The Beer Experience [CONTEST]

 
I'm giving away ONE PAIR of tickets to 

The Beer Experience!

 

After the huge Toronto Beerfest, there's still Toronto Beer Week coming up in September and to start it off we have The Beer Experience!

 

I have never been and am excited to be attending, heard that with the smaller space it's a more intimate and smaller crowd event.

 

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 11, 2014, 6pm-11pm

 

Ticket Details:  

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

Get your tickets here ASAP

 

Good Luck!!!

 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/26c99bed2/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 



Let's Go to the Ex [OOTD]

Outfit Details:

Tank & Vest - F21; Skirt - AE ; Sneaker - Converse; Sunnies - ASOS;

Bag - Rebecca Minkoff (Holt Renfrew)



 

Have you seen my CNE post here and with all the eating involve, definitely needed a loose top.

 



I use a texturizing spray instead of blow drying it straight... What you think?! Good look for me?

 

Have been trying to use smaller bags when I know I'll be on my feet for hours to relieve of my shoulder pain from years of carrying my heavy bags, it's easier when Ben is around to carry the camera for me. 

CNE 2014

It's the end of summer already and the only consolation is that it mean CNE Canadian National Exhibition (@letsgototheex) time. I was debating if I should go this year but I end up winning a pair of tickets from work, so no-brainer.

Not really a fan of the rides but it's always fun to play a came or two although we never win anything.

Basically we just love walking around taking in the atmosphere, but of course food is the main event for me (^_^)

Coco's Fried Chicken ~ Cocoa Infused Fried Chicken

These far exceed my expectation, cocoa infused fried chicken coated and seasoned with cocoa. It's not the created looking in that dark chocolate color but it was fried fresh batch after batch, super crispy and the chicken was moist and flavorful. Love the slight bitter and hint of sweetness from the cocoa powder. Order it with the Chocolate Ketchup dip and it was so so so good, it look super thick like melted chocolate but it actually have pretty strong sour ketchup flavor.

Rolling Stone & Prairie [OOTD]

Outfit Details:

Tank - F21; Skirt - HM (old); Bag - Urban Outfitters

Have been wanting to get a Rolling Stone tee for ages but have only found a crop version that I like, wished it was a regular tank/tee. I didn't want to do the typical cutout shorts or black jeans/legging look and wanted to soften it a bit for a hot summer day, so decided to pair it with a white maxi skirt.

It was an extra comfy outfit!!!





Beerfest 2014 [Event]

Another fun year at the Toronto's Festival of Beer (@TOBeerFestival), it has always been one of the most anticipated event in Toronto with Tickets selling out way in advance. Once again I have only been able to make it on Sunday, the last day of the 3 day event but somehow I like it that way with a smaller crowd and not as party-crazy / hardcore as the 2 previous day.



With the additional mini Spring Session back in April (see post here), I was excited what this year's event will bring with Beer Store being the new sponsor. See my post from previous year here & here



Once again, we were lucky enough to be provided with Media passes which allow us to VIP entry (aka no lining up to get in) and access to the Media Lounge where we got to chill with others with complimentary beer and my current snack obsession, Neal Brother's Sirachup Chips (see post here).

No ugly paper wristband this year, we got a cool computer chip version.

 





Savanna Dry Premium Cider (@SavannaCider)

A very crisp and light cider from South Africa and meant to be enjoy with a slice of lemon.

 

Scarecrow by Wychwood Brewing

We aboviously got attracted to it because of the cute label but is was just a watery bitter 

Great Lake Brewery (@GreatLakesBeer)

Their WalterMelon was probably one of my favorite of the day, it was super refreshing with the perfect amount of watermelon flavor.

 

Crabbies Ginger Beer (@CrabbiesUSA)

Raspberry is the newest flavor but unfortunately I wasn't a fan while I enjoy the original crisp refreshing flavor. Thought this was a little bit medicinal tasting but I got to admit I got this mainly because it looked so pretty in pink.



 



Crop Top + Midi Skirt [OOTD]

Outfit Details:

Dress (Top+Skirt) - ASOS; Bag - Kate Spade; Shoe - Just Fab
 

Being a food blogger and not much time to exercise means I can't really do the crop top thing (ahem fat) but got this detachable set on sale at ASOS, so I thought I would give this a try. It has snap buttons that can convert this into a dress and just in case the crop top doesn't work, I can still wear it as a dress or the skirt with a regular top.



I still am not comfortable with crop top but love the bold pattern here and love skirts with pockets. The pattern is so bold and busy that I decided to pair it with a nude pair of heels.

What you thing?!

 

Tab Payments [Copacabana]

Tab (@tabpayments) is the brand new mobile payments app for dining, with it you'll never have to wait for your bill ever again.

I bet everyone have been there, after a lengthy dinner or meal, you felt tire and just want to leave but your server was nowhere to be found. With a lot of restaurants being understaffed, this comes in very handy. It's a free app that's available on iPhone and Android, so just download it and set up an account. All you need to do is enter your name and credit card information plus a picture of yourself so that your server can recognize you.

Use my promo code TABCHEUNGB1F to get $10 off your first meal (^_^)

 Plus they already have an amazing selection of restaurants on board, including Portland Variety, Playa Cabana Hacienda, The Chase, Hudson Kitchen, The Happy Hooker just to name a few...

(see the complete list here)

 



Pay with Tab in three easy steps :

1) Check in - Create or Join a Tab

2) Tell Your Server - "I'm paying with Tab"

3) Enjoy Your Meal - Tab takes care of the rest

No more waiting for the bill and then the credit card machine anymore, just leave whenever you want. The app also include bill splitting feature and the name + picture of your server on your tab.

 

The Good Son [International]

You know I am a big fan of Top Chef Canada and last season I have been rooting for Chef Vittorio Colacitti but unfortunately he didn't win. But lucky for us. he opened up The Good Son (@thegoodson_TO)

Chef Colacitti previous resume includes some pretty well known places like Lucien, George and Didier, if he learn anything form those places I am sure this will be an amazing meal.

Love the gorgeous space with all the dishes and coocoo clocks hanging on the wall. Love how it's divided into different area with the leather wingback chair by the front and more industrial metal highchair to the 18 seats harvest table at the back near the kitchen. Love that the table are very well spaced out, no bumping into each other.

 

 

Jerk Shrimp $13

~ Crispy Potato, Green Mango, Fresh Peanut

This just look so pretty, perfectly crispy potato shell and a yummy perfectly cook shrimp against a sweet juicy mango salad. It was so good even without the fiery jerk aioli but that completed the dish.

Twisted -Toben Food by Design [Pop Up]

Executive Chef Toben Kochman of Toben Food by Design Catering is launching a new catering division call "Twisted" (@TWISTEDTFBD). To celebrate, they are hosting a 5 day pop-up restaurant at 2nd Floor Event (Aug 6-8 & 12-13) and we were lucky enough to be invited to the Media Preview on the 1st day.

Inspired by global street style fare, Twisted will be putting a twist on classic fine dinning by bringing the best from places that the chef traveled to; Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Jamaica, South America to Europe. As per Chef Toben, it'll be a menu that takes you on an international culinary adventure.

Our evening starts with hors d'oeuvres and an assortment of drinks from wines, beer, signature cocktails, liquors to non alcoholics drinks to choose from.

 

Organic Salmon Tataki Cones

~ w/ Avocado-Lime Mousse, Toasted Sesame Seeds, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi Vinaigrette

This was delicious, perfectly crispy cone with cold yummy tataki with the perfect amount of sour from the lime mousse and heat from the ginger wasabi.

Cantonese Fried Rice Croquette

~ w/ Pickled Chili Aioli, Fresh Chive, House Chinese Sausage, Farmer's Vegetable

Felt just like a rice croquette, couldn't really taste/make out the Cantonese Fried Rice flavors.

Cucumber-Thai Basil Martini

 ~ Dillon's Distillery Gin, Mint, Pickled Chili, Fresh Cucumber, Thai Basil-Wildflower Honey Syrup

Love this cocktail with just a hint of heat, very refreshing



Hudson Kitchen [American - Brunch]

Went back to Hudson Kitchen (@hudsonkitchen) for Brunch this past Saturday for a girlfriend's Birthday (see my last post here). With their patio opened, it's a really nice place for brunch but unfortunately since we were a large group we had to sit inside.

Compare to dinner time, the place is not as packed and busy as you would expect. I also thought the atmosphere gives out a totally different vibe from day to night.

 .
Bloody Jose $7

Basically a Caesar with tequila and a splash of red wine; had a bacon version here that I really like so I thought I would try this one. Love it, just the perfect spiciness and subtle flavors without any strong alcohol flavors hitting you.

 



Buttermilk Pancakes, Bananas, Chocolate, Bourbon Syrup $12

It was delicious but really nothing special about this. Just a really made pancake.

Taste of Toronto [Event]

Two weeks ago from July 24th to 27th, the Taste Festival finally arrive to Toronto. Happening in 21 other cities worldwide and considered the world's greatest restaurant festival, we finally get our very own Taste of Toronto (@tasteoftoronto).

Held at the historic Fort York, over 50,000 dishes were served to more than 19,000 food lovers and bought out 17 of the city's most notable buzz-worthy chefs.

Can't help but love the white tents with the beautiful green backdrop with the restaurant and vendors putting in their own personal touches.

The admission price was rather high at $30pp in advance and $39 at the door but it meant a less crowded space with no line ups. I went to the Saturday afternoon session and I didn't had to line up for any of my dishes. The currency of the events were called "crowns" where you load to a festival card and scanned for easy payment at each booth. The dishes at each booth costing 6, 8 or 10 crowns (1 crown = $1) There's no refund but love how all the unused crowns on the cards goes to  

Second Harvest.

 Barque Smokehouse (@barquebbq)

Barque Rack O'Bama: Baby Back Ribs

~ (rubbed, smoked, basted,basted...) served w/ a potato, corn, candied smoked bacon salad and pickled vegetable

Smoked duck tacos 

~ w/ pickled radish, carrots, crispy fried chicken skin, and hoisin BBQ sauce on a flour tortilla

 JaBistro (@JaBistro222)

Oshizushi

~ blowtorched and pressed sushi w/ shrimp, makarel, salmon

 Being our fave sushi place, we just have to had this although we had them many many times.

Christmas In July by ClutchPR [Event]

I was lucky enough to be invited to ClutchPR's Christmas in July at the Beverly Hotel where some I got a preview of some Canadian Brands holidays' gift items and I go to do it while enjoying some food & drink.

The Perth Soap Co. (@theperthsoapco)

Started by two friends with a dream of making a cleansing bar that was luxurious in look, smell and performance, they teamed up with a Perth soap manufacturing facility that's over 100 years old.

They currently carry 3 scents: Milk & Honey, Moroccan Spice and Rosemary Mint. They all smell so amazing and my favorite being the Rosemary Mint, I was lucky enough to get a gift bag from them and let me just say that I can smell it all the way back home. Can't wait to try them.

Carnivore Club (@carnivorechief)

A monthly subscription of curated cured meat from around the world, I have been tempted to join since I first saw it last year but was not willing to commit but I found out that they do have a one month membership for people like me. And for the holidays, they will have these two special boxes, at extra cost you will get that month's items in either the cute wooden box or this temperature controlled cigar box.