In Las Vegas. I keep returning to a restaurant called Hot ‘n Spicy Crawfish  as there’s nothing like it here in Toronto. Guess what? That’s changed. I don’t have to go all the way to Vegas as a similar concept opened right here in Toronto called The Boil Bar. I discovered them on Instagram a few weeks ago and before I knew it, I was invited to drop by for dinner.

When I walked in, I immediately started taking photos of the space as I think they did a great job at creating the “right” type of atmosphere.

Here’s how it works: Basically you pick your “catch”, then you select your flavour followed by the spiciness. Your meal then arrives to your table in a plastic bag…all steamy hot and flavourful.

Naturally there’s plastic bibs and plastic gloves and a big roll of paper towels on the table which YOU will really really need.. Here’s a photo of me all dressed up in the plastic bib and gloves ready to dig into my delicious crab.

I also ordered the baked lobster which is not something I would normally order but was opening to trying something different. The lobster meat was perfect and the creamy sauce was exactly what it was suppose to be…um, creamy!!

I sucked back these fresh meaty oysters too. Oh man were these oysters good.

Of course, I had to try the crawfish. However they aren’t my favourite as they have so little meat on them.

I also devoured some shrimp but for some reason I didn’t snap a photo of them. (forgive me?).

There is no doubt about it: I’m a seafood fan and this restaurant is ideal for people like me!!

The meal finished off with some refreshing bubble tea from a kiosk that insides the restaurant. It was a perfect way to end this fun meal.

I really hope you get a chance to check out this restaurant soon. You won’t be disappointed. Promise.

For more information:

Website: www.theboilbar.com
Scarborough Location: 633 Silver Star Blvd. #110 & 111
Phone: (416) 293-2666 Hours: Mon – Thur 4pm – 2am, Sat & Sun 12pm – 2am

Yonge Location: Opening Soon at 664 Yonge St.

Bloor Location: Opening Soon at 442 Bloor St. W

Instagram: @BoilBar

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theboilbar

Note: This meal was complimentary however all opinions are my own

It’s no secret that I love oysters. In fact, you will find me at the oyster bar at any event where oysters are served. While everyone else is grabbing drinks, I’m wolfing down oyster after oyster till I actually have to apologize. #truestory.

Therefore when I received an email inviting me to visit the Pearl Diver, I immediately said; YES.

When I walked into the restaurant, I quickly realized that it use to be the Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill. The space is still welcoming and cozy.

I started off my evening with an appetizers of calamari. The combination of a sesame and panko crust really made a difference.

I couldn’t resist ordering this appetizer too: Chicken Liver and Oyster Pate with Blackbird Toast. It was beyond good. Seriously.

Of course, I had to order a selection of oysters too!! Naturally I loved all of them. The oysters were tasty, fresh, plump and perfect!! How’s that for a description?

I also tried the mussels which were bathed in a coconut cream, ginger, chilli, garlic, lemongrass and cilantro sauce. #totallyum

Plus I HAD to try the dessert. One could say I tried four food groups that night…seafood, seafood, seafood and dessert. LOL.

I’m already planning my next visit as they offer 100 oysters for $100 every Thursday.  Im SO doing this!! (with others of course. LOL).

For more information:

Website: www.peardiver.com

Address: 100 Adelaide St. East, (416) 366-7827

Hours: Mon to Wed : Noon to 12am, Thurs & Fri: Noon to 1am., Sat: 4pm to 1am, Sun: 11am to 12am

Twitter and Instagram: @PearlDiverTO

My last blog post was about camping so I thought it would only be appropriate to do a blog post about GLAMPING. Here’s the definition of Glamping according to Wikipedia:

Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping and describes a style of camping with amenitiesand, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with “traditional” camping. Glamping has become particularly popular with 21st century tourists seeking the luxuries of hotel accommodation alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping

My glamping experience this year, was at Langdon Hall as it fits my criteria when I want a QUICK escape. To be exact: It’s about an hour away from Yorkdale Shopping Centre.

I have been escaping to Langdon Hall for over a decade but only for a day trip (think Spa treatment and then hang out at the pool). But this trip I actually stayed overnight. What a treat!!

This meant I had time to play tennis, (twice!!) and go for a quick ride on a tandem bicycle. #FUN

We even took advantage of the complimentary Wine Tasting that was taught by one of the sommeliers on staff (there’s actually a few of them at Langdon Hall). It was a fun blind wine tasting and sure enough my fav wine was a 2010 Charles Baker Riesling from Stratus Vineyards in Niagara on the Lake.

During July and August, Langdon Hall offers a variety of complimentary activities for their guests: wine tastings, garden and history tours, cooking demonstrations and even a vegetable garden tour.

Naturally, we also relaxed by their exquisite pool.

What strikes me the most about this majestic property is their lush grounds and their spectacular vegetable garden. I couldn’t stop snapping photos of GREEN!!

The highlight of our trip was the chance to eat at Langdon Hall and to chat with Chef Jason Bangerter.  Notable achievements while at Langdon Hall include:

• Relais & Chateaux, Rising Chef Trophy 2015
• Five Diamond Restaurant Award by CAA/AAA 2014
• Gold Medal Plates, Toronto 2014 – Received the Bronze Medal, fundraising chefs competition for Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
• The Good Food Innovation Awards – Received Gold by Food Day Canada for the demonstration of an innovative Canadian menu.
• Relais & Chateaux, Gourmet Fest at Carmel by the Sea – selected as the only Canadian Chef to take part in this 60th anniversary celebration.

Sadly, we weren’t that hungry and only ordered two items from their dinner menu.

-East Coast oysters with rhubarb and green apricot mignonette, garden hot sauce.

-Potted chicken liver pate with elderberry and thyme jelly, spring vegetables and sourdough crisps.

I can’t wait to return and order more dishes from this talented Chef.

I also can’t wait to sleep on their beds again. I actually had to look to see what I was sleeping on and discovered it’s a feather bed. I also found out when I was leaving that you can buy it online.  I think I will be treating myself to an early birthday gift (err..about 8 months early. LOL)

Of course, the service we received EVERYWHERE was spectacular. Everyone we encountered had a smile on their face ..the bellman, the pool staff, our waitress at the bar, the front desk staff and cleaning staff too. It was truly a pleasure to stay at this Relais & Chateaux, designated hotel. Just so you know – there’s only two properties in Canada with this designation.

Other exciting news about this property is their expansion, which include a new spa and more event space. It’s scheduled to open in the Fall and I have no doubt that it’s going to be magnificent. Can’t wait to check it out. (note to self: put this in my calendar…NOW)

For more information:

Langdon Hall, 1 Langdon Drive, Cambridge, ON
Telephone: 519-740-2100
reservations@langdonhall.ca

Twitter: @Langdon_Hall

Instagram: @LangdonHall

 

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.

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