70. Keralia Kitchen: Latvian/Scandinavian

Karelia Kitchen
1194 Bloor Street West
(just west of Dufferin)
647 748 1194

The noise level is fairly high as we enter as a large group is enjoying their meal. Glasses of water and brunch menus arrive promptly with very helpful explanations about various dishes and how to order. 

From the brunch menu our mains are: Beetroot Rosti Smørrebrød, $12.99; Smoked Salmon Tartar, a creative dish with quail egg, fresh made cheese and Finnish mustard, $14.00; and  Duck Scramble (pictured above) with house smoked salmon, $14.00.

After a look in the pastry counter, we can't resist  dessert and choose Carrot Cake, $6.00, Buttermilk Pie topped with peach slices, $7.00 and a Black Fig Galette, $4.50. A game of "musical forks" ensues as we each want to taste the others' delicious treats. 

Total for three very filling meals with drinks $76.21.

As we leave, we're already plotting what to try on our next visit. 

Rating: Ambiance (3)

Service (4)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

69. Taiwan: Kanpai Snack Bar

Kanpai Snack Bar
252 Carlton Street
(at Parliament)
416 968 6888

I ask the server if there is a "rule of thumb" as to how many plates to order in this hip, street food inspired place. (Think tapas crossed with dim sum.) She replied that 4 to 6 are recommended for two people and clearly knew the menu very well.
There are so many interesting things to try and we had a tough time narrowing down our choices which were: Ske-lo Salad, with large shrimps avocado and orange pieces, $7 (pictured below); Three pieces of TFC which were huge in extra crispy coating, $9; Edamame said knock you out, fried edamame with garlic chips $4; Fu Manchu fried cubes of tofu, $5; deep fried calamari, $7; O. G. Bao a night market inspired sandwich of slow cooked pork, taiwanese relish, pickled cabbage, teriyaki shoyu, crushed peanuts on a soft steamed bun, $6; and we just couldn't resist trying one of the three interesting deserts - Wow Bao,  bao bun served with nutella and condensed milk dipping sauces, $6. Total for three generous lunches $60 including tax and tip.
The funky decor is well thought out, even down to the bathroom faucets. Decor plus service plus food equals a real winner.

Rating: Ambiance (4)
Service (4)
Food Presentation (4)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (3)

68. Cameroon/Senegal/Gambia: Tree Top African Cafe

Tree Top African Cafe
620 Dundas Street West
(between Bathurst and Spadina)
(416) 519 9600

On this unseasonably cold and wet June afternoon, we welcomed a cup of lemon grass tea, $2.00, in this little cafe on the fringe of the Kennsington Market neighbourhood. There were more take out customers than those dining in.

We chose a Vegetarian Plate, $12 that came with a house made samosa, salad and Kilimanjaro Couscous, a Pan-African dish; Fou fou (pounded yams, cassava, green banana and other starchy veg) with fish and vegetables (photo above), $13 and Plantain with Chicken a generous portion with salad for $13. Many menu items are Senegambian and Pan-African.

Tree Top African Cafe was opened in 2014 by Cameroon born musician  Njacko Backo  and Saikou Sado who also owns the nearby African Drums & Art Crafts store.

Rating: Ambiance (2)Service (2)Food Presentation (3)Food Quality (3)Value for Money (2)

67. Guadaloupe and Martinique: Le Ti Colibri

Le Ti Colibri
291 Augusta Avenue 
(south of College)
(416) 925-2223

Don't be in a hurry to be greeted and served, unless you're one of the regulars, at this long narrow shop in Kensington Market. There are a few seats indoors and a couple of tables out front. I was watching the food being prepped while I waited for my lunch and thought to myself, "they're lucky I'm not a health inspector". There was little evidence of hand washing and keeping ingredients free from cross-contamination. 

I tried the Callaloo Veggie Fish plate which, seen above, comes with a mixed salad, fried plantains and a mini bokit  (a yeasty type of deep fried dumpling). The callaloo mixture is well seasoned and has okra and onions.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (3)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

66. Trinidad: Ali's Roti

Ali's Roti West Indian Food

1446 Queen Street West 

(East of Lansdown Avenue) 

Between the walls painted with murals of Caribbean landscapes, there's a steady stream of take-out and dine-in customers that represent a cross section of Toronto's population. You order and pay at the counter and the food is brought to your table when ready. You get the feeling that regulars are treated more graciously than walk ins.
Luckily, I'm with a Trinidadian friend who explains the menu and helps me decide what to try. We start with doubles which are made of bara (fried, yeast raised bread) filled with curried chickpeas. For our main course, we choose king fish which comes with rice and salad (pictured below). Realizing that the portions will be generous we opt for take-out containers to leave room for ice cream. There are many different flavours in tubs in the freezer. The soursop is delightful and refreshing.
While I drink my mango nectar, my companion sips on her Busta Kola Champagne and shares stories of growing up "back home". I can't resist taking some currants roll  (flaky pastry filled with currants and cinnamon) to try at home with tea - delicious.


Rating: Ambiance (3)
Service (2)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (4)
Value for Money (4)

65.Myanmar: Motherhome Cuisine

Motherhome Myanmar Cuisine
1194 Bloor Street West
416 551 2593

This family run, cafeteria style restaurant used to be in the food court of the CBC building on front street. You can order the daily special at the steam table, as we did, or from the menu. Staff were helpful at explaining the various dishes, but a little slow in busing the tables.
We try the snakehead fish, which is cooked with tomatoes and onions and served with veg and tofu and vegetable rice (pictured here), $6.99; and the beef stir fry with rice and veg, $6.99. The seasonings are distinctively different from other Asian cuisines we've tried.
Next time I'll sample the Tea Leaf Salad, $6.99 or one of the interesting looking appetizers.

Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (3)
Value for Money (3)

64. Mongolia: Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill

Genghis Khan Mongolian Grill
900 Don Mills Road
(north of Eglinton Avenue)
416 449 8228

It is a cavernous restaurant with all the charm of a food court. Clean and orderly but not much character. The focal point is the Mongolian grill. Helpful, pre-programed servers guide you through the experience. In a deep bowl you select vegetables, meats, noodles and sauce. You wait in line for a cook to stir fry it on the huge grill seen here. It comes back to you in a clean bowl. For the same all inclusive price you can visit the buffet tables. There are arguably more Asian choices here than at the Mandarin. We ordered a pot of green tea which was inadvertently delivered to the wrong table when we were up at the grill. This must happen frequently. An interesting experience but not one we're willing to drive across town to repeat. Weekend dinner buffet $21.99 for adults.


Rating: Ambiance (2)
Service (3)
Food Presentation (2)
Food Quality (2)
Value for Money (2)