Category:
Thai
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
Yes, the line ups are crazy and it's always packed but the staff have a limited kitchen.
But let's talk about the Khao Soi, shall we?
Noodles and a braised beef live in the underworld of a coconut milk curry sauce and fried crispy noodles on top. A…More »
KSR is totally yum-gasm. I've been here about 4 times now and it will satisfy the Thai craving.… Read more »
Categories:
Sandwiches,
Soup
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
VIBE
I love the Adelaide street location. If you walk by, you may miss it (but it's right beside Khao San Road).
Really beautiful communal wooden table that I want for my kitchen right in the middle of the space and a lovely hidden outdoor patio in…More »
Categories:
Bookstores,
Hobby Shops
Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village
VIBE
It's an extension of the Drake. So too cool for school.
If you are a hipster, you will likey.
WHAT TO BUY
The whole store. Especially if you're gift shopping. They have a carefully curated selection of books (especially travel related ones);…More »
I wrote a review of this on my blog complete with super cool awesome pictures by moi. Please feel free to check the detailed review there. I may echo a few of my points here. I do a bit of travel writing and review hotels and hostels, so I wanted to…More »
Categories:
Canadian (Traditional),
Barbeque,
Southern
Neighbourhood: Wychwood
VIBE
Easily one of my top favourite places to eat in the city. Yes, it's small, cramped and you may have to wait for a seat; or wait for take-out. But it's worth it. The staff are efficient and friendly. Plus, Hello! Wychwood barns is around the…More »
Category:
Sandwiches
Neighbourhood: Trinity Bellwoods
VIBE
This tiny Italian sandwich spot is one of the best things to happen to the gentrification of Dundas West and for good reason: their sandwiches are delicious! Though many a hipster may pop in, I see a lot of foodies and local restaurant owners…More »
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Italian
Neighbourhood: Little Italy
VIBE
A note that I was last here in the summer, so it's been a while. But I've been here on a few occasions and I can say that they fully deserve their #7 spot on En Route's Top Restaurants in Canada list. I've gotten to know some of the guys that…More »
Category:
Mexican
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
VIBE
This place doesn't look like much on the outside- or the inside. It reminds me of old school Kensington Market, with its ramshackle sign and its checkered table cloths and chinzy Corona signage. I'm not sure if the place is family run but the…More »
Categories:
Tapas/Small Plates,
Bars
Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West, West Queen West, Trinity Bellwoods
Still as crowded as ever; still hard to get the attention of the busy bartenders but still just as much fun. It's part of its vibe. But the best part now? They have a secret menu. Genius idea! Not sure if I'm allowed to give it away but gat damn,…More »
VIBE
We came here on Halloween night and it was surprisingly busy for a Monday night. 416 Snack Bar…
Read more »
Categories:
Cheese Shops,
Sandwiches
Neighbourhood: Niagara
Nothing beats a drizzly Saturday afternoon than a grilled cheese sammie. I was craving the Los Angeles so I headed down since I hadn't been since its inception two months ago.
It was gooey and ooey and hit every sweet and sour spot. Yumo!
Another…More »
Woot Woot! First to Review.
VIBE
I was here for a media event so I got a tasting of the whole menu.…
Read more »
Category:
Canadian (New)
Neighbourhoods: Little Portugal, Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village
4.8 stars
-.2 points for our bartender. She was a bit off.
What I love about this place is that it's a mix of a bar, a restaurant and a casual place to get a snack. It just ...works. The tasting menu is highly underrated.
APPETIZERS
We waited for 40…More »
I like it! Of course, I'm a sucker for word-smithery at the end of a letter (It's not a salutation… Read more »
Categories:
Breakfast & Brunch,
Italian
Neighbourhood: Leslieville
Incredible value here. Love Love Love. Leslieville STAPLE.
VIBE
So warm and inviting. Lots of families here too but not in an annoying way. There's a cute little alcove for kids to run under and chalk. The bright green walls now display some…More »
Number 9 of my Restaurant Resolutions completed!
http://nearafar.wordpr...
And I guess I was saving the best for last. Whoo Hoo! Where do I begin? And yes, my meal was compensated (but not for this review specifically). I will be going again and…More »
Patio Lanterns (12)Patio side in the city. |
Libations (42)Where to get a good stiff...drink. |
King West and environs (13)King and Spadina area to Bathurst and Wellington area. Includes Spadina, Adelaide et al. |
Hipster Havens (27)pretty self explanatory. Look for lots of Plaid and disheveled hair but good eats and drinks. |
Junction (1)Use your conjunctions in what is the weirdest-to-get-to neighbourhood I've found in the city. But it's a gem! |
Annex (5)St. George to Bathurst on Bloor and north to Davenport/Dupont. |
Last Chance for Romance (22)From First Date to Save the Date, where to take your sweetie. |
Mexicana (12)Mexican food. I'm a fan. |
All Time Favourites (14)The Near.Afar. approved all time faves in terms of service and quality. Places that get my service time and again. |
Dive Bars (8)Let's jump off that board, shall we? |
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Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool
East York, ON
Yelping SinceSeptember 2011
Things I Love Find Me Inmy blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column
My HometownToronto, ON
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI've done this gig professionally
My Second Favourite Website The Last Great Book I ReadCatcher In The Rye
My Favourite MovieI'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!
My Last Meal On EarthMother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.
Most Recent DiscoveryBellwoods Brewery
Current CrushLocal Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.