Izba Restaurant

Definitely worth a visit.

Izba Restaurant, located at 648 The Queensway in Toronto/Etobicoke claims to have "the BEST schnitzel in town". And in my humble opinion, it's very possibly true.

I'm a fan of schnitzel and have had many different versions of it. I've also been disappointed many, many times. Too often, schnitzel is oily and flaky - the breadcrumbs falling off and the meat (pork and veal) waaaaaay too tough. But this....THIS was amazing.

Not oily, perfectly crisp, amazingly tender and awesomely spiced (yes, I know I'm using a lot of positive adjectives, but you would too if you'd tried it).  The funny thing? I didn't even order the schnitzel (that's right, I mooched off my friend's plate).

Instead, I ordered the pork tenderloin with pierogi (I've been DYING for pierogi, but that's a story for another day). The pierogi were served with sour cream and boiled (which, I'm told by my pierogi-connoisseur friend would've tasted much better had they been pan-fried), but to my Canadian Chinese palate, tasted great. Potatoes and cheddar wrapped inside a dumpling...mmmm...but I digress...

The pork tenderloin was tender - as in fall-off-the-other-parts-of-the-meat-tender, served with a sprinkle of dried parsley (hey, it works here) and a gravy I couldn't identify. There were also roasted potatoes (which this potato-connoisseur LOVED), braised cabbage (forever ruined because of the cabbage soup diet...thank you parents...) and boiled carrots (which I didn't touch).

It was by far one of the best comfort food meals I've had in a very long time, and definitely a belly-filling one.

The portions are generous, so be sure to go on an empty stomach.

Restaurant rating: Definitely worth an extra hour or two at the gym.

(Apologies for the lack of food pictures, but it was too dark for decent pics).

Chocolate-dipped potato chips (that's right)

Chocolate chips

Whether I'm cooking, grocery shopping or trying a new restaurant, I always think of these activities as culinary adventures. Last night, I embarked on such an adventure. Along with a friend, I tried chocolate-dipped potato chips at The Chocolateria, located at 361 Roncesvalles Avenue.

The chips were interesting. The salt from the potato chips helped to balance out the sweetness from the chocolate. I liked the texture very much - crunchy and soft at the same time. Again, it's all about balance. 

However, I would say this snack is only good in very small doses. Any more than 2 or 3 chips, and the overall experience becomes too much.  Too much sweetness, too much saltiness and just too much in general.  (And when I start thinking about the calories involved....ugh...)  

Having said this, I think the chips could be much more enjoyable if paired properly with a beer.  Chocolate beer has been around for a while - a black chocolate stout would go well, as would a beer like Okocim Porter.  

One other thought: someone I know used to put potato chips in the freezer. I've tried this and chips do tasted better cold - less salty. I think freezing these chips could also improve the experience.

The chocolate was a little heavy

Beyond the potato chips, The Chocolateria also has a wide array of truffles, and other goodies.  I didn't get a chance to try them, but could see myself going back. 

BTW - my friend didn't enjoy the chips, but he is willing to go along with my craziness and try the chips with beer. I'll be sure to write about it when it happens.