RATING: 3.5/5 stars

When most students first move to Hamilton, Westdale is the first place they learn to travel to, and Bean Bar is the only place they’re willing to eat. But often overlooked by its small size and strange placement between clothing stores catered towards middle-aged women, is Koosh Bistro, a long-running Hamilton restaurant serving up Italian-style cuisine and a large selection of both imported and domestic wines.

I first went to Koosh during a recent snowstorm when I found myself temporarily stranded in Westdale. There was one other group of people present when I entered, and contrary to the bitter and heartbreaking weather, the hostess was friendly and welcoming.

The small restaurant had enough seating for probably no more than 30 people, but its small setting managed to pack historical Hamilton trinkets and paintings, and a rotating gallery of artwork that changes every few months to showcase a different local artist’s work.

Upon sitting down, I was provided with a generous amount of complimentary bread for one person, and I then proceeded to order Puttanesca Sausage pasta. When I first looked at the menu, I was taken aback by the prices and realized why most students tended to veer away from it. With most pastas weighing in around $20 and entrees in the same price range, I began to hesitate about my poorly thought out polar vortex lunch plans. But, I was soon pleased to see that they had a lunch menu that included an identical selection of pastas (unfortunately no entrée options) with halved prices. Their lunch specials were definitely more wallet friendly, and they provide a 10% student discount until 4:00pm on weekdays.

The pasta was pretty standard and as pasta generally is, it was a satisfying eat. The “Koosh Coffee” I ordered post-luncheon, was really rich and super tasty. And as a bonus, it was spiked, so it really couldn’t go wrong.

Although it may not have the accessible prices that most Westdale hotspots offer students, Koosh provides a homey and romantic atmosphere that is bound to impress your date on a night on the town, or your parents when they decide to investigate why you chose to move to city known for its pollution levels. Koosh is the cush’ of the steel city.

Finally, a local burrito that is easier to stomach than anything from Taco Del Mar.

Two weeks ago, Burrito Bandidos, a small locally-owned Mexican cuisine chain with four locations in Toronto, opened its first Hamilton location in the heart of Westdale. Sandwiched between hair removal and pho noodles, its red banner and warm-weather cuisine is a bright and cheery reminder of our sheepish springtime.

Joined by two friends, I headed to the new location on a Wednesday around noon. The restaurant opens daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., creating a window of time perfect for lunch, dinner, or pre-bar shenanigans (or post-bar for those of you with reasonable bedtimes). The restaurant was not busy, but they had an ample amount of staff working in the open concept kitchen where customers can watch their tight-rolled taco heaven come to life.

We ordered Steak Quesadillas ($7.50), a small Spicy Pulled Pork Burrito ($7), and as a vegetarian option, a small Bean and Cheese Burrito ($5.75) − they also offer an alternate “soy mix” as a vegan substitute for cheese. The prices are slightly more expensive than their King Street competitors, Burrito Boyz, but the extra few dollars may be worth it given its proximity to campus.

Overall the service was quite quick, and we didn’t have to wait more than ten minutes for any of our meals. The quesadillas were generously sized and came with salsa and sour cream. They lost some points for a lack of guacamole. They also lost some points when their “steak” turned out to be ground beef, and the grease from the melted cheese and grilling oil created a small, transparent window at the bottom of the take-out container. The flavour was tasty, but the oozing liquid being secreted from the excessive amount of cheese took away from the experience.

The burritos on the other hand were a crowd-pleasing experience. The choose-your-own-topping station provided a variety of choices (thumbs up for guacamole) that made for a unique flavour combination. Their burritos also came nicely packaged in a foil casing, as well as a narrow brown bag, that picked up spillage and messes in between bites.

They were generously sized, especially for a “small”, and extremely filling. The addition of rice in the bean and cheese option made it the favourite choice of the afternoon.

The restaurant itself is quite spacious with plenty of available seating for customers and a charming chili-shaped “Open” sign and silk-screened art. But the backless stools and a lack of coat hangers made it a bit difficult to comfortably enjoy your meal. Enjoying a burrito does not mean you need to stay wrapped up like one.

All in all, the burritos were tasty and would be ideal for pre-Westdale Theatre munchies, or post-hair removal self pity. Burrito Bandidos is keeping it wrapped up tight.

Boo’s Bistro might be the best-kept secret in the foodie world of Hamilton. Tucked away on one of the most charming streets in Hamilton, James St. South, Boo’s serves up an unforgettable dining experience. At first glance, this inconspicuous restaurant resembles something of a cozy hideaway, meant for the lucky few who’ve stumbled upon its doors. Open the door, and you’re greeted with an intimate set of dining tables and the aroma of a dish most likely in the process of redefining someone’s taste buds. Boo’s Bistro had me at, “Name please?”

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It’s easy to see why most students aren’t aware of the secret spot, as this truly is a nod to a luxurious dining experience. The menu features entrées generally between $20 to $30, but, lemme tell you, it’s worth every dime – even if you’re digging for those dimes from a velcro McMaster wallet you got in first year. So even if you feel a vivid throwback to playing “big kid” when we draped pearls around our necks and toppling in oversized heels, embrace the fact that this restaurant is the real so-over-our-budget-but-there’s-really-good-wine deal. So before going further, I thought I’d make it clear that for most this is very much a celebratory spot – not so much a “Wanna grab a quick bite?” spot that we’re generally used to here at LifeStyle. On that note, definitely make a reservation, as they’re generally booked up by the time the weekend comes.

The intimacy at Boo’s Bistro sets the perfect scene for a date, because whisking a gal off her feet in the most old fashioned way possible with good food has hardly ever failed, especially if you ask me, myself, and I. The menu has some common favourites done to perfection – like steak and fries, er, pardon me, frites – and dishes that will elevate your taste buds to a very spoiled place – like duck breast. I even found that I wanted to eat off my date’s plate just as much as my own. Although I’d recommend refraining from sneaking a few unsolicited bites if you’re on a first date. (If you still go for it, you are my foodie hero.)

Now technically Boo’s Bistro is a wine bar. I am by no means a wine connoisseur, and am still very much lost when people refer to a wine as full-bodied or oaky. (In fact, I walked away from this experience still having no idea as to how a wine can taste like a tree.) Regardless, I delved into the full experience, like the full-bodied diner I am, and ordered the waitress’s suggestion. Here’s to the first wine I’ve ever enjoyed from start to finish! So alas, there is hope for any fellow wine “noobs”/novice folks out there. And if you do happen to be a wine connoisseur, here’s a tip of a hat to you and a note that they do offer an impressive range of wines – even exclusive choices to Boo’s Bistro.

As with most restaurants, my least favourite thing in the world is waiting for what seems like a decade before the appetizer alone manages its way to my table. The service here, however, was both quick and surprisingly well timed. They really do seem to take into account the dining experience as a whole, rather than just depending on the quality of their food to impress.

Lastly, the name “Boo” isn’t just made for the convenience of alliteration in the restaurant’s name. There really is a “Chef Boo”. Marinade on that, my friends, as I count up the dimes in my wallet for my next dining experience at Boo’s Bistro. 

Amanda Watkins/ Senior LifeStyle Editor
@whatthekins

When Hamilton's favourite burrito supplier shut down, foodies and drunken students alike awaited the arrival of the restaurant that would fill its place and decide the fate of Westdale's food facade forever. Delirious Burger Company opened its doors this past August at the corner of King Street West and Marion Avenue.

Walking along King, a colourful blackboard points customers towards the restaurant's front entrance while the Delirious black and white vintage insignia sets the standard for the space's sleek and modern design.

I awkwardly stumbled into the restaurant trying to make my judgmental presence as unknown as possible, and was pleasantly greeted by the equally awkward (but in a charming and friendly way) staff. I placed my order for a Classic Burger ($5.65) and an order of fries ($3.00). I was prepared to whip out my debit card when I was greeted by a poster reading: "Cash Only". You have been warned, make sure you visit CIBC prior to placing your order, otherwise you will need to leave and come back. Which is kind of weird.

After placing my order, I was impressed to see the chef grill and prepare my burger as I waited. The interior of the restaurant consists of smooth grey countertops and brushed steel stools accompanied by scattered greeting cards from customers and friends congratulating the owners. The store has the same sterile feel that many new restaurants have in their first months, but it is evident that it is growing to have a style and personality of its own.

The burger patty was well cooked and seasoned with an organic homemade feel, but the standard hamburger bun and toppings were relatively lackluster. Overall, the burger had good taste and consistency and was filling without being massive and overwhelming.

The fries, garnished with a heavier sea salt, were a little too heavy on the sea salt. But the generous portion and cute to-go packaging made up for my sudden rise in cholesterol.

As I sat outside the restaurant, I noticed the consistent flow of customers coming in and out of the store. Just two months in and it already seems to be a Westdale favourite.

3.5/5