RODNEY’S FAMOUS OYSTERS

RODNEY’S HOMEMADE SAUCE SELECTION

Photos by: Melissa Cristina

Well, this is definitely a favourite. Everything from the food to the atmosphere to the service is fantastic.  Rodney’s Oyster House is located on King Street, just east of Bathurst.

If you’re not sure of which oysters to begin with, definitely start with a dozen seasonal assorted oysters,  and add 2 pan-fried oysters.  Their pan fried oysters are a must-have, and it’s nice to start with them so you can enjoy the taste and flavour.

If you aren’t into the whole oyster thing, they also have a variety of delicious chowders, and other shelled fish such as lobster, crab, clams and mussels.

Rodney’s even has their own specialty sauces! Ranging from “hot” to “not-so-hot”, the sauces include: White Boy Soul Sauce, Shallot Vinaigrette, Seawitch Sauce, Back From Hell, Johnny Reb’s Espanola Hot Sauce.  My pick:  Shallot Vinaigrette- it’s the perfect amount of sweet and sour for each bite!

469 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario  M5V 1K4

COUNTRY STYLE HUNGARIAN RESTAURANT

When I think Schnizel- there is only one place.  Country Style Hungarian Restaurant is located on Bloor Street just west of Bathurst in the heart of the Annex.  When I feel like the ultimate comfort meal, I make my way there. My pick: the Chicken Schnizel. It comes with complimentary fresh bread,  as well as a choice of side- I love their coleslaw and mashed potatoes.  To change things up a bit, I’ll order the Chicken Cordon-Bleu instead. Breaded chicken breast filled with cheese and ham, how can it NOT taste amazing? If you’re sharing, I suggest an order of Perogies for the appetizer, and a slice of custard (with two forks) for dessert. Judging by the decor, it is obvious they have been around for at least 30 years, but it also means they know what they’re doing!

CHICKEN SCHNIZEL- SIDE OF HOME FRIES

Photos by: Lynda C

450 Bloor Street W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X8

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CHICKEN EMPANADA

Kensington Market is known for their variety of specialty food markets, and eclectic clothing & goodie shops.  I have always had an open mind to trying new food (usually loving it all) and I must say, my ultimate favourite empanadas come from a little place called Jumbo Empanadas. On this beautiful November afternoon, I took a stroll over to Kensington, and could not help but stop for a bite to eat on their sunny patio. The routine order usually consists of 1 Beef, 1 Chicken and one mini Cheese empanada (either the chicken or beef is taken to go-to satisfy later hunger).  Out of the many latin empanada places on Augusta street, I have always been drawn to Jumbo. With fresh pulled chicken or beef, olives, and a boiled egg inside, the Salsa side tops it off perfectly. The cheese empanadas are crispy on the outside and fantasticly gooey on the inside. The ultimate comfort food, these empanadas on the patio fulfilled all cravings I had for this 10 degree weather in late November.

CHEESE EMPANADA

Photos by: Melissa Cristina

245 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2L8

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Event Website: www.dustoffyoursoul.ca

This event in support of Toronto Distress Centres was a glamourous evening mixed with art and auction.  VanMar Designs & Decor donated their services in planning this event (put on in memory of Alex Hurst & Marc Fournier), and held a very organized and beautifully catered evening. With a turnout of over 100 people, artwork from local artists was on display around the venue. Everyone had a chance to look around and place a bid for the silent auction. The majority of the evening was filled with mingling between artists and bidders.  From photography to painting to sculpture, every piece was sold by the end of the night.  To top off the evening,  a quick paced 1-hour live auction was held. The auctioneer moved to the second floor to auction off paintings in every size, colour and texture. Every one of them was bought. Net proceeds from the event are being donated to the Toronto Distress Centre providing emotional support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention.

I must say, I had a fantastic evening and I am anxiously awaiting the next art auction!

477 Richmond Street West, Suite 104, Toronto, ON

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OH BOY BURGER MARKET

Photo by: Melissa Cristina

OH BOY! is right! Last night I had the pleasure of tasting an OH BOY burger, and it was fantastic. My pick: Flippin’ Good Bros. Combo.  It’s a 6 oz. “lamburger”, made with premium lean Ontario lamb that has been marinated in a Guiness bath on a sesame seed bun. Includes lettuce, tomato and a mint sauce- I made the combo into poutine which was a fantastic choice (thumbs up).  Also recommended was the OH BOY! Classic with 3 Cheese Combo. It’s an 8 oz. premium AAA & prime ground chuck patty on a sesame seed bun including lettuce, tomato, cheddar, swiss & havarti cheese.  All buns are supplied by Ace Bakery - choice of sesame seed egg bun, whole wheat multi wrap or a no carb lettuce wrap. The menu includes a description of the local meat: made with corn-fed, traditionally raised cattle from Wellington County, Ontario, served fresh-never frozen. This gourmet burger market also includes choices for the vegetarians, and the customers who prefer to order a hotdog, chicken burger, bison burger or even a baby burger (2 oz.)

571 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 2B6

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SANTA CLAUS PARADE- Bloor & Bathurst

Photo by: Melissa Cristina

For as long as I can remember, the Santa Claus Parade was a tradition at Christmastime.  Every year we would arrive early to get good seats in order to see Santa at the end of the parade.  This year, the parade was held on November 15 at 12:30pm.  It started at Bloor and Christie and made it’s way along to University heading south to Dundas and across to Yonge. It finished off going south on Yonge street to Front and ended at Church.  The morning of the 15th, I woke up to the squeals of laughter from children on Bloor Street getting ready to see Santa and his reindeer.  This time of year reminds me of the time I was actually IN the Santa Claus Parade (rewind circa 1990)- I was the lucky winner of a draw at my mom’s company, and I got to sit on the float for “Mary, Mary Quite Contrary”.  Unfortunately it was not as warm as it was this year, and I was incredibly bundled up under that baby blue dress. My earmuffs were in the way of the big blue bow on the top of my head which in turn would constantly interfere with the massive flowers from the garden of the float. All in all, it was quite the experience and only adds to my memories from the Santa Claus Parade.

For more information and history on the parade, visit www.thesantaclausparade.ca

MARS RESTAURANT- Just Out Of This World!

Photo by: Melissa Cristina

Right on College just east of Bathurst street you will find Mars Restaurant, the little mom and pop 50’s style breakfast diner.  If you wake up late on a weekend and feel like a hearty meal to start your afternoon, make your way towards Kensington, and you will find Mars.  Upon entering the packed restaurant, you can see the grill piled with sausages, bacon and tons & tons of eggs. Cozy seating for two fills the aisle when you walk in, and bar seats at the grill accommodate anyone from families to singles. Have a seat wherever you want, and take a glance at the menu, but to be honest, it’s not necessary. With the waitress yelling orders to the cook across the bar, almost everyone decides on the same thing.  My pick: the Grand Slam- eggs, sausages/bacon, home fries and a pancake! When you’re finished eating, the experience is completed by a handwritten bill that probably hasn’t changed since 1951 when the restaurant first opened.

432 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1T3

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A POT OF KUSMI TEA WITH MACAROON SANDWICH

Photo by: Melissa Cristina

The sleek and clean looking Nadège Patisserie recently opened on Queen west across from Trinity Bellwoods Park. Originally from Paris, Nadège opened shop in Toronto early July, and has continued to impress Torontonians with artistic desserts and beautifully crafted sandwiches & croissants.  Nadège exclusively sells Kusmi Tea which is a Russian style tea, as well as Cafè Richard coffee and can be paired with any of the desserts perfectly.

TABLE SETTING AT NADGÈGE

SMOKED SALMON CROISSANT WITH CUCUMBER AND CREAM CHEESE

Photos by: Rodolfo Novak

Website: www.rncreative.com

780 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M6J 1G2

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FEIST ON STAGE @ HOLT RENFREW

Photo by: Melissa Cristina

So last night I decided to check out Feist who was rumored to be performing on Bloor Street infront of Holt Renfrew. I mainly went to listen to her sing-since she’s been out of the spotlight for nearly a year. ET Canada was hosting the holiday window unveiling for Holt Renfrew. Rick Campanelli and Kim D’Eon (fully outfitted by Holt’s) from Entertainment Tonight Canada repeatedly announced that Bloor Street had been “closed down” for this event- being the only time of the year that Bloor Street shuts down. wow, they mean business! Rick and Kim introduced The Abrams Brothers who opened for Feist. The poor things tried extremely hard to please the crowd, to the point where the violinist was breaking strings on his bow. I give them credit for trying, and maybe one day their songs will make it to the top of the charts on CMT. Feist on the other hand, didn’t have to try very hard at all. She came on stage and the crowd lit up. She sang about 5 songs and then came back for an encore. I find her an amazing artist and I thank her for performing, even though it was a last minute ‘fill-in’ for Kristin Chenoweth. I had a feeling that she probably didn’t want to be doing this- they asked her to sing a “Christmas” song, and she mocked them by saying she made one up in the dressing room earlier that evening. when she began singing, it was definitely not a Christmas song, and ended up being one of her singles. hah! All in all, it was a successful evening, as Holt’s opened the doors after the unveiling to allow customers to purchase candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar and receive a free gift with purchase. President and CEO of Holt Renfrew, Caryn Lerner, announced that a percentage of last night’s sales would be donated to United Way.

50 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M4W 1A1

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This is the hardest part about a blog- where do I begin? well, I guess I’ll start with an introduction- I’m Melissa. I’ve been meaning to start a blog for quite a while now, and my number one goal is to give you a taste of a few of my fave’s.