Yesterday was a busy day; to keep up with all the eating out JT and I decided to work out at our local gym each morning. That’s 30 minutes on the elliptical and 20 with free weights! I’m hoping it’s enough :).
We checked out two new grocery stores in Toronto: Maple Leaf Garden Loblaws and the Longo’s Maple Leaf Square. Yes, we are obsessed with hockey (OK, not me, really).
Maple Leaf Gardens was Toronto’s hockey arena where our beloved Maple Leafs played from 1931 to 1999. It then sat purposeless until 2004 when Loblaws purchased it. (American’s will know Loblaws by it’s Private Label Brand, President’s Choice). They were going to convert it to a Real Canadian Superstore but were met with heaps of criticism that the retailer will diminish the buildings historical value (see history). So it sat again for a number of years without much work within it other than some structural testing. In 2009 Loblaws announced that they were in discussion with Ryerson University regarding a future joint venture. Construction for the newly purposed building began in 2010 to be converted into a multi-purpose building: Ryerson University (fitness centre, studios, high-performance courts, and an NHL sized ice hockey rink seating 2,796 guests*), Loblaws, LCBO and Joe Fresh. We checked out the retail spaces.
To call this place a grocery store would be an enormous understatement — it’s absolutely incredible! From prepared gourmet selections to the on site bakery, butcher, fish monger, fresh market (with fruits and vegetables I have never heard of!) and the list goes on — it’s a feast for the eyes. We had no intention to buy anything, but somehow we came out with a $100 bill for things I just couldn’t pass up! It’s a beautifully merchandised store, with something to look at in every corner. Sadly this store is about a 20 minute drive through the city for us, so it’s not likely a place we will shop every day, but it certainly will be a destination from time to time!
Longo’s Maple Leaf Square was a bit of a let down after the “wall of cheese” but I suppose it was expected. None-the-less there were new products to admire (and I bought my very first Give-Away to be held in the new year!).
We ate lunch at Cochina Lucero a small family owned Mexican Restaurant about a 5 minute drive from Maple Leaf Gardens. The restaurant itself is very quaintly decorated in the Mexican style; brightly coloured tiles, thick wooden tables and chairs that weighed about 50lbs! 😉 It was not packed, but then again we arrived around 2:30. The service was friendly and quick; we received complimentary tortilla chips and a lovely spicy tomato salsa. I ordered Sopa Azteca which was $7.00. It was a generous portion made with pasilla chili, tomato and chicken soup topped with
tortilla strips, feta cheese, avocados & sour cream. It hit my taste buds perfectly; just the right spiciness, and enough chicken to make it a meal. It was likely the best Mexican soup I’ve ever had. JT had the El Burro Chicken Tortilla for $9; it was a 12 inch tortilla crammed with beans, rice, pico de gallo, cheese, guacamole & sour cream; he said he has had better. I had a bit of a taste and would agree, it could have had a bit more flavour to it! All in all it was a great experience, and I would recommend this little hole-in-the-wall place.
Overall rating (in my opinion): Decor 4/5, service 4/5, food 4/5, Value 4/5, Noise: 5/5 (1 being very noisy, and 5 being very quiet). The restaurant was not packed, I would imagine it gets pretty loud at night. Great lunch place.
Disclaimer: We purchased our meal for full price and my opinions just that, my opinions.
*Historical data is from Wikipedia
[…] few and far between in Toronto but there are a couple of good ones. The one I love for lunch is Cucina Lucerno down by Maple Leaf Gardens and why I love it for lunch is that they make a TO DIE FOR Sopa Azteca. […]
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[…] list-making abilities will come in very handy. We began our grocery journey at around 10am at the Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaw and were on the go until 3pm non-stop, visiting no less than 8 stores to pick up about $300 of […]
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[…] first inspiration: I was walking in our new grocery store at Maple Leaf Gardens (they have just an incredible variety of everything, in fact, it is where this new series came to […]
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the wall of cheese at Loblaws is mostly fake..check it yourself above 5 feet ..plastic.
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Well, I guess it’s about the ambiance! Next time I go, I’ll check it out.
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That Mexican menu sounds delicious. Happy New Year Eva.
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Thanks Charlie Louie, it was a very tasty lunch.
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Sounds like a very fruitful day’s shopping and eating Eva! Happy New Year to you too! 😀
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It was great fun Lorraine; back on the wagon in the new year!
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Oh, I could go in there and not come out for days! That looks like great fun!
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That’s true Ann, they validate your parking and you need only spend $20!
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Hi Eva! Sounds like you’ve been happily busy. I can’t wait to check out the new Maple Leaf Garden Loblaws the next time we’re in town – when did it open? (we were in Toronto in November…) – very happy to learn about Cochina Lucero – good food and great prices – our family just loves discovering those understated gems… thanks for the recommendations and I wish you a very Happy New Year with many wonderful moments in 2012!
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I think you just missed the grand opening, Kelly. I believe it was late November. Definitely pop by next time your in town, it sure is a foodie experience!
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What a fabulous place to spend some time and money! I love that wall of cheese. Happy New Year, Eva!
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The wall of cheese was impressive; not the least expensive place to buy groceries but certainly a destination. Happy New Year to you too Lynda.
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“(and I bought my very first Give-Away to be held in the new year!)”
Is it something from the wall of cheese?
Those are mighty high marks for the restaurant Eva – sounds like something worth a try. I love it when restaurants are quiet!
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Me too, Charles, but you don’t get the same vibe as when they’re bustling.
I’m trying to figure out what my little contest will be 😉
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We like Mexican food a little too much…especially the margaritas with the food! That Sopa Azteca sounds right up my alley!
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I’m going to have to track down a recipe for it Betsy. It’s just too good to have only when I go out!
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My favourite Mexican restaurant is on the other side of the Canada-US border and until I get my passport renewed I won’t be visiting it again. The last couple of meals I had from there were delivery when my SIL and nephew came back from shopping and not at all the same as I couldn’t experience the basket of hot tortilla chips, the 2 containers of dip (the mild and the spicy one that I use alternately until I finally empty them enough to pour one into the other), the can of Tecate with lime squeezed in and a sprinkle of salt etc. Xochimilco … I miss you. 🙂
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I know what you mean Maria; it’s rather addicting! I feel the same about Thai and Indian food too.
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I miss good Mexican places. We have very few down here.
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We don’t have nearly the number of restaurants as Chicago or even New York, Greg. If you get up to the Big Apple, you should try La Esquina http://esquinanyc.com/ seriously the best Ceviche I’ve ever had! Make sure you ask for a spoon with it!!!
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As a hockey fan raised in Detroit — and avid Hockey Night in Canada fan — I so remember The Gardens! I am glad to see the arena wasn’t torn down and has gotten a 2nd lease on life. Your restaurant review reminds me that I need to return to what was once my favorite Mexican restaurant. It was forced to close 2 years ago and has just re-opened across the street. If the experience is as good as yours, I’ll be quite happy.
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Mexican food can be hit and miss in Toronto we were lucky to find this one so close to our destination, John. I too am very glad they made such good use of the Gardens; my only memory is seeing the Ice Capades with my Aunt a really long time ago!
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I love going to those types of grocery stores. They are just so much fun to walk around. It’s probably a good thing that it’s not local enough to visit – at least that’s how I feel about our “fancy” grocery. I could drop just too much money in there. Looks like this restaurant was a hit! 🙂
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The store is a bit dangerous, Kristy; I usually buy more than ‘the list’ because there are too many intriguing things. It’s just as well it’s more than 20 minutes away.
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I can’t wait to go to the Maple Leaf Loblaws Eva. It is at least a 20 minute drive for us as well and it is a bit tricky on the weekends with ballet and swimming classes in the mornings! This is definitely on our list of family outings though. Enjoy the rest of the holidays and Happy New Year!
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Thanks Barb. Check out their classes online, they often have something for the little ones! Happy New Year to you Kevin and the ponytails too.
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