Gastronomy Blog

I was stumped for breakfast this morning.  What does one eat aside from the usual yogurt, fruit, granola, toast?  Even these healthier choices fall in the Eliminations Diet’s “Avoid” list.   Being in a rush with no groceries didn’t allow time to be creative, so I did what I do best and grazed.

It came down to: one egg with avocado, a rice cake with hemp seed butter, blueberries and two large carrots.  Yes, carrots.  Ever seen anyone eat a carrot muffin for breakfast?  I figured this isn’t much different.   After my smorgasbord of foods, I was satiated.  Plus, I found a new ‘friend’ for breakfast – a fried eggs and avocado.   I’m telling ya, it was surprisingly tasty, plus the flavours and textures work so well together.   I tend to crave textures more than flavours on occasion – so things that crunchy (granola), velvety (ice cream), chewy (dried fruits).   Am I the only one?

For lunch it was a simple salad with sprouts from Uncle George’s Place at St. Lawrence Market.  I discovered this hidden gem this summer during one of my weekly excursions to the market.  It’s tucked away in the back corner on the bottom floor so easy to miss.    When I first crossed paths with “George” I was drawn in by the samples of seeds with tails.  I ended up chatting with one of the guys behind the counter for a good 30 minutes and he gave me the health spiel on sprouts.   I’ve been investing $4 for the ancient sprout mix (with the yummy homemade red pepper dressing) ever since.   

The background on…

SPROUTS

Sprouts are one of the most alive and potent sources of antioxidants, minerals, proteins and enzymes.   To explain this simply (after all, I’m no expert)…in the seed state, nutrients are readily available in concentrated amounts.  However, once the full grown plants are harvested and shipped, many of these nutrients are lost. 

How sprouting works?

 Sprouting is the process in which a seed, nut or legume becomes a plant.  By soaking lentils, sesame or sunflower seeds in water for varying lengths of time, the sprouting process begins.  Nutrients in the seeds (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) are then partially broken down, making it easier for our body to digest and absorb them.   They say sprouting can easily be done at home, but I’d rather leave it to the experts.    

Uncle George’s Place also sells FABULOUS dips all made from sprouts – beet hummus is my favourite.  It’s getting so popular, they’re selling out before I get there on some weekends.  In hindsight, I should have kept this place to myself  

AJI SAI

My day only got better when I met my girlfriend Selena for dinner AND realized that I can still eat SUSHI!   I almost cried tears of joy.   I LOVE sushi.  My last meal would be sushi.   I would choose sushi over chocolate any day.  Ok, I think I made my point. 

So, we ended up at Aji Sai for AYCE (All You Can Eat) sushi.  Been there multiple times, but not enough.  I knew it was too good to be true when I remembered that soy sauce was wheat-based.  Err!  Sushi without soy sauce is like…a fried egg without avocado!  But I survived with plain maki for the night.  The good news is that I could actually TASTE the fish. 

Location:  467 Queen St W, Toronto (west of Spadina)

The Menu: Massive for an AYCE place.  I challenge you to try it all.   Go for the green tea ice cream for dessert (and have one for me, since dairy is a no-go for 3 weeks)

Our Order:  I can’t remember them all but here goes – Aji Sai roll, Excellent roll, Tuna/Mango roll, Salmon/Snapper roll, Wakame salad.  I know I’m missing a few, but honestly, they’re all great.  Excellent roll was up there if you like tempura and butterfish. 

The Damage:  $18.99 each for AYCE. 

You should go if:

• You’re feeling adventurous with your sushi
• You’ve got an appetite and are prepared to get your money’s worth
• The rice to fish ratio is important (this place does it right with less rice, more fish)