I’ve just returned from a “girls night out” where we checked out a new restaurant that is conveniently located right next to St. Lawrence Market. It’s called  Market Street Catch. Please note that the owner  also owns Buster’s Sea Cove which is located inside of St. Lawrence Market.  This is code for “this will be a great place to order fish”.

I love the fact that it’s an open kitchen and you can see the fish that’s going to be in your meal!!

As for the menu – it’s listed on the wall. Here’s PART of the menu. Not sure why I only took one photo ..forgive me!

I couldn’t decide what to order so I asked the manager. He recommended the grilled octopus and he was right – it was perfectly grilled. Not chewy  or tough at all!! I ordered it on a salad but you could order it with fries too.

My friend, ordered the fish taco and she was pretty happy with her meal too.

Next time you are in the mood for fish – this would be an ideal restaurant.

For more information:

Market Street Catch, 14 Market St, Toronto ON 416 363 2020

Twitter: @marketst_catch

Facebook: www.facebook.com/makretstreetcatch

Website: www.marketstreetcatch.com

Share this:

The other day, I received a last minute invite to check out the Grand Opening of Touhenbokus Ramens’ newest location at 2459 Yonge St. I didn’t mind at all, as I live about  2 km’s away and was curious to visit. You see, I was invited to the Grand Opening of their first location (261 Queen St) where I indulged in some ramen – but  this particular invitation was inviting me to sample their tapas and cocktails. I was intrigued to say the least. (ie …no ramen?)

When you enter the restaurant, you immediately notice the “more upscale” decor than their Queen W. location. I really think they did a great job with the space…just the right amount of classy and hipster. (does that make sense)?

I then found out that there’s TWO menus. A lunch menu (with ramen options) and a dinner menu that will be served after 5 pm. (ie tapas and cocktails).

Indeed I sampled a cocktail that was off-the-chart-amazing.  It’s called the KINGYO (remember this) and it’s made with Shohu, mint, hot peppers and soda. What a unbelievable combination. I would order this again in a heart beat. Talk about refreshing.

I also sampled the food. Something tells me that I will be returning to try the Godzilla’s Egg! (see above menu)

Share this:

I subscribe to a blog called  The Yum Yum Factor and while reading thru one of her latest posts, she mentioned a new grocery store called Adonis. Naturally I was intrigued and got into my car and drove out to Victoria Park and Eglinton to check it out. I also went online to read a bit more about Adonis as well. I learned that they are owned by Metro..from Quebec (6 locations)…and they now have two locations in Toronto. The store I visited is only two weeks old. Here’s what you need to know. The store is MASSIVE. Repeat – MASSIVE. Soon as you walk in, you notice the impressive fruits and vegetables. Then you start to notice the mediterranean food selection. ie. the selection of different cheeses and the AMAZING prepared food section. I bought a package of 3 of these pies for $5. Not bad eh? There’s even a bakery in the middle of the store that makes FRESH PITA. Now that’s pretty neat. (in my humble opinion) Of course I had to buy these two salads: Fattoush (on the left)  and Tabouleh (on the right). Please note that the prices are very reasonable!

I also bought 3 different types of cheese, fruit and vegetables, and oh yeah, an assortment of baklava. How could I not?

Share this:

The Good Press opened this week in the heart of Yorkville. I will tell you about their concept in a sec,  but first I want to tell you a GOOD story.

I was chatting with the owner  (Andew) about the different types of “cold press” machines and as he was talking…I was thinking “I know this guy”. When he mentioned the words ” my other location” – I asked him “what other location?” and he said “Sunshine Wholesome Market”. I then said “OMG – I met you 7 years ago when I was a food sales rep with Big Ups”.

What a small world!!

OK now back to the opening of the Good Press!! Here’s more info….

The Good Press offers a range of healthy options featuring: • Antioxidant-rich açai bowls • 8 oz. and 16 oz. selection of cold press juices • House-made nut milks

• Smoothies • Energy-boosting shots • Wraps and salads • Entry-level cleanses.

When I snapped a photo of these vegetables, I discovered from their friendly staff that these veggies are ORGANIC.

They also sell juice (in glass bottles) that have the cutest names with interesting flavour combinations. Ya gotta love it …i.e Pear Me the Details.

The menu is quite extensive – and takes up a good chunk of their wall. There is truly something for everyone!

Hope you get a chance to visit them one day soon!

For more information:

The Good Press 87 Yorkville Avenue Toronto

Hours: Monday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Twitter and Instagram: @goodpressjuice

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thegoodpressjuice.ca

Share this:

After reading a review of Bar Buca by Amy Pataki in the Toronto Star, I knew that I wanted to visit this restaurant STAT. She gave it 3.5 stars out of 4, so I put Bar Buca on my radar and off I went for lunch. I was a bit nervous that it  was going to be busy so I was cautious and arrived at 11:30 am. It was a good move.

The space has a few shared tables and a bar as well.(capacity 38).  I like watching the ‘action” so I plunked myself onto one of those high backed chairs!

The menu is divided into small bites, cold plates, hot plates, fried, stuffed focaccia and skewers. Love it. It’s perfect for sharing ….and priced between $3 and $14.

So what did I order? Let’s put it to you this way – TASTY STUFF.

Specifically: POLIPO – baby octopus, soppressata, crema de palate. What you really need to know is that it was perfectly prepared.

We also ordered: CARCIOFI CRUDI – raw artichokes, buffalo yogurt, bottarga, senape. In other words: More Perfection

Based on a few reviews, I knew I would be ordering the PORCHETTA SANDWICH (roast tuscan pork, mascarapone, apple mostarda, agliata). What you really need to know about this sandwich is that it is MASSIVE. So glad we split it!

Last but not least – we ordered the BRUSCHETTA which is described as: duck yolk, beech mushroom and truffle. Again – DELICIOUS.

Conclusion: This restaurant offers some well executed dishes in a cool atmosphere with some decent service. Not to mention that the menu appeals to me as it’s certainly not an ordinary menu. Not even close.  I know I will be returning one morning with my macbook… to try their coffee and pastries. I have no doubt that I’m going to be impressed. Most likely I will be making it for dinner one day too. Clearly I’ve become a quick fan of Rob Gentiles’ style. (who is the Executive Chef).

For more information:

Bar Buca 75 Portland St. Toronto 416 599 2822

Hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 1 am, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 2 am.

Twitter; @barbucatoronto

Share this:

I recently was involved in a conversation where we discussed “what food would you feel funny about, if you didn’t eat it every day”?. I have to admit there are days where I don’t eat any fruit but there’s hardly a day that goes by without me eating vegetables. Here’s a few of my favorite QUICK and SIMPLE veggies dishes.

1. Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Wash, trim, sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper …stick them on a tray in a 425 oven for 15 minutes. VOILA.

2. Kale with Red Pepper, Onions and Goat Cheese: Stir fry the onions, add some red pepper and then the chopped (washed) Kale. Add some goat cheese for some creamy-ness. SO SO good for you.

3. Stir Fried Veggies; No need to explain. Right? LOL

4. Roasted Root Veggies: Try Cookstown Greens…it’s worth the $$. Promise. Wash the veggies, stick them on a tray, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake in a 425 oven for 30 minutes. YUM.

5. I’m perfectly happy with a salad too!

What’s your favourite vegetable? Do share…

Next blog post…will be all about FRUIT. Stay tuned.

Share this:

When I was asked if I would be interested in interviewing Canadian two-time Olympic medalist and four-time Olympic Triathlete,….Simon Whitfield….I didn’t hesitate to say YES!!

Here’s a recap of the interview!

Momwhoruns: I drink coffee after I run on the treadmill. Not good, right? What should I be drinking?

Simon: Chocolate milk!!

Momwhoruns: Any tips how I can get motivated to get off the dreadmill and start running outside?

Simon: There’s nothing wrong with running on a treadmill but I would suggest running on an incline of 1%.

Momwhoruns: I understand you are a huge fan of Chocolate Milk. How would you answer this question: chocolate milk AND _____________.!

Simon: Chocolate milk and a banana with almond butter

Momwhoruns: Sometimes after a workout I just want to nap – what am I doing wrong? shouldn’t I feel energized?

Simon: Perhaps you you don’t have the right pre workout fuel?

Momwhoruns: What’s your cheat food?

Simon: A good croissant!

Momwhoruns: Do you add chocolate milk to any smoothies? I bet that’s a great way to incorporate chocolate milk into a post recovery workout drink.

Simon: My favorite combo is chocolate milk, greek yogurt, blueberries and lemon fish oil

Momwhoruns:  Avocado Chocolate Pudding: yay or nay?

Simon: Those are two of my favorite foods but I have never tried this combo.

Momwhoruns: What do you remember about your first triathlon?

Simon: I was 11 years old and I wore a Mickey Mouse hat and boxer shorts with cows on them.

Momwhoruns: Any advice for momwhoruns so she can keep on running?

Simon: Consistency

Clearly Simon is a huge fan of Chocolate Milk as it’s an ideal recovery drink after vigorous exercise that helps people to rehydrate, refuel and recharge their bodies.

Here’s a photo of me listening to Simons advice!

I also want to share a (cool) contest that’s going on. Please click on RechargewithMilk.ca!  for complete information and all the details!!

The contest involves a prize that is a runner’s dream …(seriously)

• Residents of Ontario and Atlantic Canada have the chance to win a 12-week training program with four-time Olympian and Canadian triathlete, Simon Whitfield, as their very own personal trainer to prepare for one of the races at the 2015 Halifax Blue Nose Marathon or the 2015 Mississauga Marathon. 
• The winner will also receive an all-expense paid trip for two people to the Halifax Blue Nose Marathon or the Mississauga Marathon, new running gear and a supply of chocolate milk.
• This prize is valued at approx $10,000.

Share this:

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

Share this:

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

Share this:

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!

Share this: