The CNE has arrived and my stretch pants are ready! ! This year there’s another incredible line up of food at the CNE. and I was all too happy to snap a few photos and taste a few items as well.

Here’s just a few examples of what you can expect to indulge in!

1. Bacon Nation has created a Canada 150 inspired ALL Canadian Red Hot Burger. (Location: Food Building)
2. The King of Curds will be serving deep fried cheese curds sprinkled with icing sugar and served with pure Canadian Maple Syrup. YUM. YUM and more YUM.  (Location: Midway)
3. This photo says it all (location: Food Building)
4. Tim Hortons as always,introduced some tasty Canadian-themed treats.
5. Yatai (a sister project of Kanpai snack bar) has created this pretty epic fried chicken burger that’s in between fried ramen (instead of a bun) along with two kinds of kewpie mayo. Loved it and you will too!6. Pizza Nova has introduced a Pizza made with Carbone Dough.  Basically this is their traditional dough infused with activated charcoal and I regret not tasting it!!7. The Lisa Marie food truck will be serving an enormous double lobster patty burger. Seriously this burger was bigger than my hand. 
6. You can also find this deep fried goodness at this years CNE.

Seriously there’s no end to interesting food at the CNE: Deep Fried Chicken Feet, Cricket Cones, Peanut Butter Sriracha Bites, Spaghetti Donut Balls, and more!

There’s also the Midway and I couldn’t resist playing one of my all time favourite games….

Not to mention that this years’ CNE features OH Canada! Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show with internationally renowned skater Elvis Stojko. There’s two free performances every day (2 and 5 pm).

Details that you should know about the CNE 2017:

-The CNE opens from Aug 18 to Sept 4, 2017

-Gates are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm (rides and midway stay open until midnight)

-Labour Day Monday: Gates close at 5 pm. Buildings close at 7 pm, rides and ground open till 9 pm.

-General admission $19 (14 to 64 years)

-Children (5 to 13 years) $16 Children under 5: Free

-CNE Family Pass (2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children) $59

Specials:

-Opening Day Special $10 (Friday Aug 18 only)

-Kids Toonie Mondays

-$8 after 5 pm on Monday Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays

To learn more about the CNE and about special offers and discounts please visit www.theex.com or call the CNE info line at 416 263 3330

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I was in Ottawa this past weekend – one of those very (very) quick visits. i.e. drive in to Ottawa on Saturday and drive back to Toronto on Sunday.

Clearly when we got home, no one was in the mood to cook dinner or even go out for dinner.

This is where the foodora app came in handy. Oh how I love technology!

We were in the mood for Thai and within minutes I was able to place the order, add tip, and even track the delivery. When placing the order, I could even find out what ingredients were in each dish (in the event I was allergic to something or didn’t like a particular spice etc).

When dinner arrived, we ate in comfort (on the couch) – where we belong!!

I wanted to bring it to your attention that it’s possible to enjoy some of the city’s most decadent menu items without venturing down to Exhibition Place with foodora, Toronto’s leading on-demand meal delivery service?

Celebrate the end of summer with fair-type foods delivered so quickly that you’ll enjoy every ooey, gooey bite. For example!

The Notorious P.I.G from Bacon Nation
The restaurant cautions that this item is only for true bacon lovers. This hand-crafted beef burger is topped with bacon strips, peameal bacon, pulled pork, lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, onion straws and BBQ sauce and come served on a bacon brioche bun. It’s also served with fries.

Fran’s Triple Decker Reuben
This Toronto special features sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Fran’s homemade dressing, on three slices of marble rye.

The Jurassic Junkie Thin Crust Pizza from Junked Food Co.
This ingenious Junked Food Co. pizza features creamy mac & Cheese, Dr. Pepper pulled pork, maple bacon, mozzarella and Junked cheese sauce.

The Lord Cheesus from OM Grilled Cheese
One of the city’s best grilled cheese sandwiches is the Lord Cheesus which comes loaded with cheddar, brie, brick, harvarti and mozzarella.

Don’t Even Go There from Old School
This cheesecake stuffed egg bread is rolled in toasted coconuts, topped with whipped vanilla cream and orange honey drizzle.

Foodora really left an impression on me and I have no doubt that I might be using this app more often!!

For more information:

Website: www.foodora.com

Twitter and Instagram: @foodora_ca

Disclosure: I was provided a discount code however all opinions are my own

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The CNE Media preview is one of my favourite events of the year. Especially the food. That doesn’t come as a surprise to you, right?  Indeed I cheated on my low carb diet. I just had too!!

Here’s just a few items that you will find at the CNE this year!!

1.) The Big Pickle Dog – Sadly I didn’t get to try it but I will as I’m planning a second visit to the CNE. #onevisitisntenough

2.) The Chocolate Diablo – Vanilla soft serve coated in cookie crumble, cocoa puffs and wasabi peas with a sriracha caramel drizzle. I loved it. Something about the crunchy and sweet and savoury combo, really appeals to me!!

3) The Cartoon Dog – No doubt there was a trend this year to sprinkle cereal on many different items! Trust me – I’m ok with it.

4) Blueberry Pie Milkshake: I didn’t try it but it sure did look pretty!

5) Deep Fried Butter tart: This was decadent AND brilliant too!

6) Try to imagine a traditional cheesesteak between a chocolate eclair, topped with bacon, whipped cream and chocolate icing.  Yes – this exists. Talk about creativity!! P.S  this can be found at Philthy Philly’s in the Food Building). 7) Tim Hortons Froot O’s Donut: Bring it on!!

8) Canadian Bacon Taco – this was probably my favourite. NO CARBS and freaking delicious. Way to go Bacon Nation!! 

9) Deep Fried Peanut Butter Cups: What can I say? I like anything deep fried and anything that involves a Peanut Butter Cup.

10. Chimney Stax is offering a frozen yogurt dessert in one of their famous rotisserie-baked breads. See…. not everything I eat was fried!!
By the way,even though food captures my attention, I have to admit these giant prizes captures my attention too.

For more information:

CNE – Aug 18th to Sept 5th, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Website: http://theex.com

Hours: http://theex.com/main/hours

Tickets: http://theex.com/main/guest-info/tickets/ticket-prices

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I know I know….it’s hard to believe its August. But it’s here and there’s no shortage of things to do.

I will be off to Mont Tremblant and Ottawa in August so there goes two of my weekends. However some of these events are during the week and I will be there!!

Here’s my round up!

1. The St. Lawrence Market Summer Series – presented in partnership with The Food Dudes – kicks off Thursday, August 4 with a party like no other.
This innovative production merges cuisine and art in an iconic setting to create an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss. (Which is why I will be there).
The St. Lawrence Market patios will be transformed into a downtown oasis of food, drink, music, performance and celebration, joining the Market’s storied purveyors with Toronto’s finest chefs, musicians and artists in a true feast for the senses.
$30 general admission (plus taxes & fees)
General admission tickets include two food tickets.

Tickets can be purchased here!

2.  Toronto’s newest summer food festival, Feast of St. Lawrence Festival  is taking place from August 12-14, 2016. The festival will begin with Toronto’s newest dining event on Friday evening in support of Foodshare Toronto. On Saturday, the celebration moves to the coveted St. Lawrence Market and Market Street. Activities include indoor food demonstrations using local farm-fresh produce, outdoor food stalls, canning sessions, and seating areas.
Market Street will be also be buzzing with live entertainment. For more information please click here.

3. The CNE – Always my favourite.  ps. You will find me in the food building.  You might also find me on the ferris wheel too. LOL

5. If you like cider, then this event is for you….Toronto Cider Festival is taking place on Aug 27th at Yonge Dundas Square from 1130 am to 1030 pmLooks like August is going to be a tasty month!!

Enjoy the rest of summer everyone.

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I generally don’t include photos of myself in blog posts, but this photo truly reflects how I was feeling at the CNE media preview. I just couldn’t stop smiling. Please continue reading so you can find out why I was smiling!!

The food served at the CNE is creative, fun, tasty, and memorable!! There is a reason why more than a million people flock to the CNE every year. Here’s what caught my attention at this year’s CNE media preview.

1. Tim Hortons served a Honey Dijon Ham  Pretzel Donut Sandwich that was simply too good for words. I had one bite – then two bites – and then I had to force myself to put it down. I’m still thinking about this sandwich as I write about it as I wanted to eat the ENTIRE thing.

2. Tim Hortons also served  two Timbits (cotton candy and cola) as well as a Tim Horton Poutine. It’s described as a sweet “poutine” made out of Timbits  and decked out in delicious decadent dessert toppings. I had the Timbits (I’m a huge fan) but will have to return for the poutine!!

3. Fran’s Restaurant Deep Fried Rice Pudding. This item really stood out as it was the perfect combo of crunchy and creamy. I wish this was on their menu all year long!!  (are you listening Fran’s Restaurant?).

4. This Frosted Flake Battered Chicken on a Stick  (from Iron Skillet Sirloin Tips) also caught my attention. There was something about mixing sweet with savoury, plus a bit crunchy – that really appealed to me. It was truly Grreaaaaat. (Tony the Tiger would approve. I’m sure of it).

6. Bacon Wrapped Grilled Cheese from Bacon Nation: 6 strips of bacon weaved around a grilled cheese sandwich. Need I say more? I will happily run a few more kilometres so I could consume one of these sandwiches!

I hope this blog post has inspired you to head the CNE for some imaginative offerings!!

For more information:

Website: www.theex.com

Dates: Aug 21, 2015 to Sept 7, 2015,

Location: Exhibition Place, Toronto

Twitter: @LetsGoToTheEx

Instagram: @LetsGoToTheEx

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I love the CNE. What’s not to like? There’s plenty of entertainment, rides, the Canadian International Air Show and FOOD. For me…it’s all about the food and this year my taste buds were introduced to the following.

1. Chocolate Fried Chicken with Chocolate Ketchup. This is NOT to be missed and can be found Coco’s Fried Chicken

2.The Chunky Elvis…  A Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Cheddar Cheese, Peanut Butter, Sliced Bananas and bacon. Again – NOT to me missed. Brought to you by: Chunky Cheese Cafe and Espresso Bar

3. The Thanksgiving Waffle. Sadly I didn’t get a chance to sample it but I will be returning the CNE and #itsonmylist. Brought to you by: Fran’s Restaurant. 

4. Bao with Nutella, Graham Crumbs, Marshmallow whip and Condensed Milk. If you like something sweet – this is for you! What a combo! Brought to you by: Far East Taco

5. The Crow Bar….A croissant with a chocolate bar inside. What will they think of next? Brought to you by: Hula Girl Espresso

Clearly I didn’t need lunch after this media preview!

This year the CNE runs from Aug 15 to Sept 1st at the Toronto Exhibition Place.

Twitter: @LetsGoTotheEx

Facebook: Www.Facebook.com/theEx

Instagram: LetsGoToTheEx

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Several times a year I get an email inviting me to an event that is truly a unique experience and  the reply is always:  “COUNT ME IN”. This was the case when I received an email inviting me to the media day for  the Canadian International Air Show. I had never been to this annual event before so I figured it was about time!!

I must admit that it was pretty cool to be able to be so close to these magnificent aircraft.

See what I mean?

The second part of the media day included a chance to actually go up in a plane. Let me put this into perspective for you about my fear….I don’t even go on the Kiddie Rides at Wonderland.  However all the lovely staff (errr…Colleen) reassured me that I would be perfectly safe.

I specifically asked for the “SAFE HORSE”..not the one that bucked. Therefore I was put in the capable hands of Paul, who took me up in this tow plane which is used for the air cadet program. Yup – I was SAFE.  Before you knew it, I was strapped in and off we went….Up, Up and Away!!

My view:

Some of my twitter friends like YYZ Events, went up on a plane that did stunts. Who knows, I might try that next year!! Note the word “might”.

After such an experience, I went to the CNE for the very first time (but not my last time)  to watch the the Canadian International Air Show do it’s stuff. I found a lovely log to sit on and watched the show along with many other air show enthusiasts.

The Canadian International Air Show takes places on Sunday Sept 1 and Monday Sept 2 from 1 to 4:30 pm. (location: at the waterfront, south of South of Bandshell Park). If you want to know who will be performing, this link will help you out.

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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?

See what I mean?

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!!

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Once again, I discovered something fun on Twitter. It’s called Gastropost and it’s a brilliant concept for foodies like me. Every week they post a mission and every week I am addicted to accomplishing this mission (I know I know – I have too much spare time on my hands). One week, the mission was “basil vs mint”  and another week the mission was called “we love tomatoes” and guess who tries to complete most missions? moi.

In August,  I completed a mission that was called “food on a stick”. I was thrilled when I opened up the the National Post on a Saturday to discover that I was featured in the Gastropost column. (see bel0w….I’m the Gastroposter eating deep fried goodies at the CNE!!)

I love when companies embrace social media, and use it to create  a community. Gastropost is a classic example of this. I’m thrilled to be part of this and you can too. It’s just a click away …..so feel free to subscribe here.

Congratulations to the National Post for initiating this brilliant feature in your Saturday edition.

PS Not only do I think that Gastropost is fun but IT’S EASY TO USE. No downloading widgets, no uploading recipes, no linking …it’s so easy it’s not funny. Now go subscribe and complete a mission!!

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As you know, I try to eat “healthy”  (see previous blog posts about Kale Chips and Peanut-y Tofu). However that doesn’t mean that I can’t dream about eating deep fried fudge or deep fried marshmallow treats. Well, all my dreams came true as I was invited to the the CNE media preview on Wednesday. Here is proof!!

Thats an AUTHENTIC smile!!

In the above photo, I am about to bite into deep fried fudge from the Northwest Fudge Factory. In fact I am so proud of this photo that I submitted it to GastroPost!

I also took a bite (or two) of these deep fried marshmallow treats by Sweet Treats.

More Deep Fried Goodness!

There is no question that food is a major attraction attraction at the CNE.  One might think that unique means “deep fried” but that’s not necessarily true.  It could be triple layer red velvet pancakes loaded with slow roasted and smoked pork, and topped with Jack Daniels infused maple syrup. Now that is unique….in a big way!!

You can find this at: PULL’D

Or what about this idea by the good people at Just Cone It.…CONES filled with Nutella bacon, or pizza or philly steak or shepherds pie!

Love the name of this vendor!

Clearly there is an abundance of “unique’ and there is those items that will always be around like candy floss, candy apples, Tiny Tims and fresh squeezed lemonade.

I am definitely attracted to “unique” food items but I certainly wouldn’t say no to a candy apple either!!

What will you be eating when you visit the Ex?

Here’s more info about the 2012 CNE:

1. 2012 CNE runs from Aug 17 to Sept 3
2. The CNE is located at the Toronto Exhibition Place
3. To learn more about the Xx and special discount prices please visit THEEX.COM or call 416 393 6300

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