I retuned from Israel on September 4th and lucky for me, I was able to feel like Israel was right here in Toronto due to an event held by Ezer Mizion.

FYI….Ezer Mizion is Israel’s largest Health Support Organization Specifically, Ezer Mizion’s diverse line-up of services includes the world’s largest Jewish Bone Marrow Donor Registry and specialized programs for children with special needs, cancer patients, the elderly, and terror victims.

I was all to happy to find out that this incredible organization was recreating in Toronto one of my favourite markets: Mahane Yehuda.

I knew the event was going to be popular and I was right!! Wychwood Barn had  a massive line up outside (even though people had purchased tickets) right from the start.  It would not surprise me (at all) if this event will take place in a bigger venue next year and perhaps over a Sunday/Monday of a long weekend!

I couldn’t stop smiling when I saw my favourite vendors from Israel right here in Toronto. Seeing this vendor, really made my day!

It was also a pleasure to meet Norene Giletz, who was selling her famous cookbook, Second Helping Please.

Naturally I had to buy these incredible Rugelach from Marzipan Bakery. I didn’t even blink when I found out the price. I overheard someone say: “I can’t believe the price” and I replied “Well they had to get here from Israel” and she came back with a pretty funny line: “They must have flown first class”. I had a good chuckle.

I understand from facebook that they are still available at Kosher City Plus #justsayin’.

Seeing the Halva King also brought a smile to my face (and my tummy too).

Congratulations to all the volunteers who organized this event. Looking forward to next year’s Shuk.

For more information:

Website; www.ezermizion.org

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

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The Interior Design Show has been in my calendar for months! It truly is an event that I look forward to even though it’s not really my world at all. As you know I usually go to FOOD events, however there’s something about this show that I’m drawn too. ..the colours, textures, creativity, etc. (just like in a recipe. LOL),

On Thursday night I attended the opening party (lucky me) and here’s a few highlights.

1. This beautiful carpet caught my eye. Isn’t it gorgeous?
2. I also liked this fixture.  So interesting!
3. This faucet would be a real conversation piece. 
4. These fancy bathtubs #WANT
5. Samsung had a presence this year at the Interior Design Show and I think it was a great strategy. They have “design” features in a few appliances that are just brilliant. See this Samsung washing machine? Well it features a top section that is designed just for ONE OR TWO items. This solves the problem we all face when we don’t want to run a full load for that one item!
6. See this Samsung Fridge? Well it has 3 cameras inside, as well as a white board and so many other clever design features. It really deserves a dedicated blog post (#onmylist).  The three cameras solve the problem when you are driving home from work and wonder if you have milk or eggs in the fridge. All you have to do is tap into your app and bingo – you will find the answer!

Hope you get a chance to visit the Interior Design Show on the weekend. Seeing as there is no sun outside these days – this show will certainly brighten up your weekend!

For further information:

Interior Design Show, Metro Convention Centre, North Building, 255 Front St, Toronto

Hours: Saturday, January 21, 10am-7pm: Sunday, January 22, 10am-6pm

To Buy Tickets: Click Here

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I’ve just returned from the Interior Design Show and as always I’ve got many photos to share with you. So I won’t bore you any further details. Let’s just get down to business.

Seriously, everywhere you look there’s something that will capture your attention.

I was in awe of this wall covering made from wood. So much texture. So much warmth.

These tiles are pretty incredible. Don’t you think?

This light fixture is a statement. Absolutely love it.

This shelf totally captured my attention. I just wish I had a wall for it! #condo problems

I hope you get a chance to visit the Interior Design Show too. You won’t be bored. Promise.

For more information:

Website: www.interiordesignshow.com

Dates: Saturday Jan 23 – 10 am to 7 pm: Sunday Jan 24 – 10 am to 6 pm

Location: Metro Convention Centre, 255 Front St. West, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets: $19 online, $22 at the door

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: IDSToronto

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The Stop’s Night Market is a feast for the eyes, belly and heart. The monies raised from this two day event (which was held last week), goes toward community-building programs such as: food banks, drop-in meals, community cooking and gardening, prenatal nutrition and more!

The Stop’s Night Market gets a lot of love as it’s sold out every year and for a good reason

The event is SO well organized plus there’s something special about an event that is held outdoors. Especially when the weather is ideal like it was this year.

The event features different vendors on both nights and I totally get why people would buy tickets for BOTH nights. Oh ya – your ticket includes all the booze and all the food you can eat. This map really helped me navigate my way thru all the different vendors.

Highlights of my evening included the Halibut Cakes from Sea Witch:

Plus I was digging the Smoked & Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese from FarmHouse Tavern.  Trust me, every vendor served something interesting.

Congratulations to all the vendors, the volunteers and the team at The Stop Community Centre for another incredible event. I hope you consider buying a ticket next year. You won’t be disappointed!

Disclosure: I was provided with a media ticket to attend the attend, however all opinions are my own.

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Last year, I attended Recipe for Change for my first time. In case you want to read about my experience at this outstanding event, please click here.

This year I would like to share a quick interview I had with the Executive Director of FoodShare, Debbie Field.

1. Can you tell me the history of this event and how it has evolved over the years? We wanted an event that could highlight the amazing work we do in schools bringing food literacy to students of all ages, and we wanted to raise the needed money for the staff who deliver the food literacy workshops. The event combines both goals.

2. How does this event differ from other events? It combines some of the best food in town, a great sense of elegance with a grounded reality of a multi-ages, more women chefs and more diverse chefs than any other event of its kind. It therefore has an optimistic sense to it that I think is rare in fundraising events. It is one night with great food that will hopefully inspire everyone to be active in the movement for food literacy.

3. Describe where the money goes to? Field to Table Schools work teaching kids how to cook and grow food and be food literate.

4. Any advice for first time attendees? The venue is fabulous, the food is incredible, and it really is FUN. You will meet great people as everyone is very friendly. FoodShare is often referred to as a big family and the event feels that way.

5. What’s the best part of the event? The feeling that we are building a movement together for food literacy.

Recipe for Change not only supports an important cause, but it’s also A PARTY you don’t want to miss. With 30 chefs reflecting Toronto’s diverse food scene, 2 craft brewers and 3 wineries, this will be the most delicious fun night of the year! The festivities take place on Thursday Feb 26th from 6 pm to 9 pm. at the St. Lawrence Market North Building. Grab a friend, buy your tickets and arrive promptly at 6 pm wearing your stretchy pants!

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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

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I’ve been anticipating the Grilled Cheese Fest since it was first announced back in December. Finally the day arrived and I made sure to be at Roy Thompson Hall at precisely 5 pm as they were letting in media before the event started. I try to take advantage of this opportunity so I can snap up some decent photos and talk to vendors about what they are serving etc.

Before I go any further – I want to say that I was there from 5 pm to 7 pm. During that time…..I sampled some cheesy goodness, enjoyed some soup and drank a craft beer or two!!  I also made sure to take lactose pills on a regular basis!!

I’m not quite sure how many lactose pills I took but I wasn’t going to a little lactose intolerance get in my way!!

The evening promised a variety of unique grilled cheese sandwiches, complemented with homemade soup and craft beer – and they delivered! My favourite grilled sandwich was the General Kim from Cut the Cheese.  (2901A Dundas St. W). The sandwich was described as: Kimchi, sweet soy pork, lotus chips, cilantro, fontina cheese on a light rye bread.

My favourite soup was from Cheesewerks. (56 Bathurst St)

I really did enjoy the event (again, I was there between 5 and 7 pm). However I then discovered thru a blogger friend that many guests did not get a chance to enjoy the event, as they had oversold the event by 700 tickets.  I really felt bad when I read this. This isn’t exactly how an event should be run but I’m sure Joylister learned a thing or two. Just like they learned a thing or two after they ran the Poutine Festival.

For more information:

www.joylister.com

Twitter: @Joylister

Instagram: Joylister

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoylisterFUN

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I’ve just walked in from a FoodShare event that’s called Recipe for Change. It took place at the St. Lawrence Market (North Building) and is an event that features Toronto’s Top Culinary Talent while supporting good food education.

The venue was the perfect size and well spaced out. Guests had the opportunity to even sit down at a table and not just stand up and eat their food! Whoever did the floor plan did a great job.

As for the food: There was a variety of everything and no shortage of food OR drink. To be exact: 30 Chefs, 20 VQA wines and 6 local beers.  What was noticeable, was the amount of vegetarian and vegan options. To sum it up – I’m STUFFED.

Yum.

I ate…I ate….I ate….I ate…

I ate some more….(in particular those oysters from Hooked. I was embarrassed how many I ate!!)

There was also an impressive Silent Auction that took place. I was super interested in the Women’s Deluxe Cruiser and should have placed a bid. Arghh – now I’m kicking myself. (Lesson.Learned).

Please keep this event on your radar for next year!! You will be supporting a great cause at the same time as enjoying a super well organized event.

Congratulations to the entire team at FoodShare!!

For more information: Please check out this website – www.foodshare.net

Twitter: @foodshare

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Here’s a quick summary of The Stop’s Night Market:

What is The Stop Community Food Centre? Located in the west end, The Stop works to increase access to food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community and challenges inequality. The Stop  does it  all; Some of their initiatives include community kitchens, gardens, cooking classes, drop in meals, outdoor bake ovens, food markets and community advocacy.

What is the The Stops’s Night Market?  The Stop Community Food Centre’s Night Market is a teeming feast for the eyes, belly and heart. It’s also a fundraiser with great sponsors and a dedicated group of volunteers, chefs, performers and designers. Fact: 800 tickets were sold to the public,  each night (June 19 &20). They were sold out within the first two hours when tickets went on sale on May 22!

Who is there? 60 chefs, 82 food and drink vendors, 35 one-0f-a-kind food carts created by local designers.

What did I eat? (what didn’t I eat?…LOL)

From Rose and Sons: Smoked Ham and Cheese Sandwich. This sandwich rocked. 

From Ese – Aprege eggs. Isn’t this presentation gorgeous?

From The Chase: Something delicious that I failed to write down!!

What did I drink? Believe it or not I didn’t drink ANYTHING. Sad but true. I was just too busy eating and shmoozing!! #nextyear

Who is this woman? I met this woman at several Chowhound events over the last 5 years. She is such a foodie that she bought tickets for BOTH NIGHTS. #smartmove

Where does your the $50 entry fee, go to? Your $50 ticket, supports innovative anti-hunger programs. Infact each tickets helps secure 50 free drop in meals , a 3 day emergency food hamper for a family or 500 lbs of tomatoes grown in the Stop’s  3000 square foot greenhouse.

Would I go again? UM…next year I am going to go on BOTH nights. That’s how great this event is.

For more information:

Please visit: www.thestop.org

Twitter: @thestopCC

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This event sounds right up my alley. Here’s why:

a) I’m a fan of the Neal Brothers (see previous blog post)

b) I’m a fan of Dillon’s (see previous blog post)

c) the price is right ($10 online or $15 at the door)

d) it supports a great charity (My Food Way)

e) the event combines food, chefs, music, and a fun competition!

I chatted with Abbey who told me she was eager to host a food event that involved a competition as well as supporting a charity.  The Neal Brothers got involved too as they thought it would be a great fit with their 25th anniversary. The rest is history.

For tickets and further info about this exciting event,  please visit their facebook page http://goo.gl/pSBCM

Hope to see you there!

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