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JOSO’S

(PEOPLE - 1+)

(VALUE - $15-$28+)

MID RANGE-CLASSY

For today’s blog post, we chose the infamous “Joso’s” Croatian and seafood cuisine. From observing the decor surrounding the tables within the restaurant, you would assume the diner is quite expensive. The surprising thing is, it actually isn’t. If you love Croatian cuisine, or simply good seafood then this place is definitely worth a try. 

 The restaurant has been running since the 1960′s and most consumer reviews have been 4/5. Lets begin with the lunch menu. Items range from multiple exotic salads (octopus, clam, etc), to meals with scrambled eggs and condiments, to even oysters. If you’re a seafood fan, then i apologize for making you starve, and if you’re not, then you must know these appetizers do come with a price. Seafood is usually mid-high range in prices thus these appetizers range from a minimum of $15 and then sloping upwards depending on the exoticism of the meal.   

Moving on to the main courses. There are multiple options to choose from i was actually scrolling for a few minutes when window shopping the meals. Although these exotic meals are delicious, they do come with a price. Cuttlefish from around $60 which serves 2-4 people is just the surface of all the meals possible for purchase if you have the right income.

-A.A.

http://www.josos.com/

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Collosus Greek Taverna  With warm weather on the horizon there is one word on everyone's mind when it comes to restaurants: Patio. Although Colossus is open year-round it explodes with popularity during the patio season at it’s Oakville location being one of the few major patios on the street. Although the entrees are a little on the pricey side, the quality and flavor is well worth it. Not to mention the pleasant atmosphere of both the indoor seating area and patio. The menu consists of a plethora of salads, souvlaki, and traditional Greek meals. The Lamb burger is a great choice is your usually a between the buns kind of person.  While Colossus offers a great take out service do not pass up one of the hottest spots in downtown this patio season.

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(GRILLIN’ HUT)

PRICE: $25+

(PEOPLE: 2+)

The other day I was with my family getting a ride back home from college. I was craving eastern food, so I asked my father to stop by somewhere to quench our hunger. He told me lets try something new, and thus, grillin hut was found. For all my friends who eat halal and kosher, this one’s for you. 

No retaurant before this has brought me closer to home than grillin hut. The place is small, and the atmosphere looks cheap but the meals are mid-high range in price, and the taste is phenomenal. The menu contains homey eastern foods such as marinated skewers, biryani, and other main courses. 

The appetizers are just as surprising with deliciously oily apps including hummus and other eastern favorites. If you eat halal, or not, grillin’ hut is definitely a great stop to check out within Mississauga.

- A.A.

http://grillinhut.ca/

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TURTLE JACKS MUSKOKA GRILL

(PRICE: MID-HIGH RANGE)

(People: 1+ minimum) 

Today was a close friend’s birthday of mine, and she wanted to have dinner at Turtle Jack’s which is a muskoka bar and grill restaurant. Arriving at the restaurant I instantly noticed how large and busy the place is, especially during the evening. After being seated at our reservations I purchased a bear to start (which was generally the same price as anywhere ($5 a pint). 

The appetizers would make any meat lover water. With many types of wings and other beautiful muskoka cuisines. Personally, I’m very picky when it comes to my apps so I passed. 

But when it comes to the main courses, my mouth was watering. With a little bit of everything, this place appeals to just about anyone. I personally purchsed the chicken tenders marinated in buffalo sauce with a giant loaded potato beside it stuffed with sour cream, bacon, and cheese. The meal cost about $20 and was mouth watering. All other meals are also generally the same price range of $20. If it didn’t build up to such a high bill I would’ve given this place a 5/5.

- A.A.

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QUEEN’S HEAD BRITISH PUB

Downtown Oakville is a hot spot for restaurants of many varieties but none of which can parallel the inviting, warm atmosphere of the Queen’s Head British pub. From the moment you enter you will greeted by antique British pictures on the walls and rich red accents. Just like most traditional pubs there’s nothing fancy here, just seat yourself and someone will come by to serve you. However one pleasant surprise is that they don’t blast annoying music through the speakers. Instead the mumble (or roar) of conversations fills the air and adds to the already warm and fuzzy atmosphere. The food is simple, affordable and far from disappointing. The “Loaded” Nachos appetizer is more than enough make 2 people full and is friendly to my wallet. However if you’re looking to pig out there is no shortage of  hefty entrees. Typically they have a specialty burger, sandwich, soup that vary day to day. My personal favorite is the blue cheese burger when they have it. Some of their signature entrees are their fish and chips, and most importantly their British meat pies which come in a variety of different options. Either way this is by the far my favourite British pub for it’s atmosphere, comfort food and affordability.

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(BLU RESTORANTE AND LOUNGE)

(PRICE: HIGH RANGE)

(PEOPLE: 2+)

If you like a beautiful and warm atmohsphere, along with robust Italian cuisine then BLU in Toronto is the dining area for you. Before we begin with the food reviews, you need to know this place requires a good amount of money. I went here on a date with this beautiful girl once, and even though we aren’t together anymore, the place is still exquisite. Apps range from $20+ but are worth it due to the exotic and uniqueness of the meals, such as tartar and other fine dining meals.

When considering the main course I suggest being picky due to the face everything is expensive so you don’t want to purchase something you might not particularly enjoy. There is also wine and beer to be purchased to be purchased with your meal for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.

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(SYMPOSIUM CAFE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE)

PEOPLE: Minimum 1+

TYPE: Classy

PRICE: Mid Range 25+

Now this is actually a fan favorite. I won’t lie, I’m a loyal consumer of this place, but don’t worry my statements will be based on an unbiased perception.

Firstly, the store consist of a warm/tropical atmosphere from within. As seen in the images above, you can tell it resides on the “classier” side of things. When it comes to customer service, there are mixed votes. During prime dinner time it can from 10 minutes or more to simply be seated. But during lunch times (12pm-3pm) customer service is usually on point. If you feel it will be a busy day, you can also call your nearest store to inquire about reservation options.

Now finally onto the meals. The great thing about this place is people can also choose to come alone if desired. With a gorgeous marble type bar area, consumers can choose to simply have a few drinks while watching the game or a few friends. The appetizers range from $13+ unless the brushchetta is chosen ($6.99). There are appetizers for both omnivores and herbivores (joking) ranging from their notorious flatbread options (w/ meat or veges), to lighter meals such as soups or salads. Now the main courses are simple delicious (IMO). Having such a variety of options to choose from I can personally say there is something for everyone. The meals range from Sandwiches/Burgers, to pasta and their signature rice bowls makes symposium have a little bit of everything, for everyone. The only downfall to this restaurant/bar is, the more you indulge, the more expensive it gets. At least the drinks from wines, to liquors and beers (in can or draft) make it a little more tolerable.  

- A.A.

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(O.NOIR TORONTO)

People: MINIMUM 2

Price/Quality Range: Mid-High end ($30+)

This week we decided to try a place a little extraordinary. 

I have always wanted to try using more of my senses, and this restaurant did just that. NOIR is a food establishment which is run by a staff of BLIND people. If that wasn’t unique enough, the entire place is operated in complete darkness. The owners, and consumers say the reason for no lights inside is to assist in enhancing your sense of taste.

With appetizers ranging from their “surprise” fish to chicken dishes the appetizers will give you a run for your taste-buds. Furthermore with many mouth watering appetizers to pick from, the menu will leave you dumbfounded with what main course to choose next.

The Main courses are more of higher quality and expense. Consisting of dishes such as chicken with asparagus and potatoes, to something more classy like a filet-mignon lets NOIR provide meals that caters to everyone's unique and classy needs.

- A.A.

http://www.onoirtoronto.com

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(Bamboo Legend)

PRICE: ($20+) Suit and Thai describes the fancy atmosphere of Bamboo Legend. A small chain of Thai restaurants in the GTA with locations in Milton, Oakville, Mississauga and Port Credit.  Atmosphere: Don’t be deceived by the small plaza lots they are located. As seen in the pictures the interior of restaurants are beautifully designed and have a zen atmosphere. The moment you walk in you will be greeted by a friendly server and be able to seat yourself comfortably. The restaurant plays very relaxing and non-intrusive smooth jazz, and fusion music which definitely adds to the relaxing atmosphere. 

Food: Bamboo Legend offers a large variety of appetizers and entrées and even has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. I’d personally recommend starting with the Vegetarian spring rolls ($4) which are presented beautifully on a long plate with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Though there is many options for the main course, there is no denying that their specialty is their curry. Whether Red Curry, Green Curry, or Pineapple Curry is your preference they all come with your choice of Tofu, Chicken, Beef or Shrimp. Feel free to ask them to make it more spicy if that’s what you fancy. My personal favorite is the Red Curry with Chicken and sticky rice extra spicy.  I’ve a huge fan of Thai food and out of all the restaurants I’ve visited Bamboo Legend is by far the winner, go check it yourself.  

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(ROMAN ZAMAN) 

PRICE: (MINIMUM $20+) 

PEOPLE: (2+)

This week we decided to kick it off with our first foodie destination. 

The images above are from ROMAN ZAMAN (a local food chain) located in Mississauga.

Firstly, walking into the store consisted of a sweet Mediterranean/Damascus type atmosphere. Damascus trees covered the corners of the interior, along with metallic cutlery and other products provided a hint of exoticism and royalty within the store  

The store provides a higher-end norm by having a “Wait to be Seated” sign at the door. The waiter arrived within 2 minutes which was considerably reasonable.

Once seated, we observed the menu. Appetizer prices ranged from $7+, and in my opinion were WELL worth the price. With amazing variety from hummus dip to mini sausages there is something to fulfill the needs or every type of foodie. Although, the salads were inconsiderable overpriced and large. 

Now the main course is the most important. With multiple meat options to choose from, this is meat lovers paradise, but if you come with just two people it will be unreasonably overpriced ($50+). There is also many dishes made for vegetarian type diets such as Lentil Soup (and other soups), fries, different types of salads (a little expensive as mentioned earlier), and many more.]

- A.A.