Epicure

Since so many restaurants had lineups we decided to give Epicure a try.

The place was empty when we arrived. Think it was around 8 or 9pm. Don't know if that's a good thing or not on a Saturday night but it did have a/c and that's the only thing that mattered to me at that time.

To start off we ordered the Paris pizza which came with smoked chicken, spinach, bacon, roasted peppers, portabello mushrooms, and mozzarella and brie cheese. It was delicious. Truthfully, we were hoping to eat at Pizzeria Libretto but since there was a 2 hour lineup forget that. Also there was no a/c in there well, at least I didn't feel it by the doorway. This pizza is not comparable to Libretto but it was pretty good.

Dlish Cupcakes

Last time I went to Dlish, there was only ONE cupcake left.

I still remember it clearly as if it just happened yesterday. Yes I'm pretty serious when it comes to my cupcakes, it's serious stuff (j/k or am I?).

It was 4pm on a Sunday afternoon, an hour before they closed, luckily me and my friend stepped in a few seconds earlier before the next people because there was only one cupcake left on the shelf. We bought it and sat by the window to eat. It was kinda mean watching people walk in only to be disappointed yet seeing us eat our cupcake hehe.

Chippy's

I wanted to try the fish & chips from Chippy's for a while but sadly it just wasn't good at all.

Poutini's

Since I missed Poutini's anniversary where they had their 2 for 1 special, I was determined to make a trip there regardless. Finally got my poutine fix.

With only 6 poutines to choose from my eyes instantly fell on the pulled pork poutine.

Nadege Patisserie

I trekked through the snowy weather today for these colorful delights. It was certainly worth getting my boots all soaking wet.

At first I couldn't find Nadege Patisserie through all the white flakes continuously falling from the sky. All covered in snow, I finally arrived to my destination.

There were so many goodies to choose from but since I was having dinner at Khao San Road later I just purchased a dozen macarons. It came in a nice lil rectangular box which was perfect for me since I wasn't going home anytime soon so at least wouldn't have to worry too much about the macarons being all squished up. Also the server told me to keep the macarons refrigerated which was not a problem at all in this cold weather.

The flavors for the day were chocolate orange, salted caramel, pistachio, mojito, olive oil, cappuccino, pure chocolate, vanilla, chestnut, blackberry chocolate, rose, and hazelnut cranberry. Don't they look so adorable? I always love taking pictures of colorful macarons. Just so pretty looking.

Here were the other sweet delectables for the day. The tarts looked so adorable and delish I can't believe I had self control and didn't buy everything. Even their croissant sandwiches looked tasty as well.

Here were items displayed on the wall. Apparently everything is all made at Nadege even the marshmallows and chocolates as well. I was eyeing them for quite some time till I finally decided against it since I've already bought a bunch of macarons. Once again self control.

So far I ate 2 macarons and they were delicious. Can't wait to try out the remaining flavors. I definitely have to return and try out the other goodies. Hope it's not another journey through the snow again. Then again I discovered that they will be opening a 2nd location in Rosedale sometime in April. Yayyy!!! Don't have to travel all the way downtown for these goodies now.

TOTAL BILL $23...EAT HERE NEXT!!!

Harlem Underground

I was watching the show Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network channel. I absolutely love that channel but I can't watch a single show without having some sort of snack on my lap because I always end up craving for something no matter what it is. Why is it on tv all food looks good enough to eat? Even something as simple as a burger can make me grab my keys and drive out in search of a burger joint.

If you haven't seen this show it's about Bobby challenging other cooks on their area of specialty. It can range from anything from pizzas to pad thais to sushi to falafel. The episode I was watching was about fried chicken and waffles. I have had waffles. I ate fried chicken before. But together I can't say I have.

It's funny how when I mentioned about fried chicken and waffles to my cousin she told me to buy KFC and a box of eggos lol. I retorted back it's not the same thing.

Once the show was over I was craving for fried chicken and waffles so I ended up googling in search for a place that served this combo. I landed on Harlem Underground. I took a quick browse through their menu and immediately added this to my list. I kept whining to my friend questioning her as to when we're going to satisfy my hunger and finally one day she said let's go. Thanks Susan for fulfilling my demanding cravings:)

Originally I wanted to go for brunch but it was only available on weekends so I settled for lunch. I just couldn't wait a few more days I wanted it NOW. After all the main reason why I came was for the Southern fried chicken and waffles and that was on the menu so lunch it is.

Aside from the house special we also ordered the smokey jalapeno BBQ ribs that a friend of mine recommended along with fish and chips.

Here is the food. Doesn't it look so good you want to reach out and grab it??? Well that's how I feel whenever I see foodie pix or watch food shows.

Let's start off with the dish a friend of mine recommended, the smokey jalapeno bbq ribs. It was finger licking goooood. Savory, tender and with a bit of a kick. Thanks Viv for the awesome recommendation:)

Next is the catfish in red stripe batter with sweet potato fries. The catfish was scrumptious. The outside was crispy and the inside was warm tender pieces of fish. I don't really eat catfish much but this I will eat any day. The fries on the other hand wasn't as great. It wasn't hot nor was it warm and the texture was just soft and some were a bit on the mushy side. I like my fries crispy so this wasn't up to my standard however the catfish made up for it.

Lastly, Harlem's fav southern fried chicken and waffles with a chipotle-corriander-maple syrup and gravy. The chicken was crispy with some sort of herbed seasoning. It was good but would've been even better if it was hot instead of warm. The waffles was a huge disappointment. It was just plain waffles and it wasn't even hot. I thought there would have been some sort of flavor or special mix to the batter but it was just plain old waffles. The maple syrup added some sweetness but then if I wanted plain waffles I could've just bought a box of eggo waffles and put it in the toaster myself. At least it would be hot.

It's funny I came to this restaurant for the chicken and waffles but it didn't wow me at all the way I thought it would be. However, the other companions turned out excellent and made me want to return to try the remaining items on the menu.

Don't know if I will return for the sweet potato waffle that I had my eye on at brunch but will definitely return to try the other items such as the BBQ pulled pork sandwich or the jerk chicken sandwich.

The grand total came out to be around $40. Pretty good for 2 people and we were stuffed so sadly no dessert. Also we had plans to go out for dinner as well on the same day so had to save my stomach for it.

I highly recommend heading to the Underground for some great comfort food just don't order their chicken and waffles.

TOTAL BILL $40...EAT HERE NEXT!!!