Hung Fook Tong
Unit 56, 505 Highway 7 East
Thornhill 905-881-1688
Dessert for two with all taxes and tip: $15

There was a time when it seemed like Chinese dessert places were popping up like mushrooms. When one place closed another would open. Even people who are acquainted with them can’t always decide which one, but tonight my sister and I settled for an old favourite, Hung Fook Tong.

There’s nothing spectacular about the décor but I’d say that for any of the other places we could have chosen. We’ve been here before and we know it’s good, which is why we’ve returned. The menus are written in both English and Chinese but please don’t take the English literally; a good number of the desserts end up sounding more like a patch of an overgrown yard or a square foot of a forest instead of anything remotely edible. Placing the order is easy enough though, we just mark it down on the sheet provided, choose hot or cold, and choose to add glutinous rice dumplings. It’s simple and sweet unlike the superfluous translation on the menu.

Continue reading Puzzling Desserts »

Fred’s Not Here
321 King Street West - Main Floor
416-971-9155
Dinner for two with all taxes, tip and wine: $160

According to the restaurant’s name, Fred is never here. But it doesn’t matter because Fred’s Not Here is still good without him! My first encounter with this fancy restaurant was a date. We actually had dinner at Red Tomato, the restaurant located in the basement of Fred’s; they’re owned by the same person which means that they have similar food on their menus, but then again, some different items and a totally different experience. I have always been a fan of restaurants with odd or artsy décor, so the dark walls with murals depicting strange scenes combined with an elegant chandelier made me wanted to try this restaurant out.
Continue reading Fred Wasn’t There but I Was »

Shanghai Cowgirl
538 Queen Street West
416-203-6623
Dinner for two with all taxes and tip (no beverages): $60

On our way to an art exhibit opening on Queen Street West, my friends and I decided to stop somewhere for a quick bite. We pass by Shanghai Cowgirl every time we walk along Queen Street, and each time I would quickly peek inside and make a mental note to come here and try it out. After receiving a recommendation from a friend, we finally paid the place a visit.

Continue reading When a Cowgirl Goes to Shanghai »

Jim Chai Kee Noodle
270 West Beaver Creek, Unit 18, Richmond Hill
905-881-8778
Meal for two with all taxes and tip: $16

The plain walls, minimal décor, and simple tables may not be the typical way to attract customers into a restaurant. But it is because of these reasons, along with the delicious wonton noodles at Jim Chai Kee Noodle that keeps me returning to this uncomplicated little noodle house.

Looking at the short menu hanging on all four walls, I only need one hand to count all the items on it. There are noodles served with either wontons, beef, or fresh fish balls. By adding another fifty cents, we can also choose to have two of the three items in our noodles. To be “fancier”, there is an option of adding a plate of vegetables with hoisin sauce on the side. There is “serve yourself” tea available or customers can purchase a pop from the counter. This is what it is like eating at side street noodle houses in my hometown, Hong Kong.

Continue reading HK Wontons in TO »

Heisei Market
3160 Steeles Avenue East, Markham
905-305-7300

Going to the supermarket has always been a favourite pastime for me. I love strolling up and down the aisles looking for new products on the shelves. It’s even more interesting when I go to ethnic-based supermarkets because I get to look at fun and unusual products. One of my favourite places to “discover” new things is the supermarket at Japan Town (J-town) called Heisei Market. Located in Markham, it is very convenient for me because it is just off Highway 404.

J-town is owned by a Japanese owner, and all the staff there are Japanese. I’ve recently reviewed the cafeteria Green Tea Café which is a very popular place for lunch among the Asian community. The Heisei Market, on the other hand, is not just popular with Japanese people. The fresh food, the interesting products, and the friend staff definitely attract people of all cultural backgrounds.

Continue reading Exploration Shopping »

Café Green Tea
3160 Steeles Avenue East, Markham
905-470-0758
Lunch for 2 and snack (with tax, no tip required) $21

Every time I go pick up some Japanese groceries, I always make sure I have time for lunch. Next to the market is a small food court and the Café Green Tea. It isn’t really just any regular cafeteria food; to me, it is a trip down memory lane. Ever since I returned from teaching in Japan, I’ve had a tough time finding a place that can help me get in touch with Japanese food and culture.

The staff at the café are all Japanese and they understand both Japanese and English so there are no worries of communication problems. And to make life easier, since few of the items have names that reveal anything much about the dish, their menu is all in pictures hanging proudly above the cash register so you know what to expect. Armed with my wooden block number, I have enough time to do a quick stroll at the supermarket section and buy a drink before I settle into a seat and wait patiently for my meal to be brought over by one of the soft spoken and polite Japanese ladies.

Continue reading Japanese Oasis »

Royal Teahouse
10 Applecreek Boulevard
Building B, Unit 3, Markham
905-946-1898
Lunch for two (many small dishes) including taxes & tip: $25

Yum Cha is a Cantonese phrase meaning “drink tea”. It also means having an early breakfast or lunch comprised of tiny steamed dishes and aromatic tea. This tradition originated thousands of years ago and it has played a big part in the Chinese culture ever since. I, as a Chinese, of course, go yum cha once in a while; in recent years, I’ve noticed an increase of non-Asians popping up at these restaurants. To accommodate the taste of all people, restaurants have reinvented themselves and yum cha dishes are no longer limited to those who can use chopsticks (many Westerners actually know how to hold chopsticks better than I do). Royal Teahouse is definitely not the typical Chinese-decorated restaurant specializing in dim sum lunches. It is a place to sip some tea and enjoy chitchatting while you sample a variety of bite-size food.

Continue reading Royal Tea Drinking »

Owl Of Minerva
First Markham Place
3229 Highway 7, Markham
905-477-7275
Lunch for two with tax, tip and soda: $24

A few years ago, friends kept telling me about a place with a yellow sign called “Owl” on Yonge Street, near Finch Avenue, that serves a delicious pork bone soup. It took me months before I realized I’ve driven by it at least a million times. Yes, the sign is yellow, and there’s an owl on it; but how does one conclude an owl wearing a graduation hat is a Korean restaurant? This “Owl” is the Owl of Minerva.

It’s a love/hate relationship. Love the food, hate the parking on Yonge. The second store they opened in Scarborough is too far from where I live. So I was excited to hear about the opening of their third location at First Markham Place (FMP). In the meantime, I was afraid the food may go downhill with the quick expansion of stores. To ensure their quality, I went to try out FMP’s Owl.

Continue reading Night Owls »