Rol San
The casual Rol San is usually crowded with locals and visitors for one main reason: its delicious, moderately priced dim sum. Order a variety of appetizers such as spring rolls, minced pork dumpling or, if you're adventurous, fried pork intestine. Also try the chicken and corn soup, or one of the noodle soups featuring marinated duck, barbecued pork or won ton.
Don't miss the rice dishes with sweet and sour chicken, or pork ribs in black bean sauce. If you prefer fried noodles, order them with beef in satay sauce or with chicken and vegetables. Other tempting dishes include beef tenderloin in black pepper sauce; braised tofu with mushrooms; and sizzling hot plates with beef, seafood or chicken.
Rol San
323 Spadina Ave.
Toronto, Ontario M5T2E9 Canada
(416) 977-1128
fyood.com
Spadina Garden
Spadina Garden's menu is inviting and extensive, including Szechuan, Hunan and Peking dishes. Prices are moderate for the fresh, well-prepared food. At lunch, for less than $10 you can enjoy a meal of soup, rice plus a savory main dish such as as Szechuan fish, Hunan beef, spicy chicken with peanuts or garlic shrimp with mixed vegetables.
The restaurant's mouthwatering specialties are fun to share at the table. Try honey garlic shrimp, barbecued crispy ribs and spicy chicken wings. Other choices include Hunan Triple Delight with chicken, beef and shrimp; Sea Treasures with shrimp, squid and scallops; and sauteed Szechuan shredded beef. Vegetarians can enjoy a range of treats from Cantonese eggplant to Chinese broccoli with black mushrooms.
The atmosphere at Spadina Garden is relaxed, so you can come in and enjoy the fare in jeans or even golf attire.
Spadina Garden Restaurant
114 Dundas St. W.
Toronto, Ontario M5G1C3 Canada
(416) 977-3413
spadinagarden.com
Congee Queen
Congee is rice porridge, which may sound rather bland until you try it at Congee Queen. As part of its varied menu, this restaurant serves the classic dish with lobster, shrimp, salmon, tofu and veggies, chicken and duck, or pork liver and kidney.
If you prefer, you can also order savory soups---think crab meat or shrimp wonton---or your choice of noodles, such as vermicelli with shredded duck. Fried rice dishes feature Canadian smoked salmon, spicy soft-shell crab and roasted pork with tofu. You also have your pick of roasted dishes including tofu, chicken and duck.
The Congee Queen is informal---you'll feel just as comfortable in slacks or shorts as in a dress or suit.
Congee Queen
895 Lawrence Ave. E.
North York, Ontario M3C3L2 Canada
(416) 916-0338
congeequeen.com
About The Author
Barbara Dunlap is a freelance writer in Oregon. She was a garden editor at "The San Francisco Chronicle," and she currently specializes in travel and active lifestyle topics like golf and fitness. She received a master's degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia and has been a Knight Foundation Fellow.
