Paramount Fine Foods

From radio commercials, we were introduced to Paramount Fine Foods.  Without any expectations or knowledge about the restaurant, except the fact that it is a Mediterranean restaurant, we decided to give it a try.  When we entered the restaurant, we were completely lost because we didn't know where to start and instructions were not given.  It turned out that we should grab a table first, order our meals and the waiters will bring us our dishes.

For appetizers, we ordered Grape Leaves (Vine leaves stuffed with rice tomato, parsley and fresh mint) and Hummus (Chick pea paste, tahini sauce and virgin olive oil).  The Grape Leaves were a bit too bitter for me but it was interesting to try.  The Hummus was ordered because every table were served with two large pita beard, so we dipped that into our hummus.

We wanted to try different things so we opted for a Manakeesh which is equivalent to a "pizza" and a Shawarma plate to share. The Sausage with Cheese manakeesh that we chose was served with spiced minced beef sausage pinched with cheese.  It had a lot of cheese so it was very tasty.  The crust of it was actually just a pita beard though.  The Chicken and Beef Shawarma was served with 8oz. of mixed grilled chicken and beef Shawarma, garnished with mixed pickles, tomato and lettuce.  The plate was simple and we found it tasted a little similar to Greek style food.

Overall, food was great and service was average. I will definitely go back and try more of their dishes because it is a nice place for some casual dining and it "seemed" quite authentic to me (lol).  To.live.my.life rates a 7.5/10 to Paramount Fine Foods.

NYE @ Bier Markt - Shops at Don Mills

Ever since Bier Markt at Shops at Don Mills was opened, I was tempted to try it out due to the many many types/kinds of beer served and it is interesting how each item on the menu has its own pairing with one or more beer.  My friends and I decided to go for their $99 NYE dinner with four courses for our last meal in 2011.

For appetizers, we ordered the Yukon Potato and Shrimp Bisque.  I enjoyed the soup because it was thick and tasty, and there were actually a few pieces of lobster floating around.  Cider Cured Salmon was the other appetizer we ordered.  This wasn't as appetizing as the bisque because it tasted more health and it was too simple.

The second dish was the Intermezzo served with a slice of grapefruit and crushed ice made with some alcoholic beverage.  It was somewhat unique between the appetizer and the main course.

 For main dishes, the "Belgian Cut" Striploin  was chosen.  The steak was tender and the portion was actually great enormous.  However, the Chilean Sea Bass was petite when compared to the steak.

Last but not least was our desserts.  We tried both the Double Chocolate Fudge Cake and the Lemon Tart.  The lemon tart was actually better because it wasn't as original.  Also, as one can imagine the chocolate cake was way too sweet and fatten.

Just before the countdown, we all got a glass of champagne as well.  Overall, dinner was satisfying and we will be back for the Cheeses Fondue in the future along with the beer pairing suggested.