Part Deux - Friends vs Avalanche

Photo: Headshot

Friend invited me to shoot his team again, and I must be jinxing the team or something, but every time I shoot his team they seem to lose.  They played the same team as last time and lost 6-2.  I got to shoot from a couple new places which was exciting.  Shooting from above was good but perhaps next time I'll bring a flash if its not too distracting for the goalie. Still trying to work on my composition and I went to look at a few NHL pictures and they can't compare.  They have such better lighting and much better cameras to get better quality pictures.  Also there is only so limited places you can shoot from without bringing a ladder

Click here for the rest of the set

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Restaurant Review: Northern Dumpling Kitchen

Northern Dumpling Kitchen
Unit 52A, 550 Hwy #7, E.
Richmond Hill, Ontario

I have been on a request to do another Dumpling Restaurant Review.  After getting a few feedbacks from my facebook comments,  I have been discouraged that nothing will really taste like the real northern style dumplings.  The other comment I received is that this place is better than Chinese Dumpling House.

I've been to this place around 4 times prior to this review.  Going in, I tried to order the same type of dumpling, so I have something to compared with, on the menu there wasn't any items with chives in it.  There was around 4-5 pages on the menu with a good selection.  All the items had a chinese and english description with a number so ordering wouldn't be a problem since their english is not really their strong point.  While we were in there was a decent amount of people in there around 1:45, and we didn't have to wait for a table.  There was 2 caucasian males that was also eating there, and seem like they are returning customer.  So we ordered 3 dishes for lunch.


A shanghai rice cake ($6.50) made of soft dough cooked along some shredded pork, shrimp and green/red peppers. The dish was pretty good, and better than the one that is served at Asian Legend.  I personally prefer the rice cake served with a darker sauce and only with shredded pork and cabbage.  When I get a chance I will go review another dumpling place which is rated really well in toronto magazines and other food review boards.


Next came the Pork and Leek Dumplings.  I don't remember the price exactly but I believe it is between $4-5.  Reminder to all, inside the dumpling may be very oily.  Recommend to eat these dumplings with vinegar.  Came out steaming hot.  Once in your mouth, the flavor of the meat combined with the cabbage was awesome.  I enjoyed this dish the best of the 3.


Lastly came the deep fried pork and leek dumplings.  They do offer other meat other than pork, but I wasn't too interested in lamb or shrimp dumplings today.  These things was packed with oil inside, so please becareful when eating and oil can be everywhere, including burning the inside of your mouth.  I think these were okay, because I've had better from Ding Tai Fung and Asian Legend.  The price of this plate is also really reasonable, also around $4-5.

Lunch for 2 ended up to be $20 with tip.  Food experience was good to satisfy my hunger.  Many more people love eating at this place and said its one of the better places around.  I would rate this place exactly the same as Chinese Dumpling House.  One thing I didn't get a chance to visit in all my review was the restroom and how it was presented.

Happy Eating and enjoy!

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Restaurant Review: Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken House

For my first review, I have chosen to review Nando's Flame Grilled Chicken House, a fast food joint located at 9625 Yonge St, in Richmond Hill (Yonge and 16th). The specialty of this restaurant is spices that the Portuguese discovered called peri-peri. All the dishes require you to choose the amount of spice just like when you order wings.



There are many items to choose from and the portions are well portioned. I got the half chicken with 1 side order of fries with a coke, and it came to around $13.



Other friends of mine got quarter chicken and double legged chicken. Its more like swiss chalet but with the chicken grilled over a bbq, and less the chalet sauce. On the side they have other hot, and garlic sauces. The flavor of your meal is labeled by the flag on your chicken.





Overall the restaurant dining area was well kept and clean. Nothing very spectacular and tried to keep a feel of a cozy home. Didn't goto the washroom but was told one of the stalls for the female washroom wasn't working properly.



My overall impression of the food was just slightly okay. Something I could of done without. I can see why it can be appealing because of the spiciness in the food. I personally can't eat anything spicy and there did not try the hot stuff. I've heard people come to this place on a weekly basis and go crazy with the spices. Selection and normal service was acceptable. Overall I would give this 1.5/5. Seems kinda low? Well I was going to give them 2 just for being an avg restaurant, then the washroom wasn't working so that was another 0.5 mark off.

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