The Yum Yum Factor

After my day exploring the bench, I was a bit more excited than normal to drive Shack back to Hamilton to work and spend the weekend there with him because it meant I was going to be able to spend another day, driving around the Beamsville area on my own. Sure, I couldn't do any wine tasting BUT it also meant that I got to have lunch at Westcott Vineyard. Toronto duo, Ricky + Olivia, have taken up residence on the patio at Westcott for the summer and they were closed last week so I took my sister and my friend, Kate, back to Bench Brewing instead.  This time, I dropped Shack off on set, I dropped our bags off at the hotel and set off for the short drive to Beamsville. I returned to a couple of wineries to take more pictures, discovered some new spots like Calamus and their drool worthy rooftop patio and dropped in to visit some old favourites like Flat Rock.  Ricky + Olivia at Westcott Vineyard Right up until I pulled into the driveway at Westcott, I w...

Leslieville Farmer's Market Last Sunday was not only Mother's Day, which I can take or leave to be quite honest, but it was the opening day of my favourite farmer's market, the Leslieville Market. It was a cold, blustery day, marred with rain and wind but I was determined to visit and pick up a few things for dinner. There were quite a few diehard shoppers, happily chatting with vendors who looked cold but enthusiastic and I managed to grab some new plants for my garden to go with the tasty Cider, bread and greens that I threw in my bag before the weather got the best of me. I was too cold to have my customary fish taco from Hooked and those oysters will be mine  another time but this Sunday but I wimped out. Alas, I have become a fair weather shopper. even terrible weather couldn't put a total damper on the first day of the Leslieville Farmer's Market Mimi's Mimi is one of my favourite places for Vietnamese in the city Because it was al...

Lamb Barbacoa from Xola Xola The Kid and I wanted to go out for dinner and we really wanted to eat somewhere kind of new. Xola, in the Beaches, is not new but we haven't eaten there in well over a year, it was a nice night and so we set out for a nice walk down to Queen St East for some tasty Mexican. This is not cheap, down and dirty tacos so don't go expecting that but the food in this tiny little, family run spot is great. I had Lamb Barbacoa - Ontario lamb braised in a rich, dark sauce of beer, lots of spices, and a trio of Mexican chiles. It comes with refried beans and a basket of warm corn tortillas. The Kid had Duck Confit Tacos which were good but left him still hungry and for the price (both entrees are approx $21), we agreed that the lamb is tastier and a better value. Haddock ceviche with a tomatillo/ash marinade was a fresh, delicious bowl of summer. Because we also ordered a mescal, our bill was higher than expected so it puts it in the "...

Austrian Cheese samples at SIAL Lots to share this week! Bootleg Smokehouse First up, my big news - big news for me, anyway. On Sunday, I had my first official meeting with the women of Auburn Lane so say hello to the newest member of the team - along with the addition of my good pal, Heather Lang, the Tasty Gardener /beer sommelier and all around amazing human , who is also now an official part of the Auburn Lane team - go follow her on the old Tweeter here  . I will continue writing about travel, food and eating while travelling as well as our newest section called "The Canna Commissary" where I share information on how to cook with cannabis, share recipes, and hopefully help the canna curious figure out this newly legal phenomenon. We met for a meaty brunch at Bootleg Smokehouse on Spadina, just south of King St. It was my first visit and we all enjoyed a tasty brunch consisting of the Piggy Platter, of course, cornmeal pancakes and some smoked berry fr...

Covarrubias demonstrated this whimsical chocolate dessert honouring Cacao , native to Guadalajara  This week has been a crazy week in my world. We don't really celebrate Easter and usually use it as an excuse to visit with friends and family because we are all forced to take a couple of days off but this year, Easter Sunday also happened to be The Kid's 20th birthday. That meant some fine eating occurred. My Friday Sous Weed class at The Depanneur  sold out AGAIN, so we added a second class on Wednesday so I was busy getting everything ready during the week, alongside much tasty eating and celebrating. Fishman's Lobster Clubhouse The highlight of the birthday meals was our first trip, at long last, to Fishmans Lobster Clubhouse in the heart of Scarborough. This iconic Lobster (and crab and lots of other seafood) emporium is so popular that people fly to Toronto just to eat there. With walls lined with tanks that are fully stocked with lobster and crab, ...

My final recipe for the upcoming edition of Vitalize Magazine, just under the wire This was a bit of a slow week, as far as exciting new things go. The one highlight was a media preview for Maison Selby , the newest venture from the Oliver & Bonacini factory. This French inspired bistro is housed in the 136 year old C.H. Gooderham House at Bloor and Sherbourne. The beautifully restored mansion is attached to a new rental apartment complex called the Selby. I toured the apartment building as well and, I have to say, it's a beautiful place. Gorgeous, condo living but without the condo fees and downpayment for a mortgage. NEED THIS WALLPAPER STAT NEED THIS CHAIR TOO I only got to sample some passed bite sized versions of what will be served on the menu but Oliver & Bonacini deliver a solid product so I am sure the food is going to be fantastic. If it's half as impressive as the restaurant itself, it will be my new regular haunt. Each room is...