Sushi Queen

This was previously known as Sushi Bistro, but, I guess, has come under new management. They haven't actually changed the decor much. I know, I've been particularly spoiled by having sushi three times in one week (though I'd hate to guess at my mercury content right now). Had some spicy salmon rolls - the spiciest this week, which then makes them the best and gyoza; not much, and not too heavy.

Hosu

Went for a shared sushi dinner here, where we had an assortment of maki and sushi, while discussing the viability, or utility, of organic produce... at any rate, it was lovely, affordable sushi in generous portions... I must say, I do feel like a bit of a fraud when I try to review Japanese food, mainly because I only eat it at the cheap places... I know, Shiz; we're supposed to go have kaiseki at some point...

Canoe

So, I finally made it here (though that's not technically true; I have been here for drinks before, but never for food)! Caught up with some old friends, and skipped the Ontario Chardonnay in order to have Australian Shiraz (sigh, though sadly true). Wonderful little nibblies of salmon tartare on endive and vegetable spring rolls, but the venison (served medium rare) for dinner was delish (see, I do eat red meat!)! The best part, though, was the vanilla bean panna cotta - I'm still not entirely sure why it's different than creme caramel, except perhaps panna cotta is a bit more easily diversified, but I'm not sure...

5th Element

This is a resto that has the unfortunate position of being on a bit of a slow strip on Bay St - I can remember at least four restaurants previously in that same location in the length of time that I've been around U of T. At any rate, this one apparently is affiliated with TIFF, which I'm sure is quite helpful. We went for Summerlicious, of course. Had a lovely starter of portobella and parmesan polenta, followed by an Indian-inspired salmon on potato, followed by a not-so-great-but-at-least-it's-chocolate mousse. I was quite envious of another's mango and clementine salad, but I still think I would've picked the polenta...

Pho 88

So following on the heels of the trend of Chinatown restos to try to renovate and look ultra-chic in order to attract more customers, is Pho 88. It used to be a hole, though a good one. Now it's all sleek granite and leather, ooh la la look. One thing that really pegs you off that it's working for them is that the Asian clientele are in the minority, which, of course, SHOULD be the first sign that the restaurant isn't as good as it could be.
Case in point: Food was quite disappointing; ungenerous proportions, not very well seasoned. Service was appalling, even by Chinatown standards: my friend's bean sprouts for her pho were actually offered to be taken away, and very nearly were, even though she hadn't gotten to them yet! Furthermore, our sauce caddy was actually taken away from us before we had finished eating to be put on a white person's table! Finally (even though I don't think this is a huge point, it was for my dining companion), they were quite disturbed by the English 80s pop music as the background noise in the restaurant; clearly meant for their target market, but very offputting.
Though the ambience is quite nice, the food was not that good, the service was terrible, and, I guess, the music's bad. We decided that the white people can have this one; we'll continue going to our regular haunts...

bloom

This is a resto in my 'hood, where we had a lovely little Summerlicious menu going on. Started with a few BBQ'd shrimp on a wild rice salsa, which was a bit over-vinegared for my tastes, a beautiful risotto, redolent with walnuts and mushrooms, and followed by a lavendar-flavoured creme brulee. Very nice. Great, informed service.