Halumi Sandwich! YUM

I have no idea how I got introduced to the Halumi Sandwiches at Aroma Espresso Bar but it’s the only thing I have eaten there , despite knowing that their salads are fantastic too. I also enjoy their coffee, but once in a while I crave their Halumi Sandwich.

I have a feeling that I like this sandwich so much cause no one else makes it!! If I had to break it down even further, I would say that Aroma has all the right elements for making this sandwich perfect:

-unique ingredients (halumi, a pickle, lettuce, tomato)

-the right thickness of FRESH bread (white, multigrain or whole wheat).

I have been to a few Aroma locations in the GTA (thanks to the perks of being a sales rep!!) – the Promenade Shopping Centre, Bloor St, Yonge/Eglinton and Rutherford Plaza too. Next on my list is to visit their latest location at Don Mills Centre. I like the space and feel of Aroma so much that I once inquired about renting the Bloor St. location for a party (it was declined – but that’s ok – we rented Steam Whistle and had a great party there).

So next time you are looking for a unique sandwich – check out Aroma Espresso Bar, K?

Locations:

Aroma Espresso Bar  500 Bloor St. W.

Aroma  Espresso Bar 2300 Yonge St (Yonge/Eglinton)

Aroma Espresso Bar  1090 Don Mills (Don Mills Centre)

Aroma Espresso Bar  9320 Bathurst (Rutherford Plaza)

Aroma  Espresso Bar 121 King St. West (Standard Life Building)

I hear buzz that an Aroma is opening in Forest Hill Village. Stay Tuned!!

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It was a hot humid day in Ottawa on Sunday and the line ups at Taras Lemonade Stand at Landsdowne Park indicated that everyone was thirstier than normal.

Eventually I knew I had to stand in line too!! I ordered a cucumber lemonande drink but was so thirsty that I didnt have time to take a picture of my drink !

This motivated me to google a recipe and to try it at home!! I found a recipe on the All Recipes website, then I adjusted it (naturally).

Basically you need to have just two ingredients – a cucumber and some lemons

Ingredients:

1 english cucumber, sliced thinly

3 lemons, juiced (you need about 1/4 cup of lemon juice)

1 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

Method:

Boil the water and the sugar to make a simple syrup

Mix the sliced cucumber in a blender and then strain the pulp from the liquid

*I added a touch of water to help it get going

this resulted in 1 cup of cucumber juice

Mix the simple syrup, the lemon juice and the cucumber juice – I used 1 cup of cucumber juice, to 1 cup of simple syrup and 1/2 cup of lemon juice but I found it too tart and added quite a bit more water till I found the right balance. Next time, Im going to try and use only 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

END RESULT

It is indeed an interesting mix of flavors and a GORGEOUS summer drink – I totally love this shade of green.

I wonder how it will taste with vodka? hmmmmm.

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I have just returned from a family reunion in Ottawa. Naturally I made sure to include a visit to the Byward Market and to Landsdowne Farmers Market as part of the schedule. What’s interesting is that no matter how many times I visit the Byward market or the farmers market – there is always something new to discover!!

On this particular trip, I discovered the newly opened Murrays Market. (261 Dalhousie St). The space is just gorgeous and totally suitable for a tweet up – so I made sure to talk to Emma and Chef Steve about this possibility. Beautiful cheeses, meats, local honey and MichaelsDolce jams were on display, but I zeroed in on my favorite food: a grilled cheese sandwich!!  Murrays Market makes it with Glengary’s Lankaster gouda cheese, red pepper jelly on egg bread.  I was a happy camper. I especially liked the addition of the red pepper jelly to the sandwich. Kinda kicked it up a notch. The side of homemade ketchup was welcome too!!

Perfect!!

At the Landsdowne Farmers Market this year, I stumbled upon a new vendor called Suzy Q Doughuts. The Doughnut was yeasty and fresh. (in other words – perfect) I really hope this vendor will be around for a long time, cause there is nothing like a FRESH donut.  @FoodiePrints shared one and I shared mine with @michaelscolce. I asked the vendors, if they had a retail location and they said “no – they are just at Landsdowne Farmers Market each Sunday”. Turns out – she is a postal worker and he is a woodworker during the week, but on the weekends they clearly have a passion for making donuts!! To top it off – my cuzin knows this couple well. (small world).

Now the next discovery – isnt really a discovery. I’ve been eating at Aladdin Bakery (1801 Carling Avenue) for the past several years, even though they have been around for 14 years. I was told they can easily serve 800 Fatayers’ in one day. Fatayer is what everybody orders here – It’s  a slab of thick chewy bread, with a topping of your choice and then warmed in a tradtional brick oven. You cant go wrong here for $2.25!!

This is what it looks like - unrolled

This is what it looks like rolled (and ready to eat!!)

It was so much fun to see my cousins and be in Ottawa during Canada Day. In the event you are wondering if I saw the Royal Couple. The answer is No. I was too busy eating and shmoozing with 26 fabulous cousins!! Must sign off now and head to the gym….

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