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kat.yelp.ca

Kat "in dire need of a printervention" F.'s Profile

"I refuse to curb my tuna intake"

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Location

Toronto, ON

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

criminally dark chocolate, stroopwafel, accordions, Jonny Greenwood, John Frusciante, cashmere, southpaws, redheads, graph paper, pickles, koalas, linzer cookies, heirloom beans, Carrot Top, Dogme 95

My Hometown

Toronto, ON

My Blog Or Website

http://kat.yelp.com

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm fluffing my aura

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I haven't turned on my oven in months

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http://tinyurl.com/yhj...

My First Concert

Metallica - ...And Justice for All tour

My Last Meal On Earth

sprinkle sandwich

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I spend $80 per week on fruit

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Goody Spin Pins: https://goodysimplesty...

Current Crush

Anand Wilder

All Reviews

803 reviews
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Filter by: Location   Category
2263 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M6S 1N8
(416) 766-0993

Queen's Pasta Cafe  

Category: Italian
Neighbourhood: Bloor-West Village

4 star rating
 Update - 8/5/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here  
Reading one mediocre review after another made me terrified to return here after a year's absence, but I was pleased to see things are just as I remember them. The daily specials remain as uninspired as always (seafood, chicken and lamb entree) but luckily there are enough tried-and-true options on the menu to satisfy most cravings. There's Prosecco on offer for $30/bottle as well as other wines, and sitting outside is a nice option on busy weekends when there's lots of people-watching to be done on Bloor Street West.

Tonight I had the grilled salmon entree (in cream sauce with angel hair pasta, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots and wilted spinach) for $15 and it was fabulous. My least favourite server of all time (who I can only imagine was at the helm of all the recent 1-2 star reviews) is still there, but I've picked up tactics in order to avoid him entirely. There's a cute, perilously young server that's recently started working here and he's a real charmer. If you previously hated the service this guy might turn you around.

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1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 3 star rating
    4/20/2009

    I've been going to Queen's Pasta for nearly 10 years now and the only times I've had terrible service have been with this one server who truly should not be working there (or in the service industry at all, for that matter). Unfortunately he still DOES work there, so I have just learned to avoid being served by him and request someone else if I see him.  

    Now, onto the food: there are usually three daily specials and they come highly recommended. The first is normally some sort of vegetable-based ravioli, the second is a meat option and the third is usually an exotic seafood option like swordfish or prawns. There's also the soup of the day.

    When I used to eat meat I never swayed from my precious "Linguini with Grilled Chicken in Sun-dried Tomato Garlic Cream Sauce". The dinner portion is hefty and yields more than enough for a leftovers split. Nowadays I tend to order the Cheese & Spinach Cannelloni - it comes with a creamy tomato sauce with melted mozzarella on top. The Butternut Squash Agnoloti (kind of like ravioli) are also excellent and a lot lighter as the sauce isn't cream-based.

    Queen's Pasta is a great dining experience if you're with friends and want to linger over a drawn out meal. There is also an upstairs that you can reserve for larger parties as well as an outdoor patio in the summer. I also love that you can purchase their fresh pasta and jarred sauce at the nearby Queen's Pasta Cafe Takeout boutique.

    If I had to make one suggestion it would be to upgrade the front entrance - waiting in that cramped space and being in everyone's way when you stand there is less than ideal.

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107 Portland St
Toronto, ON M5V 3N8

Jimmy's Coffee  

Category: Coffee & Tea

5 star rating
 8/3/2010 5 photos 4 Check-ins Here  
I've very much warmed up to Jimmy's Coffee and it's become one of my favourites. Yes it's true, I was not a fan of the hot chocolate on my first visit, but as of my fifth, sixth, seventh visit and beyond, I've been loving their cappuccinos (the charming and beautiful girl that makes them is so sweet), and they always have a fully stocked selection of Circles & Squares baked goods - cookies, brownies, tarts and loaves. I never have to let out a disappointed sigh that my favourite muffin is sold out; they know which flavours to replenish. If you know me, you know I'm going to complain about their early hours (6pm) but for some reason I'm always in the area during the day anyway. That's about the only thing they could improve.

They have dog biscuits for your pup at the counter, a sweet back AND front patio, free, strong wi-fi, ample fans to keep you cool, and a few TVs airing CP24 to keep you educated. Be mindful though that this place is small - maybe 15 seats total, so don't come here with a huge group looking for somewhere to hang out. The magazine selection is also killer - current selections and a nice variety of men's and women's interest issues. They also take debit without any fees or minimums. Sweet!

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907 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1G5
(647) 428-4478

White Squirrel Coffee Shop  

Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Niagara

4 star rating
 8/3/2010 4 photos 1 Check-in Here  
Late night coffee + even later night ice cream = the capture of Kat F's heart.

How delighted was I to be able to get a coffee at 7:58pm here the other day? Dead fucking chuffed, I'll tell ya. The cappuccinos here are cheap ($2.75 for a double shot) and so far consistently excellent after three visits. The café is open till 8pm every day in the summer, but the ice cream window stays open till 9:30pm. "We scoop till 9:30!" says the sandwich board out front.

The ice cream (via Greg's) is classic and they have about ten flavours going. While the prices for ice cream aren't cheap ($2.75-5.50) the portions are plentiful and a small is sufficient to curb a cold dessert craving. I tried the "Mint O" flavour, a combination of cookies 'n cream and mint chocolate chip (although it was sold beige in colour) and it was outstanding. I wouldn't hesitate to order this one again. Grab a scoop or two and head across the street to Trinity Bellwoods Park, which you obviously already know about if you're reading this review, because there's no way you could miss it!

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1360 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1C7

Papas Laundromat  

Category: Dry Cleaning & Laundry
Neighbourhood: Leslieville

1 star rating
 Update - 8/2/2010 5 photos 7 Check-ins Here  
Zero stars.

I was in the midst of doing ten loads of laundry here this past weekend (yes, ten) spread out across three jumbo machines, and one of the washing machines got stuck at the one minute mark, with the door pried shut and impossible to open. It stayed like that for about fifteen minutes.

As mentioned before, this laundromat is unstaffed, so I called the "service" number which presumably belongs to the owners, and left a sternly worded voicemail asking for assistance. Not only did no one ever return my call, but repeat phone calls to the number resulted in a full mailbox. I ended up having to kick the washer door open to get my duvet covers out. Maybe now someone will fix it?

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3 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 1 star rating
    7/4/2010

    Along with the pair of noisy juggalos that moved into the unit above me a few months ago, this laundromat was the #1 reason I gave notice on my current apartment.

    I thought it impossible to hate this place any more than I previously did, but apparently they've achieved the impossible with two final blows to my bank balance:

    1. They've increased their washer prices by $1 per machine as of July 1, citing "HST costs." I've sifted through the list of affected services on the government website and have yet to uncover coin-op laundry. In any case, 8% on $2 does not equal another $1, last time I checked my rusty grade school math.

    2. You know when you check on your dryer load before the time is up, to take out a few items that dry faster than others? Apparently if you wait more than one minute to do this, as I learned today, the dryer resets and eats all your coins.

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  • 1 star rating
    10/3/2009

    I have a new tactic** for tackling my visits to this dour and soul-crushing laundromat. I made a playlist of S Club 7, Kylie, Yelle, Spice Girls, Scissor Sisters and other 150+bpm songs to help get me through the hour. Then I work on a logic puzzle till it's time to switch the laundry over and for the second half of my visit I read my Susan Miller horoscope.

    **OK, admittedly I've only been here once since my original review of 8/14 - holy shit, that's almost two months without doing laundry. I have too many clothes

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  • 1 star rating
    8/14/2009 First to Review

    Mark this date, folks, cause I promise it'll be the only time I review something with one star, yet return again and again. I have no choice.

    0.5 stars for proximity to my home and 0.5 stars for comic relief.

    My beefs:

    * There are absolutely ZERO of the typical laundromat amenities here. No vending machines selling soap and dryer sheets for forgetful people or emergencies. No TV, stereo or magazines. Nowhere to sit really, certainly no lounge, except for some dilapidated chairs in need of a Lysol wipe. There's a change machine, but it charges you $0.25 per use. So if you have five toonies to change, that's $1.25 in fees, even though technically you're doing one transaction. Also, there is no clock and none of those laundry bins on wheels for transporting your items from washer to dryer and from dryer to folding table.

    * No security or staff on hand. There were two characters loitering around the entrance the entire time I was doing laundry and they looked like they were either on their way to a bank heist or coming back from a kidnapping. All of the clothes that they washed had price tags on them and the conversation I overheard sounded like something out of Goodfellas. The one dude sounded like a cross between George Carlin and Al Pacino and had a Pomeranian named TINKERBELL. After seeing several other shady delinquent types walk in I doubt I'd leave my clothing unattended. Also, a woman who was drying her clothes in the machine next to mine smelled decidedly like urine. If I'm being honest, I come to the laundromat in the hopes that my clothes will come out smelling CLEAN and would rather not inhale the malodorous stench of piss while folding my tea towels. Thanks.

    * Pricey. $2.75 per wash or $6 for a double wash. $0.25 per five minutes of drying time. The dryer price is pretty standard but the wash is expensive. At least the wash is quick at 27 minutes per cycle.

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80 Front St E
Toronto, ON M5E 1T4
(416) 703-9393

Metro  

Category: Grocery
Neighbourhood: St. Lawrence

4 star rating
 7/31/2010 1 photo 1 Check-in Here  
This Metro hasn't been reviewed recently enough. Came here again tonight to stock up on candy (in preparation for a cheap movie at Rainbow Cinemas!), fresh fruit and cereal at rock bottom prices for the long weekend. This Metro is open 24/7 and has a killer produce section right at the entrance.

When was the last time you considered approaching the checkout and had a cashier usher you towards her lane so she could 'have the pleasure of ringing up your purchases' (exact words)? Amazing. I felt like royalty! Anyone who lives within shopping vicinity of this location should definitely give it a visit.

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147 Spadina Ave
Toronto, ON M5V 2L7
(416) 260-8414

Fusaro's Kitchen  

Category: Italian
Neighbourhood: Queen Street West

3 star rating
 Update - 7/29/2010  
The girl that works the cash at Fusaro's has literally (by my watch at least) never had a day off in the five years that I've been coming here. Along with the lunch hour lineups she is the one consistent thing about this place.

I wish I could say the same about my beloved gnocchi, which varies wildly from visit to visit. Sometimes the sauce is creamy cream, sometimes it's oily tomato, sometimes it's jarred tomato. For the record, if anyone from Fusaro's is listening, the only winner in that list is creamy tomato. And I also like the days when fresh basil and parmagiano reggiano are involved.

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  • 4 star rating
    2/9/2009

    I've never been to Fusaro's for dinner as I believe they close at the early hour of 6 or 7pm, but I can wholeheartedly say that lunch is a TREAT. It's affordable (under $10), FAST and always tasty. I usually get gnocchi or the pasta special of the day, sometimes soup. I have heard their paninis are also really great. Convenient location with TONS of options for everyone!

    Just make sure you don't go between 12 and 12:30 because it's lunchtime mayhem in there and you'll be lined up out the door (the wait is still not that long though).

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513 Church St
Toronto, ON M4Y 2C9
(416) 922-9971

Ladybug Florist In the Village  

Category: Florists
Neighbourhood: Church-Wellesley Village

5 star rating
 7/28/2010 1 Check-in Here  
I wish I could keep a plant alive, seriously. The arrangements and indoor shrubbery here are gorgeous to the max. But I didn't come here for flowers, y'all know flowers die in my presence. Like, if they even sense me in the same postal vicinity as me, they wilt immediately. Naturally, I was at the florist because they're known suppliers of HELIUM!

After discovering that my usual helium provider (the dollar store on Yonge north of Wellesley) had been condemned due to 'non payment of rent' I paused to take a panic shit and then immediately whipped out my iPhone to search for florists in the vicinity (tip: florists always have helium). Popped over to Ladybug and was greeted by two supercuties who filled my balloons for $1 apiece ($2 if they supply the balloons) and used my ribbon to secure them. I also bought those helium bunch weights for $0.99 and 10 minutes later I was out the door and off to my party.

If you've never walked down Church Street with two dozen gold balloons, I highly recommend it.

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479 Danforth Ave
Toronto, ON M4K 1P1

Fruit King  

Category: Fruits & Veggies
Neighbourhoods: Riverdale, Greektown

5 star rating
 7/26/2010 4 photos 1 Check-in Here  
I'm surprised the mint here doesn't have a bigger ego because it definitely deserves a superiority complex. It's shit hot. Firm, velvety and over-the-top full 'n luscious. I've never seen fresh mint like this. And since it's mojito and tropical fruit salsa season (ask me for my recipe), there's no better time than to hoard the herb. Extra emphasis on the H in herb.

I'm disappointed that I only recently learned of Fruit King's existence, but I'm happy to have found a herb supplier. If you're looking for ataulfo mangoes, apricots or avocados, they can be had much cheaper across the street at The Other Fruit Market™ but for herbs and all sorts of other greenery (chicory, arugula, frisee), Fruit King trumps them all and is dirt cheap to boot.

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812 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1H7
(416) 406-1250

Bonjour Brioche  

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, French
Neighbourhood: Riverdale

4 star rating
 Update - 7/26/2010 3 photos 1 Check-in Here  
...and we're back. Service has returned to "I'm French, fabulous, and only partially care about you being here, but will still serve you with a modicum of courtesy and concern," which is a far cry from the former attitude of "I'm French, and I essentially don't give a fuck about you."

My triumphant return to Bonjour Brioche after a one year (!) boycott was delightful. Bread pudding french toast was better than I remembered, and the carafe of red berry & orange sangria ($16) should have come with an impending warning of coma. That shit knocked me out good & proper. I got a text message from my dining companion six hours post brunch confessing: "I think that sangria had sedatives in it. Like, actually. Just woke up from a three hour nap." Moi avec, mon ami!

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2 Previous Reviews: Hide »

  • 3 star rating
    7/2/2009

    I go to Bonjour Brioche consistently almost once a week and generally leave between 25-40% tip - the service is usually exceptionally good, not unlike their food offerings, but today marked the first time in my illustrious dining career that I felt compelled to leave no tip at all. The service was sadly disappointing - it's like, I'm trying to transport myself to a Parisian Paradise here - please don't be a buzzkill.

    The food was scrumptious as always - I ordered the soup du jour (butternut squash and tomato puree), a pain au chocolat and fresh homemade raspberry iced tea. All three were outstanding and the pain au chocolat actually rendered me speechless with its freshness and flaky, buttery (literally) texture.

    A few minutes after I seated myself and had glanced at the menu I knew what I wanted. The server came over and handed me the table menu, as if I wouldn't have been able to do it myself or have noticed that there was a menu sitting on my table all along. Kind of in a "Hurry up and decide what you want" way. I told her I was ready to order and she begrudgingly wrote it down but didn't make any eye contact or acknowledge the order - just walked away. No "are you ready to order?" or "Great, comin' right up!" or similar retort that I'm used to at BB.

    Ten minutes later I hadn't so much as received a glass of water to tide me over while waiting for my food. My pain au chocolat arrived first, but with nothing to wash it down with I had a hard time eating it. My iced tea arrived some minutes later and then the soup - again, no eye contact or acknowledgement when dropping off any of these items. The service was at the busboy level, almost as if instructed "don't talk to the customer."

    My soup was on the "gazpacho" (read: cold) side but my server was too disinterested to do the standard check-in with me after dropping the food off, and I was actually pressed for time so I didn't say anything. Please note that the place was nowhere near being full and there was ample staff on hand, so it's not like she was swamped with tables to serve.

    After my plates were cleared she didn't so much as ask me if I wanted anything else or if she could bring me the bill. I waited for 10 minutes with my bag on my shoulder and money in hand but she didn't come around with the bill, so I finally got up and asked another server behind the counter for my bill, which forced a conversation with the subpar server, who didn't even apologize that I had been relegated to going up to the counter and requesting it, or even glance at me. I paid, took exact change and left.

    A very disappointing visit to Bonjour Brioche compared to my usual peppy weekly visits. I can understand a server having a bad day but it really just seemed like this person had a hate on for her profession and maybe even life in general??

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  • 5 star rating
    2/9/2009

    I absolutely LOVE this place for brunch in Leslieville. It's so incredibly tasty it almost warrants writing this post in all uppercase. I usually get the baked French Toast, which is made on day old bread that's fruity, cinnamon-y bread that's soaked with flavour.

    NOTE: they do not take debit or credit. It's cash only. And the nearest reputable bank machine is quite far away so make sure you bring cash with you!!

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1021 Gerrard St E
Toronto, ON M4M 1Z6
(416) 901-0290

Grinder  

Category: Coffee & Tea
Neighbourhood: Leslieville

3 star rating
 7/25/2010 7 Check-ins Here  
A through-gritted-teeth 2.5 stars. Let me explain.

The coffee here is top notch - perfect flavour (for me), consistent and fast. Adam knows his shit, and if I were only rating the coffee product & his skills here, it'd no doubt be a five star rating. The baked goods on offer here are also fucking DELICIOUS. The zucchini bread is my favourite and never lets me down, but there are also other scrumptious loaves and muffins here, as well as an obscene selection of cold drinks like pop, juice, effervescent water, flavoured water, etc.

So why the 2.5 stars?

Well for starters, no wi-fi. So please, don't stay if you want to do any computer work.

Fine, I get it - this oversight could almost be forgivable if the business hours were in any way acceptable, but they are far from it. Since coffee lovers are unlikely to ever be in the close vicinity (Grinder is surrounded by dumps like Gerrard Square and Chinatown East, whose patrons would most certainly rather frequent the nearby Tim Hortons or the terrifyingly 24/7 Rose Donuts), the bankers hours that they keep are completely counter to maintaining steady business with the clientele they're targeting. I don't know how they'll thrive closing as early at 4pm, and as such, I never go out of my way to come here, because 99% of the time it'll be after 4pm. It's only on days when I'm getting a mani at Star Nails or fending off the toothless meatheads at the Gerrard Square Zellers that I'll think to myself, "Oh yeah! Grinder!" and go get myself a cappuccino. It's really too bad, because I'd love to make Grinder my #1 destination since it's on the way to other cool things farther west.

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