Eat My Martini

Image take from www.eatmymartini.ca

Location: Little Italy

Type of Drink: Martinis 

Favourite Drink: Roy Boy Martini (vodka, lychee liquor, lychee juice) 

Address: 648 College St W (Click here for Google Map and Reviews)  

I've been to this spot a few times, and there are many reasons why! First of all, I love this neighbourhood, whether summer or winter, College St. always seems to be happening. People are always walking around enjoying each other's company, on their way to eat dinner, grab some gelato or sit and have a few drinks!  

Eat My Martini, on a weeknight only charges $5 a martini ... which is phenomenal! In addition to the great prices, the wait staff are always very energetic, friendly and patient. There are apparently over 100 martini flavours offered at this bar, and the staff are always willing to help customers pick out the perfect martini! Having been to this spot a few times I've had a chance to try out quite a few of these, and my two favourite (after the Roy Boy Martini of course) are the 'Ricky Martini' and the classic 'Cosmopolitan'. 

If your planning on going to this spot before a night out, I highly recommend going a little earlier than 9-930pm, in order to secure a table. Really there only seems to be seating for about 25-30 people at the front, and perhaps another 10 in the back. Otherwise, you'll be standing at or around the bar for a while, waiting for a date or, more likely, a girls night, to end. 

My only recommendation to this spot would be to lower the music a tad, near 10pm, and after a few drinks, girls can talk really, very loud. The house and top 40 playlist already brings a fun vibe to the venue, no need to compete with noisy clubs! 

Tappo Wine & Restaurant

Photo taken directly from the official website: www.tappo.ca 

Location: Distillery District

Type of Food: Italian
Favourite Food: Tiramisu 

Address: 55 Mill St (Click here for Google Map and Reviews) 

I went to Tappo last night to celebrate a good friend's brithday, and let me tell you, the food here is absolutely scrumptious. I ordered the Pappardelle con Cinghiale - a splurge (considering I'm supposed to be on a 'no pasta' diet) and it was made and served to a mouth watering perfection. My friend tried the Fusilli con Pollo Affumicato and her reviews are just as splendid as mine. 


--- > However, I would have to say the highlight of my night at Tappo Wine Bar and Restaurant was not my diet cheating pasta dish, but the even more diet cheating dessert plate - Tiramisu. I have devoured one too many tiramisus around Toronto, and by far, and I mean I wanted to order 2 for the table and three 'to go', this Italian sweet dish is the best Tiramisu I've had - ever. 

The restaurant is on the pricey-er side of restaurants I've reviewed in this blog, but if you don't want to spend too much but want to check the spot out, go for a latte and Tiramisu, you will not be disappointed.  Apart from the food, the wait staff are nice, and the overall restaurant atmosphere is quite pleasant. I love the unfinished stone and brick walls in direct contrast to the white linen tables lit by tea candles. The washrooms are clean and in good condition. Overall - I absolutely recommend this spot!

Photo taken directly from the official website: www.tappo.ca 

Brant House

Location: King West (Brant Street)

Type of Food: Italian

Type of Music: Top 40, House Music

Address: 522 King St W (Click here for Google Map and Reviews) 

I've been to the Brant House a few times and every time I've had a great night! The crowd is pleasant and decent, I've never seen any fights or tussles the handful of times I've attended an evening here. The cocktails are superb (although pricey) and the service is really quite friendly, from both the waiters/waitresses and bartenders.

My only critique however is that the food, is really not that great, especially for the price your paying. Apart from that, I highly recommend the venue for Friday and Saturday evenings if you want a combination of a chill sit down spot (although music can be a little loud for heart to heart conversations) and a dance floor.

Puck and Wings

Location: Bloor & Spadina

Type of Food: Pub Food
Favourite Food: Medium Wings ($10-$15)

Address: 362 Bloor St West (Click here for Google Map and Reviews) 

Stole this from: http://bit.ly/RmhSCe

Yummmm, I love wings! So why do I like Puck n' Wings when St.Louis is right down the street? 

1) This place is much bigger and seats more people
2) There are more servers (so your not waiting for 10 minutes to ask for a glass of water when your wings are crazy spicy)
3) In general the wings are meatier.

There are also tons of TVs with different sports playing - so lets just say your not into that football game thats on the TV in front of you, chances are they've got two or three other sports playing at the same time on TVs nearby to distract you (I truly hope the company or conversation isn't that bad however).

In terms of food, although their non-wing alternatives are not too bad, I'd definitely stick to their wings. The chef is usually pretty good about mixing flavours, so if you're a spicy wing novice, they'll likely let you work your way up on the spicy ladder by mixing mild with medium and medium with spicy.

Last but not least, try and go on a Monday evening - HALF PRICE WINGS!!!

Menchies

Location: Bloor & Bathurst
Type of Food: Frozen Yogurt & yummy toppings
Favourite Flavour: Tiramisu froyo + marshmallows, coconut shavings, lychee bubbles and sour soothers. 
Address: 511 Bloor Street West (Click here for Google Map)

Ummmm...so this is possibly my favourite place ever! I was introduced to this 'god-sent' froyo spot in the Annex early last year when mother nature decided to grace us with that summer-like weather in April (apologies for not posting since then). I wish this place existed when I lived just steps away from Bloor and Bathurst.

So what makes this place so spectacular? First of all, Menchies does a really great job branding themselves with their pink, purple, and green colour scheme which is directly applied to their wall decorations and accessories. These colours not only add a funky element to the spot, but it transfers its lively energy to its customers.  Okay, maybe I'm being a little too artistic and analytical, but honestly who wouldn't be in a good mood in a spot where for a few minutes of your time, you can go back to your childhood memories of eating ice cream and sprinkles.

Usually the staff is really great, I've shared many a story with the cashiers who are always very welcoming and friendly! So in conclusion ... I highly recommend this spot for:
1) dates (you can sit down and eat or walk around the annex - weather permitting)
2) anyone who is just wandering Bloor street with a sweet tooth, or
3) anyone who wants to go crazy flavour mixing

(ps. you don't need to go crazy with flavour mixing, theres nothing wrong with a good 'ol vanilla flavoured dessert!)

Ki Japanese Restaurant

Location: Bay and Wellington
Type of food: Japanese
Favourite dish: Dynamite rolls with assorted seaweed salad ($10 for rolls and $9 for salad)

I went to Ki Japanese restaurant with my restaurant loving girlfriends a few weeks ago and we really enjoyed ourselves. Although it is right in the middle of bustling Bay street, our lunch plans were greeted promptly by the hostesses who brought us right to a table. Although there isn't too much in the sense of makimono combos, there is a big variety of rolls, including 'Ki modern makimonos'. Visually, the restaurant is stunning, with extremely tall ceilings, large glass windows and a moderate amount of modern art. The meals are a reasonable price for a Bay street restaurant, however I highly recommend NOT driving and parking, because it will cost just as much as your meal, if not more.

Ciao Wine Bar

Location: Yorkville Ave & Avenue Rd.
Type of Food: Italian
Favourite dish: Caprese Salad ($15.00)

This past weekend I was looking for a nice looking place that could accommodate me and my 12 friends, on a moderate budget. I was having some trouble finding a place that could seat us all until I came across Ciao Wine Bar. This venue is set in the ritzy Yorkville area but actually has quite affordable prices for food and wine.  Although we did have late dinner reservations, the restaurant still had quite a few guests that were enjoying the ambiance over a glass of wine, or two.
The restaurant staff were very efficient and very nice! (And I swear I'm not just saying that because our table's waiter was quite the cutie!). Our orders were taken promptly and the food was brought to the table in what seemed like a few minutes. All and all I recommend this place to anyone who wants a nice night on the town, some wining and dining, for small or large groups.
Enjoy!