Captain John's Seafood

You know Captain John's Seafood, that big ship restaurant down by the harbor front? You've probably seen it a million times and wondered what kind of cheesy tourist would dine there. If you google it's name you'll find a bevy of horrible reviews.

For example, "Avoid Captain John's at all costs. This place is awful - literally the worst food I've ever had", and "Captain John's - quite possibly the worst restaurant in Toronto, with staff who appear to be indentured. An aging floating party boat offering ineptly prepared frozen seafood to tourists who don't know any better."

Despite the criticism we decided to skip the food and do Sunday evening cocktails on the decrepit floating Wes Anderson set.

I recommend the gin martini. Although, the waiter handled a wrinkled up $10 bill before fishing out two olives from a fruit fly infested plastic jar and plopping them in my drink, it was really boozy, and a good value. Besides, I had low expectations for the service and high expectations for the weirdness. I was not disappointed.

This week in food: 011

What's better than chilling outdoors on a spacious apartment patio in Little Italy, tons of good food, solid crew, and a couple of cold brews?... Maybe like, jumping into a waterfall or holding your newborn child. But that's it.

Our friends Rob and Marie hosted the third official barbeque of the summer, here's a taste.

Jon brought marinated steak despite already having put in a full days work of cooking for patrons and pay. He persisted on to bring us a bounty of succulent steak sandwiches. 

What's a picnic without fried chicken? 

This is the only time of the year you get mangos at 3 for $5. Make of the most of it salsa.

A potato salad styled after the beloved Aunties & Uncles breakfast option.

Shredded daikon sprinkled with sesame seeds, accompanied by miso dressing.

With a generous spread of whole grain mustard. Very masculine.

Marie's trifle was much anticipated.

Wanda's Pie In The Sky, apricot.

Suffice to say were were stuffed.

This week in food: 010

Incase you're wondering why I haven't returned your phone calls, I've been bound to 12 hour work days for the past 2 weeks. Meanwhile, the sun is beaming down 27 degrees celsius with a slight breeze...

It's literally breaking my heart.

Couple some comic books with fresh eats outdoors. This is what my week would have looked if I was a trust-fund kid, a lotto winner, a lucky duck, or a genie...

Two ripe mangos. Home grown basil. Spinach and butternut squash soup with whole grain toast. Fresh sweet apricots.

Hope you're making the most of this fine fine sunshine Toronto.

Love is in the air.

On my way to work yesterday morning I passed Central Technical School at Bathurst and Harbord. The big, sturdy, medievalesque high school has got to be among my favorite downtown landmarks. For one, it was the primary setting for the movie Class of 1984, which incase you haven't seen it, is a perfect 1980's punk gang flick. It features a live performance by Hamilton's Teenage Head and plenty of ridiculous melodramatic violence. Two, the building is rumored to have derelict underground tunnels, cool right? According to alumni one was used as an artillery range in World War 1. Lastly, my third and final fancy for Central Tech is the students that dominate my neighborhood. The constant exposure to teen shenanigans right outside my window during lunch, before and after class. The kids are pretty hilarious and in a small way, it kind of keeps me young. Incidentally, as I walked by the school yesterday and watched as two young lovers no more than 16, gaze into each others eyes, totally engrossed and hopeless, I was overwhelmed by memories of spring flings past. Especially in Canada, after a long winter, spring is a special time of year. Truly, love is in the air Toronto, and some of you may have already caught the bug. 

So for those of you looking to get romantic this season, we recommend Hernando's Hideaway. A quaint little tex-mex basement restaurant just south of Wellesley and Yonge. We had the california salad, the chicken chimichangas and a couple of margaritas. The bill was reasonable, the food amazing and the atmosphere casual with a touch of gimmicky fun. Furthermore (and this is a big one) the lighting is perfect for date dining. Here's a look at what we ordered.

The entrance sign boasts "The Best Margaritas In Town"... I might even agree with them.

Although we didn't have a chance to test them, we're guessing the fajitas for two would be an appropriate order.

Dutch Dreams

Miss Elizabeth's Ghost would like to give a big boisterous shout out to Dutch Dreams. Now that the weather is fine and we're getting loads of exercise on our bikes we can justifying the ice cream indulgence... Yessir, we mean exactly that, indulgence...

Chocolate and peanut butter ice cream covered with fruit and whipped cream in a homemade dutch waffle cone. Frankly, its the only reason we'd ever go north of Bloor. Wear your stretchy pants and bring a sweet tooth.

This week in food: 009

Today is Mother's Day and appropriately I would like to dedicate this week in food to my mother, or rather my mother's raspberry pie. A calorie midget when in company of other desserts, with a light flakey crust, and about a million fresh, tart berries.


Up next, is a seasonal delicacy that always reminds me of my family. Every spring my little sister, mom and I would spend Easter at our cottage. A rundown cabin without running water or electricity situated in the middle of a 100 acre forest. The fresh water stream that ran through the property nourished an abundance of wild fiddlehead ferns. Throughout our visits to the cabin in spring we'd eat plenty of them, boiled on the wood stove and served around a picnic table. I purchased these fiddleheads from a wicker bike basket in Kensington Market.


Miss Elizabeth's Ghost would like to wish our mother's a wonderful day.

e-basil

A couple of weeks ago I planted some tiny Sweet Basil seeds into a big white pot. I put the pot outside on my deck during the day, and brought it into the warmth of my apartment at night. The basil has just begun to sprout and the smell has already got me fiending fresh Caprese Salad. 

Stay tuned for herb garden growth updates.

This week in food: 004

We took a poll. 10 out of 10 love birds agree the best way to do Valentine's Day dinner, is in a blanket-fort built for two.

Rosemary & lemon salmon, scallops, green beans, grape tomatoes and red skinned potatoes with horseradish.

Happy belated Valentine's Day babies.

This week in food: 003

I just got back from a week and a half in the deep American South.

Now usually I'll go months without eating fried foods, salt or dairy, which really cuts into my commitment to food review. Therefore, the bulk of grub tasting rests heavily on Jillian's shoulders.

However, this week she'll take a load off... cause everybody gets a little dirty in the south.

(click description for restaurant link and full menu)

A. Corn bread and biscuits with pepper jelly and whipped butter.
B. Po' boy (buffalo fried) shrimp sandwich with coleslaw and chips.
C. Fried green tomatoes topped with jumbo shrimp.
D. Sliced barbecue pork sandwich, to go.
E. Alligator gumbo.
F. Pulled chicken, turnip greens, green beans and corn bread, to go.
G. Hot and spicy dill pickle in a bag with Budweiser tall can.
H. Country fried chicken with white gravy, hash browns, bacon, fried eggs and biscuit.

The Chain Gang

Lets talk about franchised food.

Me? I’m a support your local business gal in a do-or-die kinda way. Truly, I’m baffled by the devotion some folks have to a big-box branded meal.

Without question Toronto has an overabundance of first-rate, locally owned, gems. But that’s not what I’m going to talk about. I’m here today to tell you about franchised food.

I just spent the last week and a half on Southern American highways chowing-down big time. If your travels have ever taken you South of the border you’ll know The United States has got chain restaurants like we’ve got snow, and it got me to thinking about our own franchises.

Like you, I’ve dined at a strip-mall in a pinch, on the road, or with grandparents enough times to make an opinion. I’ve compiled a list of chain, sit-down style restaurants in Canada, along with notes and menu choices to help you along the highway.

------------------

Swiss Chalet
When I was a kid my grandmother used to bring my cousins and I here at least once a month. I’d ceremonially order the children’s portion chicken-fingers and dunk those tender white meat strips in mouth-watering Chalet Sauce until stuffed. I’ve got some serious nostalgic urges for that sauce; but because the only downtown location I was aware of was at Bloor and Bathurst [RIP], Soon Tofu and Tacos El Asador instantly overpower the craving.

Red Lobster
The television commercials present a bounty of tumbling, juicy, larger than life shrimp and shellfish. What a disappointment, portions are small, over-priced and shabby. Rodney’s Oyster House at King just west of Spadina is slightly more pricey but well worth the added cost.

East Side Mario’s
You had me at unlimited bread and salad bowl with any entrée and bottomless fountain soda. Skip the mediocre pasta; if you’re like me, you’ll eat your $14 worth of crisp Italian garden salad if it kills you.
I say, if you’ve got a real hunger on and stuck in the burbs, hit it, but when they start singing happy birthday in phony New York Italian accents, run!

Mandarin
You know how folks introduce themselves on game shows by listing a few interests and their hometown? Well, once years ago while watching Wheel-Of-Fortune I witnessed this courageous, stout little woman announce “buffets” on her list of leisurely activities. I thought how wonderful, as I too have a less courageous yet earnest interest in all-you-can-eat.
Yep, Mandarin will do it.

Pizza Hut
Have you ever tried that stuffed-crust pizza? It’s like a hunk of medium warm string cheese covered in dough. I haven’t been back since.

Boston Pizza
These guys have been popping up like crazy the last couple of years. I have yet to test one out. But this I do know, my younger sister* was employed by one a couple of years ago at a location in or around Barrie and was, after a brief period “let go”, which gives me firm assurance in their food-safety practices. **

*My sister (bless her heart) is a really more of a people person.

**Jill says it's "pretty dece".

Kelsey’s
I had a grilled vegetable sandwich at one in Kitchener a couple years ago, I wasn’t mad at it. You’ve got a few healthy options and your dad or uncle can still get those spare ribs or hamburger.

Pickle Barrel
Their website announces the menu addition of two Ontario locally grown dinner entrees created by cookbook author Rose Reisman, Fruitland Chicken and Grilled Beef & Mushroom. Not bad.

The Keg
My dad really likes The Keg, your dad probably does too. Unless you’re treating your dad to lunch, I can’t see why you would ever dine here.

Golden Griddle
The breakfast is a 6, but only because of the Belgian Waffles.

Lick’s
The Nature Burger is the best veggie burger I have ever eaten in my life. The chicken gravy is nothing to laugh at either.

Other chains (in no particular order): Lone Star, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, St. Hubert's, Casey's, IHOP, Denny's, Montana's, Shoeless Joe's, St. Louis', Sunset Grill, Milestone's.

Let us know if you've got anything to add.