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All About Toronto:
Places to eat...
Pho Mi 99 (530 Dundas Street West)I am a girl with a healthy appetite. No, I'm not greedy; I'm just a girl who likes to get her grub on. However, I am no junk food junkie, I'd much rather eat a good meal than spend $5.00 at Mickey Dees wiping the grease from my mouth!
I have several favourite eateries: The Keg Mansion, Swatow and most Greek restaurants. But my love for the moment is Pho Mi 99.
It is located in the heart of Chinatown and allows patrons to feast on the very best in Vietnamese cuisine. Not only is the food off tha hook, the staff is very friendly and always seats Christine, Phan and I at our favourite table [table #13, baby! - Chris] (damn, I guess we eat there a lot, eh???).
My favourite dish is #402 - pork, spring roll and vermicelli. Hmmmmm!!! Even though it bothers Phan and Christine that I rarely stray from that meal, I can't help but order it. What I also like about this restaurant is that even after we've finished are meals, we are still allowed to sit and chill for hours and hours [and we get free tea too - Chris].
So, if you are ever in the T-dot and are looking to deviate from hamburgers and fries, brush up on your chopstick skills and drop by Pho Mi 99. ¤ Michelle
Christine's Commentary on Michelle's Commentary: As I always have to put my two cents into everything, I wanted to add remarks to Michelle's article. Yes, we do love Pho Mi 99. Yes, we are there at least once a week, and sometimes even twice in one day. Yes, Michelle always gets #402, despite the fact that Phan and I have tried to talk her into getting something different. Yes, the food is yummy and is very cheap. No, Michelle does not really love The Keg, Swatow and most Greek Restaurants. She may talk about those places once in a while (which also offer great food) but she's never gone with Phan or me, and we've known each other a while now. Okay, we went to Swatow once, but have never gone back since that day. I have never seen Michelle put any Greek food in her mouth, or steak for that matter. We have frequented J.J. Muggs, Sushi on Bloor, and more recently Popeye's (although I usually have to drag Michelle there). So I don't really know where she's going with that. And finally, yes, Pho Mi 99 is the place to be.
360 Revolving Restaurant (301 Front Street West, CN Tower)
Don't you hate it when the anticipation is greater than the actual experience? For 360 Revolving Restaurant, this is the case. After years of living in Toronto, I finally got the chance (and the money) to try it out. Okay, I lied about the money part. My boyfriend at the time (you rock!) treated me on our date. If I had known, I would have told him to save the money.
First, there is a ridiculously long wait for seating (reservations are highly recommended, if not required). Second, there is no smoking section in the restaurant, but that's a pointless rant. Third, the food is mediocre and overpriced. You are paying for the view, nothing else. The menu is very limited and comes in options. That means an appetizer, main course, dessert and coffee, even if you don't want any of those things. And believe me, after eating the appetizer I didn't want anything else back but my money.
The only good thing about 360 is the view (and the fact that the food is very artistically decorated, but who cares, you're going to eat it, not frame it). Obviously, a table by the window is the best seat to get, and the most difficult. Sometimes waiting lists can be backed up for weeks - so book in advance. And don't forget the cash at home. You'll need it.
At least the restaurant does what it boasts it does, meaning that it does actually revolve. Very slowly, of course. Wouldn't want anyone to get motion sickness while eating. In a span of about forty-five minutes you would have revolved once. Forty-five is also the amount of hours I would have to work to afford a meal there. The last time I was there (okay, so I've been there twice, sue me) each meal was priced at about $60. That's not including drinks, taxes, and tips. And with a place like 360, you just know that they're going to automatically charge gratuity. You're better off packing a picnic and having it on top of someone's roof. ¤ C.Ho.