Brunching at Denny’s

Oreo milkshakes @Denny's

On the way to Vaughan Mills one Sunday, we decided to eat at Denny’s on Rutherford. While Grandma had warned it will not be fastfood per her experience down South, we didn’t realize the place will be so packed. There was a huge lineup and while I saw there were some empty tables, they were understaffed. After waiting for 5 or so minutes, I noticed that the bar was empty so I had asked for us to be seated at the bar instead. We just wanted to eat. The service was very friendly but it was quite a wait. The food arrived about 25 minutes from the time we ordered—which was also the time they were calling for my name at the front. Imagine that I could have just be getting seated at that time—40+minutes from the time we got there! There wouldn’t have been any reviews at that point.

Anyway, it was a delicious brunch, reminiscent of IHOP. The girls shared a Lumberjack meal of bacon, eggs and pancakes. 

Lumbejack slam @Denny's

Hubby got a Country Fried Steak. The chopped beef steak was nicely fried, but the gravy was on the bland side. The cheddar whipped potatoes were yummy.  

Country  Fried Steak @Denny's

I got Salted Caramel & Banana Cream Pancake Breakfast. Two fluffy buttermilk pancakes had shortbread pieces inside and these were layered with vanilla cream and topped with fresh bananas, warm salted caramel sauce and more shortbread pieces. SOOOO GOOD. They also came with two eggs, hash browns, plus a choice of bacon or sausage.

Salted Caramel and Banana Cream pancake @Denny's

While I didn’t get to try it, Grandma said her Grilled Tilapia was tasty.

Grilled Tilapia @Denny's

It was a nice brunch treat. They are open 24 hours so I think when we go back next time, we will try to pick a less busy time. Prices are just under $15 per dish.

The hype about Japanese cheesecake

Uncle Tetsu's Japanese Cheesecake

I haven’t had the chance to checkout Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese cheesecake since the store opened in Toronto some time ago. Dreading the long line ups (they used to only sell one cake per customer after waiting for an hour or so) and not so hot reviews from some folks, I waited until a friend was going to get some. Then, they opened a location in Pacific Mall so I was able to get some more!

I like T&T’s Japanese cheesecake and have also been able to try Bake Code’s version. The Japanese cheesecake is a light and fluffy cheesecake without a crust, quite different from the decadent New York styles. 

The six-inch cakes are hot-stamped with the caricature of the Japan-based cheesecake empire’s founder. These are carefully wrapped in cheesecloth and placed in takeaway boxes.

Uncle Tetsu's cheesecake

The cheesecake was quite good.  The texture was like a hybrid of a spongecake and soufflé with a light sweet flavour. I would gladly have it, when available. I wouldn’t wait hours in line for it, though. 20 minutes was all I could manage with the Pacific Mall location. It was nice to see the freshly baked goodies.

Fresh from the oven Uncle Tetsu cheesecake

Branding: Uncle Tetsu cheesecake being stamped

We also tried the Madelines but we didn't love it.

Madelines @Uncle Tetsu

We have also tried the coffee and original cheesecakes of Love Me Sweet at Yonge. 

Love Me Sweet cheesecake

The coffee flavour was quite distinct in the coffee cheesecake. It was melt in your mouth and bursting with coffee flavour. The original was good as well. I actually can't tell the difference with this and Uncle Tetsu's. Love Me Sweet's original cheesecake was moist and fluffy. 

I like that the Japanese cheesecake is light and airy. I don't necessarily prefer it over the New York cheesecake. I think the choice will depend on the mood at that time. It is a great dessert I will not mind having. Thing is, it is so light that I can finish a bigger slice (read: over a quarter of the whole cake). Therein lies the rub.  

There are also some delightful cheese tarts out there. I checked out the Baked Cheese Tart of Cheese Garden. The rich molten cheese was so delicious on that flaky crust. I can't have that one too often, though, unlike the lighter cheesecakes. Still, it was a wonderful treat!

Baked Cheese Tart @ Cheese Garden

Uncle Tetsu's baked cheese tart was equally good but I prefer the pastry crust of Cheese Garden. The size was just right, though!

Uncle Tetsu's Cheese tart

One can go crazy with all the cheesy treats out there and each one has some level of deliciousness it will be hard to go wrong. Read: I will eat them all! Happy Desserts!

Interior Design Heaven: RH gallery at Yorkdale

RH Gallery @Yorkdale Mall

As we went from room to room, floor to floor in the massive 4-floor, 70,000 sqft Restoration Hardware, RH Gallery, at Yorkdale, I felt like I died and went to Interior Design heaven. Each floor was symmetrical and each room was so well-appointed. It was divine. The beautiful home furnishings were set up gallery-style, inviting you to imagine having these to come home to. I loved the rustic classic design of many of the pieces—I tried but could not find any one item that I didn’t like. Down to the last light fixture, pillow, or even candle, they were all something I wouldn’t mind having in my home.

RH Gallery

RH Gallery

We started from the Fourth Floor, which was the Conservatory and Rooftop park where they had the patio furniture and the CN tower as a backdrop. 

Rooftop @RH Gallery

Conservatory @RH Gallery

The Third floor was all about Modern design while the Second Floor featured the Design Atelier where you can choose from the vast variety of fabrics and finishes.

RH Gallery

 Design Atelier @RH Gallery

At the main floor, they also have a beautiful Courtyard Café and Barista Bar should you need to fill up after exploring or to get some energy before embarking on this journey of being inside a magazine turned real. We will have to try the Courtyard Café some time as I would love to sit under trees with glittering chandeliers and enjoy seasonal menus as well as curated wines. I totally LOVED this place and can spend hours and hours here.

Courtyard Cafe @RH Gallery