By Queena Kwok
Jumbo Empanadas on Augusta
Jumbo Empanadas 245 Augusta Avenue (Kensington Market) (416) 977-0056 devil wears prada the divx online max payne dvdrip download
The yummiest little place located in Kensington Market. I often stop there for lunch during one of my grocery sprees and is one of the few cheap, plentiful and reliable eateries, which I loved as a college student and now as a freelance designer/food reviewer. The café has a simple, no nonsense style and is semi-self serve. It has a small patio, and a few tables inside; their kitchen/bakery is right behind the cashier counter, where all the goodies are made on location. It is a perfect little spot for a casual brunch on the weekend, or to bond with a good friend- or a hot date, who loves to eat.
Their empanada Chilena($3.50) comes in beef, chicken or vegetarian, in a nice warm crust bursting with scrumptious filling inside. I usually buy a few to go with me for nights when I am not in a cooking mood. The meat options are stuffed with beef/chicken, onion tomato sauce and a few raisins, served with a side of salsa.
My all time favourite is their corn pie (Pastel de Choclo) ($8) with a side of Chilean salad (Ensalada Chilena) ($5). Their corn pies served with a side of salsa, known as “Pebre” in Chile, which always comes to the table piping hot. The corn is sweet, light and fluffy on top, creamy and melts in your mouth. Under the crust, layered inside, are an egg, plenty of beef and chicken chucks, black olives, raisins and onions.
This dish is very filling, yet I still have room for their Chilean salad which I can’t get enough of. The ingredients are so fresh; The lettuce is crisp and buttery tossed in with avocados, tomatoes, broccoli and thinly sliced onions. It is finished with a simple olive oil/vinegar dressing and just a dash of cilantro. It tastes like home cooking: hearty and comforting, without any frills or gimmicks. Also offered are Chilean wines, beers and sodas on the menu to accompany your meal.
For dessert they have varieties of pastries, churros, tarts and a few other baked goods. I completed my dinner with an alfajor- a light and flaky crust, layered with just enough Dulce de Leche, known as Manjar in Chile, and enhanced with delicate coconut sprinkles on top. As usual, Jumbo Empanada satisfies my taste buds, and also leaves my wallet happy. Until next time…Cheers!
Moonbean Coffee Company 30 St Andrew Street (Kensington Market) (416) 595-0327
As I recall my first visit to Moonbean Coffee Co. after a hearty brunch, the aroma that comes from this little piece of coffee heaven is truly intoxicating. My companion and I stumbled upon Moonbean Coffee Company after a heavy Sunday dim sum -we were lead there by the smell of their coffee roasting. They are also vegan friendly and offer non-diary options such as soy for your beverage, and diary free baked goods.
Not only does Moonbean know how to make a good cup of joe, their bean menus includes single, multiple origin coffees, fair trade and organics varieties. For the non-coffee drinker, there are 30 plus varieties of loose tea, smoothies and juices for your enjoyment. They also offer café favourites such as Italian sodas, latte, cappuccino, and their Green Tea Latte; a perfect balance of Matcha green tea and milk/soy. Their creation is smooth and velvety with the great taste of Matcha minus the sharp bitter aftertaste, which Starbuck’s version often left on my tongue.
You can’t have a great beverage without trying some of their vegan baked goods. I especially love their vegan brownie; these brownies are moist, dense and full of chocolate decadence without the gastronomic discomfort from dairy.
They are open 7 days a week from 7am to 9pm (except Christmas and New Year). Often I like to stop in after a quick meal down the block at King’s Noodle House as a nice way to finish a hectic day before I head home.
I think a lot has to be said as well, for Moonbean’s welcoming atmosphere – you walk into this place and you feel like you’ve stepped into a different city – with the surprisingly roomy sitting room to an enormous back patio with seating for a very large group, it feels like you’re somewhere where you could sit for hours. the smells helps as well, and their huge variety of food and pastry selections leaves one coming back for more, just to get the chance to experience all of it… than again – after being there once, one doesn’t need an excuse to come back, you do it gladly
OMG! THIS IS MY AUNTS RESTAURANT! … you guys should all try it out.. in the summer there is more room, but let me tell you its awsome!
ps its all about the peure…(aka salsa, hot sauce, tomato stuff…)