Dufflet Pastries

After being dumpling’d out, I ventured down Queen Street. I was told that Queen Street had a bunch of cute non-chained stores. It’s the equivalent of Melrose. After walking for a few hours, I had a sweet tooth craving and went to Dufflet Pastries, which is supposedly Toronto’s “Sweet Lady Jane.” I found it odd that the shelf was pretty empty, but then again it was close to closing.

Dufflet Pastries provide cakes/desserts for many local Toronto restaurants. Their carrot cake called my name. It was heaven! The best carrot cake that I have had in awhile! It wasn’t too nutty, really moist, and the icing was perfect.

If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by!

Address: 1917 Queen Street E, Toronto, ON M4L 1H3
Phone#: (416) 699-4900
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Dumpling House Restaurant

I made it a mission to try at least one dumpling restaurant in Toronto. I decided on the Dumpling House Restaurant since it was highly recommended and near my hotel. It’s a typical Chinese restaurant – simple. As you can see the kitchen is up front at the entrance where the cooks make the dumplings.

I started off with the scallion pancake, which was too thick for me, and it could use more scallions. I should have skipped the pancake and ordered their steam dumplings instead.

At least I wasn’t disappointed with their fried pork dumplings. The pork was juicy.


Come here for the dumplings!

Address: 328 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2E7
Phone#: (416) 596-8898
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Opus Restaurant

My day continued to be hell. I met up with our Canadian publicists and our dysfunctional publicist, working on all my guest lists, preparing the tickets, blah, blah, blah. Time flies by really fast when you're running around with your head cut off, and the next thing I knew my stomach was telling me that it was 9PM. Being in unfamiliar territory, our Canadian distributor, Shawn recommended Opus Restaurant, and I am happy that we have the same taste.

Opus Restaurant is in a cute brownstone building. Upon entering, there's a small bar area to the left and then you walk all the way in the back where the main dining area is. They also have an outdoor eating area. Opus is a very nice restaurant. Everyone was dressed elegantly, as I lugged my TIFF bags, looking all disheveled, I got a few stares...but hell I didn't care.

I started off with the sauté of mushrooms with garlic, herbs and tomato.

It was fabulous. They used lots of butter.

I ordered the Canadian striploin with truffled vegetables and fine herbes jus since Shawn highly recommended it. Again, another delicious dish--tender and juicy!

And to finish my meal I ordered the dark chocolate molten cake and caramelized banana with kalamansi sorbet.

The table next to me was jealous that I ordered the chocolate molten cake. I was in heaven at the end of meal. I shocked myself and finished everything--well part of me, felt I had to since my meal cost US$100 (not including dessert - Shawn surprised me and paid for it)! If money is not a concern, definitely try Opus!

Address: 37 Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON M5R 1B2
Phone#: (416) 921-3105
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Brownstone Bistro

I wear many hats at work. When our film gets accepted at a film festival, I jump in to organize the dinner party, premiere, after party, and travel arrangements. It's a lot of work...but I don't mind because it's a challenge and it gives me a chance to eat!

I took the red-eye out on September 10th and landed in the wee morning on 9/11 (yes, I was a bit nervous flying...). I took the shuttle in town, then a cab to the theater and dropped off prints, and then to the Grand Hyatt to drop off press materials, and then checked-in at the Hilton and then to the Sutton Place to grab my badges and the tickets, and then it was almost noon and I was about to past out. I was craving breakfast food. Like Park City, Utah, Toronto is not a breakfast friend place on a weekday. Luckily I found Brownstone Bistro, which is walking distance from the Sutton Place.

It's a simple restaurant. Eggs were perfectly scrambled. I know, there's not much to write about eggs and home fries, but when you're starving for breakfast food in Toronto, knowing that you're going to have deal with a bunch of bitches, Brownstone Bistro made my afternoon!


Address:603 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z5
Phone#:(416) 920-6288
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Park Hyatt Toronto: the 18th Floor Roof Lounge

This review is only for the Park Hyatt Toronto’s 18th floor roof lounge.

The last time I was here was in 2006 when I decided to “pop” by in Toronto and say hello to my sister when I was driving cross-country. I was virtually in Canada for twenty-six hours before heading down to Chicago. My sister told me that the Park Hyatt’s roof lounge bar have the best view of the city. As you can see, she was right and it was a gorgeous day in Toronto. I downed my pinot grigio and headed back to the States.

I wished my next visit to the Hyatt was under more relaxing situation but it wasn’t. In fact it was more hectic. The roof lounge was literally my office while I was in Toronto...I am really thankful that the staff didn't gave me any attitude for staying there f-o-r-e-v-e-r.....well that was until 6pm rolled around and then they wanted me to leave...but I tried to make up for it by ordering food and drinks.

The bar is cozy and has a small outdoor patio, which circles around the building. Oh if you’re meeting people be sure not confuse them with the Hyatt Regency Toronto…and this is the only bar on the 18th floor.

The bartender makes a mean Caesar --my new hangover drink. I hate Bloody Mary but for some reason, I can handle a Caesar.


As I was working away, waiting or yelling at people, I ordered a few dishes to calm my nerves…

The salmon wrapped around a breadstick:


The tuna tapas:

The tuna was better than the salmon.

Their ice coffee is coffee over ice. OJ is not freshly squeezed. I discovered that in Canada they only make their burgers well done due to a mad cow outbreak --I think, so I went for their club sandwich w/ fries.

There was nothing special about the sandwich, but I had to pay for the office space somehow...waitresses were nice.

Overall, I had a good experience, and their cocktail drinks made up for their mediocre food. During TIFF, you will definitely see a recognizable star everyday so be sure to drop by.

Address: 4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2E8
Phone#: (416) 925-1234
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The 3rd Stop: Birthday Part 5

The next day my boss took me out to the 3rd Stop for my birthday. I like the 3rd Stop...but I was hoping to go to an unmarked territory. 3rd Stop is the ideal bar/finger food restaurant that you go to after work where you can watch sports or chill outside. Boss likes their beer list, but I hate beer and always go for their sangria.

I started off with the spicy tuna tartar with wontons. I know, it was a weird choice, but it satisfied my fish craving. I do think if a restaurant can't make an edible spicy tuna tartar, then they should shut down.



I shared my mushroom & pepperoni pizza with my boss' daughter's fiance. My boss and his family are vegetarians. I am so happy that a meat eater is joining the family because now I don't feel the pressure to eat my entire meal.




As you can see, their pizza crusts are fairly thin (not as thin as Osteria La Buca though). I enjoyed the pizza and the company.

Address: 8636 W 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone#: (310) 273-3605
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Tommy's Original World Famous Hamburgers: Birthday Part 4

After a night of debauchery at the Association, the Golden Gopher Bar, and the Broadway Bar, it was time to soak in the alcohol with my very 1st Original Tommy's burger and chili cheese fries at the Original stand. At this point, I don't remembered much...but I must have loved it since I just found the messy food wrapper the next morning...I am amazed at myself that I managed to take photos of the evidence....super messy!





Address: 2575 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Contact#: 213.389.9060
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Cole's: Birthday Part 3

After the Gorbals, we stumbled to Cole's since there was no dessert at the Gorbals. I've been to Cole's for dinner and let me just there is no comparison between Cole's French dip vs Philippe the Original; Cole's is way better! I find Philiippe's meat to be on the dry side and lacking flavor. I am a huge fan of Cole's bacon potato salad. I really enjoy their drinks. In the back there's the Varnish Bar; a very dark speakeasy bar with fancy drinks. I much prefer sitting at the bar upfront where there's light. I love their Cosmos, in which use gin instead of vodka, so watch out! They also have absinthe. I wasn't disappointed with their dessert either.

While Chrissy had Cole's French fries (yes, he was starving from Gorbal's overprice food for mini-midgets), I had the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, which made my night complete.



Happy Birthday to me!

Address: 118 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014-2006
Contact#(213) 622-4090
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THE GORBALS: Birthday Part 2

I was hoping to continue eating well on my birthday at the newly opened top chef Ilan Hall’s Gorbals…but fate reminded me that I was celebrating my “odd” years. Now one can say that I am being harsh as it was opening night but time have passed, and it’s clear the reviews are not positive.

Gorbals is located in the Alexandria Hotel, which desperately needs a face-lift. The restaurant’s interior matched the hotel. I haven’t been to Gorbals recently as they had shut down a few weeks after its open but I hope they fixed the floor. As you enter the bar is the to right and in the back you can dine and watch the chef cook up your meal.



I was considering bringing a bottle of wine but soon realized that we should have brought our own glass as you can see in the photo…don’t know they know the girl needs to get her drink?

I hope they improved their wine selections.

They were already 86 on a few items on their menu…luckily they had their talk about Bacon-Wrapped Matzo Balls w/horseradish mayonnaise.


I love bacon. I love matzo balls, but the combination just fell flat—maybe because it’s just not kosher?

The Rarebit with chicken egg was another disappointment. Again it lacked flavor.

The most appetizing dish was the Sheppard's Pie in potato with egg.


Our tab came out to $50. Portions are small; so don’t expect to be full when you finish. Do yourself a favor and head over to Cole’s instead.

Address: 501 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Phone#: (213) 488-3408
Rating: 2 out of 5
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Auntie Em's Kitchen : Birthday Part 1

This review is dedicated to Jane who inspired me to get back to blogging. Today’s date is November 18, 2009 but I am noting it under August 29, 2009. Now, it might not be kosher to write about one’s experience months later but fuck it, it’s my blog.

August 28th is the Hungry, Hungry, Hungry Hippo’s birthday. Yes it was my 31st birthday. Thirty-one…one…I am firm believer of not celebrating my “odd” years as something always seem to always go terribly wrong.

On my 7th birthday, I was roller-skating near a construction site and accidentally fell on a bunch of nails, giving myself 30 stitches. I was really happy becoming a woman and getting my period on my 15th birthday…I just wished I wasn’t in public wearing white…On my 29th birthday I lost what I thought was a good friend over…I have no clue what the issu(s) was/were as we were both highly intoxicated at a Kings of Leon concert. I’m not a fan of K of L.

All right, I lied about my 7th and 15th birthday. My parents were too damn cheap to celebrate my birthday, and that’s the honest truth. Well after organizing /participating all my friends’ birthdays, a raw dinner party the sheer idea of organizing my birthday, and spending so much money just made me cringed –let alone the omen over my “odd” years, I decided to play “sick,” well I mean I was sick…in case this gets to my company’s HR…

My good friend Chrissy would not leave me alone on my birthday and joined me on my quest to try Auntie Em’s Kitchen’s famous French toast and on our way we almost died three times…really.

Auntie Em’s Kitchen is the cute restaurant that you are thankful that you don’t live nearby because you would be 10lbs heavier in a week because we went to town on the French toast, Cajun turkey sausage and…the vegetarian breakfast sandwich (there is why it’s best to write up immediately).

We started w/ a cup of Intelligentsia coffee, my favorite because it’s the best coffee.

Their orange French toast topped with fresh fruit was amazing—it was worth being run down on the 2 freeway. I will let the picture speak for itself.

The vegetarian breakfast sandwich w/ sautéed mushrooms and tomato olive aioli put all breakfast sandwiches to shame
.

And of course I had to have some meat to complete my birthday breakfast. I had a big smile finishing their Cajun turkey sausage.


I so wanted to try their famous red velvet cupcake but it so bloody hot that day and I was also on a mission to eat at Gorbals later that night…

Address: 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041
Phone#: (323) 255-0800
Rating: 5 out of 5
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