Ichiban Fish House

Ichiban. It's not spectacular but it's not horrible. Just one of those places my boyfriend likes to go to just cause he's been going there for some time. I'm not sure about the other locations but this location is operated by Korean people.

Thought this piece of metal was cute. All dressed up too and ready to serve.

Paramount

Think this used to be The Friendly Greek before it became the restaurant Paramount.

At first I couldn't tell where you place the order. The counter is situated at the far end of the restaurant. I think the layout is terrible. If I was ordering takeout I would prefer the counter to be located near the entrance. I placed the order and the cashier told us that they would bring the food to our table. Make sure to grab a seat first so you know what your table number is.

Aoyama Sushi

Another hidden gem in the city of North York.

I've been wanting to try Aoyama sushi for a while since I've read several good reviews about the place. Finally I made the trip and can now cross it off my list.

I made reservations for 6pm but ended up arriving around 5:30pm since me and my boyfriend were starving. The place was empty. It was really small yet inviting. Just like any other sushi place we were warmly greeted with a smile. We were seated right next to the sushi bar where we could watch the sushi chef's knife skills hard at work.

I believe this restaurant is operated by Japanese people so the food is authentic Japanese cuisine.

There was this cute display right at the end of the bar that caught my eye. It was actually a small display of their takeout menu.

Reggie's Old Fashioned Sandwiches

After dinner at Brassaii, I was still hungry so I walked down the street to Reggie's to grab a couple of sandwiches for takeout.

The menu is not your regular Subway or Quizno menu. No sireee. It's way better and sounds much more exciting.

After a few minutes of contemplation I chose the Philly cheese steak and the duck confit and brie sandwich. Yes I said DUCK CONFIT.

Here was the philly cheese steak with peppers, onions, garlic, sirloin and mozzarella. I grabbed this for my boyfriend unfortunately, I didn't get to try it since I went to walk my dogs and when I returned he had already inhaled the whole sandwich. Not one crumb was left. Guess it was that good.

Here was the duck confit and brie sandwich with sweet cherry tomato and julienne apple. This was delicious. Brie and duck is a great combination. The bread however was a bit too hard for me. I would have preferred one that didn't rip my gums.

They are opened till 5am which is perfect for club hoppers and other late nite diners. Too bad this sandwich shop isn't close to me otherwise I would add this along with the Owl to my list of places for midnight snacks.

TOTAL BILL $18...EAT HERE NEXT!!!

Brassaii

Follow the red door down a hidden alley and that is where you will find Brassaii.

It's a trendy place and think it's a great spot to hang out with friends but food wise I'm not so sure if I would return again.

The complimentary bread was very fluffy but I only got one bite since I was too busy chatting with my friend.

Next was the pan seared foie gras on brioche french toast with cherry-balsamic chutney. This was decadent. I think it is actually comparable to the foie gras brioche french toast at Hoof Cafe. The only thing missing were the crunchy bits and pieces of hazelnuts. Also this is much less sweeter than the one at Hoof. Since Hoof is now closed I know where to go to satisfy my craving for french toast that is with foie gras.

Here was the dungeoness crab filled wonton ravioli with lobster brandy sauce accompanied with sweet pea and mushroom ragout. This would have been more tastier if it was actually hot instead when it arrived it was close to being cold. Wonder how long this plate was left out on the counter. Not impressed considering the price for this dish and only receiving 3-4 pieces of barely warm ravioli.

Here was the panko crusted roulade of chicken with brie, prosciutto and caramelized apple. The chicken was crispy and I did taste the brie however, I was upset that I couldn't find the prosciutto. One of the main reason why I was enticed to this dish was because of the mention of salty ham in the description. False advertising there.

The only highlight of the meal was the appetizer. Other than that the rest of a meal wasn't magnificent although it came with spectacular pricing. The portions are pretty small which I guess is what you would expect at a trendy place. I was still hungry so I actually went down the street to a sandwich shop to grab more food.

TOTAL BILL $81...MAY EAT AGAIN?! (return for the foie gras french toast that is)

Decadent Desserts

Located on the concourse level at the First Canadian Place this dessert place serves up some yummy delectables that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Decadent Desserts was pretty hard for me to find since I don't know my way around underground. The only information I had was it was located at 100 King Street West. I walked back and forth and tried looking at the map yet just couldn't find this place. I gave up and ended up calling for directions. The person who answered sounded like she was in a hurry and quickly replied that they were located in the Bank of Montreal building. Hmmm very helpful there considering I walked past the bank several times and still did not find it.

Finally I found the place. It was located across from the Longos market. Man it was a journey searching for this tiny place. The things I do for my sweets.

The majority of their sweets are either from Dufflet or La Rocca.

After browsing through the display and wiping off a bit of drool I settled on two items. I couldn't decide if I wanted either the baby truffle cake or the pistachio chocolate crunch.

The baby truffle cake is a flourless chocolate souffle cake layered with creamy chocolate mousse finished with a chocolate ruffle and a dusting of edible gold. The pistachio chocolate crunch is made of milk chocolate truffle and chocolate sponge topped with a layer of pistachio mouse and crisp chocolate pearls. After reading that which would you choose?

I was leaning towards the souffle but since I was told the pistachio was much more lighter I opted for the latter since I was meeting a friend for dinner so I wanted a light snack.

It was luscious. Felt like I was floating on a cloud of sweet airy goodness. The chocolate pearls were a nice crunchy touch. Great treat before dinner. Then again I can eat sweets at any time of the day or night.

TOTAL BILL $4...EAT HERE NEXT!!!

Mexican Salsas

Thinking one voucher wouldn't be enough I bought 2 vouchers for Mexican Salsas. I was wrong.

There are numerous Mexican joints available at Kensington Market and with so much competition I don't understand how they all survive. I think each place specializes in a particular dish which is how they are able to maintain afloat in the little market.

At Mexican Salsas I think their food is much more rustic and kinda like a fast food joint but the great thing about this place is it's cheap and filling.

Here is their logo. Think it looks like a rooster or some sort of creature.

From the menu you choose your outer layer and then your fillings and toppings. Simple right? WRONG!!! I couldn't decide on what meat I wanted nor what wrap. I couldn't tell which meat was what. The owner was kind enough to let me sample a bit of each of the meat fillings available.

Finally I made my selections.

Here was the taquito with pork. I forgot what the actual name was I like to say it's either carnitas or cochinita but it might not be either. This was delicious although a bit skimpy on the meat nevertheless, my cousin enjoyed it.

No this was not a salad. It was the tostada with chicken. The owner did give me a fair warning that it would be difficult to eat but regardless the right way to eat it is with your hands. No utensils allowed. I listened obediently and attempted to eat this pile of food without the aid of a fork or spoon. Let's just say within 2 bites the whole thing fell apart BUT I still continued on eating with my hands. It didn't look pretty while I was eating but I managed to gobble it all down. It was yummy but once again too little meat.

Here was the burrito with pork in mole sauce. Can you spot the meat? I sure can't but it was hidden somewhere in that wrap. I didn't really enjoy this too much since all I tasted was the wrap and rice. Starch after starch with a bit of protein here and there.

To wash it all down I got this apple flavored carbonated drink. It was either this or some sangria bottle and the owner recommended this saying it was much more sweeter tasting over the other. Great recommendation. My cousin loved it so much she bought one for boyfriend as well.

The portions itself were filling but meat-wise I wanted more. Can't believe I got all this for $12. Now that is cheap eats.

TOTAL BILL $12...EAT HERE NEXT!!!