Hey Meatball [Leslieville]

I have never actually made it to Hey Meatball (@TeamHeyMeatball) but after having their Meatball Donair at #AKS here, I decided that I need to make it on of my priority and they just happen to open up a new location at Leslieville recently.

This is what I call a posh fast food/takeout place where you order and pay at the counter with some communal tables.

 And to no surprise, Chef Rodney Bower's menu revolve around meatballs.

 Since this was a really late lunch for us and we had an early dinner coming up, we only ordered the sandwich and a side to share.

The Rodfather $12

This is their signature sandwich where you get to choose between beef, chicken, pork and vegan meatballs. We went ahead with the beef but would love to try the pork as well next time.

There's 4 plump meatballs smothered in house made tomato sauce & a garlicky pesto on a toasted Ciabatta. Let's just say everything was perfect here from the meatball, to the Ciabatta which was perfectly crisp for this messy saucy goodness.

Nocochi Bistro & Salon de Thé ~ #TasteMTL [Montreal]

For my first TASTE MTL (#TasteMTL) experience, I was paired up with Montreal Blogger Janice (@KtchnHealsSoul) for dinner at Nocochi Bistro & Salon de Thé (@NocochiMontreal).

Let just say at first I was rather skeptical about it since it more like a cafe than a restaurant and I don't think I want a salad or sandwich for my dinner but was I surprise.

Located near the Montreal Museum of Fine Art, it has a very relaxing art gallery cafe feel to it. Known for their delectable gluten-free Persian pastries, European-style coffees and large variety of all natural teas. Their menu consist many vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

The picture below show that the place was empty but it was taken at the end of the night when we were leaving but nonetheless, the place wasn't pack when I got there around 7:00pm. I guess TASTE MTL isn't as popular as our Summer/Winterlicious series in Toronto yet since it's only their 2nd year after all.

Taste MTL three-course dinner for $29pp

There was only 2 options for our 3-course prix fixe menu; meat and vegetarian.

Since Janice decided to get all vegetarian dishes, I opted for all meat so we could try everything.



Beef Carpaccio

This was incredibly thin and creamy.



Hotel Sofitel [Montreal]

Over this pass weekend, I was lucky enough to be on a press trip for TASTE MTL (post here) and Tourisme Montreal (@montreal) couldn't have chosen a better hotel for us.  

Hotel Sofitel (@SofitelMontreal) was amazing, located on the Golden Mile right in the heart of the city perfect for both business travelers and art lovers alike since it's basically away from the Museum of Fine Arts. For the foodie in me, love how it's surrounded by all the different types of restaurants.

Love the black pumpkin decor they have up for fall, love the height of the bare branches with the chandelier in the lobby, that the first thing you see when you go in. 

We each had our own room and I was totally surprise at the size of the room with the incredible luxurious feathertop and duvet sleep system... so comfy that I could have stayed in bed the whole day.

And did I mention that they make sure the room is tidy up before your return in the afternoon plus you'll find the decorative duvet pulled back and soft music playing when you come back at night.

They probably noticed how much empty water bottles in my room, the 2nd night they left 3 bottles for me.

Taste MTL [Montreal Press Trip]

I have been lucky enough to be one of the five bloggers chosen by FBC (Food Bloggers of Canada @foodbloggersCA) to go on a press trip organized by Tourisme Montreal (@montreal).

We were to experience TASTE MTL (#TasteMTL) which is taking place from Nov 1st to 11th for the 2nd year where 125 restaurants will be featuring table-hôte menus of $19, $29 & $39, as well as a late night menu at $19 (click here to see the list of participating restaurants). Similar to Toronto's Winter/Summerlicious, participating restaurants serves up special 3 course prix fixe menu.

We were there this past weekend of Nov 1st-3rd and I was extremely excited since the event was recently recognized by  Fodor's as one of North America's Best 15 Food Festivals. On the other hand I was also thrilled to be spending time with some amazing foodies including Jess (@wherejessate) of Where Jess Ate, Stella (@foodieyu) of Food Junkie Chronicles, Jenn and Don (@foodiePrints) of foodiePrints and Janice (@KtchnHealsSoul) of Kitchen Heals Soul.

Presented by the Produits d'érable du Québec, chefs are challenged to come up with the most creative way to incorporate maple product into their recipes
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  Here's a quick recap of my weekend in Montreal #TasteMTL

(more detailed post to come)

Day 1 - Fri Nov 1, 2013

 This was my first time traveling by VIA Rail (@VIA_Rail)  and I definitely felt pampered, it was a non-stressful relaxing way to travel compare to driving or flying. You can arrive mere minutes before departure with free Wi-Fi access, coffee/wine glass being refill constantly, a delicious meal and super attentive staff
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Montréal Passion Vin

  We were whisked away to our first event as soon as we got off the train and it was a wine tasting event. I am loving the trip already (^_^) Montreal Passion Vin is an annual charity event raising money for the HMR Cancerology Centre. Presented by SAQ with Standard Life as the major donor partner, the event was held at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure Hotel and this is one of the wine industry event.

I was incredibly surprise at the size of the tasting where there was rows of rows of sittings in a large conference room. I was nowhere the expert like most of the attendants and the tasting was conducted in French but although I may not be that knowledgeable, I love wine and it`ll never prevent me from enjoying it

I felt so lucky to be part of it& be able to taste the vintages from Maison Remoissenet Père et Fils:

~ Meursault Genevrieres 1er cru 1992

~ Nolnay 1er cru Clos des Chenes 1978, 1969

~ Gevrey-Chambertin 1er cru Combottes 1979, 1966

~ Clos Vougeot Grand cru 1964

 Fou D'ici (@FOUDICI)

After a quick check-in at the hotel, we headed to this all-in-one-gourmet-market for coffee and cupcakes which was a much needed power up for the walking tour coming up next. Offering Quebec Organic produce, local meat & cheese, sustainable seafood, award winning artisanal bread and prêt-à-manger sandwiches, soups, salads or meal; Fou D'ici reminds me of McEwans in Toronto. Carrying over 300 types of cheese, we were also treated to a cheese platter while we were introduce to our tour guide from VDM Global
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"Right into the heart of Montreal" Walking Tour

This is one of the four tours offer by VDM Global during the Taste MTL event and led by experienced foodie guide during the happy hour (5 to 7pm). Our tour bought us to the heart of the action in Montreal including the Quartier des spectacles (Festival Central) followed by going down to the Underground City and the Red Light District.
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Tight High [OOTD]

Outfit Details:

Dress, Jacket & Boots - H&M; Bag - Phillip Lim for Target

Just a quick snap since it was raining that day, this is such an easy and comfy weekend for the weekend. When you buy pieces from the same collection, everything just match... do you agree?!

And yes, I still like anything fringe and just love this flat tight high boots booth from H&M that I got back in Spring. But the fringe are somehow way too long with how the boots slouch a bit.

The Art Institute of Chicago [Chicago]

After our stroll and photo opt here at the Millennium Park/The Bean, it was still raining so we decided to head to The Art Institute of Chicago (@artinstitutechi) and with more than a million square feet to explore, we end up spending the entire afternoon there.
Tickets are at $23pp and it was definitely money well spend! It is voted #1 Museum in the
United States by tripadvisor after all (^_^)

They have an older wing and a newer more modern wing, love the difference from the warm old space to the bright open modern space.

Picasso & Chicago

The Bean [Chicago]

Of course I had to go to Millennium Park when we were in Chicago and take the standard pictures at The Cloud Gate aka "The Bean"

It was so gloomy and raining every other minutes we were in Chicago but thought it was still beautiful  in a different kind of day.... now I finally understand why people take so many pictures at The Bean, there's just no resisting.

Outfit Details: 

Dress & Necklace - H&M; Jacket - Zara; Belt - ASOS; Boots - UO; Bag - Marc by Marc Jacobs