Thursday, July 26, 2012

Summerlicious - Toula Restaurant

The last restaurant I tried out during this past Summerlicious was the Toula Restaurant at Westin Harbour Castle. Yep - the one high atop Toronto's financial district, on the 38th floor. For more info and what was on the menu, click here. We went for their $20 lunch.

It was a nice summer day that day, so the view overlooking Lake Ontario was beautiful! The environment, speaking mainly of the decor was ok. I wasn't a big fan of it - good thing the view made up for it. The service was friendly and the Italian food was very tasty. It's definitely worth checking out. From the 38th floor = a one-of-a-kind dining experience!

 

 

“Burano” 
in-house smoked salmon with caramelized red onion, caper and berries, drizzled with lemon and extra virgin olive oil
Cortina’s wild mushroom “Alessandro”
mushrooms lightly sautéed in rosemary and pinot grigio, on a bed of handmade polenta, topped with castel magno cheese fondue


“La Torre” 
eggplant mozzarella di buffala tower, oven baked & finished with fresh tomato and basil sauce
Stone pressed “arturo” grilled Cornish Hen
stone pressed, mustard crusted grilled cornish hen, served with sautéed spinach alla milanese with raisins and pine nuts


Veal Medallion “Serrenisimma”
slowly cooked veal medallion with fresh herb and pinot grigio, topped with asiago cheese fondue and sliced black truffle from Norcia, served with garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes
Toula classic homemade vanilla gelato “affogato” topped with espresso coffee


Toula classic tiramisu

Summerlicious - Trio Restaurant

Trio Restaurant was located in Toronto's North York and was part of the Novotel Toronto North York Hotel. For more info and the menu, click here. We went there for a $15 lunch during the Summerlicious period.

It had a nice environment with sleek modern furnishings and style decor which I really liked however I find the layout of the space a bit too open concept. The service and food was good. Worth checking out if you're in the area.

 

 

Wild Mushroom Arancini
Wild mushroom risotto balls breaded with Panko and fried, served with fire roasted tomato sauce, pesto and parmesan cheese


Chicken Meatloaf
Ground Herbed Chicken meatloaf, sautéed green Cabbage & Rapini, drizzled with Soy Plum Glaze
Tartufo
Rich Creamy Milanese Vanilla Ice Cream centered with Crème Caramel and rolled with Home made cookies


Apple Blossom
Flakey pastry with an apple filling and topped with crumble served with vanilla sauce and walnuts

Mini Cooper - Eye Candy

Love it!!


2012 Olympic Athletes Poses Nude

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London begins tomorrow! Very exciting!! I always love watching the Olympic Games and of course cheering on our Canadian athletes.

Speaking of Olympic athletes, check out these beautiful photographs in the latest ESPN Body Issue. In a tribute to their bodies, all the athletes stripes down to celebrate their athletic forms.

I love the concept. The photos does an excellent job at showcasing the tremendous strength, effort and commitment that athletes put into their bodies, as they get ready for the Games. They're strategically and very artistically shot - in most shots, the athlete is in a movement from their sport.

Below are some of the photographs. Doesn't it motivate you to go to the gym right away? lol
Check out the rest of them here. What do you think of them? Which one's your favourite? Enjoy : )






Tuesday, July 17, 2012

See me on stage at the T&T Waterfront Night Market


Very exciting news to share! I will be performing at this year's T&T Waterfront Night Market happening July 20-22. Click here for more info. It's a great event for the whole family, lot's of things to do/see, and of course lot's of yummy food!!

I will be singing at the President's Choice Centre stage on Saturday July 21 from 4 - 4:30pm. Please come by if you can. Come cheer me on and be my fans in the audience : ) I will greatly appreciate all your support.

Click here for the list of all the performers and their bio. Everyone's be asking me what songs I will be singing? Well, you will just have to come see me to find out : )

For those who knows me knows how much I love to sing and perform. I'm the king of karaoke!! : ) I am very excited to get to perform on stage at this event - very happy for this opportunity! Come on by and see a 'superstar' in the making! It's a free show now, but who knows - might have to pay for my future shows/appearances. lol. I hope to see you there!!






Saturday, July 14, 2012

Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" Viral-Videos

I'm sure you all heard and probably know the words to Carly Rae Jepsen' hit song "Call me Maybe". I've got to admit - I like this song : )

Her song had sparked many viral-videos, from president Obama to the most recent one, Cookie Monster from Sesame Street called Share it Maybe.

I hope her other songs will be just as popular and that she won't be those 'one hit wonder' artist. However, with Justin Bieber's people behind her, I think she will do just fine.

Check out the original video here, and some of my favourite videos the song has launched. Which one's your favourite? Please share and let me know in comment below.

Enjoy! I apologize if the songs get stuck in your head after viewing : )

                                           Original Video - a surprising and funny ending : )

                                           Sesame Street - 'Share it Maybe'

                                          The Harvard Baseball Team

                                          Barack Obama Singing Call Me Maybe

 I think this was the one that started it all - featuring Justin Beiber, Selena Gomez, Ashley Tisdale and Friends

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Summerlicious - Valens

It's that time again - the 10th annual Summerlicious! It started July 6 and runs until July 22, so there's still time. For restaurant list, click here.

My friends and I went for lunch to Valens last weekend. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, in Baldwin village. They offers a selection of fusion foods. You can check out their Summerlicious menu here.

I really liked it; great atmosphere, good food and nice service. There also a nice front patio. Check out the pics I took of the dishes we had. I definitely recommend Valens!

I have 2 more restaurants booked, so make sure to check back for my thoughts on them.



Baby mixed greens, mandarin oranges, dried dates, roasted walnuts, julienne carrots and pears with raspberry vinaigrette

CRUSTINI
Three piece crustini topped with smoked salmon
and avocado mango relish




Pan seared Atlantic salmon filet topped with mixed nut maple sauce, served with
herb roasted vegetables and buttered baby bok choy

LAMB SHANK
Slowly simmered with herbs, red wine and tomatoes, served with mashed potatoes
and buttered baby bok choy

CHICKEN
Pan seared chicken breast topped with blueberry cream sauce,
served with roasted vegetables and buttered baby bok choy

Hazelnut meringue with strawberry sauce and whipped cream

Chocolate cheesecake