Cheap Eats Toronto restaurant guide blog

Canzine Rocked.

We spent yesterday at Canzine and it was a blast.  We met lots of great people (of course we did), chatted CheapEats (as usual), saw piles of cool 'zines and indie publications, and as usual, we were blown away by the creativity that filled the place.

In addition to selling books, promoting the blogs and handing out buttons, we held a draw for a couple of copies of CheapEats Toronto.

Winners of the Canzine draw:

• Tara-Michelle aka Lydia Lane - who won with her recommendation for Buddha's Vegetarian Foods (pg. 46 -- CheapEats Toronto 2006)
• Natalia - who won with her recommendation for Salad King (pg. 128 -- CheapEats Toronto 2006)

 Congratulations and thanks to everyone who dropped by, made recommendations and made the day so much fun.

Technorati tags: canzine, toronto

You Might Still Be A Winner

Hi guys,

We are giving away 15 more copies of the book to randomly selected comments and recommendations received between October 4-January 31st.

"Why?" you might ask.

Well, due to getting completely side-railed and distracted by making sure all the details were fact-checked and the book got finished, I screwed up and didn't get the announcement of the weekly draw contest off the cheapeats toronto site in a timely fashion.  So I figured, if I told you you could win, you should be able to win! Decision made.

Keep an eye on your inbox - you will be notified via email TODAY if you won.

Past Winners - you should receive and email from me today too. If you didn't, please drop a comment below with your updated email address (you can hide it from the public view by entering an URL too, say your blog - or some other interesting site you like.)

Winner - Teresa D for Thai Kingdom

Teresa D just won a copy of cheapeats toronto 2006 for recommending Thai Kingdom:

"The food is great, portion size is extremely generous and the price is amazing. The atmosphere is so-so, but it's decent, clean and the service is great."

Thai Kingdom
200 Marycroft Ave (Highway 7 & Weston - in Woodbridge)
905.264.1688 -- http://www.thaikingdom.ca/

CETO Note: They have some excellent takeout and delivery combos - Combo for 2 $14.95 to Combo for 5 - $39.95, which includes drinks if you pick it up yourself.

Congratulations Teresa!

The Fine Print

Winner - Kynan Cheng for Umi Sushi

Kynan Cheng won a copy of cheapeats toronto 2006 for recommending a Mississauga restaurant - Umi Sushi:

"Good quality sushi, authentic Japanese proprietors, $7-$11 for lunches, $13 all-you-can-eat lunch"

Umi Sushi
3960 Grand Park (Burnhamthorpe & Mavis)
905.615.9650

Congratulations Kynan!

The Fine Print

Winner - Marina Dranitsaris for Gonzo's

Marina Dranitsaris' winning recommendation for Gonzo's included a note about their:

"great guacamole made to order! And you can order your food as hot or as mild as you like it.

Gonzo's
977 O'Connor Dr. (just "north" of St. Clair)
416.750.9424

CETO Note:  Gonzo's was originally founded by the sister/brother pair that run El Sol (1448 Danforth - pg 48 cheapeats toronto 2003/4) but they sold it 1996.

Congratulations Marina!

The Fine Print

Winner - Sue Beres for Rashnaa Restaurant.

This week's winner is Sue Beres for her recommendation of the ever-popular, recently-renovated, and always-flavourful Rashnaa Restaurant.

"Great flavours, even better prices!  Have been going there for years..."
307 Wellesley St. E (just east of Parliament)
416.929.2099 - www.rashnaa.com

Rashnaa Restaurant

CETO Note: It's no surprise to us that everyone wants to tell us about Rashnaa, their favourite dish, the renovations and why they love it.  We love it too!  In fact, it's one of our contributor favourites. 

On pg 95 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4, JP notes "The stringhoppers are excellent and the devil chicken will make you sweat and cry at the same time (and this is a good thing!)"

If you haven't had a chance to try Sri Lankan food follow Sue's advice and head over to Rashnaa immediately!

Congratulations Sue!

The Fine Print

Winner - Loretta Chang for Chinese Traditional Buns

When Loretta Chang recommended Chinese Traditional Buns she suggested we all try their

"Pork and chive dumplings -- the texture of the wrap is chewy-yet-comforting perfection."

Chinese Traditional Buns - 536 Dundas St.W. (just west of Spadina, down stairs)
416.299.9011

CETO Note: The only Chinatown restaurant West of Spadina which is downstairs from street level, Chinese Traditional Buns seems to always find a unique location.  Check out Chinese Traditional Buns on pg 38 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4 where GT says he is "always greeted by smiling faces and steaming baskets."

Congratulations Loretta!

The Fine Print

Winner - Melissa Navia for Azure Restaurant

If you're wondering what kind of recommendations are valid as entries for our "Win a Copy of cheapeats toronto 2006 Contest", Melissa's entry is a prime example of winning for recommending a non-cheapeat.  As long as you make a recommendation of more than a couple of words and include a valid email you are entered.  (So enter once, enter often... because cheapeats is always cheaper to win than to buy.)

Melissa recommended of Azure doesn't even approach the cheapeats price range. But that doesn't mean it wasn't... 

Worth every penny spent.

"The food was wonderful.  The service was friendly.  The restaurant was gorgeous.  Worth every penny spent.  Highly recommend if looking for something luxurious, yet comfortable."

Azure - 225 Front St. in the InterContinental Toronto Centre
416.597.8142 -- www.azurerestaurant.ca

CETO Note: With breakfast plates priced $15-22, Lunch $10-34, Dinner $24-36, and Tasting Menus for $65 alone and $100 with matching wines, Azure is not a cheapeat.  But hey, we've all got to splurge sometimes.

Congratulations Melissa!

The Fine Print

Winner - Satish Patel for Ritz Caribbean

Satish's recommendation of Ritz Caribbean won Satish a copy of the upcoming cheapeats toronto 2006.

"Great food at great value! The rotis are great!"

Ritz Caribbean Restaurant - 10 Roy Square (Yonge & Bloor), 450 Yonge St and 45 Overlea Blvd.
416.972.7480 -- www.ritzcaribbeanfood.com/

CETO Note: Ritz Caribbean offers an "every day special" $3.99 Jerk, but it's their Chicken Roti ($5.75) that gets recommended over and over again by our readers.

Congratulations Satish!

The Fine Print

Winner - Seth for Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant

Seth's recommendation of Bright Pearl is this week's winning comment.

"Good, authentic Dim Sum in China town."

Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant - 346 Spadina Ave., 2nd Flr. (@ St. Andrew, just N of Dundas)
416.979.3988 -- www.brightpearlseafood.com

CETO Note: Bright Pearl offers a 20% discount on Saturday & Sunday between 9am-11am.  Check out Bright Pearl on pg 34 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4 where Olivia Chow, City councillor for Trinity-Spadina, says Bright Pearl is also a "wonderful place to have banquets and affordable dinner with familes and friends..."

Congratulations Seth!

The Fine Print

Winner - AP for Dundas Pizza

AP has won his copy of cheapeats toronto 2006 for recommending Dundas Pizza. 

The pizza here is amazing, and it's ridiculously cheap."

"There's also interesting topping options (bamboo shoots!), and the owner likes to joke around with his customers."  AP recommends we try the "Pizza! I like broccoli and feta as toppings. The chicken skewers are also very tasty."

Dundas Pizza & Wings
3088 Dundas St W (W of High Park Ave)
416.763.2121

Congratulations AP!

The Fine Print

Winner - Rhoda & Barry for Dante's

It's hot as hell out there, so it's appropriate that Barry & Rhoda Kirshin won last week's free copy of cheapeats toronto 2006 for their recommendation for Dante's Italian Restaurant.  The delay in announcing their win was due to their recent trip to Europe. They said that Dante's has

"excellent food and service.  A half portion of any dish is more than anyone should eat, and it's cheap!" 

In fact, so cheap that they added (likely in jest) that they had "saved so much money at Dante's we were able to go to Europe"  Now that's a recommendation for a cheapeat!

Dante's Italian Restaurant - 267 Baythorn Dr. (just off Yonge, in Thornhill)
905.881.1070 -- www.dantes-italian-restaurant.com

CETO Note: Check out Dineaid.com's online coupons for Dante's - http://www.dineaid.com/dantes/coupons.asp. Dante's was also the cover story on the most recent edition of Pizza Marketing Quarterly. 

Congratulations Rhoda & Barry!

The Fine Print

Winner - Amber Lee Malik for Miss Saigon

Our last June winner is Amber Lee Malik, the second winner to recommend Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant. Amber Lee described Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant as:

"It is delicious, downtown, and fun!" 

Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
394 Spadina Ave (N of Baldwin)
416.597.9333

CETO Note: check out Miss Saigon on pg 79 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4 where GT points out their "interesting soups like the Lamb Noodle Soup and BBQ Chicken Soup." 

The other winner for Miss Saigon?  RW - read her recommendation here

Congratulations Amber Lee!

The Fine Print

Winner - Stewart Russell for the Detroit Eatery

We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October). All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com or our cheapeats toronto Blog are automatically entered in every weekly draw until October 15th to win a copy of cheapeats toronto 2006.

Our May 10th winner is Stewart Russell for his May 8th recommendation of Detroit Eatery which serves:

"One of the best burgers I've ever had." (read more on his blog) 

Detroit Eatery
389 Danforth Ave (@ Chester)
416.461.0136

CETO Note: Detroit's Burger w/ fries is $8.95 (incl. tax), their milkshake - and they make a mean milkshake- is $2.75. Check out the Detroit Eatery on pg 42 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4 where JS suggests "if you like hockey, chat up Chris - but make sure you know your stats."

Congratulations Stewart!

The Fine Print

Winner - Deb Chantson for Hot House Café

Deb Chantson's recommendation for the Wednesday or Sunday buffet at the Hot House Café won the June 21st draw for a free copy of cheapeats toronto 2006.

Hot House Café - 35 Church St. (@ Front)
416.366.7800 - www.hothousecafe.com
Wednesday Italian Buffet  5p-9p - $16.95,
Sunday Brunch Buffet - 9:30a-3p - $14.95 (reservations recommended for either.)

CETO Note: Neither buffets nor most of the Hot House menu fit the cheapeats price criteria - breakfast under $5, brunch/lunch under $10, dinner under $15, including a drink and taxes. However, since it's an all-you-can-eat deal the buffets are still a great value if you are a great eater.

Congratulations Deb!

The Fine Print

Winner - Mark Walker for Utopia Café

June 14th draw brought us a Toronto newbie's recommendation.

Mark Walker recommended Utopia Café:

"Just arrived from the land down under, and you bewdy mate,

Utopia is the best thing since Vegemite!!!"

Utopia Café
586 College St. ( W of Bathurst)
416.534.7751 - www.utopiacafe.ca

CETO Note: Check out Utopia Cafe on pg 114 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4, where JS suggests trying the Tandoori Chicken Sandwich ($7.99 eat-in, or $4.75 take-out) at this "hip little spot on the College Street Strip."

Congratulations Mark, we hope you enjoy Toronto as much as we do!

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The fine print: We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October).   All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via this blog, or our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com after May 1st are automatically entered to win. (More details here)

Winner - Omer Grigg for Zyng Asian Grill

June 7th winner Omer Grigg recommended Zyng Asian Grill :

"It's cheap fast fresh! You 'design' your meal."

Zyng Asian Grill - 730 Yonge St. (@ Charles)
416.964.8410 - www.zyng.com
Teppanyaki Teamwork - $6.99, w/ chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or zoya - $8.99

CETO Note: GT loves walking by Zyng because the air is flavoured with mouthwatering sents of ginger, lemongrass and broth.

Congratulations Omer!

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The fine print: We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October).   All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via this blog, or our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com after May 1st are automatically entered to win. (More details here)

Winner - Larissa Hogan for Bloor-Jane Restaurant

Our May 31st winner Larissa Hogan has been going to the Bloor-Jane Restaurant since she was in high school.  Not that is a recommendation:

"I have been going to this places for years. It's been a favourite breakfast spot since my high school days. Great the morning after a night on the town. They serve breakfast all day and it's cheap. The breakfast special- eggs, bacon, toast, home fried and coffee all for $5. They have great pancakes as well and BLTs.

Whatever you do order something with bacon- it's the best I have ever tasted- extra crispy!

It's a very popular place for a late weekend Breakfast, so either show up really early or later in the afternoon. Service is fast and generally friendly.

Bloor-Jane Restaurant - 2434 Bloor St.W. (@ Jane)
416.766.5383
Breakfast Special ($6.50 incl tax) - includes eggs, meat, homefries, toast & coffee.

CETO Note: While the breakfast special doesn't fit the breakfast under $5 criteria, it does fit the brunch under $10, so lounge in bed another hour and bing-bang-boom a cheapeats brunch is served... sometimes it pays to be a little creative. 

Check out the Bloor-Jane Restaurant on pg 31 of cheapeats toronto 2003/4 where BN points out the ever-relevant point that "they have clean bathrooms."

Congratulations Larissa!

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The fine print: We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October).   All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via this blog, or our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com after May 1st are automatically entered to win. (More details here)

Winner - FK for Eggspectations

It may seem odd, but not all our contest winners are for recommendations.  Our May 24th winner is an example of this.  FK came to the cheapeats website to make sure we knew that he didn't think Eggspectations was a cheapeat. 

For this feedback, he was entered in the weekly draw and won!

Congratulations FK - keep that feedback coming!

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The fine print: We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October).   All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via this blog, or our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com after May 1st are automatically entered to win. (More details here)

Winner - RW for Miss Saigon

Our May 17th winner is RW for recommending Miss Saigon:

"You can taste the French influence on the Vietnamese cuisine.

And if you call ahead they'll steam a gigantic crab for you!"  Try the " Grilled Oyster or Vermicelli Noodle tray with fresh veggies and rice paper."

Miss Saigon Vietnamese Restaurant
394 Spadina Ave (just N of Baldwin)
416.597.9333

CETO Note: Miss Saigon has been recommended over and over by our readers for their soups and lunch specials... and obviously for their gigantic crabs too! 

Congratulations RW!

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The fine print: We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October).   All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via this blog, or our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com after May 1st are automatically entered to win. (More details here) 

Winner - Jean Moawad for Indian Hut

We're currently running a weekly draw for a copy of the upcoming 3rd edition of cheapeats toronto 2006 (available in October). 

All restaurant recommendations and comments submitted via our website www.cheapeatstoronto.com after May 1st are automatically entered to win.  However, we felt it was unfair to exclude the people who have been making recommendations all along, so we drew 3 winners from the comments we received before May 1st.

Our first winner is Jean Moawad for recommending Indian Hut as:

"Our favourite pig out spot. 

They have an amazing buffet - where you can try a whole lot of dishes for little money."

Indian Hut - 636 Church St. (just S of Bloor) 416.934.0235  www.indianhut.ca
Lunch buffet - M-F 11:30am -2:30pm - $9.95
Dinner buffet - everyday 5:30pm-10pm - $14.95

CETO Note: since these prices don't include a drink or taxes, they are slightly over the cheapeats price mark - but for all you can eat, this is still great value!

Congratulations Jean on being our first winner!