It’s not every day that I drive to Mississauga to go check out a restaurant but I thought than an Indian Buffet with 150 delicious items, deserves a visit!!

Tandoori Flame is well recognized as North America’s Largest Indian Buffet & Restaurant with over 14,000 sq.ft. and with a capacity for more than 500 guests! As a result, there’s a lot of wedding parties, and celebrations held at Tandoori Flame. Not to mention that they have 11 food stations which means there is truly something for everyone!!

I ate, and ate, and ate and before you knew it…I was stuffed. I’m pretty sure I went up to the buffet three times, if not 4..but who’s counting. LOL

The food was fresh and flavourful. When I visit a buffet, I like to know that the food hasn’t been sitting out for hours and there’s no doubt that the food at Tandoori Flame is FRESH.

I’m also impressed that they “get” social media.

Tandoori Flame has two locations and I really believe that this concept will continue to expand!

For more information:

Website: www.tandooriflame.com

Twitter; @TandooriFlame

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

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

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The Stop’s Night Market is a feast for the eyes, belly and heart. The monies raised from this two day event (which was held last week), goes toward community-building programs such as: food banks, drop-in meals, community cooking and gardening, prenatal nutrition and more!

The Stop’s Night Market gets a lot of love as it’s sold out every year and for a good reason

The event is SO well organized plus there’s something special about an event that is held outdoors. Especially when the weather is ideal like it was this year.

The event features different vendors on both nights and I totally get why people would buy tickets for BOTH nights. Oh ya – your ticket includes all the booze and all the food you can eat. This map really helped me navigate my way thru all the different vendors.

Highlights of my evening included the Halibut Cakes from Sea Witch:

Plus I was digging the Smoked & Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese from FarmHouse Tavern.  Trust me, every vendor served something interesting.

Congratulations to all the vendors, the volunteers and the team at The Stop Community Centre for another incredible event. I hope you consider buying a ticket next year. You won’t be disappointed!

Disclosure: I was provided with a media ticket to attend the attend, however all opinions are my own.

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I recently went to Great Wolf Lodge with my mom and my daughter.  Instead of a “Girls Night Out” it was a “Girls Night Getaway”. ..which included spa treatments, CASUAL CLOTHING and tasty food.

Before we went away, I gave my mom strict instructions not to bring anything fancy as Great Wolf Lodge is all about comfort and convenience. This is the perfect get away where you don’t have to worry about bringing “the right” clothing (some people even go to breakfast in pyjamas).

I also loved the convenience of getting a wrist band.  It acted as my room key.  How convenient is that?    #LOVEIT.

We started off the getaway with a spa treatment. This was certainly a treat!

Take a peek at this little girl who allowed me to take a photo of her getting a spa pedicure!

Then we SLID into summer and took advantage of the water park, which is a whopping 100,000 square feet. Note: your admission ticket to the water park is included in your hotel fee. #morevalue

As for food: I can spot a fresh buffet a mile away and this buffet was indeed fresh and super tasty. Our personable (and funny) waiter Paul H. ensured that we also had a great laugh or two.

Great Wolf Lodge goes out of their way to accommodate guests with allergies or specific food requirements. When my daughter mentioned that she preferred a salad without cheese, they were quick to say “not a problem, we can make you one”.

Did I mention that I ordered a local beer to go along with my meal? Not only could I drink it with my meal but I was able to walk around with it too. #funfact

Great Wolf Lodge raises the bar to provide guests with a safe and exceptional vacation with plenty of value. As a mom (and a former life guard), I thought these t-shirts sent out a great message that Great Wolf Lodge takes safety seriously!

In the event that you are seeking a summer get away, Mom Who Runs would like to offer you a discount at Great Wolf Lodge of 20% off the best available rate. Please use this code when booking: MWRFUN

• Offer valid for stay dates between June 14, 2015 to July 24, 2015
• Booking cut-off date to make reservations is June 28, 2015
• Blackout dates may be added as availability decreases.

I have no doubt that you will have an exceptional vacation!!

For more information:

Website: www.greatwolflodge.com

Address: 3950 Victoria Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7M8
Phone: (905) 354-4888

Twitter: @GreatWolfLodge

Instagram: @GreatWolfLodge

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreatWolfLodge

Disclosure: My trip to Great Wolf Lodge was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

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I’ve interviewed an NHL Hockey Player before, but never interviewed a Chef till today!!

I put together a few questions for CHEF IVAN FLOWERS  (also known as the “Biker Chef) who brings 25 years of fine cuisine experience as Executive Chef at Top of The Market in San Diego.

Chef Ivan Flowers is in Toronto, as he will be joining forces with Paul Boehmer, owner of Boehmer Restaurant to collaborate on a Mediterranean style meat extravaganza for a U-Feast event that is being held tonight (June 18) at Boehmer (93 Ossington).

Both Paul and Ivan are biker enthusiasts and will be joined by comedian and radio host Mike Bullard (also a biker enthusiast) as the MC for the evening. Sounds like a fun evening, non?

Here’s a synopsis of my interview:

Question: How many bikes do you own?

Chef Flowers: Only one.

Question: What type of bike do you own?

Chef Flowers: A Harley!

Question: Do you have a favorite cookbook?

Chef Flowers: No I don’t use any cookbooks.

Question: Do you miss NY?

Chef Flowers: I do not miss NY. It was nice when it was diverse but it’s not like that anymore.

Question: Favorite food to eat after a day riding your motorcycle?

Chef Flowers: A sandwich!!

Question: What inspires you to cook?

Chef Flowers: I love to feed people!

Question: Favorite place to travel?

Chef Flowers: Greece (especially the island of Paros)

Question: Poutine..yay or nay?

Chef Flowers: YAY.

Question: When was the last time you were in Toronto?

Chef Flowers: Back in the 1980’s

As you can see, I like to keep my interviews short and sweet.!!

Please keep in mind that U-Feast brings together food lovers who are looking for an alternative to traditional restaurant dining with top chefs, restaurants and wineries.

They offer an experience for those people who are searching for more than just good food – but are looking for “experiential” social dining!

NOTE: Tickets are still available for tonights collaborative dinner!!

For more information:

Website: www.U-Feast.com

Twitter: @U-Feast

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

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I’m pretty excited about the 2015 Pan Am Games for several reasons.

a) Believe or not, I’m a torch bearer. I think I saw a link to apply on twitter or facebook and applied on a whim. Sure enough – I was selected!! You can find me on July 7th at noon somewhere between 1470 Gerrard St East and 270 Coxwell. It’s a short run (250 meter) but it sure will be a memorable one!!

b) I will also be attending the opening ceremonies of the PanAm Games as a guest of McKesson Canada, through their atoma brands. They are one of the sponsors of the 2015 Pan Am/ParaPan Games and I’ve been fortunate enough to be selected as one of their Blogger Ambassadors. (pinch me, please).

For over 100 years, McKesson Canada has been the logistics and distribution leader in the Canadian healthcare sector. Their atoma brand is the private label brand of the IDA, Guardian, MSC and PROXIM retail pharmacies in Canada.

Therefore over the next few weeks, you will be noticing a few blog posts that will be associated with the 2015 Pan Am Games. Look out for a contest with atoma products, an interview with Mark Oldershaw (who is a Canadian Sprint Canoeist) and more!

 Mark is one of the five athletes that McKesson Canada is supporting on their journey to the Games. (The others include Jennifer Abel, Ryan Cochrane, Ellie Black and David Willsie).

I hope you are as excited as me about the 2015 PanAm Games!

In the meantime, you can start to follow me on twitter using (@momwhoruns) and look out for this hashtag too….#atomaPanAm K? Also, please take a peek at this fantastic contest that atoma is running. Click here!! This is one contest that you don’t want to miss!!

Disclosure: I have been compensated to participate as an ambassador however all opinions are my own.

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I discovered a few new things last week, which I would like to share with you.

1. JURASSIC WORLD: This is the perfect summer movie. I’m not saying its going to win any Academy Awards but it will certainly entertain you. After the movie, make sure you head to Dairy Queen to grab a Jurassic Smash Blizzard.  (Peanut Butter Cookies, chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter, and choco chunks blended with creamy vanilla soft serve)

2. HONDA INDY TORONTO: I had never been to a racing event of any nature before, but now I know why people love attending this event. All I can say is “see you next year at the races” (with ear plugs). LOL

3. BEAN AND BAKER MALT SHOP: (327 Harbord St.) This adorable shop just opened a few weeks ago and is Toronto’s only fountain soda malt shop! I had a spectacular cherry pie but I know I will be returning for a float one day soon and/or one of their milkshakes.

4. SAMSUNG SUHDTV just launched a new TV with 60 x more colour. Seriously, this TV is brilliant (sorry for the pun) and delivers “colour” like never before. PS this photo was taken with my new Samsung S6 #justsayin’

5. Lastly, I discovered that I really like “plating” food!

Do you have any “discoveries” you would like to share? Please do!

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I had some company over on Friday night for dinner and I have to admit – the meal was divine. I served one main course and three salads plus dessert. Right now, I feel like I need to share one particular salad recipe with you STAT.

This Thai Crunch Brussels Sprout recipe was worth all the chopping and all the ingredients. TRUST ME. LOL

Thai Crunch Brussel Sprout Salad (taken from a fantastic blog that I subscribe to..Sweet Eats)

Happy Cooking.

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Today, Aroma Espresso Bar introduced a nutritious AND delicious new salad made with Freekeh!

I had never heard of this  ancient Middle Eastern grain before but rumour has it that its the next trendy superfood. This salad will now be available to health-conscious consumers as new salad at aroma espresso bar.

I had the chance to try it last week and I loved it. Then again, I love all the salads at Aroma! This particular salad agreed with me, due to the lemony dressing and the dollop of labneh cheese with za’atar sprinkled on top. Other ingredients in this salad include: black quinoa, and brown rice blended with organic baby kale, tomato, cucumber, carrot, pickle, red onion, and parsley!

“The 28 aroma espresso bar locations across Toronto and GTA stores are the first among the global chain’s 165 locations to carry the signature salad, which could be adapted in other countries based on Torontonian’s reactions. #verykewl

Freekeh Facts:

• A flavourful ancient whole grain used for centuries throughout the Middle East, freekeh is made from fire-roasted wheatberries
• The word freekeh comes from the Arabic faraka referring to the wheat-roasting process
• High in protein
• High in calcium
• High in wholegrain fibre (up to four times the fibre of brown rice)
• Low glycemic index
• Rich in probiotic properties
• Low in carbohydrates
• Slightly sweet, nutty taste
• Vegetarian
• Kosher
• Not gluten-free

Hope you get a chance to try it soon. I have no doubt that this new salad is going to be a hit with their customers.

For more information:

Website: www.aroma.ca

Twitter: @aromaespresso

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

Disclosure: I was invited to a media event however all opinions are my own

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I’ve just returned from the 2015 President’s Choice® Summer Retreat. To say that I was spoiled rotten would be an understatement. I was well fed and well taken care of!

To begin with the retreat took place in a spectacular 18,000 sqf “cottage” that was situated on Lake Rosseau. Yes – that’s right, 18,000 square feet!

When I walked into my room there were no fewer than 3 bags of goodies waiting for me:

1. a personalized outfit from Joe Fresh

2. Sun Bum Sun Care products from Shoppers Drug Mart

3. Products from Real Canadian Superstore® including some fun PC®  products (animal baking tray, waffle maker from Everyday Essentials, napkins and more)

When  I woke up in the morning there was an incredible spread that featured sweet AND savoury waffles, fruit and more. Chef Andrea Buckett ensured that we started off our day on the right foot with a solid breakfast.

I especially loved this PC®  Pineapple Kale Smoothie that I had never tried before.

After breakfast, we were treated to a relaxing yoga session on the lawn. My Bad…I only took a photo and didn’t participate!

For lunch, there was a tasty BBQ….seriously no one was hungry. I was in condiment heaven!!

Naturally in the afternoon, I relaxed on the dock with my favorite beer that I purchase all the time – the PC® 2.5 Carb beer.

There were certainly no shortage of magazines to read or snacks!! I must admit – I was in heaven!

Here’s one of the recipes that was used over the weekend that I really enjoyed:

RECIPE: Cauliflower and Sweet Pea Salad

1 bag PC® Frozen Cauliflower, thawed

2 cups PC® Frozen Peas

1 cup thinly sliced celery

1 cup thinly sliced radish

2 tbsp chopped tarragon or dill

2 tbsp chopped parsley

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp sea salt

Dressing:

1 tbsp PC® whole grain Dijon Mustard

3 tbsp PC ®black label Honey & Ginger Condiment

4 tbsp PC® New World EVOO Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl

2. Whisk the ingredients for the dressing together

2. Pour dressing over vegetables and serve.

As you know, I’ve been along time fan of PC® products and gravitate toward them for their unique flavours and quality. I’m actually going to be posting a dessert using a few PC® products later this week so stay tuned. It’s a winner!!

Many thanks to the entire team at Citizen Relations and the team from Loblaws who worked really (really) hard to put this fantastic retreat together. I am truly grateful.

For more information:

President’s Choice: Twitter: @PresChoice, Instagram; @PresChoice Facebook: PresidentsChoice

Joe Fresh: Twitter: @JoeFresh, Instagram: @JoeFresh, Facebook: JoeFresh

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With Father’s Day right around the corner, enter to win your dad or husband the go-to tablet for his family’s digital needs  – the Samsung GALAXY Tab A. (app value $429)

• Thanks to the 4:3 screen ratio, the 9.7-inch screen offers a better viewing experience so your Dad can can create, consume and connect to his favourite content – sports, movies or magazines.
• Another great family feature is Multi-User, which allows for up to six unique profiles to be that everyone can enjoy the device with a personalized experience.
• The impressive multi-tasking capabilities will allow dad to read, email or use social media simultaneously.

I recently received a Samsung TAB S and quickly ditched my Ipad Mini.  I absolutely adore how quickly I can download apps WITHOUT remembering another password. Not to mention it’s going to sync with my Samsung Galaxy S5 phone. #ohhowIlovetechnology.

All you have to do to enter this contest is answer this question:

Why would you would like to win a SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab A? 

Just click on the REPLY button and leave a comment!!

Other important details:

-this contest is open to all Canadian Residents

-this contest will close on Monday June 15th, 2015 at midnite.

-if the winner does not get back to me by Wednesday June 18th at midnite – another winner will be selected

Happy Father’s Day!!

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