I went out on Wednesday  night with a fellow food blogger (@th3hungrycat)  to a new restaurant called Aft Kitchen & Bar. (which of course I will be blogging about). She recognized another foodie  that was sitting at the bar, so we went went over to say hi. We chatted about food, exchanged business cards, twitter handles etc.

On Thursday, I exchanged a few emails with @MoezKassam regarding food events and foodies he might want to follow on twitter. One of the events that I forwarded to him was a Local Food Movement event at  Jamie Kennedys’ Gilead Cafe featuring Dillon’s Distillers.

Next thing you know I am hanging out with this fun group of foodies at the event!

Of course, I am also drinking some featured $5 drinks!! (thanks again@moezkassam)

What’s unique about Dillon’s Distillers is that they are LOCAL and located in Beamsville Ontario. Not to mention they are using local ingredients for their products. (rye, gin, bitters and vodka too)  Trust me, as soon as the weather warms up I will be driving out there to visit the distillery and get a tour. In the meantime, please visit their website. (which I love by the way).

It was a fantastic partnership to hold the event at Jamie Kennedy’s kitchen as he is a huge supporter of the local food movement. I was thrilled that I had the opportunity to attend this great event and hang out with some amazing foodies.

For more info:

Dillon’s Distillers, 4833 Tufford Road, Beamsville ON (905) 563 3030

Gilead Cafe, 4 Gilead Toronto (647) 288 0680

Aft Kitchen & Bar 686 Queen St East, Toronto (647) 346 1541

 

I have slowly crawled thru many ramen restaurants over the last year.

To be honest I have been going to Ajisen Ramen (Yonge/Sheppard) for many many years.

Last summer/Fall? I went to Kinton Ramen and then this winter I hit  Sansotei, Sansouka, Ryoji and A-OK ! Full disclosure, I am not a “ramen” expert so I’m not even going to talk about the broth, the texture of the ramen, or the garnishes. I’m just going to say that I would return to all of the above restaurants in a nano second. Please note, that these restaurants are hugely popular with line ups at 8 pm in -15 weather!! My recommendation: go early!!

Here’s a few photos to give you an idea of my ramen crawl.

PS Thank you to my friends who went with me to these Ramen Restaurants. You are all troopers!! (and good friends)

For Further Information:

Sansotei 179 Dundas St. West, Toronto (647) 748 3833

Santouka 91 Dundas East, Toronto (647) 748 1717

Ajisen Ramen 5229 Yonge St, 322 Spadina, 7010 Warden Ave.

A-OK Foods (Ramen and Snack Bar) 930 Queen St. West (647) 352-2243

Kinton Ramen 51 Baldwin St, Toronto (647) 748-8900

Ryoji Ramen & Isakaya 692  College St. Toronto, (416) 533-8083

 

I’ve been a fan of Macarons ever since I tried one a few years ago. For those of you who haven’t tried one, here’s what you need to know. They are small round discs that are made of egg whites, almond flour and sugar and filled with a ganache that can be ANY flavour. I was told from La Bamboche that their top selling macaron is caramel sea salt. Other flavours you might find include: chocolate, matcha, strawberry, lavender and more. I’m ALL about flavour so these delicate treats have my name all over it!!

Now let’s talk about Macaron Day TO. Firstly this is a world wide event that takes place on March 20th. Toronto is now participating for their second year in a row.  The event is spearheaded by  Michel Firanski, from La Bamboche, however 18 different patisseries are involved!! 25% of sales that day will be donated to the Red Door Family Shelter. All you have to do is visit one of the patisseries on March 20th for your FREE macaron. (which will be limited at each location). Truly – this is an amazing event. Last year close to  $6500 was raised and I’m sure this year, that number will increase.

Today  I went to CHIN TV to hear Lisa from Le Dolci, who spoke about Macaron Day TO on the Festival Italiano di Johnny Lombardi show. Many thanks to @Ali_Bidabadi for making this happen!! Here’s a lovely photo of Andrea (on the left) who is the host of the show, interviewing Lisa (on the right).

 

Hope everyone gets a chance to participate in Macaron Day TO on March 20th. I will be hanging out at La Bamboche that day – eating a Macaron or two or three or four…LOL

For Further info:

Twitter: @macarondayTO

Facebook: www.facebook.com/macaron

Website: www.macarondayto.com

The other night I was lucky (yes, very lucky) to have received an invite to attend an event at the Suits® Lobby Lounge in the Trump  International Hotel & Tower. The event included all the right elements:

1. A Stunning Venue
2. Scotch and Cognac
3. Valrhona Chocolate Fondue

I’m a total sucker for a gorgeous venue (especially since I had never been to the Trump Hotel). I’m also TOTALLY into an event that includes Scotch and Chocolate.

I actually sent out a tweet while I was at the event that said “PINCH ME. I’m in Scotch Heaven”.

The atmosphere of the Suits® Lobby Lounge is just the perfect size for someone like me, who prefers a more intimate environment. I also liked the fact that there was a TV which means it will be the ideal place for me to return so I can catch the French Open in March. (can u believe I don’t get TSN at home?).

As for the scotch. I spent a lot of time hanging around the Macallan 18!!

As for the chocolate – indeed Scotch and dark Varhona chocolate make an ideal pair. Smart. Move.

Seriously, if you are looking for a lobby lounge for drinks before dinner, after dinner, or just after work – please check out this magnificent lounge. You won’t be disappointed. The new Amber Liquor Program and Valrhona Chocolate fondue menu is certainly worth checking out! Um, perfect for Valentines. #justsayin’

For More Info: 

Trump International Hotel & Tower, 325 Bay St, Toronto, (416) 306 5800

Over the last two years, I’ve been going to the Drake Hotel on a Monday night for an event called #86D. These amazing FREE events are  hosted by the lovely Ivy Knight and generally attract a foodie-type of crowd.

This past week I went to a Cinnamon Roll Battle that featured a total of 700 cinnamon rolls that were prepared by a handful of Toronto’s best pastry chefs. I SHARED (thats right – one roll shared by 4 friends) cinnamon rolls by Tori’s BakeShop, Richmond Station, Gilead Cafe, The Gabardine, Eyal Lieberman, and more. PS. Richmond Stations’ cinnamon rolls won last night!

I enjoyed the cinnamon rolls (see below) as well as catching up with some fellow foodie friends.

I’ve also attended other events, like the donut smack down, a pickle smack down and more. They are always FUN and there’s always TASTY food to enjoy!!

Here’s what’s going on in February:

• Venue: Lounge
• Type: Foodie
• Cover: FREE
• Time: Feb. 11, 2013, 8 p.m.

• Venue: Lounge
• Type: Foodie
• Cover: FREE
• Time: Feb. 27, 2012, 8 p.m.

Hope to see you on a Monday night at the Drake Hotel!

For more info:

The Drake Hotel: 1150 Queen St. West, Toronto (416) 531 5042

Like Tea? Want to learn  more about Tea? Here’s your chance!! Toronto will be host to its first Tea Festival at the Toronto Reference Library on Saturday Feb. 2nd, 2013. Momwhoruns will definitely be there to check it out and I hope you get a chance to check it out as well. I think the timing of this festival is perfect seeing as the entire week has been rainy, grey and miserable!! (Don’t get me started about the weather).

The Tea Festival will feature:

• Tea and culture
• Tea service items and equipment associated products and services
• Food and tea pairing ideas (think tea and chocolate, tea and cheese, tea and Michaels Dolce Jam)
• Tea-related food and drink 

Here’s the flyer.

 

The 2013 Interior Design Show  is written down in my calendar MONTHS before it takes place. I seriously never want to miss this show. Even though my passion is food, I go ga-ga at this show. Tonite was the opening night party…which means I got my hair done at Evoke Salon, put on my party dress and my high heels.

Trust me, I could be snapping photos all night long because everything has a “wow factor” but I don’t want to bore you!! Therefore I will only show you a few photos K?

1. This unique chair from Caviar 20 

2. This bamboo sink from Stone Forest! 

3. What about this amazing modern fireplace from Acquaefuoco?

4. I really loved this lamp from The David & Chico Show. For me – it was a piece of art. A true statement piece.

5. Carpets (from Reznick Carpets) are like art too.

Hope you get a chance to visit this amazing show. You won’t be bored!!

Show Info:

Interior Design Show, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto

Saturday Jan 26 from 10 am to 7 pm Online Tickets $19 Onsite $22

Sunday Jan 27 from 10 am to 6 p.m Online Tickets $19 Onsite $22

 

 

 

Back in December, (Friday Dec 21st to be exact)  I went to Kensington Market to celebrate the Winter Solstice. I went last year and thought it was quite the event so I made a point of returning to celebrate the shortest day of the year once again!

After marching down Augusta and witnessing the huge bonfire it was time to EAT something (and warm up). I had just bought a $10 for $5 deal on Buytopia for Dr. Augusta’s Samitorium and figured it was a really good time to use that deal! Not to mention, I was walking right by it. PERFECT.

The restaurant is located on the north west corner of Augusta and Dundas St. West (602 Dundas St W) and is one of those very casual restaurants. It’s a spacious restaurant with a long bar and a few stools so you can sit and enjoy your sandwich. It’s sparse but clean and exactly the type of cheap and cheerful restaurant I like!!

I ordered a sandwich  (the shrimp po’ boy) and managed to get a quick photo of it after I ate half. (silly me). I didn’t have my good camera either so please forgive the less-than-beautiful-photo. But please oh-please visit their facebook page for great quality photos that reflects the food that they are serving.

While inhaling my sandwich, I got the chance to speak to both of the owners behind the bar.

Two friendly guys who know what they are doing in the kitchen as my sandwich was flavorful with just the right amount of everything.

I was also super impressed that they were making their own sodas too and can’t wait to return in the summer for a float.

Next time you are craving a sandwich, make sure to check out Dr. Augusta’s Samitorium.

For More Info:

Dr. Augusta’s Samitorium 602 Dundas St. W,  Toronto (647) 748 5522

Restaurant Review: Jungle Juice

This little gem just opened a few weeks ago and is located on College St (smack inbetween Caplansky’s and Fancy Franks).

After reading a review on BlogTO, I then checked them out on Facebook. (PS and you should too). When I saw the photos that they were posting I knew I had to visit!!

It’s owned by a lovely Brazillian entrepreneur that only moved to Toronto five years ago. She was so passionate about cooking Brazilian food to her Canadian friends, that she opened up a small juice bar/restaurant.

I tried the “cheese bread” (pao de queijo) and was instantly in love. One could definetly tell that it was not made with white flour and had a diffrerent taste and texture to it.

I also tried the special of the day which was scrambled eggs with cassava.

Next visit, I’m going to try a “cleanser” which is ginger, apple, grapes, ice and water and a panini.(Brazilian style of course).

I also love the prices at Jungle Juice – everything is under $8.00. My type of “cheap and cheerful restaurant”.

Please welcome this great little (unique) juice bar to Toronto. They deserve a warm welcome!!

For More Info:

Jungle Juice 370 College St. Tel: 647 748 4899 Hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 8pm. Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Closed on Sundays

 

Thanks to Twitter and tweets that I was reading from @Foodie411….I knew I had to go to Rose and Sons one day soon. Seeing as I have some time on my hands, I round up two friends and we met for lunch at 12:30 p.m.

The first thing you should know about this restaurant is that it’s not easy to spot from the street. So here’s a photo to help you find it.

The next thing you should know is that it’s POPULAR and for good reason. The space is small but I love how it’s designed so you don’t feel like you are 2 inches away from the next table. Plus I love that there are a few bar stools so if you are on your own you can just grab a quick bite and be entertained by the kitchen staff. (who are all awesome by the way – the entire team, actually).

 

Now for the food. It was mighty tough what to order but we tried 4 items and each item was well executed, flavorful, moist and delicious. I was super impressed by the bread (supplied by Thuet) and the small details (great condiments).

Patty Melt Burger – Grilled Cheese, Fried Onions, FF, chili may0 ($15). Everyone loved this.

Chicken Souvlaki – flatbread, tzatziki, greek salad ($12). The tzatiki rocked.

Pork Fried Rice – peanuts, china town sauce, egg, ginger ($12). Oh so flavorful!!

Club-bacon, turkey, herb mayo, brie, pickles, ff ($13). What a sammie!!

 

I now need to return to check out their breakfast menu and their dinner menu! This restaurant has a menu that really appeals to me….unique, flavorful and well executed. A winning combo for a restaurant. Not to mention, a super nice owner (Anthony Rose)  and a great waiter (David) too.

Info:

Rose and Sons 178 Dupont Street Toronto 647 748 3287

Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 3:00 p.m and then 6:00 p.m to close.

Licenced