After reading a review of Bar Buca by Amy Pataki in the Toronto Star, I knew that I wanted to visit this restaurant STAT. She gave it 3.5 stars out of 4, so I put Bar Buca on my radar and off I went for lunch. I was a bit nervous that it  was going to be busy so I was cautious and arrived at 11:30 am. It was a good move.

The space has a few shared tables and a bar as well.(capacity 38).  I like watching the ‘action” so I plunked myself onto one of those high backed chairs!

The menu is divided into small bites, cold plates, hot plates, fried, stuffed focaccia and skewers. Love it. It’s perfect for sharing ….and priced between $3 and $14.

So what did I order? Let’s put it to you this way – TASTY STUFF.

Specifically: POLIPO – baby octopus, soppressata, crema de palate. What you really need to know is that it was perfectly prepared.

We also ordered: CARCIOFI CRUDI – raw artichokes, buffalo yogurt, bottarga, senape. In other words: More Perfection

Based on a few reviews, I knew I would be ordering the PORCHETTA SANDWICH (roast tuscan pork, mascarapone, apple mostarda, agliata). What you really need to know about this sandwich is that it is MASSIVE. So glad we split it!

Last but not least – we ordered the BRUSCHETTA which is described as: duck yolk, beech mushroom and truffle. Again – DELICIOUS.

Conclusion: This restaurant offers some well executed dishes in a cool atmosphere with some decent service. Not to mention that the menu appeals to me as it’s certainly not an ordinary menu. Not even close.  I know I will be returning one morning with my macbook… to try their coffee and pastries. I have no doubt that I’m going to be impressed. Most likely I will be making it for dinner one day too. Clearly I’ve become a quick fan of Rob Gentiles’ style. (who is the Executive Chef).

For more information:

Bar Buca 75 Portland St. Toronto 416 599 2822

Hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 1 am, Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 2 am.

Twitter; @barbucatoronto

I recently was involved in a conversation where we discussed “what food would you feel funny about, if you didn’t eat it every day”?. I have to admit there are days where I don’t eat any fruit but there’s hardly a day that goes by without me eating vegetables. Here’s a few of my favorite QUICK and SIMPLE veggies dishes.

1. Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Wash, trim, sprinkle with olive oil, salt and pepper …stick them on a tray in a 425 oven for 15 minutes. VOILA.

2. Kale with Red Pepper, Onions and Goat Cheese: Stir fry the onions, add some red pepper and then the chopped (washed) Kale. Add some goat cheese for some creamy-ness. SO SO good for you.

3. Stir Fried Veggies; No need to explain. Right? LOL

4. Roasted Root Veggies: Try Cookstown Greens…it’s worth the $$. Promise. Wash the veggies, stick them on a tray, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and bake in a 425 oven for 30 minutes. YUM.

5. I’m perfectly happy with a salad too!

What’s your favourite vegetable? Do share…

Next blog post…will be all about FRUIT. Stay tuned.

Fact: I haven’t been eating in too many restaurants these days as I’ve morphed into a film junkie!! Thanks to the Toronto Jewish Film Festival, I’ve seen 5 movies in 4 days!

Here’s what I’ve seen.

SHTISEL:  This is an award winning Israeli TV series that follows four generations of an Ultra Orthodox family and their tight knit community in Jerusalem. I liked episodes 1-3 so much that I returned to watch episodes 4-6 a few days later.

This TV series will be showing again this weekend.

Friday May 9th Episodes 1-4 will be playing at 1:00 pm at Empress Walk Theatres

Friday May 11th Episodes 3-6 will be playing at 1 pm at Empress Walk Theatres.

Trust me. You will be drawn into this series!!

RUSSIAN DISCO: This is the Canadian Premiere for this film . What’s it about? Basically it’s a story about three friends who move from Russia to Berlin. I was entertained and enjoyed the dynamics of these three friends.

This film will be playing again on:

Wednesday May 7th at 845 pm at the Bloor Cinema

24 DAYS: This powerful film is based on a true story about the kidnapping of Ilan Halimi in a Paris suburb. It was an intense movie that has left an impact on me…even days later.

IN HIDING: A thriller that is set during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The acting was superb and the story line definitely captured my attention.

There’s plenty more films that will be showing over the next few days!!

Please take a peek at the their website for a complete list.

PS …in the event you can’t make it to the festival, please visit Videoflicks  (1701 Avenue Road) as they have a wide selection of  Israeli films and TV shows.

Mother’s Day is around the corner!! If you haven’t bought a gift yet, here’ a few ideas.

1. FOR THE MOM WHO…….Who Loves To Be Pampered.

A getaway to Ste. Anne’s Spa is the answer! Please take a peek at their amazing website which now offers auctions (which I think is a really cool idea). I’ve never been there for an overnight however a day trip certainly does the trick for me!!

2. FOR THE MOM…Who Loves Yoga

Buy her the B Mat. Why? Because  its exceptionally grippy texture, its eco-friendly and its durable. Not to mention it’s NEW, NEW, NEW…it recently launched in February 2014!!

3. FOR THE MOM…Who Runs!!

The Samsung Gear Fit is the perfect gift.

Oh what a treat for someone who loves technology and running. I’m now the proud owner of this watch and can’t wait to get off the dreadmill and use it. I’ve already signed up for a one on one lesson with Telus to learn every possible feature about this watch.

4. FOR THE MOM…Who Has Everything

Head to the AGO Gift Store. I swear you will find SOMETHING. This store really does carry unique (and beautiful) products.

5. FOR THE MOM….Who Loves to Entertain.

I promise you will find something for her at Loblaws!. Once again,  President’s Choice has a STUNNING SPRING line! ps I’ve already bought the napkins (on the left) for my paper napkin collection. Yes – that’s right – I have a paper napkin. (yes..I’m normal)

6. FOR THE MOM…Who Loves Tea

Consider buying Tea from Lemon Lily which offers a beautiful range of organic teas!

7. FOR THE MOM….Who LOVES Handmade Creations.

Head over to ETSY.  Seriously.

8.FOR THE MOM…Who Loves to Read.

I would suggest buying her a Kobo. I’ve been a proud owner of a Kobo since 2010 and can’t say enough about their customer service.

9. FOR THE MOM…Who’s FOODIE

OMG..this is a hard one for me to answer!! In fact I don’t know where to start. A cookbook? a certificate to her favorite restaurant? a cheese box from Taste of Cheese? a cooking class? 18 kg gold chocolate bar from Baroness Chocolates? a food crawl to all her favorite spots? a fresh truffle?

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!!

Disclosure: A variety of these companies provided me with product, however all opinions are my own.

 

When I was asked if I would be interested in interviewing Canadian two-time Olympic medalist and four-time Olympic Triathlete,….Simon Whitfield….I didn’t hesitate to say YES!!

Here’s a recap of the interview!

Momwhoruns: I drink coffee after I run on the treadmill. Not good, right? What should I be drinking?

Simon: Chocolate milk!!

Momwhoruns: Any tips how I can get motivated to get off the dreadmill and start running outside?

Simon: There’s nothing wrong with running on a treadmill but I would suggest running on an incline of 1%.

Momwhoruns: I understand you are a huge fan of Chocolate Milk. How would you answer this question: chocolate milk AND _____________.!

Simon: Chocolate milk and a banana with almond butter

Momwhoruns: Sometimes after a workout I just want to nap – what am I doing wrong? shouldn’t I feel energized?

Simon: Perhaps you you don’t have the right pre workout fuel?

Momwhoruns: What’s your cheat food?

Simon: A good croissant!

Momwhoruns: Do you add chocolate milk to any smoothies? I bet that’s a great way to incorporate chocolate milk into a post recovery workout drink.

Simon: My favorite combo is chocolate milk, greek yogurt, blueberries and lemon fish oil

Momwhoruns:  Avocado Chocolate Pudding: yay or nay?

Simon: Those are two of my favorite foods but I have never tried this combo.

Momwhoruns: What do you remember about your first triathlon?

Simon: I was 11 years old and I wore a Mickey Mouse hat and boxer shorts with cows on them.

Momwhoruns: Any advice for momwhoruns so she can keep on running?

Simon: Consistency

Clearly Simon is a huge fan of Chocolate Milk as it’s an ideal recovery drink after vigorous exercise that helps people to rehydrate, refuel and recharge their bodies.

Here’s a photo of me listening to Simons advice!

I also want to share a (cool) contest that’s going on. Please click on RechargewithMilk.ca!  for complete information and all the details!!

The contest involves a prize that is a runner’s dream …(seriously)

• Residents of Ontario and Atlantic Canada have the chance to win a 12-week training program with four-time Olympian and Canadian triathlete, Simon Whitfield, as their very own personal trainer to prepare for one of the races at the 2015 Halifax Blue Nose Marathon or the 2015 Mississauga Marathon. 
• The winner will also receive an all-expense paid trip for two people to the Halifax Blue Nose Marathon or the Mississauga Marathon, new running gear and a supply of chocolate milk.
• This prize is valued at approx $10,000.

 

Last year I went to this event for my first time and was totally impressed for many reasons.(Click here for last year’s blog post).

This year, The Stop’s Night Market takes place on June 17 and 18, 2014 from 7 pm to 11 pm.  I’m writing you to encourage you to buy your tickets quickly (as in now) as they go on sale today (May 1st). Seriously – this will be a sold out event.

Why should you attend?

-you are going to taste some spectacular food plus it’s all-you-can-eat. No tickets required!!

-you are going to be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages too! (think: beer, wine, and more)

-each vendor has a unique space which makes for a visually appealing experience. (no 6 ft tables draped in white linen…not even close)

-you are going to support an amazing cause.

-the location is perfectly accessible.

I should mention that there are different food/drink vendors each night – kind of cool!.

Note: I met one woman last year who bought tickets for both nights. #smart #move.

Hope to see you there!

For more information:

Twitter: @theStopCFC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thestopnightmarket/

Website: The Stop Community Food Centre

I went to this restaurant when they first opened but for some reason, I never went back. This often happens for no other reason than my perpetual curiosity to keep trying new restaurants.

However, a few weeks ago I dined at Bi Bim Bap…. 3 times in one week. I initially went with a friend who has mulitple allergies (and they were all too accommodating) and then returned with my boyfriend and then returned again when my mom was visiting from Ottawa. It also helps that this restaurant is less than a kilometre from my apartment!

Bi Bim Bap is located on Eglinton between the Allen and Bathurst. It looks like this from the outside.

When you sit down, you will notice a little red “call button” which comes in handy when you want to ask the waitress a question or need something!

What sets this restaurant apart (besides the call button) from other Bi Bim Bap restaurants that I’ve been to?

-They are totally understanding when it comes to allergies. Infact there’s NO shellfish in any of their dishes.

-The quality of the food is outstanding. You might be paying a few dollars extra but it’s worth it.

-The owner, Sam and his staff are super friendly.

-My food (which arrives in stone bowl) was still  STEAMING 20 minutes after it arrived at the table. Seriously.

What did I order?

MUSHROOM BI BIM BAP  –  A mix of 9 different varieties of mushrooms, stir fried (TO PERFECTION) and served on top of Bi Bim Bap vegetables. ($13.99).  There are other varieties on the menu but I prefer the vegetarian option. Go figger.

I hope you get a chance to check out this restaurant one day soon. It’s a neighbourhood favorite for a good reason!

For more information:

Bi Bim Bap  950 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto 416 787 7423

Hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday to Saturday 11 am to 10 pm, Sunday 11 am to 8 pm. Closed All Holidays.

No facebook page or twitter presence 🙁

Disclosure: My meal was compensated however all opinions are my own

 

Here’s my definition of a Perfect Saturday (or Sunday…LOL).

1. Checked out a new bakery that (just) opened. Specifically…. Bakers and Scone (693 St. Clair Ave. West). Clearly I was not the only one excited about their opening as there was a line up when we arrived! The scones were perfect and they served a pretty decent Americano as well. I will definitely be returning.

2. Proceed to St. Lawrences Market to walk around. Naturally I bought some cheese but these products also captured my attention!

3. Stumbled upon a new restaurant, Market Street Catch, that just opened a week ago. I didn’t stay to eat but its now#onmylist.

4. Head over to Stillwater Spa as my boyfriend was going to enjoy his first massage as well as his first visit to a Spa.

5. Found out that Prairie Girl Bakery was celebrating their 1st anniversary at 150 Bloor St. W …. and scored a free mini cupcake!

6. Ended the day with a home cooked dinner!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend too!

 

I love using recipes but sometimes it’s just fun to look into my fridge/freezer and figure out if I can get creative and create my own recipe!

Specifically I had some pineapple and a piece of salmon….plus a jalapeno.

I decided to bring out my Philips AirFryer to create my meal as I knew it was going to be the fastest way to cook this dish. Not to mention, no odour and minimal cleanup. #winwin

1. First, I cooked the salmon. (see previous post).

2. Then I shmeared (is that a word?) 2 slices of pineapple with the agave, and then sprinkled it with some finely diced jalapeno. Notice the brown specks? That’s grated nutmeg on it.  I also decided to take the other 2 slices of pineapple and shmeared it with Nando’s Piri Piri Sauce.

3. I popped the pineapple slices into the Philips Airfryer and 6 minutes later  (at 200 degrees) it was golden and cooked!!

4.To complete the meal I made some some quinoa with fried onions and some spices from Jaswant’s Kitchen.

Voila. LUNCH.

Disclosure: The Philips Airfryer was provided to me however all opinions are my own.

I grew up eating smoked meat. Infact, I remember my dad bringing home a package of smoked meat for my sister & I as well as a package of smoked salmon for my mom …every Sunday morning! My relationship with smoked meat had a break for about 20 years but guess what? I’m back on track with smoked meat again. I’m not eating it regularly so trust me, I’m no expert. I think I visit a deli once a year…even though I don’t live far from many of them. Deli’s like Pancers, Yitz’s, Centre St. Deli, Caplansky’s are all close by including Ben & Izzy’s.

This restaurant opened up almost a year ago and I’m pleased to say that I finally went! It was on my list for a LONG time.

The space is not what I expected for a kosher restaurant along Bathurst St. I was impressed…it was much brighter, cleaner and trendier than I had anticipated.

Even though there are plenty of options to eat at Ben & Izzy’s – I knew what I would be ordering!! (see the top left corner?)

Our sandwiches looked like this…

Naturally…..Cherry Coke,  Cotts’ Cherry Soda and Vernon’s are available.

Again, I’m no “deli” expert but I certainly enjoyed my meal and would certainly recommend it to my friends who are looking for decent deli!!

ps Check out their website. It’s awesome!

For more information:

Ben & Izzy’s Deli; 3513 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON 416 787 3354

Hours: Sun: 12 – 9 | Mon & Tues: 11 – 8
Wed & Thurs: 11 – 9 | Fri: 11 – 2

Twitter: @benandizzys

Facebook: www.facebook.com/benandizzys