Newsflash: I finally tried a food delivery service. I’ve been offered many times to try a food delivery service and I always declined. But HelloFresh caught my attention at a great time seeing as I was trying to control my portions and I thought that this would help me out. #smartmove

Heres’ a few reasons why I loved HelloFresh! 

-I didn’t have to think about “what to make for dinner”.

-I didn’t have to buy the groceries involved

-I didn’t have to chop, peel or slice

-Indeed it helped me with portion control

-I didn’t forget an ingredient!

The outside of the box that was delivered to me, sums it up beautifully!

HelloFresh is now delivering their healthy and convenient meal kits from coast to coast, to help all Canadians answer that age-old question: “What’s for dinner?”.  I don’t know about you but I battle this question on a regular basis!!

Inside the above box contained everything I needed in 3 convenient boxes – all labelled beautifully as well as a well designed recipe booklet. I also loved these boxes fit conveniently into my fridge!

Inside the boxes I found EVERYTHING I needed for the recipe. I was also impressed with the meat/fish selection that was sourced locally.

Then came the fun part to actually cook dinner,  knowing that I didn’t have to go grocery shopping or that I forgot an item at the grocery store (story of my life).

Here’s one nights dinner – Autumnal Italian Sausage

Here’s a photo of another nights dinner – Parmesan Crusted Cod with Roasted veggies.

There’s only two aspects of the service that I didn’t like:

-the lemongrass that was involved with one recipe was pretty powerful.

-the amount of packaging involved however I’m not sure there is anyway around this.

HelloFresh is just perfect for anyone who is stretched for time or just wants to have a break from buying groceries all time and thinking about whats for dinner.

Hope you give it a try one day. I’m sure many of you are tired after cooking and entertaining over the holidays. I also think this would be a great gift for a new parents or for senior citizens who no longer drive. Yes – gift certificates are available.

For more information:

Website: Www.HelloFresh.Ca

Instagram/Twitter: HelloFreshCA

Disclosure: HelloFresh provided me with a complimentary meal delivery service however all opinions are my own

I had one of those days. You know, the type of day that included 3 amazing events!! Here’s what my day looked like.

The day started off like this…

8:00 am – Started off my day with a Farm and Food Care Media Tour.  I love (love) this tour and have been attending this tour for the last 3 years. Over 50 people (food writers, bloggers, cookbook authors, food stylists, etc)  met off the highway for a “tail gate” party featuring coffee and fresh baked goodies.

8:30 am – Bus Departs

9:15 am – We went to visit Burnett Farms in Orangeville. At this stop, we learned about the diversity of grain farming in Ontario. It was also fascinating to learn that there are four generation on the Burnett farm today! They own 800 acres of crops and grow corn, soybean (both GMO and Identity Preserved), seed soybeans, canola, wheat and seed barley.

11:00 am – Bus Departs

Noon – Gourmet Taste of Ontario Lunch that was Catered by the Black Birch Restaurant. The (delicious) menu included;

Sorrel & Spinach Soup with Cider Infused Barley and Creme Fraiche. Hockley Valley Beer Braised Ontario Corn Fed Beef Ribs with Mushrooms, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Asparagus. Dessert: Honey and Yogurt Semi-Freddo with Rhubarb Compote and Barley Cookies.

1:30 pm – Bus Dparts

2:00 pm – We visited the Schaus Land & Cattle Beef Feedlot in Alliston. At this stop we got up close and personal  with 3,000 yes- that’s right – 3,000) of Canada’s top cattle.  To my surprise, these cows were so quiet!! Not to mention…well taken care of!

3:45 pm – Bus Departs

5:15 pm – Arrived back in at the bus stop

5:15 pm to 6:45 pm – Drove from Trafalgar Road/401 to Avenue Road and the 401 so I could attend the the first Sip & Savour Farmers Market. I spoke to the organizer who told me that 1000 people had visited. I was thrilled to hear that. Sadly I got there at the last 15 minutes and many vendors had sold out or were packing. However I still managed to buy some gorgeous Kale and some sausage. This market will take place every Thursday from 3 pm – 7 pm at Avenue Road/Old Orchard Grove. (just south of the 401)

8:00 pm – I drove the Element Vaughan Southwest Hotel (6170 Highway 7) to attend a super intimate event that was designed for Starwood Preferred Guests. There was a reception followed by a performance by Mayer Hawthorne. The evening was FANTASTIC. I loved the atmosphere they created and the performance was outstanding. Stay tuned for another blog post about this hotel!!

11:30 pm – returned to my apartment to get some much needed sleep. What a fabulous day I had!

Last month, when I had the Hyundai Sport for a week, I knew I wanted to drive the car and not let it sit in my garage! I googled “spa resort near Toronto”  and guess what appeared? Hockley Valley Resort!

I picked up the phone and they graciously invited me for an overnight stay and two spa treatments. I graciously accepted!

The only thing I knew about this resort was that the Food Bloggers Conference of Canada was held at Hockley Valley Resort back in May. Plus after I did a search on google map, I discovered that it was an hour and 2 minutes away from midtown Toronto. (yay)

The drive there was BEAUTIFUL. Probably one of the nicest drives I’ve had in a long time.

I checked in and had the nicest chat with the front desk staff before making a b-line  to the pool to take advantage of the gorgeous weather that we were having. (no humidity – remember those days?)

While lounging by the pool, I wolfed down a delicious pizza from the wood-fired oven. Loved the fact that the pizza was made with fresh ingredients from the organic garden and chef’s herb garden. #impressed

After lunch, I had the privilege of having an anti oxygen facial. Never had this treatment before but I LOVED IT. I couldn’t stop staring at my face! I am still 48 years old but my skin felt like it was 28 years old.

Once my spa treatment was over, I floated to my room feeling very relaxed and very youthful!! Amazing what a facial can do to lift your spirits.

When I entered my room, I was overwhelmed with this gorgeous room which was on TWO floors, and had TWO FIREPLACES (including one in my bathroom). I found out that the entire property underwent a 7 million dollar renovation a few years ago, which would explain the contemporary fresh look that is present throughout the resort!

The next day, I enjoyed a magnificent buffet breakfast and loved their commitment to using local suppliers.

On my last day, I had one more treatment (a flex massage) and a beer  (one beer, I promise) at the bar before driving home.

If you are looking for a get -away, that is close to Toronto – please consider Hockley Valley Resort. They have it all – golf, amazing restaurants, spas, and more!! In fact they are running a special summer promotion right now. Here’s the info  http://www.hockley.com/The-Great-Summer-Getaway

This family owned boutique resort is going to be on my radar from now on!!

For more information:

Tel: 519-942-0754
Toll Free: 1-866-HOCKLEY (462-5539)
info@hockley.com

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

Twitter: @hockleyVresort

 

 

Back for a second year, the TO Food Fest brings together top foodie-reviewed restaurants and local hidden gems into one exciting event. I thought I was going to have to miss it but MY FLIGHT GOT DELAYED which meant that I was able to go!! WOOT

Why do I like this event so much?

a) It’s a small event

b) It’s both indoors AND outdoors

c) There is NO entrance free

d) It’s a local community event. Specifically, it takes place at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto

e) There’s plenty of volunteers

f) The food vendors are a nice combo of established and aspiring chefs

g) The committee does an amazing job at reaching out to food bloggers that they discover on Yelp, Urbanspoon, Twitter etc.

Now let’s talk about what I ate, shall we?

I swear three bloggers and three forks enjoyed the FRIED CREPE from nom nom crepes.

There was no shortage of food to enjoy: Moussaka Sliders from Kafologas, Volcanic Ice Cream, and yummy street food from Babiandco!

I personally loved this one dish from Capcapkecapi and will be looking for them at the CNE. Sorry there’s no photo but I did take a picture of the sign!! I DEVOURED item #1.

Congratulations to everyone who worked on this event. Looking forward to your event in 2014 already!

For updates throughout the year, please follow them on Twitter (@TOFoodFest) or Facebook.

As you know, I’m a food sales rep and every day I visit 10 (or more) grocery stores. However I am genuinely interested in grocery stores and will drive 1.5 hours on a a regular basis to visit Tops and Wegmans in Buffalo. I’d rather go to a grocery store than to the outlet mall. Go figger.

As a result of my passion for food (and grocery stores)..I was thrilled to be invited to a food bloggers media tour when Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens opened.

Here’s a list of reasons why you should visit this Loblaws:

1) IT’S ENORMOUS. You have never seen anything a grocery store this SIZE before. Ever.  It’s 85,000 square feet. …yes, 85,000 square feet.

2) They have supported local businesses. I love the fact that ACE Bakery is right there baking from scratch every day. Tea Emporium is also there with tea experts to help you pick the just the right tea.

3) There is a wall of cheese. That’s right – an 18 foot wall of cheese.  This store carries more than 400 varieties of cheese. Holy Cheese!!

4) Joe Fresh has 8,500 square feet. OMG – heaven for people like me who love Joe Fresh.

5) T&T has a sushi bar there where customers can watch the sushi being made while sitting at the bar.

6) There is a huge commitment to organic fruits and vegetables as well as local produce (when available).

7) There is free WiFi

8. There is one hour of free parking with any purchase of $18 or more (before taxes)

9) There is an LCBO, and a Presidents Choice  Cooking School (which you can rent out for a private function).

10) The Sculpture: There is a 3 dimensional sculpture created from reclaimed stadium chairs in the shape of a Maple Leaf.

Hope you get a chance to visit this outstanding Loblaws one day soon. I’m sure you will leave impressed.

Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens

60 Carlton Street

(415) 593 6154

Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 a.m to 11 p.m

I have passed Chipotle Mexican Grill at Yonge/Eglinton NUMEROUS times but never went in. However this week – that changed. I finally went in and had lunch there.

Seeing as I had never been there before, I noticed that there’s more than just burritos or tacos!!  You can select a salad or a bowl as well.

I wanted to try something different, so I chose the bowl. Then it was explained to me, that my bowl would contain cilantro lime rice with the following options: pinto or black beans, three different types of salsa, sour cream, cheese and avocado. I chose EVERYTHING. (why not?). Then I realized what I did – and took 4 lactose pills!!

I managed to inhale my meal while observing how clean the restaurant was!! Then I did some more research and found out that Chipotle Mexican Grill is a franchise with numerous locations throughout the U.S., U.K and Canada. Toronto actually has the only two locations in Canada. (fun fact – don’t you think).

I also learned that Chipotle Mexican Grill really cares. Their websites says “Not just a burrito, its a foil wrapped, hand crafted, local farm supporting, food culture changing cylinder of deliciousness.

How can you not like a restaurant that has: great customer service, fresh food, a commitment to supporting local farmers, and serves food with integrity?

When they mean fresh – they mean fresh:

Plus the staff are super friendly and even took the time to take a photo with me!

I now know where to go when I’m looking for a healthy meal..right down the street to Yonge/Eglinton

Hope you get a chance soon to visit either location one day soon:

2323 Yonge Street  (Yonge/Eglinton) 416-489-8601

or 323 Yonge St. (Yonge/Dundas) 416-596-8600

Cross your fingers that you see more locations in Canada in the near future!!