La Boqueria Mercat [Barcelona - Spain]

Our first stop in Barcelona was La Boqueria Mercat which is a large public market, it's not only a meat & vegetable market since that would be a bit meaningless for tourist like us but they have bars selling both food and drink which makes it a popular lunch spot.

We took a walk on La Rambla and get off mid way at the market which has a side entrance there. This is probably one of the most popular street in central Barcelona, a tree lined pedestrian street which stretches 1.2 kilometers. It was pretty crowded with a lot of pavement cafes and souvenirs stalls, but please make sure to be careful of pickpockets at places like this.

The market is really a treat to the senses with such great colors, sound and smell, it's really worth a stop even though the bars a a bit overprice compare to some of the local restaurants but really, dirt cheap compare to here in Toronto for such freshness.

So many fresh fruits and juices, some of them difficult to find here in Canada... we even grab some pre-cut ones to eat on the go.

Laguardia [Spain]

Laguardia is a very small town in the nothern part of Spain, near our first stop Longrono. If you are in the area, make sure to drop by and an hour is all it take.

The place lies over a hill and surrounded by a wall, all the streets still have a medieval feel to it, as if you are in a movie. There's no car inside the walled town with very narrow roads.

 We went there on a Sunday and there was all kind of activities going on including reenactments

Captain's Boil - Little Italy [Restaurant Opening - Seafood]

This is my second time to Captain's Boil (@thecaptainsboil), Toronto's 1st seafood boil restaurant. I have been to the 1st location a while ago and this is already their 5th location in the GTA area with plans for many more.

 After visiting the 1st location, I was actually kind of disappointed that it wasn't as good as the one we had in Las Vegas (see post here) and so much more expensive... but I change my mind with this location, it was fresh well cook and well season and more worth the price tag in comparison.

No wonder it's expanding so quickly, everybody loves seafood right?! And what's more fun than eating with your hands while wearing a bib.

I was lucky enough to be invited to their pre-opening Media Dinner, although the staff could be better train, owner Amy and Marlon made sure we had everything we need and was very generous. And love the spread they had put out for us to take picture, what a great presentation!

Love the ceiling which was design to resemble the hull of a boat.

Boxcar Social - Harbourfront [Café-Bar]

I have been a fan of Boxcar Social (@boxcar_social) 1st and 2nd location (post here & here) of the cafe-bar hybird  concept and so of course I was excited to hear that they opened up a 3rd location at Harbourfront Centre. It was the best yet with it's prime location next with a lakeside view, perfect for people watching and maybe after a walk through the free art installations at The Power Plant (@ThePowerPlantTO) next door. 

It has the same concept as the 2 other locations with a rotating hard to find coffee roast, a great affordable local and international wine list per glass or bottle (may I add, what a generous pour), around 20 Craft Beer on tap and a great selection of Whisky.

Muskoka Brewery's 20th Birthday Bash [Event]

Muskoka Brewery (@MuskokaBrewery) celebrated their 20th Birthday at the Evergreen Brickwork last month and invited a bunch of Ontario Craft Breweries to celebrate. Each brewery bought with them a special "birthday brew".

Muskoka Brewery (@MuskokaBrewery)

Love the Mad Tom mask, too cute and work great as a fan on that hot day.

Love the Kirby's Kolsch with the peach flavor and the sour Saucy Piegeon which ran out and too slow to get a second.

Henderson Brewing (@Hendersonbeerco)
~ Tamarind Chili Ale (4.2%)
This infused Blonde Ale was our favorite that night, def have seconds and thirds. Love the slight sourness of the tamarind just with a touch of spice.

Manantler Craft Brewing (@manantler)
~ Sane Tim Belgium Saison (5%)

Left Field Brewery (@LFbrewery)
~ Cranberry Saison

Indie Alehouse (@indiealehouse)
~ "Shallow Waters" Raspberry Lemongrass Saison (4%)

Wellington Brewery (@WellingtonBrew)

~ Rhubarb Saison

Redline Brewhouse (@rlbrewhouse)

Flying Monkey (@FlyingMonkeys)

~ Mojito Wit (lime & mint Belgian Witbier) & 12 Minutes to Destiny (Hibiscus Pale Lager 4.1%)

Their Hibiscu Lager have always been one of my favorite but this time the Mojito Wit was super refreshing for this especially hot day.

Great Lakes Beer (@GreatLakesBeer)

~ Raspberry Saison (3.5%)

The Beer Experience 2016 [CONTEST]

I'm giving away ONE PAIR of tickets to 

The Beer Experience!

About:

If you consider yourself a sophisticated beer lover who appreciates the time and effort that goes into creating the perfect brew, this experience is for you. It’s an experience for the distinguished beer drinker. From craft beers to boutique beers, cooking with beer and beer cocktails this is the Ultimate Beer Experience.

Each brewery has either brewed something totally unique specifically for this event, or they are bringing you a brand new brew that hasn't hit the shelves yet! Beer is our focus at this event, but we'll have a couple of other choices for you. If you like to change things up, plus The Berkeley Church will wow us again with delectable bites from their talented kitchen. Can't forget to mention there will also be live music from some great local talent. 

Location:

Berkeley Church/Field House

315 Queen St E, Toronto

 Date & Time:

Thursday September 15, 2016 from 6pm to 11pm

Ticket Details:  

$25 in advance (Include 5 Sample vouchers) & $35 at the door

Get your tickets here ASAP

*** This giveaway only include admission tickets and not drink vouchers****

Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lasa by Lamesa [Filipino]

Lasa by Lamesa (@lasabylamesa) located on St.Clair West has a more casual traditional style compare to the original Lamesa which is more upscale and delicate version of Filipino Food.

I have been a big fan of Lamesa since they first open (see post here, here and here) and I was excited to try their new spot and it didn't disappoint. Love the casual bright space!!!

You'll need to order and pay at the counter first, they will bring your dishes over when it's ready.

Lechon Kawali $10

~ fried crispy pork belly w/ pickled papaya and carrot slaw

Make sure to get the chili garlic soy and vinegar dipping sauce to lighten up the otherwise heavy piece of meat. Love the super crispy skin and wish it was slightly fatter since the meat was kinda on the dry side.