Meal Discussions, Meal review, Colombian desserts

Colombian Sweets with my Colombian friends

Food and Dessert, , , , ,
Gloria, Colombian dessert, colombian pastry, cake, pastry, guajava, guava, south american, Chicharon, Alfajores, Miljohas, Colombian Sweets
Gloria, Colombian dessert, colombian pastry, cake, pastry, guajava, guava, south american, Chicharon, Alfajores, Miljohas, Colombian Sweets
Gloria, Colombian dessert, colombian pastry, cake, pastry, guajava, guava, south american, Chicharon, Alfajores, Miljohas, Colombian Sweets
Gloria, Colombian dessert, colombian pastry, cake, pastry, guajava, guava, south american, Chicharon, Alfajores, Miljohas, Colombian Sweets

Here is the full video.

Embarking on a leisurely afternoon on campus, I decided to elevate the vibes by bringing a delightful array of treats from a hidden gem I uncovered—a bakery specializing in delectable Colombian sweets named Columbus Bakery which is housed in Caledonia road. Having tried the different Colombian sweets before, I decided to share the experience with whoever is in school that day.  With a stroke of luck, I found myself surrounded by a group of Colombian friends ready to embark on a sugary adventure filled with laughter, mispronunciations, and the irresistible charm of Colombian pastries. Joining me were Mateo, Sara, and Angie, eager to savor some of Colombia’s finest pastries.

Our sweet journey commenced with the Chicharon de Guajava, a Colombian puff pastry that playfully mimics the appearance of savory pork chicharrón. However, don’t let the resemblance fool you. This puff pastry is a divine fusion of buttery layers enveloping a luscious guava custard mix. The unanimous verdict? A resounding hit, especially with Mateo, who declared it his ultimate favorite.

Transitioning seamlessly to another pastry adventure, we dove into the Pastel de Gloria. Similar to the Chicharon de Guajava in structure, this pastry takes a delightful twist by embracing dulce de leche as its star filling.

With our palates primed, we eagerly approached the Alfajores—generously sized cookies featuring a sumptuous arequipe or dulce de leche center. While the Colombian versions are designed for individual enjoyment, we found them on the drier side, leaving us yearning for a more generous dollop of dulce de leche. A consensus arose that a perfect complement to these treats would be a steaming cup of coffee.

Saving the pièce de résistance for last, we indulged in the Milhojas—a masterpiece featuring layers of butter-rich puff pastry, velvety custard, and a tantalizing brush of arequipe on top. The excitement in the air was palpable, and these Milhojas did not disappoint. In a matter of minutes, they vanished, leaving us utterly satisfied and craving more. Undoubtedly, the Milhojas secured the crown as the standout star of the selection.

While the treats received mixed reviews—some earning accolades while others deemed average by my Colombian friends—the true essence of the experience lay in the joy of sharing these delectable Colombian sweets with cherished friends. After all, it’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories forged over bites of sweetness and the shared laughter that accompanied each indulgent moment.

Columbus Bakery: Colombian Sweets

Alfajores: 3$
Chicharon de Guajava: 2.5$
Gloria: 2.5$
Miljohas: 2.75$
Worth your Coin, Especially if you got awesome friends to enjoy them with

Breakfast, The Breakfast Plate, Breakfast in Mount Pleasant, MIdtown Breakfast

Bread and Butter: The Breakfast Plate

Food and Dessert, , ,
Breakfast Platter, Moun Pleasant Diner, Bread and Butter, Eggs and Bacon, Midtown breakfast

Bread and Butter: The Breakfast Plate
Price: 18$ + tax
Location: Mount Pleasant road, TO

Nestled along the charming Mount Pleasant Road, just a stone’s throw from Davisville, lies a breakfast haven that beckons with warmth and simplicity: Bread and Butter. Picture a place where breakfast delights unfold until 4 pm, where the aroma of sizzling bacon tantalizes your senses, and every bite promises to be a celebration of flavor.

A year ago, I stumbled upon this culinary gem and was instantly captivated by its unpretentious charm. If you’re a carb enthusiast like me, the name itself is a beacon, guiding you to a haven of morning delights. Bread and Butter isn’t just a breakfast joint; it’s a symphony of savory goodness that transcends the ordinary.

The memory lingered in my mind for a year, and fate, in the form of a sudden breakfast craving, led me back to this quaint spot while driving along Mount Pleasant Avenue. As if destined, a parking spot appeared, and I knew I had to answer the call of Bread and Butter once again.

Entering the cozy establishment, I could practically taste the nostalgia in the air. My order was a no-brainer – bacon, eggs, toast, crispy hashbrowns, and a cup of robust black coffee. In a mere five minutes, my table was adorned with a breakfast masterpiece. The eggs were perfection, the bacon thick and hearty, the toast a golden delight, and the taters – a crunchy symphony of flavors. This was no ordinary breakfast; it was a culinary crescendo, a harmony of ingredients expertly orchestrated to satisfy the most discerning morning palate.

So, whether you’re a local seeking a new breakfast haunt or a visitor on the hunt for morning ecstasy, Bread and Butter is more than just a name; it’s a promise of an unforgettable breakfast experience that will have you coming back for more.

At the stroke of 10 am, my breakfast cravings peaked, and there I was, seated at Bread and Butter, diving into a hearty morning feast. Eight minutes later, my plate was an empty, a testament to the irresistible allure of their breakfast creations. And, as if orchestrated by a breakfast symphony conductor, my coffee cup received not one, but two refills – a testament to the attentive service that accompanied the delightful flavors. With contentment in my belly, I lingered an extra fifteen minutes, soaking in the sweet ambiance of this breakfast haven. It was an immersive experience, a morning ritual that transcended the act of eating into a sensory celebration.

However, my blissful ignorance met its match as reality hit on my way back to the car. A peculiar scent, a mix of oven grease and savory oils, wafted into my awareness. Suddenly, the enchanting aroma that had surrounded me inside had become an unexpected part of my ensemble. I chuckled at the irony – I now smelled like a walking breakfast menu, a fragrant mix of bacon, taters, and grease. A smell that I cannot endure for the whole day and a smell that will undoubtedly attract a lot of dogs my way. 

Regrettably, my plans for a day outdoors took an unexpected turn. Fate, with a mischievous grin, redirected me home for an unplanned shower. As I reluctantly headed back, I couldn’t help but appreciate the lingering scent of a breakfast well-enjoyed, even if it meant an unforeseen detour on my day’s agenda.

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Bread and Butter: The Breakfast Plate

Location: Mount Pleasant road
Food and Coffee: Five Stars
Ambiance: One Star
The Food is Worth the coin but having the need to shower after is not.
This is regrettably, one of the restaurants i'm not going back again to because of the smell.

Versus, Comparison, Meal comparison, Which meal is better, Will you buy it

Battle of the LongSiLogs

Food and Dessert, , , , , , , , , ,

BB's Diner Long-Si-Log
Price: 20$ + tax

Fresh Fruit Tea Long-Si-Log
Price: 14$+ taxx

Longsilog, Breakfast plate, Pinoy breakfast, sunny side up eggs, garlic rice, Michelin, Bib Gourmand, BBs Diner
Longsilog, Breakfast plate, Pinoy breakfast, sunny side up eggs, garlic rice, MIchelin, Bib Gourmand

BB’s Diner is a Filipino restaurant in Downtown Toronto that has been named a Bib Gourmand restaurant in 2023. This has given them the opportunity to serve more customers because of the exposure. 

The restaurant which is located in Downtown Toronto is quaint, and has an al fresco dining area when we dined. 

I have ordered the Long-Si-Log because one, this is my favorite out of all the Silog variations and two, no other reason. I just like Longganisa (Filipino sweet sausage). 

And there, I was served my meal and have ordered a cup of coffee with it. The coffee was nothing special, it was coffee. It did it’s job and did not taste bad. I can safely say that I’ve had better but that is not this review is about. 

The Long-Si-Log is served with one home-made Longganisa, two sunny side up eggs, a portion of fried rice and some atchara or pickled carrot and turnip. 

My first thought was that the portion will not be enough for me. This is my first meal of the day, my breakfast and have been saving my calories for this restaurant. We have ordered some other stuff but for me this is the main event. So I dug in, had some of the longganisa and i must say, it is good but there is still room for improvement. A bit dry for my taste and not too flavorful. Eggs were okay as it should taste like sunny side up eggs. I don’t eat atchara so that was left out, the rice is good but having such a small portion did nothing to impress me. 

My thought instantly was that I might have ordered the wrong type of food, as a restaurant that has been named a Bib Gourmand by Michelin, I should have a good experience and should have impeccable food. So I tried the other stuff that we ordered and well… color me unimpressed. 

While finishing my coffee, I was contemplating on the meal that I just had. Am I just a guy that is fresh off the boat that I cannot appreciate this meal? Are my tastebuds still tied to my roots that it is asking for more flavor? Maybe yes, or maybe no. Either way, this restaurant is not for me. I need more flavor in my food and I cannot find it at BBs Diner. 

Fresh Fruit tea is a new restaurant in the middle of Bathurst and Wilson. They serve a majority of Filipino patrons and have specialized in short-orders or quick cook meals. With these quick cook meals are the well known Filipino breakfast platter named Silog. 

The restaurant is a typical restaurant that serves food. So this is not someplace where you will have a first date meal. 

As usual, I have ordered the Long-Si-Log being it my favorite. I was served with three sausage links (longganisa), two overcooked eggs, a generous helping of garlic rice and some pickled garnish (Atchara). 

I have brought my own coffee from Tim’s as the restaurant only serves coffee with cream and sugar. 

I started digging in with very minimal expectations in mind. And boy was I surprised. This is one of the good longganisas that I have ever tried. They are smaller than BB’s but are they juicy, sweet and garlicky (if this is even a word). The generous serving of garlic rice is also a welcome addition. The eggs… well, I’m not impressed with the eggs. How hard is it to cook a perfect sunny side up? I can always make a good batch of eggs if needed be. 

Having finished the meal, I was pleasantly surprised about how it went through. It was enjoyable and I felt like I was back to one of the small restaurants that I frequent back home. 

Nothing more to say on this straightforward restaurant. Good food, average place but then again, who cares about the place as long as it’s clean and can fill your heart with gusto. 

Five star rating

BB's Diner Longsilog

Real Fruit Tea Longsilog

Price: 20$ + tax
Place: Quaint and Cozy
Location: Downtown Toronto
Not Worth my Coin

Price: 14$ + tax
Place: Average at best
Location: Bathurst and Wilson
Worth My Coin

Anime, Action figure, Toys review, statue, hot toys, funimation

Dollarama Find- My Hero Academia: Deku Vs Bakugo Anime Figure​

Action Figures, , , ,
Anime Figure, My hero academia, All Might, All for one, Deku, Bakugo, Midoriya, Hero fight

The Specs

Official licensed anime figure from Funimation and made by Just Toys. This diorama figure is a perfect addition to any My Hero Academia fan. 

Spans a total of 8.5 inches in diameter. 

20 individual pieces to assemble. 

Beautifully detailed to re-enact a fight between Deku and Bakugo. 

This Dollarama unique toy discoveries will be the first of a series of 5dollar toy review series that can help buyers make informed decision before spending. 

 

Anime Figure, My hero academia, All Might, All for one, Deku, Bakugo, Midoriya, Hero fight

This diorama figure is beautifully made. The details are well crafted and captures the angst of Bakugo and the fight in Deku’s eyes. Costume colors are nicely and cleanly painted, the packaging looks good as well. This is a very good addition to any My Hero Academia anime collector. 

Now for the not so good things. The figure comes with 20 smaller pieces that you need to assemble in order to build the diorama. With that many parts, it is bound to have some hiccups when building it. Some pegs are not a good fit in their holes that resulted in some connectors not fitting cleanly. Had a few joints falling off and disconnecting while the diorama is being assembled. There are no clamshell in the box that you can return the items into when you want to box it again. Parts came in plastic that are sealed individually. Great for cost-saving but not for the collectors themselves.

BUT…. I got this from Dollarama which is a discount store based in Canada for 5$ plus tax. So for the price, this mini statue is well worth it. This is an action figure that I will not pay 20$ for just because there’s a lot of connecting pieces and the time that it takes it to be assembled but for 5$, I can get another one so that I can share the pain of assembling it. 

Click here if you want to watch some My Hero Academia anime. 

Five star rating

PRICE: 5$
RATING: 5 COINS
WORTH YOUR COIN

dessert, Dessert review, pastry review, best dessert in Toronto, cake, ice cream, sweets, cheeseceake

Bake Code: The Matcha Yuzu Round Croissant

Food and Dessert, , , , , , , ,

Bake Code: Round Croissants

Matcha Yuzu, Is it worth your coin?

Baked Code Croissant, Round Croissant, Matcha and Yuzu, Best croissant
Baked Code Croissant, Round Croissant, Matcha and Yuzu, Best croissant

While walking down Yonge St. in North York after a lunch of some Pork Bone Soup (Superb and I can eat that almost every day). I was aiming to have some coffee and a little bit of dessert, you know for research purposes. I have the habit of checking out the different desserts that Toronto has, I tend to compare them with my desserts and would sometimes be impressed or most of the time, feel actual regret that I have purchased and eaten something that’s either not worth my money and the calories that I have to expend after eating an abomination of a dessert. 

This is not one of those times. 

I then saw Bake Code coffee shop just down the street that specializes in Croissants. Went inside and instantly saw the different types of croissants that they have. Unfortunately, my belly can only handle one and my fitness level will have to run for one hour to burn one croissant. They have regular croissants, Pain Au Chocolat, Pistachio croissants etc. Then I saw round croissants that I only get to see on Instagram and TikTok. A round croissant (Not sure if you can still call it a croissant), filled with Tiramisu, Pistachio, and Matcha Yuzu. Perfectly round with all those layers and trimmings outside. I just got to have this. But only one, Tiramisu is good but I just had some Tiramisu a few days ago. Pistachio is nice but I haven’t had much good experience in Pistachio here in Toronto and I would not want my dessert to be a disappointment after a hearty lunch. Matcha mixed with Yuzu (Japanese lime) has always been a good combination. Both matcha and yuzu are from Japan and I trust the Japanese when it comes to crafting stuff. 

So I have fixed myself on a Matcha Yuzu croissant (fitness and belly fullness limitations) and got my black coffee to match. Sipped coffee, admiring the croissant, I just looked like a creep on how I was manhandling that pastry. I turned it on the side, on the top, bottom, admiring all the layers that had come together to make this one perfect piece of bread. 

So how do I eat this? Should i rip it in two, see how much filling inside, and risk looking like an uncivilized neanderthal? Should I take a bite out of the thing? But I don’t want to just take a bit of the bread and not get any filling. Should I ask for a knife and fork and pretend that I have control of myself and eat it with a pretentious class?

Hmmmnnnn….. RIP IT APART and enjoy the pastry is what I did. And man it was so worth it. I saw the filling ooze out of the pastry and that first bite…. it was so good that I didn’t notice the couple at the other table looking at me. Once I have swallowed that first bite and regained my composure, It is time to eat it properly like the civilized gentleman that I am. 

All I can say is that the croissant is worth it and It was one of the highlights of my day, if not the week. 

Here is their Instagram account for more mouth-watering desserts. 

Baked Code Croissant, Round Croissant, Matcha and Yuzu, Best croissant
Five star rating

Baked Code: Matcha Yuzu Round Croissant
Price: 9$ + tax
Calories: I don't care and I don't wanna know
WORTH YOUR COIN