Several times a year I get an email inviting me to an event that is truly a unique experience and  the reply is always:  “COUNT ME IN”. This was the case when I received an email inviting me to the media day for  the Canadian International Air Show. I had never been to this annual event before so I figured it was about time!!

I must admit that it was pretty cool to be able to be so close to these magnificent aircraft.

See what I mean?

The second part of the media day included a chance to actually go up in a plane. Let me put this into perspective for you about my fear….I don’t even go on the Kiddie Rides at Wonderland.  However all the lovely staff (errr…Colleen) reassured me that I would be perfectly safe.

I specifically asked for the “SAFE HORSE”..not the one that bucked. Therefore I was put in the capable hands of Paul, who took me up in this tow plane which is used for the air cadet program. Yup – I was SAFE.  Before you knew it, I was strapped in and off we went….Up, Up and Away!!

My view:

Some of my twitter friends like YYZ Events, went up on a plane that did stunts. Who knows, I might try that next year!! Note the word “might”.

After such an experience, I went to the CNE for the very first time (but not my last time)  to watch the the Canadian International Air Show do it’s stuff. I found a lovely log to sit on and watched the show along with many other air show enthusiasts.

The Canadian International Air Show takes places on Sunday Sept 1 and Monday Sept 2 from 1 to 4:30 pm. (location: at the waterfront, south of South of Bandshell Park). If you want to know who will be performing, this link will help you out.

 

Home of the Brave is the type of place where I would want to hang out on a regular basis. It’s got a cool vibe and a kick ass menu. The first thing I noticed upon walking in, is the open window that overlooks King St. W, (as the restaurant is on the second floor). The second thing that grabs my attention is the food!!

The menu TOTALLY appeals to me. Why? Coz there’s plenty of unique items that you just don’t see on too many menus in Toronto.  This is what I ordered.

A FRIED BOLOGNA SANDWICH – Bologna, house made (that’s right – house made) american cheese, toasted pistachios, and spicy sour cream. Soon as I saw this item on the menu I knew that I was going to order it. Of course, I knew that I was going to split it too. Thankfully my blogger friend @nearafar was right there to help me out with the other half of this killer sandwich.

My friend also tried the Kentucky Fried Handshake Sandwich – Fried Chicken, Mayo, Iceberg Lettuce, Louisana Hot Sauce. Take a peek at this presentation. Is this not brilliant?

Guess what’s hiding under the napkin?

Next time I visit – this is what I’m going to order. Bones in a Bucket (Kansas City Rubbed Beef and Pork Ribs, Ranch Dressing, Celery and Carrot) and the Buffalo Cauliflower (this has my name written all over this dish…Beer Battered Cauliflower, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Ranch dressing, celery and carrots). Something tells me I’m going to try one of their famous cocktails too. (which they take seriously by the way).

Congratulations to Andrew (from La Carnita) who is behind this new venture. I can’t wait to return.

For more information:

Home of the Brave:  589 King St. W, Toronto, ON,  416-366-2736

Twitter: @theHOTB

 

I really meant to blog about Romeo’s Juice Bar last year when it opened up but sadly did not get around to it. However last week while ordering a juice,  I said to myself  “I really really need to blog about this place”. So here’s the blog post!!

You can find Romeo’s Juice Bar at 285 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market. It truly has a unique look. Wouldn’t you agree?

 There’s no shortage of juice options but here’s two items that caught my eye.

Here’s another popular item that they serve.

Due to the fact that I’ve broken up with carbs since June 2012 (and it’s been a good break up by the way) I decided to order my own special low carb juice.  I requested a juice made from Kale, Avocado, Celery, and Soy Milk (they use Silk 80 calories which is oh-so-ideal). It was perfect. Especially because I didn’t have to clean the blender!! Although I have to admit, I keep thinking about purchasing a Vita Mix more and more these days.

Romeo’s Juice Bar also offers amazing hours on the weekend (see photo below) Plus you can receive $1 off your juice/smoothie, if you like them on Facebook. Guess who has liked them already on facebook? Good guess. LOL

So don’t forget to grab a juice or smoothie the next time you visit Kensington Market. Also, don’t forget about Pedestrian Sundays in the Market which takes place on the last Sunday of the month. (Sunday Aug 25, Sunday Sept 29 and Sunday October 27). Always a great vibe to visit the market on Pedestrian Sundays.

For More Information:

Romeo’s Juice Bar, 285 Augusta Avenue, Toronto (416) 597 2300

 

The media day for the CNE has been marked off in my calendar since July 9th. I’m not kidding, this is one event I was not going to miss!! It’s an opportunity for me to sample an array of goodies all at one time. Note the word “sample”.

However, as much as I wanted to sample everything …I didn’t. I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I only sampled 4 items. This means I will just have to return to the CNE. Right?

This is what I sampled and seriously you should go to the CNE and eat these items too. You can thank me later.

1. The All Bacon Canuck Burger from Bacon Nation: An all bacon burger served on an all bacon bun. Topped off with 2 strips of bacon and 1 slice of thick cut peameal bacon. Please try this. I insist.

2. Nutella Fries from Spread Nutellerie. These fries are simply brilliant. I loved how they had just the right amount of sea salt on them. The combo of the chocolate and the sea salt was heavenly (my taste buds were telling me). Congratulations to  3. The EPIC Maple Bacon “Cronut” Inspired Burger. What is it exactly? It’s a maple bacon cronut inspired burger rolled in cinnamon sugar, sliced in half, filled with 100% Canadian , all beef patty, cheese and topped iwth a home made maple bacon jam, (both Canadian too). Congratulations to Epic Burgers and Le Dolci who partnered this year to create this sensational item. My waistline thanks you.

PS the Maple Bacon Cronut inspired Burger is only available at the Canadian National Exhibiton from Aug 16th to September 2nd. I’m crossing my fingers that Abbey’s Kitchen will host an event with them in the near future. Please cross your fingers too.

4. Panini Gelato  OK picture this. …A combination of fresh gelato sealed within a warmed sweet fresh brioche. Can you say “Un-freakin’- belieavable”
 

My stomach had such a good experience, that it wouldn’t surprise me if you saw another blog post about the CNE!!

The CNE runs from Aug 16th to Sept 2nd at Exhibition Place, Toronto Ontario.

Website: www.theex.com

Twitter: @letsgototheEX

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

There is even a CNE app!!

 

 

I’ve been going to the Toronto Festival Beer for many years and it keeps getting bigger and better.  I remember back in the day when it was held at Fort York  when there were just a few food vendors and it was so much smaller.   Things have clearly changed!! Now the food scene at the Festival is just as much of a highlight as the beer scene!!

As you can see from this photo….I was prepared!!

I went last night and as always enjoyed eating and drinking my way thru the festival. I wish I drank more but for some reason can never manage to have more than a few beers. Sad but true!!

Here’s a few highlights:

1. Beer and Bacon: Why haven’t I had this combo before?  Rashers is the only bacon sandwich shop in North America and I was thrilled to see them at the Festival. I devoured my British Style Bacon Strips with a few ounces of Black Guinness and was  a happy camper.

2. Foundry Cider had an apple smashing cage that looked like so much fun!! I love stuff like this…

3. The International Centre Crafting Fuzion. I had never heard of them till this week. All I know is that I will be making a special trip to the International Centre to try more!!  The two dishes I had a the Festival were nothing but outstanding. Huge thanks to @LuiSays for reaching out to me prior to the festival. (twitter works. #justsayin’)

This dish also rocked: Bruce Lee’s Tijuana Ssam Mash Up – Anchor steamed marinated Bulgogi in an iceberg wrap with spicy kimchi and American Style chop suey topped off with cilantro and mexican scented rice pops. Served in a mini bamboo boat. MORE. PLEASE.

4. Rock Lobster Food Co. is at the Festival and is hugely popular. Here’s a photo of  Matt and his team  working hard! Again, what a great combo – beer and a lobster roll!!

5. Besides the beer and the food – I love the fact that everyone is having a great time!

For More Information:

Toronto Festival of Beer (July 27-29th) Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Twitter: @TOBeerFestival

It’s summer….so let’s have some fun. Here’s some photos of some beaches and pools. See if you can identify them. Ready. Set. Go.

Beach #1 (hint: one hour east of Toronto)

 Beach #2: (hint: 40 min. west of Toronto)

 Beach #3: (hint: in the GTA)

Beach #4: (hint: 1.5 hours north of Toronto

 Beach #5: (hint: 1.5 hours NW of Toronto)

  Beach #6 (hint: 2.5 hours east of Toronto)

Ok..now for some pools

Pool #1 (hint: downtown Toronto)

Pool #2: (hint: 1.5 hour drive from Toronto)

Pool #3 (hint: Located in Vaughan)
Pool #4: (hint: a little over an hour east of Toronto)

Pool #5 (hint: it no longer exists but use to be located at Bathurst/Sheppard). I miss it SO much.

C

Can you tell that I love the summer and I love being around water?

Hope you are enjoying your summer as much I am.

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

 

 

I’ve never been east of Montreal before but today I had the chance to “pretend” that I was in Nova Scotia!! I simply went to the Waterfront Festival  at HTO Park in Toronto!  It’s easy to find as you can spot these giant (magnificent) Tall Ships a mile away!!

I made a be-line to the Nova Scotia Eatery, where I enjoyed a Nova Scotia Lobster Roll, Sea Salt Caramel Apples and a Wild Blueberry & Honey Lemonade.  

Not only was my tummy happy but my eyes were pretty happy too. I got the chance to enjoy  my lunch while staring at the beautiful lighthouse with the CN Tower in the background.

The Nova Scotia Eatery  will also be making it’s way to Ottawa, London and Belleville over the next few weeks. So make sure to follow them on twitter, @TasteoNS to get the latest updates or visit their website!

 I’m also super impressed that Taste of Nova Scotia is using social media to get the word out about their amazing province and the culinary adventures that they have to offer.

For more information about Taste of Nova Scotia:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TasteofNS

Twitter: @TasteofNS

Instagram: TasteofNS

For more information about The Waterfront Festival that is taking place at HTO Park in Toronto from June 20- 23, 2013, please visit their website.

Twitter: @WaterfrontFestivalTO

When I saw a tweet that the Loose Moose had the largest draught beer selection in Downtown Toronto – then I knew I had to go! I’m not sure I had ever been to the Loose Moose before, but having a large beer selection was a sure way to get me to visit. (#lovebeer)

My friend and I sat at the bar so we could watch a hockey game  (ok two hockey games). The Loose Moose is certainly a great place to go to watch a sports event!

Our friendly bartender was the type of bartender that every bar should have: friendly, professional and helpful. He guided us thru both the beer and food menu so we could make the right choice. Please say hi to @_ScottWilson.

Based on his recommendation, we each ordered the Woody which is described as a hamburger with American cheese, really special sauce, caramelized onion, and bacon,on foccacia. I had mine with a really tasty Caesar salad and was a happy camper. Due to the fact that I’m on a no-carb diet, I took off the bun. (sad but true)

My Caesar Salad was equally as good. It was so delicious that I wasn’t even thinking about french fries!

I paired my burger with a handful of 2 oz samples. (sadly I don’t have any photos but trust me – I had a few beers!!)

The Loose Moose has it all: the friendliest professional bartenders, great food, lots of TV’s and a well designed space…not to mention the largest draught beer selection in downtown Toronto.

For more information:

The Loose Moose  146 Front St. W. Toronto (416) 977-8840

Disclosure: I was given a $50 gift card to compensate for my meal, however all opinions are my own.

 

 

My Dad lives in Ottawa so I will be visiting next week  in order to celebrate Father’s Day with him.

BUT if he was in Toronto,  this is what I would be doing with him!

1. We would head to Yorkdale Shopping Centre to visit L’OCCITANE En Provence so my dad could have one of those old-school shaves. (errr…hot towel, shaving cream, brush, etc). I know he would love it.  They are actually offering this service for FREE this coming weekend. Make sure you call (416) 782-0005 to RSVP. PS saw on their facebook page that there’s mini facials for women too!!

This service is being offered: Friday, June 7^th, 7-9pm, Saturday  June 8th 1-5 pm, and Sunday June 9th 1-5 pm!!

While you are in the store, take a peek at their selection of gift sets for Father’s Day in the Cade and Verdon lines! #justsayin’

1. We would also head to Montreal Deli & Greek Grill (115 York Blvd, Unit #7, Richmond Hill, ON) for a freakin’ unbelievable (yes – Freakin’ UNBELIEVABLE) smoked meat sandwich. I’ve just discovered this restaurant (thanks M!) and I was blown away. I even asked for a tape measure to measure this sandwich. PS I submitted this photo to Gastropost as they are hosting a Fathers Day Mission and my dad taught me all about good smoked meat!!

3.  We would end the day with a trip to Holy Chuck (1450 Yonge St)  to try one of their epic milkshakes. We both like flavour and unusual combinations so I know he would love the milkshakes here.

Can you tell my Dad is a bit of a foodie and a shopper too? I am so lucky to have a Dad like him. I’m sure we will find foodie adventures in Ottawa too. Stay tuned!!

What have you planned for Father’s Day?