Notes On A Meal

Etobicoke Farmers Market

It’s definitely the time of the season when all fruits and vegetables are flourishing and most certainly the best time to visit a farmers market. Not necessarily for the prices but for the quality and freshness of the ingredients available there. My family and I have been avid consumers of the Etobicoke Farmers Market (located in the Etobicoke City Hall parking lot at Burnhamthorpe and West Mall) every Saturday for the past few years. From it’s beginning in early June until the very last few “warm” weekends around Thanksgiving, Ontario farmers line up their produce and are more than happy to share their stories with you. It’s only open on Saturdays between approximately 8am and 2pm but I do recommend you getting there early in order to have first dibs. (I do believe that on Sundays the whole market moves to the Square One parking lot in Mississauga but I cannot guarantee that the same products will be available)

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Lee Restaurant in Toronto

Anyone who has tuned into the Food Network at least once in the past decade knows who Susur Lee is and what he’s capable of producing. He’s definitely among the great chefs of this city that have managed to put Toronto’s culinary abilities on the North American map. His restaurant is located on King St West (east of Bathurst) and seems to be attracting quite a lot of buzz and it’s definitely well deserved. It was an extraordinary dinner and the chef was humble enough to even make his rounds to all the tables during the dinner service to greet his guests.

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Clafouti Patisserie in Toronto

Although faced with tough competitors on it’s Queen West block, this little cafe beats out both Nadege and Dufflet (two of the biggies of the Toronto pastry world). The decor and store front are definitely not worth a double take, but they work perfectly well with the unpretentious desserts they serve. A tiny bench outside the store and three little tables inside are all the seats they can fit into their tiny place, but luckily Trinity Bellwoods Park is located right across the street and they have plenty of seats.

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Great beginnings…

I’ve always been passionate about food and I do feel like I’ve definitely enjoyed it more than those around me. It doesn’t only nourish me but it makes all problems better, cheers me up, calms me down, excites me, and if it was a person, it’d be my soul mate. It wasn’t until recently that I gave in to these thoughts and decided to take it to the next level. I’m soon coming up to my two year anniversary of being a part of the culinary industry and it’s been an amazing ride thus far.

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Nadege Patisserie in Toronto

Have you ever had a very strong urge to overpay for mediocre products?!  Well if that’s the case, Nadege Patisserie (Queen West between Bathurst and Ossington) is the place for you. With clinically white walls and bare decor this cafe offers its patrons almost as much warmth as the Mental Health Ward of a hospital. A bare room, what could be considered a cheesy take on sleek and fairly dismissive staff are definitely the reasons that kept me away for so long but I finally took life into my own hands and decided to give it a try.

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New Generation Sushi on Bloor

Located west of Spadina on Bloor, this busy Toronto restaurant definitely caters to the nearby university crowd with their affordable pricing, quick service and good food. It’s become a bit of a regular spot for dinner for two very tired chefs providing enough nutrition for us to consider it a blessing that neither one of us has to cook. It’s always busy for dinner so expect a 10-15 minute wait but the experience is worth it. The food is as fresh as any other affordable sushi is but it’s brought to you with exceptional service and a smile so you don’t ever think of the ingredients.

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Marben Revisited

I must admit, it was definitely the creativity and passion that went into making the food exceptional that brought me back to Marben after only a couple weeks. It’s Wellington West location in Toronto is definitely one that is starting to attract more and more attention. Just like on opening day, the patio and most of the indoor space was saturated with people out to have a great meal. However, the vibe is definitely more relaxed than that of the first night which definitely puts the diners at ease as well.

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Lemon Tart 8 months later

Its been 8 months since we started Notes on a meal. Here’s whats changed.
1. Generally speaking my life has been a lot better since I started writing for Notes on a meal. Absolutely since it takes me away from Facebook
2. My favorite meal in the last 8 months has been: Halibut pan fried in lots and lots of butter, served over a mushroom, spinach and orzo fish broth!
3. In the last 8 months the most important food related thing I’ve learned is: Hot pans burn! (it’s the same lesson I’ve been learning since I started cooking)
4. I work in the industry: yes
5. I have made job related moves in the 8 months. no, its the same old grind
6. Has your perspective on food changed in the 8 months? I’ve discovered a world full of fresh local products (both in restaurants and grocery stores) and I will never go back to not knowing where my food was grown!
7. My favorite animal is steak. Chicken Breast!
8. I feel that the restaurant that gets me excited right now is: The Atlantic or The Swan!
9. I am excited about all the wonderful seasonal food that is available right now: yes (kinda already went over this one)
10. I look forward to peaches and cherries in the next 8 months. Also exploring food in Toronto and updating our readers through this wonderful blog
11. One thing about the last 8 months that has made a difference in the way I see food is: having to tell people about the food I eat. It’s forcing me to make better choices
12. Knowing what I know now, if I were a cheese I would be: Blue Brie…. just cause it seems to be the best of both worlds and it’s really fun to say
13. In the last 8 months I have broken (any tools or equipment) 4 wine glasses (in one shot) and two mugs… all glassware fears me!
14. I value respect and hygiene in the kitchen.

Terroni Restaurant

If you’re in the mood for real Italian food (not frozen pizza or spaghetti in a can) Terroni  is be the place for you! Affordable prices, a pleasant atmosphere and food that’s very simple yet extremely tasty make this restaurant a great spot for dinner. With two locations in downtown Toronto (Queen west and Adelaide east) and one in uptown (st Clair and Yonge) this restaurant makes a great beginning for a night out on the town.

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All tiramisu wishes it was Lime Thyme!

I was recently given the opportunity to create my own dessert for Ma Maison, the pastry shop where I’m currently employed and after many months of trial and error it’s finally out. With the guidance of the pastry chef and a very vague idea, Lime Thyme was born. It is our take on a traditional tiramisu with a lime cheesecake layered on top of a thyme white chocolate mousse. In order to make the dish complete we’ve included a lime lady finger to separate the two layers of bliss. We’re serving it in a rocks glass with chocolate covered Pop Rocks as a little bit of textural contrast to the smooth cake. I’m  also very happy to say that despite the skepticism this sweet was greeted with, it’s been doing quite well for itself and it does seem as though people aren’t that scared to try something new. I’ll keep you posted on what’s coming up next!

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