Israel turned 70 this year and I’m going to celebrate by attending a few events this week!

Here’s the three experiences that are on my radar:

1 . The Toronto Jewish Film Festival is taking place from May 3 to 12 and of course I’ve spent time studying the festival guide to make my selections and trust me this takes a bit of time! However due to the bad weather last weekend, I watched plenty of video clips and made my selections! Cool fact: one of the films being shown at this years festival (Doubtful) is currently in theatres in Israel.

Also, don’t delay to buy your tickets. I tried to get into one film and it’s sold out. Lesson learned! Either order online or call 416 324-9191 (phone lines  are open from 12 pm to 6 pm) or head to the Festival Box Office at 19 Madison from 12 pm to 6 pm.

For more information:

Website: www.tjff.com

Twitter: @TJFF

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

(ps I love their Facebook page and follow it closely)

Instagram: @TJFF

2. I’ve also been following Spotlight on Israeli Culture which has a variety of events taking place throughout the city from March to June 2018.  There’s something for everyone – theatre, cuisine, film, literature,  dance, music , visual arts

Click here to view the entire schedule.

Naturally I’m going to the Cuisine event and I’m heading to the Music event too (just to mix things up a bit!!).

I’m excited to hear some Israeli Jazz featuring renowned jazz innovator, Israeli trumpeter Itamar Borochov. Award-winning local singer Aviva Chernick, will open the evening with her unique sound. #soexcited

This event is being held on Sunday May 6th at 730 pm at the Rex Jazz and Blues Bar (194 Queen St West). $20 Cash at the door on the night of the event.

For more information:

Website: http://www.spotlightonisraeliculture.ca

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

3. I’m also determined to head to Parallel to eat some hummus and pita. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Israels’ birthday. This restaurant has been on my radar since they opened and its about time I get there!!

I also following them closely on Facebook and I’m hungry each time I see their posts.

Website: https://parallelbrothers.com

Address: 217 Geary Avenue

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

Disclosure: I’ve been provided with complimentary tickets however all opinions are my own

It’s been a busy month. Here’s what I mean:

-Bar Mitzva Aug 5th, Toronto

-Travelled from Aug 6 to 13 (blog post to follow)

-Wedding Aug 19, Niagara on the Lake

-Wedding Aug 27, London England plus a trip to Israel (blog post to follow)

The wedding in Niagara on the Lake was so spectacular that I feel the need to spread the word about the venue.

You see, the wedding was held at Kurtz Orchards in Niagara on the Lake. It was the perfect combination of an outdoor setting, fabulous food and great cousins. How could you go wrong!!

Oh ya – it helped that the weather was gorgeous too.

Now, I’ve been to my share of weddings, bar mitzvahs and other sit-down events but I’ve never seen food like this before.

After the ceremony, instead of passed hors d’oeuvres there was a massive table of the best fruit, cheese and meat. It was truly gorgeous.

When we sat down for the main meal there was an option of salmon, beef or vegetarian. Here’s what my plate looked like. Look at the size of the meat – it’s almost as big as the 12 inch plate that it was served on.

Plus there were two salads on a giant platter. Each salad was unique and had all the right combination of flavors and textures.

For dessert there was a baked pear (sorry no photo – the sun had set) and a sweet table. I’m generally not a “sweet” person (no pun intended) but I tried every single item and everything was freakin’ delicious. I must make a note to visit this bake shop on my next trip to Hamilton. Although at the moment I can’t remember the name of this bake shop #seniormoment

However at the end of the day, it was truly being surrounded by family that made this wedding so special.

No idea who I should give the credit to for this photo. However it’s a great shot, don’t you think?

Congratulations to Kim and Alex on their recent wedding. It was truly a memorable occasion.

 

Can’t believe it’s already November. However despite the shorter hours of daylight – there’s some incredible events taking place in November. Here’s my round up!

1. Eat to The Beat:

The countdown is on to one of the hottest food events in Toronto! The 21st annual Eat to the Beat presented by KitchenAid® is a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) that features 60 female chefs supporting people living with breast cancer on Tuesday, November 1 from 7 pm – 10 pm at Roy Thomson Hall. General Admission Tickets are $189. Please click here for more information

 

This delicious event is taking place on Sunday, November 6, 2016
from 11 am to 6 pm at Roy Thomson Hall. There’s chocolate making classes, chocolate eating contests and of course, chocolates to sample and to purchase! Please click here for further info.

3. Nosh Fest – Nov 13, 2016, Wychwood Barns.

For more information, please click here!

Other November favourite events include the Royal Agricultural Fair (Nov 4 to 14) and the One of A Kind Christmas Show  (Nov 24 to Dec 4th)…especially late night shopping with free parking!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful November!

 

Recipe for Change is an event that supports FoodShareTO’s innovative school food programs that excite the next generation of healthy eaters, growers, and sharers. Clearly this is something that interests me!

It’s a PARTY you don’t want to miss. With 30 chefs reflecting Toronto’s diverse food scene, 2 craft brewers, and 4 wineries, February 25th, 2016 will be the most deliciously fun night of the year!

There’s a few reasons I like this event so much.

1. You will meet friendly chefs!

2. There’s something for everyone. i.e lots of vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options.

3. The environment!

The event takes place at the St. Lawrence Market South Building, 130 Esplanade, Toronto on Thursday February 25th from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Of course, I will be there and I hope that will be there too. I promise you that you won’t leave hungry plus you will be supporting an important cause!

Online tickets for the public are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/recipe-for-change-2016-presented-by-tangerine-tickets-19712906835?aff=estw

Hashtag: #RFC16

Twitter: @FoodShareTO

I haven’t been blogging since October 20th but I promise to explain why, when I return to the blogosphere in December.

In the meantime, I’m fortunate to have my blogger friend Elise Burton attend a few events and act as a guest blogger for Momwhoruns!

Here’s her blog post about a recent event she attended at All the Best Fine Foods:

I was lucky enough to attend All The Best Fine Food’s Holiday Cocktail event this evening and it was a lovely way to usher in the holiday season. So many beautiful things to see, smell, eat and drink – it’s hard to know where to begin.

One of my first loves is, and always will be, cookbooks. All The Best has curated a great collection of books from both world famous chefs and local authors that will capture the imagination of both the experienced cook and the novice.

There were dozens of delicious looking hors d’oeuvres being passed but without a doubt, my favourite bite was the antipasto skewer that featured a cube of 3 year old aged Cheddar, a chunk of stellar dill pickle from the folks at Mighty Fine Brine and a piece of delicious Spanish salumi imported by Fermin.

One of the evening’s real treats was getting to meet David H. Chow, a talented chocolatier who is really better described as an artist. His featured products were just gorgeous. They combined the finest quality chocolate with both traditional ingredients – hazelnuts, caramel, peanut butter – and non-traditional ingredients – pink peppercorns, buckwheat honey and freeze-dried mango. Yum.

I left this event with endless ideas and inspiration for gifts, decor, cocktails and recipes for the holiday season. Thank you All The Best Fine Foods.

For more information:

All the Best Fine Foods: 1101 Yonge St, Toronto, ON (416) 928-3330

Twitter: @AllTheBestFF

Summer is over but that doesn’t mean that there’s any shortage of events to go to! Here’s a list of some of events that are on my radar.   in my calendar and they should be in your calendar too!

1. TIFF. September 10 – 20, 2015

Even if you don’t go to a movie, head downtown and hang out near any of the venues or even a hotel lobby to see how Toronto explodes during this festival.

Did you know that the Toronto International Film Festival® invites audiences to step outside the theatre for a Festival Street initiative?  From September 10 to 13, King Street West between Peter and University Streets will be closed to vehicular traffic and transformed into a pedestrian paradise free for all to enjoy.

2. The Toronto Garlic Festival.  Sunday September 20, Wychwood Barns

I’ve been going to this festival for years and always delighted to see how creative the vendors can get. Please note the new location (which I think is great news by the way).

3. Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition. September 18 – 20, Nathan Phillips Square.

Never been to this event but it’s now in my calendar.

4. Toronto Food and Wine , September 18 – 20, Evergreen Brickworks

Sample, sip and savour your way through the festival, get up close and personal with your favourite celebrity chefs and culinary professionals, experience once in a lifetime dining experiences, relax in the exclusive VIP lounge, enjoy book signings, attend exciting trade seminars, and much more.

5. Soupalicious, Sunday September 27th at Wychwood Barns from noon to 3:30 pm. I absolutely adore this event as it’s well organized, supports a great initiative, and features dozens of great restaurants that serve tasty, tasty soups. Just make sure to buy your tickets in advance and show up early!!

September is going to be a busy month. (but in a good way).

Hope to bump into you at one of the above mentioned events.

Cheers!!

 

 

I had one of those days. You know, the type of day that included 3 amazing events!! Here’s what my day looked like.

The day started off like this…

8:00 am – Started off my day with a Farm and Food Care Media Tour.  I love (love) this tour and have been attending this tour for the last 3 years. Over 50 people (food writers, bloggers, cookbook authors, food stylists, etc)  met off the highway for a “tail gate” party featuring coffee and fresh baked goodies.

8:30 am – Bus Departs

9:15 am – We went to visit Burnett Farms in Orangeville. At this stop, we learned about the diversity of grain farming in Ontario. It was also fascinating to learn that there are four generation on the Burnett farm today! They own 800 acres of crops and grow corn, soybean (both GMO and Identity Preserved), seed soybeans, canola, wheat and seed barley.

11:00 am – Bus Departs

Noon – Gourmet Taste of Ontario Lunch that was Catered by the Black Birch Restaurant. The (delicious) menu included;

Sorrel & Spinach Soup with Cider Infused Barley and Creme Fraiche. Hockley Valley Beer Braised Ontario Corn Fed Beef Ribs with Mushrooms, Mashed Potatoes & Roasted Asparagus. Dessert: Honey and Yogurt Semi-Freddo with Rhubarb Compote and Barley Cookies.

1:30 pm – Bus Dparts

2:00 pm – We visited the Schaus Land & Cattle Beef Feedlot in Alliston. At this stop we got up close and personal  with 3,000 yes- that’s right – 3,000) of Canada’s top cattle.  To my surprise, these cows were so quiet!! Not to mention…well taken care of!

3:45 pm – Bus Departs

5:15 pm – Arrived back in at the bus stop

5:15 pm to 6:45 pm – Drove from Trafalgar Road/401 to Avenue Road and the 401 so I could attend the the first Sip & Savour Farmers Market. I spoke to the organizer who told me that 1000 people had visited. I was thrilled to hear that. Sadly I got there at the last 15 minutes and many vendors had sold out or were packing. However I still managed to buy some gorgeous Kale and some sausage. This market will take place every Thursday from 3 pm – 7 pm at Avenue Road/Old Orchard Grove. (just south of the 401)

8:00 pm – I drove the Element Vaughan Southwest Hotel (6170 Highway 7) to attend a super intimate event that was designed for Starwood Preferred Guests. There was a reception followed by a performance by Mayer Hawthorne. The evening was FANTASTIC. I loved the atmosphere they created and the performance was outstanding. Stay tuned for another blog post about this hotel!!

11:30 pm – returned to my apartment to get some much needed sleep. What a fabulous day I had!

I have no clue why I’ve never heard of Habits Gastropub before but I’m delighted that this has now changed!! I love not only discovering new products (see last blog post) but new restaurants that I have never been to before as well!!

You can find Habits Gastropub at 928 College St.  Bonus: I was delighted to find out that street parking is free after 6 pm. The exterior of the restaurant looks like this.

As for the food…I tasted Buffalo Sweetbreads (top left) that was served with a wicked blue cheese dip, A Salmon Duo (top right), the Habits Slider (bottom left)  and Bone Marrow on toast (bottom right). There’s no shortage of appetizers here and someone knows what they are doing in the kitchen!! I noticed on their website that the menu changes frequently and may not be current online. They try their best to keep up to date online but encourage you to just come on in if you see something on the website that interests you.

For dessert –  my taste buds were treated to a trio of flavours: a chocolate brownie, lemon crema, and BEET ICE CREAM WITH ROSEMARY HONEY MASCARPONE. I have spelled that last item in CAPS as it was EPIC. Absolutely EPIC. I want  demand, a whole bowl of that ice cream the next time I visit.

Please take a peek at their website as Habits Gastropub has a variety of events coming up – Jazz Night, A Folk Band,  A Charcoal Sketch Cabaret and More!! Not to mention, Industry Night on the last Monday night of every month with 50% off ALL beverages!! (yes..all of them).

Hope you get a chance to check out Habits Gastropub one day soon. You won’t be disappointed with the food, the Ontario craft beer selection, VQA Wines and the atmosphere.

Many thanks to View the Vibe for inviting me to this special dinner for media and bloggers.

For more information:

Habits Gastropub: 928 College Street, Toronto (416) 533 7272

Twitter: @habitsgastropub

Facebook; www.facebook.com/habitsgastropub