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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Marben Restaurant

Having just reinvented itself and reopened its doors, this Wellington West restaurant is going to leave it’s mark on the Toronto food scene. Although I know a few people “on the inside”, I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible when composing this review. Dim lights, comfortable seating, light music and the pleasant aroma coming …

Strawberry Shortcake Continued…

It seems as though I may have a fixation with this little dessert but it’s one of the simplest I know to make and it’s really good for clearing your pantry and your fridge. So this time I made it a little different due to the lack of whipping cream in my house. So this …

When will the reality shows end?

Feeling slightly sluggish on a rainy day, I decided to watch a Food Network marathon expecting to gain some new culinary knowledge. Unfortunately, what I was presented with, instead, was a series of really bad reality shows that have very little to do with food. I’m sure Hell’s Kitchen, the “Next Food Network Star” and …

Mega Food-Mart

The first pic I snapped is just inside the door of a jumbo sized food outlet that will remain namless. It was massive beyond anything I have ever seen. The epic proportions some how made the food inside feel cheap and utterly disposable. It took me 6 shots to create this panorama. The second pic …

Strawberry picking

Our never ending quest to keep our diets as local and as natural as possible has brought us to Andrew’s Scenic Acres for some pick-your-own strawberries. It’s location just outside of Mississauga makes it one of the most accessible farms in the West end of Toronto and the place is definitely designed to attract the …

Tomato and Tarragon Soup

Not necessarily the most seasonal dish, but when it’s pouring rain outside nothing is more comforting than a bowl of soup… and in my case, it’s tomato soup. I know there’s a million ways to make it and it all somewhat results in the same thing, but this is the way I make mine: 4 …

Frangipane Patisserie

Hidden away on good ol’ Dupont just east of Spadina, this little pastry shop has proven that location isn’t always everything. With it’s big bay windows and open floor plan, this tiny patisserie gets to play in the big leagues of the dessert scene of Toronto. Although it’s lacking any kind of seating, the place …

Pickled Asparagus

Here we go with our first pickling date of the season! Asparagus is out in full force and on a pretty solid whim, we decided to stock up and rip into a pickling frenzy. Goal: 12 jars of pickled asparagus. Method: 1. Trim asparagus of woody ends.  Each stalk should be about two inches shorter …