Last year I went to this event for my first time and was totally impressed for many reasons.(Click here for last year’s blog post).

This year, The Stop’s Night Market takes place on June 17 and 18, 2014 from 7 pm to 11 pm.  I’m writing you to encourage you to buy your tickets quickly (as in now) as they go on sale today (May 1st). Seriously – this will be a sold out event.

Why should you attend?

-you are going to taste some spectacular food plus it’s all-you-can-eat. No tickets required!!

-you are going to be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages too! (think: beer, wine, and more)

-each vendor has a unique space which makes for a visually appealing experience. (no 6 ft tables draped in white linen…not even close)

-you are going to support an amazing cause.

-the location is perfectly accessible.

I should mention that there are different food/drink vendors each night – kind of cool!.

Note: I met one woman last year who bought tickets for both nights. #smart #move.

Hope to see you there!

For more information:

Twitter: @theStopCFC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thestopnightmarket/

Website: The Stop Community Food Centre

I went to this restaurant when they first opened but for some reason, I never went back. This often happens for no other reason than my perpetual curiosity to keep trying new restaurants.

However, a few weeks ago I dined at Bi Bim Bap…. 3 times in one week. I initially went with a friend who has mulitple allergies (and they were all too accommodating) and then returned with my boyfriend and then returned again when my mom was visiting from Ottawa. It also helps that this restaurant is less than a kilometre from my apartment!

Bi Bim Bap is located on Eglinton between the Allen and Bathurst. It looks like this from the outside.

When you sit down, you will notice a little red “call button” which comes in handy when you want to ask the waitress a question or need something!

What sets this restaurant apart (besides the call button) from other Bi Bim Bap restaurants that I’ve been to?

-They are totally understanding when it comes to allergies. Infact there’s NO shellfish in any of their dishes.

-The quality of the food is outstanding. You might be paying a few dollars extra but it’s worth it.

-The owner, Sam and his staff are super friendly.

-My food (which arrives in stone bowl) was still  STEAMING 20 minutes after it arrived at the table. Seriously.

What did I order?

MUSHROOM BI BIM BAP  –  A mix of 9 different varieties of mushrooms, stir fried (TO PERFECTION) and served on top of Bi Bim Bap vegetables. ($13.99).  There are other varieties on the menu but I prefer the vegetarian option. Go figger.

I hope you get a chance to check out this restaurant one day soon. It’s a neighbourhood favorite for a good reason!

For more information:

Bi Bim Bap  950 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto 416 787 7423

Hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday 11 am to 8 pm. Closed All Holidays.

No facebook page or twitter presence 🙁

Disclosure: My meal was compensated however all opinions are my own

 

Here’s my definition of a Perfect Saturday (or Sunday…LOL).

1. Checked out a new bakery that (just) opened. Specifically…. Bakers and Scone (693 St. Clair Ave. West). Clearly I was not the only one excited about their opening as there was a line up when we arrived! The scones were perfect and they served a pretty decent Americano as well. I will definitely be returning.

2. Proceed to St. Lawrences Market to walk around. Naturally I bought some cheese but these products also captured my attention!

3. Stumbled upon a new restaurant, Market Street Catch, that just opened a week ago. I didn’t stay to eat but its now#onmylist.

4. Head over to Stillwater Spa as my boyfriend was going to enjoy his first massage as well as his first visit to a Spa.

5. Found out that Prairie Girl Bakery was celebrating their 1st anniversary at 150 Bloor St. W …. and scored a free mini cupcake!

6. Ended the day with a home cooked dinner!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend too!

 

I love using recipes but sometimes it’s just fun to look into my fridge/freezer and figure out if I can get creative and create my own recipe!

Specifically I had some pineapple and a piece of salmon….plus a jalapeno.

I decided to bring out my Philips AirFryer to create my meal as I knew it was going to be the fastest way to cook this dish. Not to mention, no odour and minimal cleanup. #winwin

1. First, I cooked the salmon. (see previous post).

2. Then I shmeared (is that a word?) 2 slices of pineapple with the agave, and then sprinkled it with some finely diced jalapeno. Notice the brown specks? That’s grated nutmeg on it.  I also decided to take the other 2 slices of pineapple and shmeared it with Nando’s Piri Piri Sauce.

3. I popped the pineapple slices into the Philips Airfryer and 6 minutes later  (at 200 degrees) it was golden and cooked!!

4.To complete the meal I made some some quinoa with fried onions and some spices from Jaswant’s Kitchen.

Voila. LUNCH.

Disclosure: The Philips Airfryer was provided to me however all opinions are my own.

I grew up eating smoked meat. Infact, I remember my dad bringing home a package of smoked meat for my sister & I as well as a package of smoked salmon for my mom …every Sunday morning! My relationship with smoked meat had a break for about 20 years but guess what? I’m back on track with smoked meat again. I’m not eating it regularly so trust me, I’m no expert. I think I visit a deli once a year…even though I don’t live far from many of them. Deli’s like Pancers, Yitz’s, Centre St. Deli, Caplansky’s are all close by including Ben & Izzy’s.

This restaurant opened up almost a year ago and I’m pleased to say that I finally went! It was on my list for a LONG time.

The space is not what I expected for a kosher restaurant along Bathurst St. I was impressed…it was much brighter, cleaner and trendier than I had anticipated.

Even though there are plenty of options to eat at Ben & Izzy’s – I knew what I would be ordering!! (see the top left corner?)

Our sandwiches looked like this…

Naturally…..Cherry Coke,  Cotts’ Cherry Soda and Vernon’s are available.

Again, I’m no “deli” expert but I certainly enjoyed my meal and would certainly recommend it to my friends who are looking for decent deli!!

ps Check out their website. It’s awesome!

For more information:

Ben & Izzy’s Deli; 3513 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON 416 787 3354

Hours: Sun: 12 – 9 | Mon & Tues: 11 – 8
Wed & Thurs: 11 – 9 | Fri: 11 – 2

Twitter: @benandizzys

Facebook: www.facebook.com/benandizzys

Here’s a list of upcoming events on my radar for the next six weeks!  Thought I might share some of them with you BEFORE I go, rather than blog about them afterwards! Here we go…

1. Green Living Show. April 25-27th at the Direct Energy Centre.  A show that I won’t miss….I admit that I head to the Local Food exhibitors first and then I stroll thru the rest of the show. Nothing wrong with that, right?

 

2. The Toronto Jewish Film Festival (May 1-11th). Again – a festival that I won’t miss.  This is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world, with films from 23 countries that reflect aspects of Jewish Identity and diversity with universal themes.  For full programming schedule and details, check out http://www.tjff.com.

2. Four Winds Kite Festival at Kortright.  May 3 & 4th (10 am to 4 pm). This is the place to BE to watch spectacular professional kite flying. Seriously this is a unique experience.

3. Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa, May 9 – 19th. I simply can’t wait to wake up early in the morning and snap a gazillion photos of the tulips. It’s really special. Then I’m going to spend the rest of my time, eating my way thru Ottawa!! (for a change).

3. Crave TO: Friday May 30, from 5 pm to 11 pm at Wychwood Barns.  Ignite your senses and launch patio season with Toronto’s premier street food and craft beer creators all to the soundtrack of Toronto DJs. Sounds like a place I want to be!!

Looks like I’m going to be busy for the next 6 weeks. Throw in a weekend to the cottage as well which will include test driving a Hyundai. Can’t wait.

Hey May – I’m ready for ya!!

It’s Passover this week and this means it’s often challenging as there’s quite a few restrictions (i.e no flour, no beans, no corn, no this… no that…).  For me, it’s not so challenging as my kitchen is dairy  and I consider it as a week of clean eating ie. lots of fruit, veggies and fish.

Here’s a menu plan of what I served in 2011.

I’m going to share with you one of the recipes that I often serve during Passover (and throughout the year too).

Recipe: Waldorf Salad (taken from the Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen)

3 large apples, cut in chunks

Juice from 2 lemons

1 large orange, cut in small pieces

1 stalk chopped celery

1/4 cup raisins or craisins

1/2 cup toasted cashews

Dressing

1 cup yogurt

1 small ripe avocado (mashed)

1/2 tsp grated lemon rind

3-4 tablespoons of honey

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients

2. For the dressing: Puree till smooth (or mash well – like I did. However it’s best to add all the ingredients into a blender or a Cuisinart so it’s super smooth)

3. Combine the ingredients with the dressing.

FINAL PRODUCT

 

This salad is super simple to prepare AND super tasty too.

Happy Cooking.

A few months ago, I was walking along the Danforth and noticed a storefront that said “H2O Float Spa….Opening Soon”. When I got home I looked them up and added them to my facebook feed so I could follow their updates. (a smart move).

Over the last months, I was intrigued with what I was seeing on their facebook page.

After months of anticipation, they finally opened their doors on April 11th. Naturally I wanted  to try it  – STAT. So on Sunday, I had the opportunity to try it. Lucky me!!

Here’s what I experienced:

a) I walked in and was warmly greeted by Shelley (who is the owner). I was given a pair of shower shoes and then we proceeded into the change room where I was given a fluffy robe and 2  towels as well as a locker and a key.

b) We then went in the room where the pod was located. I was instructed to shower (including washing my hair) before entering the pod. Once I was in the pod, I could shut the pod door whenever I wanted. There was also a call button in the pod in the event I had a question etc.

As soon as I was alone, I went into the pod and shut the door. I did not feel claustrophobic at all, as their was a glowing blue light. (which I had the option of turning on or off) I floated for an hour – and felt totally relaxed. I swear I don’t know where time passed. Perhaps I slept. I could not tell you. LOL.

ps if you aren’t inclined to try the pod then there is a massive open bath where you can float – as an alternative.

c) the jets kick in after an hour – and this indicates that my “float” is over. Sniff.

d) I then showered and got back into clothes. Sniff.

e) a bottle of water and sliced orange awaits you after your float – which I welcomed!!

Here’s a few suggestions for your visit:

-If you wear contact lenses..either bring your glasses or your contact lens case. However I would strongly suggest NOT to wear you contact lenses during the float. Inevitably the salt water is going to drip into your eye and it’s not going to feel pleasant

-Bring a washcloth/handcloth/towel – INTO the pod with you. Again, back to the salt water that is inevitably going to get into your eye.

-Don’t forget your hairbrush, make up etc.

Conclusion: Would I do it again? In a heart beat. Was it relaxing? YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Would I give a gift certificate to a friend? Totally.

For prices and more information, please visit their website: www.h20floatspa.com

For more information:

H2O Float Spa 138 Danforth Avenue, Toronto ON  647-349-0426

Twitter: @H2OFloatSpa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/H2OFloatSpa

Disclosure: My float was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

I feel like going down memory lane. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I had my birthday last week. Who knows? I want to share with you some of my favorite childhood restaurants in Ottawa AND in Toronto (as I spend many weekends visiting friends when I was a teenager).

Here’s my list of fav childhood restaurants in Ottawa!

1. The Red Barn: This was a fast-food chain with over 300 locations throughout the States and Southern Ontario in the 1970’s. Lucky me – there was one in my neighbourhood!

2. The Green Valley Resort: I spent many happy occasions here and fondly remember their Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Dessert.

3. Bagel Bagel – this restaurant was opened 24 hours and my friends spent many Saturday nights here after a night of dancing in Hull. (Remember Tobasco’s?)

4. Golden Palace (2195 Carling Ave) – another hangout when I was a teenager. This restaurant is still around and I regularly drop by for their epic egg rolls! The decor is right out of the 1970’s….worth a visit.

5. The Revolving Restaurant:  I also remembering going to the revolving restaurant to celebrate my birthday. It closed after 38 years and is now an event space, operated by the Marriott.

6. Tramp’s and Yesterday’s – both restaurants were pretty popular spots when I was a teenager. Have no idea what we ATE but I can certainly remember groups of us going to these restaurants on a pretty regular basis.

Here’s My List of Childhood Favorite Restaurants  in Toronto

1. Pickle Barrel (in the Peanut Plaza). Again – no idea what we ate here but I remember groups of us (ie 20 or more) visiting this restaurant on weekends.

2. Inn on the Park – there was a cafe in the hotel that we use to hang out at.

3. Toby’s Good Eats – I fondly remember a brownie dish.

4. Mr. Greenjeans  (220 Yonge St) – I don’t think I’ve been back here since I was 16 but I should! Maybe one day.

What are your favourite childhood restaurants?

About once a month I buy a box of party sandwiches for dinner or for a snack. There’s never ANY leftovers. EVER. I will repeat – EVER. I usually pick them up at Bruno’s, Pusateri’s, Daiters, or What A Bagel.

When I was trying to figure out what to serve at my birthday party last week,  it dawned on me that party sandwiches would be a welcome change from the usual sushi platter.

I contacted Lesley’s Party Sandwiches & Catering and made fast friends with Lesley who also shared the same birthday as me!! (too funny). I found out that she’s been in business for 29 years and was the first independent party sandwich supplier in the city! I also found out that I could drop my off my platters and she would will fill them up with an assortment of party sandwiches, such as:

• brie and fig preserve
• cream cheese and cucumber
• egg, tuna, and  salmon salad,
• smoked salmon and cream cheese and MORE.

So I dropped off my platters and witnessed how party sandwiches are made! There is a reason why I’m not making party sandwiches!!

Just before the party – they were delivered. HOW SWEET IS THAT? This is what my platter looked like. Pretty….Don’t you think?

Lesley’s Party Sandwiches are perfect for baby showers, baby namings, tea parties, office parties, engagement parties, graduations and more!! She also makes a variety of salads and beautiful fruit platter and vegetable platters too. #justsayin’.

For more information:

Lesley’s Party Sandwiches: 55 Glen Cameron Road, Unit 19, Thornhill, ON (905) 660 0551

Disclosure: Lesley’s Party Sandwiches provided me with an assortment of party sandwiches. However all opinions are my own.