Browsing: Restaurant Features

Niko’s

July22

In a week the three sisters, a sis-in-law and honourary sister will be heading to New York City.  I was fascinated by the eating habits of New Yorkers upon my previous trips.  I have only been in one private home in New York but I understand that space is tight and kitchens are tiny.  Hence many New Yorkers pick up a meal on their way home or drop in for a quick supper to their favourite neighbourhood spot.  That was very much the feel as we dined at Niko’s last evening.  We were there early-at 5 pm and the place was filled with various groups grabbing a quick bite.

My dinner included a Greek salad-the dressing and the feta seemed unusually light and was a perfect way to start a more than substantial meal.

I would love to get my hands on their Lemon Roasted Chicken recipe.  The generous three piece serving was so tender and savoury.  A marinade,  a slow oven,  broasting?  How do they do it?

The chicken is accompanied by toasted pita (lots of garlic but a bit too much salt-and I LOVE salt) and your choice of carb.  No surprize-I went for the hand-cut fries.

I’m guessing many diners were able to take half their dinner home for lunch.  I managed to clean my plate like a good girl (I was with my Mom).  Supper and possibly lunch for $11.95-what a bargain.
Niko's on Urbanspoon
Kath’s quote: “Thou hadst better eat salt with the Philosophers of Greece, than sugar with the Courtiers of Italy.”-Benjamin Franklin

Beach Stop

June25

Life is different these days and I am coming to understand that the journey is as lovely as the destination-and so it is even for our short drive to the cottage on the weekends.  Instead of racing to the cottage door, we have acquired a new stop along the way –the Sandbar Motor Inn at Grand Beach.

They have nightly food specials to attract people to their bar and Friday nights are steak night.  A nice little sirloin, perfectly cooked to medium rare with cole slaw (vinegary-just the way I like it), grilled garlic toast, a baked potato and get this-a glass of red wine (or a beer) all for $9.95!  The place was hopping when we arrived at about 7.  The weather forecast predicted a rainy weekend-I can’t imagine how busy they’d been had the sun been shining!  They had already sold 200 steaks.

We found a spot next to the window by the great looking patio.  Since it was just the two of us and we were seated at a long table, we invited others to join us as fewer and fewer seats were open.  This is the way that I discovered that you could substitute a chicken breast for a steak.  My neighbour’s dinner looked wonderful and I think I’ll make that choice next time.

As a result of this lovely stop, we didn’t have to cook and better yet-wash dishes upon arrival at the cottage, we just unloaded the car and set up the DVD player to get caught up on our viewing of LOST.  Don’t worry, we got a lot of time in the great outdoors as well.

Kath’s quote: “The only time to eat diet food is while you are waiting for the steak to cook.”-Julia Child

Star Grill at the Conservatory

June24

The Conservatory at Assiniboine Park has been a long time destination of my family’s.  When my Polish Grandma (with an incredible green thumb) would come for a visit, we would often take her there.  You had to keep your eye on her though or she would try to steal a slip of a favourite plant.  When in her later years (she lived into her 90s) she finally acquiesced and allowed indoor plumbing to be installed, she placed a hoya on the edge of her bathtub.  A soak in her tub was jungle- like when the little plant climbed and twisted itself all over that corner of the bathroom.  The plant itself outlived my Grandma and I have been the caretaker of one of its babies for 23 years-isn’t life amazing?

As is my habit-I digress….  I still go to the Conservatory whenever I can drop in for a quick visit and see the seasonal displays outside of the Star Grill which is the reason I write today.  The park is situated about half way between the homes’ of a friend and business collaborator so is a perfect spot to meet for lunch.  On this day we sat in the beautiful terrace and enjoyed the sun.

Since I am of Aboriginal descent wild rice is a natural craving and because it is so nutritional, we try to include it in as many recipes as possible.  The Wild Rice Bowl is a salad selection on the Star Grill’s menu and includes a delicious mixture of sun-dried cranberries, grated carrots, cucumbers, red onions, lettuce, roasted peanuts & peanut sauce.

The regional menu also features local pickerel served a vaiety of ways and bison, another treat tyipcal of the prairies.  The next time I’m there for lunch, I already know that I will chose the Open Faced Mediterranean sandwich -smoked turkey with artichokes, spicy eggplant , black olives, Feta & Swiss.  The life of a foodie-always anticipating the next meal……

Kath’s quote: “The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star.” Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826)

La Lomita

June16

This photo was taken on Hidalgo, no where near the restaurant.  But I like the shot because for me it kind of depicts the uniqueness of Isla Mujeres (check out the Sesame Street fabric on the dog).

One of my favourite restaurants on Isla is unique as well, to say the least.  A kind of haphazard decor, irregular service and one of the most basic kitchens I have snuck a peak at -BUT THE FOOD!

Chicken soup sounds pretty basic-it was divine.  The broth was bursting with flavour and the pulled chicken so fresh tasting.

This is empty lot next to the restaurant.  The first time I ate there in 2005 there were chickens living here-now that’s fresh!

Freshness continues to their papas fritas-upon ordering they peel and slice the potato and drop it into a shallow fryer.  The piece de resistance is the wedge of lime that comes with every order.  You’ll never want to eat your fries any way else.

Ophelia’s Chilies Relleno-nuff said.

On this day, my companion and I shared this lunch as we were trying to fit many food destinations into our final days.  I can’t specifically recall the price but I think we each put in the equivalent of $7. and we were stuffed.  We had to walk along the sea wall to wear it off.  Ahh Isla…..

Kath’s quote:

“Tropical the island breeze
All of nature wild and free
This is where I long to be l
a isla bonita”- Madonna


Guest Blogger: Sis #3 & Watermelon Salad

June9

“Recently visiting the community of Georgetown, Ontario (just north of Mississauga) we discovered a great little steak and chop house called the Cellar.  Located in the basement of the town’s old bank, this cozy space was a lovely mix of exposed brick, candle light and crisp white table cloths.  I think the photos speak for themselves.  It was a good as it looks.”

Kath here: I heard a story today about someone with too much watermelon on their hands and I thought of this first watermelon salad photo.  I wish I had that recipe!  In the mean time, here’s a tried and true one of mine (for Ben):

Watermelon & Feta

1/2 small red onion

3 c watermelon balls or cubes

1/2 c crumbled feta (chevre would also work)

enough balsamic vinegar for drizzling

Slice onion into thin rings.  Place in glass bowl with watermelon pieces and toss.  Top with crumbled feta & drizzle with balsamic.  So easy and so delicious.

Kath’s quote: “Watermelon — it’s a good fruit.  You eat, you drink, you wash your face.” –Enrico Caruso

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