Chinese Prairie food: My new comfort food??

If you've been to Pacific Mall, then you know about the infinite maze of shops containing independent clothing, mobile phones and accessories, and dvd's. What you'll also find is a handful of food and drink sprinkled amidst the organised chaos.

A friend of mine introduced me to one food shop that truly stood out from the rest. Forget the dozens of bubble tea stalls and shark fin vendors, this was the first time I saw a place that sold Xin Jiang style Lamb Skewers!

Xin Jiang is the part of China that is predominantly Muslim. One of the common specialties is mutton since the region is far from the sea. The kebab skewers are grilled and uses very unique flavourful spices like cumin, coriander seed, chili, and my favourite Sichuan peppercorns. The result is a mouth-gasm.

The last time I had them, I was in China munching on nan bread drinking Yen Jing beer, so this really took me back!

[Prairie Lamb Kebob - Upper Floor (Food Court), Pacific Mall,  4300 Steeles Avenue, Markham, Ontario]

Japanese Ramen

I literally drove around for half an hour trying to find this place called "Kenzo" to eat Japanese ramen.  Touted as one of the most authentic Japanese ramen noodle shops in Toronto, its location is unassuming as is its interior, tucked away amid a string of strip plaza's along the west side of Yonge St. just south of Steeles Ave.  To save others the grief, I'll just mention that it's in the plaza just south of Centerpoint.  

When I got inside, it was cold.  Like very cold!  Maybe the heater was on the fritz but everyone had their jackets on.  But it made this experience all the more interesting and perhaps the noodles more enticing.  There's nothing like a spicy broth to warm you up while taking in the typical straight ramen noodles into your mouth.  The chasu pork was really nicely done and actually looked a lot more appetizing than the photo on their menu.  What's neat is they give you a small dish of Japanese pickles on the side.  I have no idea what the 'traditional way' to eat it is, but I imagine the pickles to cool down one's palette after the mouthfuls of piping hot noodles and broth.

All in all it was a nice little lunch, nothing for me to have a mouth-gasm over, but I'd probably go back just because it's good enough and well I really don't know where else to go for traditional ramen.

[Kenzo - 6180 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON]

One of those cheap n cheerful deals that never disappoints

Chinese fish ball soup noodle.  Splash on some Chinese red vinegar and chili oil and you're set.

Uni what?

About to dine on FRESH sea urchin.

I need to try this!

Going for a binge tomorrow.  Who's in?

A nice Chardonnay

I'm not usually that big into white wines or Chardonnay for that matter but this happens to be one of the Chardonnays that are of the 'creamy buttery textured' variety rather than the more typical dry types that one usually finds in most restaurants and pubs.
Its strong yellow colour and sugar content already reminds one of honey so how appropriate that its nose should have strong notes of honey, vanilla, and custard! When it hits your mouth, the same is very apparent with a soft medium length finish.
Might have to pop over to the LCBO and get more!
[J. Lohr - 2002 - Chardonnay - USA]

[Lemongrass]

A relaxing Sunday led me to crave some comfort food. You know when you put on the imaginary sweat pants on purpose to go for a food fest?

I love Asian cuisine and we are lucky that Toronto has what is arguably some of the best on the continent. And when there are such amazing choices, it is even harder to be the best. So how do you choose? Well this is one of my "go-to" restaurants so I thought I would share.

Lemon Grass serves Pan-Asian cuisine spanning the borders of Vietnamese, Malaysian, Thai, and Chinese, with some plates showing interesting fusion elements. They have several locations across the GTA but on this occasion I went to the one in Scarborough.

I always like to ask Simon, one of the owners, what is good and he always suggests some wonderful dishes with the latest seasonal ingredients. We had some spicy razor clams which were just orgasmic, along with a beef in a taro nest, and my personal favourite grilled pork neck. Every dish just promises a symphony of flavour as they are not afraid of crossing the lines of tradition, and combing the best spices and ingredients from different cuisines. For as many years I have been going to them and their sister restaurants that have the same menu, it is always a delight and a wonderful awakening for my taste buds. Just wear something stretchy.

[lemongrass - 633 Silverstar Blvd, Unit 110, Scarborough, ON M1V 5N1 Tel: 416-321-3326]

Also check out their other locations at: Bayview, Bloor West, Mississauga

and Riz Restaurant which is done by the same group of people