No shortage of events in November! Here’s a list of a few of my favourites to keep you busy as the days get shorter and the temperatures take a dip (sad but true).

Whole  Life Expo

To be honest, I’ve never been been to this show but I’m on my way this weekend to check it out. Something tells me I’m not going to be disappointed. P.S. This consumer show takes place Nov 3-5 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Click here for more info.

Royal Winter Fair. 

I’ve only started to go to this event in the last few yeas but I’m a fan!! I love the food vendors, the animals, the displays, and more. Just give yourself enough time – its’ bigger than you think!!

My Favourite Sample Sale : I take this sample sale seriously and will be there on Monday Nov 13th as soon as the doors open. I can’t wait to buy my Spring/Summer wardrobe for 2018!!

Toronto Jewish Film Festival – Theres a screening of an Israeli TV series called “Your Honour”  over two separate Sundays and I will be there!! I can’t wait as I’m somewhat in love with Israeli TV series (thanks to Netflix and TJFF). Click here for dates/times/location.

One of a Kind Christmas Show:  Over 800 artisans and 122 exhibitors will be showcasing their creations of handcrafted ceramics, jewellery, furniture, food, clothing and accessories. This show is always great. True Story: I bought a sculpture in the early 1990’s from this show, and its’ still hanging on my walls and receiving compliments from guests!

Wishing everyone a wonderful November! I know I’m not going to be bored. LOL

As much as I like to cook, I must admit that I also like to eat out. There’s always a new restaurant that I want to check out, or a a restaurant that I pass by a gazillion times but I’ve never stepped inside.

Lately I’ve managed to check out the following restaurants/cafes. If I’m blogging about it – then this means that I will be going back.

1 .Tiffin Box (938 Bathurst St)  This restaurant has been around for a few years and is in that category of “I pass by it a gazillion times but I’ve never been in”. I ordered a vegetarian Thali platter for $9.95 and loved every mouthful. Plus it’s owned by the loveliest couple that have been in the restaurant industry for decades. Please note; closed Monday and Tuesday

The platter consisted of a choice of 2 vegetable dishes with dhal, basmati rice, raita and salad. YUM.

2. Almond Butterfly Cafe and BakeShop  (100 Harbord St.) Again, this is in the same category as Tiffin Box. I pass by it ALL the time but have never gone in. This cinnamon bun was gluten free (but there’s plenty of vegan options too) and it was delicious. Really delicious. 3. Pi Co – This is the type of place where you can get a “good pizza’ but don’t want to sit down and be served. Know what I mean? (FYI – otherwise knows as QSR – Quick Service Restaurant). I liked this pizza so much that I went back a week later.  Not to mention I liked the price point too! PS. there’s two locations: 1200 Bay St and 2177 Bay St. According to their websites there’s more locations opening soon!!4. The Drake Commissary: (128a Sterling Rd, Toronto) I’ve been for a quick coffee but finally made it back for brunch. We were so impressed that once again, we went back a week later  for dinner!

This smoked cured and potted fish platter is described as: House cured fish, octopus terrine with nori moroccan olive tapenade, smoked mackerel, roast beet and horseradish dill crema, smoked salmon and caper cream cheese. Served with amazing sourdough bread.

5. Craque de Creme (1360 Bathurst St). This lovely cafe serves unbelievable creme brûlée, waffles (that aren’t your typical waffles) and ice cream too. What a great concept and what a skilled chef!

There’s a few more restaurants that are on my radar too! So stay tuned. In the meantime, I will be eating at home and have every intention of trying some new recipes too!

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

I stumbled upon this new cafe while working last week. Sadly they didn’t require any of the cheese I sell, but that didn’t stop me from returning!! I really liked the space they created and the menu too! #healthy

Even the art work is cool.

I decided to go super healthy and ordered a tumeric latte.

I also ordered their savoury toast( housemade cashew spread, watermelon radish, sesame seeds). It was just what I needed. Not only was it pretty but it was super-tasty as well.

There’s a also a range of smoothies, energy balls (supersuperfood, key lime pie, chocolate, and cookie dough) and bars (nut bars, breakfast bar, superseed). Plus there’s salad options (acai, pink acai and a golden noodle – made with kelp).

Naturally they are committed to sourcing organic and local products! In fact, the almond milk that will be offered with your coffee will be houesemade.

So if you are looking for a cute place for a healthy snack – the Nut Bar should be on your radar.

Heres to a healthy 2017!

For more information:

Nut Bar: https://www.facebook.com/nutbar.co/

Address: 1240 Yonge Street. Toronto, Ontario
Phone: (416) 519-2700

Instagram: @nutbar.co

 

St. Clair Ave West is now home to yet another fabulous restaurant. I’m not kidding I can count about 6 restaurants on this street that I adore

Ji opened about a month ago and is brought to you by the same owners as Pukka. Ji is described as an Indian Gastropub which means there’s a great cocktail list (Chutney Mary, Chai Flip, Tamarind Margarita  etc) as well as shareable plates/mains and desserts. This sign says it all!

Not only am I fan of the food, but I think they did a great job with the decor as well.

I usually pay no attention to the art in a restaurant, but this piece was noticed!!

We went with another couple and shared a variety of vegetarian dishes. Every single dish was flavourful and I wouldn’t hesitate to order them on another visit.

CHILI TOFU – pan tossed with onions and peppers.

SWEET POTATO CHAAT – with yogurt, tamarind and mint chutney

SEMOLINA PUFFS – filled with chickpeas, potato, yogurt and chutney

CAESAR SALAD – Romaine hearts, roasted chickpeas, smoky coconut “bacon bits’ with a vegan cashew dressing

 

TRIO OF CHUTNEYS with Papadums

I’m looking forward to my next visit at which time I’m going to order some non vegetarian dishes like: Hakka Shrimp, Naanchos, and Chicken Purris. Can you tell that I’ve been studying the menu? I really can’t wait to grab another couple and visit.

Congratulations Derek and Harsh for opening (and creating) yet another fabulous restaurant.

For more information about Ji. 

Address: 760 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto

Phone: 416 792 5550

Twitter/Instagram: @HelloJiToronto

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/HelloJiToronto

 

Can’t believe it’s already November. However despite the shorter hours of daylight – there’s some incredible events taking place in November. Here’s my round up!

1. Eat to The Beat:

The countdown is on to one of the hottest food events in Toronto! The 21st annual Eat to the Beat presented by KitchenAid® is a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) that features 60 female chefs supporting people living with breast cancer on Tuesday, November 1 from 7 pm – 10 pm at Roy Thomson Hall. General Admission Tickets are $189. Please click here for more information

 

This delicious event is taking place on Sunday, November 6, 2016
from 11 am to 6 pm at Roy Thomson Hall. There’s chocolate making classes, chocolate eating contests and of course, chocolates to sample and to purchase! Please click here for further info.

3. Nosh Fest – Nov 13, 2016, Wychwood Barns.

For more information, please click here!

Other November favourite events include the Royal Agricultural Fair (Nov 4 to 14) and the One of A Kind Christmas Show  (Nov 24 to Dec 4th)…especially late night shopping with free parking!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful November!

 

About a month ago, I attended a media dinner at the recently opened Captain’s Boil which is located at 671 College St. This is the 5th location for this restaurant chain, which I know will continue to grow as it’s such a fun concept. The location is uniquely design to resemble the hull of a ship and I must admit that the decor caught my attention.

The invitation to this event also caught my attention as I simply adore seafood. Plus I liked the idea of eating seafood in Little Italy!! I don’t know why …but I love all varieties of seafood – lobsters, oysters, mussels, shrimp, clams etc.

The concept at this restaurant is that you eat with your hands. Yes – gloves are provided.

Cute bibs are provided too and I’m proud to announce that I left the event with a white shirt and not a stained shirt!!

As for the food:

Step 1: You choose your catch: Snow Crab Legs, Lobster, Mussels,Clams, Chicken Slices, Shrimp, Crawfish, King Crab Leg or Dungeness Crab

Step 2: Choose Your Flavour: Cajun Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Captain’s Boil, Garlic Sauce

Step 3: Choose Your Heat: Non Spicy, Mild, Medium, Fire. (I chose the Medium and it certainly had heat to it).

There’s also  a huge list of side dishes to choose from: Okra, Lotus Root, Sausage, Corn, French Fries, Sausage etc.

Before you know it, bags of hot seafood arrives at your table and you dig in with your hands (oh ya – there’s no plates). It’s messy but it’s fun!!

You are also provided with lime, salt and pepper in little containers. I’ve never seen this before and was eager to try it. I will now continue to eat seafood with this idea. Thanks Captain’s Boil!

For more information:

Website: www.TheCaptainsBoil.com

Address: Captain’s Boil – Little Italy – 671 College St.

Telephone: 416 538 8868

Twitter/Instagram: @thecaptainsboil

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thecaptainsboil

Disclosure: This meal was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

Recently I learned about a franchise that is the best kept secret. Believe it or not, I’m still in shock that I’ve never heard of this franchise.

It’s called Queseda and they have over 60 locations throughout Canada!! Yes – 60. I’m still shaking my head that I had never heard of this franchise before!

The restaurant is bright and welcoming. Still shaking my head that I had never head of Quesada before. Don’t worry by the end of the blog post I will get-over-it. (I think)

Also, what really sets Quesada apart is its approach to food. It’s always fresh and tasty with most items made from scratch. I absolutely adore restaurants who have this commitment. They make their salsas and sauces fresh daily. The Pulled Pork Carnitas is another example of their approach to food. It’s a slowcooked menu item that is made from scratch.

Last week, I was lucky enough to spend some time with Steve Gill who started this business.

Recipe for Pulled Pork Carnitas

Ingredients:
3 lb boneless pork shoulder
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp oregano
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp minced canned chipotle in adobo sauce
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
½ cup orange juice
½ cup water

 

Directions:
Mix together all ingredients, except for the pork shoulder, in a slow cooker. Add pork shoulder and ladle some of the spice mixture over pork to cover.
Place lid on slow cooker, set on low and cook for 8 hours.
Once cooked, remove pork onto a rimmed baking sheet, and shred with 2 forks. Add some of the slow cooker liquid back into the shredded meat, if desired.

Diner that evening was delicious and I will certainly be returning to Quesada. Plus I look forward to watching this franchise grow too.

For more information:

Website: http://www.quesada.ca

Twitter and Instagram: @QuesadaBurritos

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

Disclosure: I was compensated for this blog post however all opinions are my own

On Saturday night we hosted a dinner party. This is not unusual as I love entertaining but this particular party was certainly special.

WHY?

Because all I had to do was set the table. (no joke)

The Chef Upstairs provided everything else! Here’s a bit more information about The Chef Upstairs…they are a cooking studio that offers classes & they also offer private dining events where guests choose the menu, wine & decor. As you can see, I had the opportunity to experience the latter!!

At 4 pm, the talented Chef and his lovely assistant showed up.

The Chef brought with him everything he needed as he had done the grocery shopping, prepping etc. So I gave him a tour of the kitchen and he started to do his magic.

When our guests arrived at 7 pm, I  was actually relaxed and not exhausted as someone else had done all the work (grocery shopping, prepping, and cooking)

We started off with some appetizers:

Then w all sat down at the table and I swear to you I did NOT get up ONCE. I didn’t get up to serve, not to check something in the oven, not to clear – I sat like I a guest and it was freakin’ awesome.

The food we ate was spectacular too. We were over the moon happy with everything we tasted. The Chef was clearly trained and had experience in a 2 star Michelin restaurant – this was all evident.

We had discussed the menu prior to the dinner party so the following menu can be tailored to your desire. But here’s what was served!

Amuse Bouche
– Rabbit Confit with brandy and fig compote in puff pastry with balsamic pearls (beyond delicious)

First Course
– Warm Avocado soup with brie cream and citrus Pico de Gallo and volcanic salt

Second Course
– Arugula salad with Sherry vinaigrette topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and Bellavitano cheese

Entree
– AAA Beef tenderloin with wild mushroom compound butter, served with roasted garlic french beans and shiitake mushrooms and red beet and horse radish puree (everything was cooked to perfection)

Dolce
– Lemon Granita and espresso cookies with raspberry, lime and vanilla bean coolis

-Naturally we had some pretty special wine to go with our meal.

Our guests loved the experience as much as we did. It was truly special to feel like you were in a restaurant but you weren’t!

Thank you again to The Chef Upstairs for this incredible birthday gift!

For more information:

Website: www.thechefupstairs.com
Address: 516 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M2
Phone: (416) 544-9221

 

 

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.