BEER BISTRO

BEST PULLED PORK IN THE CITY...

Located on King St., just east of Yonge, the Beer Bistro (not to be mistaken for the Beer Market), is a common pit-stop for the bay street lunch time crowd. With a selection of over, I really have no clue, 50? bottles of beer, an extensive draft list (house specialties include: Fuller’s Vintage Ale from England and Hacker-Pschorr from Germany) and a decent choice of wines, don’t expect to overhear any multi-million dollar deals being sealed, rather topics that include one’s most recent birdie on the golf course or a juicy story of a mistress (no joke!).

Wait staff are incredibly friendly and it helps to make a reservation, because this hot-spot is generally packed during the lunch hour (especially in the summer with it’s, albeit small, but rare, patio). Choose from thin-crust pizzas, lobster quesadillas, great mussels to the burger (seasoned with Belgian ale and a beer-buttermilk bun), or ‘the’ best pulled-pork in the city.

The pork sandwich is no question, one to rival, properly stacked high (see Black Camel entry – where size is a disappointment), dripping in homemade bbq sauce and contains a number of interesting fillings, including coleslaw. For some reason, I always really enjoy the pickle that accompanies this sandwich. Unfortunately, this pulled pork monster sandwich is not the easiest to eat, but don’t be shy, ask the server for an extra napkin to use as a bib and you’re $5k Armani suit will be just fine.

Be sure to place at least one order of the French fries for the table, which comes with homemade smoked ketchup that will likely encourage you to place a second order for you and your guests. I’ve never had enough room for dessert but the coffee is standard and a shot of espresso never hurts if you are on your way back to your desk. Don’t forget to steal a few mints on your way out to cover up that beer breath before heading back to the office.

Recommendation: A bottle of beer from the Czech Republic with a Pulled-Pork Sandwich and a basket of fries. If heading back to the office, end the meal with an latte or espresso, just trust me.


Hours: Mon-Wed 1130-1:00; Thur-Fri 1130-200; Sat 1100-200; Sun 1100-2200
Price: Really depends how much you drink. $45 usually does the trick for lunch for two, incl. tax and tip.
Address: 18 King Street East, M5C 1C4
Website: http://www.beerbistro.com/

PUMPERNICKEL’S

Great stop for a quick lunch on Bay Street (especially for the Schnitz)

Some may feel that Pumpernickel’s is an odd addition to my list of reviews but located in First Canadian Place and TD Tower (likely in other buildings as well), it’s actually a perfect stop for bringing lunch back to your desk or choosing to people watch the Bay St. crowd in the building cafeteria.

I enjoy Pumpernickel’s because of its diversity. There are a plethora of ready-made sandwiches, panini’s and wraps, ‘real’ smoked meat brought in directly from Montreal (cut thick and properly) and some decent hot lunches that include brisket and mash, salmon and salad or a daily hot pasta. One of my favourites at Pumper’s is the mixed-bean salad that is surprisingly hearty and very healthy. If you’re looking for a small healthy lunch that really does fill you up, try a bowl and I’m sure you’ll be pleased (the other make-your-own salads are worth mention as well).

All that healthy talk aside, Pumpernickel’s made this website because of its pork Schnitzel sandwich (picture to come, but chop-up that massive schnitzel pictured above and imagine it in a sandwich). With choice of a white or brown bun, mayo or mustard, grilled onions, cheese, lettuce, and/or tomatoes, by the time the two healthy portions of schnitzel are chopped up and put on your sandwich; you can barely fit the thing in your mouth. It’s no question a thing of beauty.

Recommendation: You can try the Bean Salad or Chicken Cesar Wrap but honestly, the Schnitzel Sandwich is a must and shouldn't be messed with. Ask the server to cut you a pickle for the side and you are all set.

Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Building Cafeteria Hours)
Price: $6.49 + Drink + Tax and up...
Address: First Canadian Place; TD Tower
Website: http://www.pumpernickels.ca/

DUFF'S

Medium is Hot, Medium-Hot is Very Hot and Hot is Very-Very Hot!

In 1946 Louise Duffney opened a corner Gin Tavern in Amherst, NY just north of Buffalo. By ‘69, the local was serving up fresh batches of Buffalo Chicken Wings under the name Duff’s. By ‘85, Duff’s became ‘the’ place to go for Buffalo Wings ‘in’ Buffalo. Approached by entrepreneurial, twin brothers, Hy and Rob Erlich, Duff’s was brought to the GTA in 1998.

With two locations, the original on Bayview and the new shop on College, I guarantee you will wait at least 30 minutes for a table on Tuesday night wing night. Yes, it’s a damn hassle. However, if you consider yourself a wing connoisseu and you enjoy a massive chicken wing on steroids, dripping in sauce; after getting a first dose of Duff’s, it wouldn’t surprise me if you never head back to St. Louis, Wing Machine, Gabby’s or any other chain, like the Firkin for wings ever again.

Having forever loved a good wing, often spending Sunday-fun-day with the boys at our local, sucking back platters of wings and gallons of beer, I was introduced to Duff’s by my close friends, the Graziano’s. If you’ve ever been to Duff’s on Bayview, this name should ring a bell, as Graziano's uncle holds the Duff’s record for eating 88 wings in one hour, not to mention his record for eating the most Armageddon wings (hottest on the menu) in one sitting. If you like spicy wings, Duff’s can provide you with some serious flavour. I myself, stick with the Hot, but I’ve been down the ‘Death’ and ‘Armageddon’ road and it’s too over-the-top spicy for me (your eyes will water as soon as the bowl arrives at your table).

Take this story for what it is, but the point is that Duff’s spice is not to be messed with. To ensure I don’t embarrass him, I have a friend, who will rename nameless, who had to strip down naked, in a public work bathroom stall, and insert a wet, cold, bundle of toilet paper, between his ass cheeks, due to the ring of fire that was experienced the day after getting his name on the record board for eating, obviously too many, Death Wings; poor soul . What is the moral of the story? The ‘Man-pon’ was invented!

Bottom line - Who doesn’t like wings and beer? Duff’s provides for a great atmosphere, amazing flavour in its variety of sauces, juicy wings and hands down, the largest chicken wing you’ll find in the city (although they have been getting smaller over the years). Make sure to drink a few glasses of water throughout the Duff's experience. Not only does it help with the spice factor but my friends and I agree that the wings and sauce can be a little too salty at times and the extra water throughout the meal helps with digestion.


Recommendation: Blue Cheese with your celery (although the Dill is great as well), an order of potato wedges, 10 Hot, 10 Hot’n Honey with a pint of Richard’s and a jug of ice water. Don’t forget your lollypop at the end of the meal.






HOURS: Approx. 1:00pm to 11:00pm daily
ADDRESS: 1604 Bayview Avenue, M4G 3B7 and 558 College Street West, M6G 181
PRICE: $35 for two (including tax and tip), non-wing night, celery, 20 wings, fries and a jug of beer.
WEBSITE: http://www.duffsfamouswings.ca/

CEILI’S COTTAGE

Best Pub In T.O: A True Taste Of Dublin!

I’ll start by saying that I lived in Dublin, Ireland, granted, for only a few months, but had a chance to witness firsthand, the chaos of Temple Bar and the relaxing atmosphere of countless traditional, fiddle-infused Irish pubs. Even with my short experience in Ireland, I miss the environment that true Irish pubs provide. To date, I have never felt that I could walk into any bar in the GTA and meet my new best-friend, whom I will share a pint of Guinness with, then never see again. Point being, I have yet to experience a real reproduction of the home-style feel, fiddle ‘n flute, pub environment in a GTA bar until now.

Outfitted with an ice rink in the winter (and outdoor fire pit) and a relaxing (and rare 40 seat’er) patio in the summer, Ceili’s Cottage is no question a far taste of Ireland from the outside. However, from the minute you step in the front door, owner Patrick McMurray (renowned oyster shucker and owner of Starfish), has created a true Dubliner experience. Although the bar is a little less lively when McMurray is M.I.A. (and watch out for the mildly snooty waittresses), the bar staff generally does a good job ensuring your drink is always full.

Stay for a proper pint (12 taps - Guinness, Harp, Kilkenny, and Smithwick's, rounded out by other stouts, ales, and lagers from brewers of Ontario and Quèbec); outstanding oysters (but overpriced compared to Pure Spirits or Rodney's); or just snack from the $1-$5 taster menu (I recommend the homemade kettle chips). Trust me on this one, you and your buds will quickly forget that you are in the GTA after only moments of your first sips of dark ale.

Classic fare options range from Mac and cheese to Mutton Stew to good ‘ol Bangers and Mash. Keep in mind, the menu reads: Hot on Sunday; Cold on Monday; Hashed on Tuesday; Minced on Wednesday; Curried on Thursday; Broth on Friday; Cottage Pie on Saturday.

If you are a scotch drinker, this is the place to discover a new favourite; I recommend a taste of the Glenkanichie or Talisker, but truthfully, I am waiting for McMurray to stock-up on Auchentoshen 12yr, only recently approved for import from the Edinburgh area!

All in all, with classic Newfy, New Brunny and PEI tunes pumping out the speakers, I guarantee a fun night out. Non-regulars, watch out for the ‘ringing-of-the-bell-announcements’ and the creepy crawlers hanging from the ceiling.


Recommendation: Try one (or a few) of the unique cocktails created by, The Thirsty Traveller, Kevin Brauch; be sure to order at least a dozen oysters; and choose from either Bangers and Mash or the daily special. Also, try and check out Tuesday night for some live music by local musicians.


Hours of Operation: Monday to Wednesday, 5 pm - 12 am; Thursday and Friday, 5 pm - 2 am; Saturday, 12 noon - 2 am; Sunday, 12 noon - 11 pm
Price: Apps. $1-$5 / Mains $10-$15
Address: 1301 Queen Street East
Website: http://www.ceilicottage.com/

THE NEW YORKER DELI

DEEP-FRIED FRENCH TOAST... AH WHAT!


With a name like ‘The New Yorker’ you would expect a loud, obnoxious scene, with wait staff screaming and portions the size of the statue of liberty. Unfortunately, the New Yorker loses huge points for its lame environment and generally speaking, small portions. I will say, that the staff are friendly and if you are with a big group seeking a hang-over cure, it’s not such a bad call.

In my opinion, enjoying the New Yorker comes down to its standard breakfast with free refills of coffee. If that’s what you and the crew are looking for, then you’ve found the right joint. The high-stacked sandwiches are unfortunately a weak effort at imitating the ‘real deal’ but if you are a sandwich lover, they are tasty and you should try the traditional hot corned beef with a pickle and a plate of fries (refer to Centre Street Deli post for 'the real deal').

Perhaps most importantly, the true highlight of brunch at The New Yorker, is no question, the unbelievably unhealthy but unbelievably mouth watering, deep fried (yes, deep friend) French Toast (share 1 order with a friend as an addition to your personal orders). Moreover, you can’t beat its central location and easy stumble to Varsity movie theatre just a hop-skip-jump across Bay. What better way than to spend a slow Sunday than with some friends, a decent brunch, followed by some popcorn and a movie.

Recommendation: Don’t kid yourself, if you hit-up the New Yorker for a true hangover cure, try the BIG BREAKFAST that comes fully suited with eggs, hash-browns, bacon, sausage, beans and toast.






Address: 1140 Bay Street Toronto, ON M5S 2B4
Hours of Operation: Monday to Sunday, 8:00am to 8:00pm
Website: N/A

VI VETHA BISTRO

Top Rated Brunch for Amazing Value...

While I must admit that Vi Vetha has a fantastic dinner menu, including an extensive list of appetizers (Mussels Gorgonzola, French Baked Brie) , a long list of mouth-watering fresh pastas (with whole wheat and/or glutton-free options), vegetarian options and a large selection of seafood plates (Salmon, Fish of the week, Seafood Platter), I am more inclined to recommend this little Spanish-esque bistro for brunch.

Anticipate a line from 9:00am to 1:00pm, as this not-so newcomer anymore, Vi Vetha, has proved it’s here to stay. Although coming from another long-standing Beach establishment, Nevada (which is overpriced food for the quality); the Vi Vetha Chefs have made their mark, with consistently fresh food at great prices. Where else in T.O. can two people have a fresh, healthy, breakfast, with coffee, including tip, for $25?

Aside from the limited capacity and seated so close to the table next to you, you may as well comment on their yuppie-beach-mentality topic, adding in your own two-sense to the conversation - the food at Vi Vetha is fresh, consistent and well-priced.

Privacy aside, you can expect your food to be served fresh , piping hot and the servers do a great job of ensuring your cup-of-joe is always full. Choose from a variety of egg options (Benny, Florentine, Nova (Smoked Salmon) or a number of Omelettes) to Pancakes or French Toast with fresh fruit. If you aren’t a ‘breakfast-person’, no worries, there are a number of impressive Sandwiches (Foccacia Club) and Salads (BBQ Thai w/ Chicken & Shrimp) to choose from.

Recommendation: Try the Brunch Combo Platter with a cup of coffee, that comes fully-equipped with eggs (style of your choice), bacon, sausage, pancake and a piece of French Toast or the Eggs Vi Vetha, stacked high with spinach, mushrooms and an exceptionnaly light, hollandaise sauce.





Hours of Operation: Mon. through Sunday, 9:00am to 10:00pm
Address: 2485 Queen Street East
Website: http://www.vivethabistro.com/

BLACK CAMEL

Solid Sandwich, Worth the Trip,  but Needs to Bulk-up the Contents...

‘The Camel’ has no question earned its reputation for mouth-watering, delicious, sauce dripping, just like how Grandma makes it, good old fashioned, brisket sandwiches (also choose from Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken, Seared Steak or Veggie). It’s absolutely one of my favorite lunch spots in the city. Located right next to Rosedale subway station and across the street from Ramsden shinny rink, meaning it’s a great, after hockey, treat, The Black Camel is easily accessible and worth the trip. Aside from the limited space to eat your sandwich (all should be forewarned that this small shop can get real busy with lunch time school and weekend crowds) is the fact that the sandwiches need to be bigger. There is no question that the Camel has got quality down, but I’m looking for more meat and a bigger bun to make this a competitive go-to street sandwich.



It’s fair to say that the meat in each sandwich is extremely tender and the bun tastes like it just came from the bakery. Truthfully, I haven’t had anything other than the sandwiches, but I’ve been told that the coleslaw is fresh (not too creamy) and that the espresso, latte and cappuccino’s are better than most high-end coffee shops in the city.



Choose from, Slow Roasted Beef Brisket, Pulled BBQ Pork Shoulder, Seared Steak, Free Range Chicken, and the Veggie (Roasted Roma Tomato, Sweet Red Pepper, Arugula and Eggplant). Combine your choice of meat with one sauce: House Specialty BBQ, Hummous, Pesto, Chipolte or Charamoula Mayo's and/or extra toppings (.75 each) that include, Sauteed Cremini Mushrooms, Chili, Roasted Red Onions and Fontina Cheese. Trust me, this joint is worth the visit.



Recommendation: Classic Brisket with the house specialty bbq sauce, horseradish and grilled onions. Beware – If you are hungry, you might need two...

HOURS: Monday - Friday: 7am - 8pm; Saturday - Sunday: 11am - 8pm

ADDRESS: 4 Crescent Road, Toronto, ON M4W 1S9

PRICE: Sandwiches start at $7.00 a pop

WEBSITE: http://www.blackcamel.ca/

CALIFORNIA SANDWICHES

Hands-down Best Sandwich in the GTA...

I have two complaints for California sandwiches, (1) Why did you ever leave the Beach, and (2) I could use some more napkins to clean myself during and after the meal. Open since 1967, no establishment in the city can match this sandwich (and let me tell you, there are loads of imitators). I can’t vouch for its healthiness, nor for those who think eating veal is cruel, but I can guarantee that all Cali-virgin’s who enjoy proper Italian fare, will damn enjoy this sandwich.

Heading to the original location at Claremont St (just west of Bathurst, off Dundas W.) is worthwhile. Enjoy one of the best, mouth-watering, hot sandwiches that you have ever tried, custom made to your liking and made-to-order; meaning that each sandwich you order hasn’t even been cooked until it hits your plate! Brilliant buns come from IHB, Italian Home Bakery and I can assure you that the secret of Cali’s ever so tasteful tomato sauce will never be revealed. From construction workers to cops to bay street suits, expect to wait in line for at least 15-20 minutes no matter the time of day.

Choose from spicy hot, medium or sweet, breaded Veal, Chicken or Eggplant, or try the juicy slices of steak or classic meatball. It doesn’t matter. I guarantee, you will love your sandwich. I highly recommend adding cheese and onions (along with the shrooms for mushroom lovers). Adding a small bowl of olives is a nice touch to your lunch but stay away from the pork sausage that can be cut into slices for a quick appetizer (too greesy and chewy for my taste).

Recommendation: Hot Veal with Cheese and Onions (Be sure to ask to have the sandwich cut in half when you order and watch out for the ring of fire, hot really means HOT!)





HOURS: Mon-Thurs 10am-10:30p.m; Fri-Sat 10am - 11:30p.m; Closed Sunday

ADDRESS: 244 Claremont St.

PRICE: $10.25 for a Sandwich and Soft drink

WEBSITE: http://californiasandwiches.ca/