TasteBud.ca

If You Like Butter Tarts...

As we were leaving HAL Burger the other day at lunch, Ron asked casually, "Do you like butter tarts?"

Hell ya.  He of all people should know by now that anything with the word "butter" in it is a definite winner in my books.

The butter tarts are on display behind the bar area in what looks like large muffin pans.  They look homemade and not exactly like your average tart, specifically because the shell looks to be handmade.

I started to get a little impatient waiting for the tart to get to our table, but I soon find out why.

The butter tart arrives warm.  And before we dig in, there is some talk about art directing the shot of the tart.

Once we get the pictures out of the way, I get a bite and it's totally decadent.  I think the whole tart is made of pure butter... maybe some flour and shortening in the shell and the tiniest bit of sugar... but mostly butter.  One tart is really enough to share, especially after the heavy burgers.  But a definite must-have.

Ghali and Ben & Jerry's

After having our fill of dinner, we headed over to the food court across the street from CityTV to see if George Ghali of Ghali Kitchen would be around.  Joe used to live on Greenwood where Ghali's east end place used to be and I guess they used to chat.

George was there so Joe talked with him for a few minutes.  His place got a great write up on NOW recently.  Since we had just eaten, I didn't have an appetite to try anything but he specializes in a fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines.  He's known for his rasta pasta and unique pizza toppings (ie - the roti pizza).  None of it really appeals to me... the descriptions or any of the food on display.  But that could just be me because NOW gave Ghali NNNN, which is pretty impressive.  I'm not entirely convinced, though.

His kiosk in the food court looks inviting and non-inviting at the same time.  The colours and decor are warm and reminds me of a fast food version of The Sultan's Tent.  But there's also this terrible piece of serving fixture looking completely out of place that seems to block you out from entering an area that looks like a neat place to hang out.  Obviously, a picture would be handy here, but I didn't get one. 

George told us that it's been slow.  And I can maybe understand why... It's hard to tell that he's even open.  While the set up has a good vibe, there are no menu boards and no other indicators to show whether the place is open or closed.  Strange place.  Joe ended up buying a slice of pizza for later.

Yes, yes... Ghali's place is one thing, but what I was excited about was going to the Ben & Jerry's parlour for a scoop in the same building.  Yes, I realize that I'm on a healthy life program and a giant scoop of ice cream most likely doesn't fit into the picture.  Oh well, I discovered my new favourite flavour: Bananas on the Rum!  (Banana ice cream with a buttery rum brown sugar swirl)  It tastes like a banana fosters but really, really cold and creamy.  Deeeeelicious.  Nevermind that two cones cost almost ten bucks.  I thank my luck stars for my 20% off key fob I have... at least we don't feel completely raped as we fatten ourselves up like grade A veal.