What You Reading?

I was in the midst of a major reading slump at the start of this year. Life was moving at a slow pace (the kind of pace where you’re watching the clock tick by, waiting for something exciting to happen) but at the same time, there were plenty of distractions (not the good kind) to keep me occupied. But one day, I picked up a book and started reading again. That’s the thing about reading and new beginnings, you can always start again. 

Table 21 Kitchen & Wine Bar

Guess who’s back?! Ash and I are back with a vengeance (okay well, maybe not with a vengeance because who’s angry? Not us! And to be honest, did we really leave!?! No, no we did not). We are excited to be starting the next installment of our food journey continued from where we left off in 2011 (okay, maybe we are “back”)!!

Ash was kind enough to do much of the leg work on this one, sending me a few options to pick from. And pick I did! I decided

It’s All Relative in the 50s

It’s the 1950s- Yahtzee was just introduced, colour television was the most technological forward gimic anyone could get and air conditioning? What’s that?

No, okay fine it’s 2011- it’s hot and muggy and sitting outside you risk being fried alive and air conditioning definitely exists now but not in this joint- Aunties and Uncles that is.

It’s the type of place that could keep you occupied, if you’re a serious starer like me, for hours on end. From the old wallpaper to the knick-knacks that bring you back to a time when even you did not exist but have only heard about- it’s certainly an era thing.

While the location is set right downtown in between the Dees, liquid bars and Chinatown, you could hardly notice the hustle and bustle of it unless you walked to the corner end and peered out. It’s a supreme location- central yet quiet.

The inside was set up as if you were at your aunt and uncles. However, I doubt that this design was more on purpose but due to lack of space and funds. They, however, do a great job of disguising this fact though (again with the memorabilias and artifacts of that decade).

The staff and food were better than you would expect a small kitchen of this size to create. The menu itself was short, limited but the items were unusual and generally made-up for its lack of choice (such as: challah bread, aioli, chutney, curry, dried mango ingredients). Aunties and Uncles, definitely not a place where salt & pepper shakers are refilled but my chicken BLT was juicy, tender and not dry and stiff at all- a rarity!

The 50s were an era of flavorful music, new discoveries and on the cusp of new conveniences and Aunties and Uncles is a great place to grab a bite, heck I may even try the patio next time but deep down, I’m a 90s chick!

***1/2 out of 5

 

Old Senator

You know that adage “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”? Well The Senator is definitely a lab that could use a few new tricks up its sleeve. Other than its convenient location, its name and super-friendly service, there’s really not much else going for it. I can certainly see it being an old favourite and perhaps that’s just why it’s still up, running and alive but the restaurant and food itself is not much to write home about. It certainly isn’t what I’d want a tourist to experience and think that it’s all that this great city of ours has to offer in the culture of restaurant dining.

First of all, the food was nothing I couldn’t make in my own kitchen. Other than considering the convenience factor, if I can easily make what’s being served then really the essence of dining is quite frankly lost. Warm milk and the usual mass-market greens pretty much sum up the balance of my meal. Where I can’t voice a negative thought is the location and convenience (across from Eatons; downtown hub) and the service (friendly- like you could totally go out for platonic drinks with the wait staff). However, if you are as visual and phobic of all forms of unknown, random-shaped things/dirt as I am then this place is not for you. The dust bunny in the corner and where it came from and what it’s doing there will distract you all hour long (you may even feel the need to cover it up using the menu). Yes, I did this.

And God blessed/cursed me with the gift/disability (depending on who you talk to) of “senseless” living (I’m talking about smell, not purpose) but I can imagine this must’ve been the place where every customer was a smoker and after years of smoke abuse it’s taken its toll on the walls, floors and furniture. Unfortunately for The Senator and thank goodness for all mankind, the age of smoking while dining is over but this place has failed to eradicate the remnants of its former self.

The old wood accents and mirrored walls maybe fifteen years ago would have sung trendy-traditional and masculine tunes but in this current decade this aged joint speaks drab, worn and retired. All the wrong lighting is in all the wrong places and it is just begging to be made over. It’s a place I can imagine Gordon Ramsey taking (after reprimanding the arse out of the owners of course) and turning it NOT into something it’s not but everything it was meant to be in every era, decade and time- a place for everyone to call home. But for me- home, this is not.

** out of 5

 

O.M.G. for DT B.

DT is a quaint and intimate bistro yet there’s an aura of grandness with its light and bright features that opens up the small space. Once inside DT Bistro, you can easily forget that you’re not in the midst of a Parisian journey. The best space and food so far on our venture- DT Bistro never tries to be something it’s not.

The unique decor is simple yet effortlessly stunning with natural exterior elements brought in or accentuated with its reflective varnish finishes. The large open windows and doors make the room airy and bigger than it really is. The impressive and yet unobstructed chandelier adds a touch of elegance to the place while fresh flowers are the perfect feminine touch to contrast the small intricate art sculptures displayed. It is very obvious that attention-to-detail is not lacking here.

The food– only divine. I am a picky eater (I do know worse but picky I am nonetheless) and the food and atmosphere is what will keep me coming back again because I just want to try each and every item on the menu. The menu itself is not extensive by any means but the selection is great for every muncher: those who like/hate nuts/seeds, those who enjoy meat and those who can live without much or any at all. The prices listed, in my opinion, are quite fair- you are paying for quality, quantity and presentation minus the uptight feel of a stuffy French restaurant, however, plastic forks and untamed foods are still prohibited.

Lastly, don’t leave without trying their desserts. Their delectable and palatable sweets corner (fresh out-of-the-oven cakes, decadent chocolate delights, gelatos and baked yummy goodness) is strategically placed at the front of the shop and anyone who bypasses it without succumbing to the temptation is either blind, hates all good/worthwhile things in life or has iron-man willpower. Surprisingly and proudly, Ash and I were the latter but all the more reason to revisit DT again (and very soon).

**** out of 5