOTS.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/847812--man-wanted-for-currency-exchange-scam

British told how to treat visitors – including Canadians – to the 2012 Olympics

This is scarily true ... at least for moi

http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/846560--british-told-how-to-treat-visitors-including-canadians-to-the-2012-olympics?bn=1

EXCERPT FROM VISIT BRITAIN BROCHURE

Section on Canadian tourists from Visit Britain brochure “Delivering a first class welcome”

CANADA

Social practices – not laws – govern many types of behaviour in Canada. Some traditions are well established and are politely but firmly enforced.

For example:

• Lining up, or queuing: People normally line up or queue according to the principle of ‘first-come, first-served.’ They will be angry if you push ahead in a line-up instead of waiting your turn.

• Not smoking in private homes: Most Canadians do not smoke.

• When you are in people’s homes, you should always ask their permission to smoke. However this may be different in Quebec.

• Being on time: You should always arrive on time. People who are often late may be fired from their jobs or suspended from school. Many Canadians will not wait more than 10-15 minutes for someone at a business meeting. For social events, it is expected that you will arrive within half an hour of the stated time.

• Respect for the environment: Canadians respect the natural environment and expect people to avoid littering.

• Bargaining: Bargaining for a better price is not common in Canada, but there are some exceptions. People who sell things privately may also bargain.

• Smart shopping: Stores compete on price with one another to attract customers. Note: the price marked on goods in stores does not include taxes, which add from 7-15% to the cost of an item, depending on the province.

• Shaking hands: It is customary that you always shake hands at a first-time meeting and always in business situations.

• First names: Canadians are always on a first name basis; especially in social situations and informal business environments.

• Not Americans: The Canadian visitor to Britain is not an American.

• Many in Britain treat Canadians as Americans even though they are quite different from their American neighbours. Canadian may take offence if labeled as American. Canadians often identify themselves as Canadians by wearing a maple leaf pin, or a maple leaf on clothing, etc.

Foodie Blog: Vietnam Noodle Star

Vietnam Noodle Star
4188 Finch Ave E
Scarborough, Ontario
Cuisine(s): Pho, Vietnamese
Date visited: Monthly since 2008

This place is a staple in our (me/bf, me/family) food life. Monthly, I'd say I come here at least twice.

Food: 3.75/5
I come here for the pho. You get a piping hot, decent sized portion of noodles and meat for about $6 (although, I've noticed the portion size has decreased in recent days). Sometimes when me and my groupies come here, we order non-pho dishes, like the fried rice and noodles. This is where the deductions start to kick in. Went here yesterday with bf and another couple after a movie and we weren't really feeling for pho. Our staple dish, spicy clams, was not available at 10:15pm (dang it). But you have to try it - sauce is fantastic (albeit a bit salty and the portion on it has shrunk a bit). Ordered some fried rice, beef noodle dish, chinese lettuce and sweet and sour pork. Everything was overly salty. Even the vegetables! We've done this a few times now and it's not the first time we've noticed the extra-saltiness. I guess we don't learn. Most of the other stuff isn't that bad .. the pork was good and we've tried some of the "main course" dishes before - the "steak" is actually pretty tender.

Service: 3.75/5
Although this is a sit down restaurant, food FLIES around quickly. And what that means is snappy service. You won't see the waitresses check on you. But once your arm hits the air to beckon them, they're on you like flies, ready to get what you need. Service may not the friendliest, but it's snappy and efficient (there's always one waitress who always smiles and always asks how we are - we make sure we tip well).

Atmosphere: 3.5/5
This place is pretty simple - lots of tables and a few "palm" trees spread along an aisle. Floor is a bit slippery so watch out. There are 2 doors to get in/out, but in the winter times, sit away from the door as the coldness comes in! Bathrooms are mediocre but usually clean.

Price/Value: 4/5
If you're ordering just pho, this is the only place I would ever eat at. Like I mentioned before, you get a decent sized portion of noodles and meat for $5-6 + tax/tips. Order anything else and things can get a bit pricey.

Overall dining experience: 4/5
The main reason I give it 4/5 is because we primarily come here for a quick pho meal. The pho is hot and the noodles and meat are always consistently good. Service is quick and you can probably have a quick meal in 10 min (assuming you can get a seat at the busy hours!). I think we'll always be regulars at this place .. they know us too well.

I thought this was cute ...

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/843740--my-big-fat-geek-wedding

Proof that the world is getting worse

It's sad how manipulative people can be .. and how compassionate (read:victims) can be ...

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/844614--woman-faked-cancer-to-raise-money?bn=1

Foodie Blog: Ali Baba Kabob House

Ali Baba Kabob House
1801 Lawrence Ave E
Toronto, Ontario
Cuisine(s): Afghan
Date visited: August 2010

After Amy's wedding service, we had some time to kill before the dinner reception. It was a bit after lunch but both me and the bf had breakfast a few hours ago and were getting hungry. I was feeling like falafels and the bf wanted meat (shwarma) and this place had good reviews on restaurantica so we decided to check it out

Food: 5/5
So, let's get this straight. I asked and they don't serve falafels or shwarma. I don't know where the restaurantica poster gets a "falafel sandwich" from because I didn't get one!! Anyways we sat down and checked out the menu. Everything kind of looks the same to me .. I realized this wasn't a shwarma place but rather an Afghani little restaurant. Kind of scared by the ~$10 prices, we ordered one kofta kabob dinner (even tho it was lunch) for the both of us, and assumed we'd grab a snack after somewhere else. The guy was really nice and went away with our order. Within minutes a fresh green salad appeared along with some spicy sauce and "complimentary" bread/naan. This was one of the FRESHEST salads I have ever had eating out. It wasn't smothered in dressing but rather lightly dressed, which was exactly what we wanted. Great salad. Yes, salad. A minute after the salad arrived our main arrived - a giant plate of yellow and white basmati rice with two huge kofta kabobs. For those who don't know, kofta is .. middle eastern "meatloaf" or meatballs. Kabobs, if you will. I took one bite out of the kabob and instantly heaved a large portion onto my plate - it was absolutely delicious. Tender, juicy and well spiced. The rice was also very yummy as well.

Service: 3.75/5
This place is a little family run business. We were greeted by a man when we entered and he politely offered the menus. When I asked if there were lunch portions, he referred to the signs outside that advertised lunch specials that were only for take out but would give it to us for the same price sitting down (we were the only ones in the place). He wasn't outstanding, but he was quiet and nice. Didn't expect a lot but wasn't disappointed.

Atmosphere: 4/5
This was a quaint little restaurant situated in plaza surrounded by other brown stores. The place was clean and had maybe a dozen small tables. The good thing was that the chairs and tables weren't rickety! A bit bare but by no means bad (I actually don't remember too much of the decor). It was just very simple. Didn't visit the washroom (if there was one)

Price/Value: 4/5
The bill came up to ~$10 for two people. We were stuffed. We're both average sized portion eaters so it was quite filling for us. We left a hefty tip. The lunch special was probably the same thing but without a pop and salad, and that was going for maybe $7. I'd still say it's a good deal considering the rice and meat portions are pretty generous.

Overall dining experience: 4/5
I was disappointed I didn't get to eat my falafels but was quite surprised at how yummy afghani food was. I had never experienced it before and was really glad that I was able to stumble into this small place and have such a delicious meal. I was blown away by the kabob and rice. We'll definitely be returning to this place when we're in the neighbourhood .. keep up the good cooking!

I'm more than just an option
Refuse to be forgotten
I took a chance with my heart
And I feel it takin' over

I better find your loving
I better find your heart
I bet if I give all my love then
Nothing's gonna tear us apart

I ran so much this weekend .. 4K on Saturday, almost 5K on Sunday and then another 4K on Monday .. felt soooo good to actually run more than my usual 2K :)

Proof that the world is getting worse ...

Who would think of something like this? Who would be so sick???

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/842157--spiked-plank-found-in-cherry-beach-off-leash-area

Proof that the world is getting better ... !

"Experts" are recommending that salt content should be shown on menus. FINALLY!! Someone else in the world who cares about sodium! This is definitely a step in the right direction ...

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/article/841712--show-salt-content-on-menus-experts-say?bn=1

Proof that the world is getting worse ...

An immigration judge bribes a claimant for sex in exchange for a favourable decision. Kudos to the woman who bravely brought this jerk to his knees. I hope this guy rots in jail.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/crime/article/841675--immigration-judge-sentenced-to-jail-after-trying-to-bribe-refugee-claimant-for-sex?bn=1

The bf and I hit up the beach today. It was an absolutely gorgeous day out. The sun was out, a few clouds in the sky, and there was a light breeze. The beach wasn't packed and there lots of happy people out.

We sat on the rocks for a while and chatted. I could sit there all day long and still have a wonderful time. Looking out into the beautiful lake, it's one of those images you could think of when you're at work and looking at the window and wish you were at.

Being with him at the beach made my day. Thanks hun :)

Foodie Blog: Super Sushi House

Super Sushi House
1891 Kennedy Rd
Scarborough, Ontario
Cuisine(s): Sushi, Bento Boxes
Date visited: July 2010

So yesterday we were supposed to go to our usual sushi dig, Ama Sushi (AYCE), but we were still full from lunch and decided to hit up something new. I've seen this place dozens of times seen good reviews about it. Here's our (my) take on it:

Food: 3/5
For all sushi restaurants, the key, absolute key, is the spicy salmon roll. We ordered spicy salmon and hamachi (yellow tail) maki, red dragon and edamame. The edamame was nice and crunchy with some salt to boot (we forgot to ask for it sans-salt, as we find it tasting just as good). The price for the "simple" maki's were quite cheap, so I had my suspicion that the outer part would simply be the seaweed, and not another layer of rice. Yup, I was right. The "spicy salmon" was disappointing - not spicy at all, and the rolls weren't very big (well, for the price I guess it's what you'd expect). Hamachi was alright. The only good thing was the red dragon roll. In fact, it was really good. The salmon, avocado and tobiko on the cali rolls were very generous and it was really good.

Service: 3/5
Service here was good to start. The fellow was quick to take our order, he said "you're welcome" to every "thank you", and topped our tea frequently. The woman however, lacked any kind of enthusiasm. No smiling, very robotic. As our meal progressed, it took more than 5 minutes to get anyone to recognize our attention-seeking gazes so we could order another roll. The place is quite small and all tables visible so it's not like they couldn't see us. They didn't come back to check up on us after food was served nor did they come top off our tea. We were hoping to get a scoop of green tea ice cream, but the kicker was that the woman brought us the bill without us asking and when I asked if we could just get it added to the bill, she did not understand. How hard is it? The bf's mood was spoiled and he said to forget it, so we paid and left. As we were leaving, she looked up from the cashier and without a smile said "thank you". Do you really take it as a "thank you" if it's robotic without any emotion?

Atmosphere: 3.5/5
The restaurant sits on the corner of a busy plaza at a busy intersection. From the outside it looks a bit sketchy but when you enter it looks like a decent japanese restaurant. There weren't too many tables (maybe 10?) to generally seat 2 or 4 people. It looked clean (enough), and decor was average. You could see the people preparing the sushi which is always kinda nice. Didn't hit up the washrooms.

Price/Value: 4.5/5
This place was quite cheap compared to some of the places we've eaten at. The "simple" maki (6) rolls ranged from 2.99 to 3.99 but they're quite small. The "special" ones like red dragon and soft shell crab came in 8 and were about $8. However, there was a lack of selection for the "special" ones. The menu offers bento boxes for an extremely low price - ~$10 for soup, salad, salmon/beef/chicken teriyaki, rice, 6 cali rolls and dessert (there might be another item in the deal). Even the "dine-in special" looked like a good deal - for $14.50 you get up to 27 (pre-selected) pieces of sashimi and rolls (some specials include hand rolls). In total we paid like $32 for edamame, "spicy salmon" maki, hamachi maki and 2 orders of red dragon. Not a bad deal.

Overall dining experience: 3/5
For us, the food wasn't that great and the service was the clincher. Had the spicy salmon rolls actually been spicy and a bit bigger of a portion (I don't mind paying more for bigger rolls, but I guess that's how they roll here), and had the lady server been nicer/more attentive/smiling, then we would have enjoyed it more. Despite the cheap price, I don't think we'll return.