The Stop's Night Market 2013 - Day 1 [EVENT]

On June 18th and 19th, The Stop Community Food Centre (@TheStopCFC) transformed the back alley of Honest Eds into a pop up Night Market, complete with hand crafted vendor booths. It was my favorite food event last summer and probably the most talk about as well which resulted into a sold out event in two hours. My computer wasn't working quick enough, so my dream of getting tickets for both night was quickly crushed but good think I was offer a one day media pass (^_^)

 This year event more than $80,000 have been raised. This year's 2 day event will feature over 60 chefs and 35 one-of-a-kind food carts created by local designers.

The Stop Community Food Centre works to increase access to food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds health and community and challenges inequality. From it's origins as one of Canada's first food banks, The Stop has blossomed into a thriving community hub where neighbors participate in a broad range of programs that provide healthy food, foster social connections, build food skills and promote engagement in civic issues. Underlying all of The Stop's effort is the belief that food is a basic human right (learn more here)

What I love about this event is that, as soon as you walk through that alley you are instantly transported into another world with the promise of a magical fun night.

This year, I though the designers certainly work a lot harder coming up with even more creative and beautiful booths using mostly reclaimed materials.  A few of my fave booths includes Woodlot, Brockton General, Gusto 101 and Rose & Sons.

I was there for Night#1 and it feature 32 chefs/food vendors with a lot of returning veterans and with so many booths, we tried to hit up as many of them as possible. It was impossible to fit everything in one tummy, so I was glad that I share most of the dishes with my partner in crime Yvonne (@th3hungrycat). 

Watermelon Mojito [Recipe]

I got ask about recipe post form the pictures I Instagram/tweet but the problem is, I don't really have a specific measurement for anything I made. I just have the ingredients and taste as I go. So this is my first attempt at a easy cocktail recipe post (^_^)

Ingredients :

8 oz Light Rum or Tequila

3 cups watermelon cubes

 15-20 Mint Leaves

2 tbsp sugar

juice of 1-1/2 limes

1) Blend watermelon cubes until smooth. Add Rum/Tequila and 1/2 cup of ice (I wanted a more concentrated version, so I just blended my cold watermelon without the ice)

2) In a small pitcher, combine mint leaves (add more if you like it extra minty like I do), sugar and lime juice.. Using a mojito smasher or a wooden spoon, muddle the ingredients to release the oils from the mint leaves (tip: easier if you tear it up 1st).

3) Mix the 2 together and taste to see if you need to add more of anything to your test. Want more mint, just squeeze more in or not strong enough, add more booze ;)

4) Add ice to glass

5) I like to add some watermelon cubes to mine and garnish with mint sprigs or even lime wheel.

P.S: You can add some club soda for a more fizzy drinks or just sub the ice and Rum w/ Sparkling Wine.

Variation: You can also sub the watermelon with cucumber which is just as refreshing.

Abbey`s Kitchen Stadium - #AKS Battle 1 [EVENT]

The 1st of 4 installment of Abbey`s Kitchen Stadium took palace on May 26th at the Mod Club. The event is loosely modeled after the Iron Chef model to showcase some of Toronto`s hottest chef talent, sample incredible drinks & food... but also to raise money for the new local initiative My food My Way (MFMW)

Modeled loosely after the Iron Chef model, AKS was designed to showcase some of Toronto’s hottest chef talent, sample incredible drinks, and ultimately, to raise money for the new local food initiative, My Food My Way (MFMW). - See more at: http://www.abbeyskitchen.com/blog/abbeys-kitchen-stadium-battle-one-recap/#sthash.jvbXLbxe.dpuf

For the first battle, the mystery ingredient was Neal Brothers Potato chips and each chef have to incorporate it into their dishes. 

The four chefs competing that day were: Bruce Woods of Woods, Matt Basile from Fidel Gastro, Rocco Agostino from Pizzeria Libretto and Matt Petit from Rock Lobster Food Co.

And the judges are James Cunnigham (host of Eat Street), Bruce Croxon (Dragon Den), Jordan Hastings (Alexisonfire & co-founder Dine Alone Food) and Peter Neal (Neal Brothers)

Modeled loosely after the Iron Chef model, AKS was designed to showcase some of Toronto’s hottest chef talent, sample incredible drinks, and ultimately, to raise money for the new local food initiative, My Food My Way (MFMW). - See more at: http://www.abbeyskitchen.com/blog/abbeys-kitchen-stadium-battle-one-recap/#sthash.jvbXLbxe.dpuf

Forty Creek Whisky`s Forty Apples 

~ Forty Creek Whisky, Rose`s Sour Apple, Cranberry, 7-Up

Dillon`s Gin & Tonic

~ Dillon's Gin, Tonic, Bitters, Lime

Rock Lobster Co. (@RockLobsterFood)

Cowboy Corn

~ butter + NB Sweet Smokey BBQ chip crust + cilantro crema + micro green

 This make me want to top my corn with chips from now on, this was a very simple concept yet very tasty. Would have this anytime (^_^)

 

Graze the Bench 2013

Graze the Bench returned for it's fifth year on June 1-2 by bringing together 7 wineries, 7 chefs with 7 bands. I am surprise that I have never heard about this event after so many years, as you know I can never pass up on a good wine and food event. And what a perfect excuse to escape the city to wine country once again.

The Bench refers to the Beamsville Bench on the Niagara Escarpment 

The $25 passport include a crystal Schott Zwiesel wine glass, 1 food ticket and 1 wine ticket with additional tickets at $7 each.

1st Stop : Rosewood Estate Winery

 2012 Mead Royale, 2011 Meritage & 2011 Mama's Block Riesling

 As usual I love Rosewood white and this was no exception, I end up stocking up on quite a few bottles once again.... especially the Sussreserve ;)

Pastel de Choclo by Chef Rossy Earle

 Chilean Meat Corn Pie ~ ground beef, pork & chicken w/ sweet olives, basil and corn crust

This was my 1st stop and my favorite stop of the day, love the wine and the food.... need I say that I love anything Chef Rossy made ;)

 Paapri Chaat by Chef Joshna Maharaj

Indian Street Food ~ chickpea crisps w/ potatoes & chickpeas smothered in cumin yogurt (Vegetarian & Gluten free)

Both dishes have Chef's Rossi Diablo's Fuego Hot Sauce, so so so good.

Weekend Coffee Run [OOTD]

I am never sure if I should post my summer-y outfit post since there's really nothing special to it.... the standard uniform of dress... nothing stylish or special.

I try not to spend too much on dresses like this since I do tend not to wear it too many times.
This one was $19.99, what do you think?

Back at my fave coffee shop at Rooster Coffee House (post here), isn't this the cutest patio.

Can you spot me?!?

Outfit Details:

Dress - Urban Planet; Boots - Zara (@ZARA); 

Sunnies - Aldo (@aldo_shoes); Bag - Coach (@Coach)

Eat Up TO [GIVEAWAY - Closed]

 I'm giving away 2 pairs of tickets to Eat Up TO 
(1 pair each to 2 lucky winners)

What: NOW Magazine presents Eat Up TO (Twitter @EatUpTO) (produced by Foodea.com)

When: Sunday June 23, 2013, 12pm-6pm

Where: 99 Sudbury

Cost: Tickets are available here at $20 each and Includes gift bags with promotional items 

This event is 19+

About 

NOW Magazine presents Eat Up TO, an innovative food marketing and networking event - farmers' market meets tech conference - uniting food and drink vendors, product makers, service providers, speakers and technology.

The purpose is to build comminity and promote the creation of innovative ideas in the local food world through collaboration and networking. Eat Up provides a platform for all food lovers and industry professionals to connect and share their passion for great food.

How to Enter 

1) Follow me @kiki_BFF on Twitter & Tweet the following
Hey @kiki_BFF I want to win a pair of tickets to @eatupTO worth $40 for some foodie networking #EatUpTO #kikicontest http://tinyurl.com/l39b5d2

3) You may tweet once a day for addition entry

Contest starts on Thursday June 20th and ends on Friday June 21st Midnight

Two lucky winners will be chosen randomly and the winners will be announce shortly after the end of contest. 

Good Luck!!!

The Contest is now closed :
And the winner is @wherejessate & @apluswag
* winner have been choosen randomly through random.org

Slurping Turtle [Chicago]

I let Ben planned most of the trip and he decided to try out what else but a ramen place.... Slurping Turtle (@SlurpingTurtle)

We got there at lunch hour on a Thursday and the place was packed, we had to wait for around 20 minutes. While waiting I was trying to enjoy the decor, love the industrial high ceiling with a long communal table in the middle and some 2nd floor cube sitting by the window.

Also love the huge antique looking Japanese photographs
.

Firecakes [Chicago]

This was an unplanned stop, we were just on our way to our lunch stop when we pass by and decided to give Firecakes (@firecakesdonuts) a try, why not (^_^)

This was our second doughnut stop on our trip since we luck out with no line up at the much hyped Doughnut Vault (post here) the previous day but seeing this, we just couldn't resist to go in and try (a little comparison).

Love the simple decoration with the white tile, after all the doughnuts are the main attraction here... yes, just walk in and drool à-la-Homer-Simpson style over the glass display case =P

Lemon Verbena Meringue

It was airy, light w/ the perfect tanginess and a fluffy meringue.... but I'll have to say that it's nothing compare to my fave one from Toronto here both taste and look wise.

 Maple Glazed Pineapple & Bacon

This is the smallest doughnut they had and it's miniscule compare to their other ginourmous ones. 

 It seems that every gourmet doughnut shop have some sort of variation of bacon doughnut but this one was my favorite so far.,,, it was very light compare to the others and the perfect salty-sweet finish (love the pineapple w/ the bacon)

 Verdict :

Although not as fluffy as the one at Doughnut Vault, it was still very delicious

The doughnuts here are a bit sweet itself with not very sweet glaze while the one at Doughnut Vault base was not sweet at all while their glazed are extremely sweet.

 Worth a try since no line up

more Chicago post :

Giordano's Restaurant & Pizzeria here

Girl & the Goat here

Doughnut Vault here

XOCO here

the Replican here 

Intelligentsia Coffee here 
Firecakes Doughnuts here 

Slurping Turtle here
The Purple Pig here

The Windy City here

The Bean here

The Art Institute of Chicago here

Fionn MacCool's #onthepatio [EVENT / GIVEAWAY - Closed]

 Yesterday I was invited to the tasting of Fionn MacCool's (@EsplanadeFionn) new summer menu which will be debuting on Monday June 24th and I was kindly given a $50 Gift Card to giveaway (contest details at the end of the post).

We were treated to a tasting of the seven summer menu items #onthepatio and they are traditional pub food with a twist.

There was 2 feature cocktails to choose from, they were both very light and refreshing which is perfect for the patio

 Pear & Vanilla Spiced Lemonade

~ Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, sage simple syrup, mint, pear juice, ginger soda, fresh lemonade

Patio Aphrodisiac

~ Kronenbourg Blanc & Somersby Cider

Irish Chip Nacho

~ layers of Irish Chips, tossed in Celtic Sea Salt & vinegar w/ aged Cheddar, hot peppers, tomatoes, green onions and topped w/ chipotle mayo

Thought the presentation was cute and love the thicker, slightly soogy vinegar soak chip w/ the chipotle mayo.

We were served snack/mini size version of all the dishes but full size version was provided on a side table for photo opp. The Nacho was huge, this would be perfect to munch on with beer on a lazy patio day.

Tweed Jacket [OOTD]

I have never really own a Tweet anything before since I find it too "ladylike" for me and thought that I would try it when I'm in my 40s =P

Then I got this neon orange version at Zara end of season sales during Christmas for under $20 and thought that I can dress it down... this was taking back in April and I wasn't bare leg yet.

Don't you love white tees, it's just so versatile, here I pair it with a cuff jean shorts and a leopard heels to have a bit of contrast.

Outfit Details:

Jacket - Zara (@ZARA);  Tee, Short & Necklace - H&M (@hmcanada);

Heels - BCBGeneration (@BCBGeneration); Clutch - ASOS (@ASOS)

Rooster Coffee House (King East)

 Anyone who follow me knows that I am a big fan of Roosrer Coffee House (Twitter @Roostercoffee) (see my last posy here) and they recently open up it's second location in the brand new attachement to the Toronto Sun building on King Street East.

♥♥♥ Love the sign ♥♥♥

Althought this location have more of a industrial feel to it compare to the Riverdale location, they kept the same details and decor... the things that made me fell in love apart from their wicked coffee.

Same yummy treats.



We came by on the Victoria Day Monday and it was not as packed as the usual weekend crawds that they get at the 1st location.

I really try to have a cup of their Cappuccino every week and it was no exception after the horrible coffee I drank in NYC (>_<)

Btw, I am still missing a Swan latte art in my Instagram collection... so *wink wink, please make one for me next time if you are reading this. LOL!

The boyfriend (aka the coffee addict) ask for the Chemex Coffee since he saw the canister but apparently it's not on the menu.... but since Gabe recognise us and it wasn't busy so he obliged ;)

 

PAESE Ristorante ~ Messy Meatball [EVENT]

Last week I was invited to PAESE Ristorante (@PaeseRistorante) for a Messy Meatball Monday where they launched their new late night menu. What a sign to welcome us and I know it's going to be a great night already ;)

Each guest was given a bib and we were encourage to write our best balls joke ;)

The Ducé

Yes practically anything can go on top of a Caesar these days from bacon to lobster but this one was just wow.... it's a play on the Caesar where their San Marzano tomato sauce they use on their meatballs was use. It's not as if you dunk the meatball in or anything and it was sort of messy to eat but it was a great presentation and I'll have one any time of the day.

I ♥ Caesar

PAESE Meatball

~ house ground beef short rib sirloin brisket, pecorino, braised in tomato sauce

This was so tender and perfectly flavored, this was the most traditional meatball of the night and I have to say it was my favorite.

Flower Market [OOTD]

This is my typical outfit for Spring & Fall weekends or minus the boots & jacket for summer.

If you haven't got a jean jacket, you must get one cause it just goes with basically everything and never goes out of style. It's also the perfect jacket t throw on for Canada's cold summer night.

What do you wear to run errands on weekend and look cute/stylish at the same time?!

(^_^)

I also drop by the Toronto Flower Market at 99 Sudbury which features products from Ontario greenhouse. It's open once very month from May to Sep.