I’ve had a fantastic week full of food events. I really can’t complain. Here’s a recap of three food events that I went to in the last four days! Ready. Set. Go!!

1. I attended the Terroir Symposium Chefs’ photo opp at Biff’s Bistro to witness a crew of amazing chefs  assemble an 8 foot long Hero sandwich. When I wasn’t snapping photos, I was drinking beer from Muskoka Brewery and munching on amazing pickles and chips from McClure’s Pickles.

The Terroir Symposium takes place on April 8th and is Canada’s leading hospitality industry symposium which brings together influential chefs, food writers, food and wine experts and food leaders. Their mandate is to educate, network, share resources with the intention of strengthening the industry and building a better community.

I have never participated in the Terroir Symposium before but it’s certainly something I’m considering. Stay tuned!!

2. I also attended the 2013  S. Pellegrino ® Almost Famous Chef Canada Regional Competition. This was an event where I witnessed top culinary students from seven participating culinary schools across Canada, compete for a chance to become the next star of the gastronomic world. A panel of judges critiqued them on taste, texture and aroma of the dish as well as presentation.

I was in heaven. Each plate that I tried was certainly a winner in my opinion!! However there was only one winner which was Jean-Christophe Comtois from École hôtelière de la Capitale (Québec City), who prepared Milk Veal tenderloin, Matsutake and ”Tomme des Joyeux Fromagers” flavored polenta as his signature dish. He now moves on to compete in the the 11th annual Finals Competition in Napa Valley. How exciting!!

Summary of the event: There certainly was a lot of talented young chefs in one room!!

3. Culture.licious

Finally I went to check out a cooking school called Culture.licious. It was the perfect way to end the week. The evening featured Jay’s South Indian Vegetarian dishes. I’m going to dedicate an entire blog post to this amazing cooking school K?. This is just a teaser..LOL

My food adventures continue as I’m off to Mother Dumplings on Friday night, and the Canadian Restaurant  Food Association Trade Show on Sunday. I’m sure Saturday will include a food adventure too. (naturally). LOL.

PS. Have I mentioned that I really need to do a few loads of laundry and cook three different types of soups!! Can someone spare me an extra hour or two?

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I haven’t made an interesting salad in a while and was in the mood for something refreshing. Not to mention, mint was on sale at No Frills for 99 cents and I always love a bargain!!

I was inspired to try this  recipe as it was posted today on twitter by @jenncuisine who has an amazing blog called JennCuisine. Her photos are WAY better than mine so I hope you go take a peek at her blog post too (which is a gluten free blog, by the way)

Grapefruit and Mint Salad (adapted from JennCuisine)

Ingredients:

1 grapefruit cut into small chunks

1 romaine lettuce, chopped

a few mint leaves chopped up (I use scissors for this step…so much easier)

balsamic vinaigrette (I used balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey mustard, salt and pepper)

**note the original recipe calls for sliced cucumber too.

**note 2: this recipe is gluten free and vegan too

Instructions

Mix all ingredients into a bowl. Toss with dressing. Serve

Results  (my apologies for the not-so-pretty-as-I would-like final photo)

I loved this salad as it was so refreshing and certainly different than any other salad I would normally make.

Hope to serve this salad along with grilled salmon and a quinoa dish. What do you think?

Happy Cooking.

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“How Did You Start Blogging?”

I get asked this question a lot so I decided it might be a good time to blog about the answer to this question.

Here’s the story (vs. Here’s the Recipe..LOL).

In April 2009, I was searching thru Craigslist and stumbled upon an ad that said “Wanted; Mommy Bloggers for A National Food Campaign”. I hit the link and sent an email that I guess entertained them, as I got an email back. (which was from  Agent Wildfire,  by the way)

They were looking for mommy bloggers for a National Activia campaign. There were a few of us selected…one from Western Canada, 2 in Toronto (@ParentClub and I) and I believe someone in Montreal too.

We  then signed a six page contract. We also had a skype call. Eventually I had a twitter lesson too  (thanks @theKaren). But  it NEVER GOT OFF THE GROUND.

I was really disappointed. In fact we were all disappointed.

I decided that I wanted to pursue “blogging” and thought I would research other mommy blogger sites. To be honest – at that time – I didn’t even know food bloggers or travel bloggers or lifestyle bloggers existed!

I sent an email to Urbanmoms and Jen Maier took the time to email me back and meet me at  a local Starbucks. The meeting ended with a handshake and a commitment that I would be called “Not So Supermom”, plus I would refrain from swearing. Those were the only rules!

I posted 3 times a week for a year as Not So Supermom and loved the experience. However all good things come to an end.

In September 2010 – my days with Urbanmoms were over.

I consulted with @theresaalbert for an hour on the phone – who counseled me whether to go to another mommy website or start my own.

The outcome of that discussion: To start my own blog.

I then hired a young woman who was starting a web design business and bingo  – 6 weeks later I launched Momwhourns in October 2010.

What a great journey it has been.

The End.

ps blogging wouldn’t be so much fun with the amazing support of my readers. Thank you for your continued support over the years.

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I  recently read a blog post by A Peek Inside the Fishbowl about apps that she is loving. I then decided it was a good idea to share the newest apps that I’m loving too. I hope you don’t mind @missfish!!

In a nutshell. There are four apps that I discovered lately and I must say – I’m loving them. Apps are fun and Apps are useful. Simple as that.

1. Vine: This is going to be the next biggest thing. Well so everyone says. I believe them though. It’s like a mini mini youtube. Have you tried it? What do you think?

2. Flyer Flo: Most people like to save a buck but a lot of us don’t like collecting flyers! This app allows you put in your postal code and find flyers that’s in your hood!! My blue box is now void of paper flyers. LOVE IT. Happy Savings Everyone!!!

3. Checkout 51. Again, a cost saving app that allows you to save money on your groceries. I get an email from them every week and if those items are on my list, then I can SCAN the receipt, upload it and one day I will get a cheque in the mail. No need to bring coupons to the store. BRILLIANT.

4. Airbnb: Found out about this app while watching App Central. This  app shows properties from around the world that are for rent. For those of you who prefer not to stay in a hotel and love to have a kitchen when you travel…this is the app for you. I also just looking at the decor of each property.  I am certainly using this app when I travel to Barcelona. No doubt in my mind. Not to mention the properties are often way cheaper than a hotel.

What apps have you discovered? Please share.

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I took advantage of the clear skies and the holiday Monday to go to Buffalo. It was time for some good old fashioned RETAIL THERAPY.

My definition of retail therapy combines my love of two stores in Buffalo: Target  and Wegmans. I actually spent just as much money at the grocer store as I did at Target. The customs guy thought I was crazy to go to Buffalo for TWO stores. Ps he didn’t pull me over even though I spent more than what I was suppose to when you visit for FOUR hours.

Here’s what I bought at Wegmans. (it’s all about the food – not the shoes I bought – hee hee).

1 Lesser Evil Brand Chia Crisps…Baked Crunchy Black Bean Chips. I picked out the Zesty-fresh, herb infused CRUNCHY DILL PICKLE because that’s my favorite flavor! (how did they know).

I opened up the bag (even though they are a gift for my friend) to sample a few. A “few” turned into a “few dozens”. I LOVE them and now I’m kicking myself that I only bought one bag! Story of my life.

Let’s review what’s in these chips: Omega 3’s (ALA), Powerful Antioxidants, EC Free, Good Source of Fiber and 4 g of protein per serving. Take a look at all the info thats on the back of the bag!!

2. Prometheus Springs Lychee Wasabi Capsaicin Spiced Elixir. Once again – opened it up when I got back to Toronto and the stuff is WICKED. It’s USDA organic and kosher! Whats in it: Filtered water, organic evaporated cane juice, organic lemon juice concentrate, natural lychee wasabi flavor, sea salt, capsaicin extract. Would love for some bartender to create a cocktail with this stuff!

3. Siggi’s Icelandic Sytle Skyr – 0% milk fat, strained non fat yogurt. Again – all natural, milk from grass fed cows, no aspartame, no sucralose, no gelatin, no artificial colorings, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup. YUM.

3. Lord Nut Levington Rebel Mary Peanuts (spicy bloody mary). Had to buy this and guess what? Scored once again. Will be serving this the next time friends come by for drinks.

5.. This item I bought at the DOLLAR TREE  – Tasty Tortilla Non Stick Steel Tortilla Pan. Not that I NEED this but it was A DOLLAR. How could I not buy it? Will let you know if it works in a future blog post k?

It certainly was a great trip to Buffalo. Naturally I will be going back soon as I’ve heard rumours that Trader Joes is opening in Buffalo. Too excited for words.

Road trip anyone?

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This week, I received an invitation from a fellow food blogger, the hungry cat,  asking me if I would like to attend a TUM event called “Sips ‘N Nibbles”. I had never been to a TUM event so I quickly accepted the invitation.

The invitation stated that the event would include 10 of TUMS top vendors and would include live music by the St. Royals, as well a cocktail. The invite also said “dressed to impress”. (eek – only worried for 2 minutes what I was going to wear) . As for the location: Steam Whistle Brewery.

I guess I should take a second and explain what TUM is all about!  Basically it’s a social food network that allows the opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase to the public, their (tasty) creations.

Ok back to the food!

Participating vendors included: La Carnita, Fidel Gastro, Rock Lobster, Babi & Co, ESE, Neptuno Oysters, Hot Bunzz, Laura Slack Chocolate, Bite Me Bakery, Little Tomato Catering and more.

Here’s a few photos to help you understand how happy my taste buds were!

PS. If you want to learn more about future TUM events…check out their facebook page:  www.facebook.com/TOundrgroundmkt

My favorite vendor was definitely from Hot Bunzz: Port soaked porcini mushrooms, baby portobello, San Marzano tomato and fennel, with balsamic glazed parsnip parmesan and kissed with black truffle. #happy #happy #happy. I had been introduced to Hot Hozz at the Interior Design Shows opening party and can’t wait to find them again at future events!!

My favorite drink was the gin and tonic from Dillons Distillers that just opened up in Beamsville two months ago. I am not a gin drinker AT ALL – but something tells me I will be having more gin and tonics in my life from now on. Can’t wait to tour their distillery in the Spring.

Congratulations to Abbey’s Kitchen and TUM for a well organized event. I was super impressed.

For more information about future TUM events, follow them on facebook: www.facebook.com/TOundrgroundmkt.com

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The same people behind Food Truck Eats are organizing SLURP NOODLEFEST!This event has my name written all over it,  as I’m a huge fan of ramen, pho, and other noodle dishes.  Be warned though – there’s a limited amount of tickets available so hurry and purchase your tickets soon K? (you have been officially warned).

Tickets are $10 and are now available online at http://slurp.eventbrite.com. Hope to see you on Sunday March 3rd.

Buy your tickets soon!!

P.S while you are marking down food events in your calendar – can you please mark down that Macaron Day is Wednesday March 20th!! Will be blogging about this amazing event too!

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Thanks to the internet (errr…twitter), I spent last Sunday having a ton on fun. I know I should have been home cooking soup or cleaning a bathtub but …..I have my priorities. It’s called “ENJOY TORONTO”. Which is exactly what I did.

My day looked like this:

11:00 – noon: Met a friend at La Bamboche (1712 Avenue Road) to try their green tea croissant.  I had been reading updates on this croissant  on twitter and facebook and knew I wanted to try it.  PS. While I’m mentioning La Bamboche, can you please mark off March 20th in your calendar for Macaron Day!! I will be blogging about this special day in a few weeks. Promise.

Love the concept of a green tea croissant. Just had to try it!!

12:30-1:30 pm – Dropped by the Junction Flea Market.  For close to two hours I strolled by 3 floors of unique exhibitors. I was so impressed by this impressive event which is held the second Sunday of every month. I didn’t buy anything but boy was I tempted!

Special mention to these vendors: These Woods, Rune, @crownflora,

2:00 – 3:30 p.m – Went to The Rhino  (1249 Queen W) to enjoy their Winter Beer Fest. I had NO idea that there would be 300 other craft beer fans there!! As Rob  said (from Beaus All Natural). “Clearly there is a demand for more Craft Beer events”.  I had a blast sampling a variety of beers and can’t wait to return for their next Beer Fest.

Beers ..that I sampled!

NO shortage of beers to try!!

People ask me all the time “How do I found out about all these events”. The answer is: “I find out about these events on Twitter”. Seriously.

Wonder what I will be doing this Sunday? Stay tuned!!

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As you know, Valentines Day is in just a few days. It’s one of those holidays where  you celebrate it in a “big way” (ie cards and gifts), celebrate it in a “medium way” (ie a card with flowers or chocolates) or celebrate it in a little way (ie a card).

In the event you celebrate this day in a “big” way – here are some suggestions:

1. What about a gift certificate for some pampering at Body Blitz. I’ve been a huge fan of their water therapy for many many years.

2.  Head to Bar Chef for unbelievable unique cocktails. My personal fav is the molecular mojito. No one in the city makes a drink like this.

3. Valentines Dinner and Nature Walk at Kortright Centre on Saturday Feb 16th from 7 – pm

This event sounds divine.  Think candlelit dinner and then a twilight stroll through the beautiful and pristine forest at Kortright. Advance tickets are required  416-667-6295

5.  Give a Samba Days Gift Experience: a unique gift experience that allows the recipient to choose from a huge range of experiences (gourmet getaways to helicopter rides…no shortage of options)

6.  Pick up some lobster at City Fish (they will cook it for you for the same price). Then light some candles, pop open a bottle of wine and bingo you have yourself a pretty fab Valentines Day meal. ps no website – but they are located at 2929 Duferin St. 416 256 7373

7. Um, what about Dirty Bingo on Saturday Feb 16th at the Paintbox Bistro. Bingo starts at 9 pm. #justanidea

8. May I suggest a heart shaped pizza from Boston Pizza, followed by some skating?
$1 from each pizza sold goes to support the Boston Pizza Foundation – I totally love this idea.

9. Head to the Korean Family Sauna – which is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

$20 gives you 8 different saunas to chose from!

10. Visit Moroco Chocolat in Yorkville for some heavenly chocolate fondue.

Happy Valentines Day!!

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The other night I was lucky (yes, very lucky) to have received an invite to attend an event at the Suits® Lobby Lounge in the Trump  International Hotel & Tower. The event included all the right elements:

1. A Stunning Venue
2. Scotch and Cognac
3. Valrhona Chocolate Fondue

I’m a total sucker for a gorgeous venue (especially since I had never been to the Trump Hotel). I’m also TOTALLY into an event that includes Scotch and Chocolate.

It was dark – forgive me for the bad photos?

I actually sent out a tweet while I was at the event that said “PINCH ME. I’m in Scotch Heaven”.

The atmosphere of the Suits® Lobby Lounge is just the perfect size for someone like me, who prefers a more intimate environment. I also liked the fact that there was a TV which means it will be the ideal place for me to return so I can catch the French Open in March. (can u believe I don’t get TSN at home?).

As for the scotch. I spent a lot of time hanging around the Macallan 18!!

My BFF.

As for the chocolate – indeed Scotch and dark Varhona chocolate make an ideal pair. Smart. Move.

Perfect Pair.

Seriously, if you are looking for a lobby lounge for drinks before dinner, after dinner, or just after work – please check out this magnificent lounge. You won’t be disappointed. The new Amber Liquor Program and Valrhona Chocolate fondue menu is certainly worth checking out! Um, perfect for Valentines. #justsayin’

For More Info: 

Trump International Hotel & Tower, 325 Bay St, Toronto, (416) 306 5800

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