School Bus [OOTD]

 I am so glad that all black outfit are back for fall/winter but since I am still holding on to the last days of summer, I decided to put in some neon accent.

Abbey`s Kitchen Stadium - #AKS Battle 2 [EVENT / GIVEAWAY-Closed]

Remember how much fun I had at Abbey`s Kitchen Stadium #AKS Battle 1 here and back in July we went back for Battle 2. Although I am not as familiar with the chefs for Battle 2 but the smell that welcome us erase me of any doubt. Not only a great food event but also a great way to raise money for the new local initiative My food My Way (MFMW).

Battle 2 secret ingredient this time is McClure's Pickles in both Classic Dill and Spicy.

and the four chefs pureed, minced, infused the pickles into all sort of yummy creations.

The 4 chefs competing that day were Jess Vallins of The Saint Tavern (@thesainttavern) , Peter Ramsay of The Geraldine (@GeraldineResto), Andres Marquez + Howard Dubrovsky of Fonda Lola (@FondaLola) and Rodney Bowers of Hey Meatball (@TeamHeyMeatball)

Hey Meatball (@TeamHeyMeatball)

We found the source of the yummy smell that was drifting around and we just had to try it first and if was def my favorite of the day and we end up sharing a 2nd one (^_^)

Meatball Donair w/ McClure's Pickle Relish, pickled onion, donair sauce & herb salad

Everything was perfect from the bun to the juicy meatball to the delicious sauce.

 McClure's Pickle Soup 

~ w/ McClure's Fried Pickles, Pulled Pork & Mussels

Love love this soup as well, love the tang of the pickle in the light creamy soup. It was perfect for that hot summer day.

After some good food, I just had to get a drink and nothing beats a glass of cold White Wine from one of my fave local winery - Rosewood Estate (@Rosewoodwine) 2011 Semillon

Xin Jiang Restaurant [Chinese]

Although living close by, this is only the 3rd time I have been there at Xin Jiang Restaurant and for lunch this time. Never thought of taking pictures and write about it but thought I should. One thig I love about this place is that the menu comes with a lot of pictures which is always great if you are not familiar with the cuisine.

Lamb & Fennel Dumplings $5.99

This was surprisingly good with lamb juices squirting out after a bite, the black vinegar wasn't really necessary. I have had lamb dumpling at other places in Toronto and they were either flavorless or way too gamey for my taste.

BBQ Lamb Kabob $1.99/ea

One of the best lamb kabob in the city, perfectly grilled and seasoned.

BBQ Beef Thin Tendon $1.99/ea

This was the first time we try thin tendon on it's own like that and on a skewers. It's usually my fave part when eating beef brisket. This was a bit tough and chewy which I like but thought it wasn't grilled properly and sort of cold.

Braised Lamb served over Nan $18.99

The presentation of the picture looked really good and we just had to order it. Thought it would be much smaller but it was actually a 8" nann and more than 1" thick. It was a rather large dish and after only one slice I had enough. I personally love the lamb but thought the nann was was too heavy and on the sweet side. But I guess it was just me cause Ben loved it and end up eating 4 slices. I would have prefer it with a bowl of rice with the lamb and the yummy sauce.

Carmen [Spanish]

Carmen (@carmensayz) have been open a few months now and have heard only but good things. It's after all from the duo behind Torito Tapas, Veronica Carmen Laudes and Chef Luis Valenzuela.

The 70 seats space includes a bar at the front and a main dinning room with an open kitchen.

 The space is rather eclectic but yet very clean and quite modern.

There's no long drink list here; only 4 cocktails, white/red sangria, a few beer and a short list of Spanish wines plus 5 sherry offerings.

 

 Red Sangria $14 

Have to say the sangria was good but really nothing special, I usually prefer white sangria but Ben ordered this for me instead.

 Federico Cocktail $12

~ Tequila, Lemon, Sage, Serrano Syrup

Ben ordered this and although I love the strong Tequila, the sage flavor was just as strong and was too overwhelming for me.

The menu here consist of both tradition and modern interpretations of Spanish tapas dishes and made to order paellas to choose from.

Tomate Verde frito con Queso Feta, Maiz y Pimentos $7

Was expecting a more acidic tomatoes which lack the pop of flavor, but everything else tasted great together including the sweet pepper and corn chutney with the powdery feta which separate each tomato layers.

Take Two [OOTD]

 It's been getting colder and jackets are out from storage... love this light green jacket I got on sale at Forever 21 which is light and comfy.

Remember a similar post here where I thought my tee didn't go, I choose a softer loose pink tee here which gave it a softer look... this is a much better version, don't you agree?!

(^_^)

Have to say I love these Sam Edelman fringe bootie since it's not only cute, it's super comfortable.

Outfit Details: 

Jacket - F21; T-Shirt, Skirt - H&M; Booties - Sam Edelman;

Bag - Vintage Coach; Bracelet - J Crew+Vintage+F21

Home of the Brave

The recently open Home of the Brave (@theHOTB) by TUM alum / La Carnita (post here) Andrew Richmond... glad that all the exciting restaurant opening up on King West like Valdez across the street. No reservation and we told that there'll be a 45mins wait (leave phone# n come back) but end up being only around 20mins.

Love the urban vibe with the steel walls, subway tiles, industrial finishes and blackboard beams.

I especially love the lights hanging by the bar (^_^)

The menu consist of American comfort food, offering original takes on regional specialties and homestyle cooking that we Canadian probably forgot or never seen before.

Have to say I love everything including the open kitchen but it was so hot in there when I went last week and with no AC, it's difficult to enjoy our meal fully when we are sweating like pigs (>_<)

Zombie Slushie

~ three type of rum, grapefruit, pineapple, bitters & cinnamon syrup

This was an extremely strong cocktail, definitely worth your dollar worth.

Zombie Slushie: Three Types of Rum, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Bitters, Cinnamon Syrup

- See more at: http://www.abbeyskitchen.com/blog/review-home-brave-toronto-restaurant-review/#sthash.ED4v489v.dpuf

Brooklyn Lager $7

Tater Tots $5

~ Crispy Potatoes. Cheese, gravy, herbs

This was almost like gnocchi, so crispy and soft at the same time. It was perfect with the extra thick and yummy gravy.

Kekou Gelato House

Kekou Gelato House (@KekouGelato), newly open in Baldwin St is perfectly located with all the Asian restaurant around. While the gelato is made the Italian Way, the flavors are very much Asian Flavored.

Love the space which is bright and sunny with super friendly staff and are all happy to offer samples. After hearing they have Durian gelato, I just had to give it a try

They offer Non Diary flavors which is different and perfect for lactose intolerant people 

 They use traditional Pozzetti Cabinet which keeps the gelato free from contaminants, air and sunshine; keeping it in its original form longer. 

Plus all of their bases are made in house and aged for 10-12 hour.

We got a Medium for $4.25 and choice of 3 flavors.

Spicy Mango

~ sold in street carts and snacks shop, this gelato totally capture all the flavors

Durian

~ A bit lighter then the actual fruit but still very flavorful with bits of fruits in it, so good that we end up buying a whole container home. Stinky goodness!!!

Soursop 

~ love to get the milkshake at pho/Vietnamese restaurants, so just had to get this frozen version

Verdict :

Never had Asian flavors gelato anywhere else and I ♥ it

Can't wait to go back to try the rest of the flavors (^_^)