My friends wanted to take me out for my birthday, so it seemed appropriate to select a new restaurant for the occasion!  After a bit of research, we decided to go to Lisa Marie which just opened up last week.

Here’s what the space looks like.

We were warmly greeted by Matt Basile (who also owns Fidel Gastro’s) and sat down at a lovely table by the window. Service was brilliant. We had a great waiter who answered all our questions, filled our water glasses regularly and was extremely attentive.

As for the menu – a nice variety of “small plates” that are meant to be shared. (which we did)

We ordered 4 different items that all arrived on one plate. Please note, that larger “plates” were offered but we chose not to order any.

Lisa Marie is also serving some goodies for guests to take home, which I think is a brilliant idea.

Love the “name tags”

I also love how Matt knows a thing or two about Social Media. See what I mean?

A dedicated “wall” for social media. Love it.

Congratulations to the whole team at Lisa Marie. I’m sure this restaurant is going to be a hit on Queen St. West.

Plus I want to thank my friends for taking me out for my birthday. It was such a treat.

For further information:

Lisa Marie 838 Queen West, Toronto ON  (647) 748-6822

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As much as I love searching the internet for recipes, I still like clipping out recipes from the Toronto Star too. A few weeks ago, I clipped out Jennifer Bains’ Crawford Street Salad and posted it on my fridge. Here’s proof:

I’m still old-school. (sometimes).

This recipe appealed to me for a few reasons:

-it incorporated avocados. Don’t know about you but I’m a huge fan of using avocados in my salads

-the recipe called for lime AND lemon juice  (#interesting)

-the technique was slightly different than your average salad so I knew it would be flavourful

Finally, last week I had the chance to try this amazing salad!

Here’s the recipe:

Crawford Street Salad   From Jennifer Bains’ The Toronto Star Cookbook, published by Random House. (Note: Created by Adrienne Amato, Toronto resident on Crawford St)

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper – to taste

1 cup chopped white onion

1/2 cup cilantro

1 cup small broccoli florets

2 plum roma tomatoes, halved and thickly sliced (I used cherry tomatoes)

1 avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, lime juice and salt. Season with pepper to taste and whisk again

2. Add the onion, cilantro to the lemon juice mixture and stir well. Make sure the onions are covered by the liquid. Let stand for 15 minutes or refrigerate, covered for several hours

This step makes SUCH a difference

3. Put the lettuce in a large salad bowl and top with the broccoli, tomatoes and avocados.

4. Just before serving, pour the onion mixture over the lettuce mixture adn toss well.

FINAL PRODUCT

A Winner!

For more information about Mexican Avocados: Please visit www.missavocado.ca  
or follow @MissAvacado on twitter

For more information about Jennifer Bains’ The Toronto Star Cookbook: Please visit www.randomhouse.com

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I received an invitation to attend a  Future Food Salon that would include music, art and CRICKETS. I hit the reply button in a nano second.

As you know….I  love adventure and any type of food event. Therefore this event appealed to me on so many levels, that I made sure I could attend!

Hosted by Alimentary Initiatives and the Culture of Cities Centre, this salon was the first in the 2013 series of four that will take place in Toronto, Waterloo, Manhattan and Montreal.

The evening was located in a very cool space that was perfect for the event. Specifically, 345 Gallery at 345 Sorauren!

When I walked in, I wondered thru a variety of art exhibits.

Then I reached the main attraction:  THE CRICKETS.

Please don’t judge me, but I ate seconds of EVERYTHING that was offered that evening. There was even raw and vegan creations by Earth and City that did not include crickets!

Special mention to Cookies Martinez who created wicked tasting “Chocolate Covered Cricket Cookies”. The other hors d’oeuvres that I enjoyed that evening were from Urban Acorn Catering. Congratulations to all the food suppliers that evening as they did an amazing job in terms of creativity, execution and presentation!

I didn’t have the chance to stay for the music or for the “Cricket” presentation. However I am confident that I would have been fascinated to listen to Jakub Dzamba, who is an architecture PHD candidate as well as an expert on crickets.

What amazed me about this event was that the tickets were only $25 and $18 for students. This was great value for a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to eat crickets, listen to some music. explore a variety of art exhibits and learn about crickets too.

Please take a peek at these websites for more information:

Alimentary Initiatives is a Toronto-based company that works to enhance food culture through initiatives that celebrate real food.

Culture of Cities Centre The culture of cities centre is devoted to new ways of representing, shaping and defining urban culture.

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Panago is a pizza franchise that originated in Western Canada. Many years ago (about 6?), I discovered one of their first franchises in Toronto (on Gerrard St). I was impressed six years ago and I’m still impressed.

These are the reasons why I  am super impressed with this pizza franchise:

a) Each location is spotless. Take a look at these counters….I mean seriously, this is impressive non?

b) The Pizza: I ordered the Veggie Korma (Indian Korma Sauce, Roasted Garlic, Baby Spinach Leaves, Green Peppers, Pineapple, Hot Banana Peppers, Mozzarella and Cheddar Cheese). Despite the fact that I’m lactose intolerant and carb free since June 2012, I DEMOLISHED THE ENTIRE PIZZA. I couldn’t help myself.  I tried to only have one piece but it didn’t work.

Is this not one gorgeous looking pizza?

3) They get Social Media and use it in a big way. You see, I scored the above Pizza due to a Four Square Promotion that was taking place at their Liberty Village location. It wasn’t a free slice, it was an ENTIRE small pizza. I had an amazing chat with the manager (Manny) who also told me about other promotions (ie www.libertyvillagereviews.com). Oh how I love social media (and good pizza).

4) They offer gluten free pizza too. This was launched just recently and I’m sure there’s a lot people out there who are happy to hear this!

Have you checked out Panago before? You really should. #justsayin’.

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I was on twitter last week having a ho hum type of day and then my day changed after reading this tweet!

	Shaan Sunder (@s_cubed)
2013-04-11 11:22 PM @momwhoruns @SevenLivesTO Carne Asada Fries, Gobernador and the octopus pumpkin seed Tacos are amazing. I ordered pretty much everything

I then “favourited” the tweet  so my little brain could remember what to order. Soon after, I picked up the phone to invite two friends to join me so we could check out this new restaurant that opened up in Kensington Market. The more the merrier right?

We couldn’t find the restaurant initially as they had moved from a smaller location to a new stand alone restaurant. (it is NOT located at 214 Augusta which is where google sent me). But once we found it, we quickly examined the menu and ordered. At $5 a taco – this is certainly going to make my list of “Cheap and Cheerful Restaurants for 2013”. I’m sure CheapDude will LOVE this place as well as many of my other foodie friends!!

 Of course, I ordered the Pulpo En Mole Verde (octopus with pumpkin seed mole). Definitely not something I’ve had before so it totally appealed to me.

Friend A ordered the Gobernator (smoked marlin, shrimp and cheese)

Friend B ordered the Carnitas (slow pulled pork).

We were all happy happy campers. The shell was the real deal and there was enough filling in it to make this taco, a small but satisfying meal.

Sadly I wasn’t able to get a good shot of what the restaurant looked like but it was hip and cool and very appropriate for Kensington Market.

Please look out for this restaurant next time you are in Kensington Market and are craving a taco. You won’t be disappointed.

For Further Info:

Twitter: @sevenlivesTO

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

69 Kensington Ave, Toronto (416) 803 1086

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Haven’t tried a new recipe for a while. But last week, I had the opportunity to make something new and it was a hit. If it wasn’t a hit, trust me, I wouldn’t be blogging about i

Dinner consisted of:

-Appetizers: pita chips (homemade of course, here’s the recipe), roasted garlic, and salsa from Sabra!

-Salmon with Snap Peas, Yellow Peppers and Dill Pistachio Pistou, Smoked Couscous, Spinach and Almonds

The spinach was a nice addition too. #healthy

The Salmon with Snap Peas, Yellow Peppers and Dill Pistachio Pistou is want I want to share with you. Not only did the plate look amazing but it was a pretty flavourful meal too!

Here’s the recipe: (courtesy of Epicurious)

1/3 cup chopped fresh dill

1/3 cup finely chopped green onions

1/2 cup shelled or natural pistachios or almonds (I used whole almonds)

1/4 cup olive oil

2 yellow peppers cut into 1/2 inch strips

1 package of sugar snap peas, trimmed, strings removed

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup water

4 – 6 ounce salmon filets

DIRECTIONS:

Mix dill, green onions, pistachios, (or almonds) and 1/4 cup oil in medium bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Pistou can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.

1.Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and sauté until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add snap peas, garlic, and 1/4 cup water;  sprinkle with salt. Sauté until vegetables are just tender and water evaporates, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish.

2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Place salmon, skin side down, in skillet; cook until skin is crisp, about 3 minutes. Turn salmon and cook until almost opaque in center, about 3 minutes longer.

4. Arrange salmon fillets over vegetables on platter. Spoon some pistou down center of each fillet and serve, passing remaining pistou alongside.

NOTE: This recipe was rated 5 stars out of 5 stars and they were right – it’s certainly worth 5 stars!!

Happy Cooking!!

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Today I went to a pretty unique event. Seriously. I’m still pinching myself that I was invited to a meet and greet with the famous Aussie TV chef, Curtis Stone.  He was in the Chatelaine Kitchen Powered by GE Cafe, to demo a recipe from his new cookbook, “What’s for Dinner” with about 60 people. I was positively thrilled to be amongst this crowd!

Curtis was positively CHARMING. The fact that he was UBER handsome, should also be noted.  (and tall – 6 ft 4 to be exact) . His newly released “What’s for Dinner? Delicious Recipes for a Busy Life “ is bound to be a popular cookbook for many food enthusiasts. I love how his cookbook is broken down into seven different sections. T’is Brilliant!!

For example: Motivating Mondays, Time-Saving Tuesdays, One-Pot Wednesdays, Thrifty Thursdays, Five-Ingredient Fridays. Dinner Party Saturdays, and Family Supper Sundays!

The Chatelaine Kitchen powered by GE Cafe is pretty impressive too and the folks at Chatelaine sure know how to test and develop recipes. I’ve been a big fan for decades of this magazine, and have clipped out a few of those recipes over the years!!

One more thing: Chatelaine unveiled a state of the art “new recipe box tablet app” at this event as well. I missed the demo (grrrr….parking issues) but will be checking it out soon. I love my apps and I’m sure I will be a fan of this app too.

Many thanks to the team at Rogers Media for the invitation to this event.

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I’ve decided NOT to post about a recipe or a restaurant or even what I ate in Buffalo. I know you are in shock. But you see…I’m fed up with the rain. I have a bunch of outfits that I bought in November that I really, really, really, want to wear! However the weather is SIMPLY not cooperating.

Remember that sample sale that I go to twice a year for the last 8 years? Well these outfits are from that famous sample sale!!

So allow me to be a fashion blogger …just this once. LOL.

More..

And more…

P.S. The shorts/tshirts are from Target in Buffalo. Ive never bought short-shorts before.

There’s more outfits  but I didn’t want to bore you. Plus it was exhausting trying on all these outfits.

The May sample sale will soon be coming up in May and of course I will let you know the dates K?

Must sign off. I need to study the weather patterns for the next week in the event I can wear one of the above outfits!!

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Have you been to St. Clair Ave West lately? You should!!  It’s a pretty dangerous street for foodies like myself!! There’s Stockyards, Clafouti, Pain Perdu, Noir Coffee and Tea (can you say Maple Bacon Lattes?) and in the past year a few more yummy destinations have opened up.

Here’s what I’ve recently discovered:

Rococoa Chocolates:  285 Rushton Road (behind 740 St. Clair Ave West) 416 829 9821

I parked on Rushton and as I was returning to my car, I noticed  a chocolate shop. I decided to go in and check it out.  (I’m normal, right?)  After chatting with the owner, I found out that this store opened  only two months ago. I simply had to try a chocolate (or tw0). It wasn’t easy but I decided to select: a) Guiness b) Balsamic and Honey. Both were delicious and just what my taste buds wanted!!

B)  Bite Me Bakery 1034 St. Clair Ave. West (416) 651 2253. I was following Bite Me Bakery on facebook, well before they opened. Therefore I knew that I would be visiting when they opened their doors. I am such a huge fan of the “Bite” sized concept so this approach really appeals to me. Not to mention this is a bakery with attitude. I hope you get a chance to check out their website and facebook page too so you can see their creative marketing!! Dayna gets it!!

These were the flavours that were being offered that day. Don’t you just love the names of these cupcakes? (with attitude!!).

c) Emma’s Country Kitchen 1108 St. Clair Ave West (416) 652 3662

Once again, I was following this restaurant on facebook and twitter and knew that I to visit. My first visit was for brunch. I ordered the most amazing buttermilk biscuit with an over easy egg. It was PERFECT.

I was so impressed by this restaurant that I knew I wanted to return. So one day I popped by for a terrific fresh chickpea burger with a bowl of flavourful soup. Please note, that that even the BUNS are made in house. Not your ordinary chickpea burger. Thats for sure!!

This is truly one gem of a restaurant that offers great service, fresh food, and an amazing assortment of take away food (gluten free and vegan options too).

That’s my round up of St. Clair Ave. West – have I missed anything?

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SO much is going on in April, that I don’t know where to start!! I guess at the beginning…LOL. Here’s a few April events that are on my radar and of course I wanted to share them with you.

1. The Good Food Festival – April 5th to April 7th at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. I’ve always loved this show and infact I use to sell booth space for this show- that’s how much I loved it. Grab some cash (to take advantage of the “Show Specials”), put on your flat shoes and take advantage of the many samples and live cooking demonstrations.

2. The Cookbook Store  (850 Yonge St) is celebrating 30 years in business with an Anniversary Open House on Saturday, April 6th from 11am to 4 pm. This is truly one unique store. (that also happens to have a great newsletter too).

2. The Green Living Show – April 12-14th at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place. I’ve only gone for the last two years but it’s a show I won’t miss. You will find me most likely hanging around the “Farm Fresh Share” or the Farmers Market!!

  Please note: the Green Living Show, proud sponsor Samsung Canada, and RBC challenge GTA residents to round up old and unwanted electronic waste (e-waste) gathering dust and bring them in for recycling. For each piece of e-waste recycled at the Green Living Show, or at six participating RBC branches, participants will receive a free ticket ($16 value) to the Green Living Show (April 12-14). The Passion for E-Recycling School Challenge offers up $20,000 in Samsung Hope for Children Smart School grants to GTA schools that collect the most e-waste.

Besides eating “farm fresh” food at the show, you will find me staring at Electric Cars.

3. The Toronto Jewish Film Festival – April 11 -21. I went last year for my first time (can you believe?) and saw four films. I plan on seeing at least that many this year!! I’ve already started to “study” the guide but it’s taking longer than I would like to actually make decisions. So many choices…so little time.  Tickets on sale now! 416-324-2121.

So many choices!!

4. Slurpfest – April 2oth. I didn’t make it to the first Slurpfest but maybe I will make it to round #2!! Clearly it was a successful event.

What:  SLURP Noodlefest v2
Where:  Glass Factory, 99 Sudbury (Map)
When:  Saturday April 20th, 12 pm – 4 pm
Tickets are $10 and are now available online at http://bit.ly/XXzmVe.

5. The Ontario Brewing Awards Ceremony . I’ve never gone before but April 30th is marked down in my calendar!! This event is open to brewers, consumers and the media.
This year random brewers will have their product paired with food at stations throughout the event space for consumers and media to sample during the event. (YUM).

The event will take place on Tuesday,  April 30 from 5-8pm at The Gladstone Hotel 1214 Queen Street West  Toronto, ON
Book your tickets early at https://secure1.gettickets.ca/Redeem/Regular/Default.aspx?id=93fac481-c9c5-4d4e-b701-05788fd0d2b5&locale=en-CA

I’m such a beer fan. Promise I wont be wearing these glasses at the event. Promise.

Pretty good month – don’t you think?

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