Toronto Restaurant Tips by CdnJane

Restaurant Name: Wayne Gretzky

Despite having worked around the corner from it for years, I'd never been to the restaurant before. That changed with the visit of my cousins to Toronto, with 3 hockey-mad males. I think the oldest son was convinced that Wayne would walk in any minute, and he was wearing his brand new Edmonton Oilers "99" shirt, just in case. There were so many things to see, that it kept the kids busy when they weren't eating. It truly was a shrine for the followers of "The Great One".
The food seemed rather pricy, but I was impressed by the quality. The serving staff were very pleasant and prompt, without being over-bearing.

Favorite Dish: I had the burger - a huge hockey-puck of good, well-cooked (but not over-cooked) beef, with bacon and cheddar on it, and fries (chips). It was very good, and VERY big! Oh, and the bun was nicely branded with a "99" (Wayne's number).
My cousin had a pasta and seemed to enjoy it. Her husband had the salmon and it looked very nice. Two of the kids had the wings & fries. The dipping sauce was a little too spicy for my cousin's daughter. The other son had the spagetti and meat balls, and it was a huge order. A little too much for him to handle.
There were about 4 or 5 desserts, but we couldn't manage any. There had been talk of trying out the 10-layer cake, but it was just too much to contemplate.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416-979-PUCK (7825)
Address: 99 Blue Jay Way
Directions: South of King Street on Blue Jay Way (aka Peter Street). The restaurant is on the east side of the street (left as you head towards the Dome).
Website: http://www.gretzkys.com

Restaurant Name: CN tower Revolving restaurant (360 Degrees)

Of course, the ambiance of the restaurant is created by the location - the view, and the fact of the rotation. It takes about an hour to 75 minutes to rotate around to where you began. The best time to go up? Well, lunch makes it cheaper, and if it is a clear day you can see to almost Niagara! Dinner time is lovely with the view of the city lights. The thing about the lunchtime, is that when you subtract the cost of the ride up to the restaurant, you're paying about $25 dollars + beverages for a 3 course meal.
Lunchtime seemed quieter, and more likely to get you a table at the window.
The serving staff are very good about taking a picture of your group, if you ask nicely.

Favorite Dish: I had the squash soup (forget the fancy name for it) - it was lovely. Great textures and flavours. My friend had the bibb lettuce salad, and he said that the dressing was quite tangy. He was happy with it, I think.
We both had the salmon and while it wasn't awful it wasn't the best salmon that I'd had before. However, had we really wanted a seafood meal we should've gone to a seafood restaurant.
We had 2 different cheesecakes, and mine was the better - banana and maple. It had a scoop of ice cream with it and was absolutely delicious. His was maple something, and wasn't worth writing home about.
The wine menu was extensive ... and the prices matched the tower... one was well over $1000 - we didn't get that. We had a Henry of Pelham chardonnay which was rather pleasant.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Address: CN Tower
Directions: The CN Tower
Website: http://www.toronto.com

Restaurant Name: Hot House cafe

The Hot House Cafe was picked for brunch for the VT Toronto Meeting because of it's location - downtown, walking distance to many hotels, and to the subway; and also because of the fact that it didn't request a deposit for a group (keep it inexpensive for organisers) and the price for brunch. Some of the hotels had supposedly marvelous brunches but they started at $24 dollars... this was $16.95 (plus beverage costs, plus tax and gratuity), and there was also lovely jazz music playing - not overpoweringly loud. The decor was nice, its the kind of place you can go with your friends (no matter what your age is), your family - all the generations. The choices of foods was extraordinary. I think it truly was the best brunch buffet that I've been at.

Favorite Dish: I didn't have one, but the omelets looked great - you tell them what you want from a large selection of items. The french toast with apples, raisins and cinnamon was incredibly good. There was great selection of cheeses, of breads, of salads, of breakfasty and lunchy things, and the roast beef was very nice.
I would highly recommend the desserts - a terrific choice, and the apple crumble was just like mom used to make!

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Address: 35 Church Street, Market Square
Directions: East of Yonge Street, a block west of the St. Lawrence Market. Corner of Church and Front streets.
Website: http://www.hothousecafe.com/index.htm

Restaurant Name: Le Papillon

Le Papillon was the favourite restaurant of my former in-laws, and I always enjoyed it too, so when looking for a place that was different, and nice, for the VT Toronto Meeting, I thought of it. A chance to give some visitors to Canada a taste of Quebecois and French cooking.
We had a nice big alcove, sort of a separate room, almost away from the rest of the restaurant. The two waitresses who looked after us, Heather and ??, were very polite and friendly and professional. I thought we were well looked after.
The other good thing of the restaurant, is the location - not far from the subway, and great if you haven't yet seen the Flatiron building.
I appreciated Heather, the waitress, making a suggestion of a better white wine at the same price as the house white. Just a little touch, but it was great customer service.

Favorite Dish: I had the crepe champignon (mushroon) last night, but think my favourite has been the beef bourginon. The desserts were wonderful.
Why so good? Flavour, quality, and quantity.

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Theme: French
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416 363 3773
Address: 16 Church street at Church & Front.
Directions: Just south of the Flatiron Building, and 1 block, or so, from the St. Lawrence Market.
Website: http://lepapillon.ca

Restaurant Name: Pappas Grill

The Toronto 2005 VT Meeting was started off by dinner here at Pappa's Grill, out on The Danforth. It was a great choice - thanks Laura (hayward68)! - and the restaurant gave us the downstairs area, which was perfect for us. The staff treated us well and it made for a good evening. The location was easy to get to - exactly one block east of the Chester subway station.
A party like that made it difficult to really get a feel of the "normal" ambiance of the restaurant. However, a restaurant that encourages its patrons to enjoy themselves has a lot going for it! The menu was great, covered not just Greek cuisine, but pretty much had something for every taste, including some children's selections too. A pretty good wine selection too, it seemed - and they served Guinness!
One comment is that the washrooms are downstairs so it isn't disabled-friendly, unless there is some facilities on the street level for the disabled. Also, obviously, as they let our group have the lower level, that would not be suitable for those unable to handle stairs.
Another interesting thing was that amongst the Greek decor, there were a lot of Canadiana artwork - Group of Seven, Sketch of Old Town... Lovely but not exactly Greek!!!

Favorite Dish: I had a taste of Murra (Robert)'s shrimp..bruchetta mix is about the best way to describe it. It was delicious and went well with the bread that was on the table.
The pizza was delicious. Lots of cheese, which pleased this cheese-aholic no end. It was a lot of pizza, it seemed to me, for an individual serving, however, when you are hungry it was pretty easy to get it all down! The crust was nice and thin, and just the right crispiness. I would highly recommend the pizza to anyone. However, I think perhaps I would order it with another dish and share with another person.

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Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416-469-9595
Address: 440 Danforth
Directions: In Greektown - Exit Chester subway station, turn right to Danforth, then continue one block and Pappa's Grill in on the next block.
Website: http://www.pappasgrill.com

Restaurant Name: Frog and the Firkin

The Firken chain of pubs/bars is another one spreading out about the countryside. The initial Firkens all were something with an "F" sound - Fox and Firken, Frog.. Phoenix... but they have continued with other letters!
I am most familiar with the one at Yonge & Sheppard, the Frog & the Firken, as it is in my neighbourhood. It took over the pub previously well known as Victoria & Albert's. I have no complaints with the way it is run now. There is another area up stairs called The Swamp. They have a patio out back to be enjoyed in the summer.
It has a bit of the British pub ambiance, but in Canada. You can watch sports on the tvs, or play trivia games.
Oh yes... and a Firkin is a measure of beer. I think it is smaller than a hogshead, but not sure.

Favorite Dish: I like the fact that they usually have Kilkenny Cream Ale, and Guinness. Periodically they will have specials sponsored by different breweries.
They have wonderful steak & mushroom pie, when it is on special. Their steaks are normally not bad - I mean, you get what you pay for - if you want a really good steak then go across the street to The Keg, or around the corner to Silver Rail North, and pay the big bucks. I enjoy their wings & ribs, and also their tuna melt.
They have just good pub food, that is consistant in quality.
Must say that the platter which has 2 lbs of wings (you can get a mixture of types - we had 1/2 honey garlic and 1/2 mild, and Hot Sauce had some suicide sauce on the side - of course), 3 chicken strips, 3 coconut shrimps, 2 vegetable spring rolls, and a mound of thin onion rings, and sweet potato chips. It was a lot of food for $33.95 - there was 3 of us and we didn't finish it.

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: Yonge 2 blocks north of Sheppard on west side
Directions: You will find Firkin pubs/restaurants all over Toronto and the GTA.
Website: http://www.thefrogandfirkin.com/main.cfm

Restaurant Name: Moxie's Classic Grill

Despite having lived next door to it for a couple of years, tonight was my first time in. Mmmmmmm great meal! I was perhaps put off by outer appearances - there is a little patio, and then a street level inside part, which smells of the gym smells from Extreme Fitness downstairs from it. However, what I didn't realise was that there was a nice cozy restaurant a couple of steps up. It is a nice place to go with friends for a fun meal, or lots of nice quieter spots for a romantic dinner, and also there are some tables off in alcoves suitable for meetings or groups.

Favorite Dish: Hmmmm I had the steak & shrimps with their stuffed baked potato, and fresh crisp green beans... oh yeah, and tonight was Marguerita night! The steak was Canadian Grade A beef from Alberta, and was one of the best I'd ever had. 8oz of pure tenderness!
I splurged on a dessert and had the Banana Caramel Xango (pronounced Chan-GO). If I hadn't been in public I think I would've licked the plate it was soooooooooooooooo yummy. I'm sure that since it was by a gym that that removed all the calories...... YEAH! Right!!!! *sigh*

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Theme: Other
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$21-30  » Currency Converter
Phone: 416-226-3217
Address: 4950 Yonge Street
Directions: 3 1/2 blocks north of Sheppard, on the west side of Yonge. There is street parking or parking underground at the Madison Centre. Don't park in the Pizza Hut lot or they WILL tow you away!
Website: http://www.moxies.ca/index2.htm

Restaurant Name: Fionn MacCool

I was introduced to Fionn MacCool's just before Christmas as it was a pub near the office for our party. The atmosphere was very Irish, and warm and welcoming. That night I sampled some of their appetisers: potato wedges, baked brie, crab cakes, shrimp and other goodies.
A coworker and I returned for lunch, and enjoyed it even more. She had a steak sandwich with fried onions, and I had the Guinness Steak and Mushroom Crock.
I found that the price is right, and the music not too loud. The staff were friendly and very prompt. They were around when we needed them but not hovering.
This is the only place that I've seen Rarebit on the menu, so will be returning with another friend who has been dying to try it.

Favorite Dish: I absolutely loved the Guinness Steak and Mushroom Crock. It was served with mashed potatoes on the side of the crock, and a mixture of hot, perfectly cooked vegetables. I ordered the small crock and it was just right for lunch. Perhaps the full order would be right for an evening meal where time wasn't of the essence, no work to rush back to. A pint of Guinness would've been nice to enjoy with this, but again... I had to get back to work!

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Theme: Pub/Brewery
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: King St West of Spadina
Directions: On the south side of King St, about 1 block west of Spadina. Across the street from the Acton Leather Co.

Restaurant Name: Lick's Hamburgers and Ice Cream

Lick's Homeburgers are popping up all over the place, not just around Toronto, but north to Barrie, and beyond. They began as a ice cream place in the Beaches area of Toronto, and then their "homeburgers" took off.
One of the fun parts of the experience is that as you place your order, the cashier will call it out to the cooking staff... an order of Onion Rings will become "Ring-ed-dy Dings".. Taters n' Cream becomes TNC, there are hot diggedy dogs... and then there are the singing grill staff. You will be asked for your first name and THEY - not you! - will push your tray around to the area where they put on the fixings.
If you don't like garlic... then do NOT - I repeat - NOT ask for any of their GUK! It will come back to haunt you... and anyone who comes near you or had considered coming near you. I do believe that the Lick's folks have a severe fear of vampires, or there wouldn't be quite so much garlic used! There was a Lick's outlet near my office and every couple of weeks someone would make a Lick's run - well, everyone knew it after the food arrived - the garlic permeated the air!
The music being played is 1950s-1960s, and it really is an upbeat place to eat in or take out.
You can buy frozen packages of Lick's Homeburgers and Veggie Burgers at Lick's and now also in many of the Toronto area grocery stores. They also sell bottles of Guk and I think their BBQ sauce as well. So you can do your own Lick's parties at home.

Favorite Dish: Oh yes, you don't go to Licks if you are dieting... well, I suppose you could. Their salads look quite healthy and nice. I've never had one, or met anyone that has.
Personally, when I am in a totally indulgent mood, I love the Chick'n Licken (with cheese) which is a grilled (not breaded) chicken breast, with their bbq sauce, and then I pig out on "Taters n Cream" - fries with cheese, sour cream, chives and bacon bits. I add a bit of vinegar to spice 'em up. Apparently their poutine is good too.
Oh, when they say LARGE drink - it is huge! They will warn you if you ask for large.

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Theme: Fast Food
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: Eglinton Ave E, 2 blocks east of Yonge
Directions: Numerous franchises in Toronto and Southern Ontario. Unfortunately there are none in the downtown core right now. But there is one mid-town at Yonge & Eglinton.
Website: www.lickshomeburgers.com

Restaurant Name: Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill

Once upon a time I felt the decor was rather Swiss- the Canton flags painted on the walls, sort of Chalet-ish feel.... but that was many many moons ago. However, that has nothing to do with the popularity of the Swiss Chalet chain. You'll find Swiss Chalet all over the place - sit down restaurants, in food courts, in drive-thru restaurants combined with Harvey's Hamburgers, take out and delivery.
Swiss Chalet's main focus is rotisserie chicken with that dipping sauce, but it has pretty good ribs too.
The take-out & delivery menu is pretty much restricted to chicken & ribs, and a couple of their salads (more are served in the "sit-down" restaurants).
Swiss Chalet has a special feature every few months - currently they have a hagen-daas ice cream bar with the 1/4 chicken special. There is always a Christmas special... with "all the trimmings" and a toblerone bar.

Favorite Dish: I like the 1/4 chicken (white meat) with either baked potato or salad. The Swiss Chalet sauce is great too.

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Theme: Barbecue
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Address: All over the place
Directions: Downtown on King Street at Simcoe, also in one of the Bank plaza food courts... and all around the city and province
Website: www.swisschalet.com