junk – Tiana Feng

10oz Burgers At the Purple Onion

September 6, 2012March 27, 2013Food, Restaurant Reviews1 Comment

The Purple Onion, located in the Junction neighborhood of Toronto is more known for it’s all-day breakfasts. However, I can’t seem to go to a new place and NOT try the burgers at least once. So I did and they were 10 oz.

I forgot the name of our burgers and their website doesn’t really name them but mine had onion rings, carmelized onions and mushrooms. Nash’s had bacon, carmelized onion and mushrooms. And did I mention the patty was 10oz? All for only $8.95. A great price for the amount of food.

The burger patty itself had pieces of onion in it that added moisture and flavour. It was a simple but decent burger. We’ll be frequenting the Junction a ton for the next little while, so we’ll be back to try their infamous breakfasts in the nearby future.

Fusion Hot Dogs and Manic Coffee

May 19, 2012April 2, 2013Food, Restaurant ReviewsLeave a Comment

I found Fusia Dog one day when I was wandering downtown. We decided to try it. Located in the Entertainment district, this mini joint puts an asian fusion twist on the hot dog.

I ordered the Fusia Dog which had kimchi, daikon carrot salad and coriander wrapped in a paratha. For a hot dog, it was very light and refreshing. There was a wasabi mayo that had quite the kick. For some reason I thought the hot dogs would be over $10, but it was only $6.95. I finished it in less than 5 minutes.

Nash ordered the Boston Dog. It had more American toppings with baked beans, cheese, crispy bacon and fried onions. I stole a bite and it was delicious and surprisingly not too heavy.

It was another concert night and since we finished our hot dogs way too fast, we decided to hit up another local coffee joint. We ended up at Manic Coffee at College and Bathurst. I ordered a mocha.

It’s amazing, how many coffee joints there are in Toronto that aren’t chains. I think I’m going to make an effort to support more little places. Not only are they cheaper than Starbucks, but can be more delicious too!

Conquered the Bull

March 17, 2012April 2, 2013Food, Restaurant Reviews2 Comments

Me and the boyfriend decided to celebrate the end of two busy weeks by eating the epic signature No Bull Burger. I had been to No Bull a couple of times in the past few weeks since it was close to my internship. They had some great organic burgers and I was intrigued by the monster of a burger that consisted of grilled cheese sandwiches as buns. I decided against getting one for lunch while I was at work because I would probably not be able to move after. On Friday night, Me and Nash ordered one of these monster things each. In addition to grilled cheese it came with double patties, regular and peameal bacon and fried egg. It was a heart suicide mission and the servers even jokingly asked if we would like him to call the hospital. In addition to the aforementioned, you could add any of their available fresh toppings. On mine I added, lettuce, tomato, carmelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. It became a creation that looked like this:

3/4 of the way in I started to slow down but I pulled through and this was all that was left:

Despite our small frame, both of us managed to finish. I think I he’s the one.

What is Your Comfort Food?

December 8, 2010FoodLeave a Comment

I’ve been having a rough week or so with exams stress and my Grammy passing away and what really got me through it was junk food. The strange thing about the “junk” I eat, is most of the time I actually get up and make it myself. French Onion Soup, chips, Hot and Spicy Instant Noodles. Occasionally on the list is a gourmet burger. No, not one from McDonalds, one made of certified hot and and juicy Angus beef.

Something I always wanted to know is what is it about foods that make us feel better? I’ve read it is because the certain foods we crave are familiar, but I’m Asian and I know “French Onion Soup” isn’t something I should typically be craving. Most things I crave are in the category of fatty foods that probably have lots of carbohydrates and sugars that stimulate the brain into making it feel better. Usually its the flavor and the salt that I want the most. At least I have been blessed with a fast metabolism, or else I’d be a blimp.

There is more than just the flavor that gives me happiness from compulsive eating. There is the joy in making the delicious junk yourself, as with my Microwave Potato chips (which I will give you all the recipe in a future post) or the French Onion Soup. It’s a release from the everyday stresses. For me it is really one of my only escapes. I go to school to study music business, and I come home to blog about it. Sadly, I lost a little of the joy in it a long the way. I hope that the Christmas break will help me rediscover my love for it again. When I’m cooking, I don’t think what’s going on in my life, otherwise I would get distracted and burn something. It’s a nice escape.

So what’s your comfort food? Mine narrows down to salt and flavor, and lot’s of it. Is yours the same? or is it chocolate or something really bizarre? I want to know!