The Whippoorwill Restaurant [Brunch]

After an amazing dinner at The Whippoorwill (@WhippoorwillTO) back in August here, I have been tempted to go back after reading reviews about their new menu. Then someone on twitter suggested I try their brunch which is just as amazing.

I guess there's not much brunch spots in the area, so the place was packed when we got there at around 1:00pm inspite of the looming ice storm and we were lucky enough to grab the last table.

You can see pictures of the space from my previous post here.

Martin Picard $9

~ Bacon Infused Jim Beam, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tobasco, Maple Syrup, Mott's Clamato

A meatier version of my fave cocktail, hell yes... how could I resist?! Bacon Infused Bourbon Whisky, Crushed Candied Bacon Rim plus a yummy maple bacon to top it all off; the whole glass is just a yummy bacon goodness. I have had quite a few bacon Caesar before and it 's usually with bacon or bacon bits in it but this one, the drink itself was packed with bacon flavor.

Apple Pancakes $13

~ Maple Syrup, Glazed Apples, Walnut Crumble & Cinnamon Cream

Add Bacon $2.50

This is so pretty just to look at and it smelled extra delicious as well. Love how the thick fluffy pancakes are piled high with the apples and cream on top for even extra height. This was as delicious as it looks. I always crave for both salty and sweet for brunch and can't never decide what to order; this was somehow perfect with the side order of bacon. Love sweet and savory, love the perfect amount of syrup here and the extra texture from the bacon was perfect and the little thing like the walnut crumble make all the difference.

TOMA Burger Addiction

Have read some great things about Toma Burger Addiction (@Tomaburger). Yet another burger joint on Queen West and this one bought to you by French Chef Thomos Sedille. Toma was promised to offer burger with a French twist from daily handmade brioche style milk buns to slow-cooked compotes inspired by traditional French recipes. Almost all ingredients are made in house from their sauces, compotes, chutneys and Canadian Angus prime ribs patties.

I didn't bring my camera that day, so those are from my iphone.

Spiced Pear Mojito $9

This have a real kick to it, so if you can't handle hear please don't order this. I find the pear paired incredible with the heat and the mint. Definitely something different but a very easy drinking cocktail.

The Perfect Wedding $12.99

~ Angus beef, Spanish Chorizo, Homemade pear compote, Gorgonzola, sprouts, caramelized onions, walnut

Love sweet and savory combination but this is way too sweet with the sweet milk bun and the huge amount of compote. Not sure if it's the ratio of all the ingredients or not but it didn't really help highlight the amazing patty which was very moist and flavorful. And did I mention the milk bun was amazing which I won't mind eating it on it's own all day long.

he said beer, she said... what? [Event]

Back in November when we went to Niagara-on-the-Lake (notl) for Taste the Season (see post here), we headed to Southbrook Vineyard  for one of their event at night. I just can't say no to a showdown of local wine vs local beer. Southbrook Vineyard (@SouthbrookWine) vs. Silversmith Brewery (@SilversmithBrew) with food pairing by The Yellow Pear (@FarmtoTruck).

Can't ask for a better place, with wine and beer pouring, live band playing and the smell of yummy food from the open kitchen. They are one of my fave local winery (see old post here)

Each course we were provided with a glass of beer and wine, then you cast your vote.

Pink Sunset [Toronto]

Taken on Nov 30th at Riverdale Park when we were on our way to grab my fave Cappuccino at Rooster Coffee House (see old post here), the pink sunset is too beautiful not to share.

This is one of the rare time that everybody stop to admire this beauty, it was so amazing that none of the photo does it justice. I love my city #Toronto ♥

The Dinning Room at Ridgepoint Wines [20 Valley]

Before heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake Day#2 for Taste the Season (post here) and after our haul at Megalomaniac Winery (@MegalomaniacJHC), we decided to head next door to The Dinning Room at Ridgepoint Wines (@Ridgepointwines) for lunch. I really have never heard of this winery before but why not give it a try since it was recommended by the people at Megalomaniac.

Very simple decor, nothing but a very casual restaurant serving Italian fare like fresh made pastas. We were early so the place was empty but heard from our server that the day before, the place was packed and they are sold out of a few items.

 

Freshly Baked Bread

This came piping hot and it was so good that I can munch on it these all day long.

Soup of the day $9

Made with fresh local produce, this was hot freshly made soup was perfect for that cold windy day.

Ridgepoint Nebbiolo Bolognese $22

~ Nebbiolo-stewed Alberta Beef and Ontario Pork, fresh paperdella and aged Canadian cheddar

We tend to order papardelle whenever we see it on the menu and this was amazing. Freshly made pasta does make a difference, there was just the right amount of sauce, meat and cheese that you still taste the egg-y flavor of the pasta. Doesn't it look beautiful (^_^)

Gourmet Gringos [Latin]

One of Toronto's favorite food truck, Gourmet Gringos (@GourmetGringos) finally open up a brick and motor location at end of October at Bathurst and St.Claire. Not really my ideal choice of location but the space was actually previously use as their kitchen for the trucks and other catering events. But I guess it all end up wells with not much competition around and customer from the neighborhood.

With only around 20 seats, the space is bright and simple with hand written chalkboard menus over the assembly station/counter. You basically order at the counter, grab a seat and they'll bring you the food when ready.

Tamale $6.95

~ Choice of meat, Black Beans, Pico de Gallo, Chipotle Aioli, Queso Fresco

We choose the Molé Beef Short Ribs. I love tamale and I am surprise that not more restaurant would made them. They are Mexican version of Chinese lotus wrap sticky rice to me, always so warm and comforting flavors and texture. The ribs was juicy, moist and flavourful with the perfect amount of heat and amount of all the other ingredients like beans, Pico de Galo and sauce. It was so good that I was tempted to get a second but remembering our early dinner plan Ben promised to come back with me real soon.

Chicken Corn Tortilla Soup $5.95

 This really had a kick to it and it was quite yummy, wish it was slightly thicker but packed with flavors nonetheless.

Argentina Empanadas $6.95 for 2

~ Spiced Ground Beef, Boiled Egg, Green Olive, Chimichurri Sauce

Served piping hot, make sure to be real careful when biting into it since you can easily burn yourself with the hot steam trapped inside. The golden beauties has the perfect amount of stuffing; a balance of flavourful beef, salty olives and creamy egg but let's not forget the kick from the tangy paprika chimichurri dipping sauce.

Taste the Season 2013 [Niagara on the Lake]

Remember our epic trip to Niagara-on-the-lake (NOTL) two years ago for Taste the Season (@NiagaraWine) here and here where we overtake the challenge to visit all 27 wineries within 2 days. This time around there's a total of 28 wineries but after so many visits to NOTL we decided to take it slowly and at our own pace.  The pass cost $45 each but this time around, I was lucky enough to be provided a pair of media passes.

After our lunch at Ravine Vineyard Bistro here, it only make sense to start our Day 1 here

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery (@RavineVineyard)

House Made Ravine Clam Chowder

~ paired w/ 2011 Estate Chardonnay

 When at the winery, don't forget to visit their little bakery at the back, the have the yummiest treat and the day we went, they also have some vendors on site for some holidays shopping like handmade soaps and decorations.

Between the Lines (@BTL_Winery)

Beef Goulash and Homade Spaetzle

~ paired w/ 2011 Cabernet Franc Reserve

 They were barely open the last time we passes by and didn't even participate

Trius Winery at Hillebrand (@TriusWines) 

Smoked Bacon and Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Bar

~ paired w/ Trius Brut

Trius is probably one of the most beautiful winery in NOTL, I just can't help myself but take a few photos here once again. If you have a chance, you have to have dinner here with wine pairing 

(old post here)