I can't even imagine my life without Ginger & Onion.
This is my parters family favorite restaurant and they have been going here weekly for YEARS. Since I have been adopted into the family we make the weekly trip to Ginger and Onion ourselves for my absolute favorite Chinese Food in the GTA.
I usually order some of the less authentic dishes, (Braised Bean Curd and Mushroom, Ginger and Spring Onion Lobster & Sweet and Sour Fish with Pineapple being my favorites) But my SO's mother has ordered and insisted I try some more intimidating treats. :)
The best part of the whole meal is the dessert, Tofu-Fa which is one of my favorite things to eat in the world, and G&O does it best.
For value, they bring a (pork bone?) soup as the starter free of charge.
To be clear, I don't speak a WORD of Mandarin (except "thank you") and I have a Canadian name. I don't have any problems ever, and the staff is always friendly.
They do have specials listed in Chinese characters only on the walls, but they have an English menu too. There is a specific menu where a large selection of dishes are $9.95 each.