This gallery contains 36 photos.
This week has been surprisingly hot in the city of Toronto. Experiencing record setting temperatures of 31.3 degrees Celsius, people took to the streets to bask in the unusually balmy May weather. As I sit on my patio, face turned … Continue reading
This year I am determined to get as many new experiences under my belt as possible. Whether it be professionally, jetting off to a new destination, trying a new activity or eating my way through as many new restaurants as I can.
This weekend was a long weekend in Canada (loooove those!) and we were blessed with gorgeous weather so I hit the streets of Toronto with my sister to enjoy some time outside. Armed with hungry bellies and no real plan in mind, we found ourselves landing in the Cafe of the Gladstone Hotel for their weekend brunch. Bright and airy, the natural light and brick interior made for a warm and inviting space perfect for settling yourself in to socialize over a cappuccino or a meal.
The breakfast and lunch menu offer a wide variety of interesting choices and dishes with well thought out and unique pairings. My eyes fell on the banana bread French toast with a miso-butterscotch drizzle, mango salad, pecan mousse and side of sausage ($11)… I didn’t need to look any further! I ordered a decadent dish while my sister opted for the more savoury Crispy Pork Toastie with bacon, tomato and baby greens sandwiched between the softest, chewiest grilled Naan bread ($12).
Banana bread French Toast
Pork Toastie
My banana bread French toast masterpiece did not disappoint! It was the perfect portion, left me feeling satisfied and content, and not too full. The meal was a contrast of dense and light flavours and textures. The banana bread was very soft and moist, tasted wonderful on its own, dipped in the butterscotch drizzle and aromatic pecans or the incredibly light, airy and delicate pecan mousse. Between bites, the side of sausage and pecan mousse were perfect to offset the sweetness of the butterscotch and banana bread, offering both a savoury and subtle relief from its sweetness.
I will definitely come back for seconds! The Weekend Brunch in the Gladstone Cafe is available Saturday – Sunday from 7am-4pm.
Originally built in 1889, The Gladstone Hotel is also known for its 37 unique art inspired guest rooms, each designed by different artists. The Gladstone Hotel is located at Queen St. W & Dufferin St, Toronto, ON.
This gallery contains 23 photos.
In case you missed Part 1 of my Memories of South Korea, you can read it here: Part 1. Here is Part 2 of my favourite memories and things about my time in South Korea while teaching English. I hope … Continue reading
This gallery contains 23 photos.
Some memories feel so close, you feel as if you are still able to see, hear, taste and touch them. I was recently speaking with my boyfriend’s brother about his interest in possibly teaching English in South Korea. This instantly … Continue reading
I’m always up for trying new things and like to change it up every now and then on the weekends. I love Latin music and have been thinking of going to a salsa club for a long time. I was always a wee bit hesitant as I imagined they would be full of people who are salsa pros…and I would just stand out like a sore thumb. It wasn’t until I came across Toronto’s own Lula Lounge salsa club that I put together some serious plans of finally giving it a shot! So I grabbed a friend and headed to the popular Salsa Saturdays at Lula Lounge which features a beginner’s dance lesson, live music and salsa dancing all night long! When I got there, it was such a relief to see that there were people of all different ages and skill levels, couples and friends, including girls out for a ladies’ night.
It was a lot of fun! For my full account and review, take a look at the story I wrote for Toronto’s Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide : http://bit.ly/LulaLounge.
Have a great week!
Travel is almost always on my mind. Whether it’s reminiscing about old travel memories or day dreaming about a new journey. I was so thrilled to discover a monthly community meet-up in Toronto dedicated to travel. Toronto Travel Massive brings together a network of writers, bloggers and people who love travel. Each meet-up takes places on the last Thursday of every month at a different location in the city and features a new travel and social media related topic each time. Check out the website to see a summary of previous meet-ups!
I went to my very first Travel Massive on April 26th which was sponsored by Jaunt.ca. Being a newbie I was a little nervous as I didn’t know anyone going in. But I was pleasantly surprised when I got there. Everyone was so friendly and open to meeting new people…which really helped break the ice! Jaunt was there to talk about their company, its great getaways, vacation and hotel deals. Jaunt.ca were such generous hosts! Held in the beautiful offices of Torstar Digital, they provided guests with free food, wine, Steam Whistle beer and fantastic prizes. Each guest walked away with a free gift certificate…which I can’t wait to use! 
I was a lucky winner that walked away with $100 Jaunt.ca gift certificate!
Check out www.jaunt.ca for great hotel, vacation deals and packages (like spa retreats in Montreal, all inclusive Caribbean escapes and winery tours!!).
If you’re in the Toronto area and passionate about travel, check out the Toronto Travel Massive for the next scheduled get together. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Friday, April 20th wasn’t my typical Friday night. I was one of the lucky Hip & Urban Girl’s Guide (HUG) readers that won a coveted spot at the Pantene Pro-V Blowout Party at Blo Bar on 626 King St. W.
The lucky ladies who were fortunate to win a spot, including moi, were pampered with munchies, a free make-up touch up, wash, blow dry and style using Pantene Pro-V’s new Aqua Light product line at the Blo Bar . Oh, and did I mention we also had our “red carpet” Pantene Pro-V moment? After our star treatment, we all had our own “after” shots taken by a photographer…scroll down to check out my “swiiiish” moment below! After getting our Pantene makeover we were also treated to a swag bag of free Pantene Pro-V products.
The new Aqua Light line is meant to clean and condition limp hair without leaving behind heavy residue that weighs hair down. I must say that after getting my hair shampooed and conditioned, my hair felt very light, looked and felt healthy and soft. As I am trying to switch over most of my toiletries to more natural products, I was happy to learn the shampoo is free of parabens, silicones and dyes. Hopefully the products will stand the test of time and only continue to keep me satisfied after long term usage.
Blo Bar shampooing station
Blow drying and styling station
Me getting the Blo treatment
Blo Bar make-up station
Free goodies from my Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light Swag bag
Drum roll please…..
My Pantene Pro-V Aqua Light “swiiiish” moment! (Photo credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo)
The Blo Bar offers quick 30 blow drying and hair styling services for $35. Choose a style from their Blo Hair Menu for a night out or special occasion or book a Blo service for your wedding party.
Thank you to Pantene Pro-V, Chick Advisor and the Blo Bar for pampering us for the day!
Happy Earth Day everyone!
Be kind to Mother Nature and all that she has given us. Here’s my photo tribute to Earth’s natural beauty from around the world:
Good food is good for the soul. It just makes me so happy! This past weekend I definitely indulged in a variety of delicious fare.
Here’s a little tour of the yummy eats that made their way to my happy taste buds:
Sukho Thai:
I have blogged about this restaurant before, but I just have to mention it again. This is one of the best Thai restaurants that I have ever been to. They are masters of flavour. This time I could hardly wait to try some new dishes. I was so excited to go back for more that I went twice in one weekend!
This time I tried the….
Sukhothai Pad Thai with shrimp
and the…
Khao Soi with chicken (words cannot express just how gooood this dish is!)
After trying 3 different dishes, I have to say that their curry dishes are definitely the standout items on their menu. They are very rich and full of deep flavours, every spoonful is savoured! I can’t handle anything too spicy & I was happy to learn that they can tailor the dishes according to your preferences. Even though I always order mild spice, the food is just as appetizing! So far my favourite dishes are the Khao Soi with chicken & the Gaeng Masaman curry.
PS. If you’re wondering why I am wearing a lei, I happened to visit on the Thai New Year (April 13th) & got “lei-d”
St. Lawrence Market:
St. Lawrence Market is a great landmark of the Toronto. Every now & then I go to get my fix! The market has been around since the early 1800’s! With 2 levels of pure deliciousness, you can find a large variety of merchants and vendors selling fresh seafood, cheese (love the boconccini!), meats, pastries (so many yummy ones!), fresh bread, clothing, kitchen supplies, jewelry and more! Stay for lunch & grab a peameal bacon sandwich from Carousel Bakery or a fish & chips from Buster’s Sea Cove. Of course I usually walk away with a lot of different goodies, but I always come back for more Montreal style bagels, my favourite kind of bagel, from Carousel Bakery (try to get there before 12pm or you run the risk of them selling out) and honey from Honey World . They have a large variety of different kinds of honey from Europe, Ontario & New Zealand. The great part is that you can sample the different flavours of honey. They have some interesting choices such as Alemany Rosemary honey from Spain (which is one of my favourites!) & pure New Zealand honey, a new favourite of mine! Each have their own unique flavours, tones & consistency.
Interior of St. Lawrence Market
Self serve bars
Carousel Bakery – don’t leave without buying the Montreal bagels!
Honey World! Sample while you’re there to find your favourite honey!
PS. For fruits & veggies check out the produce market across the street from St. Lawrence Market
G for Gelato & Espresso Bar:
The best gelato I have tried in awhile! New in town, it’s definitely worth a visit when you’re in the St. Lawrence Market area. This was my first time here & I was pretty impressed. I tried the hazelnut & mango gelato & I must say that they were really good! Very smooth, creamy & most importantly they tasted like they came from real ingredients….none of that artificial stuff! I am looking forward to returning to try more flavours, their gelato ice cream bars & ice cream sandwiches (the only place you’ll find this in the city according to the staff) & artisanal pizzas.
Bon Appetit!!
The inside of a tulip. Love my Panasonic Lumix camera! Am so happy with how this photo turned out.
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