Le Yum-Yum avec le Summerlicious

Fact: I love to try new and amazing foods. Fact: I can't afford to hit up every restaurant with amazing foods that I want to try. That's why the greatest festival that ever happened to this broke yet culinarily (yes I made up that word) adventurous girl was Summerlicious (and Winterlicious but we're not there yet...even though it was 14 degrees outside today and it's mid July...Le GRRRR)

I have the great fortune of having a wicked group of friends that, like me, are game for pretty much any random restaurant choice I throw their way. From Greek to Italian over to Spanish and down to Creole, I was given free reign to taste, taste, taste to my little heart's content. Thanks to everyone who came along with me on this installment of Summerlicious and the countdown to Winterlicious begins. Below I have listed the places that I ventured to and how I rated them on my Janine Yum-O-Meter. Bon Appetit!!

Five Doors North

Where You At: Yonge Street between Eglinton and Davisville

My Company: My fabulous L.A. friends who were visiting along with my fellow Oz traveler Fini.
What I Tasted: Alaskan King Crab Cakes, Eggplant Parmagiana and Summer Berry Crumble
Now, Esplain: I'm very glad that I got to show my big sis' and her hubby the Yonge and Egg area since I love it and they seemed to enjoy their selections, hurray! I loved the crab cakes and the eggplant parmagiana was saucy yet crispy...just the way I like it. I feel I should mention that Oz Fini, who is vegan, was given a pasta option that she to enjoyed. Thanks to the chefs for being so hospitable.
Yum-O-Meter: 9 Yums out of 10

Sassafraz
Where You At: On Cumberland by Bay and Bloor
My Company: My lovely and beautiful mother and her lovely and beautiful best pal
What I Tasted: Smoked Bacon Scallops, New York Striploin with Chipotle Foam (Foam was a reoccurring guest on most my dishes) and Tiramisu with Kahlua
Now, Esplain: I just like saying the name of this restaurant...Sassafraz...Sassafraz...Sa-zzzaaa-fraz. Ms. C didn't enjoy her undercooked dessert and her main was a little meh, my mother on the other hand has mysteriously lost her sense of taste so to her it all tasted delish! I was in heaven with scallops, steak and tiramisu plus a glass of sangria. Not to mention Sazzzzaaaafraz popped my foam cherry! I never knew it was possible to eat flavored air but it is and I enjoyed it.
Yum-O-Meter: 9 Yums out of 10

Kultura
Where You At: King and Jarvis
My Company: The Ladies i.e. Gaylsious, Grimza, Ambular and Sea-Shells
What I Tasted: Mediterranean Chicken Samosas, Butcher's Tenderloin with Sweet Potato Foam (told ya!) and Vanilla Sugar Doughnut Holes
Now, Esplain: As Grimza took pictures of every dish that came out delicately designed and perfectly plated (before I destroyed it with my ungraceful chop stick usage. I'm still in training but have been taught by the best Sensi Ambular), I spent ample time taking in the wicked decor of this trendy restaurant. Note: The outside has no name on it. The Samosas were to die for and who doesn't like anything called "sugar doughnut holes." Enough said.
Yum-O-Meter: 9 Yums out of 10

Bar Italia
Where You At: Lil' Italy College and Bathurst-ish
My Company: Another fav partner in crime Da Braz
What I Tasted: Insalata De Portabello Arrosti (translation: salad...and peppers), Seafood Risotto and Tiramisu (Another reoccurring guest but only because I can't help myself)
Now, Esplain: I had to hold myself back from literally licking the plate after finishing the seafood risotto. Huge chunks of shrimp and bits of scallops just had me and Da Braz in awe. Not only do I also love the area but heading down the street we stopped for a drink at Li'ly where we were treated to a wicked band called Project Sound that gave Stevie Wonder a run for his money with a flawless Superstitious performance.
Yum-O-Meter: 10 Yums out of 10

Southern Accent
Where You At: Markham Street right by Honest Eds (Bathurst and Bloor)
My Company: Garbage Face and the gang (i.e. Cheff, Ripper, Toste, Yogi-Toste aka Long Shanks, The Dougler, Smiles for Miles and Lady Dana) oh and Gaylsious
What I Tasted: Gumbo, Canal Street Creole Jambalaya and Strawberry Rubarb Custard Pie
Now, Esplain: So for someone who literally eats up the whole New Orleans citchy vibe, I was in heaven. The atmosphere at this place knocked my socks off, cue fortune teller, beads, masks and the best damn Bourbon Sour I've ever tasted. The gumbo was great but the avocado bruschetta got rave reviews and I nod in aggreance "yeah I should have gotten that." My only complaint comes from the jambalaya that did not impress neither me nor Gaylsious.
Yum-O-Meter: 8 Yums out of 10

Embrujo Flamenco Tapas Restaurant
Where You At: Danforth and Broadview
My Company: Grimza...how romantic!

What I Tasted: Where do I start? Ok, here we go. Ensalata Madrilena (translation: salad...Madrid style apparently), Paella with Pork Ribs, Spanish Tortilla, Calamares, Pollo al Ajillo (translation...chicken), Spinach and Mushroom Flat Bread, and Flan.

Now, Esplain: Holy crap...this place should pay me for all the fantastic things I'm about to rant on. I am in total le swoon over this tapas restaurant. If the food wasn't flawless enough to make this my fav Summerlicious tasting this season but half way through our meal the lights went down, some guy started up with the Spanish guitar and a beautiful lady started Flamenco dancing. I kid you not...it was life altering. She had the little clapper things and everything. As Grimza said "I'm going to get a boy to bring me back here on a date." I agree. A fantastic date night it would be.

Yum-O-Meter: 10 Yums out of 10

Pan on the Danforth
Where You At: Danforth (obviously) and Carlaw
My Company: My Favorite Pisan For Real
What I Tasted: Steamed PEI Mussels, Vegetarian Moussaka and Ice Cream Sundae (reliving my youth...after all it was a Sunday...get it???...a Sundae on a Sunday...ohhhh mercy)
Now, Esplain: Besides the moussaka...where's the Greek? My Pisan loved her chicken breast and hummus appetizer but I felt the meal could have been a little more...how do you say...Greeky? I wanted flaming cheese and broken plates and people screaming "Opa!!" at every corner. Is that to much to ask?
Yum-O-Meter: 7 Yums out of 10