[Toronto] King Street Social Kitchen & Bar

Location Review
370 King Street West
Toronto, Ontario
(416)343-1234
Website

Winterlicious is upon us again! The Toronto cullinary celebration runs every year year in the months of February (Winterlicious) and July (Summerlicious) offering diners an opportunity to dine at select participating restaurants at a set price (See listing of participating restaurants and menus HERE) Each year many people partake in the Prix-Fixe menu promotion, as it allows diners to try out different restaurants they otherwise wouldn't. Winterlicious this year will run from January 31 - February 13, so make sure you get those reservations in!

To kick off my Winterlicious visits this year, I had the pleasure of sampling both the Lunch ($20) and Dinner ($35) menu at King Street Social, located at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on King (@HyattonKing). While there are few hotel restaurants that have defined themselves as distinguished dining destinations, the menu at King Street Social may very well put the Hyatt Regency as a visit-worthy dining location.

King Street Social

[Toronto] Reds Wine Tavern

Location Review
77 Adelaide Street West
First Canadian Place
Toronto, ON
Tel: (416) 862-7337
Menu

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending Vickie's birthday dinner (@kiki_BFF) at Reds Wine Tavern (@REDSWINETAVERN). Along with the company of 15 others, which included Justine (@foodigatorJ) and my boyfriend Rob, the restaurant crafted a pre-fixed menu for us. Normally I like having the flexibility of choosing my own dishes, but considering all the great things I heard about this newly renovated restaurant, I didn't mind it too much. And with the Executive Chef in the kitchen being Season 2 Top Chef Canada contestant, Ryan Gallagher (who by the way, was one I rooted for), I had some faith in the pre-set menu.

Reds Wine Tavern

[Seattle] Blazing Onion Burger Company

Location Review
3000 184th St SW, Suite 840
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Phone (425) 640-9100


A short family trip to Seattle during my west coast vacation brought me to Alderwood Mall for a bit of American shopping. My cousins and I roamed the mall, and really worked up an appetite. Naturally our noses found the food court, and we were presented with a couple rows of food court stalls, most of which didn't seem to appetizing. We were just about to skip dinner and continue shopping when in the very corner, we saw an entrance to the Blazing Onion Burger Company (@BlazingOnion)

We went inside, and it ended up being a full fledged restaurant, serving American style burgers. And to be honest, there really was nothing more I wanted after a long day of sightseeing and shopping than some good old American style food. Burgers? Bring it!

Alderwood Blazing Onion

[Toronto] Kinton Ramen

Location Review
51 Baldwin Street
Toronto, Ontario



I can't remember the last time I was so excited about a restaurant opening. Oh wait, I do. It was for Guu Izakya, still one of my favourite izakaya's in Toronto. Now enter  Kinton Ramen (@KintonRamen). Being run by the same people who brought us Guu Izakya (@GuuToronto) and Guu Sakebar, naturally I was euphoric as I counted down the days to their official opening on May 18.

To be quite honest, I had no idea what to expect. With the astounding amount of Japanese restaurants in Toronto and the GTA, there is still a less than sufficient number of impressive ramen establishments. Was Kinton going to revolutionize ramen in Toronto as we know it? I didn't have a clue. I did however, anticipate two things : 1) the line ups outside would be insane, and 2) it would be a rowdy crowd on the inside.

[Toronto] Jacobs & Co Steakhouse

Review Location:
12 Brant Street
Toronto, ON


I actually considered not blogging about my dinner at Jacobs & Co Steakhouse (@jacobsandco) because it was that one odd day where I didn't have my camera on me. And anyone that knows me, knows that it almost never happens. But my experience that night was so unforgettable that I thought it was worthy of a post; even if I didn't have the perfect pictures to do it justice. A big thank you to my boyfriend for taking these pictures on his phone, knowing that I might change my mind and need photos afterall. You know me too well! :)

Let's keep this intro part short so we can get to the part where I get to talk about the food. Jacobs & Co Steakhouse is probably one of the best steakhouses I've been to.

[Toronto] Mercatto

Location Review:
330 Bay Street,
Toronto, Ontario

Mercatto Menu

The other day I had a catch up dinner with one of the bffs that I haven't seen for a while. Jess is quite a busy little one! At first we wanted to go to The Gaberdine for some comfort food, but it was so packed we ended up coming here to Mercatto (@MercattoTO). Not too bad a fall back plan, I ended up finding a new favourite dessert here! (don't worry, I'll get to this later =] )

[Toronto] Japango

Review Location:
122 Elizabeth Street
Toronto, Ontario
(Major Interesection: Dundas St. W & Bay St.)







Thus far, 50% of my posts have been on Japanese food. I feel that there are two main types of places. One is the lower end, volume and affordability focused restaurants. The other, is the high end, quality and authenticity focused restaurants that will also make a huge dent in your wallet. I find Japango is one of the very few exceptions in that they offer a really great meal experience at a reasonable price. Definitely a place I would keep coming back to.

Me Va Me

Review Locaiton:
9302 Bathurst Street
Thornhill, Ontario






This location is relatively new that opened less than a month ago. That being said, the inside is fairly modern and nice. Right when you enter, there is a circular shaped bar on the right side so people can grab drinks while they wait for their tables. While this is a real space killer, it was probably a good idea since they don't take reservations. We waited for quite a bit and ended up getting some beers to pass the time. This is actually the second Me Va Me restaurant location. There is one other restaurant location, and another express location that just offers take out. I've only had the express and have never been to the original restaurant, but from what Rob tells me the food is amazing! People would line up over an hour for it. We came with a table of 10+, so we got to try lots of different dishes!