Lotus Pond Vegetarian Restaurant
3838 Midland Avenue
416-412-3140
Dinner for two with all taxes and tip: $40

When I first went to Lotus Pond I was told the restaurant had been around since I first landed in this country, almost twenty years ago, and to me that’s time immemorial. Learning the restaurant was wholly vegetarian was an even bigger excitement. That’s why I groaned inwardly upon seeing the place; it looked unassuming from the front entrance and even more forlorn on the inside. There were only a few regulars eating at the time, and judging by the way they acted and how they got along with the restaurant staff, it also seemed like the restaurant was quite dependent on them to survive.

Continue reading A Wilting Lotus of Former Glory »

Hernando’s Hideaway
545 Yonge Street
416-929-3629
52A Wellington Street East
416-366-6394
Dinner for two with all taxes, tip and cocktails: $48

Having been to both Hernando’s locations I can now compare the two, from the taste buds of someone relieved to eat Mexican food that didn’t originate from a drive-thru. My trip to the first Hernando’s was actually a fluke. A communication misunderstanding between friends brought us to the location on Yonge, and it became something I’ll never be allowed to live down.

I couldn’t find the place when it first came time to capture the restaurant on camera. Not till I crossed the street did I realize that Hernando’s Hideaway lives up to its namesake. The restaurant sinks into the ground off of the street. A flight of stairs led me deeper into the rabbit hole. The atmosphere was a bit stifling; by that I mean the overall environment of the restaurant. The décor was rustic, and the furniture painted in gaudy colours. The giant lizards on the wall were a nice touch. I wondered what it’d feel like to sit right under one of those, and whether he would flick off bits of my meal as I ate it.

Continue reading Clash of the “Hernando’s”! »

Embassy Restaurant: Samosa King
5210 Finch Avenue East, Units 9-11
416-332-0944
Lunch for two, with all taxes and tip (no beverages): $10

Even before walking into Samosa King, the first thing I noticed was the ridiculously long cafeteria-style display of desserts and hot food that spanned the entire length of the restaurant. The second thing I noticed was the similarly lengthy throng of customers lining up to order. As my friend and I queued up we were acutely and awkwardly aware of our presence sticking out like a sore thumb, as two people who were completely unfamiliar with the menu, and as the only Chinese-Caucasian duo in a sea of Indian regulars. Amidst the fluidity of said regulars, we moseyed down the line, staring open-mouthed at all the tasty choices and feeling just a bit overwhelmed at the sheer variety.

Continue reading How Am I “Samosa” Stop Eating? »

Salad King
335 Yonge Street
416-971-7041
Lunch for two plus appetizer, tax, and tip: $21

With all of two salads on its menu, Salad King doesn’t seem like a restaurant boasting the amazing Thai food it serves. Even the “Hot Thai Food” neon light above the doorway seems tiny in comparison, but I guess that’s their way of being modest. With both Salad King and Linda open upstairs, Salad King’s still always packed.

One thing I’ll never forget is the first time I returned to Hong Kong. The moment I stepped off the plane, a blast of hot air engulfed me whole. Walking into Salad King isn’t a harsh introduction to a warm new climate, but breathing in the smells has a similar effect. To me, that aroma is very welcoming; better to bask in it than complain about waiting in line, right? Besides, think about how hard the restaurant staff works to satiate the hunger pangs of endless customers. We can’t help but love them for it; despite the many times I’ve been squished into those jailhouse cafeteria benches, and despite the two servers who (so my friends and I believe) don’t like us.

Continue reading Thai King »