tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32563698606781613432024-03-13T06:47:56.106-04:00CJ NOMSJust two university students and self-proclaimed foodies armed with nothing but cellphone cameras (what you see is what you get!) and a passion for good eats. We like to avoid chain restaurants and know how to appreciate a greasy spoon diner. We will more than willingly go out of our way to try a new restaurant and yes, we're one of those people who show up to a popular restaurant 30 minutes before they open.. just to ensure a seat.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-12786814142102674382017-04-03T16:16:00.001-04:002017-04-03T23:36:19.581-04:00Must-do Activities in Tokyo (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bM61XeGt35g/WNSIU7DlO0I/AAAAAAAAKnI/jXzGFojaBrwcSDYZgL9pBzfLLJffm5ubwCLcB/s1600/TokyoPart2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bM61XeGt35g/WNSIU7DlO0I/AAAAAAAAKnI/jXzGFojaBrwcSDYZgL9pBzfLLJffm5ubwCLcB/s640/TokyoPart2.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Our Part 2 of Must-Do Activities is more of a list of Must-Eats! <br />
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Just joining us now? <a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2017/02/must-do-activities-in-tokyo-part-1.html">Read our Must-do Activities in Tokyo (Part 1) here for our first 15 must-do activities!</a> <br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">16. Start a trend</span></h3>
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Shibuya109 features 10 floors of boutique clothing stores and restaurants. New trends for both men's and women's fashion start here. Don't be surprised if you see that sales people here are aggressive due to high competition within the entire complex. This leads to a high turnover so new products can take the spotlight. If you're looking to shop, prices are similar to a high end luxury clothing stores!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "roboto slab" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">17. Drink your favourite photo.</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwVDfS2zohY/WMqTBV4aA7I/AAAAAAAAIM8/Rrkbycy2dC44vreXaSU0X5hd1CjQwma5QCLcB/s1600/P1060843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwVDfS2zohY/WMqTBV4aA7I/AAAAAAAAIM8/Rrkbycy2dC44vreXaSU0X5hd1CjQwma5QCLcB/s640/P1060843.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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Turn your favourite childhood cartoon into fluffy latte art at <a href="https://www.yelp.ca/biz/%E3%83%AA%E3%82%B7%E3%83%A5%E3%83%BC-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA">Reissue</a> near Harajuku station. All you have to do is order the special latte art and you have the option for it to be done in 2D or 3D. Just note that not all images can be done in 3D! Warning - these lattes are not cheap - they're around $15 for a single latte. Check out some of their work <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/483767661/reissue/">here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;"><b>18. Enjoy the view for FREE</b></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "roboto slab" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>A post shared by Jon Ho (@imjonho) on <time datetime="2017-03-11T01:02:50+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Mar 10, 2017 at 5:02pm PST</time></b></span></span></div>
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Kenzo Tange's towering building is worth visiting purely to have a good look at the cool structure, but it's also home to a pair of <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3011_tocho.html">free observation decks</a> that have become a popular stop. When we were here, we were able to see an amazing night time view of Tokyo. On a clear day, you can see <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3009.html">Tokyo Tower</a>, <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3064.html">Tokyo Skytree</a> and even <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2172.html">Mount Fuji</a>.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">19. Have kakigori - aka. Japanese shaved ice!</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwOPfrq3UKo/WNMz-0OpwZI/AAAAAAAAIkk/yCFURY8jgfoVoQHsSJL0oHhIbg2DOUnWACLcB/s1600/P1060815%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bwOPfrq3UKo/WNMz-0OpwZI/AAAAAAAAIkk/yCFURY8jgfoVoQHsSJL0oHhIbg2DOUnWACLcB/s640/P1060815%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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Kakigori is Japanese-style shaved ice that can be found in areas all around Japan. Simply look for the ice symbol (see below) which is typically found outside of restaurants to signal that they offer it. The difference with kakigori and regular shaved is the ice is shaved into tiny icicles - almost like shards of ice (as opposed to square pieces of ice in western culture shaved ice). Top that with matcha syrup and red bean for the ultimate frozen treat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image Credit: <a href="http://blog.jtbusa.com/how-about/how-about-1-8/kakigori-shaved-ice-with-molasses-japans-special-feature-of-summer-can-be-taken-at-many-places-such-as-sweet-parlor-or-street-stalls-at-a-shinto-shrine-fair" target="_blank">JTBUSA Blog</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're looking for shaved ice mountains with full authentic Japanese flavours, head to </span><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%81%8E%E3%81%8A%E3%82%93%E5%BE%B3%E5%B1%8B-%E5%8E%9F%E5%AE%BF%E5%BA%97-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">Gion Tokuya</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. You'll know if you've reached the right place if you see the fashion boutique United Arrows. Apparently, the story is that the chairman of United Arrows visited Gion Tokuya in Kyoto and loved it SO much they asked the owners to open an outlet in Tokyo - obviously beside the United Arrows headquarters. Here you'll find fluffy shaved ice mountain with thick, earthly and just sweet enough matcha green tea syrup, mochi, azuki beans, and gold flakes. One order is enough for two (although we were convinced we needed more).</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">20. Have the fluffiest pancake EVER at Cafe Gram.</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUHZN3kxzTg/WMiG1t7Z9qI/AAAAAAAAILU/TPcCb78KM9keduhby6yVtX_gQGfFYAj6wCLcB/s1600/P1060825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QUHZN3kxzTg/WMiG1t7Z9qI/AAAAAAAAILU/TPcCb78KM9keduhby6yVtX_gQGfFYAj6wCLcB/s640/P1060825.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">You've never had a pancake as fluffy as the one at Cafe Gram before. These super-fluffy, airy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes are made with ricotta, buttermilk and meringue and are SO fluffy that they jiggle from even the slightest movements. Only 20 servings are available during three time slots throughout the day – at 11am, 3pm and 6pm every day. People lineup before opening (at around 10AM) to reserve a pancake and we definitely suggest you do the same!</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMvEp3ElcVI/" style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FLUFFIEST. PANCAKES. EVER.</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A post shared by CHRISTINA&JON • Toronto NOMS (@cj.noms) on <time datetime="2016-11-13T03:37:57+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 12, 2016 at 7:37pm PST</time></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">21. Go to a bakery... that only has one item on the menu</span></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Adx5qU4nbts/WMiIcaIGx-I/AAAAAAAAILo/wG6W2KtrkdU001fzg41lXMp5w1te4FQyQCLcB/s1600/P1060901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Adx5qU4nbts/WMiIcaIGx-I/AAAAAAAAILo/wG6W2KtrkdU001fzg41lXMp5w1te4FQyQCLcB/s640/P1060901.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Level up your apple pie experience at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g1066460-d10283124-Reviews-Ringo_Ikebukuro-Toshima_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html" target="_blank">Ringo</a> located in Ikebukuro. They specialize in one thing and one thing only - pumping out miniature handheld apple pies to serve hungry customers lining up around the block. Each pie is freshly baked, lightly glazed and packs a delicious crunch that breaks open into a soft apple filling with milky custard cream.<span style="color: #333333; font-family: , "georgia" , "hiragino mincho pro" , "pro w3" , "hiragino mincho" , , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; font-size: 18px;"> </span></span>It sounds simple but Japan is known for using the highest quality ingredients and you'll be able to taste the difference in this pastry! Don't worry, the line goes by much faster than it looks - we only had to wait about 20 minutes in line and trust us, it's well worth it!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">22. Eat in ramen booths</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkWoWubM6RI/WNSGUG8vp6I/AAAAAAAAIls/anvvudalYqopu2wIWsh5D4VZzA75veQDACLcB/s1600/P1060748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LkWoWubM6RI/WNSGUG8vp6I/AAAAAAAAIls/anvvudalYqopu2wIWsh5D4VZzA75veQDACLcB/s640/P1060748.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yup, we've mentioned this before in an <a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2017/02/10-things-we-learned-from-visiting-tokyo.html" target="_blank">older post</a> but we can't stress enough how awesome this is. These "flavour concentration booths" are said to enhance the sensory experience of ramen-eating by promoting a low-interaction dining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our go-to spot in Japan for ramen booths is the 24-hour chain restaurant Ichiran. You pay by the vending machines first and grab a ticket (we recommend adding seaweed, corn, and egg for a combination of delicious textures). Then enter inside, find a booth and hand your tickets to the chef. From there, you'll get a sheet of paper to customize the ramen to exactly how you like it. If you prefer a richer broth or softer noodles or want spicy? All doable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, when you think you can't wait any longer, a pair of hands peeks through the bamboo net and in comes a bowl of fresh-cooked noodles nestled in a thick, rich broth, the perfect amount of spice, and if you ordered, a few slices of pork and a perfectly soft-cooked egg. Perfect for any time of day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">PS - don't forget to grab some of the packs of ramen noodles with soup to bring home. It obviously doesn't taste as good as the fresh bowl of noodles you get in the restaurant but it is </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">23. Get your cheese fix</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTzaXKk8nRs/WNiD9XSwzDI/AAAAAAAAKn0/o_rFamoy7kg0JqDXzYnzF074goNFgSO4wCLcB/s1600/P1060768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTzaXKk8nRs/WNiD9XSwzDI/AAAAAAAAKn0/o_rFamoy7kg0JqDXzYnzF074goNFgSO4wCLcB/s640/P1060768.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Prepare yourself for ooey-gooey cheese tarts from Pablo. </span><br />
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At PABLO, a cake shop that originated from Osaka, they bake their cheesecakes for their customers to their liking. You can choose between either rare or medium. For those who like that melt in your mouth sensation we recommend rare (which we've had and devoured in the same night), and for those who like a fluffier texture, medium is the way to go! PABLO also has mini <span style="font-family: inherit;">cheese tart which come in regular, strawberry, chocolate, and matcha which we recommend trying at least one of each (although matcha and regular were the top hits for us!). They have multiple locations around Tokyo and you'll be able to smell it before you see it.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">24. Evade taxes (legally)</span></b></h3>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkxYNpmyxbc/WNB_kXpFS0I/AAAAAAAAIco/IvRFlHv_btwho71aDV-nIZr_ZwT_gtbsgCLcB/s1600/tokyo-travelvince-shopping-taxfree.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkxYNpmyxbc/WNB_kXpFS0I/AAAAAAAAIco/IvRFlHv_btwho71aDV-nIZr_ZwT_gtbsgCLcB/s320/tokyo-travelvince-shopping-taxfree.png" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay - so totally not a must-do activity but definitely a travel tip. If you're going to learn ANY tip from this guide - this is the one. In a majority of stores (ie. Uniqlo, GU, Loft, etc) you'll see signs for tax free shopping. Tax free shopping is available for all foreigners for any purchases over 5000 yen at a given <b>store or mall</b> on one calendar day. Warning that you MUST have your passport ready when shopping tax free so we recommend bringing your passport along with you. Note that at many shops and malls, it is necessary to first pay the full price (including the tax) at the cashier and then obtain a refund at a customer service desk. To find out if the store is tax or duty free, simply look for the logo (left). You likely won't miss it though - there are signs everywhere!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Once you've paid for your products, they will be wrapped up with clear plastic and with coloured tape to secure it. Your receipts will Do NOT take off the coloured tape until you're out of Japan. This is to prove that you bought the products for yourself and not for people who live in Japan. There will be times when border control checks the receipts to make sure it matches with the products in your suitcase.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">When you're shopping, one mannerism that we've learned is that when paying, put your money onto the provided tray. Your change may be returned in the same way.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">25. Dunk some noodles in the best. Tsukemen. EVER.</span></b></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image Credit: <a href="http://instagram.com/camilletruong" target="_blank">@camilletruong</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tsukemen is a staple ramen dish in Japanese cuisine and consists of noodles eaten after being dipped in a separate bowl of rich condensed broth. Our absolute favourite place in Tokyo to try this is <a href="https://www.yelp.ca/biz/%E9%A2%A8%E9%9B%B2%E5%85%90-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA" target="_blank">Fuunji Ramen</a> (pronounced Fu-Oon-Jee). Get there for an early dinner (or late lunch?) because there is almost always lineups. We waited up to 1.5 hours when we went!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">As you enter, there's a vending machine where you order from - order the tsukemen or the ramen, both come with bamboo shoots, slices of pork, and a soft-boiled egg. As you move up in line, they will take your ticket and ask what size noodles you want (small, medium, large). All are the same price but depends on how much you can eat. Soon you'll get a plate of cold noodles along with piping hot condensed broth filled with cha shu. After you finish your noodles, there is a jug of broth you can use to dilute the remaining broth in your bowl for drinking. Don't make the same mistake we did, we thought it was tea and poured it into our cups, oops!</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">What makes Fuunji so great (and yes, we dare to say it's even better than <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E5%85%AD%E5%8E%98%E8%88%8E-%E5%8D%83%E4%BB%A3%E7%94%B0%E5%8C%BA" target="_blank">Rokurinsha</a>) is that they use a fish-based broth that's then layered with flavours of rich chicken broth as opposed to the typical tonkotsu base. It's topped with grinded smoky dried bonito dashi powder. The pork belly in the soup is beautifully fatty, tender, salty, and slightly sweet pieces. Delicious!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">26. Have an inexpensive Michelin Star meal at Tokyo's FIRST ever Michelin-star ramen joint</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSlueL8mz8U/WNw2ZzwSnLI/AAAAAAAAKqM/K_BlSDd3B7A5kr6wdRq53G_-D8la5ztwgCLcB/s1600/Tsuta2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hSlueL8mz8U/WNw2ZzwSnLI/AAAAAAAAKqM/K_BlSDd3B7A5kr6wdRq53G_-D8la5ztwgCLcB/s640/Tsuta2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">By inexpensive we mean 1500 yen (~$15CAD) for a bowl of soba. What's the catch? You have to get there before 8:00AM to ensure you get a spot at the counter of this 9-person restaurant.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we talk about how to get a highly coveted spot, let's entice you with these noodles. The broth is made from a blend of three specially fermented soy sauces so they are much richer than typical soy sauces. These soy sauces are then mixed with a flavourful broth made with clams, chicken, vegetables and various other ingredients. The soba noodles are made with a special flour in house and are much firmer and smoother than regular soba noodles. To top off the bowl are menma (fermented bamboo shoots), and a slice of chashu pork and a black truffle sauce.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So how's it work? Tsuta has a first-come first serve ticketing system where you give a refundable ¥1,000 deposit. Everyone in the party must be present to get a ticket. The coloured tickets represent a seating time when you'll be able to return to the restaurant to eat with tickets typically allocated for 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm or 4pm. Please note that when it comes time for you to go back to the restaurant for your allotted time, you still have queue up with other people in the same time slot so we recommend you go at least 30 minutes before your allocated time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically, what you save on cost for a Michelin restaurant, you spend in time. It's a long process but it's well worth it. We promise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Update: </b>After we last returned to Tokyo in 2016, there's been a new Michelin-star ramen joint - <a href="http://en.rocketnews24.com/2016/12/01/second-ramen-restaurant-in-tokyo-receives-michelin-star-for-2017/" target="_blank">Nakiryu</a> which is fortunately in the same area as Tsuta!</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">27. Marvel at Japanese Fast Food</span></b></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8gPHoJdPTw/WNSG7AhwsuI/AAAAAAAAIl0/-N5uWMbvsHk-r1ECFDT9mFLG6gHWty4jACLcB/s1600/P1060792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h8gPHoJdPTw/WNSG7AhwsuI/AAAAAAAAIl0/-N5uWMbvsHk-r1ECFDT9mFLG6gHWty4jACLcB/s640/P1060792.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u><br />
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</u></b> <b><u>CoCo Curry</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aside from indulging in copious amounts of sushi and ramen, Japanese curry was on the top of the list of foods to eat. CoCo Curry would be our go-to for quick, reliable, and tasty Japanese curry dishes. If this is your first time, the classic pork cutlet curry with cheese is a must.</span><br />
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</span> <b><u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sanuki Udon Hanamaru</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMvClOoAKjb/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Just Cause It's Food (@justcauseitsfood)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-13T03:19:50+00:00" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 12, 2016 at 7:19pm PST</time></span></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Sanuki Udon Hanamaru is super affordable and filled with many options. The best part is that they're available near any JR station so you'll never be too far from one! Pick your broth, toppings, and sides and you're good to go - and all under $5 CAD. If they had this in Toronto, we would eat it everyday!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">28. Odaiba</span></b></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ETNmg9aX_g/WNNKVGpe8GI/AAAAAAAAKmg/LP1l7ZU6lBQZKo2Bb2YHv7vKyI0Q2glagCLcB/s1600/IMG_20161112_152108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ETNmg9aX_g/WNNKVGpe8GI/AAAAAAAAKmg/LP1l7ZU6lBQZKo2Bb2YHv7vKyI0Q2glagCLcB/s640/IMG_20161112_152108.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Rainbow Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fun fact Odaiba is actually a man-made island! We definitely recommend checking this place out, it's only one transfer station away from the JR line. You'll find some neat shops and restaurants inside Diver City. Right outside, you'll step into the iconic life-size Gundam. Take some time to explore Odaiba as you'll get some pretty sweet views of the Rainbow Bridge.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">After a long day of exploring, you can hit up Oedo-Onsen Monogatari. You can take the subway in Odaiba and get off at the Telecom Center. You can read more about our experience in <a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2017/02/must-do-activities-in-tokyo-part-1.html" target="_blank">part 1</a>.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">29. Try some strange (but awesome) Japanese drinks</span></b></h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a hangover-free morning, order the Oolong Hi - a cocktail made with oolong tea and a shot of shochu. Shochu is a Japanese distilled alcohol usually made from barley, buckwheat, sweet potato, or rice. Due to the lack of sugar in this drink, it'll keep you hydrated and headache free and your body will thank you the next day.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Melon Soda (Image Credit: <a href="http://indulgy.com/post/2wTMr7ZnG1/melon-soda" target="_blank">Indulgy</a>)</span></td></tr>
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Calpis Sour (or any sour for that matter) which is a mix of This Calpis sour retains the yoghurt flavour of Calpis with a little alcoholic zing! What's dangerous about this drink is that you taste virtually NO alcohol - just the yummy yogurty Calpis. Trust us when we say you will get drunk FAST on these bad boys.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Melon soda is one of the most common non-alcoholic drinks you'll find on any menu. It's got a colour that will remind you of toxic sludge and tastes so artificial but it's weirdly addicting. Despite its name of "melon soda" it actually tastes more like cream soda than anything! We weren't a huge fan of this drink but recommend it just for the sake of trying!</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: inherit;">30. Late Night Munchies</span></b></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stefgie/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">@stefgie</a></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgMJ9wyhCaw/WNCG7GN3vTI/AAAAAAAAIdU/mnRCJSawnP0bHqE6GVwXn6EP5Ej1u_AKgCLcB/s1600/P1060788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgMJ9wyhCaw/WNCG7GN3vTI/AAAAAAAAIdU/mnRCJSawnP0bHqE6GVwXn6EP5Ej1u_AKgCLcB/s640/P1060788.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">If you're ever having late night munchies, then check out <a href="https://restaurants-guide.tokyo/restaurants/detail/201/" target="_blank">Isomaru Suisan</a>. This Japanese BBQ seafood restaurant has multiple locations around Tokyo and <b>all</b> of them are open 24Hr! The interior is filled with colorful designs and giant flags that were flown from fishing boats in Japan. Service is no nonsense and very fast. This is not gourmet dining, but for the price, it offers a great value. If you're not a smoker, make sure you ask for non-smoking area</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">We highly recommend the Kani Miso which is crab meat (specifically the roe inside the large shell) and miso paste served inside the crab shell. Fresh scallops, sake clams, and grilled shrimp are also always must-gets for us. For the fresh scallops, wait for the 'pop' to signal it's done and don't forget to cut off the poop sack (you'll be able to tell - it's black or brown just like... poop) before digging in.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Note: Each location has a slightly different menu depending on the seafood they bring in!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look for this sign - you can't miss it! (Image credit: <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/05/business/from-longer-hours-to-all-you-can-drink-japans-restaurants-trying-new-tricks-to-woo-customers/" target="_blank">Japan Times</a>)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Image credit: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stefgie/" style="font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">@stefgie</a></span></td></tr>
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-16800736181795899962017-02-28T14:53:00.001-05:002017-03-01T20:25:51.057-05:00Must-do Activities in Tokyo (Part 1)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmlIFmxRNiw/WLbVRPI8rQI/AAAAAAAAH-c/FeVfzNHALVss9Br_ZZvolEywWDUPhoGhgCLcB/s1600/a%2Bwarm%2Bnote%2Bto%2Bsay.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JmlIFmxRNiw/WLbVRPI8rQI/AAAAAAAAH-c/FeVfzNHALVss9Br_ZZvolEywWDUPhoGhgCLcB/s640/a%2Bwarm%2Bnote%2Bto%2Bsay.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>So you want to visit Tokyo? Great - can we come along?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In no particular order, here are our must-do activities in Tokyo! This is no way an all-encompassing list - we know there are SO many things we haven't done in this amazing city yet so please let us know if we're missing something or what some of your favourite things to do are!</span></div><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span> <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">- - - - - - -</h3><h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 1. Head to Uobei for your first meal</span></h3><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 62.5% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMl7CXuFcD8/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by CHRISTINA&JON • Toronto NOMS (@cj.noms)</a> on <time datetime="2016-11-09T14:20:45+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 9, 2016 at 6:20am PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
<a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E9%AD%9A%E3%81%B9%E3%81%84-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E9%81%93%E7%8E%84%E5%9D%82%E5%BA%97-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA" target="_blank">Uobei</a> is one of our absolute favourite places to eat in Tokyo. It's cheap, affordable. We're always surprised at how good everything despite the friendly price of 105yen per dish (albeit there are a select few special dishes for a little more). You place your order on the touch panel display in front of you, and moments later it zooms out to you on one of the three “sushi lanes” in front of you! It's the perfect mix of everything that makes Tokyo, well Tokyo! It's so high tech and everything about this restaurant is incredibly fun - we can't stress how much we love this place. We do warn you that the sushi isn't dazzling but it's such a fun experience that we've been here <b>4 </b>times!<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 2. Get lost in Harajuku</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt5tgx2WlZg/WLXWtxVzRTI/AAAAAAAAH7s/cwZoQ2rekZIngm3X0wm0BUVnNkDbRQINQCLcB/s1600/60213539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vt5tgx2WlZg/WLXWtxVzRTI/AAAAAAAAH7s/cwZoQ2rekZIngm3X0wm0BUVnNkDbRQINQCLcB/s640/60213539.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://traveldreamscapes.wordpress.com/tag/takeshita-dori-2/" target="_blank">Image Credit</a></td></tr>
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Particularly - Takeshita Dori (<i>dori </i>means street in Japanese), where all of Tokyo's street cultures mix. If you're claustrophobic, go on the weekdays but for the full experience, go on the weekends. Located at Harajuku station<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "lucida grande" , "lucida sans unicode" , "lucida sans" , "geneva" , "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"> </span></span>is this famous pedestrian-only street is known for its trendy boutiques, game centers and its <a href="https://tokyocheapo.com/place/daiso-harajuku/">Daiso store</a>, where you can buy ANYTHING for only 100yen.<br />
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It's a populous, dense area and if you've had just enough - check out Yoyogi Park and make a visit to the very serene Meiji Shrine which will make you feel like you've just taken a ride out of the city.<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 3. Go Mario-Karting on the streets of Tokyo</span></h3><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.125% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BMpgFOWBns0/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">REAL LIFE #MARIOKART ?! 🏁 Check. @stefgie @cj.noms @imjonho #JACCKSXASIA</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by angela w (@ange.lawong) on <time datetime="2016-11-10T23:42:10+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Nov 10, 2016 at 3:42pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
Live your childhood memories driving through not the Mushroom Kingdom, but the streets of Tokyo. Yes, you'll be zipping through the streets of Tokyo at up to 80kmph while dressed up as your favourite Mario-Kart character. This is the only place in the world you can experience this, and it is a <u>MUST</u>. The establishment we went to was <a href="http://maricar.com/" target="_blank">MariCar in Shinagawa</a> and it cost about 6,000yen for 2 hours. We recommend Course B which involves going to Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Tokyo Tower and Roppongi! It's the one course that allows you to drive at very high speeds so you'll feel just like you're in a Mario Kart race.<br />
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Heads up: You will need an international driver's license to drive on Tokyo's streets. Bring 2 passport-sized photos and $45 to <a href="https://www.caasco.com/Travel/Travel-Information/International-Drivers-Permit.aspx" target="_blank">any CAA,</a> it'll only take 15 minutes to get it all set up!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>**UPDATE: We recently read that MariCar is </b><a href="http://kotaku.com/nintendo-is-suing-go-karting-company-over-copyright-inf-1792705619" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">being sued</a> <b>by Nintendo over copyright infringements so we recommend you book with caution in case appointments are not fulfilled!</b></span><br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 4. Spend an afternoon exploring Tokyo station</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4NFr9gfYwF0/WLbyBAgMoWI/AAAAAAAAH-s/fBSeUyCvvfEEus5xMNvYkpppo90EZsOpACLcB/s1600/tokyo-character-street-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4NFr9gfYwF0/WLbyBAgMoWI/AAAAAAAAH-s/fBSeUyCvvfEEus5xMNvYkpppo90EZsOpACLcB/s640/tokyo-character-street-1024x768.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokyo Character Street <a href="https://tokyoing.net/topics/first-avenue-tokyo-station/" target="_blank">(Image Credit</a>)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1T9EYHxANE/WLbyEwRj5jI/AAAAAAAAH-w/BtOhFIuSMi4aSApsk3xMh84LQ8NV5G1BQCLcB/s1600/384ed62a23655f7272dc633bd9b0e9b6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1T9EYHxANE/WLbyEwRj5jI/AAAAAAAAH-w/BtOhFIuSMi4aSApsk3xMh84LQ8NV5G1BQCLcB/s640/384ed62a23655f7272dc633bd9b0e9b6.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tokyo Ramen Street (<a href="https://es.pinterest.com/explore/tokyo-ramen-street/" target="_blank">Image Credit</a>)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto slab" , serif; font-size: 16px;">We spent an afternoon getting lost in Tokyo Station. Hidden underneath Tokyo Station, there are whole streets dedicated to ramen, candy and character. Start off at Character street and marvel at this pathway dedicated to cute characters native to Japan. From the official Pokémon store to Ultraman and Hello Kitty outlets, the choices are endless! Have lunch at ramen street where a dozen ramen shops are all lined up and end off your afternoon with a sweet stop at Okashi Land (aka Candy Street!) where you'll find the three big Japanese candy makers: </span><a href="https://www.calbee.com/" target="_blank">Calbee</a> (for potato chips), <a href="https://www.morinaga.co.jp/english/" target="_blank">Morinaga</a> (chocolate) and <a href="https://www.glico.com/global/" target="_blank">Glico</a> (Pocky). Keep your eyes out for freshly made and limited edition products!<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 5. Suck it up and pay the entrance fee for Rikugien Park</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MR6V8hzQMkc/WLNa4XnPUtI/AAAAAAAAH5c/e0Kpei7Xe3w8HzMLPISYU86DITr_qlX1wCLcB/s1600/P1060891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MR6V8hzQMkc/WLNa4XnPUtI/AAAAAAAAH5c/e0Kpei7Xe3w8HzMLPISYU86DITr_qlX1wCLcB/s640/P1060891.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We went in early November when the fall colours were just starting to bloom!</td></tr>
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We visited this park while waiting for Tsuta. If you're interested in seeing Japanese garden landscaping, we say suck it up and pay the entrance fee of 300yen. It's truly beautiful and we'll bet it's especially pretty during cherry blossom and foliage seasons! If you're visiting Tokyo in late November to early December, be sure to go for the <a href="http://www.gotokyo.org/en/kanko/bunkyo/event/kouyouteien.html" target="_blank">Evening Illumination</a>!<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 6. Splurge on at least ONE meal</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DClGvYqf6bs/WLMONzXoyFI/AAAAAAAAH4w/Q2slLaboUq8c1GjCOMRhDOx-GypIL33TwCLcB/s1600/P1060870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DClGvYqf6bs/WLMONzXoyFI/AAAAAAAAH4w/Q2slLaboUq8c1GjCOMRhDOx-GypIL33TwCLcB/s400/P1060870.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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This is a rule for us anytime we go on vacation but we recommend it <b>especially in Tokyo.</b> At 304 stars, Tokyo has held the record for the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/tokyo-savors-title-of-city-with-most-michelin-star-restaurants-1480420854" target="_blank">highest number of Michelin Star restaurants</a> for 10 consecutive years! We went to <a href="https://www.yelp.ca/biz/%E3%81%99%E3%81%97%E5%8C%A0-%E3%81%BE%E3%81%95-%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA" target="_blank">Sushisho Masa</a> where we had a beautifully intimate meal. There are only 7 seats at the table to ensure that you're getting stellar service - in fact you're conversing with the chef a majority of the meal! Each meal consists of 52 courses of delicious, fresh, seasonal, seafood that changes all the time. As you're eating, the chef will explain why he cooked it the way he did or what flavours you should be tasting from each dish. Truly an amazing educational experience!<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 7. Shop in Ginza</span></h3><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BQeXyyqgwK9/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">My kinda closet 😏</a></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by Jon Ho (@imjonho) on <time datetime="2017-02-14T02:03:41+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 13, 2017 at 6:03pm PST</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
Yes, shop at Uniqlo anywhere in Tokyo regardless but the one in Ginza is the best one to visit - it's 12 stories tall! Be sure to head to the 11th floor to UT (Uniqlo's T-Shirts) where they have special collaborations with world famous artists and companies like Jean Michel Basquiat, Pixar, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Don't forget to visit <a href="http://www.gu-japan.com/" target="_blank">GU</a> (pronounced gee-you, not goo) right beside Uniqlo - it's under the same parent company as Uniqlo and offers casual wear for a very affordable price.<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 8. Watch people like scurry like little ants at Shibuya crossing</span></h3><br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;"><div style="padding: 8px;"><div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"><div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div></div><div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/7Jkp4UwvAe/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by CHRISTINA&JON • Toronto NOMS (@cj.noms)</a> on <time datetime="2015-09-03T01:12:44+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 2, 2015 at 6:12pm PDT</time></div></div></blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><br />
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You can't visit Tokyo without stopping at Shibuya crossing. It is easily one of the most iconic places of Tokyo. When you're walking through the crossing, pause and look at your surroundings. Everything feels like it happens just as in the movies - in slow motion. All the rush, madness of cars coming from all ways and the big banners with lights and non stop movement, it's surreal.<br />
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<b>Tip: For a free top-down view of Shibuya, head to the Starbucks at that intersection. You can't miss it. A fun fact about that particular Starbucks - it's second on the list for worldwide locations that make the most in sales!</b><br />
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<h3><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">9. Bar hop in Golden Gai, Kabukicho and Piss Alley in Shinjuku</span></b></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EjsBbm7yao/WLXJwLlNzNI/AAAAAAAAH60/18JU6rGl65MMQiEAQrlZ9OqoFitcsoHSgCLcB/s640/tumblr_inline_nljeu3v9c51qd7hix_1280.jpg" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piss Alley in Shinjuku (Image Credit)</td></tr>
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</b> <b>Kabukicho</b> is Tokyo's nonstop party/red light district and features bars, karaoke, hostess clubs, <a href="http://www.japan-talk.com/jt/new/strange-world-of-male-hosts-in-japan">hosuto clubs</a>, love hotels, shops, arcades, movie theaters and red light establishments. And while the lights and sounds will romance you, just be careful. It is still considered a seedy area - many of the establishments are owned by yakuza - or Japanese gangsters.<br />
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<b>Piss Alley</b> is Tokyo's bar area (although bars litter the entire city) that's in an alley that's barely 5 feet across. It was given this nickname because back in the day, people would get extremely drunk, rowdy and... relieve themselves right in the alley. Obviously this area has cleaned up quite a bit since then and now features yakitori bars (grill joints) along the alley.<br />
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Lastly, <b>Golden Gai</b> is definitely a stop to make - but not one to stay. Despite this area's shabby condition, this is an expensive place to drink and not very tourist friendly. The bars in this area cater to wealthier Japanese clientele. Most bars won't even let you in unless you're a regular or are with someone who is a regular.<br />
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As an FYI: for a majority of bars in Tokyo, you do have to pay cover (usually around 500yen). Don't forget to bring CASH as a lot of these bars and clubs won't even have a card machine.<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 10. Visit a maid cafe</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7DJEu1R7CU/WLXLb2CeOnI/AAAAAAAAH7A/uXWczijHHG4j7J0UXz-c0PMPH5WHYxKjgCLcB/s1600/Maids_at_the_Maid_Cafe_at_Anime_Midwest_2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S7DJEu1R7CU/WLXLb2CeOnI/AAAAAAAAH7A/uXWczijHHG4j7J0UXz-c0PMPH5WHYxKjgCLcB/s640/Maids_at_the_Maid_Cafe_at_Anime_Midwest_2014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maids_at_the_Maid_Cafe_at_Anime_Midwest_2014.jpg" target="_blank">Image Credit</a></td></tr>
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</div>Unfortunately, we don't have any photos because no photos are allowed in these establishments! Some FYI's before you go:<br />
<b>- Maid cafes are ALL about cuteness</b> so expect this to be overdone to the umpth degree. Expect high-pitched voices (to sound younger) and exaggerated hand motions from the waitresses.<br />
<b>- Maid cafes are made to be interactive</b> - and yes you will have to interact. To order or receive food, you'll probably have to make hand gestures or chant something.<br />
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To be quite honest, this isn't something we'd do again because we felt super uncomfortable there but it something we recommend doing at least once.<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 11. Play ALL the games at Taito Game Station</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUtrOYf1Ma8/WLXNexkpnjI/AAAAAAAAH7I/LDaEI2nVz_ofFTlMkovJufWL67m6p4sqACLcB/s1600/arc_ts_image_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TUtrOYf1Ma8/WLXNexkpnjI/AAAAAAAAH7I/LDaEI2nVz_ofFTlMkovJufWL67m6p4sqACLcB/s640/arc_ts_image_01.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.taito.com/gc" target="_blank">Image Credit</a></td></tr>
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</span></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first time we stumbled into Taito Game Station, we spent nearly an entire afternoon there. All floors are themed - there's a floor for horseracing and gambling, one for claw machines (which Japanese people LOVE), one for purikura machines, one for musical games like DDR, drumming games and even a floor for pod games where you can battle in Gundam pods or race around in Star Wars pods.</span></span><br />
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</span> <b>TIP: We always go to the one in Shinjuku because it is one of the test locations so you often get machines here a few months before they are released nationwide!</b><br />
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</span></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 12. Buy special edition Kit Kats and other chocolate goodies</span></h3><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SMtruQ-kNg/WLXOWwPbaKI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/XWjBqGTS2uE0H-fiN7bBw8gYqmJAZvQaACLcB/s1600/6573227093_2455dfcfbb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_SMtruQ-kNg/WLXOWwPbaKI/AAAAAAAAH7Q/XWjBqGTS2uE0H-fiN7bBw8gYqmJAZvQaACLcB/s640/6573227093_2455dfcfbb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/selva/6573227093" target="_blank">Image Credit</a></td></tr>
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There are 2 main drugstores in Tokyo that we went to: Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Don Quijote (locally known as "donki"). These two drugstores will hold Kit Kats sold in packs of 9-12 pieces, usually for around 198-400 yen a pack. Don’t expect a huge array of flavors at drug stores but we did manage to find special kit kats like Cherry Blossom, Red Bean, Milk Tea, Strawberry Cheesecake and, Rum & Raisin. Don't worry about locating a specific drugstore, you will see these drugstores EVERYWHERE in Tokyo.</div><div><br />
</div><h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> 13. Relax at an onsen</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll get to wear these adorable yukatas while you're at the hot springs too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Japan is famous for its volcanic activity and hot springs. If you come to Japan, it needs to be a given that you'll want to try out an onsen - a Japanese hot spring.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Forewarning that there are three major rules in Japanese public bath houses:<br />
(1) You must be naked to go in - they don't allow bathing suits or even towels within the baths.<br />
(2) Baths are separated by gender.<br />
(3) No tattoos are allowed and you <b>will</b> be asked to leave. You will not receive any compensation or refunds.<br />
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We went to Oedo Onsen Monogatari – 大江戸温泉物語 - a large facility with 5 types of indoor baths along with a large outdoor bath. There are also non-bath facilities such as a food stone massage, games corners, hot rock-salt room and shopping center. We went after 5PM for their cheaper happy hour deal !<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;">14. Find quirky one-of-a-kind clothing</span></h3><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZEtApoLiyA/WLNGXH18eSI/AAAAAAAAH5M/ul3iNcbt0aMBscQNVtDDU-bapXvIcIDhgCLcB/s1600/Beams-Clothing-Exterior-585x878-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZEtApoLiyA/WLNGXH18eSI/AAAAAAAAH5M/ul3iNcbt0aMBscQNVtDDU-bapXvIcIDhgCLcB/s640/Beams-Clothing-Exterior-585x878-copy.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://enablejapan.com/blog/2014/10/21/beams/" target="_blank">Image Credit</a></td></tr>
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Check out BEAMS in Harajuku. The brand carefully curates high-quality clothing and Japan-themed items from all around the world. While there are various BEAMS around Tokyo, there is a small block of BEAMS in Harajuku where it features a store for women, men, and <a href="http://www.beams.co.jp/shops/detail/beams-t-harajuku/?lang=en" target="_blank">BEAMS T</a> where you can buy T-shirts designed by famous and non-famous artists from all around the world<br />
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<h3><span style="color: #3d85c6;">15. Slurp up delicious udon</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovz8V2ziC_8/WLXUhQgzK7I/AAAAAAAAH7g/kvwv-NvOfRc5LF6y3UXEQgdnob2jD7HewCLcB/s1600/P1060800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovz8V2ziC_8/WLXUhQgzK7I/AAAAAAAAH7g/kvwv-NvOfRc5LF6y3UXEQgdnob2jD7HewCLcB/s640/P1060800.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We HIGHLY recommend <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E6%85%8E-%E6%B8%8B%E8%B0%B7%E5%8C%BA-2" target="_blank">Shin Udon</a>, an udon resto that thrives on offering udon at its finest. The udon that you order is cut and boiled fresh to order. Even the boiling time of the udon is changed and adjusted daily to take temperature and humidity into consideration! </div><div><br />
Pictured here is the humble Zaru Udon with an assortment of tempura and a cold bonito dipping sauce. The cold definitely keeps the noodle texture nice and chewy all the way through. Never have we gone through a bowl of noodles this quickly and been so upset when it ended!!<br />
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</b><b>Heading to Japan? <br />
Read up on the <a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2017/02/10-things-we-learned-from-visiting-tokyo.html" target="_blank">Top 10 Things We Learned From Visiting Tokyo </a></b></h2></div><div><br />
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</div>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-80971453770006712352017-02-13T09:35:00.000-05:002017-02-13T09:55:02.542-05:00Hot Chocolate - Superfood Version! (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Whole30 Approved!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever since starting <a href="http://whole30.com/" target="_blank">Whole30</a> (I'm on the 2nd week - woohoo!), I've been finding more unique and creative ways to recreate foods I love. Enter this superfood hot chocolate that I whipped up over the weekend. What's better than hot chocolate on a cold winter's day? How about a hot chocolate drink that's chock full of antioxidants!<br />
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The main component of this drink is cacao powder - which is <b>not</b> the same as cocoa powder. Instead, cacao is the unprocessed version of the cocoa bean. Other than being able to add it to anything in your diet to give it a chocolate-y kick with no guilt, cacao also has tons of benefits...<br />
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<li>Cacao is a superfood</li>
<li>Cacao has 40x the amount of antioxidants than blueberries</li>
<li>Cacao is a natural anti-depressant and will help improve your mood</li>
<li>Cacao is one of the highest plant-based iron you can find</li>
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You'll also notice in the ingredients below that turmeric along with some black pepper is included. To really unlock the health benefits of turmeric, its best to take it with black pepper. Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, is the main reason why turmeric is so good for you and is responsible for the beautiful yellow colour. For the most part, curcumin in turmeric gets metabolized too quickly to properly absorb in the body. Black pepper acts as an inhibitor to help slow down the metabolization of turmeric. When absorbed properly, turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and source of antioxidant.<br />
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While the I'll definitely continue to make this once I come off Whole30, I will include honey to give it a bit of sweetness.. At the moment, it is quite bitter but I'm growing accustomed to a decrease of sugar in my diet. Anyways - onto the recipe below!<br />
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<b><u>WHAT YOU'LL NEED</u></b><br />
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<li>2 cups non-dairy milk (I used coconut!)</li>
<li>1/2 tsp turmeric</li>
<li>1.5 tbsp cacao powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp ground ginger</li>
<li>dash of cinnamon</li>
<li>crack of black pepper</li>
<li>Agave syrup or honey (optional - omit if you are on Whole30)</li>
<li>Marshmallows (optional - omit if you are on Whole30)</li>
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<b><u>DIRECTIONS</u></b></h3>
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<li>Warm the non-dairy milk in a pot on medium heat. You don't want it to bubble, just simmer peacefully.</li>
<li>Whisk in all the dry ingredients and honey if you're using it.</li>
<li>Serve hot in a mug and enjoy! Top with marshmallows if you're not on whole30!</li>
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-70969622994157371202017-02-06T23:21:00.000-05:002017-02-28T16:48:53.776-05:0010 Things We Learned From Visiting Tokyo<br />
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Heading to a new country is always fun. In 2015, we visited Tokyo, Japan for the first time. We loved it so much that.... in 2016 we decided to go again.<br />
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Over the two visits we cumulated several cultural things that we always tell everyone who decide to vacation there next. Tokyo is easily one of our favourite cities - its culture is incredibly charming, the technological quirks of the city will blow your mind and the city is always bustling with energy. For a first timer though, we know how confusing and overwhelming it can be. Read on to hear what we learned.<br />
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<b>(1) Solo Slurping</b></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The booths above are at Ichiran, a popular Japanese ramen shop. The booths are to help with "flavour concentration" so you can fully appreciate the meal</td></tr>
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Space is rare and precious in such a populous city - most restaurants contain enough seating for just 10 people. In North America, our experience of eating normally consists of chattering over shared dishes and if you're eating alone, it's typically at home. However, in Tokyo, as we were out dining, we began to notice one thing in common with most restaurants - people come, eat and go... alone! In Japan, it's a different vibe. Most restaurants are made to eat-and-go and it is extremely common to see a businessman come in, quickly inhale a bowl of ramen and then leave - all in under 30 minutes.<br />
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The first picture above is Ichiran, a popular ramen shop in Japan that promotes "low-interaction dining" where customers seat themselves, fill out their order on a sheet of paper and receive their food from a pair of hands through the booth window. In other words, it's encouraged to eat an entire meal without seeing or speaking to another human being - service included.<br />
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<b>(2) Subway Etiquette</b></h2>
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Unlike the TTC, it's considered rude and inconsiderate in Tokyo to be speaking loudly to your friends or on your phone when you're on the subway. You'll actually see signs on the subway that say to turn off your phone or switch it to silent. The silence will be deafening at first - people talking in hushed whispers or low murmurs but you get used it very quickly!<br />
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Our major tip for the subway is NEVER travel during rush hour times (around 7 - 9am and 5 -7pm). Subways in Tokyo have less seating areas and waaaay more standing room and you'll see why during rush hour. While it didn't happen to us, you <i>may</i> be pushed by a policeman onto a seemingly packed subway if you travel during rush hours.<br />
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<br /><b>(3) Smoke inside but drink outside</b></h2>
The more enclosed a place is, the more likely you'll be allowed to smoke. If you want to smoke on the street, there are designated smoking areas and rooms for you to do so. While there isnt a country-wide smoking ban, smoking on the street is prohibited in certain parts of Tokyo because of child safety. People who smoke typically hold their cigarettes at their chest or waist - which is around the same level of kids heights or people in wheelchairs. Combine that with the high population density of the city where you're pushing up against others and you can see why the on-street ban makes sense!<br />
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While you can't smoke outside, you CAN drink alcohol on the streets - although most respectful people will choose to drink in establishments instead of on the streets.<br />
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<b>(4) There are barely any trash cans on the streets</b></h2>
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For such a busy and crowded city, it's incredibly clean. Absolutely <b>spotless.</b> Yet, when you look to discard your <a href="https://phorenyatra.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/onigiri-step-2.jpg" target="_blank">onigiri wrapper,</a> you realise there are NO trash cans around. None. Why? Apparently the lack of trash cans began as an <a href="http://jpninfo.com/54373" target="_blank">anti-terrorism measure</a> back in '95 when terrorists were putting bombs in trash cans. Now, trash cans are rare and sparse but you won't see anyone littering. You'll even see people putting even banana peels, cigarette butts and wrappers into their bags to throw out later. It's both shocking contrast to the littered Toronto streets but it is a beautiful habit.<br />
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<b>(5) Pocket Wi-Fi is a MUST</b></h2>
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</b> Whether you're looking for an AirBNB or hotel, find somewhere that offers pocket Wi-Fi - basically a small wireless router. Not only are SIM cards difficult to get in Japan if you don't speak the language, but having a pocket Wi-Fi allows for multiple people to connect to the web with you.<br />
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<br /><b>(6) Slurping isn't rude!</b></h2>
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</b> In North American culture, slurping might be considered noisy and obnoxious. But, slurping isn't rude in Japan (or in many parts of Asia for that matter!). When you enter a ramen restaurant, you'll hear the sounds of loud slurping everywhere around you. Instead of being known as bad manners, slurping noodles is like paying compliments to the chef - it is evidence of enjoying the meal.<br />
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<b>(7) Don't tip.</b></h2>
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</b> Seriously - don't. Even if you think you are being generous, you <b>will</b> get chased down the street and be given any extra leftover cash that you may have left on the table with good intentions. A good rule of thumb is just to not tip, no matter how odd it feels. Just politely thank your server or taxi driver with a smile and leave.<br />
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<b>(8) Convenience stores will be your best friend</b></h2>
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</b> We don't even glance at convenience stores when we're in Toronto but in Tokyo, we hit the convenience store almost every day. They're much more than just repositories of junk food! The holy trifecta of convenience stores that nearly every one goes to are: Family Mart, Lawsons and 7-11. From alcohol (and hangover cures) to insane chip flavours to sushi and soba, you can find anything at the convenience stores. If you're using the Suica or Pasmo transportation cards, you can fill it up there as well!<br />
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<br /><b>(9) Clear umbrellas are a must and a norm</b></h2>
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</b> It WILL rain when you're in Japan (it always did when we went anyways). We don't know exactly why most umbrellas we saw were clear but our guess is that it has something to do with Tokyo's high population density. The transparent umbrellas make it much easier to see without having to lift up the umbrella while you're walking through big, tightly packed crowds during rush hours.<br />
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<b>(10) You can buy nearly everything from vending machines</b></h2>
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</b> One thing you absolutely cannot miss on the streets of Tokyo are the seemingly endless amounts of vending machines. Think of ANYTHING and you'll likely be able to get it from a vending machine. We've seen machines with underwear, hot instant ramen noodles, cold and hot coffee - even bento boxes! If you're hungry after a late night out and there's no where to buy food - look for vending machines!<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-33139429048279939642017-01-04T22:11:00.002-05:002017-01-04T22:11:32.671-05:00And we're back!Can you believe it's been nearly a year since we've last posted?<br />
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When we first started this blog back in 2012, we did it - as most foodies do - as an outlet to share with friends and family new restaurant finds.<br />
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As the years progressed, I'm sad (and not very surprised) to say that we've grown accustomed to taking the lazy route - aka <a href="http://instagram.com/cj.noms" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.<br />
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I'm not going to shit on Instagram - it has opened up SO many doors for us. It has given us so many opportunities that I could never have thought possible. I've made friendships with the most amazing people both in and out of the industry and it's given me an experience of a lifetime.<br />
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But... I've found that over the past couple of years on Instagram, we've lost our voice. Sharing good food turned into sharing good photos. We lost our sense of self and nothing we posted really seems authentic. Things seemed forced. We started to lose interest, we just weren't into it.<br />
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Writing this post, I still feel a bit like a fish out of water but I know that the more I get used to writing a blog post, the more easily it'll come. Kinda like muscle memory.<br />
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I guess this post is more for me more than anyone else so we can remind ourselves why we started this. Im making it a goal this year to return to my roots and head back to blogging. I don't expect anything to happen but I'm doing this for myself for once. I'm a big believer that if you enjoy what you're doing - if you're truly passionate it about it, everything will fall into place. And if it doesn't at least you'll have a heck of a good time doing something you love.<br />
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Cheers to 2017 and to doing things with intention and a passion.<br />
<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-45126743940286130412015-10-30T09:45:00.003-04:002015-10-30T09:58:09.266-04:00Reel Asian x CJ Noms - Foodie Films! Plus - A Giveaway :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We were recently approached by Reel Asian regarding their new foodie films and let me tell you, we are ECSTATIC because we're both huge food and movie buffs. As foodies, you're exposed to a lot different cuisines, cooking styles and a LOT of buzzwords but we often find the education of food is lacking especially in this day and age. Everyone now a days is a foodie but no one really understands the work, sweat, blood and tears that go behind preparing a dish from beginning to end. Enter the food series with Reel Asian.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, communities in North America are more diverse than it ever was. Cultures from around the world seek to build a better life in America. They bring new ideas and experiences into Western culture. The most prominent way to express ones culture and identity, is through food. We are excited to watch these foodie films from the Reel Asian International Film Festival where these stories are brought to life. We are looking forward to the two featured films <b><i>Changing Season: On the Masumoto Family Farm</i></b> and <b><i>Off the Menu: Asian America</i></b>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Film, <b><i>Changing Season: On the Masumoto Family Farm</i></b> follows the father-daughter story of David 'Mas' Masumoto and Nikiko. Originally arid and bought dirt cheap by Mas' parents upon their release from WWII internment camps, the farm is currently 80 acres of </span><u style="font-family: inherit;">Certified Organic</u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> land. Famed for its sustainability, social responsibility and magnificient heirloom harvest, the farm is certainly a labour of love from the humble Masumoto family. The movie takes viewers for a number of turns to see the variety of changes this farm undergoes through a year. <b>Screening to take place Saturday November 7 at 2:00PM</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What we're most excited about for this screening is that David 'Mas' Masumoto will be in attendance at the screening and will be giving a free '</span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Food Talk</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">' as part of the 10th Industry Series panel discussion! Masumoto has written many books and given numerous about sustainable farming and agriculture. From past talks, you can really hear his love for the land dotting his speech. He's enthusiastic and its </span>contagious<span style="font-family: inherit;">!</span><br />
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The second film, <b>Off the Menu</b> dives into original stories from different backgrounds and how they incorporated their Asian culture into America. The film showcases how Asian cultures have adapted in America through food and how to balance traditional Asian dishes with Western flavours. While <i style="font-weight: bold;">Changing Season</i> concentrates more on the integrity of ingredients and the amount of work that goes into growing the produce we often take for granted, <b><i>Off the Menu</i></b> dives into how the environment and culture influence our taste and cooking. We're so looking forward to this film for that very reason: we're both Chinese but were born in Canada and grew up understanding Chinese but not fluent. Yet, while we can't speak the language, we're familiar with Chinese cooking, flavours and dishes (we don't even blink when we see chicken feet, chicken cartilage or blood jello). We find it so interesting to see how the environment and your culture affect your view on food.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bonus: We're excited to present our readers and followers the chance to win a set of tickets to "Off the Menu" as well as an exclusive tasting. Simply head to our <a href="https://instagram.com/p/9WuW7gwvDl/?taken-by=cjnoms" target="_blank">Instagram page</a> and follow the instructions to enter for a chance to win!</span><br />
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<br />Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584185988316445095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-1339125902617504362015-07-20T11:59:00.000-04:002015-07-20T11:59:00.049-04:00Home of the Brave<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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We FINALLY got around to visiting the Home of the Brave (HOTB). Located upstairs at the corner of King Street West and Portland Street (right above Lou Dawg's!), it is quite accessible by public transit - which we recommend because parking will not be easy to find. Along with a plethora of raving reviews, this restaurant caught our eyes a while ago with a photo of their Kentucky Fried Handshake Sandwich. We went in with very high expectations and weren't disappointed!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thehotb.com/" target="_blank">Home of the Brave</a></span></u></b><br />
<b>Where</b>: 589 King Street West, Toronto, ON (Upstairs!) <br />
<b>Price</b>: $$$<br />
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The space itself is not too large but HOTB was able to make very good use of the space with lots of bar seats for smaller parties, and large tables for groups. Their windows open out so it feels like you're eating on the patio.. sort of :) We didn't get to order too many things as it was just the two of us but all the menu items we ordered were delicious and were certainly classic American comfort food with a creative twist, as they advertise!</div>
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The <b><i>Buffalo Cauliflower ($8)</i></b> was hands down our favourite and indeed makes a great appetizer with the right amount of sauce. We were so impressed how closely the batter stuck into the cauliflower - no air pockets and the batter didn't fall off at all. Now that takes skills! Nicely battered and fried, the batter was not greasy at all and the buffalo sauce was the absolute perfect . It was served with a side of ranch and hot sauce which complimented the cauliflower well. We were a HUGE fan of this dish and crave the cauliflower all the time now.
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<b><i>Chicken and Waffles ($16)</i></b> were... mediocre. The chicken was quite dry, the waffles were a little cold, and the dish was ridiculously sweet. I mean, we get it, it's chicken and waffles with syrup so I expect it to be sweet, but we felt like it was a tad TOO sweet? Our favourite waffles are hands-down the waffles from Hoof Cafe which had a little flavour of everything from sweet, to salty to spicy, but sadly they are now closed :(<br />
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And then... the whole reason we came to HOTB to begin with: The <b><i>Kentucky Fried Handshake Sandwich ($13)</i></b>! It definitely brought expected awe to tables as groups pretended to "shake" the chicken foot before indulging on this succulent and juicy piece of meat that is deep-fried to perfection and topped with spicy buffalo hot sauce, mayo and iceberg lettuce. Loved this dish although when I tried to eat the chicken food (hey, we're Asian and chicken feet are a delicacy!), it was just texturally confusing and a little revolting - the gelatinous texture did not work well deep fried.</div>
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To finish it all off, we got some of their Sweet Jesus Ice Cream <b><i>(Coconut Key Lime Pie!)</i></b> and I'm definitely a Sweet Jesus believer now. It's got just the right amount of creamy, with a refreshing citrus undertone that'll have you licking your lips! $4 a pop for Chocolate, Vanilla, or a twist.I can NOT wait for the new location at John Street to open!<br />
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We did find the music to be a tad on the loud side but HOTB is definitely a fun and casual spot to enjoy good food with great company. We will gladly be returning again!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d11548.756090830524!2d-79.4003351!3d43.6442355!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x83443c513b862a24!2sHome+of+the+Brave!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1436134744577" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/home-of-the-brave-fashion-district" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Home Of The Brave on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/8910883/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-63302645425130084112015-07-15T14:00:00.000-04:002015-07-15T14:00:06.831-04:00Copa Cabana by Sea<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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If you're looking for something new to try in the Financial District, Little Fin is the place to go. Service was amazing (shout out to Jaden who walked to each table and serviced every customer).<br />
My friend and I opted for the small and large lobster poutine, $12 and $16 respectively. Our orders took quite some time to get ready but to be fair, it was quite busy.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.copacabanabysea.com/" target="_blank">Copa By Sea</a></span></u></b><br />
<b>Where</b>: 230 Adelaide St W., Toronto, ON<br />
<b>Price</b>: $$$<br />
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The only reason we wouldn't recommend sushi is because it will fill you quickly. The waiter told us to make most of the rest of the menu as well, and it was worth it.</div>
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The Tuna Ceviche is phenomenal. A small, but delightful dish with fresh pieces of watermelon to complement the tuna. We ordered <u>a lot</u> of these.</div>
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Like the Tuna Ceviche, this small dish packs a punch and we ended up ordering countless amounts of this.</div>
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The soba noodle salad had a nice clean touch to our meal. After eating a ton of seafood, the salad is the perfect counter before you dive back into the mountains of seafood.</div>
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We were most excited about this side, but unfortunately fell a little short. There wasn't as much flavor or cheesiness as we had hoped. This dish ended up being more of a filler.</div>
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Oysters are limited to four shells per person. Don't even hesitate, it's a must order.</div>
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Waiters walk around with rodizio and you simply say yes or no when they offer it to your table. Feel free to ask for as many pieces, but we recommend trying everything before committing to one rodizio. The buttermilk ribeye and black cod were on another level. They were simply amazing. Literally, they melt in your mouth. The black cod is limited to four pieces per person, but there isn't a limit on the buttermilk ribeye so go all out!</div>
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Along with waiters walking around with rodizio, Copa by Sea boasts a seafood bar with unlimited amounts of shrimp and crab legs. In the photo, you can see the chef left a cut in the crab leg making it super easy to rip open and eat.</div>
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A super sweet and light way to end the night with a pair of grilled pineapple and banana. </div>
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/copa-by-sea-entertainment-district" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Copa By Sea on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16527238/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584185988316445095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-7380422463017036992015-07-06T15:39:00.000-04:002015-07-06T15:39:00.293-04:00CJ PLAYS: Archery District<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsRYm0S9EEI/VLrInAsKhdI/AAAAAAAAFD0/LTNLBBvRz3I/s1600/P1000238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsRYm0S9EEI/VLrInAsKhdI/AAAAAAAAFD0/LTNLBBvRz3I/s640/P1000238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Archery District recently opened at Eglinton & Birchmount and definitely brings a new activity to Toronto. They specialize in "archery tag" which is basically an archery-dodgeball crossover. We visited them around 5 days after they opened and therefore, we realize many things may change since this review. We had really high hopes for this place but unfortunately it just didn't deliver for us.</div>
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<a href="http://www.archerydistrict.com/" target="_blank">Archery District</a></h2>
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<b>Where:</b> 770 Birchmount Road, Unit 22,</div>
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Toronto ON</div>
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M1K 5H3</div>
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<b>Price:</b> $$$ ($30 per person)</div>
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When you first enter the facility you will see an area for you to practice prior to entering the arena. They provided a very good briefing but unfortunately what you practice is not very similar to what happens once you are in the arena mostly because you are running around trying to reload your arrow haha.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick guide on how to play Archery Tag</td></tr>
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After signing your waiver forms, the game host will teach you the basics of holding and firing the bow and arrow. We would recommend wearing long sleeves as the string could do some damage if you don't have the right form. Two of our friends left with huge slashes on their arm.<br />
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We booked under a group of 8 people and we were all extremely excited but when we left we realized we were only....satisfied. It was fun but nothing awed us nor were the games exciting enough for us to come back again. Secondly, the game plays were basic. It would have been nice to see different variety of games BUT then again, during the time of our visit, they had JUST opened. We hope to see some creativity come from the owners when designing new game modes in the following months.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Lastly, it is a bit pricey for the quality you receive. It is $28 for 5 minutes of practice and 55 minutes of game play. Our scheduled time went by really quick right when I was just getting warmed up. The price justifies a one time trip to the facility. Not to mention, the facility is extremely far (we reside in Richmond Hill) for us so it is a hassle for us to get there. In saying all of that - it was lots of fun but I wouldn't return for a second time unless one of my friends was hosting a birthday party here or the price point changes. Too far and too pricey for what you get.</span></div>
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<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2883.242238596606!2d-79.2768443!3d43.7262944!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89d4ce12ef8b4637%3A0xa3f44e715e1dc508!2sArchery+District!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1436126321302" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-91784483458121871232015-07-05T15:28:00.003-04:002015-07-05T18:55:12.163-04:00Keeffaa Coffee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsKEFUeytFg/VZl95SHiogI/AAAAAAAAAww/g5KSN5SwBg4/s1600/IMG_20150702_120112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lsKEFUeytFg/VZl95SHiogI/AAAAAAAAAww/g5KSN5SwBg4/s640/IMG_20150702_120112.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Keeffaa is definitely one of Toronto's greatest hidden gems. On the quiet street of Queen Street East, you'll find this Ethiopian restaurant that serves in our opinion one of the best coffees we have ever had. This restaurant is perfect for lunch with friends, family, or colleagues.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://keeffaacoffee.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Keeffaa Coffee</a></span></u></b><br />
<b>Where</b>: 368 Queen St E., Toronto, ON<br />
<b>Price</b>: $<br />
<a name='more'></a>Upon entering the restaurant, you really get a sense that they are (and support) appreciate local businesses. Their walls are adorned with local artists' paintings and the whole place had a very homey feel to it.<br />
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One note about service: The owner is absolutely amazing. She is seriously the friendliest lady ever and you felt like you were greeting an old friend at their house rather than at a restaurant. We didn't know what to order because we were all very new to Ethiopian food so we asked her for a bunch of recommendations that would fill 5 people. To be honest, we still don't know the exact menu item names so please bear with us as we try to describe them for you!</div>
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One of the best (and scariest) parts about letting someone else order is that you really don't know what you'll be getting. What if you hate it? What if it was too spicy? We didn't know what we were getting so when a HUGE plate of vegetable platter came out, we were a little nervous but very excited. The platter had a stewed lentil salad, beetroot salad, kale and spinach followed by another lentil salad that had around 17 spices! Every single vegetable mixture was AMAZING and the spices were so perfectly well balanced and very new to our tastebuds. The quantity was perfect for five people and we even had leftovers so it was definitely more than enough! </div>
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Throughout the meal we got <b><i>Ginger Tea ($4)</i></b> and the owner constantly kept refilling it! She is honestly the sweetest :) Finally, to finish off the meal, we had the <b><i>Almond/Coconut Latte ($3.75)</i></b> and the <b><i>Mexican Hot Chocolate ($5)</i></b> which were SO good. There was coconut milk in the hot chocolate and man.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d2886.6295294781758!2d-79.3637519!3d43.655875599999995!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89d4cb38b5cda50f%3A0x60cc1b4eb0fef11d!2sKeeffaa+Ethiopian!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1436124343039" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
<a href="https://www.zomato.com/toronto/keeffaa-corktown" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Keeffaa on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/8903813/minilink" style="border: none; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a> Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584185988316445095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-30368552713232342512014-11-25T10:46:00.000-05:002014-12-03T23:28:34.604-05:00Duo Patisserie & Cafe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vo88bVwtfNU/VHNRmI-iREI/AAAAAAAAE8k/k8oByUbwVBU/s1600/IMG_9114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vo88bVwtfNU/VHNRmI-iREI/AAAAAAAAE8k/k8oByUbwVBU/s1600/IMG_9114.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently opened in Richmond Hill is Duo Patisserie and Cafe. The story behind the name of the patisserie is heart warming: the two owners, Rocky & Eric have been best friends since they were 6 years old and this cafe is a celebration of the duo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Duo Patisserie & Cafe</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;">230 Commerce Valley Dr E (Unit 4) Markham, ON</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.1200008392334px;"> </span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Duality also comes into play with the food and drinks: Eric is the patissier while Rocky mans the coffee. Speaking of coffee, their coffee is ordered in weekly and grinded in-store. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Upon entering the store, the two have done an incredible job cleaning up the place: white walls, blond wood and sleek grey floors. Incredibly clean and modern looking.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They have many pastries available such as plain croissants, pains au chocolat, almond croissant, apple croissants, ham and cheese croissants, and something called a "8", one version which had lightly bruleed vanilla custard and the other with berries. There's several flavours of macarons and a selection of pretty little cakes, including a Mont Blanc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We got the plain croissant, almond croissant, apple tart, the 8, a Mont Blanc and an Oolong macaron, passionfruit chocolate macaron, lemon tart and pistache to share.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Hands down the</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> oolong macaron ($2.50)</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> was one of our favourites. Perfect ratio of filling to exterior, and the oolong flavour is very prominent which we appreciated.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">The </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">plain croissant ($2.50)</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> was buttery and flaky with a crusty exterior that collapsed into a light, fluffy inside. One of the best croissants I've had - no exaggeration. </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">The almond croissant ($3.00) and 8</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">($2.75) </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">were also among my favourites - not too sweet and perfectly flaky and MAN, that almond filling in the croissant is to die for.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Mont Blanc ($7.00)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">The <b>Mont Blanc ($7.00)</b> was a little too sweet for my liking but execution wise was very good. The <b>apple croissant ($3.00)</b> was a little underwhelming and there was nothing special about it (would not order again) although I was very impressed with the uber thin apple slices on top. It was really pretty! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pistache ($7)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">The </span><b style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Pistache ($7.00) </b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">is a definitely a hit for J. The shortbread crust adds a great crunchy texture to the light pistachio filling inside. This dessert has a light pistachio cream which is not too overwhelming and topped with raspberries to give it that fruity kick. BTW - each raspberry is filled with a jam and the bottom of the dessert is also filled with a thin layer of raspberry jam! </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">If you are looking for something that is not as sweet as the popular Mont Blanc, the Pistache is a great option.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All our goodies :D<br />
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The variety in selection available at Duo is definitely worth noting. Each dessert has its own unique flavor, look, and enjoyment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Tart ($4)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">The </span><b style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Lemon Tart ($4.00) </b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">is very tart and refreshing in comparison to all the other desserts, but that is why we absolutely love it. The balance of shortbread to lemon curd is perfect. The presentation is nothing too fancy like the Mont Blanc or Pistache, but don't let the looks discourage you from trying this delicious treat! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">Based on this first visit to Duo, I'm very pleased with the pastries. A nice addition to Richmond Hill. Be warned that they do price their pastries at downtown-Toronto pricing (ie. a little more $$$!) but I'm fine with paying more for something that is better quality and hey, at least we don't have to go downtown now!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1917836/restaurant/Toronto/Thornhill/Duo-Patisserie-Cafe-Markham"><img alt="Duo Patisserie & Cafe on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1917836/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d11510.360094404348!2d-79.37779!3d43.843598!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x8484bdbef3da1aee!2zRHVvIFDDonRpc3NlcmllICYgQ2Fmw6k!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1417665178378" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-26537297290474377952014-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:002014-11-24T23:10:14.299-05:00CJ PLAYS: LockQuest (Media Preview)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDXchPkKasY/U9GvcSPTErI/AAAAAAAAAp0/_FqjdrqbjIA/s1600/CJ+Plays-escape.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDXchPkKasY/U9GvcSPTErI/AAAAAAAAAp0/_FqjdrqbjIA/s1600/CJ+Plays-escape.png" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
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We would like to thank the hosts from LockQuest for inviting us out for a media preview. Please note that this is <u style="font-weight: bold;">not</u> a paid promotion and all opinions are our own. LockQuest is the newest escape location and we were quite impressed! They take the word 'theme' and immerse you into the story of the room and as always, <b>we promise - no spoilers!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2014/07/cj-play-escape-games.html" target="_blank">CJ Plays: Escape Games Part 1</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2014/11/cj-plays-escape-games-part-2.html" target="_blank">CJ Plays: Escape Games Part 2</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Our New Visit:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://lockquest.com/" target="_blank">LockQuest</a></b></span><br />
<b>Address:</b> 1204a Yonge Street (Yonge & Summerhill)<br />
<b>Phone:</b> <a href="tel:905-940-6500" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">416-781-0281</a><br />
<b>Price: </b>Standard admission $28 plus HST per player<br />
<b>In a snapshot</b>: Thematic, multiple rooms in one escape mission, immerse experience<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool way to showcase your players!</td></tr>
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It is a bit difficult to find the entrance to the location so if anyone is looking to try out LockQuest, keep in mind that it is next to a barber shop.To begin, we have to mention our gracious game hosts; they are enthusiastic, passionate, and make you feel excited to be there.<br />
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The room we did was called 'Escape the Book Club Killer' - their first and only room, thus far. In this escape room, you can fit up to 12 players! What we really enjoyed about this theme is that many escape locations name their thematic rooms as Egypt, Satan's lair, etc. but when you walk into the room, it is a room that is barely meeting the theme name. In regards to LockQuest, they understand that their thematic setting is in a bedroom / living room, so it was exactly as we had expected the room to look like when we entered which was great. They know the setting they are working with and they are not trying to become a totally different theme. Much appreciated and to be honest, it was quite refreshing NOT to be breaking out of another prison.<br />
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Not an extensive amount of technology/gadgets were involved with the room (although there definitely are some neat gizmos in there!!) but the story line was consistent throughout. Everything in the rooms are relevant to solving the underlying problem to escape and all the tools involved have a great flow, direction, and make sense as to why it is placed in the room. Speaking of technology, we realize how many escape locations focus solely on providing technology whether it's automation, touch pads, lasers, etc and its only a strong <i style="font-weight: bold;">complementary</i> part of a good escape game puzzle. Quality of puzzles should <u>not</u> be sacrificed with techno gadgets and LockQuest has done a superb job in proving this point.<br />
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Another aspect definitely worth mentioning was how the game hosts provided hints for your team. Since you will be the only team in that room, they will constantly monitor your progress and provide well timed hints to your team. You will never feel frustrated or stuck on a certain puzzle. In addition, the way the game hosts provide hints was absolutely on point with the theme of the room (we wish we could say more, but we can't ruin how <b>awesome</b> it is).<br />
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We were on the right track to escaping the room, but unfortunately we were unable to escape. Before leaving the facility, the game hosts showcase a really <i>creative</i> way to display our results from the room.<br />
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<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Did you escape? </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">No</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;"><br /></b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Would you recommend? </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Definitely! The types of puzzles and overall flow of the puzzles kept us interested and on our feet. Would visit again in a heart beat.</span><br />
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Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584185988316445095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-22335342159297552192014-11-11T10:00:00.000-05:002014-12-14T10:58:18.020-05:00CJ PLAYS: Escape Places! Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDXchPkKasY/U9GvcSPTErI/AAAAAAAAAp0/_FqjdrqbjIA/s1600/CJ+Plays-escape.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lDXchPkKasY/U9GvcSPTErI/AAAAAAAAAp0/_FqjdrqbjIA/s1600/CJ+Plays-escape.png" height="385" width="400" /></a></div>
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We're back at it again! Hitting up some escape places in Toronto :) If you haven't seen our first post, check it out <a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2014/07/cj-play-escape-games.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. It dives into more detail on the different escape games around Toronto.<br />
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There have a been a few new escape games opening so we decided to take a crack at the puzzles and revisiting old favorites. Here's part two into our journey through escape games. <b>(We promise - no spoilers!)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2014/07/cj-play-escape-games.html" target="_blank">CJ Plays: Escape Places Part 1</a></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2014/11/cj-plays-lockquest-media-preview.html" target="_blank">CJ Plays: LockQuest (Media preview)</a></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Our New Visits:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.trappedtoronto.com/" target="_blank">Trapped Toronto</a></b></span><br />
<b>Address:</b> 3130 Hwy 7 East, Markham, L3R 5A1 (Across Burger King)<br />
<b>Phone:</b> <a href="tel:905-940-6500" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">905-940-6500</a><br />
<b>Price: </b>Standard admission $28 per player<br />
<b>In a snapshot</b>: Thematic, multiple rooms in one escape mission, membership card available<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Escaped the Contaminated Hospital!</td></tr>
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Trapped Toronto opened a few weeks ago and we decided to try it out as they boasted to be the 'biggest' real life escape game. Although that promise certainly fell short, the experience from start to finish was only adequate. Staff are friendly and welcoming but the rooms were nothing special. The room we escaped was the contaminated hospital. You will be escorted into the room in a blind fold to get you set up (don't worry, you don't complete the puzzle like that). The puzzles were fair although the flow of the room is somewhat unclear.<br />
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Good thing we had two hints to use! Many of these escape rooms give participants walkie-talkies to ask for help. With all the loud background music, we found it <u>very</u> difficult trying to listen to what they had to say. At other locations, the staff physically come in to give us the hint, saving us time and headaches for both parties. We went back and forth for a good 5 minutes just on hints which cut into our escape time.<br />
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Second concern we had was that they boasted to be the BIGGEST real life escape game - which they certainly were not. Even the smallest room at Escape Games was larger than theirs. Last concern was that they strongly emphasized a 5D experience which basically means human interaction with the puzzle. This emphasis confused us as this is basically what happens in every escape game...<br />
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That being said, we would still give this place the benefit of the doubt and try again; they recommend the Ancient Pyramid for our next visit.<br />
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<b>Did you escape? </b>Yes<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Would you recommend? </b>They have a grand opening promotion right now so we would suggest to go while it lasts. We do not recommend the Contaminated Hospital room as there was nothing special about the puzzles or production.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.iescaped.com/" target="_blank">iEscaped</a></b></span><br />
<b>Address</b>: 5927 Yonge Street, Suite 205<br />
<b>Phone</b>: <a href="tel:416-519-8096" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">416-519-8096</a><br />
<b>Price</b>: <br />
<b>Monday - Thursday: </b>$20 per person (tax included)<br />
<b>Friday - Sunday: </b>$25 per person (tax included)<br />
<b>In a snapshot</b>: one multiple room, two single rooms<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfzSoQkZ3T8/VGAa5h90OGI/AAAAAAAAAso/NDCZxcUYnoM/s1600/63715_391233484335291_2621670110792618039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfzSoQkZ3T8/VGAa5h90OGI/AAAAAAAAAso/NDCZxcUYnoM/s1600/63715_391233484335291_2621670110792618039_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did not escape the 'Abandoned' room!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">iEscaped is another brand new escape location. The interior is designed fairly well and the staff are friendly and welcoming. We decided to try out the 'Abandoned' room. There are two rooms and your group will be split into two rooms, one having a microphone to communicate to the other. The puzzles are somewhat fair and the room definitely lacked flow between the puzzles. However, the main issue are the number of puzzles placed into the room that you have to solve in a 45 minute time frame. The owners mentioned they had beta testers provide feedback, but based on our experience it seems as if the room was not thoroughly tested. Many of the puzzles did not flow and there was absolutely no way to connect Point A to Point B. In fact, they gave us an extra <u>40</u> minutes and unlimited hints and we still were not close to being finished</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We may or may not come back to try the other rooms, but as of today there are better options.</span><br />
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<b>Did you escape? </b>No<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Would you recommend? </b>No. Wait until more people have reviewed this location to see any improvement.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Our Revisited:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://escapegames.ca/" target="_blank">Escape Games</a></b></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Address:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;"> 11 Kodiak Crescent, Toronto, ON (5 Minute Walk from Downsview Station)</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Phone:</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;"> <a href="tel:416-633-6868" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">416-633-6868</a></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Price: </b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Walk-In & Pre-Booked Missions</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Regular Pricing Tuesday - Thursday: $20 per person</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Regular Pricing Friday - Sunday: $22 per person</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Multi-Pass (Same Day Use)</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Tuesday - Thursday (2 Missions): $35 per person</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Friday - Sunday (2 Missions): $40 per person</span><br />
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">* For more details on their rates, check out their website.</i><br />
<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">In a snapshot</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">: Thematic, technological, (really) large rooms, multiple rooms in one escape mission, board games available</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">If you have seen our previous review on Escape Games, then you know that we have loved all the games at this location. With their new room 'End of the Line', this promise continues to deliver. This theme focuses on a subway line where you chase someone who has kidnapped a girl through a subway line. <b>BE WARNED</b>, this room is really spooky - in fact there were many times we were scared. The overall design of the room is phenomenal, you feel as though you are entering through the subway, diving deeper into the secrets of this mystery. In terms of difficulty, I would compare it to the Diamond room that they have. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, Palatino Linotype, Palatino, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20.0200004577637px;">Thumbs up to the Escape Games team for showing their dedication into building these quality rooms. The production value is the best we have seen so far and we eagerly waiting for the next room.. The Haunting of Noriko; their Halloween themed room focused on scaring the **** out of you. Escape Games remains on top as the largest and leading escape room facility. </span></span><br />
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<b>Did you escape? </b>Yes<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Would you recommend? </b>Definitely!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://www.prisonbreaker.ca/" target="_blank">Prison Breakers</a></b></span><br />
<b>Address:</b> 4394 Steeles Ave E, Unit D222<br />
<b>Phone:</b> <a href="tel:905-604-0656" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">905-604-0656</a><br />
<b>Price: </b>Standard admission $20 per player (cash only)<br />
<b>In a snapshot</b>: Thematic, single rooms<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st Place for Poker Face!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">We came back to Prison Breakers to try out their new room Poker Face. This room is bigger than Cold Case and it was very straightforward in terms of their puzzles and flow. It was a lot more enjoyable than the Cold Case room probably because there was actually light! We would definitely recommend this room for beginners. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The owners have full-time jobs so make sure you contact them ahead of time if you plan on testing out their rooms.</span><br />
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<b>Did you escape? </b>Yes<br />
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<b>Would you recommend? </b>YesJonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08584185988316445095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-43400528095506978472014-10-23T10:57:00.000-04:002014-11-18T00:32:51.404-05:00Han Ba Tang - traditional Korean food with a modern twist!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Great music? Check. Innovative drinks? Check. Unique food? Check.<br />
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If you're looking for a new place to drink or just to hang out with friends and catch up over good food then head to Han Ba Tang (HBT) - a newly opened Korean restaurant and bar. They feature traditional ingredients with a modern twist and very innovative drinks! Han Ba Tang actually means "one full round" in Korean. Whether it's a full found of eating, drinking, laughing, playing.. HBT promises a good time. We were invited for a blogger preview of the food and man, I can't say enough good things about this place!<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hanbatangON/timeline" target="_blank">Han Ba Tang</a></span></u></b><br />
<b>Where</b>: 4862 Yonge Street<br />
<b>Price</b>: $ (You can easily spend just $15 per person and be full!)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Puritan, serif;">Let’s
talk about the interior first of all. HBT preserved the old building history
(which by the way was from before World War II!). From the bare exposed brick
wall to the chalk board signs to the worn-and-torn tiled floor, the theme of
the restaurant comes off as awfully cozy for an industrial vintage restaurant.. Mismatching hooks are placed on the
walls and table for your bags and coat. Outlets are placed around the perimeter
of the restaurant for ease of phone charging. </span></div>
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What I seriously love about this place is that they careful into every small detail - water is served in these adorable mason jars! <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Puritan, serif;">Pay a visit to the bathroom and see that this industrial theme carries to the bathroom where wrenches replace door handles and pipes replace toilet paper holders.</span> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocktail menu</td></tr>
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Okay, HOW cool do these drinks sound? HBT knows how to appeal to the younger generation with fun names such as "Party like a Rockstar" and S*** Disturber. BTW, their sangria is always a hit!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HBT Crispy Chili Shrimp Tacos</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Puritan, serif;"><b>Crispy Chili Shrimp Tacos - $4 for one or 3 for $10</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">These tacos are HBT’s best sellers and we could see why! One particular thing we noticed is that, while the flavouring and seasoning was on point, we found it over powered the shrimp flavour. Despite this, these shrimp tacos were easily our favourite of the variety we had.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HBT Tacos 2014 ($10)</td></tr>
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<b>HBT Tacos 2014 (Kalbi Taco, Chicken Breast Taco and Asparagus Taco) $10</b><br />
Um so hands down, the kalbi was the best! Wasn't a huge fan of the asparagus taco but its a good addition for any vegetarians visiting. The chicken breast was a little underwhelming but only because the kalbi was so good in comparison!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimchi Fries!</td></tr>
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<b>Kimchi Fries ($8) + Bulgogi ($3)</b><br />
Kimchi fries is a recent dish that has taken Toronto by storm. We honestly believed we had tasted the best at Banh Mi Boys...until we went to Han Ba Tang. HBT's rendition of these fries includes a housemade gravy topped with Japanese mayo, housemade kimchi and a generous toppping of bulgogi. The kimchi is <u>way</u> more authentic than Banh Mi Boys and its actually SPICY unlike BMB (although some people at our table agreed it could be spicier). If you want to try kimchi fries that could rival BMB, you <b>must</b> try this!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spicy BBQ Chicken ($9) + Cheese Fondue (+$3)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKj-U6X5MPc/VDdwqwPzEhI/AAAAAAAAE2E/b2GCC6RG_GU/s1600/IMG_9004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKj-U6X5MPc/VDdwqwPzEhI/AAAAAAAAE2E/b2GCC6RG_GU/s1600/IMG_9004.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dip it in the cheese fondue..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Or pour it directly over top!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;"><b>Spicy
Chicken ($9.00) with cheese fondue (+$3)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">This was the
table’s favourite dish of the night. It was basically a huge dish with a mix of rice cakes,
spicy barbecue chicken, onions and carrots. The cheese fondue is optional but
we much preferred it with it as it gave the flavour another dimension. Dip it in or mix it it's up to you but we found that mixing it in tasted better :) What is
it with Korean food and cheese that just tastes SO good? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Named after the popular smartphone game, Candy Crush, this cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tart. Mixed with their house made strawberry infused soju as well as a number of different liquers. It reminded of us a tart strawberry jam with a huge alcoholic kick at the end! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spoon Pizza ($9)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay, check out that cheese string action - how can you say no to that?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;"><b>Spoon Pizza (Bacon or kimchi available) - $8</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">Spoon Pizza
is a very popular dish in Korea and is essentially a pizza - but a mashed sweet potato
base replaces the crust. As the name suggests, you “spoon” the pizza and it is
a ooey gooey dish of delicious tomato, cheesey and vegetables. It is the
<b>ultimate comfort food</b> and we could easily picture ourselves eating this on a
cold, chilly day. We HIGHLY recommend this dish because it is simply so unique!
We have never seen such a thing before at any other Korean restaurant before!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shrimps, mussels, crabs, oh my!</td></tr>
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<b style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">Jjambbong Ramyun - $10 for a small, $18 for a large</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">Jjambbong
(or Champong as it is sometimes seen on menus) is a popular Korean spicy
seafood noodle soup served, in this case, with ramyun noodles. At first sip you
can taste an incredible amount of seafood in the soup. To match, there is a
generous amount of seafood in the dish including shrimp, mussels and CRAB. Yes,
crab!! In terms of the size, the first night we came we had 4 people share the large and it was MORE than enough to fill us. 2 people could easily eat the large and be full from just that!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Apple Cinnamon Soju Drink!</td></tr>
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This was a tester drink where they got the idea from a customer. First of all, can we talk about how they really value input from their customers and actually take it into consideration? Mad props and respect for that!! </div>
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Secondly, we seriously hope they will keep this drink on the menu because it is unlike anything I've ever tasted before. You can still taste the soju (which by the way is infused with apples and cinnamon sticks). This drink reminded me of a really clean apple pie and was absolutely my favourite drink of the night.</div>
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<b>Cutlet Combo Board (Deep fried pork cutlet, fish cutlet and shrimp cutlet) - $20</b></div>
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Finally, this enormous platter was the final dish and this could easily fill up 4-6 people, if you plan on ordering it! The sauces paired up with with food on the board. There was minimal breading on the food and yet they managed to get it SO crispy! Without a doubt, their shrimp and fish were the best!!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0i2TjHBjkk/VDd2aSLSTOI/AAAAAAAAE3k/xMLpA1DpNUw/s1600/IMG_8972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0i2TjHBjkk/VDd2aSLSTOI/AAAAAAAAE3k/xMLpA1DpNUw/s1600/IMG_8972.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Infused Soju - Soju Flight ($15 for 4 shots)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;"><b>Infused Soju - $15 for a flight of 4 shots</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">One of the
coolest things about HBT is that they make their own infused soju! This changes weekly as they infuse it themselves. At the time of our visit they had citrus (lemon/lime), strawberry,
cucumber, pineapple, apple and cinnamon, ginseng and dates. Our favourites were
easily the pineapple, strawberry, and apple and cinnamon (which, btw, tastes like an
alcoholic apple pie!). The ginseng is more for someone who can really take a bitter drink!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif;">Lastly, we got the chance to preview their Halloween menu which is FILLED with delicious and extremely creative food and drinks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Puritan, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Halloween Preview (Available October 24, 2014 - October 31, 2014)</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIoZT2fVXMk/VDf5GwyhhwI/AAAAAAAAE4s/FDc-DaFNoVs/s1600/IMG_8964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIoZT2fVXMk/VDf5GwyhhwI/AAAAAAAAE4s/FDc-DaFNoVs/s1600/IMG_8964.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first dish that we previewed was this Spider Spaghetti! Made with squid ink fettuccine and a topped with a spider made of black olives. A spooky take on this Korean fusion dish.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween Kimchi Fries</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nU-vYRmprxg/VDf5gff5PVI/AAAAAAAAE44/eLB0AECbGkI/s1600/IMG_8962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nU-vYRmprxg/VDf5gff5PVI/AAAAAAAAE44/eLB0AECbGkI/s1600/IMG_8962.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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The decorative drink to the left is their Halloween special called "Vampire's Kiss". It's made with a layer of grenadine, blue curacao, strawberry-infused soju amongst other liquers. And in case you were wondering, yes it is served with the vampire teeth in it to own up to its name. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBBkaOdimY/VDd18NLMXDI/AAAAAAAAE3M/06S75bHFAv8/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OuBBkaOdimY/VDd18NLMXDI/AAAAAAAAE3M/06S75bHFAv8/s1600/IMG_8950.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of our favourite previews of the night was this Charlie Brown themed dish. You all remember Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin? Well HBT has managed to make a miniature version of the Great Pumpkin and filled it with Ramyun and a delicious pesto sauce. Check out the demon design in the corner - now that is detailed presentation!</div>
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Han Ba Tang is first and foremost, a fusion restaurant and their drinks play up to that as well. Above is their take on the Mexican Bulldog except with Fruli and a blend of different liquers. When you get near the end of the drink, the liquers mix together and make the drink purple!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S88hP_DF0cs/VDd2N6VaqII/AAAAAAAAE3c/HdlHy74OpGA/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S88hP_DF0cs/VDd2N6VaqII/AAAAAAAAE3c/HdlHy74OpGA/s1600/IMG_8967.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Goblin. Before mixing (left) and after mixing (right)</td></tr>
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Finally to top off the Halloween drinks - Green Goblin is a very unique drink that turns green (as the name suggests!). Now the swampwater green may be off putting, visually, but it is a surprisingly fruity drink! This caters more towards the ladies who want an alcoholic drink without that strong kick at the end because this literally tastes like juice! Green Goblin is also available in shot form - made the same way just in a smaller form :)<br />
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We will undoubtedly be back at this restaurant again (we've gone twice already!). HBT's hip and modern nature is a breath of fresh air in a neighborhood that prides itself on traditional Korean food. If you love Korean food and are looking for something different then <b>RUN</b>, don't walk, to Han Ba Tang. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank you to Han Ba Tang for the amazing meal!!</td></tr>
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Please note that food was for this media preview was provided by Han Ba Tang but all opinions are our own.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d2881.480482921189!2d-79.411671!3d43.76288399999999!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x882b2d64f91a4439%3A0x3e0fd5b3d55de893!2sHan+Ba+Tang!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1413147298898" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
</div>
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1871522/restaurant/North-York/Han-Ba-Tang-Toronto"><img alt="Han Ba Tang on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1871522/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-88286263696895794162014-10-21T11:56:00.006-04:002014-11-18T00:34:00.128-05:00In the Kitchen: MINDBLOWING Potato ChipsYes, I realize that is a bold claim but I am honestly freaking out about these potato chips! In my naive mind, I always believed that potato chips needed to be deep fried in lots of oil but man I didn't realize it was this simple. One of the main reasons why I like to cook my own food is because I like seeing <u>exactly</u> what goes into my food. Being able to control how much salt goes into these potato chips <u>and</u> seeing that all it took was some oil and potato to make some addictingly crispy chips has sold me . I am such a believer in these microwave chips now!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp53Q-KOLSU/VEaABEW0d5I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/mA0XWuE-wLQ/s1600/10724098_825041584184001_632065689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fp53Q-KOLSU/VEaABEW0d5I/AAAAAAAAE6Q/mA0XWuE-wLQ/s400/10724098_825041584184001_632065689_n.jpg" /></a></div>
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Honestly, the possibilities are endless. Imagine arranging the potatoes into a spiral shape and them microwaving them to create one large spiral potato chip. You can serve steak on top of that! Or a light salad! Or I'm getting so excited just typing this recipe. </div>
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<b>I n g r e d i e n t s:</b><br />
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<li>1 potato sliced paper thin (peel optional, I kept mine on)</li>
<li>1 tablespoon vegetable oil</li>
<li>1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)</li>
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<b>D i r e c t i o n s</b></div>
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s t e p o n e </div>
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Pour the oil into a plastic ziploc bag (or produce bag). Add the potato slices and shake to lightly coat</div>
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s t e p t w o </div>
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Coat a large plate with oil or use parchment paper. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer on the dish. Do NOT over lap them or you will end up with chips that have melded into one another.</div>
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s t e p t h r e e</div>
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Microwave on high for 3-5 minutes (I did 5 minutes to make it extra crispy). Toss with salt or any other seasonings you like and enjoy!</div>
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-33061289858612903072014-09-29T08:41:00.000-04:002014-11-18T00:34:05.232-05:00CJ PLAYS: Tree Top Trekking @ Eco Adventure Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjuSF7cDv8Y/U80sBDrPzzI/AAAAAAAAEhg/ioculIBcAKY/s1600/tree+top.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vjuSF7cDv8Y/U80sBDrPzzI/AAAAAAAAEhg/ioculIBcAKY/s1600/tree+top.png" height="138" width="640" /></a></div>
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Located in Oshawa, Ontario, Eco-Adventure Park was just under an hour's drive away.<br />
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Tips for first timers:<br />
<ul>
<li>Would definitely recommend work out gloves though it is not required. Halfway through the course, my hands were starting to hurt !</li>
<li>Bug spray and sunscreen! More emphasis on the bug spray because we got eaten alive up there!</li>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNIhPhW0tbU/U9GfHHTsRZI/AAAAAAAAEjM/hkzw1NbPE0A/s1600/GOPR0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNIhPhW0tbU/U9GfHHTsRZI/AAAAAAAAEjM/hkzw1NbPE0A/s1600/GOPR0228.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The guides are excellent - they are very friendly and knowledgeable. Before you begin the course, they started with a safety briefing and required all participants to go through a miniature low course to go through all safety procedures such as the right way to clip on, the correct way to zipline, etc. This was to ensure that all participants understood the safety rules before they were allowed to go on the actual course. They are VERY big on safety here which, I believe, is extremely important if you are 80 meters up in the air!<br />
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If you're afraid of heights, this is the perfect place to conquer your fear and if the heights don't phase you, this is the perfect place to challenge yourself and climb through the trees! The courses we chose included the beginner, intermediate and advance course with the last level being the most physically demanding (but extremely rewarding once completed).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfL7KWRIBfY/U9VoMzYOc_I/AAAAAAAAEjk/EcJbg_MEkrM/s1600/Tim+Swinging.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfL7KWRIBfY/U9VoMzYOc_I/AAAAAAAAEjk/EcJbg_MEkrM/s1600/Tim+Swinging.gif" /></a></div>
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Just a note - the courses are technical and you do need to be in some sort of physical shape (get ready to sweat!) to get through the course. However, our group had ages 16 - 50 years old and every one completed it. Just take your time and keep going :).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W41od2BhH_s/U9Vp-1HtejI/AAAAAAAAEjw/E_3FOR3XHB8/s1600/Stanley+Logs.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W41od2BhH_s/U9Vp-1HtejI/AAAAAAAAEjw/E_3FOR3XHB8/s1600/Stanley+Logs.gif" /></a></div>
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There were multiple small zip lining opportunities spread throughout the course as well as two very large zips that lasted about 30 seconds - 1 minute (one over a small canyon and the other that takes you back to the beginning of the course).<br />
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One aspect that we really liked about Eco-Adventure Park is that they give you a LOT of freedom. We were expecting a guide to take us through the course, but they stayed on the ground and just checked in between courses.<br />
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It's both physically and mentally challenging. The entire course takes approximately 3 hours. I am terrified of heights but for some reason, I wasn't too scared . Probably because I was securely attached to the ropes so I felt safe!<br />
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If you're never done anything like this before, be prepared to get an adrenaline rush halfway through the course and to experience a new sort of fear as you venture across ropes, through barrels, around obstacles and threw the forest - all while balancing on a thin cable! We would definitely recommend Eco-Adventure Park to anyone - great staff and the course flowed nicely with great views and plenty of zipline opportunities!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d2868.8237286817703!2d-78.928085!3d44.025037!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x0%3A0x406e7ceaa469acb!2sTreetop+Eco-Adventure+Park!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sca!4v1406550469323" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-44067638982702542382014-09-28T20:43:00.001-04:002014-11-18T00:34:10.825-05:00the sanctuaryMy friend, Josh, recently decided to start pop-up dinners in the comfort of his own home in Waterloo. I had the pleasure of attending his first dinner and was pleasantly surprised! His theme for the night was "<b>Market Creations</b>" where he created the menu based on what's in season. Sometimes it'll be a menu will be entirely based on a day at the farmer's market. For our meal specifically, he drew his inspiration from fresh produce available at the farmer's market on Thursday for our meal on Saturday.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmhYY8EPdk4/VCiaxw-F4zI/AAAAAAAAEzs/BXjgD4RgXEs/s1600/2014-09-28%2B07.28.54%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RmhYY8EPdk4/VCiaxw-F4zI/AAAAAAAAEzs/BXjgD4RgXEs/s1600/2014-09-28%2B07.28.54%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://sanctuaryandchase.wix.com/home" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>the sanctuary</b></span></a><br />
<b>Price</b>: Suggested donation of $24<br />
<b>Location:</b> Provided upon reservation<br />
<b>Notes</b>: First come first serve for events; Depending on what event he chooses to do, the minimum party reservation will change. (For our event, it was 4 people minimum)<br />
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<b>Seasonal Salad </b><i>(pictured above)</i></div>
<i>(Zucchini, cucumbers, barley, dill, cherry tomatoes dressed in a light citrus dressing)</i><br />
This was honestly such a great start to our meal and I think it was my favourite dish of the night. It was a really light dish which I always appreciate. Josh, if you're reading this - I NEED THE RECIPE FOR THIS DRESSING! It was that good and I am now a believer of barley<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkC4MyZHX2k/VCiax4NLN7I/AAAAAAAAEzw/_zmz9Nbu6-g/s1600/2014-09-28%2B07.28.36%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dkC4MyZHX2k/VCiax4NLN7I/AAAAAAAAEzw/_zmz9Nbu6-g/s1600/2014-09-28%2B07.28.36%2B1.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<b>Slow Braised Rabbit with Pappardelle</b><br />
<i>(Rabbit bolognese sauce with pappardelle)</i><br />
While this was a delicious dish, it was probably my least favourite of the three (the appetizer and dessert seriously set the bar high!). Now, none of us had ever eaten rabbit before so we honestly did not know what to expect. It wasn't as gamey as I expected and Josh did a wonderful job of slow braising it as the rabbit was moist and tender and the pappardelle was perfectly al dente. The only negative of this dish was that there was a slight lack of salt and my food was not very warm when I got the dish. However, little kinks that can easily be over looked seeing as it's his first pop-up dinner!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOtTm_E4vfA/VCiaxghTxMI/AAAAAAAAEzo/ZQeI8L2KIh0/s1600/2014-09-28%2B11.00.30%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bOtTm_E4vfA/VCiaxghTxMI/AAAAAAAAEzo/ZQeI8L2KIh0/s1600/2014-09-28%2B11.00.30%2B1.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Grapefruit Olive Oil Cake</b><br />
<i>(Grapefruit olive oil cake with a sweet citrus syrup and pistachio)</i><br />
I loved how unique this dish was! Grapefruit and olive oil? Never would have thought that would work. This was perfectly baked with an extremely satisfying crusty exterior and fluffy inside. The tart citrus sauce he drizzled on top made it even better. This was actually a favourite dish for a majority of the party and was an excellent way to end the meal :)<br />
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It was a suggested donation of $24 for dinner (+$10 pp for wine pairings). Our group didn't get the wine but we decided to pay $30 in the end.<br />
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As with any first time, there are kinks to work out but I totally disregard these as it's his first time and I'm more than confident that he'll only improve with experience. It should also be noted that he runs a <u>one-man show</u>. Everything from creation of the menu, buying the ingredients, preparation <u>and</u> service is done by him and only him. Definitely have to give him props for that because that is an exhausting task.<br />
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If you're looking for an unconventional dinner then I strongly urge you to try the sanctuary. It's refreshing to see someone return to their roots and cook simply because they love to. Josh told us he has tons of new ideas such as a dinner party where you are only allowed reservations for one. This ensures you're dining with strangers and you're meeting new people and bonding over one common love - food! So excited to see what's in store for the sanctuary and its upcoming events!<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-74395651529173817042014-09-21T23:16:00.001-04:002014-09-21T23:16:31.669-04:00Food Issues That Truly Divide Us AllOkay but does anyone ACTUALLY put ketchup straight on to their fries like that? THEY GET SOGGY!<br />
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via <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/2grghh/there_are_two_kinds_of_people_in_the_world/" target="_blank">Reddit</a><br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-22783143803914145412014-08-15T14:00:00.000-04:002014-08-15T14:00:03.668-04:00Kingyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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J is done university which is totally to be expected but worth celebrating anyways!<br />
<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://kingyotoronto.ca/" target="_blank">Kingyo</a></span></u></b><br />
<b>Where</b>: 51 Winchester Street, Toronto, ON<br />
<b>Price</b>: $$$ (Our bill was $72 for 2 people, tax and tip included)<br />
<b>Note</b>: Reserve ahead of time because it can get VERY busy, especially on weekends<br />
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The area is much larger than Guu (seats approximately 120 people), for those who use Guu as their bench mark for izakayas and fortunately, it's not as crowded or loud! In the centre of the restaurant, a long fish tank is embedded in the table and filled with goldfish (<i>kingyo</i> in Japanese means goldfish!). There were little drinking games at the bar and electronic arcade machines that lit up on the walls (you can find them outside the washrooms and if you win the jackpot, you get a gift card to Kingyo!). There were even projections of anime shows on the wall. Hooray for Doraemon!<br />
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A note on the service: absolutely wonderful. They constantly changed our plates and our water glasses were always topped up. The servers were extremely gracious and knew the menu very well. Very impressed with the service :)<br />
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The TAKOWASABI ($4.20) was a delight for the eyes and for the stomach. The presentation was on point and I almost didn't want to eat it! You have the choice of asking for the octopus fully cooked, raw or half and half. We went with half and half and were served two small bowls (one with fully cooked, the other with raw). The presentation was so extravagant for just takowasabi!<br />
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We didn't hear too many good things about Kingyo's fresh fish but decided to give it a shot anyways. We ordered the MAGURO CARPACCIO ($11.20) and were pleasantly surprised by the size of the dish. T<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">hinly sliced ahi-tuna carpaccio were placed on a bed of spring mix, avocado, radish sprouts, daikon radish, onions & topped with crispy garlic chips and their house dressing. While it was great that there were so many ingredients, this can also be a pitfall as you lose the delicate tuna flavour amongst all the other ingredients. Still a refreshing started and we really can't complain about the size of it!</span></span><br />
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KARAAGE has always been a must-order for us as we love our fried chicken (or well, C does..). Kingyo's famous deep fried chicken karaage from "O-Sho restaurant" in Japan was served with a magic powder (a sansho pepper blend) and a small lemon wedge. The portion was quite generous with large, moist pieces of crispy fried chicken. The chicken was delicious on its own and the magic powder was not necessarily needed.<br />
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We were hoping to order uni shooters when we went but they didn't have any on their special menu :( <br />
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The STONE GRILLED BEEF TONGUE ($10.20) was an incredibly fun dish. Thin slices of raw beef were placed in front of us along with a sizzling stone. You cooked the meat yourself on the stone for about 1 minute or so before dipping it into one of the sauces provided. Interactive dishes like this are so much fun :) Just a note, the stone loses its heat after while and they will replace it for you.<br />
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We got two pasta dishes: KIMCHI UDON ($8.80) and the GOMA RAMEN SALAD WITH SPICY COD ROE ($7.80). J didn't particularly like the Kimchi udon as it was too creamy but I really enjoyed it. We both agreed it could have used a LOT more kimchi though especially when thats the name of the udon!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GOMA RAMEN SALAD W/ SPICY COD ROE ($7.80)</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The Goma Ramen Salad had a combination of BBQ pork, cucumbers, marinated sea kelp and spicy cod roe. It was tossed in a tangy house sesame dressing. Cold ramen done right! The sesame dressing was addicting and this was a really refreshing dish</span><br />
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We ended off the meal with their 2 COLOUR ALMOND TOFU ($5.80). A small Jasmine jello layer at the top and a layer of berry sauce in the middle of an almond tofu. Now that I've learned to make almond tofu, it seems like a waste to get it in restaurants but this was freaking delicious. We made the regrettable mistake of only getting one almond tofu - get two, you won't want to share.<br />
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The food and presentation were amazing at Kingyo. You're definitely paying a premium, in comparison to other izakayas but it is worth your money.
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Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-78460706055405442092014-08-14T14:12:00.000-04:002014-08-14T14:12:00.685-04:00Cho Sun Ok<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Craving Korean food but it's a hot, sweltering day? Have no fear, Cho Sun Ok's cold noodles are here! This restaurant specializes in cold noodles but seriously, all its dishes are pretty darn good<br />
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<a href="http://www.chosunok.ca/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cho Sun Ok</span></b></a><br />
<b>Where</b>: 7353 Yonge St, Toronto, ON<br />
<b>Price</b>: $<br />
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Cho Sun Ok specializes in MOOL NAENGMYUN which are cold chewy arrowroot noodles in a tangy icy beef broth. Trust me, I was very sceptical about cold noodles (I'm more of a piping hot bowl of noodles kind of gal) but man, I'm a believer now! We ordered the Mool Naengmyun with the Galbi option ($17.95). There is also the option to have it alone ($8.95) or add on a plate steamed/fried dumplings. The servings they give for the kalbi and dumplings are huge!<br />
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We also got the DONKATSU ($9.95) and were pleasantly surprised when two HUGE pieces of crispy pork were place in front of us. I kid you not, they are VERY generous with their servings<br />
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Lastly, we ordered the BUL NAK JEONGOL ($29.95) which had onions, green onions, cabbage, squid, bulgogi served in a spicy beef broth in a hot pot topped with glass noodles. This is one of our absolute favourite Korean comfort food even if it's a boiling hot day outside. We were a little disappointed as it is a very small portion in comparison to <a href="http://cjnoms.blogspot.ca/2014/08/oh-geul-boh-geul.html" target="_blank"><b>Oh Geul Boh Geul </b></a>but hey, the flavours were there and it was still very yummy :)<br />
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<br />Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-51084480826491273392014-08-12T10:00:00.002-04:002014-08-12T10:00:40.638-04:00CJ PLAYS: The Hub Climbing - A Great Bouldering Experience!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://hubclimbing.com/" target="_blank">The Hub Climbing</a></span></u></b><br />
<b>Where</b>: 165 Macintosh Dr, Markham, ON<br />
<b>Price</b>: $$ ($17 for a day pass, 15% off for FT students, teachers, police, fire, ambulance and active military personnel)<br />
<b>Note</b>: Climbing shoes are MANDATORY ($5.50 unless you have your own)<br />
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The newest bouldering gym, The Hub is located in Markham - FINALLY a good bouldering gym in the GTA region!<br />
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*Disclaimer: As a beginner, I worry about different things than a more seasoned climber may worry about so this review will be written in the perspective of a beginner.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-di2rENM13v4/U-oce_RV8UI/AAAAAAAAEoI/Ff0JTiMIThE/s1600/20140811_220305_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-di2rENM13v4/U-oce_RV8UI/AAAAAAAAEoI/Ff0JTiMIThE/s1600/20140811_220305_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first thing you notice when you walk into The Hub is how incredibly large and CLEAN it is. Obviously, since it has just opened.. but also clean because The Hub arranges it's problems based on colour and doesn't use the conventional taping method that True North and most other gyms use. The OCD side of me really enjoys seeing the nice thematic look of it all :). My only concern is that I don't get to try different holds with certain colours. You have to pretty much commit to a certain hold for an entire problem.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3oIKcZf4v8/U-ocfiEcfiI/AAAAAAAAEoY/Y35bB-BlQuY/s1600/20140811_220334_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O3oIKcZf4v8/U-ocfiEcfiI/AAAAAAAAEoY/Y35bB-BlQuY/s1600/20140811_220334_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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There were tons of problems for any level so getting engaged is not an issue for a boulderer at any level. What's fantastic about The Hub is they will have beginner puzzles for each different type of surface. Want to learn to scale an arch? There's a V0 for that. Want to learn how to climb uneven surfaces ? There's a V0 for that! There is even a wall that simulates the wall used for world bouldering competition!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sklq2e-G5OY/U-oce-LGiUI/AAAAAAAAEoM/x20OExFDLBQ/s1600/20140811_220237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sklq2e-G5OY/U-oce-LGiUI/AAAAAAAAEoM/x20OExFDLBQ/s1600/20140811_220237.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World competition wall</td></tr>
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There are two areas where you can top out - one which includes a slide while the other features a down climb. If you're interested in actual belay rock climbing, there are several walls for that but they are much shorter than other facilities. If you're coming for belayed rock climbing, go else where because The Hub's strong suit is really bouldering.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-nsUWUfpTw/U9DzG2v-AiI/AAAAAAAAEi8/1rwZz38MXys/s1600/IMG_20140627_163031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p-nsUWUfpTw/U9DzG2v-AiI/AAAAAAAAEi8/1rwZz38MXys/s1600/IMG_20140627_163031.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dragon!</td></tr>
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The ultimate challenge of The Hub however, is the dragon - a huge overhang structure that looms over you. As it is so tall, a huge foam pit is placed at the bottom rather than a pad. Anyone can (attempt to) conquer the dragon and it has become the main challenge for most people.<br />
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In terms of safety, The Hub has covered all its bases - thick double lined pads layer the floor which (based on many experiences) don't have a problem padding all my falls haha!<br />
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Run, don't walk to The Hub. It's a great activity for a large group of friends and really switches up your work out. Trust me, you'll be sore the next day and your palms will be burning.Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-67472637929929674322014-08-11T08:38:00.000-04:002014-08-12T13:43:12.676-04:00Oh Geul Boh Geul<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y0kj4E0EjU/U-i45j1_o_I/AAAAAAAAEng/FPr_TIXiJj4/s1600/20140531_180826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y0kj4E0EjU/U-i45j1_o_I/AAAAAAAAEng/FPr_TIXiJj4/s1600/20140531_180826.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bul Nak Jeon Gol ($29.95)</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favourite places to enjoy Korean hotpot .. fantastic food, reasonable prices and HUGE portions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Oh Geul Boh Geul</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where: 5320 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Price: $$ ($36 for two people, tax & tip included)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">We ordered the <b>Bul Nak Jeon Gol ($29.95)</b> which was hot pot with beef sausages, octopus, clear noodles, tofu, mushrooms, Korean cabbage, zucchini, watercress, hot peppers and onions. It comes with two bowls of purple rice as well but we barely touched those. It's cooked in front of you which is always fun :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">If you're craving hotpot, THIS is the place to get it. Huge portion and very generous amount of ingredients. The menu states that it can feed two people but it could have EASILY fed a third person - especially if eaten with rice.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYgyXwqUu0E/U-i46TZSbUI/AAAAAAAAEnk/KmqOzmPhMhs/s1600/20140531_180014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JYgyXwqUu0E/U-i46TZSbUI/AAAAAAAAEnk/KmqOzmPhMhs/s1600/20140531_180014.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Another note: holy moly, they give a LOT of banchan - atleast 8 different kinds of banchan with even a huge pancake! And yes, you are allowed refills! Honestly, I could get full just eating the appetizers.. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Definitely planning to come here again, that darn hot pot was just too good !</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/762404/restaurant/Toronto/Oh-Geul-Boh-Geul-North-York"><img alt="Oh Geul Boh Geul on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/762404/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-8043039566016787762014-08-06T07:07:00.006-04:002014-08-12T10:13:27.427-04:00The One That Got Away<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO4UxccCLCU/U-ILFmP1NBI/AAAAAAAAEms/uhaMfVh2WNo/s1600/2014-08-02+08.14.42+1.jpg" height="480" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: COD & FRIES ($9.49)<br />
Right: FISH BASKET - shrimp, scallops, calamari, haddock, fries, coleslaw ($15.99)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rO4UxccCLCU/U-ILFmP1NBI/AAAAAAAAEms/uhaMfVh2WNo/s1600/2014-08-02+08.14.42+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
Great place for seafood but not so much their fish!<br />
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<a href="http://totga.ca/" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The One That Got Away</span></b></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where: <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.199999809265137px;">581 King Street W, Toronto, ON</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Price: $ </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Note: There is very limited seating! This is more of a take-away place but if you go on off times you'll be able to snag a seat :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVcAv_UY9wo/U-IMTfDWBkI/AAAAAAAAEm8/1IlB-bg3Mv0/s1600/20140801_165733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVcAv_UY9wo/U-IMTfDWBkI/AAAAAAAAEm8/1IlB-bg3Mv0/s1600/20140801_165733.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">We ordered the COD AND FRIES ($9.49) and the FISH BASKET ($15.99) which included shrimp, scallops, calamari, haddock, fries and coleslaw.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUXUhXAM8iw/U-IMTXFJwdI/AAAAAAAAEm4/hu3F0KSLHkA/s1600/20140801_165821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QUXUhXAM8iw/U-IMTXFJwdI/AAAAAAAAEm4/hu3F0KSLHkA/s1600/20140801_165821.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">Personally, for a fish and chips place, I didn't think the cod or haddock was that memorable. The batter kept falling off and it got really messy with flakes of fish and batter here and there. You couldn't really taste the fish cause there was just too much batter which is a shame considering they use ONLY sustainable fish.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">BUT, the scallops, shrimps and calamari STOLE the show. A nice thin crispy batter that didn't hide the delicious the lovely taste of the seafood one bit. The calamari and scallops are a must-get!!</span></span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m8!1m3!1d2887.1826546310067!2d-79.39978599999999!3d43.644368!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x882b34cba476e9dd%3A0x8bfdd74e9355e0d3!2sThe+One+That+Got+Away!5e0!3m2!1sen!2s!4v1407323313039" style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1558460/restaurant/King-West/The-One-That-Got-Away-Toronto"><img alt="The One That Got Away on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1558460/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-38469902458934873792014-07-30T07:53:00.004-04:002014-09-28T21:09:55.698-04:00Food Adventure from Finch to Union!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IptMZMUytIA/VCixVr6Ak0I/AAAAAAAAE0I/HrCowORJB_s/s1600/CK%2BFinch%2Bto%2BUnion%2BAdventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IptMZMUytIA/VCixVr6Ak0I/AAAAAAAAE0I/HrCowORJB_s/s1600/CK%2BFinch%2Bto%2BUnion%2BAdventure.jpg" height="403" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This summer, my sister and I decided to finally check this item off our bucket list</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.25px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>✔Walk from Finch Station to Union Station</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But why stop there? We both love to eat so why not make this into a foodie adventure? So we laced up our trainers and decided to embark on our biggest food adventure and hit restaurants, cafes, diners and from Finch to Union Station. We were completely confident that we could walk from Finch to Union in about 2.5 hour - 3 hours since we both go hiking but this trip took 5.5 hours with the multiple food stops we made. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Originally, we had a list of 17 restaurants we wanted to hit up but unfortunately, it was taking too long as we had to finish by the early afternoon. So, 3 hours and 3 restaurants in, with a heavy heart we cut out almost 12 restaurants :( Oh well, more incentive to do this trip again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On to all the places we went that day!! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDYY7Lplu8c/U8a64OE2-LI/AAAAAAAAEgE/lEJUGv0dU-U/s1600/IMG_20140705_113316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDYY7Lplu8c/U8a64OE2-LI/AAAAAAAAEgE/lEJUGv0dU-U/s1600/IMG_20140705_113316.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4iGDxJA8sQ/U8a9IyHMxEI/AAAAAAAAEg4/ek1CRsm91G8/s1600/20140705_113042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4iGDxJA8sQ/U8a9IyHMxEI/AAAAAAAAEg4/ek1CRsm91G8/s1600/20140705_113042.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Stop #1: Butter Avenue</b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Address: 3467 Yonge Street</span><br />
TTC Station: Lawrence<br />
Kilometers from Finch: 5.3km<br />
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First stop was to Butter Avenue, my ultimate favourite macaron place. Didn't get too much however, just two macarons to give us a little sugar start :). Earl grey for my sister and passion fruit cream cheese for me.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1646451/restaurant/North-Toronto/Butter-Avenue-Toronto" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Butter Avenue on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1646451/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xsyJvqMMo4/U8afV1MagqI/AAAAAAAAEfM/kHzXbftjScU/s1600/20140705_122100_Richtone(HDR).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xsyJvqMMo4/U8afV1MagqI/AAAAAAAAEfM/kHzXbftjScU/s1600/20140705_122100_Richtone(HDR).jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop #2: Touhenboku Ramen</span></b><br />
Address: 2459 Yonge Street<br />
TTC Station: Eglinton<br />
Kilometers from Finch: 7.9 km<br />
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Stopped by Touhenboku for lunch and ordered a steaming bowl of ramen. At Touhenboku, you choose a soup base (we chose the black soup base which had black garlic oil), your protein (pork belly) and the type of noodle you want (thin or thick, we went with the latter). We also split a chicken kaarage (super tender, crispy and with a generous side of Japanese mayo) and a mille crepe cake which is basically many layers of crepe with whipping cream and a delicious fruit galze. It's such a light cake and is literally a bite of heaven - sweet, chewy and highly satisfying.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttYKmG0kOCA/U8a9F70H1xI/AAAAAAAAEgU/5hw0d1saL_A/s1600/2014-07-10+10.49.05+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ttYKmG0kOCA/U8a9F70H1xI/AAAAAAAAEgU/5hw0d1saL_A/s1600/2014-07-10+10.49.05+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
The noodles were chewy and thick, the pork belly was deliciously fatty, the soup was creamy and well seasoned, it was so satisfying! The garlic in our soup was a nice hint and not a huge slap in the face like the Kinton ramen which comes with a huge pile of garlic. Would come here again to try their other soup bases!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1846406/restaurant/Midtown/Touhenboku-Ramen-Toronto" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Touhenboku Ramen on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1846406/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbJIgc-jLvQ/U8a9IU5QWjI/AAAAAAAAEg0/z4PBY_IyEns/s1600/20140531_162034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbJIgc-jLvQ/U8a9IU5QWjI/AAAAAAAAEg0/z4PBY_IyEns/s1600/20140531_162034.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macarons :D</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop #3: Nadege</span></b><br />
<b>Address</b>: 5 Macpherson Ave<br />
<b>TTC Station</b>: Summerhill<br />
<b>Kilometers from Finch</b>: 11.6km<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gm1a2LUEv0/U8a9IdJMQbI/AAAAAAAAEgs/dbawnhpm-s8/s1600/20140531_161926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Gm1a2LUEv0/U8a9IdJMQbI/AAAAAAAAEgs/dbawnhpm-s8/s1600/20140531_161926.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Lovely pastries! They even had the petit choux - delicate, bite sized cream puffs topped with icings and garnishes of various flavours such as green tea, lemon, cassis, etc.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_o_9mx0L4Y/U8a9HB1KM6I/AAAAAAAAEgg/wLx2lIuET08/s1600/20140531_161727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A_o_9mx0L4Y/U8a9HB1KM6I/AAAAAAAAEgg/wLx2lIuET08/s1600/20140531_161727.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nadege has an entire alphabet of speciality chocolates where each letter represents a unique ingredient added into the chocolate. For example, the "C" chocolate is a Coffee dark chocolate while the "J" chocolate was infused with jasmine. Quite a cute treat if you want to give to someone.</div>
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We ended up getting the salted caramel and matcha green tea - good but not as great as Butter Avenue . </div>
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Check them out - you can also order online!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1597379/restaurant/Midtown/Nadege-Patisserie-Toronto"><img alt="Nadege Patisserie on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1597379/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop #4: Greenhouse Juice Co.</span></b><br />
<b>Address</b>: 5 Macpherson Ave<br />
<b>TTC Station</b>: Summerhill<br />
<b>Kilometers from Finch</b>: 11.6km<br />
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My sister requested a stop at Greenhouse Juice Co. because we have recently gotten into green juices and smoothies. We got three juices - The Good ($8.50 - romaine, spinach, cucumber, celery, lemon, Himalayan salt) , Rabbit, Run ($7.50 - carrot, apple, ginger) and East of Eden ($8.50 -romaine, kale, celery, apple, lemon).<br />
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The juices are quite pricey but worth every penny? You bet. A few minutes after drinking this you can err.. definitely feel it working. Was running to the bathroom in a second!<br />
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We're hoping to try their juice cleanse very soon :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1818345/restaurant/Yorkville/Greenhouse-Juice-Co-Toronto"><img alt="Greenhouse Juice Co. on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1818345/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop #5: Banh Mi Boys</span></b><br />
<b>Address</b>: 399 Yonge Street<br />
<b>TTC Station</b>: College<br />
<b>Kilometers from Finch</b>: 13.9km<br />
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No room in our stomach for kim chi fries, but I've had them before so I wasn't too disappointed. The kalbi bun was, of course, delicious. They are extremely generous with the toppings and you can choose the spicy level.<br />
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The best part of these baos is the soft bun and the kalbi had a sweetness to it that tied the whole banh mi together very well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1758412/restaurant/Downtown-Ryerson-University/Banh-Mi-Boys-Toronto"><img alt="Banh Mi Boys on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1758412/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PukTynhgWo/U8a9H_gZQmI/AAAAAAAAEgk/uRCQmzBFab0/s1600/2014-07-05+03.29.50+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9PukTynhgWo/U8a9H_gZQmI/AAAAAAAAEgk/uRCQmzBFab0/s1600/2014-07-05+03.29.50+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NdvCaZggS4/U8a9Fzw4u1I/AAAAAAAAEgQ/STSEwdQtQDw/s1600/2014-07-05+03.32.40+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NdvCaZggS4/U8a9Fzw4u1I/AAAAAAAAEgQ/STSEwdQtQDw/s1600/2014-07-05+03.32.40+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stop #6: <a href="http://milkbarstore.com/" target="_blank">Momofuku Milkbar</a></span></b><br />
<b>Address</b>: 190 University<br />
<b>TTC Station</b>: Osgoode<br />
<b>Kilometers from Finch</b>: 15.4km<br />
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Our last stop was Momofuku Milkbar and of course we had to pick up the cereal milk soft serve, the double double soft serve and a piece of crack pie! I wouldn't call the soft serves phenomenal but the crack pie definitely lived up to its name and all the hype. I couldn't stop eating it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1767245/restaurant/Entertainment-District/Momofuku-Milk-Bar-Toronto"><img alt="Momofuku Milk Bar on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1767245/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a><br />
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15.6 km later, we were finally done! One of the most satisfying walks of my life. In total we burned an estimated 1422 calories but ate much more. Great exercise and I highly encourage anyone who's looking for something out of the ordinary to do this walk. My sister and I are hoping to do this walk again soon and hit the restaurants we missed on our list!<br />
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If you're planning to do this walk, there are quite a few themes you could do:<br />
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<li>Hit all the ramen places on or around Yonge Street from Finch - Union</li>
<li>Hit all the bakeries on or around Yonge Stree from Finch - Union</li>
<li>Fastest time to get from Finch to Union</li>
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I urge you to strap on your shoes and go for a walk and be a tourist in your own city :) It's tons of fun and great exercises. Enjoy!</div>
Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3256369860678161343.post-87910477027300732942014-07-30T07:24:00.001-04:002014-07-31T15:19:42.589-04:00Mama Bear Taiwanese Cuisine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFhY9SH8oes/U9jS7bIN3LI/AAAAAAAAElk/3wR2WWAkysA/s1600/20140626_192023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFhY9SH8oes/U9jS7bIN3LI/AAAAAAAAElk/3wR2WWAkysA/s1600/20140626_192023.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I always crave Taiwanese food and now I can finally satisfy that craving! </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>Mama Bear Taiwanese Cuisine</u></b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Where</b>: 324 Highway 7 East, Richmond Hill, ON</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Price</b>: $</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">The interior is surprisingly clean albeit not very comfortable as it is quite small and squishy. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">The service, which I was pleasantly surprised about, was super friendly (and they speak both Mandarin and English). We kept having changes in our party number and they were extremely accommodating. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">Like many of the other reviews say, there is an underlying smell of stinky tofu. I don't mind this one bit - in fact, I don't even find stinky tofu..stinky! However, my friends and boyfriend didn't enjoy the smell but were able to put up with it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">TAIWANESE GREEN ONION PANCAKE WITH EGG & PORK FLOSS - Made perfectly but it was a bit bland, in my opinion.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">POPCORN CHICKEN - My ultimate favourite Taiwanese snack.. popcorn chicken. I could eat this day and night and never get tired of it. Mama Bear definitely did it justice - it wasn't too salty and was perfectly crisp with moist and tender chicken on the inside. Would order again for sure!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stinky Tofu ($8)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">STINKY TOFU ($8 for large size) - To be honest, this was a little weak for me. The ones they sell at night market are stronger in smell and taste but this could be because they are trying to entice new customers to try stinky tofu? </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">TAIWANESE COLD NOODLES ($7) - very refreshing although it really was just peanut sauce with noodles. I could have made this at home but I would still recommend others to try it !!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" />TAIWANESE FRIED RICE NOODLE - SOOO good but this is a very typical dish that can be found elsewhere. What I like about how Mama Bear makes it is that the noodles stay springy and don't get soggy!<br /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">SPICY BEEF NOODLE WITH TENDON ($9) - My parents are huuuuge fans of this dish and could eat this every day. We got the thick noodles. The beef and soup were both great!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-JKpFSRbjU/U9jS-dBFc2I/AAAAAAAAEl0/6sxEPGKI6DQ/s1600/20140627_200209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-JKpFSRbjU/U9jS-dBFc2I/AAAAAAAAEl0/6sxEPGKI6DQ/s1600/20140627_200209.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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DINNER BENTO BOX - POPCORN CHICKEN ($8) - Quite worth the price! You get a lot of food and I could not even finish my box.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.6200008392334px;">All in all, a great place to satisfy your Taiwanese food. The prices are affordable. I urge you to go ahead of time because the line ups can get craaaazy! (Just another testament to how they are becoming a fast local favourite!)</span></span>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/10/1845530/restaurant/Toronto/Mama-Bear-Taiwanese-Cuisine-Richmond-Hill"><img alt="Mama Bear Taiwanese Cuisine on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1845530/minilink.gif" style="border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;" /></a>Christinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01151874250709909371noreply@blogger.com