tealish

oh so "tea"lishous

Tucked away on Walnut, sits a tiny tea heaven oh so sweet and sinfully scrumptious that you can't help but smile when you are sipping one of their specialties. First opening its doors in 2006, Telish, has quickly emerged as one of Toronto's premier tea shops and the little lime green landmark is redefining the way we look at this time honored beverage. Finding myself on Queen West and desperate for my afternoon caffeine fix I knew exactly where to turn. A hop skip and a jump and I walked into the wonderful world of tea, instantly I felt rejuvenated.The beautiful tin boxes sparkled as the soft lighting reflected from them and as i took a deep breath, the shop's sweet aromas soothed my senses. After a little look at all the tiny trinkets (especially loving the flowering tea buds in the glass tea pots….they are stunning and make the most precious present), I turned to the counter and took a stab at ordering. With so many specialties to choose from and over 200 loose leaf teas to try this tea snob was dare I say stumped. Selecting a tea latte off the standard menu, I could hardly wait to take my first sip.With eyes wide I watched patiently as the afternoon treat was prepared and poured into a telish pre-insulated cup (yes that is right, no annoying sleeves needed) . Sweet, smooth and oh so silky I savored each sip…. Recharged, rejuvenated and re energized…I slide on my RayBan's, reapplied my lip gloss and reentered reality…tea in hand of course.


Tealish
198 Walnut Ave
Toronto, ON

Toast Restaurant

Cozied up in the quaint, quiet comfy nook on this particular Sunday morning all our troubles melted away and into that space wafted the sweet smelling aromas of Toast (formally Hello Toast), a tasty Leslieville diner frequented by a "chic-ishly" laid back Queen St. East crowd. A cool summer's breeze blew through the big picture window and we smiled knowing that we had snagged the best table in the restaurant. Hungry after the mini trek, we were delighted with the super speedy service and after some careful consideration, tea, lattés, eggs benny and fruit filled French toast (of course how can you go to a restaurant called toast and not try it) were ordered. As we caught up on lost time, we marveled in the eclectic and yet comforting décor at this noted neighborhood nosh. Exposed brick, mismatched chairs and tables, old toasters, and teapots treated our eyes and charmed our souls. Cute and kitschy the oh so sweet little restaurant was the perfect place for this hungry pair. Within no time huge portions filled our tiny table...fabulously fluffy stuffed French toast oozing with goodness, eggs benny cooked just so and an array of scrumptious sides more then satisfied our grumbling tummies. The type of place where time stands still and hours can pass you by all cozied up in the corner, a calmness fell over the table, and as we realized we had no place to be we got comfy, raised our coffee cups and toasted to an oh so sweetly slow Sunday afternoon.


Toast Restaurant
993 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON

rebel with a cause

The Rebel House

•dinner•
Even thou I am more than dedicated to travel far and wide in quest of all that is delicious, there is something so special about a precious little neighborhood nook. The type of place that you can roll out of bed and stumble to in less then ten minutes, a place with a variety of delicious beers on tap (including a luscious raspberry beer that I just LOVE) and bold freshly brewed coffee in the morning to help ease the hangover from night before. Helping me to find my inner rebellion, the Rebel House in Summerhill has been a staple in my life for as long as I can remember. The small cozy two floor establishment is always packed with a posh 20 something crowd who enjoy a good old fashioned pub but seek a menu above and beyond traditional greasy bar fare. With an extensive (but not overwhelming) menu, Rebel serves up a variety of delicious dishes, sure to satisfy each diner's different needs. Tending to favor towards the crisp apple and spinach salad with aged cheddar, a creamy maple dressing and a blackened chicken breast on top, I have recently branched out and have to say, become quite a fan of their lamb stew. This hearty delicious dish is the perfect comfort food, and on a cold winter's day treats my taste buds and warms my soul.

•brunch•
The Rebel brunch cannot go without mention. Once again this morning I found myself slipping into my sweats, sliding on my shades and sauntering down to the Rebel House to meet the girls for Sunday morning gossip and grub. Heaping helpings of hot golden crisp home fries, delicious eggs done up rebellion-style, ooey gooey grilled cheese and organic granola with vanilla infused yogurt were just a few of the dishes that topped our table and for a brief moment the talking subsided and the tasting took president. As I looked around, I couldn't help but be reminded of all the good times, great laughs and delicious never ending evenings that I have spent in this very seat…..Oh if the Rebel House walls could talk they would have years of dish on this dame and be it brunch, an after work drink with coworkers, a first date or dinner with people I have know all my life, this little home away from home has, like a good friend, been there for me time and time again..

The Rebel House
1068 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON

getting my greens

Urban Herbivore

with my woven grocery basket in tow i strolled down Augusta towards my little kensington market lunch spot. With each step closer my tummy grumbled a little louder, my eyes widened a bit more with excitement, and the pace of my sandeled step increased ever so slightly. Meat eaters beware the Urban Herbivore is of the vegan variety but i beg of you...please do not judge this lovely leafy lunch spot without giving it a chance to grace you with its oh so delicious greenery. I have to say that it was the scrumptious sandwiches and freshly squeezed lemonade that won me over from the get go and continues to keep me craving this oh so good for you lunch time and time again. Upon recommendation i ordered the sesame tempah sandwich and was not disappointed. Layer upon layer of goodness was piled between two slices of a seedy, hearty home baked pita bread and with each bite i could feel myself getting healther. I sipped the lemonade slowly, sweet and tart all at the same time, it was the perfect compliment and i had to resist the urge to gulp it all down in one go. ... Dreadlocks and sandals not required but not discouraged either, the Herbivore is super special, oh so sweet soup, salad and sandwich spot servicing a local, hippy dippy crowd with the occasional "suit" and fashionista thrown into the mix.

Urban Herbivore
64 Oxford St
Toronto, ON

getting selective...

Le Select Bistro

The restaurant was bubbling with intelligent conversation and the sounds of glasses clinking as people celebrated around me. Arriving earlier then the rest of my party I was secretly delighted to be sitting alone at the table immersed in this electric energy and was excited for the arrival of my guests and the delicious meal that lay ahead. The beautiful tin ceilings sparked and the burgundy banquet seating welcomed each warm body as it glistened in the chandelier lit space. Slowly the rest of my party arrived and as the table grew with each additional member so did the vibrancy around me. We immediately ordered the Assiette de fromage (cheese plate) to nibble on while took some time to decide on our dishes. Exquisite little slices of heaven were brought to our table, each cheese very different but equally delightful. Served with sweet crisp flat bread and fruit, it was the perfect little pre dinner treat for our taste buds. With so many delicious dishes to choose from on the traditionally French Bistro menu I was oh so indecisive but upon the recommendation of my server, ordered the bouillabaisse and having recently been inspired by iron chef's battle beet, the salade de betteraves au chevre chaud (Québec goat cheese on frisée lettuce with walnut and a mixed beets). Other orders at the table included the lamb, several variations of steak frites and soup a L’Oignon Gratinee. Our dinners arrived and with French fries crisp and broths bubbling a calming silence fell over us. Dishes as brilliant to the taste as beautiful to the eye decorated our table and I smiled as I savored my soup spoon by spoon. In diners bliss I looked up and took a moment to relish in the French ambiance that was felt in all nooks and crannies of the spectacular space. With black and white tiles, back lit bars, exposed wine cellars, and the sweet soothing sounds of French songs playing over the sound system I couldn’t help but be captivated by the charm of this little Parisian paradise….

Le Select Bistro
432 Wellington Street West
Toronto, ON

a little piece of Portugal

Chiado

hidden in the west depths of College Street, a little bit of old world elegance sits seemingly untouched by the hustle and bustle of downtown. A perfect combination of all that is oh so delightful, Chiado mystifies diners and serves up a succulent menu sure to satisfy even the most sophisticated pallet. After taking advantage of the valet parking, we hustled in off the cold snowy street and were immediately welcomed into a breathtaking space filled with the warmth of smiles and sweet aromas of a far off land. Seated and starving we ordered immediately, several tapas to share and mains from the beautifully presented fish platter (daily selections flown in fresh from Portugal). Dish upon delightful dish arrived each one candy for the eyes, we simply couldn't wait to take a taste. Sweet scabbard, tuna, sea bass and salmon were amongst the table's selections, each one flavorful and more delicious then the next. With roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, risottos and French fries matching the various dishes, tonight our taste buds were truly treated like royality. Named for the oldest town in Lisbon, Chiado was on this Sunday night bubbling with laughter, serving up delicious wines and bringing family and friends together over an oh so scrumptious menu. Tummy full, and oh so satisfied I sat back in my chair and took a moment to myself…I peeked out the window and caught a glimpse of the cold breeze blowing the snow up from the icy street. I knew in that instant that winter was just a pane of glass away but as i turned back towards the table and rejoined the conversation all i could feel was the warm Portuguese sun on my back.


Chiado
864 College Street
Toronto, ON

its cookie time!

Circles & Squares Bakery

I think when 2pm rolls around the little kid inside of us all still craves “snack”…..and what better way to satisfy this tummy grumbling then with a warm delicious freshly baked cookie… My new obsession and daily phone call is to Circle & Squares Bakery. This little kitchen on the other side of my building bakes the most melt in my mouth cookies that are so sinfully good words can even begin to do them justice. My favorite, their signature Canadian Rocky …is good and hearty, bursting with flavor and sweet but not overloaded with sugar. Finished off with creamy callebaut chocolate chunks this is king of the castle, world champion of all champions, blue ribbon cookie in my books and I can't seem to make it through the day without one of these jam packed with goodness treats. Currently only operating on a catering and take-out basis, they are hoping to have their full scale retail bakery up and running oh so very soon. PLEASE I beg of you don’t let this stop you from experiencing cookie bliss, orders can be placed online or by phone…and although I am sure it is not encouraged by bursting through their doors and asking what time the cookies will be ready....my preferred option... after all, it is all part of the adventure!

ps...circles & squares is a no preservative, all natural bakery....love it

Circles & Squares Bakery
171 East Liberty Street
Toronto, ON

little house in the big city

Olivia’s at Fifty Three

a birthday dinner sent us on a discovery for something delicious. With a desire to dine off the beaten path we headed down to little Italy’s Olivia’s Place, a cutesy little hideaway off college that I had been meaning to munch at for quite sometime now. We hustled in off the cold street and into the warmth of the tiny house and immediately our senses were engaged. With the fireplace illuminated, lights dim and live piano playing we were seated and as I cozied up in my chair, instantly all my worries melted away. Feeling famished we ordered several starters, antipasto dishes and pasta mains to really put us over the edge…after all what are birthdays for if not to break diet rules and splurge on sweets. The food came and it was all so very yummy. I especially liked the creamy, cheesy gnocchi. Each bite melted in my mouth and although we were sharing, this dish stayed closer to my half of the table. I smiled as I looked around, this little house on Clinton reminded me of all the cute, quaint and oh so kitschy things I love; and with beautiful music playing in the background, delicious food in front of me, and incredible company to celebrate with I was in birthday bliss......

Olivia's at Fifty Three
53 Clinton St.
Toronto On

say it ain’t so

The Cake Master

after decades of serving up delicious delectables, it is with great sadness that I announce that this past weekend the Cake Master has closed its doors for good. A tiny neighborhood gem amidst the glitz and glam of “yorkvilleland”, this little lunch landmark will be greatly missed by all who loved it and all its deliciously charming ways……

the house that chan built

The House of Chan

I sat across the table from my father at dinner last night and calculated that I had eaten more then 100 meals at this time honored establishment....not having been in weeks I was ecstatic when The House of Chan was suggested for dinner and was looking forward to the stone crabs and key lime pie that have been recently added to their menu. Flown in from the infamously famous Joe's Stone Crab restaurant in Florida, these tasty treats have caused quite the stir around town. I have had them on numerous occasions and am pleased to report that not only do they travel well but, they are just as delicious as when "Joe" serves them himself. Like it was when I was just a little girl, my father ordered our usual smorgasbord: ribs, steak, vegetables, fried rice, wonton soup, cantonese noodle stir-fry, lobster and now the newly added stone crabs. As the food arrived we helped ourselves to little bits of this and little bites of that….more food then two could ever consume in one sitting, the great thing about Chan is that leftovers are king and some may even say better the next day. As we finished up our meal, and cracked open our fortune cookies, I looked around…..tables buzzing with families of all sizes, laughter and smiles as people visit with those they came with and those they have unexpectedly run into. One part Chinese restaurant and one part Steak house, Chan reminds us all of how good food really does bring great people together. I smiled as I unrolled the tiny strip of paper that had since fallen onto the table “Decide what you want and go for it” it reads….and so I picked of my fork and scooped the last bite of key lime pie….simply splendid....after all the cookie told me to

The House of Chan
876 Eglinton Ave W,
Toronto, ON

always worth waiting for…

Xacutti ( sha-koo-tee)

walk into Xacutti on any given Sunday and be prepared to wait your turn. Populated with brand name denim, designer aviators, and blinding bling, this College Street’s Indian inspired brunch is worth getting dressed up for. Always packed and buzzing, I have on occasion waited up to half an hour for the trendy brunch but let me tell you it is worth every second in line. I woke up this morning and had french toast on the brain….and I am not talking about your traditional French toast but the oh so sinfully and deliciously cheesy version that only Xacutti has made famous. I jumped into my jbrands , grabbed my glasses and headed down to this little lavish breakfast palace. With a surprisingly short wait we were seated and served the banana breakfast smoothie, which cleansed my palate and got my tummy grumbling for more. The cheesy french toast arrived and I was immediately satisfied. Even before taking the first bite I knew that squeezing into my jeans was worth it. Sweet and savory, this dish is the perfect combination of all that is scrumptious and I can’t help but smile as I pour the thick maple syrup all over my plate. Crisp tandoori spiced home fries are the perfectly paired side dish and I am equally as excited for this tasty tater treat. Admittedly I have been for breakfast here more times then I can count and have never ordered anything different. Always a pleasure as I walk out after another delicious breakie, I smile and think to myslef Xacutti is proof that carbs are still king, sometimes jeans win out over sweats and that good meals are always worth waiting for!

Xacutti
503 College Steet
Toronto, ON

this ain't no ugly duckling

The Swan

Craving the “ultimate” club sandwich we got in my car, put on our big black Jackie O shades and drove non-stop to the home of my favorite version of this classic sammy in the city. Probably one of my very first foodie adventures, I remember a time when queen west west was starbucks free, the vampire club still lived on the corner and my mother would remind me to make sure my car doors were locked when I headed down to this “taboo” ‘hood. Now packed with trendy stores, home to hip loft dwellers and littered with happening art galleries……this area has become quite the see and be seen hot spot for locals and tourist alike…..i am pleased to report though, that this area’s “hipifacation” and popularity has not spoiled the ego of The Swan restaurant. It remains as humble and delicious of a diner as it was the first time I went oh so many years ago…..this far from ugly duckling continues to woo me time and time again. Always busy, the swan was alive with laughter and filled with the sounds cheerful chatter when we walked through the doors. Lucky for us an old fashioned diner booth was sitting empty calling out our names so we plopped down and ordered immediately. I was counting down the minutes to the arrival of my club sandwich and let me tell you….was not disappointed when I took that first oh so tasty bite. Fresh and jam packed with goodness it was a treat for the taste buds and so scrumptious right down to the very last crumb. Worth every minute of the trek, this beautiful bird's inviting atmosphere and mouthwatering menu (stocked full of classics prepared "a la swan") keeps me comming back time and time again!

The Swan
892 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON

sushi in the city

Sado Sushi

like the old saying goes…. you cant judge a book by its cover and these wise words of wisdom echo through my head as I park my car in front of the big bold backlit sign. Making its home on Eglinton just east of the Allen express way, Sado Sushi although off the beaten path has been generating quite the buzz and for good reason.. ..With a successful sister restaurant in Montreal, the Nguyen family has been so kind as to bless Toronto sushi lovers with this Japanese delight. Boasting a menu filled with unique sushi rolls, oh so scrumptious chef specialties and stocked full of traditional dishes we were overwhelmed with choices …..thankfully our knowledgeable server was there to show us the Sado way or we may have been lost forever. Our dinner arrived, beautiful dish upon dish, a treat for our eyes and our taste buds…we were delighted. The unique combination of ingredients was refreshing and our sight, smell and stomachs were oh so satisfied…special mention goes out to the tataki, volcano and geisha dishes.. they were daring, different and most delicious. It was such a pleasure to have innovative and interesting Japanese food at affordable prices. Sado sushi..where have you been all my life…..the answer…hiding on Eglinton west behind a big red that is just begging to be judged.....for those willing to look beyond the cover...you are in for a tasty treat!

Sado Sushi
1116 Eglinton Ave. W.
Toronto, ON