Well it’s that time of year again…it’s called “Getting Ready for Camp” . For some reason, I find it more relaxing to buy 15 pairs of socks, 14 pairs of underwear, 4 bathing suits etc etc etc…in Buffalo than in Toronto. This year, I decided to stay overnite in Buffalo to make the trip even more relaxing. (I’m a smart mom).

We booked a mother/daughter trip along with another mother/daughter team!! Another smart move.

SCHEDULE:

8:00 – Left Toronto

11:00 a.m Arrived at the Walden Galleria

11:00 – 12:00 The kids shop while the Moms drink!! er….sample!!

We started off at Taps for a lovely line up of Wood Chuck Cider, Magic Hat #9, Edmund from Great Lakes Brewery, Flying Dog Snake Dog IPA (from Colorado), Holy Moses White Ale from Great Lakes Brewery, Rusty Chain from Flying Bison Brewery, and Blue Pointe Long Island Summer Lager.

12:00 p.m to 1:00 p.m – Bar #2: Gordon Biersch for another line up of beers: Marzen, Golden Export, Czech Pilsner, Hefewerzen and more!!

1:00 p.m – The Cheesecake Factory; We were 4 people so we HAD to try 4 cheesecakes right? We decided on OREO, Original, Ultimate Red Velet and Adam’s Peanut Butter Cup Fudge Ripple. Ps this was not an easy decision to make!!

We were happy, happy, happy.

3:00 -5:00 p.m More shopping at Target

5:00 pm Check into the lovely Embassy Suites in Downtown Buffalo. We were thrilled to find  out that our spacious 900 sqf room, included a pullout sofa with a TV, 2 Queen beds with a TV, and a room with a wet bar, microwave and  fridge.  Can you say “HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY”.

5:30 -6:30 p.m Managers’ Reception: This was a total bonus. Complimentary drinks and snacks. What a nice treat.

7:00 p.m Went to Chipotle for dinner. (my friends had never been before). Everyone inhaled their burritos.

8:30 p.m. Back to the hotel to swim.

10:00 p.m Everyone is EXHAUSTED but HAPPY and finally in pyjamas and in bed.

Next Day:

9:00 am Complimentary Cook to Order Breakfast (oh how I love this feature).

10:00 am Bye Bye Buffalo

12:30 p.m Hello Toronto

ps The Walden Galleria has lots of dining options: The Melting Pot, PF Changs, Johnny Rockets, Yogen Fruz and more. No shortage of great shopping OR dining options at this mall.

 

 

 

 

It’s not a secret that I like adore cheese. I’m not sure I have ever come across a cheese I did not like. I like grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese platters, and fondue too. Needless to say I was over the moon when I met Chef Corbin at the Wine and Cheese show (back in March) who told me that The Melting Pot was opening in late April in Richmond Hill. It did not take me long to whip out my iPhone to enter  the necessary information!!

Finally the end of April arrived, and I went to the opening. I could not have been happier (except I failed to bring a guest – what was I thinking?). I sat at the bar though and coincidentally sat beside Damon Allen.

The atmosphere is contemporary and features plenty of private booths. I have no doubt that this place will be packed on Valentines Day!! It’s also the perfect place for a group of friends to go out or for a couple to celebrate an occasion.

I started off my meal with a drink that looked like this:

Then I ordered something I adore but rarely find on a menu.

Then came the highlight of the evening…the FONDUE (or as @SharonDV tweeted “FON-DO”.)

I selected the “Fiesta Cheese Fondue” which is described as “aged cheddar cheese pairs with lager beer, jalapeno peppers and salsa, made as spicy as you like”.  I was not disappointed with my choice. Other varieties of fondue included: Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue, Cheddar Cheese Fondue, Wisconsin Trio Cheese Fondue and Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue. I’m pretty sure that THEY would all be perfect!!

The Chocolate Fondue Selection on the menu is awesome (um…need a birthday party idea for your 10 year old?) Items such as Bananas Foster, Flaming Turtle, Cookies’n Cream Marshmallow Dream, Chocolate S’mores, Ying& Yang, …WILL MAKE ANYONE HAPPY. I mean seriously…you can’t go wrong.

By the way, The Melting Pot is a franchise in the United States and this is their first location in Canada. Welcome to Canada!!

The Melting Pot

125-135 York Blvd, Richmond Hill, ON

(905) 764-7770