The Tastebuds

Foreign Pepsi > Life

2008-07-02T18:12:00.003-04:00

We often rave about Japanese culture and how they're 10 years ahead of the world. The following, once again, solidifies that statement: Pepsi Blue Hawaii (which looks like Windex) and Pepsi Ice Cucumber (which looks like Listerine) Man, they are so crazy over there. Click on link to view full post.

This looks like it goes down smooth. (for our juvenile viewers = pause)

I love this ad.

Looks like the fluoride my dentist makes me gargle.

- Wolfgang Kev

A Good Recipe aka Meat Ball Manifesto

2008-07-02T15:30:00.005-04:00

I found this recipe via Italian Cooking (I think). A cool variation to your everday hamburger yet with an italian twist. Summer time is here live it up, for the actual recipe click Continue to Read.

- Avi Gold

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Expansion...

2008-07-02T15:07:00.005-04:00

Thanks to the both infamous and amazing Save The Deli the Tastebuds were able to find out that Shwartz's (yes the very sought after Deli in Montreal) is set to expand. Not too much info as of yet but we'll stay tuned to see where Shwartz's takes us on their frontier. For more Deli related info please check out Save the Deli. Oh and how crazy is the above video? My mouth started watering as I watched more and more of it...
-Avi Gold

Wah Sing Seafood Restaurant

2008-07-01T13:00:00.003-04:00

No need for a write up. Just go there and eat. The lobster is crack. Just ask Danny Phan.

Wah Sing Seafood Restaurant

47 Baldwin Street

Toronto, ON

(416) 599-8822

You can find me on the South St. eating Burgers & Co.

2008-07-01T02:26:00.007-04:00

Randomly stopped by famed burger joint South St. Burger, which has recently been generating a good name in the market of quote on quote "gourmet junk food". One of the main attractions to this hamburger haven is the fresh out the box toppings that prevent your 100% beef patty burger from being lonely. With a variety of Mayo's which include Wasabi mayonnaise to different variations of Relishes to Mango Chutney, healthy options are not a void in the South St Burger chains either. Lately I've been trying to prevent myself from contaminating my body with fatty oils and bad foods so my best options are to attempt to eat some what right as apposed to eating some what wrong. I ordered a burger on a whole wheat bun and didn't hesitate on a bottle of Perrier either wow how "LA" of me. Also requested some pickles on the side because plain and simple that's just what I enjoy. Some of what I put on my burger ( I can't remember this post is long overdue): BBQ Sauce, Wasabi Mayo, Hot Peppers, Relish, Ketchup etc... Toppings can also effect a healthy meal but their responsible for increasing good taste in food. It's good to see that the people behind another Canadian franchise (New York Fries) had enough guts to try something new and it seems like to an extent it has worked. For more info check out South St. Burgers website here it's very well put together and those Onion rings on the website look incredible.
click continue to read to see an overview of my experience.
-Avi Gold

People fine dining in the "futuristic" looking restaurant

Many toppings

Sooo "LA" of me.. of course

An attempt to brainwash us with their ad's

Pickles anyone?

You can't actually tell how messy it is but believe me it's an art form trying to eat it

A wholesome burger

What's In The Pot?

2008-06-30T03:18:00.004-04:00

My father was cooking up something "mean" last weekend. I ventured out into my backyard to see what he was cooking only to see a black pot boiling under hot coal. What a pleasant surprise to see traditional South African style food being made in my backyard, a pot that will make meat as soft as butter. I was unable to get the full process shot so these pictures don't really do much justice however I'm sure all the Tastebuds readers will get a general idea of what was going on. The pot that you see with your very own eyes isn't something that is commonly found outside of Africa so when my parents cook up a storm with it I know it's the real deal. The meat (short ribs) is accommodated well with veggies, rice, onions etc... Sorry to get all secret society on you but those that know really know the deal those that don't need to find out. Stay tuned summer is here and time is on my side, more from "the black pot" to come...
-Avi Gold
Click continue to read to see more photos

Short ribs just getting started

Half way there

Eat Caplansky's...

2008-06-21T11:57:00.004-04:00

Tastebuds readers I'd like to introduce you all to Zane. He runs a brand new deli that he opened up called "Caplansky's" and might single handledly be responsible for keeping Jewish deli tradition alive in Toronto. His great grandparents we're some of the first Jewish butchers in Toronto or maybe Canada. Any how more on his restaurant coming soon. I ate there yesterday with young scholar Jared Gordon the smoked meat sandwich is NEXT LEVEL!!! Stay Tuned but until then:
Caplansky's @ The Monarch
12 Clinton Street Off of College
Tuesday to Saturday
Noon - 9
Support the cause.
- Avi Gold

Thanks!!!

2008-06-21T11:33:00.004-04:00

Special thanks goes out to Ann Rose for holding me down with her left overs. Super kind of her for giving me her Gnocci that she enjoyed over lunch time, knowing that I'm an Gnocci fanatic she sacrificed good food at my will (lol). It was absolutely amazing and was purchased at a real slept on Italian restaurant that I can't remember the name of however I will post it once I do. The gnocci came equipped with Calamari, sun dried tomato's and a pesto style sauce that was incredible. Thoroughly enjoyed it, AR I owe you one!
- Avi Gold
p.s. Click continue to read to see the amazing left overs...

A top view of a lunch that I really enjoyed

Damn look at that pesto/tomato sauce

Bon Appetit Magazine July Preview...The BBQ Edition

2008-06-21T11:28:00.002-04:00

Once again The Tastebuds report the latest edition of Bon Appetit magazine. For the month of July Bon Appetit decided to do a BBQ edition which features plenty of great recipes and different types of dishes for the summer time. A ton of standout dishes which include a tutorial guide to making homemade marshmellows... mmmmm... Of course you can never go wrong with summer time foods although if your trying to watch what you eat you might want to avoid the majority of whats to offer during this hot season. The burger on the cover looks quite scrumtcious...yes indeed. To see more photos and interesting write up's dont forget to click continue reading and please don't forget that you can purchase Bon Appetit via news stands.
-Avi Gold

Functional Formulas for Modern Living

2008-06-19T09:27:00.012-04:00

Vancouver-based M13 is a company that makes functional juices for modern living. These natural health products have been hitting the healthy food blog circuits for a while now and are being raved about as "health drinks that actually work". I have not tried them myself because I haven't seen them available anywhere other than their website but best believe I will be putting my orders in. Oh and not to mention that the art direction and packaging of the aluminum bottles ROCK! More pictures after the jump...

M13 Assistance - I was about to go ahead and order some Viagra online until I found out about this drink.

M13 Wellbeing - This is something I'd drink when I'm stressin out too much.

M13 Calm/Detox - This is a good look right about now.

Bread...

2008-06-19T00:19:00.003-04:00

Wow that's a lot of hot dog buns!!!! Spotted on the way to work at 8 in the morning.
- Avi Gold

Abruzzo Got Panzo's!!! And drivers that we respect...

2008-06-13T11:46:00.004-04:00

Some people either tell me that I eat out way to often or that I eat Italian food more then Italians do. Well my response to all that is as follows: Sorry I have good taste in food and I love Italian now even more then ever and that is thanks to my continuous trips to Brooklyn, New York. An old school Italian joint that might be able to compare to the level and standard of Italian food made in New York would probably be Abruzzo Pizza. Although die hard fans insist that Abruzzo hasn't been that great as of recent times and was better before provides me a reason to argue with them and let them know that every time I order a baked Panzerotti it's up to my standards (I don't have low standards people except for when I ate at Boston Pizza). I'm all about my usual baked Panzo with the likes of sauce, cheese, mushrooms, black olives and a hint of diced garlic. A twenty minute pre-order gives me enough time to work myself up for a meal that I look forward too. I try not to eat Panzerotti's too often because they are typically high in fat however every once in a while I break down and service Abruzzo Pizza. I thoroughly enjoying servicing this Richmondhill haven for all things Italian and one of the best parts about visiting Abruzzo is witnessing the way the management mistreat the delivery drivers lol!!! Let's face it people when your delivering food for $6.25 an hour your personal rights are minimal and not much but at least they offer benefits to driver i.e. discount food. Any how enough of this ranting click continue to see more photos and a closer look into the food.
- Avi Gold

Abruzzo Pizza
9010 Younge St,
Call them they deliver
(905) 881-8222
or check em online www.abruzzopiza.com

Panzerotti's always come in this box

I opened up my box to see this... damn I was excited

A tomato sauce is a go for sure.

Succulent and soft...filled to the max... please believe words do no justice

A closer look of what was compiled inside. That would be cheese, sauce, black olives, garlic, mushrooms of course.

The "Bring and Braai"

2008-06-12T01:59:00.003-04:00

South Africa’s version of the potluck comes to Toronto. I can only attempt an explanation of this complicated social event. Consider a Braai a more serious version of a barbeque. As one oak put it; “it has nothing to do with the meat itself.” Yet meat is all that I saw - ranging from but not limited to boerewors, sosaties, kebabs, marinated chicken, pork and lamb chops, steaks, sausages, and various other unidentifiable chunks of flesh in countless flavours. A vegetarian’s house of horrors and my kind of place. Truth is the highlight for me was the social aspect of this gathering. A group of strangers getting together in a park and having a blast. You felt welcome the minute you walked over. Will keep the buds posted on the next one coming soon!
-Rob Babos aka I buy girls puppies!!
Click continue to read to view more photos.
If you're looking to find out more about what a Braai actually is check this Wikipedia definition or watch this youtube video.

meat-beer

bloch and his most prized bitch...mocha

meat overflow

the cheif of the braai

Hot Dogs...34 degrees celsius to be precise.

2008-06-11T21:59:00.013-04:00

My sis, Keri , and a new furry friend :)

If you've been outside your house in the last few days in Toronto you know it feels more like Arizona than the T dot right now. It has been H-O-T. Last weekend, I was lucky enough to cool off by the pool (ahhh) but on Saturday my mother, sister, aunt and I all ventured down to Front Street- St. Lawrence Market to be exact! ....

Grace and Buddy, her new friend

Now, I know what you are thinking "The food Mecca of Toronto! How fun!" We didn't go down there for the food, but rather for some four-legged friends. Yes, it was Woofstock this past weekend- the largest 'dog convention' in North America! Yep- in all of Canada and America, folks! So. many. dogs......!!!

We took our cutie patootie- Grace Kelly, down to the festivities. She is a 3-pound teacup yorkshire terrier- I have a miniature shnauzer too, named Harley, but we deduced that Harley would be too unruly amongst all the adorable canine companions.

So, the point of this post is to showcase a few of the adorable canine friendly edibles I discovered whilst at the festivities.
There was: Doggy sushi....

Hot Dogs... Doggie donuts.... yum!....
hope you enjoyed these pics!!

Nothing Like Sangria on Fridays...

2008-06-09T01:02:00.006-04:00

Generally my week days can be full of work and no play so when I get the chance to unwind and catch a few drinks, enjoy the weather, and hang out with a lady or two I'm on it like white on rice. Friday afternoon I was lucky enough to catch up with my friend Ximena (Hi-menn-ah) who is a fellow Scorpio and generally doesn't have much time on hand these days due to her occupation. We decided to walk College street until we found a good place that served Sangria, we ended up at a well constructed venue entitled The Standard. Immediately we placed an order for a jug of Sangria to share between the two of us which came at an instance along with cups that featured excellent presentation i.e. the fruit. While soaking in the sun and sipping Sangria we discussed the problems of the world today amongst other things,oh and is it ever good to have an alcoholic beverage quench your thirst in the scorching hot weather. Ximena decided she was hungry but was unsure of what to order until she saw the table across from her receive their food which was a Caprese Salad, from that point she was sold on what to order. A Caprese salad was ordered and damn did it look good but it's a real shame that I ate prior to attending my late afternoon date. The remainder of the afternoon was spent hanging out on the patio and reminiscent of good times that were once had. If you ever get an opportunity to go out during happy hour try get to college street it's popping with lots of people, lots of ladies, good food and of course good times.
- Avi Gold
Don't forget to click continue to read to see more photos.

salt, pepper and a girl that is as sweet as sugar

Sangria view from up top

what a weird photo, this is my cup full of Sangria... it was amazing

Ximena looks good in green

That would be me... sunglasses and all

A fresh salad made well and looks excellent

You can't eat Caprese salad without these two main ingredients!

We had a good time... until the next

St.Louis Wings aka "it's wing night" aka I was accompanied by "soul sisters" aka YIIIPPPPP aka Ann Rose got pwned!!!

2008-06-08T12:59:00.010-04:00

Tuesday night was an eventful evening to say the least. I had the chance to catch up with the quote on quote "Soul Sisters" as they like to call themselves I'd say a name that suites them better would be desert connoisseur's. We had plans to go for dinner and Jenny L was urging to eat wings so I searched through my food Rolodex (my brain) for places to go and came up with a few options. We ended up going to St.Louis at Young and Sheppard where we were greeted by a waitress that was both Chinese and Jewish (my ultimate fantasy...just kidding). After waiting a few minutes we proceeded to sit down and place our orders it went as follows "two hot and honey and one medium" oh almost forgot "and an ice tea to drink". Often when I choose to eat at St.Louis most times I stick with my regular order of hot and honey it's a combination of both sweet and spicy so it's the complete satisfaction factor. The french fries that they serve are out of control they are almost hard to describe because of the length that they come in however I would never settle for a separate order of fries but they are enjoyable when they come alongside the wings. Another great attribute to St.Louis wings is the dipping sauce they offer which is dill so you have that extra choice of switching up the taste and cooling your mouth off if your order is really hot. Needless to say our evening would have not been complete with out an order of desert and although I had not the slightest interest in ordering dessert you best believe both Ann Rose and Jenny placed an order. Moments after requesting a nice warm apple pie it arrived at the table in the ultimate "pinch" size, I feel that at the request of the customer they should get more for their money.

For more photos please click "Continue to read".
-Avi Gold

Tuesday night was an eventful evening to say the least. I had the chance to catch up with the quote on quote "Soul Sisters" as they like to call themselves I'd say a name that suites them better would be desert connoisseur's. We had plans to go for dinner and Jenny L was urging to eat wings so I searched through my food Rolodex (my brain) for places to go and came up with a few options. We ended up going to St.Louis at Young and Sheppard where we were greeted by a waitress that was both Chinese and Jewish (my ultimate fantasy...just kidding). After waiting a few minutes we proceeded to sit down and place our orders it went as follows "two hot and honey and one medium" oh almost forgot "and an ice tea to drink". Often when I choose to eat at St.Louis most times I stick with my regular order of hot and honey it's a combination of both sweet and spicy so it's the complete satisfaction factor. The french fries that they serve are out of control they are almost hard to describe because of the length that they come in however I would never settle for a separate order of fries but they are enjoyable when they come alongside the wings. Another great attribute to St.Louis wings is the dipping sauce they offer which is dill so you have that extra choice of switching up the taste and cooling your mouth off if your order is really hot. Needless to say our evening would have not been complete with out an order of desert and although I had not the slightest interest in ordering dessert you best believe both Ann Rose and Jenny placed an order. Moments after requesting a nice warm apple pie it arrived at the table in the ultimate "pinch" size, I feel that at the request of the customer they should get more for their money.
As mentioned I didn't eat dessert but rumour has it this tasty pie hit the spot but the ice cream was "ehhhh". Can't forget how Ann Rose got pwned by dropping her cellular device in the ice cream and had to wipe her phone down which made for a laughing moment. I had a fun time with some fun friends and enjoyed some good food plus I got to witness my friend Jenny yell "YIIIIIIIIP" at the top of her lunges in the restaraunt.

Iced Tea

Wings covered by French Fries

If you look close enough you can see chicken wings

A desert that was ordered

Close up look at that warm apple pie

I shot this on Macro setting.

Ann Rose got pwneddddd!

Don't we all look beautiful?

Terrible...

2008-06-08T12:53:00.002-04:00

Simple and plain no lengthy write up needed; this drink SUCKS! Boycott the bootleg of carbonated Lychee pop.
-Avi Gold

Ryza Milk???

2008-06-07T14:19:00.002-04:00

I'm not going to question weather or not Wu Tang is forever, however I did see this milk called Ryza Milk. Now that's when I think to myself is the Rza of Wu Tang Clan coming out with his own milk? Or that I'm probably just confused. I got jokes!!!!
-Avi Gold

Bon Appetit Mag.. June Issue

2008-06-07T03:51:00.012-04:00

Once again we premiere this month’s Bon Appetit Magazine which comes with more great editorials, recipes and facts. This month one of the articles that stuck out to me was the write up on famous food trucks/stands all across North America. You have the usual overseas column on food from Europe and other places and 15 dishes in 15 minutes if you don't know how to cook you might want to follow the guide. I'd say every month Bon Apetit is worth picking up and is fairly consistent for a food publication. Oh don't forget the back page questions and interview with Jimmy Fallon last months feature was with famed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami. For pictures from the most recent Bon Appertit Mag please click continue to read.
-Avi Gold

Pizza Nova...

2008-06-07T03:34:00.005-04:00

I had the honour of meeting Pizza Nova Vice President Dom Thursday at a charity event. Really humble guy with a good heart, Pizza Nova you have the Tastebuds support! Taste the difference...
-Avi Gold

Mom's famous Chinese Chicken Salad

2008-06-06T00:11:00.005-04:00

One thing I'm really thankful for is my mothers ability to cook. She's kept me living fat for the past two decades + with her well thought out delicious meals. Recently I was privileged enough to enjoy my mom's Chinese Chicken Salad which hit the spot as usual. The salad generally comes equipped with Lettuce, Avocado, Mandarin, Noodles, Cucumber's etc...As good as the greens may be the dressing is what makes it as good as expected. A very distinctive tangy taste that compliments well is the real prize winner. See nowadays Chinese chicken salad is a big trend but my mom has been making it since circa 1996 so all you that jumped the band wagon need to take that into consideration. Since Dr.Deli has been the frequent institution in Toronto for Chinese Chicken Salad my mom has held it down so that gives me every right to brag. Enjoyable as ever and not that difficult to make, if you don't know how to make a salad I feel bad for you however not being able to make the dressing is a whole other story.
- Avi Gold

Salad.. Yup

Close up...

This dressing is what made the salad

Junk...Do it right!

2008-06-05T23:56:00.004-04:00

Yeah I know we blogged Terra Chips before but i've come to realization that if you're going to eat junk eat it right. Low sodium, natural chips, veggies etc... Do it right! Also great mixed in salads.
-Avi Gold

Live From London...For Tastebuds Kev

2008-06-05T23:49:00.003-04:00

Big brother is currently out in London, England and spotted this Filipino joint. He was sure to snap some pics for the Tastebuds (Thanks). Too bad he didn't take the chance to eat there I'd be interested to see if he would of ordered Balut or not. Hahaha..
-Avi Gold

Summer Foods That Should Not Be Eaten...

2008-06-04T23:09:00.005-04:00

Are you trying to look good this summer? I've been saying that I'm going to get in shape for the past 5 summers and my friend Hazel can hold me to that. Well if that's the case AOL has listed an article that provides you the top 10 foods that you should stay far away from this summer. I can understand Popsicles and iced coffee drinks but BBQ foods? That can't be fair although you have to respect that they offer alternatives. Check the article here.
-Avi Gold

Espresso for the Uber Cool

2008-06-04T10:20:00.007-04:00

Tastebuds' number one visitor and official location scout officer Jason S submitted a little something for our caffeine consumers out there. Read all about it after the jump.

Jason is a college student with a promising career in marketing (also an accomplished cook) and like many of his breed, he spends his time away from lectures and textbooks to channel his inner hipster in cafes. Many prefer the local Tim Hortons as they empty their backpacks of its contents until textbooks and paper sprawl over 2-3 tables. Some play the L.A. angle and fancy Starbucks as a Macbook Pro gathering hub. But our boy Jason S. takes it to a whole new level and escapes the downtown scene into the cobble stoned confines of Toronto's Distillery District. Tucked away in the edges of the district is Balzac's Cafe, a cafe that truly exudes the essence of "cafe". The very Parisian cafe boasts brick walls with vintage posters and signage sparsely mounted and a cozy seating section where artists, intellectuals and romantics discuss nonsense. There is a small seating area outside for when the sky is out so artists can soak in some inspiration (or when dark clouds hover above. an emo poet preference). As for the beverages, I did not get a chance to test it out since I do not drink caffeinated drinks but Jason makes a heavy claim: "The best coffee in Toronto."

Inside Balzac's.

Our uber cool correspondent Jason S sippin' on some sizzurp.

There are 3 locations; two in Toronto and one in Stratford Ontario. Check out the website for more info.