Happy Hooker – Permanently closed

Last Tuesday, I was invited by fellow foodie, Stella Yu, a.k.a foodieyu for the Happy Hooker‘s media tasting.  I have blogged about Happy Hooker  before, falling in love with fresh-off-the-fryer shrimp corn dog in a food event I went to last summer.  It wasn’t that hard of a decision for me to make to come to their media tasting event.  I just know that my love for seafood would be pacified on so many levels.

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I arrived at the restaurant 15 minutes early.  Communal tables took up most of the space and a new bar before the kitchen was one of the major highlights of the night. Happy Hooker recently received their liquor license and have included cocktails for us to sample for the night.  We started of with a “Dark and Stormy” which was a strong mix of dark rhum, lime juice and ginger beer.   Whew did that ever warm me up instantaneously!

As I was nursing my drink, foodies started filling up the space.  Sharing a big table with @KitchenSprout, @reggieramone, @TheDanLevy, @BreaDocDaughter, @BestofTorontoTV and @FashionEcstasyT.  Sharing a table with bigger social fanatics than me, it was a given that cameras get whipped out each time a plate landed on our table.  I must say I was outgunned by bigger flashes.  LOL.  But it was all in good fun.  I loved the company as I devoured each sample for the night.

What went through our table was a parade of Happy Hooker new offerings: Kale Salad, Baja Fries, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Cali Baja Taco,  Grouper Taco, Shrimp Taco and Lobster roll.  I must say I was in seafood heaven.  All came fresh and each one was cooked perfect coming out plump and juicy at each bite.  If I have to pick just one, hands-down it was the lobster roll that was most sinful.  How can you not be seduced with a roll overly stuffed with big chunks of lobster?  I was conciously refraining myself from not swiping a piece as the camera flashes started popping around me.  Definitely worth the wait as I patiently waited for everyone to finish with their photographs.  Luscious, plump and moist, if I was not too full from all the food that we have eaten that night, I would have gone for a second or even a third.

Thank you Chef Attilio Pugliese and Stella Yu for such an indulgent night of great food and new-found friends.  I definitely enjoyed the experience!