Recently I’ve come across FOUR Fabulous Food Entrepreneurs on Twitter! Drum Roll please….

1. LOLAS CLOUD:

The owner of this company was tired of seeing only your typical pink and blue carnival candy floss. Instead, Lolas Cloud serves organic clouds of candy, produced with cane sugar and natural extracts. Flavours include coconut, mango, watermelon and more. #brilliant. Please follow them on twitter and instagram: @lolascloud and take a peek at their website too. ..www.lolascloud.com 

2. ALL MINE CARAMEL

ALL MINE CARAMEL began as many small home based business do…by accident. Shannon Hitchon, who has always been proficient at cooking and making her own recipes, decided to try her hand at making her own caramels. She began slow churning her now signature buttery caramel as Christmas gifts for family and friends one year. They were a hit and soon co-workers and neighbours began requesting treats of their own. All Mine Caramel was born. Now, 4 years later, her caramel treats have become a must have delicacy. What a great story, non? I was pleased to see that Shannon is also making caramel corn too.  Can’t wait to try the Cayenne Infused Caramel Corn,…seeing as I’m all about flavour!

Please follow them on Twitter: @AllMineCaramel. Here’s their website: www.allminecaramel.ca

3. SHOTBERRY

What is a Shotberry? Well, imagine a HUGE chocolate covered strawberry that’s customized with your favourite toppings and decorations and then paired with a shot of your favourite alcohol (or non alcoholic beverage). OMG – BRING IT ON.

I simply adore this concept. For more information, please visit their website: www.shotberrystore.com, Twitter: @shotberrys416 Instagram: Shotberry

4. Walter Caesar and Kelvin Slush

I blogged about Kelvin Slush when I discovered them in  NEW YORK in 2011 (see blog post by clicking here). Then I was introduced to Walter All -Natural Craft Caesar last year (see blog post by clicking here. However what I didn’t know was that these two brilliant products involve the same business partners…Zack Silverman and Aaron Harowitz. Not to mention I discovered this fact randomly by visiting a booth at the recent Restaurant Show!!

For more information: www.walteraesar.com and www.kelvinslush.com

Please note, that Walter Caesar has just launched a Royal Caesar mix which is now available at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. With it’s smoky chipotle and cumin flavours…this cocktail will surely be a hit with guests.

Clearly, you can tell that I’m in awe of the above mentioned food entrepreneurs who are making their dreams come true.

I’ve been a fan of Aroma Espresso Bar, since they opened their first Canadian location in 2007. They now have 25 locations in Toronto and 150 locations world wide!

I must admit I keep returning to Aroma for these two reasons: I love the mug that my coffee is served in, and I love the piece of chocolate that comes with my coffee. I know it sounds shallow but it’s the truth!

I’m also fond of the food that they serve. I probably like this dish the best. It’s called Shakshuka. Described as: Two sunny-side up eggs, on top of a rich warm tomato and pepper sauce. Served with Tahini and your choice of freshly baked bread. Can you say “YUM”? 

Their sandwiches are ALL  divine. In my humble opinion, their sandwiches are all fabulous due to the BREAD. There is something about their bread that sets it apart from others!

 

When I’m not inhaling shakshuka or a sandwich..I’ve been known to order a salad too. Always fresh and always tasty!

Now that the cooler temperatures have arrived, I know I will be enjoying Aromas’ satisfying soups as well.

It’s interesting to note, that everyone time I give a friend an option to meet at Aroma or another coffee shop, they always choose Aroma as they want to eat. I never disagree.

It’s also interesting to note that Aroma was one of the first restaurants who were “twitter” friendly back in 2010. #impressed.

For more information:

Website: www.aroma.ca

Twitter: @aromaespressobar

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

 

 

 

The other day I got a tweet from @TheCulturedPearl that said: Hey @momwhoruns I’ve found a new #coffice @TherollingpinTO.  I immediately clicked on the twitter username so I could learn more. Their profile said “Sweet Treats, 3429 Yonge St, Toronto, www.therollingpin.ca.“. I didn’t need more info..LOL…I knew that I would be visiting (sooner than later) as it’s close to where I live.  Before I knew it, I found myself dropping by on Sunday morning as soon as they opened (10 am). The outside of this charming bakery looks like this. The inside of this charming bakery looks like this. Now let’s talk about those SWEET TREATS. There’s an assortment of donuts, macarons, pies, cakes and more. Naturally everything is made in house. I decided to try the banana cream pie. However the donut I really would like to try is the “Elvis” which is described as “a delicious peanut butter topping with crisp bacon, bananas and chocolate drizzle”. Other donuts that might interest you – Tiramisu, Boston Cream, Cannoli, Maple Bacon, Blueberry Cheesecake and more!! I’m also going to return so my waistline can try this! Hope you get a chance to visit one day soon. ps a huge shout out to @theculturedpearl for introducing me (and my waistline) to The Rolling Pin!

For more information: The Rolling Pin: 3429 Yonge St, Toronto 416 691 4554

Twitter: @therollingpinTO

Instagram: therollingpinto

email: hello@therollingpin.ca

Ps closed on Mondays!!

Please Welcome YamChops.

What is YamChops? Well..they are positioning themselves as a vegetarian butcher!! Kind of a cool concept if you ask me. They believe that this is exactly the type of store that the vegetarian/ vegan /and flexitarian community is looking for. A store that offers great service, convenience, flavourful food and value.

All I know is I’m sold on their concept, marketing and what I saw when I visited!

Here’s what the store looks like (minus the paper – as they are now open for business)

Inside the store,…you will find prepared foods, cold pressed juices, refrigerated items, and plenty of shelf stable items that one does not usually see in a retail store. Plus there’s a small area where you can eat your lunch.

I had the opportunity to sample  Coconut Ba-Con and all I can say is “WOW”. I had no idea that coconut could ever taste THIS GOOD. There is no question that I will back to sample their Carrot Lox, No Pork Pulled Pork and to try their cold press juices as well. There is one juice in particular that has caught my attention..it’s called “Divine Blush – Carrot, Beet, Turmeric, Ginger, Nutmeg”.  Not sure I’ve ever had a juice with tumeric in it but I’m eager to try it.

Wishing Michael and his team..only the very best with their new adventure. I have no doubt that YamChops is going to be a welcome addition to the food scene in Toronto.

For more information:

YamChops 705 College St (3 blocks East of Ossington), Toronto  Tel: 416-645-0117

Hours: 11 am to 7 pm daily

Twitter; @YamChopsTO

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YamChopsTO

Instagram; YamChopsTO

Website: www.yamchops.com

Disclosure: YamChops is a client however all opinions are my own.

I grew up eating smoked meat. Infact, I remember my dad bringing home a package of smoked meat for my sister & I as well as a package of smoked salmon for my mom …every Sunday morning! My relationship with smoked meat had a break for about 20 years but guess what? I’m back on track with smoked meat again. I’m not eating it regularly so trust me, I’m no expert. I think I visit a deli once a year…even though I don’t live far from many of them. Deli’s like Pancers, Yitz’s, Centre St. Deli, Caplansky’s are all close by including Ben & Izzy’s.

This restaurant opened up almost a year ago and I’m pleased to say that I finally went! It was on my list for a LONG time.

The space is not what I expected for a kosher restaurant along Bathurst St. I was impressed…it was much brighter, cleaner and trendier than I had anticipated.

Even though there are plenty of options to eat at Ben & Izzy’s – I knew what I would be ordering!! (see the top left corner?)

Our sandwiches looked like this…

Naturally…..Cherry Coke,  Cotts’ Cherry Soda and Vernon’s are available.

Again, I’m no “deli” expert but I certainly enjoyed my meal and would certainly recommend it to my friends who are looking for decent deli!!

ps Check out their website. It’s awesome!

For more information:

Ben & Izzy’s Deli; 3513 Bathurst St. Toronto, ON 416 787 3354

Hours: Sun: 12 – 9 | Mon & Tues: 11 – 8
Wed & Thurs: 11 – 9 | Fri: 11 – 2

Twitter: @benandizzys

Facebook: www.facebook.com/benandizzys

Back in November, I was invited to participate on a tour called STRUT that featured 3 workshops. One of  the workshops was called: Think You’ve Got What It Takes to Pitch a Leading Producer or Be A Spokesperson?

The panel included Michelle Crespi – Executive Producer, The Social & Marilyn Denis Show , Lis Travers – Executive Producer, Canada AM. Mary Ann Zoellner – Producer, TODAY Show, Alicia Ybaro – Producer, TODAY Show,Sandra Martin – Editor-in-Chief, Walmart Live Better Magazin

After the presentation, there was an opportunity to go up and talk to any of the producers.

I approached Lis Travers (the Executive Producer for Canada AM) and pitched a story!!  I’ve never done this before but thought I had a story that might be of interest. Basically I told her about something called the COFFICE and that there is a growing trend for people to work out of coffee shops.  I told her about Coffice Tweet Ups, and that I know the guy behind The Coffice!!  She listened to me and told me that she liked the idea and then handed me her card. I followed up with Lis and introduced her via email to the guy behind The Coffice!

Months go by  and I hear no news. Then things change!! I received a direct message on Twitter last week…. from the Coffice, that said: “Did you see this link.  //canadaam.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=308390&playlistId=1.1732239&binId=1.811572&playlistPageNum=1 …It’s your doing. I owe you a coffee!!”.

I then clicked on the link (p.s you should too) and saw that The Coffice had a 6 (yes SIX) minute segment on Canada AM!!

Isn’t that cool? I was jumping up and down that my pitch worked!!

Go figger.

Now I’m hoping to pitch a few a few more story ideas. Wish me luck.

I was on twitter two weeks ago, (for a change) and saw a tweet from @unmarketing that caught my eye!!

It took me a nano second to look up Hank Daddy’s BBQ so I could find out where I could find this beautiful sounding item!! Frank (not Hank..LOL) answered my call and told me that he was an exhibitor at the GTA Home Show food court, at the International Centre.

Two hours later, I was at the show chatting to Frank and eating this amazing Pulled Pork Parfait®.

What a genius concept, don’t you think?  All it takes is a few ingredients – and poof -my world has changed!!

I hope you get a chance to have your own Pulled Pork Parfait® one day soon!!

PS for those who don’t believe that Twitter “works”….here’s proof that it does!!

For more information:

www.hankdaddysbbq.com 

Phone: 416 822 8227

Twitter: @hankandaddysbbq

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hank-daddys-barbecue

Von Doughnuts has recently opened on the Danforth (713 to be exact) and of course I had to go visit after my workout! Life is all about “balance” – right?

There are two types of doughnuts: Raised and Cake.  Plus there are a few varieties that are spiked, and some that are savoury. All I can say is “BRING IT ON”.

Here are some examples of their flavours:

Peanut Butter Jelly Time, The Sappy Pig, Chica Cherry Cola, Drunken Night, Curry Coconut etc. I counted 22 flavours on their printed menu but not all of them are available at the counter. I can see myself checking them out in future on Facebook so I can make sure that the flavour I want is available!

This morning, I tried a few! (does this surprise you?). Top Left: Dill-Dough, Bottom Left: Caramel Salt N Pepa, Top Right: Porky Monkey , Bottom Right: Cap ‘N Jack. Clearly someone has a sense of humour when naming these doughnuts.

Verdict: I love the flavour profiles and I love the fact that there’s two different types of doughnuts (cake and raised). My favourite was the Caramel Salt N Peppa. They were all excellent though and I look forward to trying more in the future. This is definitely a place that would be ideal for a tweet up so we could share a whole bunch of flavours. What do you think?

For more info:

Von Doughnuts, 713 Danforth Ave, Toronto ON 416 901 VOND (8663)

Twitter: @vondoughnuts

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vondoughnuts

 

 

 

I was on Twitter a few weeks ago and noticed that a new ramen restaurant was opening in Toronto. I was so excited seeing as I’m a  huge Ramen fan. I clicked the “follow button” and asked if they would  keep me in the loop when they were opening.

Shortly after, I received an email asking if I would like to attend their opening. I quickly said “YES…COUNT ME IN”.

They opened today for a media preview and I was one of the lucky people invited into their restaurant, which only has 36 seats!! Touhenboku Ramen is located at 261 Queen W. and in my opinion this is a great spot for a ramen restaurant.

Touhenboku Ramen features ramen soup that is made from chicken broth. It can be ordered be with your choice of lean pork, rich pork or chicken chasu. Plus you can choose between thick or thin noodles, which are made from their own blend of flour.

I tried the Garlicky Touhenboku Ramen and was surprised that the broth was so thick but it was indeed one huge bowl of flavorful ramen. I’m sure by the time winter is over I will have tried their other options, which are: Original, Spicy, and Light.

Sadly I didn’t have a chance to try their Chiffon Cake but it looks great, doesn’t it?

For more information:

Touhenboku Ramen: 261 Queen St. West, Toronto 416 596 8080

Twitter: @TouhenbokuRamen

I discovered Pukka via Twitter (does that surprise you?) and then found out that they  recently opened up a little over a week ago on St. Clair Ave. West.  I was eager to blog about Pukka seeing as I haven’t reviewed an Indian restaurant ever!!

Let’s start off with the space:

Not too dark. Not too bright. Plus I love the colour combos. It’s a pretty cool space for a restaurant in “North Toronto”. (in my humble opinion)

Now let’s talk about the food. Pukka has managed to make Indian food – INTERESTING. It’s not heavy, or greasy or boring at ALL.

Here’s four dishes that really were outstanding. They were interesting, fresh, extremely flavourful and light.

Top Left: Vegetable String Chaat – puffed rice, sprouts, chutneys and sweet yogurt

Top Right: Baby Kale Salad – dates, lotus chiops and spiced cashew dressing. See what I mean?

Bottom Right: Wilted Winter Greens – pickling spices.

Bottom Left: Tandoor Roasted Paneer – sweet peppers and pineapple

The meal continued with a few other winners:

Top Right: Chicken 65 – South Indian Fried Chicken (this is a MUST to order – and I’m not even a huge fan of chicken!!)

Bottom Right: Butter Chicken – tomato butter sauce.

On the Right: Vegetable Pakoras with Tomato Chutney

Believe it or not,…we managed to try dessert despite the fact that we were full.

Left: Eton Mess – rosewater meringue (my favorite), mango, pomegranate and sweet lassi cream

Right: Chai Pot Creme- candied pistachios, orange blossom creme anglaise, spiced shortbread (I loved the shortbread…hope they sell it separately one day)

Someone knows what they are doing in the kitchen and every dish was executed perfectly. I was super impressed with the flavours, textures, and presentation of each dish.

I have no doubt that the neighborhood is going to embrace Pukka. (which is pronounced PUCK – A).

For more information:

Pukka: 778 St. Clair Ave. West (West of Bathurst). 416 342 1906. They open everyday at 5 pm.

www.pukka.ca

Twitter: @pukkatoronto

Disclosure: Pukka is currently a client but I assure you that all opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.