Jennifer "associasian" M.'s Profile

Casa Manilla is fun.  I can only imagine that this is what the Philippines looks like. Kare-Kare, mixed vegetables with bitter melon and Sisig (Fried Minced Pork's Nose & Ear). If I had only known it was pig face served on a sizzling platter before I ordered.

Everything was definitely a little less spicy and more oily than I like. Either way not bad. The decor / ambiance is very fun and very tropical. Servers were very nice.

Would I visit again? Sure, I just the SO mom's Filipino dishes better.

Ok food but completely white-washed. Don't visit Papaya looking for authenticity.

The lunch specials are good value and the servers are attentive, but nothing comes "spicey" and there are no chopsticks.  They take reservations for lunch hour. Its busy!

Well, the SO used to visit this location in market village years ago with his family. It was something else at the time. We decided to check out Miu Garden for Saturday afternoon dimsum.

First off, it was packed. Like PACKED. But we managed to score a less than desirable spot in a back corner. We had to franticly flag down the (adorable) cart ladies, to grab some eats. They didn't speak English so we just took what we thought looked good. Food overall was ok, but nothing special. Really greasy.

Other than the cart ladies, the service was sketchy. We fealt REALLY uncomfortable the entire time, there was a strange vibe. I was the only non-asian in the place, sure.. but we were getting what felt like too many strange looks. Not worth it for the mediocre food.

Not a fan, won' t return.

The SO and I popped in here for lunch, primarily because of the banchan selection. Within moments I was wishing we had just stuck to Owl. (few doors down).

Lunch was HORRIBLE. The Banchan (there was a huge selection) were ok but nothing special. The kimchi looked like it had been sitting there a while. We ordered off the lunch menu, which promised a "salad." The salad was literally 4 pieces of iceburg lettuce with a white dressing that was separating over the leaves.  My lunch was Chicken Bim bim Bap which was inedible. It was served cold in a white plastic bowl. The chicken was cooked maybe days earlier. The entire thing was slimy. The Korean man at table next to us also ordered  Bim Bim Bap and was presented a clay pot, piping hot.

The server was downright BITCHY. Not one thank you, not a smile. Looked PISSED when we asked for banchan refills (so I wouldn't starve) The SO had Gamjatang which was also unremarkable. Never came to check on us.

thankfully the bill was only $16 and the tea was good.

This place is awful. Owl is great, and two doors down with fantastic friendly service and house made kimchi. Go there.

Went here last night with a group of girlfriends for dinner, and we had a really good time. On Spadina (at about Baldwin) This place offers up really Good, cheap Korean Food.  Hearty Seafood Pancake, Impressive Banchan spread and hot or cold tea. Spicy Bulgogi on hot plate (#63) was so good we ordered a second. Kimchi Chiggae is delicious and just the right amount of spice and sour. Friendly staff were obsessively cleaning the restaurant throughout the visit, which pleases me. Must go back to try the soontofu!

I don't know about BarChef. I have now been there three times, and frankly I don't get what the fuss is all about. It is CROWDED and poorly designed in terms of layout, so you are always smashing into people if you do not have a table. If you are lucky enough to score one of the few tables near the front, be prepared to be blasted with cold air every time the door opens.  

The cheapest drink on the menu is $13, they don't pack a punch in terms of alcohol content and every one I have tried (including ones with Bourbon) were too sweet and too watered down. Note that many of them are served in those teeny 60's punch glasses, meaning you will down all $13 in about 2 sips. These $60 bills for 3 drinks and no buzz...

I appreciate the craft and all, but the overall experience does not warrant the expense. Its far too expensive and the music is... really not for me.

A quick jaunt from the city, The Muskoka region is a  little more than two hours drive north of Toronto. Popular for summer getaways, it is often overlooked as a year round destination. But with my mittens packed I was ready to embrace all that winter had to offer.

The JW Marriot is perched high atop a granite cliff overlooking Lake Rousseau. The buildings itself are grand, with excellent views of snowy white hills and the grand properties of some of Canada's most famous cottagers. The resort boasts 221 Rooms, all designed with a "rustic cottagey feel" and outfitted with all of the amenities of home. Our comfortable suite was outfitted with a gas fireplace, and plush robes added to the luxurious "all I want to do is hibernate" vibe. Public spaces, including a grand mahogany tiled library, are cozy and casual lounges  to kick back and relax. Indoor activity enthusiasts can read from the library's selection of Canadianna) or play chess over hot chocolate.

For those interested in facing winter activities head-on. the resort offers snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing and can arrange snowmobile tours. I personally bundled up and went for a walk around the grounds, toying with the idea of snowman building. The weather was not participating during our stay, which was just fine in my opinion, allowing for more time to laze about  in the spa. The benefit of a mid-week and off season trip was having the sauna, steam room and spa whirlpools all to myself. The uber luxurious Spa facilities include mens, ladies and co-ed relaxation lounges with a tea bar and quick nibbles.

Best parts of the resort were the full gym, the  indoor/outdoor pool (that we took full advantage of) and an outdoor Jacuzzi which makes for steamy nights.  The kitchenette in our room is also a huge bonus for couples on a budget. We brought our own supplies for breakfast and sandwich making, for quick fuel between activities. If preparing meals is not your idea of a vacation, there are two full service restaurants on site and room service, of course.

The only negative was the spotty and slow wifi and the expense. Considering all of the business and conferences, it was an issue. And the cost of the room and the food.. It was pricey. Oh, and the fact that concierge never responded to my emails. Otherwise.. 5 star.

Just discovered that Ritz has opened a location on Yonge just south of Bloor.

Went in today and it was PACKED. I ordered a Roti with a side scoop of Chana which I could barely eat half of. So delicious! The 4 stars is due to the lunch special $4.99 gets you rice, salad (or coleslaw) and chicken. (Or Chana I assume..)

Try their hot sauce, its great.  Regardless of the line, it came fast. Will return for sure.

Really cute store. Great variety of adorable pet things and great healthy treats.

Catch them at the end of season (NOW!) for discounts.  Five star for the friendly staff, special occasion baked treats, natural treats and fantastically curated adorable pet goods. Out of all the pet stores in the area I like this one best.

In G-Square Mall! Taking over the space formally occupied by Jumbo Video, Paws & Claws is Riverdale's newest pet store. A good option if you don't want the boutique goods / prices of the Queen st E shops. Being such a large space they have excellent selection and a wide variety of goods. Super friendly staff and competitive prices. They do grooming as well.

the SO and I have stopped in a number of times since bringing home our new puppy. This is the place we prefer to buy toys as they have an enormous number of styles on "Kongs"

(and no, it does not still smell like popcorn. A shame, really) A-ok and then some. Mostly because of the prices.