Back in the day before twitter, I was on chowhound A LOT!! I didn’t post at that time – I was what one calls a “lurker”. (not a stalker..LOL).

Anyway, I’m sure it was on chowhound that I discovered this little restaurant on the SW corner of  Hwy 7 and Weston Rd. called Panini. It was cheap and cheerful and just my type of restaurant when I’m out on the road and looking for a quick sandwich.

I order the same sandwich each time – the veggie ‘n cheese. I use to eat it in my car – but have learned my lesson and will never do that again. (see photos below and you will soon find out why).

Their famous Sandwiches

What strikes me about this restaurant is the fact that there are only women in the kitchen. (think nonna – wearing a hair net). I finally had the chance to introduce myself to the owner who told me that when she (and her partner) bought the restaurant, the women in the kitchen stayed and have been with them ever since.

As for the sandwich: perfect bun, perfect amount of mushrooms, and I love the spicy tomato sauce!! Plus, it leaves the perfect MESS! Naturally I make sure I order my sauce “hot”. (as always I like flavor and heat)

Need I say more?

the mess on the foil - which I eat with a fork!! If I ate this in the car, it would be ALL OVER me

another photo of the mess!! But I love it. It wouldnt be the same if there was no mess. Do you know what I mean?

I’ve tried other Italian Sandwiches: Sandwiccio, Mustachio, California Sandwiches but always seem to favor Panini. I don’t know what it is – the spicy sauce, the mess that it leaves behind, or the  smiling nonna’s in the kitchen,  but it always seems to be my fav. panini sandwich.

I also love the fact that Five Guys opened up just a few doors away from them and they still are busy!! A burger is a burger and a panini is a panini. Clearly this little restaurant has a loyal following.

Panini Italian Sandwiches

7600 Weston Road

Vaughan, Ontario

905-264-0064

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As you know, planning a party isn’t an easy task. Theme or no theme? where will it be held? who to invite? what to serve? etc. etc.

I thought it might be fun to share the ingredients for an Epic Party that I recently put together:

Ingredients:

10 girls

cute eh?

10 pairs of feety pyjamas from Snugabye

no one is going to have cold feet tonite!!

2 suites at Great Wolf Lodge

love this room!!

13 water slides

beyond awesome!!

an assortment of potato chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheerios, pizza, juice, and coke.

Party Bus for transportation from Toronto to Great Wolf Lodge from Zoom Tours

Instructions:

1. Mix 10 happy girls in a small coach bus.
2. Chill.
3. Arrive at Great Wolf Lodge – eat pizza.
4. Get into bathing suits and explore the water park at Great Wolf Lodge.
5. Chill. (one more time)
6. Watch movies, go on facebook and give each other manicures with OPI nail polish.
7. Fold into beds, pullouts, and bunk beds.
8. Let Rest for several hours.

SECOND PART OF RECIPE:

1. In the morning – let the girls RISE.
2. Add Cheerios.
3. Get into bathing suits one more time.
4. Pack up.
5. CHILL  before serving 12 tired but happy girls back to their parents in Toronto.

I’m not kidding – this party was epic. The girls loved every aspect of this party and I loved putting it all together. I’ve known these girls since they were in nursery (they are now 12) and it’s been fun to watch them grow up. There is nothing like throwing parties with your good friends. I’m sure they will remember this party for many more years – I know I will remember it!!

Other parties I remember: taking 5 girls to have their hair blown dry, taking 3 girls to an all suite hotel, taking 5 boys to see those Monster Trucks, taking 5 girls to the CN tower, taking 5 girls for manicures and hiring a ballet student to teach 5 girls some ballet moves. Another fun party was at Kortright centre for a nature “harry potter” walk with 5 kids in January!! I always believed in small birthday parties and inviting the kids that my kids played with.

Here’s to many more years of parties. Cheers!!

Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Connector Program and I receive special perks as part of the affiliation with this group. The opinion on this blog are my own.

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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.

Menu...Something for Everyone

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!!

Goodness!

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!

Friendly staff pose with momwhoruns!!

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!!

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There are many many charities out there – infact I use to work for a variety of non profit organizations,  as a special events coordinator. I know how important it is for these charities to raise money and I know how hard the volunteers (and staff) work to get these events off the ground!!

Usually people have a favorite charity for one reason or another. For me – I like to give back to charities that have affected my family or my friends families.

In particular there are four charities that I will always support:

• War Amps of Canada
• Ontario Track 3 Association
• SickKids Foundation
• Zareinu Educational Centre

Here’s the story how I am connected to all four charities:

a) Ontario Track 3 Ski Association is a cause I will always support, as my son participated in their program for years and as a result of being in their program  he is a confident, accomplished snowboarder who now snowboards with Snowhawks. I use to go to their event at Steam Whistle to decorate the room – for years and years. Their gala will be taking place sometime in early 2012 and I know that I will try to help out anyway I can.

What’s important for you to know is that Ontario Track 3 Ski Association has 200 disabled participants (from the age of 6 to 19), 450 volunteers and 17 Ontario Ski Hills (from Earl Bales Ski Hill to Craigleith) I can’t say enough about how organized, efficient and professional everyone is and I am forever grateful to all the volunteers and staff!!

By the way, I heard of Ontario Track 3 Ski Association due to War Amps of Canada and their matching mothers program. War Amps was instrumental to my family back in 1996 and continues to be a big part of my life. There are no words for me to express how grateful I am to them.

b) Zareinu is the also important to me as I know several families who have benefited from this outstanding school for children with developmental and physical disabilities. This is the 8th year that they have held the Zareinu Fashion Show and I’m sure I have attended at least 4 of those events. Each time I attend, I leave inspired. We are SO lucky to have a world leading facility like Zareinu in Toronto. This year the event will be held on Nov. 16th at On The Park and once again will be hosted by  Jeanne Beker from CTV’s Fashion Television.

c) Back in 1996, 1999 and 2010, The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto,  was an important part of my life. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful care my son received during his clinics, surgeries, appointments etc. Therefore I will always support SickKids Foundation. This week some of Toronto’s most terrifying homes are raising money for SickKids Foundation. All of these haunted homes are FREE but will happily accept donations for SickKids.

• Thornhill Woods Haunted House
• Haunt on The Hill
• Scare for a Cure (1 Plover Heights, Woodbridge, Oct 31)
• Legacy of Horror

I’m hoping that in the future, not only can I provide a donation but more important I can give my time to volunteer to these amazing charities.

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A new show was introduced to Toronto this past weekend. It was called the Delicious Food Show and they promised the best in cooking, food and kitchens.

As a huge fan of food shows (I probably go to 6 a year – mostly trade but some consumer)..I was definitely intrigued to see how this show was different than the others. In particular I wanted to see how it compared to the Good Food Festival.

To begin with, the venue (the Better Living Centre at Exhibition Place) was extremely appropriate – not to0 big, not too small. When you walked in, there was plenty of pink carpet (to match the pink logo), and a beautiful modern contemporary seating area for those who wanted to eat or rest. There was certainly an “upscale” feel to the show from the minute you entered the door.

I loved the lay out too and the introduction of food trucks to the show. How brilliant!! Not only did the food trucks give the show some interest but I’m now a fan of the Cupcake Diner. Sadly they are located in Hamilton, but they told me they have participated in all three food truck events in Toronto!! (hooray to the Food Truck Movement).

There was lots of macarons to purchase, shortbread cookies, but I was drawn to Augies Gourmet Ice Pops and Sodas. For $5 we tried a soda and a popsicle and it was indeed a refreshing treat. (and unusual too).

Which flavor do you think I selected?

I was also impressed that the show had a nice combination of everything – sweets, coffee/tea, food trucks, local food products, vegetarian food products etc. There was certainly something for every one.  Not to mention, a nice variety of cooking demonstrations on the main stage. (which I sadly didnt have time to attend).

They even had an exhibitor that taught you about MANNERS. After looking at this table setting – I probably could do with a lesson from the “Business of Manners”.

My favorite product was this CHOCOLATE SHOE from chocoStyle. I am kicking myself that I didnt pick up a few gifts. I know exactly who I would give them too. Why oh why did I just  snap a photo and not snap out my visa card. (grrr).

Is this not BRILLIANT?

No question this show will be around next year and guess who will be returning? Thats right – Me (after my run..hee hee).

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My daughter (who is almost 12), had a friend visiting from Buffalo on Sunday. I tried to get them to go to a conservation area, but she really wanted to show her friend the “city”. So we compromised by visiting Riverdale Farm and then going on an ice cream crawl.

Here’s the scoop (ha ha) on the ice cream cream crawl:

1st Stop: Gregs Ice Cream (750 Spadina)

We ordered the roasted marshmallow ice cream with hot fudge sauce. Naturally – one cup and 3 spoons. We always take visitors here and our visitors are always impressed. Whats not to like? the roasted marshmallow ice cream is nothing short of perfect!

We sampled peanut butter and jelly, which was also good but I’m forever loyal to my roasted marshmallow ice cream. What a winner of a flavor!!

2nd Stop: Menchies (we went to 511 Bloor St…but check their website for more locations)

The kids loved sampling all the flavors and loved looking at the wall of famous people who also enjoy Menchies!! After they sampled EVERYTHING (well it seemed that way), they decided on “cake batter” and then threw in some toppings too. (brownies, cheese cake pieces, pineapple).

3rd Stop: Yogurty’s (we went to 875 Eglinton Ave. W..but check their website for more more locations)

This is the latest addition to the fro-yo craze. Again, the kids seem to sample everything but this time they were full and they didn’t order anything. (bad customers!!).

Next time, we do an ice cream crawl I know it will include Eds Real Scoop, XoXoCava and Dutch Dreams. We simply didnt have time!!

What’s your favorite ice cream?

ps I realized that this “ice cream crawl” was part ice cream, part frozen yoghurt – but it wasnt a serious “tasting” – just wanted the kids to have fun. (which they did).

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Fact: I am afraid of heights. I can’t even go on kiddie rides. But I still love going to The EX.

Fact: I love to try new foods.

Fact: I was at the Ex today at 10:00 a.m. so I could eat my way thru it.

Fact: I had an agenda. It went something like this: Deep Fried Coke, Deep Fried Twinkies, Deep Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly on a stick.

Fact: By noon I left. (but I’m sure I will return).

Fact: I had fun tweeting while eating! The following tweets were in reply to what I was stuffing down my face:

For example:

@thecharmfactory “the more tweets I read, the more my colon hurts 🙂

@rbuike careful you don’t turn into momwhowaddles

@Toothfairy1210 Vicky!! How aren’t you 400 pounds!! LOL Enjoy

@ChickyMara Is there anything you won’t try.

@Mkofsky Pictures or it didn’t happen

@DivaQBBQ did you pack lipitor

Fact: Here’s the photos to prove that I ate these deep fried goodies that are being served at the EX this year.

Deep Fried PB&J on a stick.

Deep Fried Coke!!

Deep Fried Twinkie

Hope you get a chance to visit the Ex this year too. (Aug 19 -Sept 5, Toronto). I promise you the Food Building has some awesome treats waiting for you.

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Fact: I have been eating spaghetti with browned butter and mizithra cheese at the Old Spaghetti Factory for a long long time. It’s a very unique dish that you wouldn’t normally find in an Italian restaurant but I love it. How would I describe Mizithra cheese?  Here’s your answer:  very dry and very salty. To be honest, I’m not sure I have had Mizithra cheese outside of the Old Spaghetti Factory!! But I love it.

Browned Butter with MIzithra Cheese

I recently took my daughter for lunch to the  Old Spaghetti Factory and noticed that they are about to celebrate their 40th anniversary. I started to tell her that I have been eating the same dish there since I was about her age and how unusual it is to see the the same dish on a menu for that length of time.

I remember going to the Spaghetti Factory quite a bit as a kid.  Time passes (ok decades) where I didnt go back to the Old Spaghetti Factory. However a few years ago we had visitors and thought that it would be a fun restaurant to take them too. I have to admit, not much had changed. The same stained window lamps and the lovely train is still there for those diners lucky enough to snap up a table.

I felt like a kid again!!

Back then (i.e 1970), it was  a big deal to have a meal that included a salad, sourdough bread, coffee/tea and spumoni ice cream, at no additional cost.  It’s still a nice treat – even today!! It made me smile to see the same whipped garlic butter and regular butter appear with the sourdough bread as well as the spumoni ice cream. Nothing has changed!!

spumoni ice cream...nothing has changed!! Still delicious...

I went on their website (like a good food blogger) and noticed that they had locations in BC, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The one I went to as a kid was in Ottawa. I remember it like it was yesterday. Sadly it has been closed for many years.

In honor of their 40th anniversary, on Monday Aug. 22nd, the Toronto location (54 The Esplanade) will be offering spaghetti entrees at their 1971 prices!!

Think about it: what restaurants (not fast food) have you been visiting since you were a kid that still has the same dish on the menu?

Do share.

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In 1996, we discovered Ichiban Fish House thru good friends. Not only did they introduce us to this restaurant but they introduced us to Chirashi as well.

We have been eating Chirashi at Ichiban every since. No joke. Never tried anything else on the menu (except for sushi pizza and ikura on my birthday).

Back in 1995, the restaurant was only 1300 sqf and then in 2004 they expanded to 3,ooo sqf and they are still as busy as ever. I have really enjoyed watching this restaurant get busier and busier.

Why do we keep going back?

a) The chirashi has been consistently GREAT (i.e FRESH). Plus, for $9.95, it’s a super deal. ..we get edamame beans, tofu and miso soup too!! Not complaining. Oops – forgot to tell you what Chirashi is: Here’s my definition:  a bed of rice (in a box) with layers of fresh fish on top.

Chirashi

b) The owners: Roger and Sook are always there and always make us feel welcome. Talk about a hard working couple!!

Sook - Who always has a smile!!

c) Read a and b again!!

I really hope that you get to check out Ichiban one day soon. It’s worth the drive to Yonge/Sheppard. Trust me.

Ichiban Fish House

15 Spring Garden Avenue (Yonge/Sheppard)

416: 512 7899

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This showroom opens up to the public only twice a year and I swear I’ve only missed it once in the last five years. Silly me – I was out of town.

That won’t ever happen again. Here’s a few reasons why I love this sample sale:

a) I buy clothes my Fall clothes in the spring, which means I wont be freaking out  what to wear in the Fall as I will have bought a chunk of my wardrobe in May.

b) There is only one item available at the sample sale so I know I will look unique. (this doesnt happen too often).

c) I save $$$…

d) I really like the women who own this showroom. They are super helpful and always help me make the right decisions.

e)  it’s not far from where I live…kinda convenient.

HERES THE INFORMATION (that was missing in the previous blog post – sorry about that)

Hagerty & LeMessurier Fashion Sales, 71 Wingold Suite  102 (just south of lawrence on the west of side of dufferin)

Tuesday May 24 from 10 am to 7 pm, Wednesday May 25 from 10 to 6 pm, Thursday May 26th from 10 to 4 p.m

Collections include: Eric Alexandre, Sandwich, Lemondrop, Pure and Simple and more.

Happy Shopping!!

ps suitable for those who are size 6, 8, 10

pss this is the Fall/Winter season sample sale…

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