Arriba!

Lately, I have been gravitating towards Mexican food. I don't know if its the sudden slew of amazing Mexican restaurants in Toronto (Playa Cabana, Grand Electric, La Carnita), or my love for margaritas and overly flavourful food, but I just can't get enough of it. Bringing a taste of Mexico to your own home can be simple, healthy, and delicious. Here are a couple of easy recipes for salsa and guacamole. I have adapted them (slightly) from Grand Electric's famed recipes featured in the Toronto Star. Check them out here. 

Guacamole

4 avocados

1-2 small jalapeños, seeded and very finely diced (less if you don't like the heat)

1/4 medium spanish onion, finely diced

juice of 3-4 small limes

salt

Combine ingredients together in a bowl and mush the avocado until it is smooth, but still chunky and most definitely not in the form of a puree. Season to taste with salt and lime juice. 

Pico de Gallo

3 ripe tomatoes, finely diced

1/2 spanish onion, finely diced

1-2 jalapeños, finely diced

juice of 2 limes

handful of cilantro, finely diced (this can be omitted if you - like some-  hate cilantro)

splash of olive oil

salt

Mix ingredients together and season to taste. Pico de gallo can even be used as a salad dressing on a taco salad. 

Charlie's Burgers: The Anti Restaurant

I wouldn't even dream of liking anything "anti-restaurant" until I met Charlie. Charlie Burger isn't a Charlie, or a Burger, but a somewhat secret dinner society. Foodies from around Toronto can sign up, fill out a questionnaire, and be invited (and hopefully picked) to attend a chef designed dinner at a secret locale in Toronto. I was lucky enough to attend one last summer, and again this past weekend. Once chosen, Charlie sends vague but mysterious emails to the attendees notifying them where to meet, who to look for (generally a guy sitting on a wine barrel), and what secret "pass code" (Ours was...I like my pasta cooked with west coast water). The meal was created by Chef Lee Cooper, of L'Abbatoir in Vancouver and was simply incredible. My foodie friend and I were overwhelmed with the foods originality, creativity, and the incredible experience overall.  Each dish had layer upon layer of flavour, and highlighted seasonal fresh produce and ingredients. Charlie's Burgers is not for the faint hearted - pigeon and lambs brains have been known to grace the menu - but-  if you love food, and are open to try anything, I highly suggest testing your luck and signing up at http://www.charliesburgers.ca/.

Learn more about Charlie's Burgers here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/revealed-charlie-burgers-true-identity/article588310/?page=all

Here are a few pictures and the menu.

Finding Faith at the Burger's Priest

Many of you may have already trekked down Queen Street to find religion. Now, you may be asking - what the heck is she talking about! I am referring to the mouth watering, taste bud tingling, and food coma inducing Burger's Priest. This tiny burger joint is whipping out the most delicious burger I have ever laid my lips on. If you haven't yet, pay this place a visit. You just may become religious!   

Be sure to ask for something off the secret menu...a few items not listed on the menu that aim to please. Check a few of them out after the mouth watering pictures!

Here a few "secret menu" items...shh!

(You must know that "the option" is a fried-cheese-stuffed-portabello mushroom...see above for the oozy delicious vegetarian option!) 


The High Priest: A big mac type burger
The Vatican City: Grilled cheese sandwiches act as the bun with a double double in-between
Tower of Babel:  The Vatican City with an Option in the middle
Judgment Day: Two Options with a cheeseburger patty in-between.
The Holy Smokes: panko breaded jalapeño peppers - my personal favourite!

The secret menu goes on and on...pop in and check it out for yourself!


The Burger's Priest
1636 Queen Street East
3397 Yonge Street
Closed Sundays for Church!

Guu-Izakaya

After hearing the hype over Vancouver's Guu Izakaya's opening in Toronto, I knew I had to go. My friends and I decided to take a chance and line up for Guu last Thursday night (the restaurant is famed for not taking reservations). The wait, we were told, was an hour so we parked ourselves on a bamboo bench among many other foodies, mostly young, and for the most part very hip. The roar was hysterical every time the door opened to the restaurant (Guu cheers for its customers both coming and going). The delicious smell wafting out of the windows made me hungrier by the minute. Our name was called after 40 minutes and we walked into the restaurant. The chefs, waiters, and some of the restaurant goers cheered for us, yelling chants in Japanese...we couldn't help but giggle at the attention. After looking over the menu (one I had gawked at countless times online), we ordered.

Tofu Salad with Garlic Marinated Mushrooms

Salmon Natto Yukke (salmon with seven friends...this dish consisted of salmon sashimi paired with raw egg yolk, won ton chips, garlic chips, natto, shibazuke, and green onion...the key was to mix the ingredients together and wrap them with small pieces of seaweed a la sushi)

Tuna Tataki...the most delicious combination of lightly seared tuna, green onion, garlic chips, and daikon served with a light soy based sauce. We all agreed this tuna alone was well worth the wait.

Grilled Black Cod with Saikyo Miso and White Wine Sauce


We also had edaname with coarse salt and spinach with black sesame sauce. The spinach came packed a large, green ball floating in the most delicious black sesame sauce one could imagine. It was sweet but tangy, thick but not too thick, and beyond mouthwatering. My taste buds did not want it to end.


I kept noticing innovative drinks as the night went on. The server brings half a grapefruit, a juicer, soda water, and vodka to the table. The customer get to squeeze the juice themselves and mix up the cocktail to their liking. This can be ordered with a cucumber or lemon instead of the grapefruit. Guu also is famous for the Sake Mojito a traditional mojito with sake instead of rum. Both are on my must try list.


When the meal was over, I was incredibly surprised with the affordable price. Each dish ranged from $3-$9 making our night out on the town wallet friendly. 


The meal ended with three frozen grapes and three very satisfied girls. I highly recommend Guu to anyone willing to park themselves outside its doors for a delicious, loud, and exciting evening.

Guu Izakaya
398 Church Street
Toronto, Ontario
416-977-0999


http://www.guu-izakaya.com/toronto.html