I really meant to blog about Romeo’s Juice Bar last year when it opened up but sadly did not get around to it. However last week while ordering a juice,  I said to myself  “I really really need to blog about this place”. So here’s the blog post!!

You can find Romeo’s Juice Bar at 285 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market. It truly has a unique look. Wouldn’t you agree?

 There’s no shortage of juice options but here’s two items that caught my eye.

Here’s another popular item that they serve.

Due to the fact that I’ve broken up with carbs since June 2012 (and it’s been a good break up by the way) I decided to order my own special low carb juice.  I requested a juice made from Kale, Avocado, Celery, and Soy Milk (they use Silk 80 calories which is oh-so-ideal). It was perfect. Especially because I didn’t have to clean the blender!! Although I have to admit, I keep thinking about purchasing a Vita Mix more and more these days.

Romeo’s Juice Bar also offers amazing hours on the weekend (see photo below) Plus you can receive $1 off your juice/smoothie, if you like them on Facebook. Guess who has liked them already on facebook? Good guess. LOL

So don’t forget to grab a juice or smoothie the next time you visit Kensington Market. Also, don’t forget about Pedestrian Sundays in the Market which takes place on the last Sunday of the month. (Sunday Aug 25, Sunday Sept 29 and Sunday October 27). Always a great vibe to visit the market on Pedestrian Sundays.

For More Information:

Romeo’s Juice Bar, 285 Augusta Avenue, Toronto (416) 597 2300

 

Who else is excited that tomatoes are in season? All I want to do is make tomato sauce, tomato soup and tomato ricotta tarts!! This recipe is from Martha Stewart and I’ve been using it since 2005. (I have proof). It’s a winner cause it’s simple and it’s pretty. Serve this along with a few side salads and you’ve got yourself a pretty nice meal.

TOMATO RICOTTA TART  (from  Martha Stewart)

Ingredients:

2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs (I  make my own and you should too..it takes 5 seconds and it’s worth it)

1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup whole milk ricotta

1/2 cup grated parmesan

2 large egggs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or dried)

salt and pepper

1 1/2 pounds thinly sliced beefsteak tomatoes (I use a pint of cherry tomatoes – orange and red for the added “prettiness” factor”)

Directions:

1. Preheat overn to 450 degrees. In a 9 inch springform pan, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil. Press evenly into bottom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. In a bowl, whisk ricotta with Parmesan, eggs and basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Spread over crust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Arrange tomatoes on top. Brush with olive oil. (I always forget this step).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Bake until tomatoes are almost dry for about 35-  45 minutes. Let cool. Unmold. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As mentioned, serve this tart with some side salads and you have got yourself a pretty nice meal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Cooking. What is your favorite dish to make with tomatoes? Do share.

The media day for the CNE has been marked off in my calendar since July 9th. I’m not kidding, this is one event I was not going to miss!! It’s an opportunity for me to sample an array of goodies all at one time. Note the word “sample”.

However, as much as I wanted to sample everything …I didn’t. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I only sampled 4 items. This means I will just have to return to the CNE. Right?

This is what I sampled and seriously you should go to the CNE and eat these items too. You can thank me later.

1. The All Bacon Canuck Burger from Bacon Nation: An all bacon burger served on an all bacon bun. Topped off with 2 strips of bacon and 1 slice of thick cut peameal bacon. Please try this. I insist.

2. Nutella Fries from Spread Nutellerie. These fries are simply brilliant. I loved how they had just the right amount of sea salt on them. The combo of the chocolate and the sea salt was heavenly (my taste buds were telling me). Congratulations to  3. The EPIC Maple Bacon “Cronut” Inspired Burger. What is it exactly? It’s a maple bacon cronut inspired burger rolled in cinnamon sugar, sliced in half, filled with 100% Canadian , all beef patty, cheese and topped iwth a home made maple bacon jam, (both Canadian too). Congratulations to Epic Burgers and Le Dolci who partnered this year to create this sensational item. My waistline thanks you.

PS the Maple Bacon Cronut inspired Burger is only available at the Canadian National Exhibiton from Aug 16th to September 2nd. I’m crossing my fingers that Abbey’s Kitchen will host an event with them in the near future. Please cross your fingers too.

4. Panini Gelato  OK picture this. …A combination of fresh gelato sealed within a warmed sweet fresh brioche. Can you say “Un-freakin’- belieavable”
 

My stomach had such a good experience, that it wouldn’t surprise me if you saw another blog post about the CNE!!

The CNE runs from Aug 16th to Sept 2nd at Exhibition Place, Toronto Ontario.

Website: www.theex.com

Twitter: @letsgototheEX

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEx

There is even a CNE app!!

 

As always I have just returned from another trip to Ottawa. As you know, I visit regularly (every 6 weeks) and on each trip I discover something new that delights my taste buds (and sadly my waistline too).

Here’s a few highlights:

1. Harvey and Vern’s Ginger Beer. Hands down the best ginger beer I’ve ever had. Sadly I only bought one bottle. WHAT WAS I THINKING (please don’t answer!!). Next time I’m picking up a half dozen bottles. Seriously.

 

2. Callaloo Jamaican Patty from The Piggy Market: (400 Winston Ave, Ottawa) I love something interesting and this was indeed something interesting!! The pastry was perfect and the filling was flavorful too. So glad I dropped by this amazing store.

 

3. Hummingbird Chocolate has joined forces with Michaels Dolce Candied Ginger ….to make the perfect chocolate bar. It was introduced to the public at the Ottawa Farmers Market on Sunday Aug 4th and I’m confident that others will also give it a THUMBS UP!!

 

4. Albacore Tuna Crudo with Lemon Truffle Oil, Puffed Rice and Young Cilantro from Supply and Demand (1335 Wellingston St. W. Ottawa) Many thanks to @simplyfresh for tweeting me about this dish. Can you say “heaven?”.

5. Ministry of Coffee. Again, many thanks to @AMWATERS for tweeting me about this brand new cafe that opened up on Elgin St.  I enjoyed a wonderful “Cortado” which is a shot of espresso with both cream and milk. Will definitely be returning for more!!

6. Bombs from It’s a Matter of Cake (Ottawa Farmer’s Market) These are not cake pops. Not even close. They are simply dense and delicious. My mom bought a bag of 6: Chocolate Peanut Butter, The Split, Oatmeal Nutella, Maple Carrots, Smokey Bacon, and the Dark Horse. When we got home…the knife came out and we started to split each one in half. Then we started  saying words like: “ohhhhh” and “ahhhh” and “freaking h” and “unfreakin believable”. Clearly we loved each and every bomb!!

Can you tell I had another amazing trip to Ottawa? I’m already looking forward to my next trip in September!!

I’m not sure how this has happened but I’ve morphed into a Ramen Addict. I completed a ramen crawl over the winter, yet more ramen restaurants seem to be opening up. The latest is…Ryus Noodle Bar.

This restaurant is located only a few doors down from Kinton Ramen on Baldwin St., but I’m confident that there is enough ramen lovers in the city for both restaurants to survive.

Here’s my thoughts:

The space is small but that’s ok!!

 

The menu is also small but that’s ok too.

I ordered the Seasonal Shoyu and inhaled every bit of broth and every strand of ramen.

What makes this ramen place different than all the other ramen places in Toronto? Here’s the answer: THESE TWO SAUCES.

One sauce was a ginger/scallion and the other sauce was ??? (please forgive me, but I forget!!). Each sauce was incredibly flavourful. In fact, I hope they bottle these sauces and sell them one day!!

Hope you get a chance to check out this new ramen restaurant as well.

For more information:

Ryus Noodle Bar: 33 Baldwin St. Toronto, (647) 344-9306

Twitter: @RYUS_Noodle_Bar

Facebook: click here 

 

Sadly August is right around the corner, which means summer is almost over. However for the “foodie” in me is delighted that it’s August. Here’s a few  events that have top priority in my calendar.

1. The Canadian National Exhibition (Aug 16, 2013 to Sept 2, 2013), 210 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto.

I’m a fan of all things in moderation. Can you tell?

Here’s a list of what’s new!! I have a feeling I will be hanging out at Spread and RYC Bar.

• Freshly Squeezed – Fresh juices and smoothies
• GR Yogurt Fresh – Greek style yogurt with your choice of toppings
• Spread – Everything Nutella – from fries, spring rolls (#onmylist)
• Harvey’s – 100% Canadian since 1959 – It’s a Beautiful Thing
• Hula Girl – Serving specialty coffees, espressos, infused sodas, pastries
• Ku Khan – Mongolian Grill cuisine
• Philthy Phil Philadelphia – Cheese steak sandwiches and salads
• RYC Bar – Rice pudding in assorted flavours (#onmylist)
• Yogurty’s Froyo – Self-serve frozen yogurts

Back by popular demand are:
• Bacon Nation, Epic Burgers, Just Cone It, Wild Child Kitchen, Dutch Frites, Far East
Taco, Baked & Loaded, Deep Fried Shop, PULL’D, Big Apple Fritter, Kernels, Sweetness
Bakery, Northwest Fudge Factory, Taqueria Burrito Bar, Thyme & Olives, Kala’s (#onmylistagain)

2. TORONTO POUTINEFEST

This event has my name written all over it and is being organized by the good people at Joylister.

Mark this date in your calendar: Thursday Aug 22nd, 2013, from 5 to 10 pm at the Beer Academy!  Something tells me this event is going to be POPULAR and will sell out quickly. Make sure you sign up for Joylister now. Not joking this event is going to sell out. (you heard it here first). The night will include Poutine from Poutini’s, Lou Dawgs and Great Burger Kitchen.

True Story: I was the second customer at Poutini’s on their opening day.  The guy in the photo was the first customer.

3. RAMEN RUNOFF

This is event is being held at the Harbourfront Centre (Aug 9 to 11).  For $10 you get to sample a variety of ramen. Sounds good to me!! I love the stuff.

4. A POP UP CHOCOLATE DINNER...hosted by Abbey’s Kitchen 

This sounds amaaazzziiing. For more information please click here.

5. WILD BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL

This festival takes place on Sunday Aug 25, 2013 at Evergreen Brickworks from 11 am to 3 pm.  You will be able to enjoy  a Wild Blueberry Pie Bake off, musical entertainment, a gardening workshop and more. Bring it on!!!

 

As you can see, my stomach is going to be very busy!!!

Hope you enjoy the month of August as much as I’m going to enjoy it.

Today was one of those days that was just perfect for raspberry picking. So off I went to Whittamore’s Farm armed with a few empty shallow containers!!!

Then I went home and the fun started!! I proceeded to make a “few” (ha) raspberry crisps. Here’s the recipe I used:

RASPBERRY CRISP (taken from Taste of Home)

4 cups of frozen or fresh raspberries

1/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons of all purpose flour

3/4 cup quick cooking oats

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup cold butter cubed

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, gently toss raspberries with sugar and 3 tablespoons flour. Transfer to a greased square baking dish.

2. In another large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, remaining flour; Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Sprinkle over berries

 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Remember those 3 containers of raspberries? Well add 3 quarts of blueberries (on sale at Metro 3 for $5) and this is how many crisps you will get!! (16 individual, 3 medium sized portions, 1 large)

I clearly had a productive day. Felt great to be back in the kitchen again!!

Happy Baking.

For more information:

Whittamore’s Farm...(906) 294 3725

PLEASE NOTE: the last day for SUMMER pick your own will be MONDAY AUGUST 5th (from 9 am to 5 pm). The farm will then be closed for a week and will reopen with late summer/autumn crops on Wednesday Aug. 14th.

 

I’ve been going to the Toronto Festival Beer for many years and it keeps getting bigger and better.  I remember back in the day when it was held at Fort York  when there were just a few food vendors and it was so much smaller.   Things have clearly changed!! Now the food scene at the Festival is just as much of a highlight as the beer scene!!

As you can see from this photo….I was prepared!!

I went last night and as always enjoyed eating and drinking my way thru the festival. I wish I drank more but for some reason can never manage to have more than a few beers. Sad but true!!

Here’s a few highlights:

1. Beer and Bacon: Why haven’t I had this combo before?  Rashers is the only bacon sandwich shop in North America and I was thrilled to see them at the Festival. I devoured my British Style Bacon Strips with a few ounces of Black Guinness and was  a happy camper.

2. Foundry Cider had an apple smashing cage that looked like so much fun!! I love stuff like this…

3. The International Centre Crafting Fuzion. I had never heard of them till this week. All I know is that I will be making a special trip to the International Centre to try more!!  The two dishes I had a the Festival were nothing but outstanding. Huge thanks to @LuiSays for reaching out to me prior to the festival. (twitter works. #justsayin’)

This dish also rocked: Bruce Lee’s Tijuana Ssam Mash Up – Anchor steamed marinated Bulgogi in an iceberg wrap with spicy kimchi and American Style chop suey topped off with cilantro and mexican scented rice pops. Served in a mini bamboo boat. MORE. PLEASE.

4. Rock Lobster Food Co. is at the Festival and is hugely popular. Here’s a photo of  Matt and his team  working hard! Again, what a great combo – beer and a lobster roll!!

5. Besides the beer and the food – I love the fact that everyone is having a great time!

For More Information:

Toronto Festival of Beer (July 27-29th) Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Twitter: @TOBeerFestival

I’m not so comfortable writing this blog post as it’s not going to be the upbeat type of blog post you are use to. But I feel, I must share with you my thoughts on how much I spent recently for a butter tart and a coffee….in Bracebridge Ontario. That’s right…Bracebridge. This is not about an over priced restaurant in Yorkville or on Bloor St!!

The restaurant that I went to is well known for their butter tarts. I must admit I’ve  been going every year for the last 4 years. Therefore, I shouldn’t be in shock when the cash register says I owe this amount for a normal cup of coffee and one butter tart!! BUT I AM. I CAN”T SEEM TO GET OVER THIS.

Now that I’ve disclosed how much it costs to have a butter tart and a coffee…let’s talk about their perfect butter tart. There are no words to accurately describe this butter tart.  So I’m not going to even try.

Even though this butter tart and the coffee is OVER PRICED…they run out. So please get there early if you too feel like spending $7.35 on a coffee and a butter tart!! (you have been warned)

By the way this cafe is so famous that there’s no phone number on their website!! That’s how much business he does.

Here’s the info you need to know:

Marty’s World Famous Cafe, 5 Manitoba St, Bracebridge, ON

On a recent day trip to Niagara On the Lake, I decided to quickly to jump over to Buffalo seeing I was SO close. When the border guy asked me “what’s the purpose of the trip”. The answer is always the same…”to go grocery shopping and to go to Target”.

Here’s what I bought at Tops (ps Im now a proud card member of Tops AND Wegmans). I must admit Tops has an advantage as it’s right next to Target on Niagara Falls Blvd.

1. Jell-O Party  Molds. It was free when you buy 6 small packets of Jell-O. How could I resist?

2. Jell-O so I could make the Cocktail Bites and use the mold. #staytuned. Can’t wait to serve these and find out which flavour is the best.

3. Heinz Ketchup with Balsamic. I’m all about flavour and curious to see how this tastes.

4. Snacks….can’t find these flavours here (I think. LOL). Actually I’m pretty sure I can’t find these here!

At Target I bought this flight of beer ($3 for the board, $1 for each glass). I’m going to sample 4 different bottles of Innis & Gunn STAT using this new server. I’ve been a long time fan of Innis & Gunn not to mention I love ordering flights of beer in restaurants. Now I can sample different beers in the comfort of  my own apartment.  #score.

 Fall shoes had also arrived at Target and I scooped up two pairs (of course). But will save that for another blog post about Fall Fashion!!

By the way, getting home was not pretty at each bridge. Oh well…it was still worth it.

Happy Shopping.