I’m not sure how many events I have attended this year but let’s just say I go to A LOT of events. I’m not complaining. Infact, I’m grateful to the many people who have reached out to me over the last few years. Here’s a recap of some of my fav events of 2013.

1. Back in April I was invited to a pretty exclusive event at Tim Hortons. The event introduced their thick cut hickory smoked bacon and included a sensory expert who discussed the physiology  of taste. We also had the opportunity to taste dozens of delicious (um, really delicious) items that included bacon. I was in heaven. Period.

2. I LOVED the Poutine Festival that was put on by Joylister.  I mean it – LOVED. Can’t wait to attend their Grilled Cheese Event in 2014.

3. The White Cashmere Collection Fashion Show was also pretty spectacular. It’s not everyday that I go to a fashion show like this one. The show feature 20 top Canadian designers that created stunning garments and accessories crafted entirely with pure, soft and luxurious Cashmere Bathroom Tissue.

4. Seeing as I take a TON of photos, I was delighted to have been invited to the HP Original You event. This printer is meant for me. Now I can print photos directly from my iPhone in the comfort of my own home. Not to mention, create postcards, cards and MORE!

 

5. The bloggers event at Summer Fresh was informative and tasty too. We toured the plant (which was fascinating) and had the chance to try some of their newly launched products.  What a well done event in many respects. They thought of everything.

6. Metro launched their Metro App at TIFF and guess who was invited? Not only was I treated to a screening but I also had the chance to attend a terrific party on the ROOFTOP of the Thompson Hotel. What a treat.

7. The Montreal Tourism event which included  Schwartz’ssmoked meat…was nothing but brilliant. I really need to visit this spectacular city more often.

8. The Food Media Day at NKPR IT Lounge during TIFF was so much FUN.  This event included tasty treats from: Barilla Pasta,  Mideastro Restaurant, Cold Stone Creamery, SKYY Vodka, BottleGreen and AQUAHYDRATE.

 

9. Meeting Jessica Alba was pretty cool too. I was super impressed to learn about her commitment to the environmental and her product line called Honest.

10. THE BEST EVENT OF 2013: Receiving an invite to attend Media Day for the International Air Show AND getting the opportunity to FLY in one of the planes. #FREAKIN’COOL

2013 was a great year for momwhoruns and I have a feeling 2014 will be another amazing year.

Happy New Years! Wishing everyone a spectacular 2014.

Vicky …..otherwise known as momwhoruns

Von Doughnuts has recently opened on the Danforth (713 to be exact) and of course I had to go visit after my workout! Life is all about “balance” – right?

There are two types of doughnuts: Raised and Cake.  Plus there are a few varieties that are spiked, and some that are savoury. All I can say is “BRING IT ON”.

Here are some examples of their flavours:

Peanut Butter Jelly Time, The Sappy Pig, Chica Cherry Cola, Drunken Night, Curry Coconut etc. I counted 22 flavours on their printed menu but not all of them are available at the counter. I can see myself checking them out in future on Facebook so I can make sure that the flavour I want is available!

This morning, I tried a few! (does this surprise you?). Top Left: Dill-Dough, Bottom Left: Caramel Salt N Pepa, Top Right: Porky Monkey , Bottom Right: Cap ‘N Jack. Clearly someone has a sense of humour when naming these doughnuts.

Verdict: I love the flavour profiles and I love the fact that there’s two different types of doughnuts (cake and raised). My favourite was the Caramel Salt N Peppa. They were all excellent though and I look forward to trying more in the future. This is definitely a place that would be ideal for a tweet up so we could share a whole bunch of flavours. What do you think?

For more info:

Von Doughnuts, 713 Danforth Ave, Toronto ON 416 901 VOND (8663)

Twitter: @vondoughnuts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vondoughnuts

 

 

 

 

Did you know that Jamie Oliver  recently launched a new line at Sobeys? The line, labeled Compliments presents: Jamie Oliver Discovers Canada, was a year in the making and includes a range of 14 amazing dishes. For example…Herby Lemon Flattened Chicken made with Certified Humane chicken, Scrumptious Seafood Pie and Sweet Cherry Focaccia. Each recipe features the best of Canadian flavours. Not to mention, each product was tested, tasted and approved by Jamie Oliver.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sample each and every one of these dishes at an event! (squeal).

I have to be honest…the frozen section is not an aisle that I normally frequent. But after the opportunity to sample these dishes, I will be frequenting this aisle more often. I simply could not believe how tasty these dishes were. Every single one was a winner!

Top left photo: Lemon Flattened Chicken.  Bottom left photo: an assortment of breads (that I shouldn’t have eaten but I couldn’t resist)
 Top Left : Scrumptious Seafood (a winner), Top Right: Old School Holiday Ham. Bottom Left: Beef Blade Pot Roast. Bottom Right: An Assortment of Tasty Dips

I usually make my own crisp for dessert,  but I would serve Jamie Olivers’ Mixed Berry and Apple crisp in a heart beat. Seriously….THAT GOOD.

Please take a peek at this unique line of products, the next time you visit Sobeys. You will be blown away by the value and the quality.

 

For months, I drove by a window sign that said “Fresh..Coming in the Summer”. I waited and waited and waited. Finally the day arrived (err..it was Fall but that’s OK) and it was open. I was excited to visit as I knew that this location was going to be a hit, for this popular  vegetarian/vegan restaurant. (which now boasts 4 locations).

Heading north of Bloor was a smart strategic move. This is easy for me to say – seeing as I live about a kilometre away!

I love that this particular location is paying attention to the fact that single diners might want the option to sit at a BAR  to eat, and not by themselves at a table. I think I counted THREE bars (by the window…when you first walk in ..and at the back). #ANOTHER #SMART MOVE.

What did we order?

Well I can’t seem to visit Fresh without having these epic quinoa battered onion rings . They come as an appetizer but I wish they came as a main dish!!

We also ordered:  the big salad, the soup of the day with grilled cornbread and hummus, and the picnic burger. Everything was FRESH FRESH FRESH and completely inhaled. Our waiter was also super attentive and helpful too.

For more information:

Fresh on Eglinton…90 Eglinton Ave East, Toronto 416.599.4442 PS take out is available too.

Twitter: @freshoneglinton

Facebook; www.facebook.com/freshsince1999

Instagram: freshrestaurants

Foursquare: Got a message today that if you check in before Dec 31 on Foursquare ,you could become the mayor and win!!

This company really gets social media and gets serving FRESH food. Hope you will get a chance to also visit this location soon.

Disclosure: I was given a gift certificate to visit this location however all opinions in this blog post are my own.

Believe it or not, I occasionally use a few recipes from selected cookbooks that I still own. One such recipe is called “Spiced Bulghur Pilaf with Nuts and Raisins” from a cookbook called Gourmet Vegetarian Feasts by Martha Rose Shulman that was published in 1987!!

This side dish is full of flavour, simple to make and a nice alternative to rice or potatoes. The only issue you might have with this dish – is that you don’t have all the ingredients. I solved this problem with a quick trip to my local bulk store. I ONLY bought 2 tablespoons of what I needed and the one cup of bulghur that was required. Smart move, eh?

Please note: this dish will be that much better if you use fresh ginger and not powdered ginger!

Spiced Bulghur Pilaf with Nuts and Raisins.

INGREDIENTS.

1 cups of bulghar

1 tablespoons of vegetable oil

2 tablespoons slivered almonds

2 tablespoons of cashews

2 tablespoons of pine nuts

5 tablespoons of raisins

1/2 tsp of cumin

1/2 teaspoon cardammon

1 small onion, minced thin

1 clove garlic, minced

1 inch piece of FRESH ginger, grated

3 cups of water

salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in a saucepan or a frying pan and saute the onions.

2. Heat another frying pan and saute the cashews, pine nuts and almonds till fragrant and slightly brown. 

3. Add the sauteed onions to the nuts and then add the raisins, cumin,cardamon, and ginger,

4. Add the bulghur and stir together. Then add the water. Bring to a boil, add salt to taste and COVER WITH A LID. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed and the bulghur is tender.

5. FINAL PRODUCT

 

Happy Cooking!

I went to a cooking class recently and at the end of the class there was a small discussion about the instructors favorite gadgets: Out came a  Paderno Vegetable Spiralizer . Naturally when I got home, I did some research.

Sure enough, I found one on Amazon for $29.75. I ordered it (without hesitating)  and it arrived the next day. Yay for online shopping.

I went out to the grocery store to buy a cucumber, carrot, apple and a zucchini, so that I could use it right away. I was pumped to use it…can you tell?

The ribbons that you get are INSANELY long. Here’s proof.

I sprinkled some lemon flavoured oil on it, as well as another product (mixed nuts that I picked up in Israel). Bingo – I had an interesting salad in no time at all.

Can you say; Happy?

Trust me, I will be making more salads with my new BFF. Stay tuned.

Are you looking for a “unique” gift? Well, Samba Days might be the answer!! Samba Days is all about giving a unique “Gift Experience”. Infact there are over 70 different experiences to choose from. There’s Body and Soul experiences, Golf experiences, Adventure Experiences and more.

Naturally I selected the  Gourmet Getaway Experience. I simply activated my gift card, picked the location for my Gourmet Get away and booked the date when I wanted to go.

Pretty cool, if you ask me.

We chose to go to the Westover Inn which is located in St. Mary’s, Ontario.(about 2 hours away from Toronto). We could have selected from over 14 different properties throughout Ontario but this one caught our attention.

We weren’t disappointed with our Samba Day Gourmet Getaway experience at all! We were impressed with the property, the accommodations and the food!!

My dinner consisted of a beautiful 4 course dinner – Spinach Salad, Walnuts, Blue Cheese and Pancetta with a Roasted Pear Vinaigrette, an amuse bouche, Grilled Beef Striploin with Dark Ale and Madagascar Peppercorns with Roasted Fingerlings Potatoes and a warm apple tart for dessert! Could not complain.

My breakfast was equally as delicious. It was difficult to chose from the menu as there were so many delicious sounding options!

Seriously…if you are looking for a unique gift….please consider Samba Days!

For more information:

Samba Days: 1 888 95 SAMBA

Disclosure: I was approached by Samba Days to experience one of their gift cards. However all opinions in this blog post are my own.

1. Goat Cheese Infused Chocolates: I sampled one of these chocolates from a vendor at Wychwood Barns. If you like savoury more than sweet – then this chocolate is for you!! What a combo.

1. The Macallan Breakfast Orange Marmalade:  I purchased this unique sounding product from the Milky Whey in Stratford, Ontario. Silly me, I only bought ONE jar. What on earth was I thinking?

3. A Pistachio Muffin from Coffee Culture in St. Mary’s Ontario. Never saw this flavour before and was totally surprised when I saw how green it was on the inside.

Did you eat anything amazing this past weekend? Please do share…

 

I’ve been going to the One of A Kind Show show for years. In fact I purchased this piece in the early 1990’s and it’s still proudly displayed in the front entrance of my apartment.

On Thursday night there was free parking PLUS late night shopping and decided to take advantage of these two perks. SMART MOVE. I wandered thru the aisles with ease and found all sorts of items that caught my attention! Namely….gifts related to food.

1. STATIONARY – by Carolyn Draws. 

2. ART – by Erin Rothstein

I walked by and couldn’t help but smile when I saw this acrylic painting of a piece of toast. She tells me that both the piece of toast AND the avocado are really popular. What a great piece of art for a kitchen. Don’t you think?

3. SIGNS  like this made me smile too. Congratulations to www.hannavart.com  for creating unique food art!

There’s over 800 artisans at this unique show so there’s truly something for everyone!

For more information:

One of A Kind Show: Nov 28 to Dec 8th, 2013, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Facebook: www.facebook.com/oneofakindshow
Twitter: @ooak_toronto

Show Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 10 am to 6 pm

 

At this time of year, I love any recipe that involves only 4 ingredients!! Not to mention I love chocolate and cheese. Therefore this recipe really appeals to me!!

Here’s a quick story about my love for these two ingredients:  A few years ago, I came across a blue cheese chocolate chip cookie and blogged about it. Click here in case you are curious about the cookie.

The store where I purchased that cookie is now closed but this recipe is a close replacement! I think that the combination of cheese and dark chocolate is sure to catch everyone’s attention! It certainly did catch mine.

Infact, this recipe features the 2013 Canadian Cheese Grand Prix winner in the Blue cheese and Organic cheese categories. Did you know that their  is a Canadian Cheese competition? Well there is!!

Here’s the recipe for Bleu D’Elizabeth, Dark Chocolate and Date Bites