I’ve been anticipating the Grilled Cheese Fest since it was first announced back in December. Finally the day arrived and I made sure to be at Roy Thompson Hall at precisely 5 pm as they were letting in media before the event started. I try to take advantage of this opportunity so I can snap up some decent photos and talk to vendors about what they are serving etc.

Before I go any further – I want to say that I was there from 5 pm to 7 pm. During that time…..I sampled some cheesy goodness, enjoyed some soup and drank a craft beer or two!!  I also made sure to take lactose pills on a regular basis!!

I’m not quite sure how many lactose pills I took but I wasn’t going to a little lactose intolerance get in my way!!

The evening promised a variety of unique grilled cheese sandwiches, complemented with homemade soup and craft beer – and they delivered! My favourite grilled sandwich was the General Kim from Cut the Cheese.  (2901A Dundas St. W). The sandwich was described as: Kimchi, sweet soy pork, lotus chips, cilantro, fontina cheese on a light rye bread.

My favourite soup was from Cheesewerks. (56 Bathurst St)

I really did enjoy the event (again, I was there between 5 and 7 pm). However I then discovered thru a blogger friend that many guests did not get a chance to enjoy the event, as they had oversold the event by 700 tickets.  I really felt bad when I read this. This isn’t exactly how an event should be run but I’m sure Joylister learned a thing or two. Just like they learned a thing or two after they ran the Poutine Festival.

For more information:

www.joylister.com

Twitter: @Joylister

Instagram: Joylister

Facebook: www.facebook.com/JoylisterFUN

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I’ve just walked in from a FoodShare event that’s called Recipe for Change. It took place at the St. Lawrence Market (North Building) and is an event that features Toronto’s Top Culinary Talent while supporting good food education.

The venue was the perfect size and well spaced out. Guests had the opportunity to even sit down at a table and not just stand up and eat their food! Whoever did the floor plan did a great job.

As for the food: There was a variety of everything and no shortage of food OR drink. To be exact: 30 Chefs, 20 VQA wines and 6 local beers.  What was noticeable, was the amount of vegetarian and vegan options. To sum it up – I’m STUFFED.

Yum.

I ate…I ate….I ate….I ate…

I ate some more….(in particular those oysters from Hooked. I was embarrassed how many I ate!!)

There was also an impressive Silent Auction that took place. I was super interested in the Women’s Deluxe Cruiser and should have placed a bid. Arghh – now I’m kicking myself. (Lesson.Learned).

Please keep this event on your radar for next year!! You will be supporting a great cause at the same time as enjoying a super well organized event.

Congratulations to the entire team at FoodShare!!

For more information: Please check out this website – www.foodshare.net

Twitter: @foodshare

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I’m not quite sure what took me so long to get introduced to Chia Seeds. I mean, it has 14 grams of FIBRE for each 1/4 cup serving. In other words – 56% of your Daily Value. That’s insane!! Chia seeds are also a good source of Omega 3 Poly-Unsaturates and a good source of protein!!

So this is what I’ve been doing (at night) for the last week.

It’s soooo easy – I feel bad to even call this a recipe!!

Here’s what you need:

forgot the vanilla extract!

Here’s the official recipe: (which I learned in a Vegan cooking class from Love Thy Carrot)

• 1/3 cup of Chia seeds. (I purchased mine at Costco)
• 1 1/2 cups Silk Almond Milk (but you could use any type of milk)
• A touch of vanilla extract

*you could also add a touch of sweetener (honey, agave, etc)

1. Add all ingredients into a mason jar.

2. SHAKE. SHAKE. SHAKE.

3. Put it int the fridge. Then about 30 minutes later – SHAKE. SHAKE. SHAKE. Return the jar back to the refrigerator.

Voila – breakfast will look like this in the morning. Alternatively, you can make it during the day and just let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

I’ve been chugging it back – before my work out and even after my workout. Sometimes, I take the whole mason jar with me in the car and sip it in between errands.

But if you want to get fancy – you could actually put it in a bowl and top it with fresh fruit or dried fruit (like the dried mango from Natural Sins)

I really (really) hope you get a chance to check out this superfood!!

P.S. Huge thanks to Voula Halliday who encouraged me to share this recipe! Oh how I love my facebook/twitter friends.

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When I found out that Nadége Patisserie was organizing a Croissunday, I immediately put it into my calendar. I even blogged about it before the event….that’s how excited I was about this special day.

I thought I would make it to Nadége, first thing in the morning on Sunday. But my morning got pretty busy:  i.e  – watched the hockey game and had company for breakfast! This meant that I didn’t arrive at their Rosedale location till around noon. Sadly I found out that they were sold out. To be exact, they were sold out by 10:30 am!! But the staff were truly lovely and I left with a smile on my face and didn’t seem to mind driving another 20 minutes to get to their Queen St. location.

I was determined. Err… I was on a mission!!

Croissunday was indeed popular. The bakery was packed!

I think I counted 12 servers. They were clearly prepared!!

No wonder!!! There were 13 flavours in total and this was the first year that Nadége put on this event. Flavours like – Pistachio/Raspberry, Lemon, Apple Strudel, Beer, Black Squid, Cassis, Olive oil, Rosemary, Apricot and more!!

Here’s what my croissants looked like before I tasted them.

Here’s what the croissants looked like when you split them amongst 5 people.

I like sharing!!

Here’s what the plate looked liked AFTER they were inhaled.

Congratulations to Nadége for a tremendously successful Croissunday!!  I hope this will become an annual event. Hint.

For more information:

Nadége – Rosedale Location :1099 Yonge St, Toronto, 416.968.2011

Nadége – Queen W. Location: 780 Queen St. West, Toronto, 416.368.2009

Twitter: @nadegetoronto

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Many years ago, I was a special events coordinator and part of my job description was hiring caterers and working with them to develop menus for cocktail parties, dinners and events. I truly loved this part of my job. I’m no longer in that industry but I still enjoy checking out new caterers, learning about food trends etc. Therefore, I was pretty excited to attend the launch of O&B Caters. 
Yes – that’s right – O&B – as in Oliver & Bonacini. After 25 years in the restaurant business, they have finally decided to launch a catering division!

The dishes that I sampled at the launch were superb and I have no doubt that guests at any function would also be impressed.

Seriously – how gorgeous is this presentation?.  This dish had it all – delicate flavours, presentation and textures. See the three “brown/white” chunks – well that’s QUINOA BRITTLE! I don’t know about you but that’s certainly not something that I usually see  in a salad, when I go to a catered event. O&B Caters certainly take things an extra step!!

And there’s more gorgeous presentation…

I simply adore presentation. Sorry – if I’m repeating myself. But it’s so true.

But there’s more to catering than just a good menu and amazing presentation. There’s a whole team behind a caterer that also adds to the success to an event – i.e professional staff, decor, and a creative team. No doubt about it – O&B Caters delivers on every level.

For more information:

O&B Caters: 416.364.1211

events@oliverbonacini.com

Twitter: O&B_Caterers

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As you know there are no shortage of events in Toronto. Here are a few events that are on my radar.

1. The Toronto Maple Leafs will hold a team practice outdoors at the newly covered rink at Toronto’s Greenwood Park on Friday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m., and the public is encouraged to attend. I went two years ago and I must say – it was pretty fun to watch them outdoors.

2. Croissunday at Nadège Patisserie is taking place on Sunday Feb 23rd at both locations (780 Queen St. W and 1099 Yonge St. If you are a croissant fan, then this event is for you as there is going to be a wide range of unusual flavours. Im SO going to this event.

Image: Nadege Patisserie

3. .Recipe for Change: Feb 27, 2014, St. Lawrence Market from 6 to 9 pm. In its fifth delicious year, FoodShare’s Recipe for Change event will bring 400 guests together for a bountiful feast of the very best this city has to offer. This important event supports healthy food and food literacy education in our schools. Tickets are $125.

4. C’est What    (67 Front St. W) is holding a Bacon and Beer Night on Tuesday March 4th. How can you go wrong with an event that involves Beer and Bacon? It’s a 4 course meal that will be paired with 4 beers. Dinner is at 7 pm., Show at 730 pm. Tickets are $57-$60

5. Macaron Day will be taking place on March 20th at a variety of location throughout the GTA. Mark your calendars!! ps I took this photo of Macarons at La Bamboche. (1712 Avenue Road) and it’s one of my all time favorite photos!

6. Canada Blooms. I adore this show and you will too. Seriously. It will take place this year from March 14 – March 23rd at the Direct Energy Centre and I will be there!!

One more thing that I’m eagerly anticipating is the opening of Mother’s Dumpling on the Danforth. I’m too excited for words regarding their second location to be open.

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There’s a few dishes I make that can really stink up my apartment. (do you like my honesty?). In no particular order they are:

1. TUNA BURGERS : Delicious and easy to make…but man-oh-man the odour from these tuna burgers permeates the air like there is no tomorrow!

2. BEER BATTERED TILAPIA: One of my favorite meals to make but there is a price to pay. #fryingsmell

3. POTATO LATKES: Thankfully I only make this dish around Chanuka but still….

4. FRENCH FRIES: As much as I love my beloved french fries…., the smell it leaves behind is almost unbearable.

I’m pretty sure that even when I lived in a house, the air was still thick with food odours whenever I fried something. I tried incense, opening windows, boiling cinnamon water…you name it. Then I was introduced to the Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Cleaner. Talk about a brilliant machine. I press a button and bingo – no more “odour”.

Here’s more info about this genius machine. (no pun intended)

The Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Cleaner takes the guesswork out of air purification with SMART CONTROLS that DO THE THINKING FOR YOU with five intuitive operation settings: Sleep, Germs, General, Allergen, and Max.

It’s easy to maintain and QUIET too. (seriously)

So, if you suffer from allergies or want to eliminate nasty odors from your house/apartment- the Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Cleaner is the answer!!

Please note: I was provided with a Honeywell AirGenius 5 Air Cleaner, however all opinions in this blog post are my own.

For more information:

Twitter: @HoneywellPlugIn

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

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I’d like to tell you about Valentine’s Day 2013. I wasn’t dating anyone but knew that I wanted to celebrate the “day” and not just sit on my couch in my apartment!  So I did something brilliant. I booked a massage at Body Blitz late in the afternoon. I remember walking in and immediately noticed how quiet it was – as everyone was ON A DATE!! I didn’t mind the peace and quiet. ….TRUST ME. It was like having the whole place to myself! After the massage, I took advantage of the water therapy, showered and changed.

Then I walked around the block and went to Scotiabank Theatre. I can’t remember what I saw -but I do remember that the movie theatre was pretty empty. Again, everyone was probably out having Valentine’s Day Dinner.

After the movie, I proceeded to celebrate Valentine’s Day and went Bar Chef to have a molecular mojito. Again – Bar Chef was pretty empty!! I got home around 11 pm . I have to admit that I felt pretty relaxed and loved the choices I made.

Now let’s talk about Valentine’s Day 2014. I’m dating someone so Valentine’s Day is going to be different than 2013. We are going to celebrate with a special dinner at home and I’ve got a special gift to give to him as well. I can’t reveal anymore details cause he reads my blog!!

What inspired me in 2014 for Valentine’s Day….. is the stuff I’m finding on Pinterest!!  Here’s some of my favorites.

Love this simple idea too…

Wishing everyone a happy Valentine’s Day!!

For more information:

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I’ve been struggling with my weight for a long time. To be exact, I can remember going to Weight Watchers meetings with my best friend in Grade 7. A recent survey commissioned by Multi-Grain Cheerios examining young women ages 10-17 revealed some compelling stats:

3 in 5 women have been on a diet

52% of girls get their information about dieting and nutrition from family member

1 in 5 girls under 18 is currently dieting

I totally believe in these stats! I was also delighted to learn that Multi-Grain Cheerios is encouraging Canadians to take the first step in being a positive, healthy role model by taking the “Never Say Dieting Oath” at WorldWithoutDieting.ca.

As a mom  to two kids,  I’ve really tried hard to lead a healthy lifestyle and to be a positive role model. I try to serve healthy meals which include veggies, fruits, and protein and really do try to make as much from scratch as possible. Not to mention, I’m always heading to GoodLife Fitness to run on the treadmill.

Full Disclosure:  I was on a no carb diet for a year and a half but did not exercise at ALL during this time. As of October 2013, I got back on the treadmill and started to introduce (some) carbs back into my diet. It feels really good and it was the right thing to do. I really do love going to the gym and having the fuel in my body to run again or take a class.

I’m a huge fun of the word “healthy lifestyle” and thrilled to see that this campaign called “WorldWithoutDieitng.ca” exists. Please Take the NEVER SAY DIETING OATH and together we’ll make the next generation healthy – mind, body, and spirit. 

ps I was compensated for this post however all opinions are my own.

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I adore a quick getaway. This past weekend, I had the chance to getaway to Kitchener Waterloo. My itinerary included: a visit to St. Jacobs Market, Tubing at Chicopee Tube Park and a visit to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Of course I had to squeeze in a visit to an independent coffee shop as well.

Here’s exactly how we spent 24 hours in Kitchen Waterloo.

Friday March 7th:

6:30 pm Arrived at the Four Points by Sheraton Kitchener-Waterloo Hotel & Suites and was immediately impressed with their contemporary decor. Bonus points for the box of ear phones in the Fitness Room for guests who forget to bring a pair! Wow…talk about paying attention to detail. Everyone loved the clean pool and bubbling jacuzzi as well. I would stay at this property again in a heart beat.

Saturday March 8th:

9:00 am Quick coffee at DVLB. We loved the coffee and the cool space that this coffee shop offered. I’m sure it’s a hit with customers both in the morning and in the evening too!!

10:00 – 11:00 Visit to St. Jacobs  Farmers’ Market. This was my first time at this market and it will not be my last time!!

12:00 pm – Another visit to the pool at Four Points by Sheraton and then checked out.

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Dropped by the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory  and totally was in love this space.  Three words come to mind: peaceful, beautiful, and tranquility.

2:30 – 4:30 pm.- A visit to Chicopee Tube Park. Disclosure: I did not participate  (um…tried it a few years ago and it’s not for me!!) but my boyfriend (who had never been tubing before), was a happy camper.

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Travel back to Toronto (sniff).

This getaway provided us with an opportunity to getaway, explore Ontario, and visit some attractions that appealed to us. It would be a great destination for the upcoming Family Day Weekend as well.

Many thanks to Waterloo Regional Tourism  Marketing Corporation for reaching out to me and for making this trip happen!!

For more information:

Four Points by Sheraton Waterloo-Kitchener Hotel & Suites, 547 King St. N, Waterloo, ON 519 -884-0100 Twitter: @4PointsWaterloo

Chicopee Tube Park: 1600 River Road E, Kitchener, ON 519-895 2322 Twitter: @chicopeepark

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory: 250 Kossuth Road, Cambridge, ON 519 653-1234 Twitter; @

St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Twitter: @stjacobsmarket

Waterloo Regional Tourism – Twitter: @ExploreWR

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