Tasty Thursdays are back and, well tasty. Most of the planed schedule of this city hall event were cancelled due to the stike o’summer 09, but happily, with normalcy returned, the last few weeks have been salvaged. The premise is simple; restaurants from the city set up booths and sell their wares, all under $5 and all in environmentally friendly containers. A band plays (in my opinion much too loudly), the sun shines and frivolity ensues. Not a bad gig, but how is the food this year? It turns out pretty good; two adequate passings and an A-.
I, in an attempt to avoid the lines, decided to try Kathmandu and ordered the Momo’s (chicken dumplings) with a side salad, and vegetarian samosas. Verdict? Not bad, but if you’re serving me deceptively gyoza like dumplings you better make sure they pack a flavour wollop – these come carrying a sternly worded letter. Not bland, very meaty but I would have preferred a more confidently seasoned product. Curry sauces kicked it up though; sadly, limp undressed salad brought it back down. Better than a street dog but not as exciting as I hoped.
The Banker’s Brother went Cuban with his sandwich from Freshwood Grill and ended up with a stronger contender. Loads of flavourful braised pork, bacon and aioli wrapped in dense flatbread – simple and to the point. I was sold. The Banker was sold. Brother wanted vegetables in it. Banker and I looked quizzically at Brother. He’s always been a strange one.
The Banker, who always picks the best meal (poor guy never does get to finish it though), spent his time in the longest line and was rewarded for his patience. La Fiesta won the day with it’s roasted pork and potato omelet with rice and beans and a side of (dressed!) salad. Yes, the meat was somewhat fatty and salty. Yes, the rice was probably soaked in fat. This was ‘not good for you at all’ food. I consumed my half it up in five minutes (I may have been afraid The Banker would ask for it back) and considered going back for seconds (sadly the line remained). It was satisfying and greasy and a little spicy with hints of paprika. This is hot summer picnic food at it's best.
So, what's the moral of the story? Wait in the longest line – it turns out people do know what they’re doing. And try and sit away from the bandstand – it’ll make you deaf.
La Fiesta Restaurant
503 Oakwood Ave
hahaha..thanks. I wanted a sprinkle of vegetables!
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