I absolutely adore Thai food but for some reason I don’t seem to go out for it a lot. I guess one could say that I’m “selective” when it comes to eating Thai food.  Therefore, I was thrilled to have received an invitation to attend an invitation only gala reception at Linda Modern Thai, who was receiving a special designation called “Thai Select”.

I started off my meal with these delicious appetizers. To be honest…I could eat these appetizers all night and be very happy. This type of dish represents exactly what I’m looking for when dining in a Thai restaurant. Not to mention, it’s the perfect meal for someone who is eating low carb!!

I then enjoyed every drop of my Tom Yum Soup with Mushrooms. This is a classic Thai soup made with homemade stock, enoki, beech and maitake mushrooms. I love this flavorful soup and felt compelled to order it, even though I could have ordered a Mango Salad or the Thai Lobster Bisque!!

The meal continued with a few more tasty dishes: Crispy Beef Panang (my favourite), Red Snapper with Rustic Chili Sauce (amazing execution) Stewed Duck with Chestnuts, Pineapple Yellow Curry, and Royal Pad Thai. There was no shortage of food at this event!!

I not only only enjoyed my meal but also learned something interesting from Mr Ben Heller who works for the Thai Consulate General. I learned that in Thailand – forks are used as a serving utensil and only the spoon is used as an eating utensil.  One won’t see chopstick or knives!

I also learned that Linda Modern Thai is one of a handful of Thai restaurants that have received the Thai Select designation. This internationally recognized designation is a mark of certification that guarantees the authenticity of a Thai restaurant and food products that have been prepared with ingredients and spices in the traditional style of Thai cooking.  Linda Modern Thai is the first Canadian recipient of the Thai Select Premium Designation. Congratulations!!

For more information:

Linda Modern Thai, 11 Karl Fraser Road (Shops at Don Mills) 416-642-3866

Twitter: @LindaModernThai

I’ve been using the same chocolate chip recipe that I cut out from the Toronto Star for years. It served me well however the results were never consistent. One day, I googled “chocolate chip cookie” recipe and a few recipes came up. (just a few..HA). I realized that many of the recipes had the same ingredients but the measurements are slightly different. Plus the technique can be different too!!

After clicking on a few websites, I came across a recipe that was posted on a blog called: Sally’s Baking Addiction! 

Her recipe stood out for these three reasons:

1. the photos (seriously…they couldn’t get any better)

2. she explained each component of the recipe.

3. the addition of CORNSTARCH intrigued me.

I tried out the recipe and then continued to make about 5 batches. I COULD NOT STOP MAKING THIS RECIPE!! Thank you Sally’s Baking Addiction for this perfect recipe.

 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the new food court at Square One Shopping Centre. Seeing as I was a Marketing Director at Yorkdale Shopping Centre decades ago, I was eager to see what this was all about. There’s still a small part of me that is interested to know what’s going on in the shopping centre industry!!

The event was hosted by James Cunningham from Food Networks’ Eat St., who actually grew up shopping at Square One. Pretty cool.

During the media preview, I learned that they invested $320 million dollars on 3 different initiatives. FOOD CENTRAL is the first milestone of this exciting new journey. Not only do guests have the opportunity to eat in a modern and sophisticated space but there are now 8 new food retailers as well.

What really impressed me…….. (drum roll please)……

Square One FOOD CENTRAL has just launched a food court with REAL PLATES and REAL CUTLERY. That’s right – no more styrofoam  plates and no more plastic cutlery. THIS IS HUGE NEWS.

Here’s what this really means:

• It will displace 5.6 million styrofoam plates, plastic cups and cutlery from landfills every year
• Reduces food court waste from 1,200 tons to 480 tons (60% reduction)
• Reduces water usage through an energy efficient dishwashing system

The new retailers in the food court include: Big Smoke Burger, Amaya Express, Cultures, Su&shi and Noodle Bar, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Shanghai 260, Burger King, Szechuan Express.

Other exciting news for Square One, include the opening of Ann Taylor, Top Shop, White House/Black market and LOFT.

For more information:

Square One 100 City Centre Drive, Mississauga (905) 270 7771

Twitter: @ShopSquareOne

My good friend served a salad over the Jewish New Year that was so tasty that I asked her about it.

She told me that it was from Costco. I was SHOCKED. I then asked her “where can I find it?”. She told me to head to the cold produce area. I asked her to bring out the bag so that I could recognize it and she did!!  Here’s the bag you should be looking for.

This bag contains 7 Superfoods: Broccoli, Cabbage, Brussel Sprouts,chicory, kale, roasted pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries. A lemon poppyseed dressing is even included.

How much is this tasty salad? Here’s the answer. I’m floored at how inexpensive this salad is. I mean seriously.

I’m off to Costco this week to buy a few bags!! Something tells me this is going to become a weekly staple in my fridge.

Thanks Costco for continuing to have amazing products at amazing prices.

I’m always looking for new fish recipes, seeing as I haven’t had any meat in my kitchen for the last two decades!!

Lately I’ve been using Panko Crumbs but I was getting bored of using them so I went over to Pinterest to get some inspiration. (which I’ve been doing a lot of lately).

I found a Popchips Recipe Board and saw that one recipe featured  Popchips crusted baked buffalo chicken tenders! I said to myself: “hmm..bet I could recreate this with fish”. So I did. Bye Bye Panko Crumbs. Hello Popchips!!

Here’s what you need:

 

INGREDIENTS

2 pieces of sole, thawed

2 egg whites

2 small bags of Popchips (I used the nacho cheese flavour)

a few dashes of Tobasco Buffalo  Sauce (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a food processor, pulverize the Popchips. Add a few dashes of Tobasco Buffalo Sauce for additional flavour (optional)

2. Put out two plates: one for the Popchips. One for the egg whites. Dip the fish into the egg whites and then dip into the crushed Popchips until well coated.

3. In a heated frying pan, add some oil. (I used coconut oil for my first time…yay for coconut oil)

4. Place the fish into the frying pan and cook for a few minutes.

FINAL RESULT

Hope you get a chance to snack on some Popchips soon or use them in a recipe like I did!! These chips will soon become a favorite. Promise.

 

Several times a year I get an email inviting me to an event that is truly a unique experience and  the reply is always:  “COUNT ME IN”. This was the case when I received an email inviting me to the media day for  the Canadian International Air Show. I had never been to this annual event before so I figured it was about time!!

I must admit that it was pretty cool to be able to be so close to these magnificent aircraft.

See what I mean?

The second part of the media day included a chance to actually go up in a plane. Let me put this into perspective for you about my fear….I don’t even go on the Kiddie Rides at Wonderland.  However all the lovely staff (errr…Colleen) reassured me that I would be perfectly safe.

I specifically asked for the “SAFE HORSE”..not the one that bucked. Therefore I was put in the capable hands of Paul, who took me up in this tow plane which is used for the air cadet program. Yup – I was SAFE.  Before you knew it, I was strapped in and off we went….Up, Up and Away!!

My view:

Some of my twitter friends like YYZ Events, went up on a plane that did stunts. Who knows, I might try that next year!! Note the word “might”.

After such an experience, I went to the CNE for the very first time (but not my last time)  to watch the the Canadian International Air Show do it’s stuff. I found a lovely log to sit on and watched the show along with many other air show enthusiasts.

The Canadian International Air Show takes places on Sunday Sept 1 and Monday Sept 2 from 1 to 4:30 pm. (location: at the waterfront, south of South of Bandshell Park). If you want to know who will be performing, this link will help you out.

 

It’s almost the end of  summer. (sniff) But I’m trying to make the best of it. Here’s 7 ways I’m enjoying the last days of this amazing season.

1. I’m wearing these super comfy Crocs as much as possible. I simply can’t believe how comfortable these shoes are. No Joke.

2. I’m trying to get as much Vitamin D as possible. This means, that on a gorgeous sunny day, I went to the Sheraton to hang out at their outdoor pool. BLISS.

3. I’m enjoying summer treats, such as No Sugar Raspberry Froyo from Yogurty’s. This has been the PERFECT treat for my carb free diet!! I’m really hoping to see more no sugar flavours in the near future!

4. I’m wearing my summer clothes as much as possible. However stay tuned for a blog post about how excited I am to wear my Fall Clothes!!

5. I’m using my David’s Tea Travel Cup- as much as possible.  I purchased this cup for $9.99 at the beginning of the summer and the promotion lasts till till Sept 2nd.  This was THE MOST BRILLIANT promotion and I really hope they repeat it next year. (David – are you listening? I hope so).

6. I’m watching the US Open Tennis and trying hard not consume too many of these amazing MAPLE BACON kettle chips from Neal Brothers. I’m having a tough time. They are positively addictive.

 7. Im blowing bubbles. That’s right. Im a 48 year old woman but often think I’m a 10 year old kid.

How are you enjoying the last days of summer? As much as I’m going to miss summer – I’m super pumped to wear my fall clothes. Stay tuned for a blog post called: “I Will Miss You Summer. But I Can’t Wait to Wear These Fall Clothes”.

Home of the Brave is the type of place where I would want to hang out on a regular basis. It’s got a cool vibe and a kick ass menu. The first thing I noticed upon walking in, is the open window that overlooks King St. W, (as the restaurant is on the second floor). The second thing that grabs my attention is the food!!

The menu TOTALLY appeals to me. Why? Coz there’s plenty of unique items that you just don’t see on too many menus in Toronto.  This is what I ordered.

A FRIED BOLOGNA SANDWICH – Bologna, house made (that’s right – house made) american cheese, toasted pistachios, and spicy sour cream. Soon as I saw this item on the menu I knew that I was going to order it. Of course, I knew that I was going to split it too. Thankfully my blogger friend @nearafar was right there to help me out with the other half of this killer sandwich.

My friend also tried the Kentucky Fried Handshake Sandwich – Fried Chicken, Mayo, Iceberg Lettuce, Louisana Hot Sauce. Take a peek at this presentation. Is this not brilliant?

Guess what’s hiding under the napkin?

Next time I visit – this is what I’m going to order. Bones in a Bucket (Kansas City Rubbed Beef and Pork Ribs, Ranch Dressing, Celery and Carrot) and the Buffalo Cauliflower (this has my name written all over this dish…Beer Battered Cauliflower, Louisiana Hot Sauce, Ranch dressing, celery and carrots). Something tells me I’m going to try one of their famous cocktails too. (which they take seriously by the way).

Congratulations to Andrew (from La Carnita) who is behind this new venture. I can’t wait to return.

For more information:

Home of the Brave:  589 King St. W, Toronto, ON,  416-366-2736

Twitter: @theHOTB

On Thursday night, I went to the Toronto Poutine Fest that was put together by the good people at Joylister. It was held at the Beer Academy and your $35 ticket enabled you to eat as much poutine as you want  (from 5 different poutine craftsmen) and drink a few beers as well.  JUST MY TYPE OF EVENT.

About 400 guests felt the same way, as tickets sold out in about a minute and a half.  I’m sure next year this will event will be at a bigger venue so more poutine fans can attend!!

Sadly my stomach didn’t allow me to eat poutine from all five vendors. I should have just “sampled” a few bites but my willpower was non existent that night. ARGGGHHH. I also blame it on the fact that the poutine was JUST too good. Yup – excuses, excuses, and more excuses.

Here’s what I sampled:

Coquine Restaurant:

Duck Confit Poutine: Yukon Gold frites topped with dem-glace, smoked provolone, brie and Quebec duck confit cured for two days and slow for 5 hours until tender. Verdict: My personal favorite that night.

Great Burger Kitchen:

Buter Chicken Poutine: Hand cut Yukon Gold fries topped with slowly poached chicken and sauteed onions, garlic, curry powder, tomato paste, heavy cream and deglazed with white wine.

Lou Dawg’s BBQ

The Mighty Loutine (Pulled Pork Poutine): Hand Cut Yukon Gold potato fries topped with homemade smoked chicken gravy, fresh cheese curds, and 12 hour, slow smoked pulled pork.

Here’s what I didn’t sample: (again, blame my stomach)

Poutini’s (which has been my go-to Poutine choice, since they opened) and The Feisty Jack Mobile Food Co. My apologies.

Participants had a chance to vote on the best poutine and today I received an update that Coquine Restaurant won. Congratulations. I totally agree with this choice. There was something about the duck gravy that really elevated their poutine from “norma”l to “extra-ordinary”

As for the event itself: Fantastic. I was super impressed with the layout of the room, the venue, the volunteers, and of course…the POUTINE.

Please take a minute to check out Joylister, which is a Toronto based start up that aims to enrich people’s lives with fun and memorable experiences. Joylister is an online community marketplace of events for people to explore their passions and interests. I’ve signed up to get their updates and you should too!!

For more information about Joylister:

Twitter: @Joylister

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joylisterfun

 

 

 

I really meant to blog about Romeo’s Juice Bar last year when it opened up but sadly did not get around to it. However last week while ordering a juice,  I said to myself  “I really really need to blog about this place”. So here’s the blog post!!

You can find Romeo’s Juice Bar at 285 Augusta Avenue in Kensington Market. It truly has a unique look. Wouldn’t you agree?

 There’s no shortage of juice options but here’s two items that caught my eye.

Here’s another popular item that they serve.

Due to the fact that I’ve broken up with carbs since June 2012 (and it’s been a good break up by the way) I decided to order my own special low carb juice.  I requested a juice made from Kale, Avocado, Celery, and Soy Milk (they use Silk 80 calories which is oh-so-ideal). It was perfect. Especially because I didn’t have to clean the blender!! Although I have to admit, I keep thinking about purchasing a Vita Mix more and more these days.

Romeo’s Juice Bar also offers amazing hours on the weekend (see photo below) Plus you can receive $1 off your juice/smoothie, if you like them on Facebook. Guess who has liked them already on facebook? Good guess. LOL

So don’t forget to grab a juice or smoothie the next time you visit Kensington Market. Also, don’t forget about Pedestrian Sundays in the Market which takes place on the last Sunday of the month. (Sunday Aug 25, Sunday Sept 29 and Sunday October 27). Always a great vibe to visit the market on Pedestrian Sundays.

For More Information:

Romeo’s Juice Bar, 285 Augusta Avenue, Toronto (416) 597 2300