Sunday afternoon at Markham Museum

Markham Museum 

In the heart of Markham, we explored Markham Museum one lovely Sunday ages ago. We got a guided tour around the area, checking out houses and other structures from over a century ago. A lot of the buildings were brought in from various locations in Markham so they now can be situated in one area, except for the Mount Joy school which was already part of the 25-acre lot. 

We checked out a few dwellings, the printing press, a shop (loved the hats and bins!), and the church. 

The buildings were well maintained and the artifacts were in good condition. Similar to the Black Creek Pioneer Village, it was quite interesting to see how folks lived back in the day.

The girls declined a round of mini golf, but we checked out the train station and the huge sun dial. Afterwards, we went inside the main building for some crafts, an exhibit, and more info about the town of Markham.

In the exhibit area, there were more activities for the kids. At the time we were there, the exhibit was “Farm to Table”, so the display, crafts and activities centered on food. The girls made placemats and played at the mini-grocery area. 

 
Admission was $15 for a family of four and a couple of hours should be sufficient to explore. They also have various programs throughout the year--camps, festivals, etc. The location is quite far, in the heart of Markham, but worth checking out if you are in the area.

Chinese New Year dinner options: Dinner at Dragon Boat Fusion Cuisine

Having loved the dimsum at Dragon Boat Fusion Cuisine, we decided to try their other dishes for dinner. The dishes were not exactly cheap as one would find in the usual congee places, but they were delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented.

We ordered half of a fried free range chicken. The skin was crispy and the chicken was juicy.

Crispy Fried Free Range Chicken at Dragon Boat Fusion

We also had the usual fried rice and noodles. For our treat, we ordered Seafood Basket, a deep fried crispy basket loaded with shrimp, scallops, and a healthy serving of snap peas. Yum! They also did not scrimp on shrimp and scallop and these were beautifully cooked.

Seafood basket at Dragon Boat Fusion

Nobody else at our table wanted to try the Peking Duck so I got vetoed in ordering this. It did seem delicious, carved table side, and a lot of the other patrons had ordered it. Maybe next time, we will give it a try when folks are feeling more adventurous.

Dessert was delicious almond cookies and the usual red bean soup.

Almond cookies and red bean dessert at Dragon Boat Fusion

So, whether we want the best dimsum or some fancy Chinese dinner, Dragon Boat Fusion is really a place we would go back to. Kung Hei Fat Choi! Happy  Chinese New Year!

Where y’at: Dinner at Big Daddy's

After coming from the Bell TIFF one time, Hubby and I went for dinner at Big Daddy's Bourbon Street Bistro & Oyster Bar (what a mouthful!) right up the street. 

We had gone here for dinner before and truly enjoyed our meal. So a second trip was quite welcome even if there were a few other options we could’ve tried.

I got a Caesar since they had a $6 Happy Hour deal. You put your own Tabasco into your drink and it was yummy! Next time, though, I would not opt for them to put in the horseradish. It wasn’t as great as the one in Starfish, but a good one nonetheless. The presentation with the shrimp and olive was nice!

Bloody Caesar @ Big Daddy's

 Hubby and I shared another Caesar—salad this time. We also shared Creole-grilled Calamari and Seafood fondue. The Calamari was wonderfully grilled. Hints of the marinade (honey & jalapeño) broke through the roasted garlic Creole butter drizzle.

Grilled Calamari @ Big Daddy's

The fondue was delicious as well. The rich Alfredo sauce was topped with several types of cheeses--Asiago, Jack and Parmesan.  It was packed with shrimp, bay scallops, blue crab and mushrooms. Toasted Ciabatta & Cheddar Jalapeño bread were served on the side for dipping. Rich and filling and perfect for sharing!

Cheese Fondue @ Big Daddy's

We will definitely be back whenever we have a N’awlins cuisine craving or maybe for oysters next time. Happy Fat Tuesday!

Phoenix Restaurant: Chinese Breakfast and Porkchop 3 ways!

Just this past year, we have been to Phoenix Restaurant over at Bayview Ave a dozen or so times. I just love their fried porkchop!  Their menu is so vast that we always take some time to figure out what to order. I guess I should say the rest of the fam takes time to order. I, on the other hand, almost always default to their porkchop. Deep-fried. Crunchy. Juicy. Yum!

 

Fried Porkchop at Phoenix

One time, we decided to check out their breakfast offering. Time to switch things up, eh? Well, after much internal debate, I decided to have ramen soup… with porkchop! I just couldn’t resist. It was the same generous size porkchop and still had some crunch when served (of course, it turns soggy after a bit). The ramen was just ok and the broth hits the spot. Overall quite satisfying especially for me, the porkchop-lover!

 

Ramen with pork chop at Phoenix

 Hubby ordered chicken steak and eggs which was also a good portion and quite tasty. 



Chicken steak at Phoenix

Grandma ordered a sandwich. The girls had a more traditional, American treat—waffles with PBJ! So, see, the menu IS quite varied.

Waffles at Phoenix

So, if you are looking for something different for breakfast, would recommend you try out Phoenix. And while you are at it, try the porkchop! :) Hubby tried the baked one as well!

Baked Porkchop at Phoenix