THE HUNGRY HAMILTONIAN

  WHAT IS THIS ABOUT? 

It seems right to introduce myself, my name is Kendall Oliphant a born and bred north end Hamiltonian and part time blogger.  A series of funny communicates with local politicians and department heads concerning the poor choice of a "dive bar" for city workers to get their cappuccino got me thinking "What are my favorite places to eat without breaking the bank?"

So why am I talking to you Hamiltonian readers?
I sent the following communication to the powers to be here and they graciously(!) granted me this opportunity to have this post  featured as "A Link of the Moment" on their sight. 

What's in this for you?
I need your help on compiling a list of great eateries and food trucks that offer "Constraint Elegance" 3 course meals for under $20.00, quick bites for under $10.00 for the people of Hamilton who are looking for a little class, without the price tag or pain(heartburn). Not the usual ones you hear about that always get the press, that quaint, cozy sea food shack with the killer homemade tarter sauce or the little bakery with the Red Velvet Cake created in heaven.

READ THE BACKGROUND STORY

Here

THE STEW THICKENS

A letter to the editor of "The Hamiltonian" "As you will see it started with an erroneous email from Councillor Merulla and ends with some great “greasy spoon” suggestions from Councillor Johnson. I would love your input(?) and maybe your readers can get the ball rolling, on a list of great “Hammer Dives” a place that serves food that does the trick for those on a budget."

Basically, The Hamiltonian had interest in doing something on this topic, with a couple of suggestions, dives was dropped and 

finally the "Hungry Hamiltonian" is born.  After some deliberation, it was concluded that this post would stay on this sight and be linked to by "The Hamiltonian". Please send all ideas to me  at  eternalkenaz@gmail.com so I can create a list.

MISSION STATEMENT

I don't want this to be a pretentious "I ate here thought it was great, eat there" those sights are always from paid snooty foodies. I'm a blue collar worker who is always looking for a place that serves food almost as good as Moms was at a price my broke butt can afford. I would love to devise a list of great places to eat on a budget and divide the list along the lines of municipal ward boundaries. Please submit your submissions to the editor and I will have final say to what qualifies. The parametres are broad, all cuisines, all eateries, food trucks. Provide a list of what you ate, take a picture even, and provide the cost. Remember 3 courses under $20.00 or a quick snack or sandwich under $10.00. Lets get a list that gives the little man a shout out, the chains can do that themselves. Get out their and "Eat to Sooth You Soul and Nourish your Mind"-Kendall Oliphant

My Entry's For the List 

Ward 2, Downtown

Capri Ristorante Italiano 25 John Street North Hamilton, ON L8R 1H1

Good home-cooked Italian, not the boxed version from the take out chains great for a relaxing dine in meal or take-out (they do deliver, comes in insulated foam containers). True story, I ordered the meal below, it took maybe an hour to arrive, but was like it just came out of the oven. I burnt the roof my mouth because I couldn't wait for the Manicotti to cool down. In house, the decor is straight out of an Italian postcard. I've been to more expensive Italian restaurants and didn't get food as good as Capri. Definitely my fave.  ****

Appetizer, Salad and Main Course Price  $18.45(one person) before tax

GARLIC BREAD, (6pcs) $3.95 / cheese $6.25 (12pcs) $6.95 / cheese $9.50
Italian loaf spread with garlic and herb butter, then lightly toasted
CHEF SALAD, $4.25 Garden greens, tomatoes & olives with choice of dressing 
MANICOTTI , $10.25 Pasta sheets rolled and filled with ricotta, rice and Parmesan cheese, topped and baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella

Mahal Restaurant Tandoori Tikka & Kabob House-22 King St. East, Hamilton, Ontario 

They serve a variety of delicious Pakistani, Indian, and Halal dishes. The Nan is straight up addictive, try to save some to temper the curry in  the main course  The Chicken Tikka Masala ($9.99) is a popular choice. If you want to sample a classic, try the Chicken Curry, cooked in Mahal’s mouthwatering traditional curry sauce ($8.99).  For the vegetarian the  ALOO GOBI a CAULIFLOWER AND POTATO dish COOKED WITH ONION AND TOMATOES for $6.99 is a great choice. Finish off the meal with some GULAB JAMUN,($2.99 for 2 pcs.) a spongy milky desert soaked in a rose scented syrup and serving of Masala Tea ($1.99) a sweet spiced milk brew. I found the staff extremely helpful in getting me around the names of the dishes, and offering suggestions to the spiciness of each so that even the most delicate constitutions can enjoy a delicious meal.

Ward 3, Noth End

The best deal in the North end has to be a little nondescript Polish restaurant on Barton ST E@ Sherman Ave N with a great name that fits the concept. Bel Air 677 Barton St E, Hamilton- Nothing seems to have changed in this very cool place since the 50s - even the cash register is this big mechanical thing - I don't think it even runs on electricity. What you really come here for is the food, the atmosphere, the beer.  Everything is shiny aluminum like in a 1950's diner. The food,  is amazing. It's Polish food and nothing but. Every time I go I have perogies, and sometimes cabbage rolls or some of the other stuff. It's all delicious. Perogies are a big delicious filling meal and are very very affordable. They have different kinds, stuffed with cheese, or with meat etc. I have had them all, and they are all good. Have them with onions, sour cream and bacon pieces. And lots of great Polish beer. I wish I was there right now! If you're the designated driver, try one of the milkshakes - equally awesome. Price for a plate of perogies, salad and desert around $10.00. Well within my parametres. 

Ward 11 

From Councilor Brenda Johnson

Frankie's Bar and Grill -2965 Homestead Dr RR 1, Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0

The Egg And I Restaurants,-1760 UPPER JAMES ST, HAMILTON, ON  

OTHER FOOD NEWS 

Harvest Burger a downtown fixture for 32 years closed in August, what was your memories of this legend that fed great food to many hungry patrons for a great price? Mine was the killer veggie burgs, made with the same love as the meat version, no cardboard here, no sir. 

Tim Hortons coming to Nunavut Folks will soon be able to order a Tim Hortons coffee in Iqaluit, Nunavut, the last province or territory that has been without a location. The North West Co. said Wednesday it has signed a deal to open three kiosk locations in the territorial capital in December. 

Side note the new Horton's Sundried Tomato Asiago Parm a savoury bagel with tomato, garlic & herbs, Asiago & Parmesan cheese is killer. Also a killer plans to introduce a new extra-large cup size which will hold 24 oz. The new coffee will pack a mind blowing 340mg of caffeine, just under the recommended daily allowance of 400mg for adults and well over the 300mg for pregnant women. If the super size comes to Hamilton, I wouldn't slam one of these babies back and head out on the QEW during morning rush hour!

BITS AND BITES 

This is the section where you tell me who had the best single item you ever ate. You know that place that makes killer onion rings or the slice of pizza that was made with love. Let me start the list, 

Ward 1, Westdale 

Ghazi's Falafel Donair,1335 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 1C6 Neighbourhoods: Ainslie Wood East One of the best Mid-east restaurants in town, easily. Great food, decent service. The review ratings gets slammed a bit because of the decor, but its reasonable spot to grab a quick felafel. Price Range (per person): $0-$10 

Ward 2, Downtown

Pam's Coffee & Tea Jackson Square, Hamilton, ON L8P 1A1  ‎ 

A great little jewel at Jackson square holding it's own amongst the coffee giants around. Doing it with fresh standard and flavoured coffees and a nice display of pastries. The decor is clean and comfortable and overlooks a nice view of James St N. They even offer free WiFi.  

Bonanza's Bakery
Corner or Catharine N & Murray E
Bakery, deli, hot counter & sub sandwiches with MANY choices at $2.50!! Best bang for your buck in the city. Lunch time is quite busy

 Christophers Fast Food 73 King St E, Hamilton, ON

Great place for a Felafel, or a Shawarma if all you have is a fiver and need your belly filled. I prefer the middle eastern cuisine because it's a lot more tastier and healthy. If you're not satisfied with the Felafel or Shawarma, they have burgers, fries and other things a fast-food place has. For the price, atmosphere, quality of the coffee, you can't beat this downtown jewel.

Ward 3, Central

Duatre Supermarket
417 Barton St E 

See Bonanza's Bakery above but with more items.-submitted by Ryan Barneski

Donairs@Gage
1127 King St. E
Great donairs, falafels, poutine, subs and other stuff. Super clean inside, and the woman working the counter is super nice-submitted by Ryan Barneski

Ward 5, East
Extreme Sandwich Plus 2255 Barton Street East Hamilton
If it's a extremely big, fresh sandwich you desire this is the place to go. Also servings of lasagna, penne and meatballs, are home made, fresh, and very large servings.  The price is right as well, best bang for your buck! Friendly atmosphere and fresh, good, cheap food. Around $8.00 for a 12oz sandwich!!

Ward 7, Central Mountain

Licks 1441 Upper James Street Map (North of Rymal Road) 
Most of the veggie burgers in restaurants seem to be Yves Garden Burgers, which are not my favourite and if not cooked thoroughly can be gummy. But there are some good ones. I like the Lick's Nature Burger . It's the best  in the city, sadly now as I mentioned above, Harvest Burger is no longer. Even non-vegetarians like them because they are very meat-like in texture. Price Range under $5.00, you can even buy them at Walmart, Food Basics and Metro in the frozen food section 4 for under $6.00