Bye, Bye Summer: What to do by the Lake Shore in the winter - Part 1 {Jazzy Jazz}

I haven't really gone outside much since this cold weather showed up. I'm not much of a winter person at all. I mean I like the odd crisp winter walk; and I really do love the look of snow, but the cold I can do without (even though I really do love bundling up in those cozy cowls).

So if you're like me, what the heck do you do in these dark winter months? I've put together some sort of guide, and please, if you know of something fun to do leave me a comment because I need all the help I can get!

Jazz Hands
Photo source

This post is all about jazz. This past weekend my hubby Mark and I had a craving for some jazz so we popped on over to Birds and Beans for some Sunday Jazz. First of all, if you've never been to Birds and Beans, you're missing out on the most delicious coffee known to man. (Lately I've been sipping on lattes, but my true love from there is the London Fog. I've only managed to order it once. The don't have it on the menu, so won't make it anymore until more people ask for it, so please for the love of Sundays ask for a London Fog! Ok I digress).

Ok back to the Jazz.

Every Saturday and Sunday Birds and Beans has some really fun jazz. You walk in, get your coffee and some nibbles (the breakfast cookie is available during all hours of the day and is quite delish); then turn around and walk up the stairs. You might feel a bit intimidated if it's your first time going upstairs because the jazzers are right there, but just step past them and find a spot on one of the 'ol chairs or the reclaimed church pew. The jazzers comprise a group of about 10 or so people who manage to all play together seamlessly. The jazz on Saturday changes up a bit, but the Sunday show seems to usually have The Birds of a Feather at noon, with Jazz at Birds and Beans with Fair Trade at 2:30. Get there early so you can get a seat.

But Birds and Beans isn't the only place with live jazz by the Lake!

Café Du Lac is another place to enjoy some fun live music. I think I talked about the live music there before, but the fun part about this place is that it's quaint and cozy; and cozy = staying warm. Order some poutine, sit back and enjoy.

If you're closer to Brown's Line you can catch some cool jazz every Saturday at Tatsu's Bread. They pull their jazz folks right out of Humber who provide a nice and warm atmosphere to enjoy your organic earl grey (hey maybe they'll make me a London Fog!) and a delectable dessert. If you go there during lunch they have these crazy yummy curried tuna sandwiches that I dream of on a weekly basis.

Momo's Bistro isn't quite by the lake but it still seems warm and cozy (I haven't been there yet!) and has some live jazz for all you folks. Check out the jam packed calendar here.

Ok that's all I've got. I'm semi-new in these parts so I'm partly counting on y'all to let me know what I've missed.

Also if you have ideas for other things to do in the area to keep warm, give me a shout at s_dodge (at) rogers (dot) com so I can add it to my next post!

Have a great Friday, jazz it up and stay warm for goodness sakes -- it's cold out there!

Shop the Shore -- Gift Ideas

Coffee from The Big Guys LIttle Coffee Shop - 2861 Lake Shore Blvd W

I just found this post on Our Lakeshore and thought I'd share. Happy Shore shopping!

snow? what snow?

I woke up this morning with excitement about what it might look like down here -- all the snow that has been in the forecast. Only there was no snow! I was pretty disappointed that we didn't get any and I've been told that this is one of the perils of living by the lake: warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. I'm sure we will get snow, but I hope it will be soon!

Shop the Shore

I'm headed to Shop the Shore today! Here's a map of the festivities:


View Shop the Shore in New Toronto in a larger map

Happy Shore Shopping!

Café du Lac

For the past couple years, a lot of my focus has been on Italy and the Italian culture. I did, after all, just marry an Italian guy in Italy (he's not from Italy; he grew up in Hamilton ;)). Before the wedding, we tried to learn the language as much as possible so we could get by during our three weeks over there. And get by we did; but I don't credit our Italian lessons as much as I credit growing up half-French Canadian.

Ok I don't really speak the language (give me a few drinks and I could spew out a few French slurs) but I grew up listening to my mother and her sisters speak to my grandparents in French and I learned the basics of the basics. Later on, I took french in high school and in university, but the language skills ran dry when I didn't keep up the conversation. I love the language though. I stop in my tracks when I hear it being spoken in Toronto because it brings me back to my childhood.

{What does this have to do with learning Italian you ask? Well, there are many similarities with the tenses, and knowing some French really helped with understanding some Italian (some).}

One thing I didn't really learn while growing up however, was Quebecois cuisine. My grandmother, of course, makes tortière every year for Christmas, but really I don't know what true Quebecois food is all about.

Last week my husband and I decided to try some at Café du Lac. Three words: best. dinner. ever. I can honestly say that. I don't think I've ever tasted anything as yummy and delish as what I tasted last Friday night (ok there were some dishes in Italy that might beat this meal, but let's say best in North America...).

As soon as we sat down, I told my husband that we had to get the poutine... it's all I hear about when people mention Café du Lac. Poutine isn't something we usually get, but I talked him into it and man it didn't disappoint. We chose the Poutine with Creme Sauce ($10) which was a silky blend of deliciousness and the perfect starter for someone who loves all things cheese. The fries were crisp and the cheese was hot and I really wish I had more of it right now sitting here writing this post.

We also ordered the Organic Salad tossed in house vinaigrette ($7) which didn't come until our mains, but that was still a great accompaniment.

For dinner I ordered the Pan-seared Duck Magret drizzled with foie gras truffle sauce with potato gratin ($28). I've never had foie gras and believe that one should try everything once. It was buttery and worked wonderfully with the crispy pieces of duck loveliness that came with it. Under everything was the potato gratin which is making my mouth water right now just thinking about it. The whole meal went so well together I can't even really describe it well enough. The hubster got the Venison Meatloaf ($27) topped with seared fois gras and served on a bed of rustic mashed potatoes. As our server mentioned, this isn't your regular meatloaf. It was full of spices like cinnamon and nutmegish types of spices and my husband ate all of it, so I think he really liked it. He has been mentioning lately that he wants to have meatloaf for dinner, so now that he has had something better, I might not have to attempt to make it any time soon.

In terms of drinks, Café du Lac specializes in Quebec beers, but I didn't realize that until right now looking at the web site, which is a shame because we both really love beer. Instead we opted for a litre and a half of La Vieille Ferme which I actually think is from France (ack!). Regardless, I like this wine and it went well with the duck, the conversation and the fun musical entertainment by Kim Doolittle.

The only thing I'd have to tell the owners of Café du Lac is to lift up the window shade. To be honest, half the time I walk by it doesn't look like anything is going on in there because you can't see in. People like to see what's cooking from the street and lifting the shade would be great for the street scape down here.

Overall,this was an A+++ in my opinion and and I can't wait to go back to try the brunch some weekend soon.

le yum.

6th Annual Lakeshore Mardi Gras

News care of www.thelakeshore.ca

I'm interested to see what this Mardi Gras event is all about... I'm off to Beer Fest that weekend, but I'll try to get down to this event to take some pics. I need some pics in my By the Lake Flickr Group! (hint, hint)

Here are the deets:

When: Fri, Aug 07 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Aug 8, 12 pm - 9 pm & Aug 9, 12 pm - 7 pm
Where: On the Assembly Hall Grounds

Presented by the Lakeshore Mardi Gras Committee

Lakeshore Mardi Gras is a unique family experience, bringing the sounds and tastes of the south to the Lakeshore. There's something for everyone & admission is free!

Please visit the Lakeshore Mardi Gras Committee website at www.lakeshoremardigras.ca, in the coming weeks, or call 416-251-1390, for more information on this event.

High Tech Nails

There was no doubt about it -- I was in desperate need of a pedicure. But being relatively new to the area I didn't really know where to go. In the old 'hood I was a regular at Sugar Moon Salon (which I loved) but I wasn't about to trek up to the Danforth for some pretty toe nails. So I did a search on the good 'ol net and found out about High Tech Nails.

High Tech Nails is your typical nail salon in the city. Cute little asian ladies take your toes and turn them into artful masterpieces. I had read that this place was clean and efficient and the fellow 'netters didn't lie.

I arrived at 7pm on a Tuesday and the place was packed. The Comedy Network blasted on the corner TV set and women read magazines or chatted with their technicians. The only downside to the place is that when you enter, you're pounded with the thickest wall of nail polish scent I've ever experienced and to be honest I almost left for fear of fainting. I'm not sure how the ladies do it day in and out. But I soon came to when it was my turn to hit the massage chair.

Over all my experience was excellent and the best pedicure I think I've ever had. My technician was super meticulous and gentle at the same time, and massaged my legs and feet with hot stones, which may seem a bit odd but it was welcomed.

The best part of High Tech Nails? It's about a two block walk from my house...

High Tech Nails
2755 Lake Shore Boulevard West
Etobicoke, ON, M8V 1H2
416-252-8988

body bustin' bootcamp

For the past 2.5 weeks I've been busting my butt at bootcamp in High Park and let me tell you... it hasn't been easy. They yell at ya; curse at ya; whip ya into shape (ok so they don't swear or whip but it makes it sound extra bad no? ;)) all in the name of a better bikini body. And I have to say I've loved every minute of it.

Here's a short video to show what they put us through (be warned, the video makes it look easier than it is)



If you're looking to do something that is outside the whole drone of going to the gym, check out Body Buster Bootcamp. The rates are very reasonable, the location is perfect (there are locations all over the city if you don't live near the Park) and the results are fantastic. Just after the short time I've been doing this, I've already noticed a difference.

Get more info here: http://www.bodybusterbootcamp.com/

I can't say you won't regret signing up after the first class, but you'll love it after the second! I'm hooked.

Farmers' Market Goodness

I've made a secret vow this summer to buy my fruits and veggies from local farmers' markets only. It's week three this week and so far so good. I'm a bit sad that there isn't really one close enough for me to walk to in the new 'hood but I shouldn't really complain because there are a few around just a short drive away that have bounties of goodness.

For the past three weeks I've been heading over to the Sherway Garden Farmers' Market located in the mall parking lot and there are so many things to choose from you really don't need to go to a regular grocery store to get much else (unless of course you love bananas like my husband -- unfortunately you can't get those local).

My typical purchases are cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and a bunch of veggies. Last week I couldn't resist the radishes -- just look at them! I immediately was brought back to childhood to the days when my grandmother would cut up radishes and put them in a pyrex in cold water in the fridge. When I got them home I sliced up a few to put on my salad and sliced the rest into cold water and into the fridge. And then they sat there, and sat there. And I thought "what do I do with these things?" I brought them to work one day as a snack; the same way I take carrots to work. I had had enough of the peppery veggie after one though.

Regardless of what you get, going to the Farmers' Market is a great experience: you get really tasty food that has travelled only a short distance; most times the food is pesticide free and you get to pay farmers directly for the food they work so hard to produce every week. How cool is that?

BlogTO has a great list of The Best Farmers' Markets in Toronto. Click here to find one near you.

(for some 'ravishing radish recipes' click here)

Non-Day

Well it has been a while hasn't it? Not quite sure where the time has gone!

I finally took the chance to carry my big honkin' camera along with my hubster and me on our "non-day". We don't take too many of these non-days but when we do take them they're so relaxing and fun.

This non-day we took a stroll down to the Amos Waites Park (behind Birds and Beans) and sat at the end of the small peninsula there. We brought along some sandwiches and snacks and enjoyed the great view.

Here are a few pics from non-day:

An Urban Forest by the Lake

According to toronto.ca, Toronto has set a goal to double its tree canopy from 17% to 34%. This goal is part of the city’s Climate Change, Clean Air and Sustainable Energy Action Plan, “Change is in the Air” introduced in June 2007.

This weekend people are meeting at Humber Bay Park West to plant some trees. If you don't have any plans, I think this is a great way, not only give back to the community, but also to make your mark on making this city a little greener.

Refreshments will be served, but in an effort to make this a litterless event, you're asked to bring your own reusable containers.

To get you prepared, the site provides some tips for planting:

• Gloves and shovels are provided.


• Plantings go rain or shine.


• Some sites are muddy – so you might get dirty!


• Most of our sites do not have permanent washroom facilities. However, portable toilets will be available the day of the event at each location.


• Wear comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.


• Dress for the weather - you may need a raincoat and rubber boots or sunscreen and a hat.

Here's more info on the event.

On another, but slightly relevant note, I've created group on Flickr for you to share your photos of life by the lake. Be the first to post a photo of the tree planting event. I can't be there this weekend, so I'd love to see you all digging away! Access the group here.

George's The Greek

It's so funny how easily my plans can change for the night (half the time it doesn't take much to twist my arm). I was supposed to go to the gym for my BodyFlow class but the traffic was bad and by the time I got home I didn't feel like jetting off again to "Rock" with the Goodlifers.

M had been in Vancouver yesterday and wanted something quick for dinner so we decided on greek. We took a trek back down to Long Branch to check out George's the Greek. We had seen this place when we were looking at houses in Long Branch a year ago.

George's is a small little greasy spoon type place on the corner of Long Branch Avenue. The atmosphere was friendly and most tables were full of regulars. Our sweet server gave us our menus and then took our order. Her smile lit up the room as she shuffled from one table to the next.

M ordered the pork souvlaki dinner (sm $8.95) and I, the chicken souvlaki dinner (sm $9.95). The plates came heaping with meat, salad, rice, bread and potatoes -- more than enough for one sitting. Both of us commented how the meals weren't overpowered with garlic as I find that most souvlaki dinners are.

So the dinner was great, but mostly I loved how the staff treated everyone coming through the door. As I mentined, most of the patrons seemed to be regulars who seemed like part of the family. Some sat at the counter waiting for their orders, laughing and joking around with the staff that cooked their meals. It was fun to watch.

We'll definitely go back to George's next time we're craving some good 'ol home cooked greek food.

George's the Greek
3575 Lake Shore Blvd.
Toronto, ON
M8W 1P5
416-503-1201

Tea Time

When my good friend Abbey invited me to a tea tasting event at DAVIDsTEA, I thought it sounded like a interesting idea. Abbey is a lot of fun to hang around with and the thought of tasting tea instead of wine for a change sounded perfect (especially on this blustery April Day!).

DAVIDsTEA is tucked into a string of stores along the popular Queen Street West cooridor in Toronto. It's a tiny place that shares space in a way with Le Chateau just east of Spadina. About 20 chairs were planted at the front of the store facing a long white table that housed some porcelain cups and several clear ramekins full of loose tea.

We were seated and introduced to tea guru, Richard Guzauskas. Guzauskas instantly commanded presence from the crowd; not because he demanded it, but more because he looked so... fresh. His cropped white hair framed his smooth tanned face; so clear and pristine looking, it was almost as though he bathed in tea, whilst drinking it.

Once he began speaking, I couldn't take my eyes off him. I hung onto every word that filled his stories and information -- I never thought I could be so immersed in the world of tea.

I won't even attempt to relay any of the stories told, but I will go through the tasy teas Guzauskas fed us through out the night.

We tried six teas: two white, two green, two oolong and two black.

The first were a duo of white teas; one from Sri Lanka called Silver Needles and the other from China called Bai Hao Yin Zhen. I don't have info for the latter, but according to my info card, the Sri Lankan tea comes from expertly selected long leaf buds that are chosen and plucked to produce one of the finest and purest of all white teas.

Next we tasted two green teas: an Organic Gyokuro tea from Japan and a Chinese Snow Peony Green Tea. The leaves from the Gyokuro are sheilded from the sun for two weeks before harvesting which results in a sweeter, more energizing tea. The Snow Peony reflects every phase of its production, from from hand plucking the leaves to hand rolling and drying the leaves in a shaded ourdoor area.

The interesting thing about the difference between Japanese and Chinese green teas that I never knew is that Japanese people don't care what their tea looks like so they tend to just chop it down, steam it and brew it in covered cups; whereas Chinese like to see their leaves so they take great pride in hand picking their leaves and brewing them in an glass cup so they can see the leaves take shape in every cup.

Our next tasting was my favourite: Emerald Oolong and Organic Tie Kwan Yin. I've always read about Oolong but never tried it. According to Guzauskas, Oolong takes the most work to produce and to get the best cup, it's best to steep it for 7 minutes or more.

I found these Oolongs were pretty buttery and full-bodied and really lovely to drink all around. I'm so excited I got to try them in a setting where I could really get information on how to brew it properly.

Last but not least, we tried two delicious black teas: Red Dragon Pearls and Wild Black Tea. I loved how the dried Red Dragon leaves looked as their name suggests, little pearls of tea. Their leaves are plucked, oxidized and hand rolled to preserve the essential oils.

The Wild Black tea comes from years of deep forest growth which has enriched the flavours in each cup.

Now as a PR person, I loved attending this event because it was a really neat way to get the information out about tea. Guzauskas provided tons of info and advice about tea without so much "selling" DAVIDsTEA. But at the end of the night, you can bet the attendees were lined up to by a tea or two to bring home.

It was a fabulous event and well done. I will definitely be visiting DAVIDsTEA again, especially since one is opening in Bloor West, which is a bit closer to my neck of the woods. Nice work David!

DAVIDsTEA
336 Queen Street West (beside Le Chateau)
Toronto, ON M5V 2A2
www.davidstea.com
www.twitter.com/davidstea

Posticino

Tonight is my hubby M's birthday so I wanted to take him out for a yummy Italian meal at Posticino. Tucked away in a tiny space located at Royal York and The Queensway, Posticino is a quaint restaurant with all the comforts and atmosphere of a cozy Italian eatery you'd find in Italy. The lighting is low and inviting and the tables are dressed in crisp white linens.

That said, my experience there wasn't the best. Now, I don't want to sound like a snob, really I don't. But after dining there tonight, I don't get what the big deal is about Posticino. Maybe it's because it was an off night for them. Or maybe it's because we got married in Italy and ate the most amazing and delicious Italian food for three weeks. Not sure. But I can say that I wasn't too impressed with the place and I probably won't be going back anytime soon.

We had a reservation for 7 p.m. and other than being seated right away, no one really acknowledged us until at least 7:20. No water. No wine. No bread. When the waiter finally came over, he was pleasant, albeit harried, and I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. The place was packed on for Tuesday and he wasn't getting much help from his assistant.

After ordering wine, we waited another 10 mins or so before the waiter came back for our order.

We started off with an order of Insalata Tartufata ($14) a medley of mixed organic greens with sliced pear, walnuts and shaved parmiggiano in a truffle, dijon, honey vinaigrette. Unfortunately, the salad had little flavour. It was bland and disappointing.

Next we had the grilled calamari ($12), which was topped with a sauté of tomato and balsamic vinegar. The flavours were complementary and one of the nicest dishes we had tonight.

For dinner I ordered the "famous" Paglia e Fieno ai Fungi Porcini ($18). This is the dish that everyone talks about and apparently one of the best on the menu. There's even an article posted at the entrance that talks about how great the dish is. It melds together spinach and egg noodle pasta with a rich wild porcini mushroom rosé sauce. Again, I don't mean to be Debbie Downer, but the dish didn't taste like anything. As in it lacked flavour. M ordered the risotto special which was delicious thankfully (since it was his birthday!). It combined flavourful veal sausage with mushrooms and was set in a velvety red sauce. I was considering switching it for my meal when he wasn't looking.

Earlier, I mentioned that I probably wouldn't go back, but quite honestly, I'd like to try it again on a weekend to see if the quality of the service and food are different. There has to be something I'm missing from this place. Maybe I have to be a regular to get it.

sunday dinner

We had a great weekend of visits from friends and family. But I have to say I did way too many dishes, so we were going to head over to Everest Indian Cuisine for dinner. But then M mentioned Lick's. I can't say no to Lick's for some reason. In all honesty, we should have gone for the Indian...

Vital Planet

One of the things I was missing in my new 'hood were the organic and natural things I buy like hand soap, dish detergent, cereal, oatmeal -- that kind of stuff. I didn't really know where to go for that stuff without trekking back up to The Danforth to Grassroots and The Big Carrot.

I was happy to find The Village Butcher as I mentioned in a previous post but how excited was I to find Vital Planet only a 10 minute walk from my house. I had to drive to the other place in my old 'hood.

Vital Planet on the Lakeshore is one of three shops in the city I just found out from its Website and they are all family-owned.

According to the site: Vital Planet believes in this holistic approach and carries a large selection of quality products. You will never find the staff pushing a particular product line or a company. Some of the products carried include: natural and organic foods and dairy products, vitamins and supplements, as well as homeopathic and herbal remedies. Aromatherapy and natural body products, books, cleaning products, natural candles, bulk herbs, food, teas, organic fair trade coffee, sports nutrition and even pet food can be found.

One of the cool things about this shop is that they sell milk, yogurt ice cream and cheese among other things. And the milk comes in glass bottles. How cool is that? It reminds me of my days growing up on a dairy farm when we used to take apple juice bottles to the barn and get milk straight from the cows (ok it was in the big silver tub thingy but still). The only difference now is that I buy skim milk - the milk from the farm was whole milk that we had to shake to get rid of the milk separation.

Vital Planet doesn't have everything I like, but it has most. It even has my face cream which is pretty cool. I love one stop shops for all the goodies on my list.

you lose some, you win some

(pic source)

It has been just over a week in this new neighbourhood and although I'm really liking the area, I have to say I'm missing many of my favourite spots from my old neighbourhood. The gym over here isn't as nice and I'm a bit too far to go to my Friday noon-time yoga class. But there are many plusses to the new hood. One of them is The Village Butcher.

I've never really ordered meat from a butcher before, but when I heard that this place was just a few streets over from me, I knew I had to check it out. TVB sells only organic and naturally-raised meats, along with some other specialty food items like prepared meat pies, natural soda pop, and delicious mustards and spreads.

The first thing I noticed was how laid-back this place is. Butcher and owner Mark Ali is boisterous and super friendly to all of his clients and it's obvious he gets a lot of regulars because he calls each one of them by name as they get to their turn in line.

After eating out most nights this past week, I had a craving for some good 'ol meat and potatoes for dinner. I told Mark I was new to the whole butcher shop thing and that I wanted a piece of beef enough for two for dinner. Right away, he slid the glass back and pawed a 2-lb cut of prime rib and told me it would be perfect. As he wrapped it up, he told me how to cook it for a medium-rare roast "you can't go wrong with."

When I got up to the cash, there was a nice spread of baked goods to my left and at the back of the display I spotted some date squares; organic of course. While they weren't as good as my grandmother's, they were just what I needed for my three o'clock snack.

There's something about cooking a roast that is quite intimidating. You don't want it to be too dry, but you don't want it too red either. I left the roast in for a bit longer than Mark suggested and served it along-side some roasted parsnips and carrots and smashed potatoes. The verdict? M kept saying over and over how good it was and that it was as good as prime rib he would order in a restaurant. Each bite melted in our mouths -- a true testimate for buying organic/naturally-raised meat. It's a bit pricier than a regular cut that you'd get at the supermarket ($14/lb), but it is well worth it.

A day in the life of someone who has no plans with roti (and paint fumes) on the brain

This week off from work hasn't worked out completely as I planned: I was hoping to have the whole house ready to move in and all I would have to do is empty the boxes and put away the dishes. But since the painting is being done, I couldn't really hang out or put stuff away until it was done. That said, it has given me some time to relax and do anything I feel like.

Yesterday morning I needed to get out of the house because the painters were here and the paint fumes were getting to my brain. I decided that I needed to make a bigger dent in my book club book, so I headed over to Artisano, which is a lovely Italian-style, coffee, sweets and panino place just north of the Queensway on Islington. I was there for two hours or so with all the retired men, mommies and the few people that went there to work with their laptops.

Later in the day I had to go to the dentist which I was happy for only because it meant I could waste more time before going home to the fumes. On the way home I stopped off at Queen West at Roncesvalles to check out some antiques -- I'd love to incorporate some old in with the new in the house. Along the way, I found the perfect desk lamp for my new desk at Black Pug Dmk. It's from the '60s and in mint condition but the kicker -- it's $195. A little over my budget of $40 for a desk lamp (I was seriously trying to justify the purchase in my head...).

When I got home empty handed (for which I'm sure M was grateful) the paint fumes were still pretty bad, which took away all desires to cook and eat a meal here, so M and I went out again for dinner. This time we had a craving for some Caribbean food so we checked out what I think is Caribbean Queen Roti Hut located at 2957 Lake Shore Blvd W.

Now I have to start off by saying that roti is one my MOST favourite things to eat. We became regulars of Cool Runnings on Main Street in the east end which was melt in your mouth yumminess - I would honestly dream about the stuff.

The roti at Roti Hut was just ok. It might have something to do with the fact that I didn't want it too spicy 'cause I'm a bit of a wimp, or it could have been the fact that it was Trinidadian roti, as opposed to the Jamaican roti from Cool Runnings I'm used to. Either way, it hit the spot and the owner was super sweet. She seemed to have a couple regulars come through when we were there (the restaurant has been around for 19 years after all!) and the price was right at $6.95 for boneless chicken.

The atmosphere isn't much to write about, but the owner had some really fun Caribbean music playing and I felt instantly as though I were closer to the sun and beach (I wish!).

Well that's all I've got for today. The kitchen is finally finished so I'm going to concentrate on putting stuff away and then I have to get out to change my SIN card info later on. I tried to do that earlier in the week but I forgot my birth certificate - arg!

later lakers!
~lealou

Greek Paradise: A Taste of Kalamata

(pic source)

These past few weeks have been full of construction and nasty paint fumes in our 'new' house and as a result, we haven't been in any sort of an eating schedule. I can't say we haven't been eating well, because it has all been delicious, but we've been seriously lacking in the home-cooked-meal department.

On day nth of eating out, M and I wanted to have something a little healthier: I had a craving for a big salad and grilled chicken. Eating at home wasn't really an option because of the paint fumes (no low-VOC here unfortunately... arg.) so we decided to check out a local greek place M's cousin told us about on the weekend.

There's no need to venture up to The Danforth for good Greek. Kalamata is located along the Lakeshore just past Kipling in Long Branch (one of the last neighbourhoods east of Mississauga for all you downtown folks) and what a find. Home to a former Fox and Firkin (Fiddle??), Kalamata offers delicious home cooked Greek cuisine with all the fixings. The room itself is on the large side, but was quite cozy nonetheless because of the warm and welcoming fireplace, low lighting and comfortable furnishings (not to mention the various bouts of Saganaki being flambéed at tables around the room). Large banquet-style seating is offered in some areas in place of chairs, while patrons can also opt to sit in a cozy corner booth.

For dinner, M and I opted for appeys: we each started off with a Greek Salad ($7) which was fresh and tasty and had the perfect amount of mouth-watering feta, olives and splash of lemon. Olive tapenade ($4) came next, which was pure olive heaven (that's if you like olives -- not for you Mom); followed by an order of grilled chicken Souvlaki Skewers ($4 for two), and Zucchini & Eggplant ($8), seasoned and lightly pan fried served with a side of skorthalia (a fresh garlic, whipped potato and extra virgin olive oil combo - delish!)

We only had water to drink, but there is a pretty extensive wine and cocktail list available.

According to the cuz, Kalamata offers a yummy brunch on the weekends. I'll be trying that out for sure in the next few weeks.

The best part of the night though was the owner. Unfortunately, I didn't catch her name but she was super friendly, down-to-earth and chatted with us about the restaurant and the area for quite some time. I can't wait to go back!

on another adventure

So I've started another adventure. Some of you may know me through my other blog about sewing and such, but in the past week I've moved to Mimico by the Lake in Toronto and I thought it would be kind of fun to write about my new adventures here.

You see... I don't really know anything about the West side of Toronto. I did live in Roncesvalles for about a year, four years ago; and had a brief stint with my travelling friend in the Junction but that's it.

So far this area is great. I already have the PERFECT coffee spot picked out (more on that later) and have eaten out at some yummy restaurants (more on one of those next).

Stay tuned for the adventure -- I think it will be a fun one!

~lealou