Stephanie Lovell

Enjoying the sunshine ☀️ at lunch today and sat on the patio on Armitage.

I ordered La Completa with the upgraded Ropa Vieja and cup of soup - choosing the Sopa de Cherna (Grouper). La Completa comes with rice, beans, plantains, and the selected protein. I really enjoyed this platter. The beans and rice were well portioned and seasoned. The ropa vieja meets the renown that it is known for.

The Sopa de Cherna was really tasty and I thought the cup was an excellent portion size when accompanied with the entree.

Sunday Dinner, mid-week from Turkey Chop. It has a succinct menu with items packed with flavour that are both comforting and filling.

The meal is comprised of large turkey leg 🍗, collared greens, mac & cheese, yams, topped with smoked corn bread dressing and smothered in a knockout gravy.

The turkey alone is outstanding; it falls off the bone. All of the sides are delicious. I would say my favourite is a tie between the greens and the mac.

Located inside the Marriott lobby, this speakeasy was a fascinating post dinner excursion.

We did not have reservations but luckily got there early enough to secure seats at the bar. I would say sitting at the bar is the best spot as you can view the gamut of house-finished liquors as well as see the bartenders at work.

We were greeted with our names written in our seats which was a nice touch along with a complimentary cocktail sample. My friend and I each ordered two cocktails.

I ordered the Islay Gin & Tonic and the All About the Basil. The Islay Gin & Tonic definitely is a drink that you experience through smell first from the rosemary smoke.

I would say the All About the Basil was my favourite of the two being extremely refreshing and herbaceous.

I was able to treat myself to a comforting breakfast Bread x Butter downtown in the beautiful Cathedral Place Building.

I had the Classic Egg Toast with Ham, a Flat White, and a Black Currant House Soda. The egg toast was fluffy and buttery rich.

Service was quick and friendly. Definitely a great breakfast option downtown.

Came in at 5:30 for a dinner with friends.

My friends are vegan, while I am not. The server was extremely friendly and helpful, pointing out the dishes that could be made vegan and which ones would not adapt well.

The food was lovely and flavourful. I had two pots of the cardamom black tea. I have not had much exposure to Afghani cuisine but I was very impressed by what I had.

We shared the Qorma-i Sabzi, Qorma-i Takari, and the Fish Qorma.