Just recently I had the chance to hit up Boston Pizza in the heart of Scarborough along with Tastebuds very own; Kevlar. We decided to take a break from whatever was keeping us busy at the time and go for lunch. Right across from Scarborough town centre resides a place where people go to watch UFC fighting on big nights and discuss their day to day events over food that is hard to classify. It's not quite Italian yet it has a very American/westernized vibe too it but I could be totally wrong because they serve Pizza, Pasta, Cesar salad etc. Any how for lunch we both were sold on the special which included a 6" pizza with your choice of salad, soup, french fries etc. I chose salad and Kev decided to get soup which wasn't a bad choice at all and gotta show love to the glass of water. The salad wasn't over done with lots of dressing in fact it was done just right. If you still can't figure out what soup Kev had it was a vegetable soup perfected to his liking. For such small portions it actually works out well for lunch when your looking to get something "mini" to keep your hunger down. The pizza reminded me of when I was in grade 4 and used to frequent Pizza Hut for what was called "personal pan pizza". Highlight of the pizza was for sure the Jalapenos.. oh so hot! I was also really sold on the use of lemon, very impressive. If your in the area pay visit.
Boston Pizza
400 Progress, Toronto, ON
Telephone : 416-290-0029
-Avi Gold
p.s. And for the record I don't dislike Boston I just dislike Boston's sports team.. cool?
Click continue to read to see the rest of the photos.


Nice cold glass of water

A quiet setting

This is what I ordered.. Minnnni pizza

take two incase you could'nt see it the first time.

Kev ordered this. Look at those Pepperoni's..

Me enjoying yet another good meal.

Paid!

Labels: Boston Pizza, Lemon, lunch, salad, Scarborough, soup, Tastebuds, water

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A few Saturdays back (I think actually more then a month ago) I had the honour of passing by Jason Tollman's 25th birthday celebration. The party was pretty fresh with a lot of cool party people in attendance, got to see all my favorite Jews including the likes of Greg and Devin Jacobson, Ricky Tollman (J's brother), Rick Dogon and gotta give a shout out to Josh Wolfson. I was surprised that J Tollman's birthday ended early but with that said some of the drunks headed over for pizza to Amato's. I'm not the biggest fan of Amato's just because of what went on with that place a few years back (under payed staff) but I guess pizza is pizza. Jaclyn Klein was thinking freely when she decided to order a slice which came with french fries on it and I was so honoured when Jac offered me a bite of her pizza...totally delicious. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Amato's on College street might be one of the last left since they started closing them down like it was nothing. If your on College Street and feel like pizza don't waste your time going to Amato's just go straight to Massimo's. Oh and almost forgot. Happy Birthday Jason Tollman. Thanks for having me. Click continue to read to view all photos.
- Avi Gold


blowing in the wind (pause)

i'm thirsty i'm thirty - josh wolfson

dev looks posessed.

passed out. greg was on another level

don't eat more Amato's

this slice is nice

our poster girl - Jaclyn Klein

Labels: Amato Pizza, birthday, Jaclyn Klein, Pizza, Tollman

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Chinese people love to eat foods on skewers, whether it be beef balls and shiu mai in Hong Kong to your less standard fare on the streets of Beijing. Seems like they put anything on a skewer from insects to less desirable mammals including rats, they do it all. I was in Beijing last week and I was totally down for eating scorpions and shit but unfortunately free time was at a minimum for me. Questionable level of deliciousness here but how often can you eat worms and scorpions ahaha.

Source: Supertouch

Labels: chinese, hong kong, skewer, supertouch

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Spicy Baked Scallop. Yum!

Crazy Sushi...

A Tastebud's view.

My Great Canadian Roll. Nova Scotian lobster rolled with asparagus, Japanese mayo & topped with cured Atlantic Smoked Salmon. Huh? What? I thought this was sushi not Nobu.

I am a fan of restaurant light fixtures. This reminded me of the Kanye concert I went to this past week.

Overall rating = 9/10. 

If you are a fan of traditional sushi, I'm not sure if this will be your speed but if you are up for new adventures then give this a go. Finally, sushi that Avi Gold will like.

Crazy Sushi Bistro

808 York Mills Rd.

North York, ON

416-443-8988

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Tastebuds want to apologize for the lack of updates. Due to the amazing weather we've been forced to be outside taking in the sun and day to day activities. Oh and of course quenching thirst with the likes of Bubble Tea, Mineral Water etc... Keep checking for more updates on there way.
-The Tastebuds

Labels: apology, bubble tea, slow updates

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In the last 30 years, we've seen a drastic rise in the size and quality of portions for food. Going from what was (relatively) a preservative and additive free food base, we've seen huge amounts of synthetics enter the food chain, coupled with ever increasing food portions, you have the makes of some disastrous health effects. Of course, the Tastebuds is about dope ass food, but divine caroline offers a true perspective of how a typical portion on the 70s have swelled into the 21st century. A three page list includes insights on your favorite consumer foods from popcorn, Star Bucks, Coke and even the growing size of plates. Nobody said to stop eating but its good to know how much more you're putting into your body.

Labels: 30 years, coke, divine caroline, popcorn, size, star bucks

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Just got a hold of DiningOut which is a publication that focuses closely on fine dining in Toronto. Not bad in fact very informative yet I feel like a few ends are missing from this magazine. Some of the articles are very brief and they keep it short and sweet for the most part. The great thing about DiningOut mag is that they offer a food guide towards the back of the magazine which highlights some upscale places which are some what uncommon to eat at. It's always important to take recommendations for places that you've never been too hence some of our reasoning for having a site like the Tastebuds. One thing I did enjoy about DiningOut is that they did a write up/interview on the restaurant Six Steps. Pretty cool to hear about Six Steps and of course about their place which is right near the St.Lawrence Market. Others things I enjoyed where the odds and ends from restaurants to recipes to full thrown articles on tuna. Overall great direction within this magazine and definitely worth picking it up from newsstands.
Click continue to see some sneak preview snap shots of DiningOut.
- Avi Gold


the content featured in this months edition

tuna anyone?

petit four bakery looks like they got some goodies

an article on six steps

monthly recipes for you and yours

alchahol is fun

and the guide begins..

some great suggestions

the sample menu is impressive

I'm not allowed back at Fran's.. dine and ditch misunderstanding

Always wanted to eat at Houston's

This name alone has me sold.. Kit Kat hahahaha

Lexi you don't have to go to Florida to get good pizza

The lastbite = White Light, White Sausage

Labels: Dining Out Magazine, Guide, Recipes, Six Steps, Toronto Food, tuna

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First off Happy Birthday to my pops.. He recently celebrated his birthday (May 11th). He had a lil' birthday dinner with my family and some close friends, rushed over to the Pickle Barrel after a long day of work to enjoy dinner with the family. Unfortunately due to being late I missed the actual dinner and was forced to order from the "Take out bar". I was really eager to order something filling so I went for the pasta dinner which included Pasta, Tomato sauce, Chicken and spices. Took them a little while to heat it up but for something quick and easy I'm impressed. Reminds me of something that I could make at home but sometimes it's best to leave food to the experts. I always have a tough time making a decision when I eat at the Pickle Barrel and end up ordering the same common dish however I'd have to say this was my first time getting the pasta dish and I'm not mad at it at all. Happy Birthday Dad.. click continue to read for more photos.
- Avi Gold


read the sign.. the pickle barrel

my dinner

does that chicken look good or what?
always tired after a loooong day of work.

Labels: birthday, chicken, pasta, Spices, the pickle barrel, tomato sauce

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Been receiving all sorts of drunken calls and text messages this evening from our number one fan Rob Babos. He was rambling on about some form of crisis "I need Tastebuds stickers", "I'm all out of Tastebuds stickers" etc.. How classic. Thanks for the support. In case you can't read the text it says "Tastebuds sticker crisis now a code red, may have to apply "lastnightsparty" stickers instead. Rob your crazy.. but you got jokes..
- Avi Gold

Labels: cell phone, crisis, Rob Babos, stickers, Tastebuds, text message

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A little while back I met up with a real close friend by the name of Nep. He was kind enough to purchase me and Kev some Cannoli's and a beverage that is both bitter and sweet it's known to some as Crodino. I was so inspired by that afternoon with my friends that I figured I would re-in act it by purchasing a Cannoli and Crodino. Thanks Nep!!
- Avi Gold

Labels: Cannoli, cream, Crodino, Sweet

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"Designed by Aurelien Barbry for Mater, these stainless steel chopsticks are produced in the zhejiang province, China. Lacquered bamboo is manufactured in Vietnam" Continue Reading

A few posts ago I wrote about some great restaurants in Florida. Now, it is time for me to introduce you all to another great spot to eat at called Pizza Rustica. Pizza Rustica is basically your typical Roman pizzeria. (For those of you who have yet to experience this incredible city, I shall explain...) So, in Rome and other places in Italy too, you enter these pizzerias and there are rows of different pizzas in rectangular shapes that are ready to be cooked in the oven for your edible enjoyment. You let your eyes do the choosing in this case (white and fluffy looking goat cheese, little bits of zucchini pokin' out, or shreds of basil on top are some of the pretty adornments that usually catch my eye) and the pizza is shoved in the oven for a few minutes to get bubbly and hot. At Pizza Rustica, the variety of pizzas is absolutely astonishing....


Jaclyn enjoying her Greco Romana... "BEST PIZZA EVER" she raved

I didn't have a tastebuds sticker on hand for the Pizza Rustica employee...but his face says it all...

So, Floridians and Canadians alike enjoy this place, I guess Americans and Canadians aren't so different after all....

Labels: Brocolli, florida, goat cheese, homestead steakhouse, Mushrooms, Pizza, red peppers, rome, spinach, whole wheat

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This past Friday I stopped by my friend Sarah's little house party that she so kindly invited me too. Unfortunately I arrived late because I couldn't figure out where she lived so I ended up missing her BBQ/dinner. It's all good because when I walked into the house Sarah greeted me with an organic beer (it was tiny but tasty of course). It seemed like I missed out on a lot of good food and I don't doubt that because Sarah is a "foody" much like myself. Overall the party was good times with good people and couldn't make this post without mentioning the cake that was served at the party. Topped with chocolate flakes, Strawberry's, cream etc.. it definitely goes down as the delightful dessert of the evening. I don't quite remember how it taste's because I didn't indulge that heavy into it but for some odd reason I recall eating a strawberry and remembering it tasting sweet as ever. Good times thanks for having me Ms. Smart. Highlight of the evening was me kissing a really "sexy" watermelon. Click "continue reading" to see the rest of the photos.
- Avi Gold


Just a closer view of the top of the cake

Take two.. Great

Official Tastebuds girl... Ms. WILLLIAMMSS

Sarah is Smart http://synthandchicken.blogspot.com

Sarah has floral shoes lol

were a hot couple.. I love my watermelon..pause

Labels: BBQ, cake, Chocolate, cream, house party, Synth And Chicken, Watermelon

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Don't be shocked if you see Tastebuds selling ice cream this summer. Just kidding... How good are Ice Cream trucks? They always have amazing snacks and treats. Classic photo. Thanks Kev
- Avi Gold

Labels: avi gold, ice cream, ice cream truck, slushie, snacks

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Pretty common in Italian house holds and Italian tradition, Proscuitto is the fan favorite for many that derive from the Red White and Green descent. This salted and cured pork is left to dry until it is appropriately ready to be served which it is then sliced thinly for ultimate enjoyment. Most if not all people that eat Proscuitto have it on a bun with either cheese or just flat out plain. It has been known to be salty which justifies enjoying Prosciutto plain on a bun rather then putting on toppings. I really love the way the texture and the overall look of Prosciutto but unfortunately because I don't eat pork I can hardly relate to this post at all. However if you'd like to learn more on this Wikipedia has a great write up on the whole process of this salty Italian snack. Check the rest of the photos for the process of an effortless sandwich. Thanks Melissa.
- Avi Gold


First you place the Prosciutto on the bun

Fold the bun up.. add cheese if you wish (Melissa decided not to put cheese on)

Proceed in eating your sandwich

Take a large bite and enjoy the flavor...

Melissa has beautiful eyes.

Labels: Bun, Italy, Pork, Prosciutto, Sandwich

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Jaclyn Klein is amazing at ordering pizza. Stay tuned. Tastebuds were in the building to make history happen. Happy Birthday Jason Tollman.
-Avi Gold




INSERT YOUR FULL WRITE UP HERE

Labels: 25, Amato Pizza, birthday, Jaclyn Klein, Tollman

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Who's L? When did he die? Ohhhhhhhh Ripple.. I get it.
A funny joke courtesy of The Tastebuds.

Labels: Old Dutch Potato Chips

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Courtesy of my older brother.. more on that watermelon that Dr. Little purchased over here.

Labels: carved watermelon

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It has become very common amongst myself and my friends to visit Greek restaurant Messini's at least once every week - two weeks. We've been drawn to the attraction of the Greek gourmet style food and well entertained by the pretty women in "the joint" and of course can't forget the food they have to offer. Although service can be terrible at Messini's depending on who serves you (look out for George Clooney looking waiter) the food is a reward for the poor service in a sense. When thinking about it further more I come to realize that if the food wasn't so good I'd probably never go back and it's not so much that the service is slow it's that some of the waiters/waitress's don't speak english or care about desires or needs. Any how back on track myself alongside Kev, Danny and his lady Chanty decided to catch a late lunch/early dinner. This time our Tastebuds family member Danny was determined that he'd go all out and order a variety of things that I have never tried at Messini's. He ordered us all some Lamb Gyros, Rice, Calamari, Greek style fries, Chicken Gyros, etc.. As per usual the Chicken gyro was on point and tasty but fell apart on me half way in. Calamari was delicious as well and came equipped with a sauce that is memorable and complimented the Calamari in a good way. Greek fries are fun and can technically be described as the "Greek poutine" spiced well with round-ish potato's and feta cheese topped to the max, it's not something I would order on the regular unless people would be sharing with myself (it's a heavy dish). Aside from that the Tzatziki was well regarded and this past Friday’s experience at Messini's is for sure an outing that goes down in the books once again. Unsure of when I will return as we always say after we eat at Messini's "this is what Monday/Fridays (depending on the day) are all about"...
- Avi Gold
click continue to read to see photos...


bread that comes with olive dip

greek salad with feta of course

the famous greek fries

calamari.. look at that sauce

chicken gyros with french fries in it...mmmm...

picture does no justice you need to actually try it..

shot from another angle

no talking while kev is eating

we leave no leftovers

danny gives the peoples eye

olive dip.. thats right crushed olives.. so damn good

chanty's plate.. goodbye lamb haha

close up of the salad

danny is just about done

chanty is paying for us..

smiles are free

Labels: calamari, chicken, feta cheese, george clooney waiter, greek, gyros, lamb, messini's, potato, rice, salad

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Once again I found myself over at Nino D'aversa bakery just a week ago ready to cash out on a late dinner. Rather then getting my usual Gnocci or veal on a bun I was determined to try something slightly different. This time around my decision was made by the gentleman who ordered prior to me "Hi I'd a veal cutlet some spaghetti and some mushrooms" perfect fit for myself except this time around I told the friendly waitress to hold the bread. I'm trying to cut out minor things that would effect me so from a beneficial aspect it was good to miss out on some carbs (not that I know the difference). Another satisfying meal at good ol Nino's really no complaints although it might have been nice to try an alternative that isn't pasta maybe some more veggies perhaps. Veal was up to standard with just enough sauce and although at times the pasta was dry without enough sauce it was accommodated well when paired up with veal. In the words of Kevin M (Tastebuds crew) late nights with a lot of Lemonada is what life is all about, washing down taste with a phenomenal beverage is what life is all about. If you haven't experienced authentic Italian bakery's you need to try them. Check a few more of the pics...
- Avi Gold


Nino's Dinner meal.. Spaghetti, Veal, Mushrooms.. classic

Close up incase you missed out.

Labels: Italian, Mushrooms, Nino Da'versa Bakery, Pasta sauce, Sanpelligrino, Spaghetti, Veal

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Last night after a previous evening of heavy drinking and the constant thought of trying to get my body feeling up to standards I called up "Steinberg" and requested that we head towards Me Va Me Express. More then anything this little hot spot has become a haven for Israeli/Middle Eastern food and a true testament of a restaurant that others can bear-ly compete with. Sure the service is slow but the food makes up for the service as I've very rarely ever heard anyone complain about eating something they didn't quite enjoy. Usually the main choice would be Chicken Shwarma and it's disappointing when they run low on supply but I expected to see that from a mile a way since it's such a top notch choice and very popular amongst the clientele that visits. After taking a recommendation from the cashier instead of going for Chicken Kebab (dark meat) in a pita I settled for the runner up which was Schnitzel in a pita and can't forget the salad on the side. Steinberg of course decided to go with the Falafel with extra hot sauce because truthfully that's how he likes it, no factor of "what goes in hot comes out hot" could change his mind lets just say he probably ended up getting "PWNED". Something that has always come to peoples attention is the way Me Va Me does their pita if you take a close look you'll notice that the pita is more horizontal as apposed to the way a normal pita comes thus allowing access for more toppings and filler. A few things that can always ensure a great experience while eating your pita sandwich would have to be the toppings, so if you didn't know Me Va Me offers top notch choices that range from top tear Tahini, Mixed Salad, Onions, Egg Plants and a ton of other great choices. Even though it's been quite some time since I've paid a visit to Me Va Me Express I will still personally regard it as one of my favorite restaurants in the city. With two flag ship locations in Toronto it's easy to say that both Me Va Me and Me Va Me Express have taken middle eastern and Israeli style cooking and gravitated it towards a distinctive style of their own.
-Avi Gold
Be sure to click "Continue reading" P.s. they deliver (905) 771-7377


A menu with some great selection.

Those bins are never usually found on the counter

Pictures incase your still unsure of what to order

Inside that pita are Chickpeas.. Falafel a Steinberg favorite

Taking a breather

That would be Schnitzel in a pita.. with onion, some tahini, salad etc..

Upclose is a golden brown Schnitzel, you can see the sesame seeds...

Great texture on the pita, oh so soft.

The famous Me Va Me House Salad..

This dressing is one of a kind

Shredded carrots ensure a good time to say the least

I'm half way there...

Steinberg sent me this text.. I think he's trying to say something.. maybe I got PWNED!!!
______
Me Va Me
7000 BATHURST ST, THORNHILL, ON L4J 7L1
in between Cordoba & Steeles
(Cross Street: Bathurst ST and Steeles AVE W)
Phone: 905-771-7377

Labels: Chickpeas, Falafel, Hot sauce, Hummos, Israel, Me Va Me, Middle Eastern, salad, Schnitzel, steinberg, Tahini

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Once again I paid visit to my barber over at the shop that he works at. He was indulging in lunch that he very commonly looks forward to eating during his stressful days of lining people up. Catered by a local that visits the shop offering her services for those that generally don't like eating the bad food in the area, J mac decided to get what he always gets: Macaroni and Cheese (Mac & Cheese). With Macaroni and Cheese it's sort of the thing that either you know how to make it or you don't (even though it's not that hard) J Mac constantly elaborates that no one will come close to touching "Sonia's Mac & Cheese". It's known to be filling and hardy with a lot of flavor and topped with gravy from Jerk Chicken which is another specialty this local is good at making. I've never heard the disappointment factor at all so it's a given that this stuff must be good. Walking through a grocery store yesterday I noticed that they have frozen Macaroni and Cheese but i can't fathom the thought of eating that as apposed to a homemade version, most likely wouldn't be as fresh. Although personally I can't lie my mom is gifted when it comes to making Mac & Cheese so we might have to get J Mac to try it and get his honest opinion.

- Avi Gold

Labels: J Mac, Jerk Chicken Gravy, Mac and Cheese, Spices

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I'm sure you've never eaten here but Tastebuds saw the name of this bar and thought of our friend Jesar since he goes by the alias "The Black Swan". Bar food can be enjoyable even more so when consuming alcohol.
- Avi Gold courtesy of Dr.Phan, Kev, Chanty

Labels: Black Swan, United Front

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Inquiringmind Online magazine has a great article/feature on the beverage known as Aloe. Check it out as they highlight ingredients and beneficial aspects of consuming that drank. Click here to read about it.
-Avi Gold

Labels: Aloe, Beverage, Canada, Inquiringmind, Lemon

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...And a really miniature cheesecake dessert in a shot glass to end the meal- it was kind of overly sweet and overly creamy, but was too cute and too cheap ( $2.00!!!) to pass up....

cheesecake also= life

Labels: America, cheesecake, chicken, Fish, ginger, Lettuc wraps, Mongolian Beef, pf chang's, raw tuna, seared, sushi, tuna

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Aunt Soxi and myself munching on some cardboardy Matzo...we were STARVING after an 8 hour shopping Marathon at Sawgrass Mills shopping mall....

I apologize, because I didn't get to take a photo of my food though, a delicious cedar plank salmon and undercooked, but still okay steamed Broccoli and asparagus. Ah well, I was too darn hungry and just plain forgot to take a pic... next time, okay??

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