It was a hot humid day in Ottawa on Sunday and the line ups at Taras Lemonade Stand at Landsdowne Park indicated that everyone was thirstier than normal.

Eventually I knew I had to stand in line too!! I ordered a cucumber lemonande drink but was so thirsty that I didnt have time to take a picture of my drink !

This motivated me to google a recipe and to try it at home!! I found a recipe on the All Recipes website, then I adjusted it (naturally).

Basically you need to have just two ingredients – a cucumber and some lemons

Ingredients:

1 english cucumber, sliced thinly

3 lemons, juiced (you need about 1/4 cup of lemon juice)

1 cup water

1/2 cup white sugar

Method:

Boil the water and the sugar to make a simple syrup

Mix the sliced cucumber in a blender and then strain the pulp from the liquid

Mix the simple syrup, the lemon juice and the cucumber juice – I used 1 cup of cucumber juice, to 1 cup of simple syrup and 1/2 cup of lemon juice but I found it too tart and added quite a bit more water till I found the right balance. Next time, Im going to try and use only 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

END RESULT

It is indeed an interesting mix of flavors and a GORGEOUS summer drink – I totally love this shade of green.

I wonder how it will taste with vodka? hmmmmm.

I have just returned from a family reunion in Ottawa. Naturally I made sure to include a visit to the Byward Market and to Landsdowne Farmers Market as part of the schedule. What’s interesting is that no matter how many times I visit the Byward market or the farmers market – there is always something new to discover!!

On this particular trip, I discovered the newly opened Murrays Market. (261 Dalhousie St). The space is just gorgeous and totally suitable for a tweet up – so I made sure to talk to Emma and Chef Steve about this possibility. Beautiful cheeses, meats, local honey and MichaelsDolce jams were on display, but I zeroed in on my favorite food: a grilled cheese sandwich!!  Murrays Market makes it with Glengary’s Lankaster gouda cheese, red pepper jelly on egg bread.  I was a happy camper. I especially liked the addition of the red pepper jelly to the sandwich. Kinda kicked it up a notch. The side of homemade ketchup was welcome too!!

At the Landsdowne Farmers Market this year, I stumbled upon a new vendor called Suzy Q Doughuts. The Doughnut was yeasty and fresh. (in other words – perfect) I really hope this vendor will be around for a long time, cause there is nothing like a FRESH donut.  @FoodiePrints shared one and I shared mine with @michaelscolce. I asked the vendors, if they had a retail location and they said “no – they are just at Landsdowne Farmers Market each Sunday”. Turns out – she is a postal worker and he is a woodworker during the week, but on the weekends they clearly have a passion for making donuts!! To top it off – my cuzin knows this couple well. (small world).

Now the next discovery – isnt really a discovery. I’ve been eating at Aladdin Bakery (1801 Carling Avenue) for the past several years, even though they have been around for 14 years. I was told they can easily serve 800 Fatayers’ in one day. Fatayer is what everybody orders here – It’s  a slab of thick chewy bread, with a topping of your choice and then warmed in a tradtional brick oven. You cant go wrong here for $2.25!!

It was so much fun to see my cousins and be in Ottawa during Canada Day. In the event you are wondering if I saw the Royal Couple. The answer is No. I was too busy eating and shmoozing with 26 fabulous cousins!! Must sign off now and head to the gym….

This is what’s in the liquor cabinet. Not bad eh?

As you know, I am a huge scotch and beer fan. However every once in a while, I really crave a cocktail. Yesterday was one of those days. But sadly I have NO clue how to make one. So I googled a recipe, watched a video and minutes later I was chopping up watermelon to make my first ever watermelon martini. I feel so grown up!

A few years ago, my dinner guests asked “what should I bring”. I told them “bring everything you need to make a mojito – we never serve cocktails EVER”. He came with a huge bag full of EVERYTHING one would need to make a mojito. It was perfect and I was in awe.

OK back to the watermelon martini. This is how I made it.

a) blend watermelon in a mixer (I added a touch of lime juice too – a touch)

b) add vodka..I used some good organic Prairie  Organic Vodka

c) shake with lots and lots and lots of ice. Don’t you love my fancy shaker?

c) strain into a martini glass and garnish with fresh mint.

Please share your favorite cocktail recipes with me. I have till July 24th to enjoy a few cocktails before DD (darling daughter) comes back from camp.

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.

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

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

As a dinner gift last year, I received  a Mr. Coffee Ice Tea Maker machine and I fell in love with it immediately. (another genius appliance…LOL). There is nothing like coming home on a hot day and enjoying fresh brewed ice tea that tastes like ICE TEA and not chemicals. The sad part about this blog entry is that it’s not available in Canada. The good news: They are available at Target and I happen to go to Buffalo on a regular basis so just send a request!! p.s $22 a unit

Here’s how it works:

Had a fun GNO (girls night out) with @Fortylicious. We headed down to C’est What to participate in an event which was part of  Ontario Craft Brewers Week. (June 19- 25).

They were offering samples at $1 – how could I NOT go? I mean seriuosly.

There were 27 beers to choose from but here’s what I consumed:

• C’est What Steve’s Dreaded Chocolate Orange
• C’est What Big Butt Smoked Dark Ale
• C’est What Caraway Ale.
• Mill Street Ginger Beer
• Hop City American Ale

All the beer had great color, aroma and were highly drink-able.  I couldnt complain.

Both of us had not had dinner and by 9 p.m were were a bit hungry (not thirsty anymore..HA) and I asked Heather if she had ever been to Poutini’s.

She said “no, never been”. So that took care of that. We hopped over to queen west and went to  Poutini’s. She loved it (of course ). We both love the TEENY WEENY portion size and the fact that they have a vegan gravy option as well. (there’s also an option to use Daiya vegan cheese too but we chose to have the delicious cheese curds)

I told her a story that I discovered Poutini’s on chowhound two years ago and I went to their opening at 5 p.m on a Friday nite in June 2009. When I arrived, there was already a guy infront of me, waiting for the doors to open.

We were the first two customers, so we tried the poutine, took pictures – END OF STORY.

TWO YEARS LATER – Poutini’s is celebrating their second anniversary. I’m in line and guess who is behind me? The same guy from two years ago. Again, we had poutine and took pictures. How cute is that story?

I love beer and I love Poutini’s. It was really a great night out.

For those of you who also love beer: Please mark in your calendar that the Toronto Beer Festival is taking place this year from Aug 5 -7  at Bandshell Park. I will be there soon as the gates open. Promise.

Tonite, I came home from work and wanted to make a quick dinner. However I had not gone grocery shopping (even though I visit 10 grocery stores a day…don’t ask). I did however, find frozen salmon, fresh broccoli and some rice in the pantry.

Before I continue, I need to give credit to two bloggers who inspire me weekly!!   1. Whats On My Plate and 2. No Recipes. (you will soon see why…keep reading)

Here’s what I did with the salmon USING NO RECIPE. (which is sometimes the best way to cook).

1. Take some honey and brown sugar and put it on a plate:

2. Mix the honey and brown sugar together then shmeer it on the salmon:

3. Place the salmon upside down onto a hot frying pan (ie the brown sugar-ed side)

4. It will bubble and become dark and this is good!!! Finish off in a pre heated 400 degree oven for another 10 minutes till its cooked in the middle.

END RESULT: this is WHATS ON MY PLATE using NO RECIPE!!! What a great dinner for a Tuesday nite, when I was tired and hungry and didn’t have a lot in my fridge.

Thanks to @norecipes and @wonTONfm for inspiring me.

I use to go to a nutrionist who told  me that it was ok to have ONE Timbit. How could I argue? Therefore I have been enjoying ONE Timbit for probably ten years now. I dont have a Timbit every day but I’m sure I have a Timbit 3 times a week

I usually order a sour cream glazed Timbit at my local drive thru but if I’m at a larger  Tim Hortons location, I will order the cinnamon or those powdered icing sugared Timbits.  A week ago, I noticed that Tim Hortons has introduced two new flavors. Naturally I had to try them. I am positively over the moon with the banana flavor. I tweeted about it and I received a tweet that it tastes just like a deep fried banana. Personally, I think it takes like a banana muffin. I’m crossing my fingers that that this flavor will be around to for a long long time.

The other flavor that was introduced was blueberry: Sorry – but it pales in comparison to the banana.

Congratulations to Tim Hortons on introducing a great new flavor to your Timbit line up. Now only if I could win a roll up and

win! PS. Special thanks to my DD, who helped me style the photo. It was her idea to put the banana in the photo!!

This recipe is called “Magic Pie” and indeed it’s MAGICAL. No fuss – no muss.

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

1/2 pkg frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained…Note: I used fresh broccoli (I slightly steamed the florets)

1 cup shredded swiss cheeese

1 can corn, drained

4 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

2/3 cups Bisquick

salt and pepper to taste

dash of nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Lightly grease a 10 inch quiche  pan or deep dish serving dish. Pre heat oven to 375 F

2. Sprinkle broccoli, cheese, corn and onion evenly in prepared pan.

3. In blender, mix eggs, milk, bisquick, and seasonings on high for one minute

4. Pour over broccoli mixture.

5. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 1 hour.

This is the end result.

Actually THIS IS THE END RESULT…(ha ha)

Hope you enjoy this magical recipe as much as I do.

Disclosure: #1. 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.

On Monday, I read a tweet from @ErinLovesFood that said she was looking forward to going to the #BeerBoutique Party.

I tweeted back…”Party? Beer? How do I score an invite?”.

Six hours later I was at the Beer Boutique launch thanks to Dave Paterson who was the uber professional and returned my phone call,  on an extremly busy day for him. (He’s the brand manager for the Beer Store).

The Beer Boutique is located at 120 Lynn Williams, in  Liberty Village. As soon as I entered the space,  I loved it. Why? Here’s a few reasons.

a) the wall of “beer labels” has been replaced with REAL BEER  CASES.

b) the space is gorgeous ..take a look at this cool light fixture.

c) it’s small…so it’s not overwhelming.

While sipping beer at the launch, I was introduced to Sebastian Pigott, who is an actor (Being Erica), singer and musician. Not to mention a QT and a nice guy.

OK back to the beer. Kinda lost focus there for a second!!

When the Beer Store replaced the bottles on the wall, with PAPER LABELS…they lost me as a customer.  For the last few years, I have been buying beer at my local LCBO.

Now that there is a Beer Boutique, I will make sure that I will drop by Liberty Village more often. I really think that they are on to something, and you will be seeing more Beer Boutiques in the future.

If you havent checked out Liberty Village before…take a stroll one Sunday. There is a great farmers market, Balzacs coffee, The Village Cheese Monger and more.

Cheers!!!