Opa!

While Athos was having the time of her life down south, I also had a little food adventure, at the Taste of Danforth, an annual Greek street festival that stretched far and wide on one of the busiest roads in Toronto. I went with another food lover from the humble capital of our nation (Ottawa), who came to experience the Taste of Danforth for the very first time. 

The Taste of Danforth was advertised to be along Danforth Ave. from Broadview to Pape but it actually stretched a few blocks beyond Pape Ave.

A vendor showing off his Greek pastries and his smile.

A couple of chefs working away at gyro rotisseries as big as their own torsos.

Samples of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing prepared by cowboys.

The great thing about food festivals is that the food sold there aren't meal sized (or priced for that matter) and we were able to sample quite a selection of Greek cuisine. First up, cheese pie.

Cheese pie, Athens Restaurant & Tavern, 707 Danforth Ave. Toronto M1K 1G4

This 'Athenian' babe you see basking in the sun tasted as good as it looks. As I took a bite, the crip, buttery pastry layers crumbled away, revealing the cheese filling within. I admit, I'm a cheese pie newbie and expected that strong salty cheese taste to hit my tongue, but instead was surprised to be greeted by a creamy, light sweetness. I wasn't sure what kind of cheese it was but Google tells me it is ricotta cheese with a possible mix of feta and romano. With our stomachs and my sweet tooth still unsatisfied, we also purchased a cup of loukoumades, or for us non-Greeks, donut puffs.

Loukoumades, Athens Restaurant & Tavern

Perhaps this is a testament to the fact that desserts should come after a complete meal for I developed a stomach ache shortly after consuming just a few of the sugary balls. How horrific indeed, a stomach ache at a food festival. The little circular treats were too sweet and after a few bites, my throat drowned in the sugary greasiness and was in dire need of water. 

The making of loukoumades. I should have been warned by the angry bubbling deep-fry oil.

As we continued onwards, we were both unable to consume any more food, what with my stomach ache and my friend with general fullness, partially caused by Chicken Rosemary Pie (which she told me was absolutely amazing in its savouriness).

Chicken Rosemary Pie, Ouzeri Restaurant, 500A Danforth Ave, Toronto M4K 1P6

This was not too big of a loss since by then, we were short on time and many of the food stalls had lines literally stretching from one side of the road to the other. Although, we were very curious about some of the stalls offering a more exotic variety of foods. Calamari will just have to wait until the next time I visit Greektown on the Danforth.

-L

Simplicity in the Big Apple

Today, I have the honour of launching off our first OFFICIAL POST with delectable bites from the Big Apple! *Applause* I’ve been long searching for an adventurous start and nothing screamed adventure like blowing my entire summer savings for a short weekend trip to the fantabulous NYC! There’s just something about the city that lures you back whether it be the skyrocketing attractions, the rushing energy of thousands of people, or even the litter bits and the viscous traffic that somehow manages to flow through the city. Amidst the chaos, nonetheless, I have found myself a little slice of pleasure at Europa café, located right in the heart of Times Square.

At first glance, what REALLY caught my eyes were the “Steak and Cheese Pressata” (US$6.95), a perfectly priced sandwich for a traveler on a budget. What I also noticed was an evil tag protruding from the pressata showing me it had a whooping 680 calories!


What I find mindboggling about some of the menus in Manhattan are the calorie counts that are slapped across every single item a little TOO noticeably. It is also peculiar to observe how even the small menus for street hotdogs and ice creams have calorie counts! While I understand that it is rather informative, it’s hard to chew and indulge yourself in the taste of good food with the constant worry of calories circling in your mouth. It is relieving to note that Toronto has not yet caught on to this destructible trend. 

Ignoring the evil tags, I ordered another tasty looking pressata called “Chicken Vera Cruz” (US$6.95……and 640 cal), and into the oven the two pressatas went to be warmed up.

Located in the center of Times Square, 42nd St and Broadway.
My only regret is not taking enough pictures of the sensational "Chipotle Mayo Dip"

Steak and Cheese Pressata (US$6.95, 680cal)

The mildly smooth and creamy Bel Paese cheese, and the chewy, well-cooked beef are something to notice, but the savory, grilled pita with a slight hint of chili is unquestionably paramount in this pressata. In fact, after a couple of bites, the marinated beef which is rather dry, becomes irritating to chew (despite my forceful bites), and what truly predominates is the chili-spiced flatbread. To compensate for the dry meat, the café offers a “Chipotle Mayo Dip”, which I must say is quite divine. Creamy, thick, spicy, and saporous, this dip has the potential to be the highlight of many entreés. Overall the dish was rather messy to eat despite the plastic knives and forks provided, but my new found love for their dip is something never to be forgotten. For those who are on a tight budget and schedule, pressatas at Europa Café will surely fill you up, and don’t forget to savour every last bit of the delightful “Chipotle Mayo Dip”.

Chicken Vera Cruz Pressata (US$6.95, 640cal)

This pressata is undoubtedly lighter and simpler in taste compared to the “Steak and Cheese Pressata”. The huge chunks and slices of avocado and tomato provide a different perspective, contrasting the cheesy steak pressata. Within the first couple of bites, the grilled chicken delicately dissolved in my mouth, and the rich taste of avocado and fresh, crunchy tomato slices continued to linger, which was further accentuated by the plain, thin pita. This too, was accompanied by the ever so wonderful “Chipotle Mayo Dip”, which tastes marvelous on its own I must again emphasize. All in all, the affordable pressatas were quite satisfactory and pleasant, and I would adequately recommend this café to all those who are seeking a little simplicity in the crazy Big Apple.

By Athos

UPDATE

Actually, I lied, these food tastings will happen in Toronto AND its near vicinity. For now.