This is what happens when you are a foodie and you have a few hours in Montreal to kill before hopping on a plane. You end up at Jean-Talon Market. Trust me, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend time.

Naturally I bought so many goodies that I had to buy a bag!

In case you are wondering “What did I buy? ” a better question might be “what didn’t I buy”.

Here’s a list of what was in the above bag:

1. Bourgot: I know they are ugly but they are my favourite item to buy at Jean-Talon Market. I discovered that they are also called Whelks and are very abundant in the St. Lawrence River and Estuary.

These Whelks are ready-to-eat as they are sold in brine, which gives them a long shelf life as well as a tender and flavourful taste. Sadly I had to throw the brine away at the airport but they still made it through security.

2. Cult Yogurt – I bought two but one was confiscated at security. Go figure. I discovered this yogurt back in May and hope to see it on the shelves in Toronto one day soon. It’s creamy creamy creamy.

3. Olives stuffed with Orange Peel. Love this combo.

4. Nuts: One bag is Lemon/Pepper and the other back is smoked to perfection.

5. Cretons with Dates and Herbs: Not something you see in Toronto which is code for: “I had to buy it”.

6. Candied Orange: I have no idea what I’m going to do with this but I’m sure it will be a lovely garnish for something!

7. Salt with Herbs: I have a feeling I will be sprinkling this product on my eggs, in dressings, on fish etc. For $3.99 I figured it was a good buy!

As always, I adore this market for so many reasons. Hope you get a chance to visit Montreal in the near future and visit this market too!

For more information:

Website: Jean-Talon Market

Address:  7070 Avenue Henri Julien, Montréal, QC H2S 3S3

Happy Shopping!

 

This past weekend I had the opportunity to hang out in beautiful Mont-Tremblant. It was the perfect escape seeing as Toronto was going to be hot and humid. Sorry my Toronto friends, but I was wearing long sleeves and pants in Mont Tremblant!!

But enough about the weather, lets talk about the food.

Hee. Hee.

The weekend started off with a trip to a grocery store called S. Bourassa where I picked up a cheese I never had before (Le Samson D’Ici) and some other favourites as well!! #score

Then we went Ben-Venue for poutine and a pogo. I resisted eating the poutine but I couldn’t resist devouring the entire pogo.

Somehow I had the willpower not to indulge in this fabulous poutine.

Here’s two restaurants that I would highly recommend.

1. L’Escalope 597 Rue de Saint Jovite, Mont-Tremblant, QC, Phone:  (819) 425-3354

This restaurant had a prix fixe menu for $26 which included an impressive salad bar, a main course, dessert and coffee. Of course, I was so full from the salad bar that I wrapped up 90 percent of my main course to take home for lunch the next day.

2. Creperie Catherine,  977 Rue Labelle, Mont-Tremblant, QC, Phone:(819) 681-4888

Oh my. What a treat. I ordered the french onion soup which was exactly what I wanted. It was so good that it deserved its own photo on my blog.

The smoked salmon crepe was also outstanding – full of smoked salmon and stuffed with gooey cheese. Was kicking myself that I’m on a no carb diet and could only have a bite!!

I had a fantastic weekend in Mont-Tremblant despite the clouds. The excellent food and the great company made up up for it!!

I had a packet of ground beef hanging around in the freezer from TruLocal and wanted to do something with it besides making a hamburger. So I decided that meatballs might be a good idea. Believe it or not, this was my first time making meatballs!

I then headed over to Pinterest and selected the recipe where I didn’t have to buy anything for the recipe. Am I the only one who does this? LOL. I love cooking but hate having to go get the ONE item I might be missing for a recipe.

Here’s what I made:

Incredible Baked Meatballs (Original Recipe Found Here)

Ingredients:
1 lb hamburger
2 eggs, beaten
1⁄2 cup milk
1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs or 1 cup breadcrumbs
1 small onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
fresh ground pepper
1⁄4 cup minced fresh basil

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients with hands.
2. Form into golfball sized meatballs.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Before I knew it I was making those golf sized meatballs.

And 30 minutes later I was eating these delicious baked meatballs.

Happy Cooking!

On Saturday night we hosted a dinner party. This is not unusual as I love entertaining but this particular party was certainly special.

WHY?

Because all I had to do was set the table. (no joke)

The Chef Upstairs provided everything else! Here’s a bit more information about The Chef Upstairs…they are a cooking studio that offers classes & they also offer private dining events where guests choose the menu, wine & decor. As you can see, I had the opportunity to experience the latter!!

At 4 pm, the talented Chef and his lovely assistant showed up.

The Chef brought with him everything he needed as he had done the grocery shopping, prepping etc. So I gave him a tour of the kitchen and he started to do his magic.

When our guests arrived at 7 pm, I  was actually relaxed and not exhausted as someone else had done all the work (grocery shopping, prepping, and cooking)

We started off with some appetizers:

Then w all sat down at the table and I swear to you I did NOT get up ONCE. I didn’t get up to serve, not to check something in the oven, not to clear – I sat like I a guest and it was freakin’ awesome.

The food we ate was spectacular too. We were over the moon happy with everything we tasted. The Chef was clearly trained and had experience in a 2 star Michelin restaurant – this was all evident.

We had discussed the menu prior to the dinner party so the following menu can be tailored to your desire. But here’s what was served!

Amuse Bouche
– Rabbit Confit with brandy and fig compote in puff pastry with balsamic pearls (beyond delicious)

First Course
– Warm Avocado soup with brie cream and citrus Pico de Gallo and volcanic salt

Second Course
– Arugula salad with Sherry vinaigrette topped with toasted pumpkin seeds and Bellavitano cheese

Entree
– AAA Beef tenderloin with wild mushroom compound butter, served with roasted garlic french beans and shiitake mushrooms and red beet and horse radish puree (everything was cooked to perfection)

Dolce
– Lemon Granita and espresso cookies with raspberry, lime and vanilla bean coolis

-Naturally we had some pretty special wine to go with our meal.

Our guests loved the experience as much as we did. It was truly special to feel like you were in a restaurant but you weren’t!

Thank you again to The Chef Upstairs for this incredible birthday gift!

For more information:

Website: www.thechefupstairs.com
Address: 516 Mt Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2M2
Phone: (416) 544-9221

 

 

Often I head to a farmer’s market and all I want to do is buy veggies and go home and make salads.

Therefore I encourage you this weekend to head out to a Farmers Market to buy some beautiful local veggies so you too can rush home and make a delicious salad too.

Here are a few salads that I made last weekend!

Salad Saturday consisted of sliced zucchini, black olives, goat cheese, and romaine lettuce.

The romaine lettuce that I purchased at the  Wychwood Farmers Market had a huge root at the bottom of it. I swear I never see this root when I go to the supermarket to buy a lettuce.

Salad Sunday consisted of roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes and onions with a salad mix. Then I added some crumbled blue cheese to make the salad interesting!!

I should mention that one night I made another veggie dish that I would make again…..Zucchini Noodles with an Avocado Pesto Dressing. Please click here for the recipe. Notice the little avocado star I made? I was so proud of myself. LOL

I love making salads!

I hate making dressings though. They always take a long time but I know the effort is worth it!

Happy Salad Saturday/Sunday!

I know I know….it’s hard to believe its August. But it’s here and there’s no shortage of things to do.

I will be off to Mont Tremblant and Ottawa in August so there goes two of my weekends. However some of these events are during the week and I will be there!!

Here’s my round up!

1. The St. Lawrence Market Summer Series – presented in partnership with The Food Dudes – kicks off Thursday, August 4 with a party like no other.
This innovative production merges cuisine and art in an iconic setting to create an unforgettable evening you won’t want to miss. (Which is why I will be there).
The St. Lawrence Market patios will be transformed into a downtown oasis of food, drink, music, performance and celebration, joining the Market’s storied purveyors with Toronto’s finest chefs, musicians and artists in a true feast for the senses.
$30 general admission (plus taxes & fees)
General admission tickets include two food tickets.

Tickets can be purchased here!

2.  Toronto’s newest summer food festival, Feast of St. Lawrence Festival  is taking place from August 12-14, 2016. The festival will begin with Toronto’s newest dining event on Friday evening in support of Foodshare Toronto. On Saturday, the celebration moves to the coveted St. Lawrence Market and Market Street. Activities include indoor food demonstrations using local farm-fresh produce, outdoor food stalls, canning sessions, and seating areas.
Market Street will be also be buzzing with live entertainment. For more information please click here.

3. The CNE – Always my favourite.  ps. You will find me in the food building.  You might also find me on the ferris wheel too. LOL

5. If you like cider, then this event is for you….Toronto Cider Festival is taking place on Aug 27th at Yonge Dundas Square from 1130 am to 1030 pmLooks like August is going to be a tasty month!!

Enjoy the rest of summer everyone.

The other day I had the opportunity to check out the first ever Sport Chek Atmosphere Combination flagship store at CF  Sherway Gardens. I’m not kidding but lately I’ve been to CF Sherway Gardens more than I’ve been to Yorkdale Shopping Centre (and I live 7 minutes from Yorkdale).  CF Sherway Gardens keeps getting better and better. However in a few months, Yorkdale is going to explode with some great new stores as well!! #excited

OK back to Sport Chek and why you should visit this impressive store!

This flagship store is 80,000 sqf but don’t worry there’s technology everywhere to get you to the right department.

Speaking of departments – this unique store features:

-a high the basketball department

-a hydraulic footwear display

-two storey monolif display

-hologram podiums

-The New Balance Stride ID Lab and Shop in Shop (which uses 3D technology – very cool)

-Atmosphere Climb station climbing treadmill

Seeing as I’m “momwhoruns” I was eager to put on a pair of white socks and check out the New Balance Stride ID Lab. This piece of technology is the only one in North America and provides you with precise information about your foot so you can select the right type of shoe. Don’t you just love technology?

I also noticed this display, so you can personalize your own shirt. It brought back a lot of memories for me as my dad used to have a sports store in Ottawa and I remember the “old school” method he used to personalize shirts for his customers.

Congratulations Sport Chek on your new flagship store. I have no doubt that this store is going to be a huge success.

Happy Shopping!

For more information: 

Website: www.SportChek.ca

Twitter: @sportchek

CF Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall Toronto. (416) 621-1070

 

I grew up with a Baskin-Robbins location a few blocks from my middle school and high school. I have many memories of grabbing a Peanut Butter ‘n Chocolate ice cream cone during a “spare” with my childhood best friend who also shared the same excitement for ice cream.

Decades later, I still love Baskin-Robbins.  I recently read their 2016 National Ice Cream Month survey that states, four in ten Canadians enjoy ice cream at least once per week. I’m one of those four!!

Other findings from the study: most Canadians prefer their ice cream served in a cone – two-thirds (65 per cent) of them to be exact – with a cup or waffle bowl trailing closely behind (55 per cent) and an ice cream sundae coming in third (47 per cent).

Ice cream lovers (like me) can now  look forward to enjoying their favourite Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavours at home with the launch of #Celebrate 31, a promotion available at participating Baskin-Robbins shops across Canada on July 31. On that day, guests can take home their favourite flavours and receive 31 per cent off any Grab ‘N Go Pre-Pack Ice Cream*. The special offer will be available on the 31st day of July, August, October and December in 2016.

If you are wondering why the promotion offers 31 per cent  off…here’s your answer: “The number 31 represents history and flavour variety for our brand, which offers a different flavour of ice cream for every day of the month. Plus its’ a great way to celebrate  National Ice Cream Month!

Baskin-Robbins pre-pack flavours include a variety of favourites and classics like Mint Chocolate Chip, Gold Medal Ribbon® and Pralines ‘n Cream. Guests also may enjoy the July Flavour of the Month, BeaverTails® Pastry, where 10 cents from every BeaverTails® Pastry ice cream scoop sold this month will be donated to SickKids Foundation.

Once again, the BeaverTails Pastry ice cream hits home with me, as I grew up in Ottawa eating BeaverTails.

Happy National Ice Cream Month Everyone!

For more information:

Website: www.BaskinRobbins.ca

Twitter/Instagram: @BaskinRobbinsCa

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

Disclosure: I was compensated for this blog post however all opinions are my own.

I’m new to the world of camping. Last year, we tried it (read more by clicking here) and decided that we should go camping again seeing as we had invested in all the equipment.

I found myself asking more experienced friends for their favourite campground that was close to Toronto and Sibbald Provincial Park kept coming up in conversation.

Therefore I picked up the phone and dialled 1-888-668-7275  and booked the last camp site available on July 16/17 that had an electrical outlet. FYI –  we booked campsite 902 that was close to three things: the store, the beach, the comfort station

The only reason I use this outlet is to charge my phone. Is that bad? We didn’t use it to blow up the air mattress this year and just brought yoga mats instead. Not sure if this was the wisest move. LOL

Our Coleman tent that was purchased at Canadian Tire last year, still goes up in 10 minutes. It’s brilliant. I will admit that I’m not putting it up but I believe even I(who has “manual phobia”) would be able to do it.

Our meals this year were pretty basic – dinner consisted of salad, hot dogs and smores and for breakfast I had fried eggs and salami.

As for my thoughts about Sibbald Provincial Park:

Pros

-it’s close to Toronto i.e. 90 minutes from downtown

-it has a lovely beach thats ideal for families with young kids i.e. its shallow

Cons:

– It’s one busy park. I mean really busy.

I was smart and returned to the beach when it was pretty empty so I could capture this photo at sunset.

Looking forward to my blog post next year: Camping: Year 3. Wonder which park we will go to? Time will tell.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!

 

Before I go camping, I had two things to accomplish:

1.Visit Hale Coffee (33 Campbell Ave) to help them celebrate their opening and to grab a free coffee which they are offering all day on July 16th. I’m in love with their space and their coffee these days.

2. Blog about the Honda Indy which is taking place this weekend July 15-17) at Exhibition Place. I went for my first time last year and I was mesmerized by the whole scene. ..the cars, the complexity of every part, the massive tires, the speed, the “team work” that is involved etc.

I had the chance to walk around and get pretty close to these cars, the parts, and even a famous driver race driver (Josef Winegarten)

Here’s a few photos to inspire you to go!!

Have a great weekend.

PS next weekend is the Rogers Cup (July 23-31). This will be quite the tournament for Milos Raonic  where he will surely receive a warm homecoming from his Canadian fans. Murray is set to return to Rogers Cup as well, as defending champion.

Next weekend is also the Toronto Festival of Beer! (July 22-24) Oh my…so much going on and so little time!