Julie's Cuban

I really like Julie's Cuban. I just wish the food was as good as the atmosphere and drinks. Looking just like an old Snack bar from the 50's Julie's is hipster-ville personified, but that fiery latin soul gives it credibility over other haunts where horn rimmed glasses wearing chicks chat with beard stroking indie rock poseurs looking to be "scene".

The patio is tight but quaint and makes it ideal for people watching. Tuck in on a warm sumer night, order a mojito, some tapas and fire up some good conversation. The mains are negligible and lack flavour, but the corn fritters are out of this world! Guacamole is decent, but disappointingly served with store bought tortilla chips.
Value here is not the best and the food won't wow you. However, Julie's remains a remarkable little spot for cocktails, patio fun and kitchy Cuban knick knacks.

$$$
***

Kama

The service couldn't be more pleasant at this underground King Street gem. Servers will hop to get you water, wine or a cocktail There is an a la carte menu, but it wasn't offered to us. So on to the buffet we go...

I'm pleased to see that in addition to the common buffet staples of Butter Chicken, Saag Paneer and Aloo Ghobi, there is also a Pan station. Lovely little fried crisps of chick pea flour noodles and crackers with a sweet spicy sauce. This is the first time I've seen this on a buffet. Pakora are dry and lifeless and the samosas are ho-hum, but the Spicy Chili Chicken with whole roasted chilies is full of fire, mellowed by ginger and garlic. Curried Lamb Chops lack succulence, but it's a nice offering. Surprisingly good is a fresh sautee of spicy cabbage. The gentle flavours of cumin and ginger transform this under-loved vegetable into a delightful treat. Incidentally, the Butter Chicken is just 'okay'.

The food here is delicious, but for a Saturday night, and a large turnover of tables, I would have thought things would be fresher. I understand that buffets are a matter of timing. If you show up right before closing--everything will be old and they're not going to put out freshly prepared food at that time, but I'm left wondering what 11 pm tastes like if this is 6 pm.

Overall, the selection here is staggering and let's face it, buffets are all about staggering--out the door, holding your belly and wishing for bed. Variety and Selection are Kama's crowning glory. Value is high on the list, too. Quality takes a back seat, but in the end they do a decent job of feeding the masses and allowing for a sampling of many must-try Indian classics.

Price: $19 per person $70 for two with a glass of wine each
Value: Good
Rating: * * 1/2 Meh, but half a star for the selection.
Perfect for: Large groups, families, parties, Pre-theatre Dinner
Reservations: Yes
Take Out: Yes

214 King St. W.
Toronto, ON
M5H 3S6
(647) 977-6283