Very Fair Chinese Restaurant

The other night we went over to Very Fair Chinese Restaurant which is located on the basement floor of a fairly old strip plaza in the heart of Scarborough.  Previously we had gone to its sister restaurant not far from this one and a decent meal.  Tonight we went out for a send off and was looking for some place close to home and so we chose this place as it was a place we had not been to in quite some time.

This restaurant has been in place for at least 20 years, maybe longer.  It has gone through a couple of name changes however Very Fair Chinese Restaurant has been there for the past 5 years at least.  They offer pretty much anything you can think of for a Chinese dinner meal and has hosted many wedding parties and galas in the past.

Tonight we decided to go with the Peking Duck, Fish in Eggplant Hot Pot, Baked Oysters and Garlic Sauteed Tong Choy.

Before anything arrived there was a complimentary soup given to us.  It was mostly pork bone soup and it was quite tasty. It wasn't too salty and it was a nice appetizer to start off the evening.  Next to arrive was the Eggplant with Fish in Hot Pot.  In this dish there was also some tofu mixed with the rest of the foot.  Although the overall texture of this dish was quite "mushy", it certainly was good tasting.  This dish mind you tastes best when served hot.  When it gets colder, cold fish and tofu beings to taste like jelly so if you are interested in this dish, make sure you eat it while it still hot.

Peking Duck

Fish with Eggplant in Hot Pot

The baked oysters arrived next.  It was served in tin foil and the interesting part of this whole dish was that we could observe the waiters trying to light this dish with a match.  However they failed and just brought it out as it appears.  There was some XO like sauce on the bottom which is what I think the waiters were trying to light.  The oysters again were not overly baked or breaded.  It was actually quite tasty as all it really contained was onions and XO sauce.  I would strongly recommend it to any seafood lover as the dish was pretty well done.

Baked Oysters

Next to arrive was the Peking Duck.   I have to admit the duck was nicely done and the waitress cut the duck right in front of us.  They gave us more than enough wraps as well as cucumber slices, oyster sauce, and green onions.  The duck was not fatty at all and the meat was quite fresh.  This dish was also one of the four specials being offered by the restaurant

Garlic Paste Sauteed Tong Choy

The last dish was a simple vegetables of garlic paste sauteed tong choy.  Nicely done and a good compliment to all the meat and seafood we had for tonight.  It was mildly spicy although one could order one that had red peppers in it that would make it extra spicy.

Although this restaurant has been here for quite some time, it is certainly still one of the better Chinese restaurants in the city.  At times. I would say this restaurant is one of those forgotten places simply because of its location in a rundown strip plaza, its location in the basement and that its sister restaurant is only a block north of here.  It is still however a very decent restaurant and just like its name, the prices are quite fair.  I would certainly try it again when given a chance.  I would give this place a 4 out of 5. 

Very Fair Chinese Restaurant
4002 Sheppard Avenue East  Toronto, ON M1V 1V3, Canada

(416) 332-1861

Astoria Shish Kabob House

Last night I had dinner at a longstanding Greek establishment in the heart of Greek town.  Astoria Shish Kabob House has been in existence for a number of years and offers a variety of seafood, sandwiches and souvlaki dinners. 

We were there to celebrate a friend’s birthday and were promptly given seats at the centre of the restaurant.  On a weekend this place could be packed with every table taken but on this night it was about three-quarters full. Still it was a very lively atmosphere within the restaurant.  

Since I have the opportunity to eat Greek every day, I decided to go with their grilled salmon on rice.  All of our meals also came with complementary salads which are quite big and made it an excellent appetizer.

The salads arrived immediately and were absolutely excellent.  It was the standard Greek salad which included feta cheese, tomatoes, lettuce and olive.  Even though the salad is somewhat pre-made, the turnover is so high that the salad is always freshly made.  

Greek Salad

Grilled Salmon

 The grilled salmon arrived soon afterwards and it too was amazing.  The salmon was nicely grilled on the outside and juicy soft on the inside.  There were also some vegetables that came with the salmon.  They also gave us special rice instead of just the plain white rice.  The salmon was simply done with only a sprinkle of black pepper on it.

After the meal, they even allowed us to have our birthday cake at their restaurant.  They also brought over three of their waiters to sing happy birthday to the birthday girl.  It was certainly very nice of them.  The service was great as they made sure our drinks were full at all times. 

Overall, it was a wonderful night with great food and great service.  There is plenty of paid parking in the back and on the Danforth.  The food is amazing and has all the great signatures of a real wonderful authentic Greek taste.  And since it’s close to the downtown area and along the subway line, one can take a trip into downtown Toronto afterwards within 15 minutes or take a nice stroll along the Danforth.  I’ve been here a few times and each time it has been amazing.  For this place, I would give it a 4.75 out of 5. 

Astoria Shish Kabob House

390 Danforth Avenue  Toronto, ON M4K 1P1, Canada
(416) 463-2838

South Sea Village Chinese Restaurant

The other day I had a chance to visit the reopening of South Sea Village Chinese Restaurant formerly known as Chicken and Noodles Chinese Restaurant in Scarborough.  Chicken and Noodles Chinese Restaurant was a popular restaurant for about 20 years however the owner had gotten tired and had sold the restaurant to a couple of her staff members.  The restaurant closed down for a couple of weeks as minor renovations were made within the restaurant and was reopened only very recently.

Upon entering the place, one will notice the new huge aquarium tank housing numerous seafood and fish.  You will also notice a sign at the front stating that they are in the midst of applying for an alcohol license. As well gone are the rice noodles, the chicken dishes and their ice tea and soya bean drinks.

The waitress told me most of the chefs had returned following the transition.  Although this was during the lunch time, there were only three tables taken whereas before it would be very difficult to find a seat here at the restaurant.

I ordered the Cantonese Chow Mein and the Hot and Sour Soup.  These two items I had ordered numerous times in the past so I went with what they had before so I could compare the now and the then.  The Cantonese Chow Mein came first and it was somewhat of a large dish.  It had broccoli, pork, chicken, mushrooms and squid in it.  The Chow Main was crunchy on top and soggy on the bottom.  The taste was good as it wasn't loaded with MSG however the flavor was akin to other Cantonese Chow Meins I have had before.

Cantonese Chow Mein

 The Hot and Sour Soup was more for my wife and according to her it was not that great.  Although looks wise it was similar to before, taste wise it was very different.  Although there was hotness and sourness to the soup, there was also a very sweet taste to it.  She has ordered this almost 50 times here at this restaurant before and loved everyone of them but this time she said there was a distinct difference to it.

Overall the two dishes were less than 15 dollars each.  Price wise that is reasonable.  The waitress were so free however that they kept coming over to chat.  That is one difference I definitely noticed because before there was hardly time for even the staff to sit and chat for more than 30 seconds.  I know that with any new restaurant, even if means taking over a previous establishment, that it will take weeks maybe months for people to warm up to this place.  The previous establishment was a staple in Scarborough and everyone who lived in Scarborough knows this place and has eaten there at least once. This new place wants to move towards a more stir fried Cantonese Dishes and open later in the evening.  I would give this place another shot although I admit, I do miss the chicken noodles, the ice tea and some of their other afternoon specials.  Overall I would give it a 3.25 out of 5. 

South Sea Village Chinese Restaurant
1 Glen Watford Drive
Toronto ON M1S 2B7


(416) 321-1435

Dragon Dynasty Chinese Cuisine

The other morning we went over to Dragon Dynasty Chinese Cuisine to have early morning dim sum.  I have to this place numerous times as it is one of my favorite dim sum places to eat.  We got there about 10:30 in the morning yet the place was only half full, but believe me when I say that this place can fill up rather quickly. 

With the ladies pushing the food cart sensing our arrival, they promptly came over to let us know what they had to offer.  Again like my previous blogs, I rather not focus on everything we ate for dim sum as that can be long and drawn out.  Instead I will focus on the good and the bad. 

Shrimp Dumplings

Egg Tart

BBQ Pork Buns

To start off the food I like the most here in this restaurant are their barbeque pork buns, the fried turnips and “sa geun” chicken feet.  The first two I eat all the time here as they are my all time favorites here.  The latter I for whatever reason had the discovered for the first time here.  The barbeque pork buns ( not the white buns) are glazed with sweet honey on top. They are always served hot and are usually brought out as a specialty dish by the manager.  I usually eat 4 of these buns on my own.  The sweet tasting top mixed with great BBQ in the middle makes this a must try for anyone who has never one of these buns before.  The fried turnips are also pretty good here.  They are nicely fried and often you don’t have any “unfried” strands of turnip in them.  I have been to places where one wonders why the turnips are not properly cooked or if that is just the way it is.  There are small pieces of pork in them and with a bit of hot sauce added these turnips are one of the best I have ever tasted. 

Chicken Feet

Sweet Tofu Dessert

The chicken feet I know are not everyone’s cup of tea simply because well they are “chicken feet” but with a ginger paste style chicken feet, this meal I found exceptionally well done.  I have eaten many times chicken with the ginger paste however for whatever reasons this was the first time I had it with chicken feet and surprisingly it was not bad at all.  One should give it a try if one is not too squeamish on this type of stuff. 

As for any bad food here, I honestly have to say I really don’t know if there are any bad dim sums here.  I have been here numerous times and each time I have left here quite happy with all the food that I eat here.  Reasonably priced and plenty of free parking one usually needs to get there just before eleven to get seats.  Otherwise be prepared to stand and wait for about 15 minutes.  I would say it’s definitely a good place to go and their dinner menus are not bad as well.  For this place, I give it a 4 out of 5. 

Dragon Dynasty Chinese Cuisine

2301 Brimley Rd
Scarborough, ON M1S 5B8

(416) 321-9000

Yummy Vietnamese Cuisine

The other night we went over to Yummy which is located in the same plaza as the Scarborough Malaysian curry place I had blogged about earlier in the year.  This time we decided to go for some Vietnamese like food as it was a place that was highly recommended by one of our friends.

There were a half dozen of us along with 2 kids.  The waitress got us at the door and gave us both a booth and table.  We went with a few dishes including Thai Prawn and Vermicielli in Hot Pot, Tom Yam Coconut Soup with Seafood, Thai Style Pineapple Fried Rice, Curry Chicken with Roti, Pork Neck Meat and Malay Fried Kwai Teow. 

All the dishes arrived within 10 minutes which was surprisingly fast.  There was always a waitress standing nearby to assist us.  The Thai Prawn and Vermicielli was a nice dish.  The shrimp juice would be absorbed by the vermicielli which may extra tasty.  It was not too soggy and the prawns were nice and tender.  There was also some celery added to give an extra kick. 

Tom Yam Coconut Soup with Seafood

Curry Chicken with Roti

 

The Tom Yam Coconut Soup was spicy but not too spicy.  One can not really taste the coconut or the seafood as the spiciness of the soup pretty much overwhelms the entire soup.  It was however still quite tasty as it was like a hot and sour soup minus the sourness.  A nice starter soup especially if you can stomach spicy foods. 

The Thai Style Pineapple Fried Rice was a little on the dry side.  Even though it was a chef recommendation, without the pineapples, this dish would actually be quite difficult to eat on its own.  There was really no taste to the fried rice and it seemed either over cooked.  As well, there was no salt or any extra flavor added to it.  The pineapple bits were small but were just enough to at least give this dish some flavor and taste to it.    There were also some dry cashew nuts sprinkled on top which was a nice addition however if the chef could have cooked the cashews a little longer to really bring out the flavor, then it certainly would have brought more flavor to the overall dish.

The Curry Chicken With Roti was nice but not spectacular.  Sometimes you go in hoping that there would be something special with this dish.  Many restaurants serve curry chicken however only a few go that extra mile to make it extra better.  Here, there were about 6 pieces of chicken and 2-3 pieces of roti.  However there was nothing really special about the curry or the chicken and there were no potatoes in it either. 

Thai Style Pineapple Fried Rice

Thai Prawn and Vermicielli in Hot Pot

Malay Fried Kwai Teow

The Pork Neck Meat was somewhat disappointing.  The meat was quite rough and lean which made it quick chewy.  In the past, good pork neck meat would slide into your mouth like kobe beef and it would go down easy.  The taste was there but the chewiness of it was certainly a turn off. 

Finally the Malay Fried Kwai Teow was again okay but not spectacular.  There were bean sprouts and again shrimp added to the noodles which gave it a nice taste but again it appeared the chef was easy on the salt and flavor as this dish was also a little on the bland side.  The noodles were nicely done and well cooked as there no sense of sogginess to it. 

Overall it was a fair evening.  However my only issue was that the chef was either really hesitant to spice up the foods or he was really health conscious in reducing the amount of salt and MSG added to the foods.  Almost half to ¾ of the foods were quite bland which don’t get me wrong would be great for some of the older folks who are more sensitive to salt intake.  For me, I just like my foods with some extra zing to it.  Cost wise it was more than reasonable as it was only about 12 dollars per person and that also included a specialty drink for one of my colleagues.  There are plenty of free parking outside this restaurant and the place is relatively clean.  I would give it a 3 out of 5.  

Yummy 

3700 Midland Avenue Unit 108

Scarbrough, Ontario

M1V 0B4

416-321-8809

Leslie Cafe

I spent the afternoon having lunch at Leslie Cafe located in east NorthYork on the north east corner of Leslie Avenue and Finch Avenue.  This plaza has plenty of restaurants including a various Chinese and Korean restaurants.  Since it was a holiday, it was packed with people as everyone was going there to grabbed their brunch or dim sum. 

We decided to go with Hong Kong style tea today since I wasn't really in the mood for dim sum or anything else for that matter.  When I got there it was about 11 am and the place was packed,  Fifteen minutes later I sat down, there was a huge lineup all the way out the door.  After sitting down they have 2 place cards where you can select their most favorite meals.  They also have a larger menu for more unique items.  I went with a Beef and Brisket Tendon Noodle Soup today since it also came with a cold drink. 

Beef Tendon and Brisket Rice Noodle

 The meal arrived within ten minutes.  I grabbed some hot sauce as well as this dish is best served with some hot sauce to give it that extra zing to it.  The beef tendon and brisket itself were half fatty and half lean.  It was a little bit chewy which meant either the meat was older or overcooked.  Either way, it wasn't the best but it wasn't the worse either.  The rice noodles on the other hand were a little soggy.  Certainly one can say that the noodles would be soggy especially if they were placed in a soup however I would expect the noodles to be slightly more tender and durable and not be a little mushy and be sticking to one another. 

Overall the meal only cost $5.50 with the dink included.  For what you pay for, it was satisfactory however for this dish I would have to say with confidence that I have certainly tasted better at other restaurants.  There is plenty of parking as they have a double decker outside.  However for this meal I would give it a 2.5 out of 5. 

Leslie Cafe

149B Ravel Rd
Toronto, ON M2H 1T1

(416) 493-4933