Burger Quest: Burger's Priest

Whenever the topic of "Best Burger in Toronto" comes up - the most consistent recommendation is The Burger's Priest at Queen and Coxwell.  This weekend I decided to take a trip down to Leslieville to see for myself.

Burger's Priest at 1363 Queen Street East, Toronto

Legend has it, an Armenian priest opened up Burger's Priest - giving each burger a religious theme.  Most locals will cite The Burger's Priest claim to fame is its online-only "Secret Menu" that includes, among other things, a double cheeseburger sandwiched between two grill cheese sandwiches named "The Vatican City".

First thing I noticed is how BUSY this place is - I was there for about 20 minutes and there's a constant stream of people coming in and out.  As with Kinton, I took this as an indication of how good the burgers must be.

I went with "The Priest", a cheeseburger with 'The Option' with all the toppings (except for tomatoes) and fries.

The perfect burger:bun ratio

Lets start with the burger itself, made from scratch on site, stays moist and juicy in part because its round shape (kind of like how a fillet mignon maintains its juiciness because of its round rather than flat shape).  The burger is a cut above many of the other gourmet/designer burgers in the city - definitely great value at $9.99 (especially considering the starting price for a burger at a bar is usually north of $12)

What to say about "The Option" - its basically a second 'burger'.  Melted cheese sandwiched between two portobello mushrooms, coated in batter and deep fried.  It's the secret sauce that puts the burger into all-star territory.

The only thing I wish I'd done is dress it slightly differently - I skimped out on fried onions ($1.29) & bacon ($1.49) that would have made the meal epic.  A bit of bbq sauce would have also been a welcome addition.

Lastly - the fries are exceptional, but a bit hard to justify at $3.59. I would recommend taking a more expensive burger.

Repeat?  Definitely - see myself going back very soon.

Ramen Quest: Sansotei Ramen

A few days ago I went to Sansotei located at 179 Dundas Street West in Downtown Toronto. Walking down Dundas - there is no shortage of Ramen restaurants.  What stands out about Sansotei - its one of the few with a consistent line up.

Inside is cozy - and compared to Kenzo Sansotei has quite a bit more seating.  The interior was not quite as fancy as Kenzo though.  Functional but less stylish.

The menu featured four main types of broth [Tonkotsu, Miso, Shio, and Tonkotsu Shoyu], and two types of noodle [thick vs. thin].  Along with a variety of extras and sides.

I chose thin noodles with shio soup and a gyoza starter.

Thin Noodles with Shio Soup

Quantities are sizeable - which is awesome.  Originally I had some buyer's remorse over not getting double meat that were unwarranted.   The meat was definitely the highlight - had the right amount of fat without tasting too rich.  Soup was also tasty - but would have preferred a slightly richer broth.

Gyoza

Would say the Gyoza is great too - though I'll admit I've never really had bad Gyoza.  Trick to nice dumplings is the meat.  The pork inside was really tender and really brought the whole thing together.

While I think Sansotei is a great restaurant - its probably would loose in a face-off against Kenzo in terms of flavour or options.  This is by no means a knock against Sansotei - its great in its own regard, but its a step behind Kenzo for top ramen in Toronto.  Would give it a 4/5 and would repeat.

Ramen Quest: Kinton Ramen

Over the past year - Ramen has been the hottest new food craze in Toronto.  Food questers are the distinct beneficiaries.

Last week I went to a noodle bar located in Baldwin Village called Kinton Ramen - highly recommended by my food friend Victor.  Vic specifically complimented Kinton's soup broth and the tasty pork.

Kinton Ramen on Baldwin Street.

What I didn't know - Kinton has the same owners as another popular Japanese restaurant in Toronto called "Guu Izakaya", and maintains some very "Guu" sensibilities.  Particularly the crazy long lines and greetings in Japanese upon your arrival.

Noodle Bar view from Entrance 

Noodle Bar view from inside

The menu had about 5 different types of Ramen, and a variety of appetizers.  One of the toughest parts of going to a popular restaurant is walking by other people - and feeling food envy.

Tofu Nuggets

For appetizers - we went with Tofu nuggets.  The nuggets were battered with a bread coating very similar to McDonalds chicken nuggets.  In fact - the tofu was also at a consistency very similar to chicken.  They were quite tasty - like chicken nuggets in a sweet-mustardy sauce.  Unfortunately the portions were a bit small for sharing - my feel is that the right number of appetizers is 3 for a four person group.

Spicy Garlic Ramen & Miso Ramen

For the main dish - I settled on the Spicy Garlic Ramen.  When they take your order you're given the choice of soup broth (ranging from light to rich) and pork meat (either shoulder or belly).   The picture you see above is with regular spicy soup, pork belly, with a nice pile of garlic on top.  Soup broth was sharp tasting - and brought the meal together.  Pork was browned with a mini-torch, and was very fatty/most.  Noodles were perfect - not over done and maintained the right amount of softness.

If I were to rate - I'd say 4.5 / 5 because between the fun atmosphere, beautiful decor, and delicious food, it sets the standard for Toronto Ramen shops.

Letter to CBC - The Real Problem with Cellphone Contracts

SIR - You ran a fascinating article on the Competition Bureau's comments on the Canadian wireless code of conduct.

The Bureau states the Canadian Wireless conduct code would benefit from a maximum 2-year wireless contract (standard in the US) - "Discouraging the creation of switching costs that tend to reduced customer mobility" ("Cellphone contract crackdown", February 7th).  Curious is the omission of "increased" customer mobility statistics in the US measured by 'churn' the percentage customer base that takes their business to another provider.

Recent statistics from leading wireless providers in both countries imply shorter contracts do not correlate to increased customer mobility:

• AT&T Wireless Churn [US - 2 Year Contract] - 1.19%
• Verizon Wireless Churn [US - 2 Year Contract] - 0.95%
• Bell Wireless Churn [Canada - 3 Year Contract] - 1.7%
• Rogers Postpaid Wireless Churn [Canada - 3 Year Contract] - 1.34%
• TELUS Wireless Churn [Canada - 3 Year Contract] - 1.44%

Long wireless contracts frustrate Canadians because the length of most contracts extend past the useful life of their cellphones.  Carriers are equally flustered because contract subsidies devalue technological innovations and distort the cost of phones - a major reason many Canadians don't realize the actual cost of the phones they buy.

T-Mobile's CMO Cole Brodman against phone subsidies that accompany long contracts

Wireless contracts are a pain point but do not let the Competition Bureau's comments mislead readers - Canadians are less trapped, due to lack of industry competition, than the Bureau would suggest.

Matthew Tham
Toronto, Ontario

BlackBerry 10 Toronto Launch Party

Had the pleasure of attending the BlackBerry 10 launch party here in Toronto.  As a Canadian technology enthusiast and as a Waterloo Alum - I'm an unapologetic BlackBerry fan.  Been a little while since I've used a BB - last one was the Curve back in 2011.  The experience BB10 experience so far is definitely enough to make me consider it when I pick up a new phone this fall in Durham.

Full sized BB10 Poster

They also had a DJ.  She's Asian and quite pretty

While a lot of the event focused on the new Z10 launching this upcoming Tuesday (along with many of the launch apps), I was looking forward to the other BlackBerry device on display.  The Q10 features the full QWERTY keyboard experience BlackBerry has become best known for.  I strongly suspect the Q10 will be the flagship business device this year - mostly on account of BlackBerry's native enterprise applications.

FloRida was also in attendance

12 Question (and answers) to start the year...

My manager sent over an article from the Globe & Mail about reflections on the past year, as well as plans for 2013.  Since I've resolved to write more frequently - figured I'd do both at the same time.  Maybe even encourage a person or two to share their list.

1. What went well?
2012 was the culmination of years of work - it was the year I'd start the next chapter in my life, leave my job, and go to business school. If there's one thing that went well for me - it was that I got into the school I wanted and will be attending next fall (a year later than planned).

2. In what ways did I grow and evolve?
Last year was frustrating - didn't get to start business school as planned last fall, and remained in career limbo for about 6 months.

But I've persisted. An NYT Article I read recently says:

If we are dissatisfied with some aspect of our lives, one of the best approaches is to act more like the person we want to be, rather than sitting around analyzing ourselves.

So for me - its been a year of resilience, and self exploration.

3. What were my favourite moments of 2012? Las Vegas for a bachelor party

Picnic with the family

Vancouver with family celebrating my dad's birthday

Cracking a beer around the camp fire with some friends.

4. What do I need to clean out or let go of now to be ready to start fresh in 2013?
Perhaps the past.  Or the person I thought I was supposed to be.  Either or.

5. What and who am I most most grateful for right now?

• My people - friends, and family for everything good in my life. 
• A girl that I dated that taught me the ins-and-outs of dressing fashionably. 
• A blogger that taught me about the concept of a "best self", grace & mercy, and the importance of reading. 
• Everyone that I've ever come across that never gave up on a dream. 

6. If there were a theme for me in 2012, what was it?

“This was the year of redemption.”

THE YEAR AHEAD
7. What are my goals for 2013?

1. Get prepared to change careers: High GPA & Win a competition at school 
2. See the world: Cross a few places off my Hillman Wonders check list 
3. Write more often: Knowing life doesn't gift many great stories to you - I want to be exceptional at telling all kinds of stories.

8. Which of my strengths and assets will I tap into to realize my goals?
According to Strengths Finder 2.0 my two greatest strengths are my ability to learn and my creativity. Those are the two I will focus on for 2013.

9. How will I foster my personal well-being to maintain or boost my mojo?
Write. Consistently.

Its probably the single most important way I keep sane on my own. When I head off to school I expect to spend quite a bit of time on my own - away from friends & family. Will need to get into the habit of writing to keep my vitality up.

10. How will I foster my professional well-being to boost or maintain my career aspirations?
If 2012 was the year of building out my professional network, then 2013 is the year of fostering existing relationships.

Thus far, I've grown into the professional I am because I've learnt *cough-copied-cough* the skills of incredibly talented people throughout the years.

In the last year I've made a lot of new friends. Its time to learn before going back to school.

11. How can I contribute to the ‘greater good’?
I've been with the Canadian Cancer Society for a couple of years now - but this year I want to grow the volunteer community. Turn some of our event-day student volunteers into regular volunteers. Its probably the best way to better my community before I move.

12. What will be my theme for the coming year?

“This will be the year of dream chasing.”

Starting 2013: Resolutions

“Listen to me, I said you needed to strive to be better than everyone else, I didn’t say you needed to be better than everyone else. But you gotta try. That’s what character is, it’s in the trying.”

The year starts, and people make resolutions.  Hopes abound that this year will be better than the last.  Seeking ways to be a little bit better.  

Maybe its age - lately I've seen a lot of cynicism.  Why bother making a resolution?  Those come apart after a few weeks.

I'm reminded of that great quote from Friday Night Lights.

The world expects a lot - of me, of you, of everyone.  Its quick to recognize failure, slow to recognize success.  It expects progress.

Once a year, you get to step back and expect more of yourself.  Hold yourself to a higher standard.  That's the secret of a new years resolution...  Its not about needing to be better - than anyone else or even yourself a year earlier.

Its about trying - because character is in the trying.

So in 2013 I'm going to resolve to:

• Write once a week - Either update this with life related content, or the MBA blog on career related content.  Figure if I spend more time on content and story telling - it'll bleed into my personal life.
• Slow down - Used to think life was about going out often, and chasing adventures.  My calendar was consistently a mess - and stress out paced productivity.  So this year I resolve to be more tactical with my time.  Get less done, but get more out each and everything I do.
• Take more pictures - Because this is going to be an awesome year.

Done a few resolutions in the past.  Succeeded and failed.  But this year - I'm gonna keep trying.