History of Benihana

Benihana is a well-known Japanese cuisine franchise with nearly 80 restaurants around the world. It was founded in 1964 on West 56th Street in New York City by 25-year old Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki. He was a qualified wrestler at the time, but did not attend the 1960 Summer Olympics and started the restaurant with just $10,000 that he earned from driving an ice cream truck in Harlem.

The first restaurant (named Benihana of Tokyo), was named after the red Safflower which was the name of his parent’s coffee shop in Tokyo. Rocky’s idea was for customers to enjoy meals around a teppanyaki table combined with some knife theatrics (which I really enjoyed!)

 Restaurant Review & Photos

We first started off my meal with a warm and satisfying miso soup.

And then began the knife theatrics! Our chef started throwing eggs in the air and catching them with his knife so that it would split exactly in half. Very skillful!

And then he fried us some Japanese style fried rice in the shape of a heart. Aww :)

Freshly served Fried Rice! Yum!

Then comes freshly cooked shrimp! Mmmm..

Our chef then proceeded to cut up some onions, stacked them, then poured some oil down the middle and it then turned into an onion volcano! Hahaha..

Here’s our teppanyaki style dinner. The meat was probably a lot more chewier than I liked (especially when I asked for medium-rare) however the whole experience was really enjoyable and the food was quite decent. I would recommend coming here more for the experience, and it was a lot of fun. Expect quite the show while you eat. Also expect to be very full though – I normally eat A LOT and I normally eat VERY FAST however I was the slowest one to eat on the table because there was just so much yummy food!

It is located at the Royal York Hotel at Front and York St, Toronto.

Benihana

(Entertainment District, Toronto, Canada)

100 Front St W, Toronto, Ontario
http://www.benihana.com/

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About Sushi Samba

While I was in Chicago, we decided to try the famous Sushi Samba which offers a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, music and design. Through the energy and spirit that birthed in the early 20th century when thousands of Japanese travelled to South America to cultivate coffee plantations and make their fortune. It is because of this, places such as Lima in Peru and São Paulo in Brazil, these three distinct cultures have integrated and became a beautiful combination. And it is because of this, the experience you have at SushiSamba is a truly unique one. It is no wonder that SushiSamba has been so popular, expanding to five locations in the world’s most trendiest locations: NYC, Miami, Chicago and Las Vegas.

As you walk into SushiSamba you are greeted with amazing design and atmosphere. Especially by the way everybody dresses up to go to this place, you’ll wonder if you’ve walked into a lounge/bar or a restaurant.

Main Room

Sushi Bar

Sexy Red Hot Interior Design

I’m not exactly sure what we ordered because we left this up to the waiter to decide what to eat. Haha! There were way too many delicious choices on the menu and you can request the waiter make a four course set for you to your liking. He asked us a few questions on what we enjoyed, what we didn’t and he brought us quite an exquisite choice of items. I very much enjoyed this experience, and I had full trust in my waiter (maybe because he was amazingly hot and I was entranced by everything he said…) hahaha. Or maybe it was because I was happily enjoying my fruity alcoholic beverage which was AMAZING, by the way! Make sure you order the SambaJuice cocktail which was a combination of raspberry and watermelon infused rum, açai, passion fruit, créme de banana and guava - it’s was fckn out of this world. No jokes.

First Course: Chicharron Calamari with mint, tamarind, plantain

I don’t normally like calamari and I’ve had some pretty badly cooked calamari in the past.. but one piece of this and I was sold! I could not stop putting these into my mouth they were so good! Cooked to perfection, soft and chewy enough without being at all rubbery.

The sushi here was so fresh and tasty with such a unique blend of Japanese flavours with Brazilian spices and textures.

Squid, asparagus with sesame seed and scallops (?)

The four course menu was to die for and was about $55 a person. I’ve been raving about this place for months but when I’ve been asked to explain why it was so good – it was really hard to say. It’s something that you really need to try for yourself. Please trust me on this – you WILL be blown away.

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Sushi Samba Rio
504 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60654, United States
(312) 595-2300
sushisamba.com?

About Montreal Poutine

Poutine (French pronunciation [puts?n]) is a diner staple which originated in Quebec and can now be found across Canada. Classic Poutine consists of French fries topped by fresh cheese curds and covered with brown gravy sauce.

While there are some delicious poutine that can be found in Toronto, I knew I had to try the authentic poutine on my trip to Montreal. I decided to pop into one of the little whole in the walls in Old Montreal for some yummy classic poutine with added mushrooms. Soooo good!

But if you’re in Toronto and wish to get some good poutine without having to go up to Montreal, you definitely can. Here are some hot spots which have been tried and tested and I recommend myself :)

1. Smoke’s Poutinerie
   218 Adelaide Street West, Toronto
   This place has both the home cooked feel and taste with some interesting versions of the classic such as Pulled Pork, Chilli Beef, Curry Chicken. There are many beef, chicken, pork or veggie options.
   http://smokespoutinerie.com/
2. Duggan’s Brewery
   75 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario,M5C 2B1
   The curry chicken poutine here was recommended by a friend and it was so fresh and deeeelicious.
   http://www.duggansbrewery.com/
   

Restaurant Review: Marche De La Vilette

This place was recommended my horse carriage driver. He said you can get the best french onion soups in town from this place. Upon hearing this, I was craving nothing but french onion soup. Oooohh, just thinking of the goodness *mmmm*

This place is small and extremely busy! I was lucky enough to steal a spot inside just as I arrived but soon after there were lines going out the door. Not only is this place a restaurant but a general store and a butcher too. Saw some awesome cheeses on sale as well.

 Marche De La Vilette Food & Restaurant Photos

As soon as I was seated – I knew exactly what I wanted. French Onion Soup! I couldn’t understand the menu at all, but I saw something that resembled onion and soup and quiche and got it and this is what I got. Doesn’t it look delicious!

French Onion Soup!

Quiche!

While this place had some great food – it didn’t offer the best service in the world. In fact they were quite rude to me probably because I didn’t know any French and they were just too busy to offer any service. I waited for ages for a bill then was just showed that they accept payment at the register…. Nevertheless – if you’re after good food (especially great French Onion Soup) then I recommend this place for sure.

Marche De La Villette

(Old Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

324 Rue St.-Paul Ouest, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

About Pizzeria Uno & Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

When I tell people I am going to Chicago – everyone, and I mean EVERYONE has said to me “you have to try the Chicago Deep Dish pizza!”

I had no idea what I was in for. On the very night that I arrived I was excited to try one for dinner. It was about 11pm when I finally got to my hotel and I still hadn’t eaten yet! It was pouring with rain at the time and so I looked at the closest place to go to. This was Pizzeria Unos, and to my luck – the place is actually where deep dish pizzas originated from!

Uno’s was established by a former University of Texas footballer and his friend World War II G.I. Rick Ricardo in 1943. The original recipe for the deep dish pizza was created by chef Rudy Malnati who wanted to transform pizza (primarily being a snack food) to a whole hearty meal experience.

As I went to Pizzeria Unos, I couldn’t believe the line. Yes it was 11pm on a Thursday night but there was a line waiting to go inside and they were taking orders in the foyer. I asked for their recommendation and ordered the classic Numero Uno pizza.

Deep Dish pizzas take about 30-40 minutes to make so don’t go in with the expectation to eat one right away like I did. At 11pm, I was starving, so I decided to snack on some fried onion rings as recommended by the waitress. These were really good!

I wanted to eat this entire thing but knew I had to save my appetite for the pizza that was to come!

When it finally came, I was so excited! Here’s the Numero Uno Deep Dish Pizza – the ‘works’ pizza with sausage, pepperoni, onions, peppers, mushrooms and our unique chunky tomato sauce. It is also topped with mozzarella and grated Romano.

Look at all that goodness in side! Mmmmm! Rudy Malnati did what he wanted to do – create a hearty meal. I only bring myself to eat half of it even though it was so delicious.

Pizzeria Uno Restaurant Review
Food
Atmosphere
Service
Value

Overall
In all, Pizzeria Unos gives you a wonderful Chicago dining experience. I will sure to be back for more!

This is my second time at the 360 Restaurant. I loved it the first time I ate there, but it was the winter and it was pretty dark. The skies were clear and we could see a lot of pretty lights, but this time the sun was out longer as it was summer and we could eat yummy food whilst watching the sunset. It was beautiful! The CN Tower is a place everyone must experience for themselves. CN Tower is the tallest tower in the world! What better to enjoy good food with a stunning view and the feeling like you’re on top of the world? :)

The beautiful sunset.

Here’s the food!

TRIO OF ATLANTIC SEAFOOD COCKTAIL
Jumbo lump crab, Maritime lobster, cold poached shrimp
Champagne vinaigrette, tarragon aïoli, horseradish cocktail sauce $48

CUMIN SCENTED ROAST RACK OF LAMB
Warm pancetta, potato and mint salad, natural jus $52

PAN ROASTED WILD BLACK COD
Wilted Swiss chard, preserved orange, fennel pollen, black olive vinaigrette $38

ORANGE RISOTTO WITH COINTREAU CRÈME FRAÎCHE
Passion fruit, dark chocolate, pistachios $14

Last Friday evening, Kaori and I went to Le Sélect Bistro for some delicious French cuisine for dinner. I’ve been here once before and I absolutely loved it. It’s hard to find French restaurants at decent prices but I must say that this place is the exception! The service is superb too – so friendly and quick.

We started off with French Onion Soup and Pâté for appetizers, then had salmon and scallops for our mains. Finished it off with creme brulee! Too good!

But not only was the food good, the atmosphere is so lovely. Tucked away on Wellington St and Spadina, it’s a quiet area for a beautiful patio. Kaori said that she felt she was in a Foreign country.

I didn’t take any photos of the patio, but I sure took photos of the food!

Soupe À Loignon Gratinée

Pâté De Capagne

Noix de St-Jacques Aux Poireaux

Saumon Rôti, Salade De Quinoa

Crème brûlée

Misty's Diner Restaurant Review
Food
Atmosphere
Service
Value

Overall
Awesome French food at decent prices. Total experience was very enjoyable!

Ever since my brother and I visited America, we’ve had a huge craving for good ol’ American burgers. Juicy, fatty, delicious burgers that is. We’ve been lingering for the taste of a good burger til we return to the States. I recently discovered that there is an American owned diner in Prahan, not far from the City of Melbourne, called Misty’s diner! We were so delighted that all the people that worked there still have their American accent! Hehehe.

Here’s the sign welcoming you to go in – Best American Style Burgers, Chili Fries, All Day Breakfast - how can anybody resist?!?!

This is the interior of the diner. Love the booths, the jukebox and the American car plates!

Here’s Peter and Hao patiently waiting for our food.

How good do these burgers look with chili fries!

Here’s Peter with his meal.

Here’s Hao’s burger!

And here’s Hao with his burger!

All of us at the booth! :) Good times. Haha.

Misty's Diner Restaurant Review
Food
Atmosphere
Service
Value

Overall
Good food at decent prices but love the great service. The people were lovely!

Ever since moving to Toronto, I’ve been missing Malaysian food. I miss the home cooked meals by my mother, and the availability of Malaysian restaurants closeby! I must say, I never really appreciated how easy it was to get Malaysian food in Melbourne and the food is pretty good too.

Was recommended to go to Matahari Bar & Grill Restaurant, which is located not far off Chinatown and features a blend Malay, Chinese, Peranakan (nyonya) and Indian cooking. Chinatown is very close to where I live at Harbourfront so it’s very convenient for me if I ever get the desire for Malaysian food!

We decided to try the most classic Malaysian dishes: Char Kuay Teow and Curry Laksa. Then we had a Pandan Crepe for dessert. Photos below. Yum!

Matahari Bar & Grill Restaurant Review
Food
Atmosphere
Service
Value

Overall
The Char Kuay Teow was good and authentic but the Curry Laksa was too sweet and wasn't spicy. The Pandan Crepe was delicious! The menu is a bit on the pricey scale, so might not be back too soon but will consider it when I get a huge craving for Malaysian food!

Location
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Stockyards is a small joint located on St Clair Ave W. It was so small that we had trouble finding the place – we walked up and down St Clair probably about 8-10 times trying to locate it, and even asking locals. It was a dark, cold and windy night and after about 15 minutes of trying to find it, I was ready to give up.. but there it was – tucked between two already closed stores, we had found burger heaven.

We walked in, mesmerized the staff busily working away to fulfil constant orders. I was a little bit put off by the prices, but I sat by the bar, watching them cook away. I just love watching food cooked right in front of me and handed right to me hot off the stove. All the ingredients were fresh and it was soooo delicious. I normally am hesitant to go up north just for food, but it was completely worth all the trouble.

I ordered the Classic Burger. With two hands, I picked it up and it just melted in my mouth. It really was just heaven in my mouth. This may sound like a huge call, but this was no doubt the best burger I’ve EVER had.

I had a taste of the buttermilk chicken, and it was some mighty fried chicken. Forget KFC, this is THE stuff that goodness is made of. I am also not doubtful that the rest of the menu was of the same quality.

Porchetta Sandwich
Fennel and garlic scented pork loin, belly, and cracklings served on a baguette, with garlic aioli $9

Combo Classic Burger with Fries
6 oz. custom ground beef w/ lettuce, Stockyards mayo, ketchup, pickles, tomato and onion $9

Stockyards Fried Chicken Combo
Buttermilk marinated fried chicken, with fries and side coleslaw $13.50

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The Stockyards
699 Saint Clair Avenue West
Toronto, ON M6C 1B2
http://www.thestockyards.ca/

Stockyards Restaurant Review
Food
Atmosphere
Service
Value

Overall
Fresh and delicious. Worth the drive and every penny!