There's Something About Curry

I've recently realized that I've become a bit repetitive when it comes to the Brooklyn Warehouse...Mostly because I've been there three times in the last month! I don't normally order vegetarian meals, but sometimes, I like to see how the other "half" lives. And so, here is yummy, saucy, and - I asked for it- extra spicy Green Curry at Brooklyn.

Hamachi Kita delivers..literally!

One of my very close gal pals and favorite partner in crime recently made the ridiculous decision to further her education, move to Australia and abandon me. Hmph. Kidding...I'm so proud of her moving across the globe, and now get regular updates of the cuisine down unda'!

When I asked my pal what she wanted to do for the "last supper", she mentioned a local restaurant that we've both been dying to frequent due to their incredible menu of gourmet comfort food. Unfortunately, when the day arrived, accompanied, in true Nova Scotian fashion by torrents of rain, we were swayed to abandon our original plan and order in.

We tossed several ideas back and forth, and decided that sushi would be just the thing to drown our farewell sorrows...but what better to pair with sushi than curry! That's right, Hamachi Kita offers a menu of both of our favorite types of ethnic foods. The Asian fusion offered by this menu is downright dreamy- we proceeded to pour over their online menu and made our selections.

We ordered our favorite type of curry that never fails to sate our hunger for spicy-sweet fare; Thai Red curry with duck is, in my opinion, a staple for any Thai restaurant visit. With the spicy broth, rich meat and sweet red peppers and snow peas, the flavors touch all of your taste buds.

Thai Red Curry

We then moved on to the sushi component of the meal; lots and lots of rolls! We compromised on this issue, getting Maria's Fire Kamakachi, a mix of rich smoked salmon with creamy avocado; my deluxe lobster roll, no explanation is necessary here...mmmm... and a classic; the well-loved spicy tuna roll.

Maria & Krissy's Special Combo
Fire Kamakachi~Avocado, spicy mayo, tempura, topped with smoked salmon
Deluxe Lobster Roll~Avocado, green onion and spicy lobster
Spicy Tuna Maki

Lastly, Maria allowed me to indulge in a little deep fried goodness - sweet shrimp in crisp, salty won ton wrappers...I felt the need for something naughty, so deep-fried normally does the trick!

Shrimp Fire Crackers Jumbo shrimp seasoned in red curry,
wrapped in won ton wrappers and deep-fried

These delicious dishes paired with vodka martinis marinating a slice of pickled ginger made for an absolutely lovely meal- no restaurant setting required. I miss my gal pal, but I know that someday I'll be hanging out in Aussie land eating Kangaroo steak...and I can't hardly wait!

Betcha can't eat just one!

One day I found myself with absolutely nothing in my fridge. Ok, ok- I don't mean nada, but it consisted of BBQ sauce, maple syrup, soy sauce and vodka. And, a potato. So, clearly, I poured myself a martini and set to work making homemade potato chips!

Using my mandolin- a kitchen utensil that slices veg or cheese very thinly, I sliced up one large baking potato and fried the slices in a touch of olive oil. Then, I sprinkled them with coarse sea salt, and sat back to enjoy my chips. I've made them since, and I'm sure they would be great sprinkled with Cajun seasoning, curry powder, dried dill, ect...but I like them plain, just fine!

Homemade Potato Chips!

Method:

Slice a baking potato and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture- this ensures a crispy chip. Add 2 tbsp of oil to a heavy skillet and heat on med-high heat. Fry potatoes to golden on one side, then flip and repeat. Transfer to a clean paper towel to absorb the remaining oil, move to a plate and sprinkle with delicious, crunchy sea salt.

Brunch at Jane's on the Common

My good friend is in town for the next couple days. A week ago he informed me that his flight would arrive at 8:30 am on Sunday, and that we would be going to Jane's on the Common for Brunch "immediately". This was an order that I was more than happy to oblige!

The b'ys had their usual of Benny Eggs, yet I often find myself ordering off the special menu for fear that the options will never again be made available. I decided on the Omelette of the Day, served w/ mixed greens, roasted potato and a wedge of sourdough toast. I'm not often a fan of roasted potatoes - more often than not, they're a filler that I'd prefer to avoid. Jane's does them right though, with a crispy crust and soft interior...just the way I like my spuds!

My omelette was a mix of smoked salmon and spinach, delicious on it's own, yes, but the killer was the luscious lemon-dill cream cheese enclosed within the fluffy eggs. A delicate mixed greens salad and Jane's signature potatoes rounded out the pate. I also asked for a side of their apple- chutney to round out the dish.

Soooo happy with my selection-fluffy eggs with rich smoked salmon and amazing, melted cream cheese made for a righteous start to my Sunday morning. As I said, I often order the special, but not without the agonizing decision of the fish cakes, the gourmet grilled cheese , the Benny Eggs....you get the idea.

While I was waiting for my table, there was approx 10 people waiting in line. When we left there were another 15 peeps waiting for a table- a testament to this resto's incredible food, great service and all-around good vibe.

The Coastal Cafe

I've wanted to go to the Coastal Cafe for a long time. This place is the brainchild of Chef Mark Giffin, most recently of Bish World Cuisine. The spot piqued my curiosity when it's little yellow awning appeared on my morning bus commute to MSVU. I'd always wish that I was on my way to brunch as opposed to class. Then, of course, the food daydreams would begin!

The Coastal claims that it is "all about good food and coffee, served with no pretensions or attitude, and a laid back, contemporary atmosphere." I couldn't agree more. I took my sis for this preliminary visit as I knew that it would be right up her alley as well. We're big B-fast peeps, my sis and I. Baked goods are key and bacon reigns supreme!

Once inside this unobstusive exterior, we were met by a lovely aroma of good, strong coffee. We ordered at the counter and found ourselves a two seater between an elderly couple and a couple of university students. Hmm...a resto that appeals to all ages- Not bad.

I ordered the Coastal's signature dish Los Huevos Rancheros, or "Ranch eggs", a classic Mexican breakfast with tortilla, eggs and salsa. This particular item is one that remains on the Coastal's menu, which changes on a regular basis. What could be better than crispy tortilla, runny egg yoke and salsa? Well, while I can think of a few things, this dish was pretty damn good, and lived up to my aforementioned B-fast daydreams.

Los Huevos Rancheros

3 fried eggs on Corn Tortillas w/ Sauce Ranchero, Jack and Cheddar, and topped with Guacamole and Salsa

My sis had the Eggs Fra Diablo- again, another mix of eggs, tortilla and spicy sauce. Hers came scrambled with flavorful Chorizo and guac.

Eggs Fra Diablo

Scrambled Eggs w/ Chorizo Sausage, Jack Cheese and Veg, topped w/ Guacamole

We also shared a cheddar cheese scone....Alas, it was quickly devoured before a photo op!

My fave meals of the day being breakfast/brunch, it was a pretty thrilling occurrence to find another resto to supplement my staple faves. The Coastal also serves an intriguing mix of lunch fare. Make sure that you go early, as part of this place's appeal is that it's a limited time offer-The Coastal Cafe closes at 3 pm.

Onyx

I once took my sis to Onyx for Wednesday night, 1/2 priced apps...Now, it seems that every time she comes to visit, her flight always arrives on a Wednesday evening. Coincidence? I think not. As per usual when she arrives and I ask about dinner, her face lights up, and we're going to Onyx. On this particular outing, we had my 20-year-old, rugby playing cousin in tow, which meant that we needed to order alot of food. And so we did-nearly everything on the menu in fact!

Angie and I went for a couple glasses of wine, while Robbie had a luscious cucumber mojito...I know what I'm having the next time I hit up Onyx's Mojito Monday. This drink is cool and refreshing with a bit of bite from the rum.

Cucumber Mojito

We all shared the many appys that were to come. We had meat and veg, seafood and deep fried, and all were equally delicious and satisfying. We started with the Pork Belly, Chicken Chops andCalamari, as well as Onyx's amazing breadbasket containing bread (obviously) and crispy poppadom-type crisps, and maybe sesame coated won-tons? I dunno, but they were served with a rich, salty black olive tapenade.

Pork Belly
southern style marinated, slow braised, valley apple slaw

Chicken Chops
kung pao style semi boneless ginger & mirin soaked chicken wings

Calimari
curry dusted w/ ginger lime marmalade

Then we ventured into the "fast food" portion of the menu with fries, poutine and burgers gourmet-style. I use his term incredibly loosely as these dishes were a far cry from the golden arches...A super value meal is no match for Onyx's hand cut fries, truffle mayo and fois gras with gourmet burgers!

Hand cut Fries w/ Truffle mayo

Petite Burgers
trio of burgers; beef, quail and shrimp

Fois Gras Poutine

Cheese Plate
sheep, cow, goat & blue w/ seasonal fruit compote & crisps

Onyx always has an incredible cheese plate, and this evening was no different. This portion of the meal was one of indulgences- we had smooth, creamy goat cheese, a rich Gouda, a pungent blue and nutty Manchego. These were accompanied by fruited toast points and a compote. The compote, OMG-the compote. This was, sinful to say the least; warm and sweet with a touch of earthy spice that warmed your throat on the way down. Hands down a perfect ending to a perfect meal.

I've talked about this deal before, and again, I gotta give it praise...all of this food; 7 dishes in total plus our drinks came to less than 100 bucks. Not only is price a selling point here, but you can pretty much bank on a meal of fantastic quality whenever you hit up Onyx- whether it's a Wednesday, or any other night.

Happy Easter!

Tee Hee! When it comes to Easter jokes, this one is my favorite!

Happy Easter Everyone!

I hope all you little bunnies get some great treats this year...
Just don't eat it all at once!