With this week's rainy weather it's a good time to order some take-out, hunker down and watch some tv or a movie. My top hibernating take-out choices:
India Gate (Duckworth) is the cure for rainy-day blues. Order a samosa, some nann, rice, and a main (chicken korma is delish). Take it home, open it up, eat half and declare you're too full to eat another bite. Put it in the fridge and enjoy the tastiest midnight snack (or breakfast) when the lure of the leftovers becomes too much to bare.
The Sprout (Duckworth) offers veggie and vegan choices that are palate-pleasing for everyone. Go down, order the pad thai to go, and just try to wait until you get home to enjoy its yumminess. You may find it's gone before you hit your front door. Plus they offer eco-friendly take-out containers so you'll feel better about the whole process!
If you're going to order in, pizza is the sure-fire choice for delivery food in town. Old Town Pizza (Portugal Cove Rd.) has chewy crust and a great sauce. Venice (Military Rd.) is quite accommodating and quick. If you're in the West end of town (or Mount Pearl) try Chilly Willy's (Park Ave.) for pizza or anything else you fancy in the greasy take-out genre (burgers, chicken fingers) as it's been a long-time staple.
Zapata's (Bates Hill) and Quintana's (Churchill Sq.) both do awesome, homemade Mexican food and take out. A bit pricey on both counts but well worth it if you want tasty food but don't want to spend hours simmering sauces or putting together enchiladas. Ask for extra chips and salsa for sure.
Finally, I couldn't have a list of blues-beating take-out food without the old standby: fish and chips. The favorite of most is Ches's and it's convenient since there are so many locations (Highland Dr., Freshwater Rd., Topsail Rd., Commonwealth Avenue). Their best deal is the cod bites special which will give you lots of fish and chips, plus a drink. Add dressing and gravy and you're more then set to completely veg out on the couch. Other excellent fish and chips shops are Leo's (Freshwater Rd.), B&B's Snack Bar (Blackmarsh Rd.), and Big R (Military Rd. and Blackmarsh Rd.).
Showing posts with label take-out. Show all posts
Showing posts with label take-out. Show all posts
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Lunch time!
So it's mid-day and you're in the mood for a sandwich. Where do you go? Here are some of my tried and trues:
Breen's Deli has been my long-time favorite for a good fresh turkey sandwich. Why not go whole hog and order it with dressing the cranberry mayo? Whoever thought to mix cranberry sauce with the mayo deserves an award! Breen's also has fabulous homemade soups and other standard sandwiches, such as club and egg salad. Find Breen's at 79 Gower St. downtown, 32 Portugal Cove Rd. and their newest location at 44 Elizabeth Ave. in the old Tim Horton's.
Mana European Bakery and Deli has more than excellent fresh-made bread (must try the rye). Service is a little off some days but the satisfaction of a good sandwich makes up for it: curry chicken, corned beef and pastrami. There's also veggie selections and specialty sandwiches such as the yummy sloppy joe. Try one today at 342 Freshwater Rd. or order online.
Buck Weavers has really good grilled sandwiches, though a little expensive. And you'll have to set foot in a mall to order one (Avalon or Village). There used to be a great Buck Weavers on Elizabeth Ave. but it's now replaced by Wedgewood Cafe. Haven't tried that one yet...
Michelle's Bakery also has great breads and salads. But you can also get a great sandwich made-to-order. They're very generous with their toppings so maybe 1/2 is just enough. 799 Water St.
Colemans may be a grocery store but they've long bee known for their homemade take-away food. And their sandwiches are no exception. Best part is you can also get a bowl of pea soup on the side.
Belbins is another grocery store where you can find great homemade sandwiches. Fresh baked bread and a good selection of deli stuffs. 85 Quidi Vidi Rd.
Auntie Crae's is a spot downtown where you can grab a banana, coffee, or a freshly-made sandwich. They have a good selection of deli meats and lots of cheeses to choose from. Also, great bean salad and hummus. 272 Water St.
The Sprout has a well-known and well-loved avocado sandwich called the bravacado. The chickpea burger is also good and a great alternative for non-meat-eating sandwich lovers. 364 Duckworth St.
Breen's Deli has been my long-time favorite for a good fresh turkey sandwich. Why not go whole hog and order it with dressing the cranberry mayo? Whoever thought to mix cranberry sauce with the mayo deserves an award! Breen's also has fabulous homemade soups and other standard sandwiches, such as club and egg salad. Find Breen's at 79 Gower St. downtown, 32 Portugal Cove Rd. and their newest location at 44 Elizabeth Ave. in the old Tim Horton's.
Mana European Bakery and Deli has more than excellent fresh-made bread (must try the rye). Service is a little off some days but the satisfaction of a good sandwich makes up for it: curry chicken, corned beef and pastrami. There's also veggie selections and specialty sandwiches such as the yummy sloppy joe. Try one today at 342 Freshwater Rd. or order online.
Buck Weavers has really good grilled sandwiches, though a little expensive. And you'll have to set foot in a mall to order one (Avalon or Village). There used to be a great Buck Weavers on Elizabeth Ave. but it's now replaced by Wedgewood Cafe. Haven't tried that one yet...
Michelle's Bakery also has great breads and salads. But you can also get a great sandwich made-to-order. They're very generous with their toppings so maybe 1/2 is just enough. 799 Water St.
Colemans may be a grocery store but they've long bee known for their homemade take-away food. And their sandwiches are no exception. Best part is you can also get a bowl of pea soup on the side.
Belbins is another grocery store where you can find great homemade sandwiches. Fresh baked bread and a good selection of deli stuffs. 85 Quidi Vidi Rd.
Auntie Crae's is a spot downtown where you can grab a banana, coffee, or a freshly-made sandwich. They have a good selection of deli meats and lots of cheeses to choose from. Also, great bean salad and hummus. 272 Water St.
The Sprout has a well-known and well-loved avocado sandwich called the bravacado. The chickpea burger is also good and a great alternative for non-meat-eating sandwich lovers. 364 Duckworth St.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Curry delights in a small city
St. John's is diversifying it's portfolio.
A downtown well-known international flavour staple, India Gate restaurant (Duckworth St.), has been said to rival the best Indian and curry joints from near and far. With dishes like tandori chicken, lamb jalfrezi, various pakoras, and about a half dozen types of nann there’s lots to try. If you’re not sure what to get why not try the lunch buffet Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30, but be warned that it will probably be packed and a reservation is recommended. If you want to enjoy their luscious flavours at home you can order take out and it'll be ready when you arrive to pick it up.
I was at India Gate the other day and had a grand feast. The restaurant was about half-full and the food was spot on. The atmosphere is comfortable and sort of formal but you cold easily go dressed in jeans or something casual (especially for lunch). Service is always good and waitstaff attentive. I highly recommend trying the mango lassi which is a cold and refreshing smoothie-type yogurt mango drink. Also if there are two of you dining (or more) consider getting a few dishes to share. Once the food comes you'll definitely want to try your neighbour's and it's easier if this is pre-arranged. Finally I recommend ordering the Gate Snacks appetizer platter if there are two or more in your party. It's a lovely assortment of golden fried starters with pakoras, samosas, and bhajia. And keep in mind whatever you don't eat in one sitting will be delicious for lunch the next day.
On Water St. you can also sample Indian food at Taj Mahal where, if you get a seat near the back, you can watch chefs cook bread in their tandoor oven through an observation window. Taj also has a lunch buffet which features beef Mon-Wed and everyone’s favorite butter chicken Thurs-Fri. Ask anyone who likes Indian food in St. John's and they'll give you their opinion on which one they like better: India Gate or Taj Mahal. It's a matter of personal preference but I say try them both and make your own decision. Both have good eats and offer both meat and veggie options.
There’s also International Flavours on Quidi Vidi Rd. where you can get one of two choices: a plate of veg. curry or meat curry. Sometimes they’ll give you dollop of something new on your plate just to try. This spot always delivers authentic home cooked food.
If you aren’t in the downtown area and really want a samosa, try Taste East on Allandale Rd. (near the University). They have curries, kebabs and samosas for take-out at decent prices ($1.25 veg. samosa). Great for a lunchtime snack. Some people I know go to Tate East now to stock up on fresh spices and other Indian ingredients which can still be hard to find in our grocery stores.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for an authentic, home cooked international food experience and you don’t care about decor try Afghan Restaurant on Duckworth. The food is delish, cheap, and once you get a whiff of what’s on your plate you don’t care about the plastic table clothes or small tables anymore. They offer kebabs, samosas and lots of juicy, marinated meats, tender rice, warm bread...enough said.
Those are the best places that I've tried for Indian (and related) food in this city. If you're hankering for something creamy or spicy or just mouthwatering I highly suggesting making your way to one of these spots for a Indian treat.
A downtown well-known international flavour staple, India Gate restaurant (Duckworth St.), has been said to rival the best Indian and curry joints from near and far. With dishes like tandori chicken, lamb jalfrezi, various pakoras, and about a half dozen types of nann there’s lots to try. If you’re not sure what to get why not try the lunch buffet Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30, but be warned that it will probably be packed and a reservation is recommended. If you want to enjoy their luscious flavours at home you can order take out and it'll be ready when you arrive to pick it up.
I was at India Gate the other day and had a grand feast. The restaurant was about half-full and the food was spot on. The atmosphere is comfortable and sort of formal but you cold easily go dressed in jeans or something casual (especially for lunch). Service is always good and waitstaff attentive. I highly recommend trying the mango lassi which is a cold and refreshing smoothie-type yogurt mango drink. Also if there are two of you dining (or more) consider getting a few dishes to share. Once the food comes you'll definitely want to try your neighbour's and it's easier if this is pre-arranged. Finally I recommend ordering the Gate Snacks appetizer platter if there are two or more in your party. It's a lovely assortment of golden fried starters with pakoras, samosas, and bhajia. And keep in mind whatever you don't eat in one sitting will be delicious for lunch the next day.
On Water St. you can also sample Indian food at Taj Mahal where, if you get a seat near the back, you can watch chefs cook bread in their tandoor oven through an observation window. Taj also has a lunch buffet which features beef Mon-Wed and everyone’s favorite butter chicken Thurs-Fri. Ask anyone who likes Indian food in St. John's and they'll give you their opinion on which one they like better: India Gate or Taj Mahal. It's a matter of personal preference but I say try them both and make your own decision. Both have good eats and offer both meat and veggie options.
There’s also International Flavours on Quidi Vidi Rd. where you can get one of two choices: a plate of veg. curry or meat curry. Sometimes they’ll give you dollop of something new on your plate just to try. This spot always delivers authentic home cooked food.
If you aren’t in the downtown area and really want a samosa, try Taste East on Allandale Rd. (near the University). They have curries, kebabs and samosas for take-out at decent prices ($1.25 veg. samosa). Great for a lunchtime snack. Some people I know go to Tate East now to stock up on fresh spices and other Indian ingredients which can still be hard to find in our grocery stores.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for an authentic, home cooked international food experience and you don’t care about decor try Afghan Restaurant on Duckworth. The food is delish, cheap, and once you get a whiff of what’s on your plate you don’t care about the plastic table clothes or small tables anymore. They offer kebabs, samosas and lots of juicy, marinated meats, tender rice, warm bread...enough said.
Those are the best places that I've tried for Indian (and related) food in this city. If you're hankering for something creamy or spicy or just mouthwatering I highly suggesting making your way to one of these spots for a Indian treat.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Breakfast Club
With Mother's Day coming up and signs of summer on the rise I thought I'd post about my favorite breakfast places in St. John's.
Breakfast foods in St. John’s can be divided into three categories: 1) quick, fast food, 2) sit down, quality fare, 3) traditional food for us all and a must for a visitor.
In the fast food category:
My favourite fast food breakie has to be A&W. It’s not too expensive and you get a decent coffee with your meal. They have traditional eggs, meat, toast meals and also sandwich combos. Not the healthiest stuff but great for a greasy fast food fix. Four locations: Avalon Mall, Torbay Rd., the Village Mall and Mount Pearl. Of course, in this category there’s also Timmies, Micky D’s, Subway, and Burger King. Another option that’s not often thought of is Irving stores. Don’t laugh too hard...the gas station come general store has a few locations in the city that serve pretty decent coffee, several breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and the best banana bread.
In the sit-down breakfast category:
I was always a big fan of Bagel Cafe (Duckworth St.) and find their menu diverse (everything from bagel sandwiches, to samosas, to smoked salmon) and not badly priced. Their restaurant is usually packed on weekend mornings, though, and it’s not uncommon to wait in a line up that stretches out the door until a table frees up. There’s Smitty’s (Duckworth St. and in Mount Pearl) which always offers satisfying pancakes for cheap. Cora’s is a national franchise which is relatively new to the city and has two locations: Atlantic Place downtown and Kenmount Rd. Both offer large meals with fresh fruit and a colourful atmosphere. Cora’s was voted best breakfast 2008 by Scope fans. Perhaps my favourite sit-down breakfast meal, though, is at Zachary’s (Duckworth St.) where you can get the traditional breakfast (with beans!) & unlimited coffee for under $8. And it has all day breakfast so you can order anytime you feel a hankering.
Finally, in the traditional category:
I had a hard time distinguishing some of my favourite breakfast spots from the “traditional” spots, but I just think these are the ones you’d bring a friend from out of town or a homesick relative who is home for a visit. First up there’s the undeniable Velma’s on Water St. They have cheap eats, no frills atmosphere, you can get fried baloney (if you’re into that kind of thing), and the wait staff will probably call you “honey” or "lover.” If you want a more frilled location (or want breakfast at 2am) try the 24-hr Celtic Hearth on Water St. It’s a bit more expensive but they have black and white pudding (again, if you’re into that), and the best potato pancakes ever. For your basic toast, eggs, meat, coffee try the Big R (Harvey Rd. and Blackmarsh Rd.) where you can get a plate of food for about $6.50. Finally, if you want a nice brunch and don't mind paying a little extra for good quality food, try Bacalo which boasts "Nouvelle Newfoundland cuisine" and delivers with everything from fish and brewis to a dish called green eggs and lamb.
It's the most important meal of the day and well worth a trip out to visit a new place or your tried and true spot.
Breakfast foods in St. John’s can be divided into three categories: 1) quick, fast food, 2) sit down, quality fare, 3) traditional food for us all and a must for a visitor.
In the fast food category:
My favourite fast food breakie has to be A&W. It’s not too expensive and you get a decent coffee with your meal. They have traditional eggs, meat, toast meals and also sandwich combos. Not the healthiest stuff but great for a greasy fast food fix. Four locations: Avalon Mall, Torbay Rd., the Village Mall and Mount Pearl. Of course, in this category there’s also Timmies, Micky D’s, Subway, and Burger King. Another option that’s not often thought of is Irving stores. Don’t laugh too hard...the gas station come general store has a few locations in the city that serve pretty decent coffee, several breakfast sandwiches, muffins, and the best banana bread.
In the sit-down breakfast category:
I was always a big fan of Bagel Cafe (Duckworth St.) and find their menu diverse (everything from bagel sandwiches, to samosas, to smoked salmon) and not badly priced. Their restaurant is usually packed on weekend mornings, though, and it’s not uncommon to wait in a line up that stretches out the door until a table frees up. There’s Smitty’s (Duckworth St. and in Mount Pearl) which always offers satisfying pancakes for cheap. Cora’s is a national franchise which is relatively new to the city and has two locations: Atlantic Place downtown and Kenmount Rd. Both offer large meals with fresh fruit and a colourful atmosphere. Cora’s was voted best breakfast 2008 by Scope fans. Perhaps my favourite sit-down breakfast meal, though, is at Zachary’s (Duckworth St.) where you can get the traditional breakfast (with beans!) & unlimited coffee for under $8. And it has all day breakfast so you can order anytime you feel a hankering.
Finally, in the traditional category:
I had a hard time distinguishing some of my favourite breakfast spots from the “traditional” spots, but I just think these are the ones you’d bring a friend from out of town or a homesick relative who is home for a visit. First up there’s the undeniable Velma’s on Water St. They have cheap eats, no frills atmosphere, you can get fried baloney (if you’re into that kind of thing), and the wait staff will probably call you “honey” or "lover.” If you want a more frilled location (or want breakfast at 2am) try the 24-hr Celtic Hearth on Water St. It’s a bit more expensive but they have black and white pudding (again, if you’re into that), and the best potato pancakes ever. For your basic toast, eggs, meat, coffee try the Big R (Harvey Rd. and Blackmarsh Rd.) where you can get a plate of food for about $6.50. Finally, if you want a nice brunch and don't mind paying a little extra for good quality food, try Bacalo which boasts "Nouvelle Newfoundland cuisine" and delivers with everything from fish and brewis to a dish called green eggs and lamb.
It's the most important meal of the day and well worth a trip out to visit a new place or your tried and true spot.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Big slice out of a small pie
Pizza in St. John's
My first blog entry, I've decided, will be about a food staple: pizza. The simple combination of dough, sauce, meat and/or veggies is satisfying and can be as basic as you want or show up on the fanciest of restaurant menus.
Here in St. John's there are dozens of pizza joints and almost all of them are the same as the next. Typical flour dough, tomato sauce, tonnes of mozzarella cheese, peperoni and the like. And the pizza comes in this jumbo box that will never fit into your fridge. Often it's a case of quantity not quality.
A few spots in town, however, have elevated the lowly pizza joint to something worth taking a bite out of.
Pi Gourmet Eatery on King's Rd. (downtown East, off Duckworth) boats homemade, dairy-free, fairly thin crust with toppings that are anything but ordinary. Pesto, black olive, and curry-infused tomato sauces stand up to toppings such as prosciutto, roasted fennel, grapes, and about six different cheese options, including soy. You can make your own pizza concoction or choose from one of the specials on the menu. Personal favorite: Pascal's Pleasure which features saffron chicken, sweet corn, green peppers, hot peppers, and fresh tomato. All these premium ingredients will cost you, though. Pascal's is $15 for a small pie and $25 for a large. If you're into quality stuff, though, you'll quickly dole out the cash for these handmade and filling treats. Pi's cherry on an otherwise lovely cake is their colourful decor and homemade desserts. And it's they're anniversary so check out specials in the month of April.
Folly on Bate's Hill (formerly Tangled up in Blue) offers much more than pizza. But their pizza names will strike a chord with anyone who grew up in the 90s and watching Saturday morning cartoons. All their pies are named after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters. With prices from $11.50 - $14, you can get the Raphael (featuring butternut squash, pine nuts and feta) or the April O'Neil (tandoori chicken, mushroom, caramelized onion, & raita). In all there's about 10 pizzas and they will make smaller personal sized, and even gluten free dough, if you ask nicely.
Yellow Belly on Water St. is a micro brewery and their restaurant has a couple pizzas on their menu. Perhaps the most interesting tid-it about them is that the dough is made from leftovers from Yellow Belly's beer brewing process. They have a few interesting combos along with the regulars (e.g. Caesar pizza) but it is a bit privy for high-end pub food.
Of course if you're in the market for just waiting for a pizza to arrive at your door, you could go the old school pizza delivery route. And hey, maybe you like tomato sauce, peperoni and mozzarella.
If so, I have two suggestions:
Venice Pizzeria on Military Rd. is fairly standard and consistent. They are used to special requests (e.g. extra hot peppers and no cheese) and are fairly quick and well priced. My other stand-by pizza joint is Old Town Pizza on Portugal Cove Rd. Their pizza is a little greasy but still yummy when you want a hangover cure or just want to order a normal, jumbo-sized pizza.
My first blog entry, I've decided, will be about a food staple: pizza. The simple combination of dough, sauce, meat and/or veggies is satisfying and can be as basic as you want or show up on the fanciest of restaurant menus.
Here in St. John's there are dozens of pizza joints and almost all of them are the same as the next. Typical flour dough, tomato sauce, tonnes of mozzarella cheese, peperoni and the like. And the pizza comes in this jumbo box that will never fit into your fridge. Often it's a case of quantity not quality.
A few spots in town, however, have elevated the lowly pizza joint to something worth taking a bite out of.
Pi Gourmet Eatery on King's Rd. (downtown East, off Duckworth) boats homemade, dairy-free, fairly thin crust with toppings that are anything but ordinary. Pesto, black olive, and curry-infused tomato sauces stand up to toppings such as prosciutto, roasted fennel, grapes, and about six different cheese options, including soy. You can make your own pizza concoction or choose from one of the specials on the menu. Personal favorite: Pascal's Pleasure which features saffron chicken, sweet corn, green peppers, hot peppers, and fresh tomato. All these premium ingredients will cost you, though. Pascal's is $15 for a small pie and $25 for a large. If you're into quality stuff, though, you'll quickly dole out the cash for these handmade and filling treats. Pi's cherry on an otherwise lovely cake is their colourful decor and homemade desserts. And it's they're anniversary so check out specials in the month of April.
Folly on Bate's Hill (formerly Tangled up in Blue) offers much more than pizza. But their pizza names will strike a chord with anyone who grew up in the 90s and watching Saturday morning cartoons. All their pies are named after Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters. With prices from $11.50 - $14, you can get the Raphael (featuring butternut squash, pine nuts and feta) or the April O'Neil (tandoori chicken, mushroom, caramelized onion, & raita). In all there's about 10 pizzas and they will make smaller personal sized, and even gluten free dough, if you ask nicely.
Yellow Belly on Water St. is a micro brewery and their restaurant has a couple pizzas on their menu. Perhaps the most interesting tid-it about them is that the dough is made from leftovers from Yellow Belly's beer brewing process. They have a few interesting combos along with the regulars (e.g. Caesar pizza) but it is a bit privy for high-end pub food.
Of course if you're in the market for just waiting for a pizza to arrive at your door, you could go the old school pizza delivery route. And hey, maybe you like tomato sauce, peperoni and mozzarella.
If so, I have two suggestions:
Venice Pizzeria on Military Rd. is fairly standard and consistent. They are used to special requests (e.g. extra hot peppers and no cheese) and are fairly quick and well priced. My other stand-by pizza joint is Old Town Pizza on Portugal Cove Rd. Their pizza is a little greasy but still yummy when you want a hangover cure or just want to order a normal, jumbo-sized pizza.
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