I like Toronto. It's got that big city feel, but not unsafe. They do have a fair number of good restaurants in the area. I remember walking over to the arts district a few years back and having quite a nice tapas meal. But there is one place I always visit, for at least one meal, while I'm here. I could never remember the name of it, I just knew it was on the edge of the food court at the big mall in downtown T.O..
I know the name now. Richtree Market Restaurant. The concept is not unique. It's basically a large, nicely decorated cafeteria, where you get food freshly made, and if so inclined, made to order. I've been there twice since landing in T.O.. I go every time I come. The prices are high, but not as high as on my first night in town this time. I got in to the hotel around 8:30PM last Sunday, after decompressing a bit and talking with the wife, I went out in search of food. Here's one difference between NYC and T.O., NYC has lots of late night eateries. I wasn't picky, so I went to the Subway I saw on the drive in. I got to the door and tried to enter... locked. I looked at the business hours sign, "Sunday, 11:00AM - 10:00PM." I looked at my watch, 9:47PM. I looked at the clerks behind the counter, they waved me off, mouthing "We're closed." I shook my head, showed them my watch and stalked off. I was pretty mad because I had my heart set on a turkey and ham foot long. I walked around the city and found, not two blocks away, another Subway, this time the "Open" sign was on so I rushed in. There were two other people ahead of me, but they were doing there best to close, and I think I was the last person in. They had cleared off most of the food from the sandwich station but were still willing to serve me. So I asked for my turkey and ham foot long. I think the lady heard me wrong because she proceeded to make me a chicken and bacon foot long. Didn't matter, I was hungry, so I grabbed a bag of chips and drink and made it a combo. How much? $15.00 Canadian! When the U.S. dollar was strong against the Canadian, that wouldn't have been a big deal, but with the weakness of the dollar, that basically translates one to one. I paid $15.00 for a sandwich and a bag of chips. I'd have done better ordering room service!
Back to Richtree. My favorite "section" is the southeast Asian food. The first time I went (this trip) I had the Nasi Goreng. It's a rice based dish tossed with vegetables and chicken. I had the real McCoy when I went to Kuala Lumpur, and this stuff is pretty comparable. Although I don't remember cauliflower in Kuala Lumpur...
Today, I chose to have the noodle cousin to the Nasi Goreng, but for the life of me I can't remember what it's called!
I also discovered a little money saving tip... The corner drug store here is running a special on Arizona brand fruit punch, 99 cents for that big can. Probably more calories than I need, but it definitely is a thirst quencher. I also splurged today and got what I thought was a fruit and yogurt parfait. Turns out it was strawberries and custard. Still delish, but I wasn't prepared for the custard flavor and texture. All this cost me, $13.oo Canadian. A much better deal than Subway.Tonight and until I leave T.O., my schedule is shifting to nights, which means, I'll be waking up in the afternoons, looking for food. Richtree Market, I'll see you tomorrow.
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