A Taste of Spain: Patria

Earlier this year I heard about an "authentic" Spanish tapas place that was going to open named Patria.  Having been to Barcelona last year I was excited by this news.  All the tapa places in Toronto that I've been to are actually serving sharing plates.  The tapa/pintxo (read pincho) restaurants in Barcelona serve individual snack size portions of pretty much everything on the menu.  So if I order "pan con jamon" (bread with ham) I'd get ONE piece of bread with ham on it.  Then I can order 5 or 10 or however many different things and make a meal of it.  Oh and each item costs 1.50 to 3.00 Euros.  I found it to be a perfect way to not stuff myself.

I did some research on Patria and tried to figure out if it was going to have the authentic Spanish tapas experience I was looking for.  After doing some digging it seems the authentic part was going to be the ingredients.  So I decided to prepare myself for disappointment on the experience side but still wanted to check out the food.

Finding Patria can be a little tricky.  It's on King street but it's entrance is just down a laneway.  The best way to find it is to locate the big yellow doors of Weslodge and go to the laneway just beside it on the West side.  It took me a while to figure out where it was while it was still under construction and I didn't notice any improved signage when I went, although I wasn't looking for it anymore.

So last week on Tuesday, after having a frustrating day at work, knowing that Patria had been open for a week and a half and that I hadn't been anywhere near the place, I decided I had to go.  I went for a stroll down to King West straight from work.  When I arrived it seemed that I was the first patron.  Everyone there appeared to be staff, including the people in the second level dining space that seemed engaged in a meeting.

The menu had a number of sharing plates listed so I decided to make a meal of them.  I immediately let the waitress make some suggestions so I didn't spend too much time dwelling on the details of each dish.  I was about to order three sharing plates when the waitress suggested that I order a starter so I wouldn't be sitting there waiting for the food to come out, so I took her advice.

I ordered the pan con jamon.  There were two of them.  The bread was toasted with a light layer of crushed tomatoes that was topped with Spanish prosciutto.  It was good.  Too bad the lighting at my table wasn't.  I think I got the only table by the window that had an orange light shining in from the outside.  Sorry.  I wish I would have had my better camera with me rather than just the camera on my phone.

Just as I finished my starter one of my sharing plates came out; patatas bravas.  This was potato that had been cubed and cooked and topped with some spicy tomato and a fried egg.  My waitress suggested that I cut through the yolk and let the flavours blend.  I really liked this and I have to admit that there were some flavour combinations happening in the dish that I had never had before.

As I ate my patatas bravas my second sharing plate came out; bacon wrapped dates.  I don't recall what the menu said but the date seemed to be stuffed with both a piece of cheese and a special kind of pepper that was all wrapped with a piece of bacon.  The first bite seemed like the date just melted in my mouth.  The second bite started to bite back.  The pepper had a bit of kick but not too much. I don't recall the last time I had a stuffed date and/or bacon wrapped date but this was definitely the best one I've ever had. (Again, sorry for the picture.)

Although my desire for the authentic Spanish tapas experience was dashed, the food more than made up for it.  The service was much faster than the waitress suggested it would be too.  I hope to go back soon.  A couple other sharing plates had caught my attention so I must go back and try them.  I'm going to keep looking for the authentic Spanish tapa/pintxo experience in Toronto though.

A Taste of Italy: Pizzeria Libretto

I've been to Pizzeria Libretto twice now. Both visits were a while ago which makes this post overdue. Luckily I made some notes after each visit.

The initial drive to go to Libretto was that everyone kept talking about it. Also, since I had been to Queen Margherita's Pizza (view my post) which is often spoken of in the same breath as Libretto, I figured I had to go.

The one thing I always heard about were the wait times to get into Libretto so I wanted to try and go at a time I thought would be quieter. The first time I went was on Tuesday right at noon and it was delightfully quiet. I took a seat at the front window so as to give my something to look at while I ate, as in people watch. The man that greeted me noticed that I might need something to occupy myself with and offered me a paper. It's not that often that restaurant staff seem to think of this for single patrons so I was impressed with the service right away.

I ordered the mushroom pizza so that I could try to compare with my Queen Margherita's Pizza experience. There was plenty of flavour in Libretto's pizza. There was also plenty of garlic. I actually took some of it off since I'm overly conscientious about my breath. I definitely enjoyed the pizza and I thought it may have had a little more flavour the Queen Margherita's. This pizza also suffered from tip sag, not that I personally care but some other people obviously do. I do care about thin crust pizzas and it was nice and thin, just the way I like it.

The second time I went to Libretto I got to try 4 pizzas since there were 4 of us sharing. The thing I was most impressed with on that visit was actually the arugula and pear salad. It was really good. I might just go back and have more of that. The wait staff was also good on the second visit and offered lots of advice as we enquired about items on the menu. On that visit I went on a Monday evening at 5:30 and there was no line. Perhaps the hype is starting to die down or perhaps the beginning of the week is the best time to go to avoid a crowd.

Overall I like the place. It's a little out of the way for me to get to though. Their new location on the Danforth isn't any better for me.

Brick Street Bakery

There is a bakery in the distillery district that I've walked past many times and that on a nice summer day is packed with people trying to place their orders.  I had always assumed that it was just baked goods because whenever I poked my head in and could see the display case I only saw desserts and breads.  I never spotted any other menu.  Turns out the menu is posted on a chalkboard on the side wall on the right. 

The prices for the sandwiches seemed a little high given they don't come with anything, but the day I finally decided to try one I discovered the price posted included the tax.  I also discovered the sandwiches were quite big. 

I ordered the coronation chicken sandwich.  It is chicken mixed with a curried mayo, apricot pieces, almond pieces and topped with granny smith apple slices and lettuce.  Since they are a bakery, I am assuming they baked the bread themselves.  It was very good and very fresh.  The sandwich was very big for me.  I only at half of it while relaxing at one of their tables outside.  I wrapped the other half up in the wax paper the sandwich had come in and took it home.  I don't know if you can order a half sandwich but if it's possible I'll be doing that next time.

One thing to note.  There was a sign by the cash register that said "Cash Only" and it seemed to be stuck on top of another sign that said no credit cards.  So if you are going to try it out, arrive with cash.

Just looking at the Brick Street Bakery website I notice they have a location in FCP (First Canadian Place) that  I've also walked past many times.  Might have to go there for a work lunch sometime soon.

Miller Tavern

I went to Miller Tavern last week.  It's relatively new and located South of the Gardiner on Bay.  It looks like a slightly upscale restaurant online based on the pictures and menu.  The restaurant itself seems to be in a L shape with the bar at the main entrance with dining space where all the action seems to be and a quieter dining area around the corner.  There did seem to be another room at the very back, perhaps for private functions or large parties.  The bar side wasn't very busy when I got there but for whatever reason I got seated on the quieter side.  When my friend joined me he pointed out the comic strip style of art work (which is not present in their online photographs).  We found it an odd choice.

Given that we were sitting in the quieter section there wasn't too much to report on other than the food.  I ordered the seafood pad thai.  The flavour was good but there was one thing I was disappointed with, the tiny scallops.  I was hoping for some nice sized scallops when I ordered the meal.  I don't think you could get scallops any smaller.  Overall the dish was still good but I would be inclined to order something else the next time just because I know I'd be disappointed with the scallops again.

I ordered one drink while I was there.  I can't remember exactly what was in it other than tequila and St-Germain liqueur.  That thing seemed pretty potent.  I was feeling intoxicated for a while after I got home which I was not expecting.  Good thing I'm a happy drunk!

My friend ordered the lobster and seafood gratin.  He said it was really good and "the gratin was flavourful and satisfying".  He called it good comfort food.  The scallops were the same size as the ones I had though.

When we were leaving the place the bar side was very busy and full of men. I knew I should have sat on that side!

A Taste of the Sea at Buster's Sea Cove

It took me a while to warm up to St. Lawrence Market to buy food from and even longer to buy a ready to eat meal.  I'm actually still warming up to the restaurant part of the market and today was a day to give it another go.  At the South end of the main floor are quite a few seafood vendors and nestled in the back corner is a seafood restaurant, Buster's Sea Cove.  I decided to give it a try.

There isn't a lot of space to order or eat.  It's one of those places that you can easily wonder how to find the end of the line if they get busy.  Thankfully they actually had a guy outside the booth assisting with the line and submitting your order while you wait to get to the cashier.  Once you've paid you just listen for your number to be called then try to find somewhere to sit.  There are only a few tables available.  The rest of the seating are bar stools.  I found a stool at the counter and tried to get comfortable which is hard when there is no place to put your jacket. My seat was the empty stool in the picture below.

I had ordered the grilled salmon with salad.  I was a little surprised by the long skinny piece of salmon I got but it was a decent thickness so I'm hoping that the looks were deceiving.  There was no arguing that it had fantastic flavour.  I really liked it.  The coleslaw and salad with house dressing were both good as well.  I can't remember the last time I order a salmon salad (which was basically what that was) but the next time I see someone eating one at a restaurant I will have to take note of the salmon portion size to see how it compares.

 

While I was eating, the guy that was assisting the line was occasionally submitting orders.  Since I was seated right at the counter I could hear everything loud and clear and it kind of made me feel like I was at a fun fair.  You know, those guys that have the microphones and speakers in their game booths announcing things and trying to draw a crowd.  That sort of thing.

One other  thing that I noticed was their bottles of vinegar.  They use spray bottles.  I don't recall if I have ever seen that before but either way I liked the idea.  It makes it so much easier to get your fries and fish covered in the vinegar rather than ending up with a pool of vinegar at the bottom of the food container.

I may want to go back sometime and try their grilled calamari.  I heard a number of people ordering that, however, I just noticed they have clam strips on the menu.  I haven't had those in ages!  I'll probably go back and get some of those. (In case you are wondering, those are curly fries and onion rings listed under the cups on the menu below.)

A Taste of This and That

I was going through my cell phone and found a number of pictures from places I had been to and never blogged about.  I had thought about making a blog post of some good summer drinks around town but obviously didn't do that either.  So here is a collection of those things and what I can remember about them.

	This is a strawberry rhubarb julep from Fionn MacCool's. I really liked it and went back to have it again but they had some other drink with rhubarb in it and got it by mistake.  I certainly hope it's still on the menu the next time I go so I can have it again.
	This is the fresca from the now closed Alice Fazooli's on Adelaide.  The only ingredient I can remember is cucumber.  It was a refreshing drink.  Perfect for enjoying in the summer on their hidden patio in the back.  I'll have to find out how to make it since I won't be able to get it anymore or at least not without a bit of a commute. Man coming out of drink not included ;)
	I do believe that this was a bellini.  Maybe the peach one.  It is also from Fazooli's. I only had it once because I liked the fresca better.
	This was the "Nothing special there either" drink from Bloor Street Diner.
	This was from Oliver and Bonacini (O&B) at Front and Yonge.  This may have been a seasonal drink as I can't find anything on their online menu that looks like this that I would have ordered.  The one thing that they apparently thought was cool was to use a mason jar (canning jar) as a glass.  This might be an interesting novelty for many city folk but not for me.  This thing should contain my mother's jam not my drink.  Aside for the glass I think the drink was pretty good.  I had it at least one more time last summer.
	This was my dinner to go along with the drink at O&B.  Rock Shrimp Linguine.  It was very good.
	This is a drink at Kiwe.  I think it may have been a mojito with a slight twist.  It didn't quite agree with my taste buds.  I also wasn't too impressed with the service and it seems to me the cushions on the patio were rather dirty.  I haven't been back since and I have no plans to go again.
	This drink was from Luma (an O&B restaurant) at King and John.  It's called Beetlejuiced and has gin, cucumber, lime, pink peppercorns and soda.  I wasn't as delighted with it as I had hoped but I think it was still pretty good.
	This is from the Bowery.  I can't remember what my thoughts were on this. I must have been too busy savouring my food.  It definitely looks like something I would enjoy.  Based on their online menu it's the Bowery No.1 Cup.
	This is from Origin.  Again I can't remember what my thoughts were on this.  I was distracted by the food.  I don't see a drink menu on their web site so I'm not sure what this is.
	This is the Australian lamb chops and housemade sausage from O&B.  I decided to splurge that night. I remember it being very filling.
	This is the 10oz New York Striploin from O&B.  It looked good but it wasn't my dish.
	This is the chestnut flour pancakes with caramelized apples and mulled apple syrup from One Restaurant at the Hazelton.  I was disappointed that there wasn't more chestnut flavour.  I definitely expected more from these pancakes than what I got.

The following collection of pictures is from La Mexicana near Yonge and Bloor.  I had the sopa de lima (lime soup) and the chicken chimichangas.  I really liked the soup.  The chimichanga was pretty good but doesn't match my favourite of all time.   Still searching...


This collection of pictures is from e11even.  The bread seemed to have been just baked and was delicious.  The chicken was pretty good but I think there are better things on the menu to try.  And finally the bill or the damage or whatever you want to call it. 

A Taste of Italy: Queen Margherita's Pizza

(I actually wrote most of this blog earlier this week but am only getting around to finishing and posting it now.)

Yesterday evening I headed out to a burger joint on the East end with a friend that wanted to try it. The place was called the Burger Priest. When we arrived we discovered the hours for Sunday were "Church", as in they were closed. Neither one of us had bothered to check the hours but we still wanted to eat out. There was a pizza joint in the neighbourhood that had been on my list of places to go for a while. I checked the hours (thanks to my handy iPhone), confirmed they were open and took a stroll down the street to Queen Margherita's Pizza.

When we got there we stepped into a small bar area full of a lot of dark rich wood and was greeted by one of the staff. Since we didn't have a reservation we were told we would need to wait for the maitre d'. In a few moments she appeared at the top of the staircase to the right side of the bar, came down to glace at the reservation list, disappeared back up the stairs then returned and motioned us up.

The exterior walls of the dinning area were architected with very large windows that would provide a significant amount of natural light. Although the sun had already set they gave a unique feel to the space. The back of the dinning space contained an open kitchen with the pizza oven in plain view. The front of the counter seemed to have been decorated with chopped firewood.

A prefix menu was available but we each opted to order our own pizza. I don't eat a lot of dessert so I typically stay away from prefix since I'd be getting something I didn't want or need. There would have to be something spectacular looking or unique on the dessert menu to get me to order it. Of course peer pressure sometimes works too. ;)

Within no time our pizzas were being served. It was shocking how fast it was. The waitress said it takes about 90 seconds to cook the pizza thanks to the oven they have.

I had ordered the mushroom pizza called Matteo. It had a nice thin crust, just the way I like it. Although the pizza did suffer from tip sag (a phrase I've only just heard of) it was still a good pizza and filling. The prefix would have been too much food for me.

There is a debate going on as to what the best pizza is in Toronto. The contenders are Queen Margherita's and Libretto. I haven't been to Libretto yet but I hope to get there soon. The one pizza that sticks in my mind is Vesuvio's over in the junction but it's been so long I can't remember if it was the pizza I liked or the hype that came with it by eating it with my friends. I may have to do a pizza night or weekend trying all three to properly compare.

Either way I would like to go back to Queen Margherita's, but, now I'm not sure if it is for the pizza or the unique space. Hmm. I better start paying more attention to these things.