Before I go camping, I had two things to accomplish:

1.Visit Hale Coffee (33 Campbell Ave) to help them celebrate their opening and to grab a free coffee which they are offering all day on July 16th. I’m in love with their space and their coffee these days.

2. Blog about the Honda Indy which is taking place this weekend July 15-17) at Exhibition Place. I went for my first time last year and I was mesmerized by the whole scene. ..the cars, the complexity of every part, the massive tires, the speed, the “team work” that is involved etc.

I had the chance to walk around and get pretty close to these cars, the parts, and even a famous driver race driver (Josef Winegarten)

Here’s a few photos to inspire you to go!!

Have a great weekend.

PS next weekend is the Rogers Cup (July 23-31). This will be quite the tournament for Milos Raonic  where he will surely receive a warm homecoming from his Canadian fans. Murray is set to return to Rogers Cup as well, as defending champion.

Next weekend is also the Toronto Festival of Beer! (July 22-24) Oh my…so much going on and so little time!

 

 

 

 

Verkspace is the newest co-working space that is located in the Richmond and Sherborne area.

Derived from Verk, the Icelandic word for labour, Verkspace is a collective work hub that offers a world class office space for entrepreneurs, freelancers and makers and shakers alike.

Seeing as I’m a sales rep and my office is my beloved Versa, I was all too happy to book a desk so I could make phone calls, write some emails and feel more connected.

So I went from this:

To this:

It was such a pleasure to sit at a desk and do some work vs sitting in my car writing emails on my iPhone and/or making phone calls from my car.

The space features a custom-designed, contemporary office including lounges and board rooms, with a range of flexible membership packages. I adored the space the minute I walked in.

See what I mean?

This type of co-working space is perfect for sales reps, consultants, real estate professionals, and anyone who is working out of a home office!!

For more information about rates and packages, please click here!

Verkspace …..32 Britain Street. Suite 100, Toronto, ON, M5A 1R6

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

In the event that you don’t have a cottage or you aren’t taking a summer vacation – DON’T WORRY.  I swear to you, that there’s no shortage of events and festivals right here in Toronto.

BlogTO recently posted: Top 54 Festivals in Toronto this summer. Click here to read that list. It’s quite impressive.

BlogTO also posted: Top Ten Food Festivals near Toronto this Summer. Click here to read that list. Again – quite impressive.

I love BlogTO. Don’t you? May I suggest that you subscribe to them or download their app so you can stay on top of all the fabulous events/restaurant openings, etc that are taking place? #hint.

There’s also neighbourhood events like the Mount Pleasant Village Shop, Dine and Wine on June 16th.

My Summer Bucket list includes:

–Camping: Went last year to Elora. As you can see from this photo we picked a pretty quiet spot. #score

-Hiking in the Hamilton area to see waterfalls. Specifically Webster Waterfalls. (which I keep seeing photos of on the internet)

-Learning to row. (I say this ever summer)

-Biking along the lake shore and on county roads. Believe it or not I bought this used bike in the Spring of 2015 and have never used it. ARGGHH

-Visiting a pick-your-own- cherry farm.

Let’s see what I can accomplish. Time will tell.

Have a wonderful summer everyone!

Do you Love Krispy Kreme? Me too. I can still remember the first time I had a Krispy Kreme donut in Florida.
I also remember when Krispy Kreme arrived in Mississauga. Oh how I remember.
I’m sure you remember too as it appeared that everyone at one point or another had lined up for one of their hot delicious donuts.

I’m pleased to let you know that Krispy Kreme has recently opened their latest Café at the historic corner of Spadina Avenue and Nassau Street.

The iconic brand plans to offer classic menu options as well as share new innovations with loyal Krispy Kreme fans. Downtown Torontonians will be able to enjoy the new shop, featuring a “served hot experience”.

Naturally I was all to happy to attend this event which had this very cool Krispy Kreme cruiser outside the cafe.

But I admit, I spent most of my time inside inhaling a hot original Krispy Kreme donut.

It wasn’t an easy choice for me to make as there’s quite an assortment of donuts to chose from! See what I mean?

For more information:

Krispy Kreme, 400 Spadina Avenue,  Toronto ON

Website: www.KrispyKreme.ca

Twitter and Instagram: @KrispyKremeCan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrispyKremeCanada/

At the recent Toronto Food + Drink Market, I stumbled across an exhibitor called TruLocal.

I started to chat wth them to find out more about their business and learned that they deliver clean, high-end meat products that are locally-sourced directly to the front door of their customers.

They know that it takes time to search for a certified butcher and no one has time, right? I am certainly a candidate for this service so I went on their website (which is beautiful by the way) and before you know it, I received the following box right to my door.

In a nutshell, here’s how it works:

1. Choose a plan  (how many people – how often you want meat delivered)

2. Choose a package (i.e. what type of meat you would like)

3. They deliver right to your door.

Seeing as I work, I was a bit nervous to have a box of meat delivered when I wasnt home to receive it.  But I soon found out that I had NOTHING to worry about. The box that was delivered, was brilliantly packaged and my meat was rock, solid (i.e.very frozen) due to the amazing packaging and ice packs (which weren’t your typical ice packs).

Under all the packaging, contained the locally sourced meat that I didn’t have to go source!!

Naturally I had to try the bacon first and it was indeed not-at-all like  the bacon you would get from a grocery store!

I’m confident that this service is going to appeal to a lot of people who care about locally sourced meat and don’t have the time to find it. I’m definitely a candidate to become a regular customer.

Wishing TruLocal all the best with their new business!

For more information:

Website: www.trulocal.ca

Twitter and Instagram: @trulocal

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

Disclosure: My box was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

 

 

 

In Las Vegas. I keep returning to a restaurant called Hot ‘n Spicy Crawfish  as there’s nothing like it here in Toronto. Guess what? That’s changed. I don’t have to go all the way to Vegas as a similar concept opened right here in Toronto called The Boil Bar. I discovered them on Instagram a few weeks ago and before I knew it, I was invited to drop by for dinner.

When I walked in, I immediately started taking photos of the space as I think they did a great job at creating the “right” type of atmosphere.

Here’s how it works: Basically you pick your “catch”, then you select your flavour followed by the spiciness. Your meal then arrives to your table in a plastic bag…all steamy hot and flavourful.

Naturally there’s plastic bibs and plastic gloves and a big roll of paper towels on the table which YOU will really really need.. Here’s a photo of me all dressed up in the plastic bib and gloves ready to dig into my delicious crab.

I also ordered the baked lobster which is not something I would normally order but was opening to trying something different. The lobster meat was perfect and the creamy sauce was exactly what it was suppose to be…um, creamy!!

I sucked back these fresh meaty oysters too. Oh man were these oysters good.

Of course, I had to try the crawfish. However they aren’t my favourite as they have so little meat on them.

I also devoured some shrimp but for some reason I didn’t snap a photo of them. (forgive me?).

There is no doubt about it: I’m a seafood fan and this restaurant is ideal for people like me!!

The meal finished off with some refreshing bubble tea from a kiosk that insides the restaurant. It was a perfect way to end this fun meal.

I really hope you get a chance to check out this restaurant soon. You won’t be disappointed. Promise.

For more information:

Website: www.theboilbar.com
Scarborough Location: 633 Silver Star Blvd. #110 & 111
Phone: (416) 293-2666 Hours: Mon – Thur 4pm – 2am, Sat & Sun 12pm – 2am

Yonge Location: Opening Soon at 664 Yonge St.

Bloor Location: Opening Soon at 442 Bloor St. W

Instagram: @BoilBar

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theboilbar

Note: This meal was complimentary however all opinions are my own

I’ve just returned from the Interior Design Show and as always I’ve got many photos to share with you. So I won’t bore you any further details. Let’s just get down to business.

Seriously, everywhere you look there’s something that will capture your attention.

I was in awe of this wall covering made from wood. So much texture. So much warmth.

These tiles are pretty incredible. Don’t you think?

This light fixture is a statement. Absolutely love it.

This shelf totally captured my attention. I just wish I had a wall for it! #condo problems

I hope you get a chance to visit the Interior Design Show too. You won’t be bored. Promise.

For more information:

Website: www.interiordesignshow.com

Dates: Saturday Jan 23 – 10 am to 7 pm: Sunday Jan 24 – 10 am to 6 pm

Location: Metro Convention Centre, 255 Front St. West, Toronto, Ontario

Tickets: $19 online, $22 at the door

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: IDSToronto

I had the opportunity to visit the PC Insiders Collection Boutique last week, which is located at 363 King St. W (at the corner of Blue Jays Way and King St. W).  I had been following the hashtag #PCInsidersBoutique on Instagram so I had an idea what I was visiting but it was SO much better to experience it.

Here’s 5 Reasons You Should Visit the PC Insiders Boutique:

1. There are 4 rooms and one room is nicer than the other.  I actually heard that they’ve been decorating the space since August. There’s 4 rooms in total with a theme of Dine, Brunch, Mingle and Gift.

This “Gift” Room put a smile on my face in a nano-second.

2. You will be treated to yummy samples.  Specifically you will sample the PC® Insiders Collection™ line of products!!

The Boutique features more than 70 new and innovative products that have been launched for the holiday season.  Here’s an example of some of the treats you will sample:

Black Forest Stuffed French Toast made with PC® The Decadent® Chocolate Cherry Loaf and the indulgent PC® Poutine Pie, along with new treats like PC® Speculoos Cookie Butter. You won’t be left disappointed.

3. It’s FREE. #sweet

4. It’s a fun activity to put you in the mood for the holidays.

5. You will go home with a gift!!

So head on over to 363 King St. W (corner of King St. W and Blue Jays Way) to experience the PC® Insiders Collection™ line of products in person at the President’s Choice® Insiders Collection™ Boutique. Please note that the Boutique closes on Dec 18th. So Hurry!!

For more information:

Website: www.pc.ca, www.loblaws.ca

Facebook: President’s Choice

Twitter & Instagram: @PresChoice #PCInsidersCollection

The other night I dined at 70 Down Restaurant and Lounge, which opened only 3 months ago. They are located at 70 Yorkville – which gave me the perfect opportunity to shop a bit before dining. Always a great combo!

My meal started off with the perfect cocktail that was refreshing and perfectly balanced!!

As soon as I saw the ingredients I knew I had to order it. I was not disappointed. It was so perfect that I had to use all my willpower not to order a second one.

70 Down has positioned itself as “Mediterranean Middle Eastern meets Modern Tapas” .  I kind of like that idea so we embraced it and started off the meal with Moosear (shallot pressed yogurt with Himalayan salt, dressed with micro arugula and thyme leaves). I must admit – I fell in love with this creamy goodness.

We also ordered  Turshy which is the cutest assortment of pickled cucumber gherkins, carrots, eggplant, cauliflower and garlic, garnished with a chili. Another great dish.

The meal continued with Bolani which is a crispy dough crust stuffed with smashed potato and caramelized onion. I was delighted to see that it came accompanied with more of the Moosear (that yummy pressed yogurt).

One of my favorite dishes of the evening was a simple charcoal broiled tomatoes. So simple and so good.

The waitress suggested we try her favourite dish which was The Moroccan Fish Tacos. I can see what it was her favourite.

 

Believe or not, we tried one more dish called Bontu. Who knew that beef and onion dumplings topped with a tomato beef sauce and topped with yoghurt, garlic and mint COULD BE SO GOOD. I MEAN – REALLY REALLY GOOD. (sorry to use caps and shout but I wanted to make a point. Forgive me?).

We finished the evening with Bistrani – a saffron pistachio ice cream with sprinkled with good quality pistachios. It was the perfect way to end the evening.

70 Down is an incredible place to EAT as well as a happening lounge on the weekend. I was more than impressed with the management and Chef Jimmy who took the time to chat with us about their passion for food.

Already looking forward to my next visit!!

For more information:

Website: www.70down.ca

Address: 70 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto

Phone: 416 323 3696

Twitter and Instagram: @70Down

Disclosure: The meal was complimentary however all opinions are my own.

It’s no secret that I love oysters. In fact, you will find me at the oyster bar at any event where oysters are served. While everyone else is grabbing drinks, I’m wolfing down oyster after oyster till I actually have to apologize. #truestory.

Therefore when I received an email inviting me to visit the Pearl Diver, I immediately said; YES.

When I walked into the restaurant, I quickly realized that it use to be the Starfish Oyster Bed & Grill. The space is still welcoming and cozy.

I started off my evening with an appetizers of calamari. The combination of a sesame and panko crust really made a difference.

I couldn’t resist ordering this appetizer too: Chicken Liver and Oyster Pate with Blackbird Toast. It was beyond good. Seriously.

Of course, I had to order a selection of oysters too!! Naturally I loved all of them. The oysters were tasty, fresh, plump and perfect!! How’s that for a description?

I also tried the mussels which were bathed in a coconut cream, ginger, chilli, garlic, lemongrass and cilantro sauce. #totallyum

Plus I HAD to try the dessert. One could say I tried four food groups that night…seafood, seafood, seafood and dessert. LOL.

I’m already planning my next visit as they offer 100 oysters for $100 every Thursday.  Im SO doing this!! (with others of course. LOL).

For more information:

Website: www.peardiver.com

Address: 100 Adelaide St. East, (416) 366-7827

Hours: Mon to Wed : Noon to 12am, Thurs & Fri: Noon to 1am., Sat: 4pm to 1am, Sun: 11am to 12am

Twitter and Instagram: @PearlDiverTO