Living in a city that is perpetually in Winter mode, Christmas break is a time for travel and to get away from the cold.
This year, I've learnt that no matter how cold Winnipeg gets, how awful the ice is and how many times I have to scrape my car, Toronto does things on a whole new level.
Never in my 21 years of existence have I seen Winter like this. The moment you step outside, it almost feels like you're on a movie set, or in some Charles Dicken's story . Everything is white, everything is shiny and you wonder if it's actually real.
The downside? Half the city blacked out, including the place I was staying at because the branches gave under the weight of the ice and knocked out electricity lines.
So, my cousins and I bundled up and went searching for food.
Situations like this really bring people together though. Strangers helping strangers cross the icy road, offering blankets or flashlights to people who had none, or simple things like passing out coffee in the lobby of an apartment which has lost their electricity. It's warming how willing people are to give in times of need and how for a moment, you feel united with the common goal of getting each other through this difficult time.
The power was restored in my building after a day, but it was definitely an experience to remember. From having to eat dinner in a room lit with only a few flashlights and struggling through it, to realizing that the only thing you need in life is warmth, food, and relationships to get you through.
Life is simple, and the best things might not always be free, but they are definitely cheaper than that shiny new pair of Louboutins.
naomi
By
Naomi
January 12, 2014
culinary,
dessert
I'm not a breakfast person. Most of my friends know this because if we make breakfast dates, 99% of the time, I will find an excuse not to be there. Not just because I don't like waking up, but because I am just not a huge fan of breakfast foods. Pancakes? Bleh
That being said, I've been trying to eat more regularly during the day, so this has been my go-to breakfast/midday snack/midnight snack for the past three weeks. I know quite a few places in Hong Kong actually serve this as a dessert, but I've made a few modifications that make it a bit healthier and more breakfast worthy.
I don't put any extra sugar in because the fruit (drenched in syrup) is usually sweet enough. It's cheating a bit since it's basically sugar fruit, but fruit nonetheless! The grass jelly comes directly from boiling a plant (very healthy), and the basil seeds are supposed to help boost your metabolism and control blood sugar.
It's like a superfood cocktail.
Almost.
Apparently, benefits include; heartburn relief, source of vitamins, aids in digestion, stress reliever, cooling (yin) effect, cures respiratory disorders, etc etc.
I'm not actually sure whether these are legitimate benefits, but a healthy dose of this keeps me going for hours, like red bull in a bowl. It also tastes good too and is chock full of fiber, so if that isn't enough reason to try, I don't know what is.
naomi.
I've
always had an obsession with raw foods; Raw fish, raw lobster, raw
geoduck. I think it stems from when I wasn't allowed to have raw things when I was younger. You know what they say, the more you can't have it, the more you want it.
For the last two years, I've been stuck in a beef carpaccio and tartare phase, but lately it's been oysters. Oysters all day, everyday.
not really
In
December (when I was supposed to be studying), I went on a google
rampage to find the best oyster bars in Toronto and there seemed to
be a general consensus that the two must try places were Diana's
Oyster Bar and Grill, and Rodney's Oyster house.
The
fact that they both had "oyster" in their name was also promising.
Rodney's
is a bit far from where I live and downtown parking is an absolute
nightmare, so we made our way over to Diana's whose owners
conveniently had a seafood distributing center about two steps away,
for wholesale as well as retail.
We
ordered a dozen oysters to split, which arrived with three different
sauces; mignonette, seafood, and their special sauce.
We ordered Fanny Bays, Fat Bastards, and Colville Bay, pictured in that order.
We
slurped these down at record speed, along with some freshly shucked
cherrystone clams.
I
was too busy eating to take pictures of everything else, but if
you've never been, my whole family agrees that the lobster roll and
the clam chowder are must tries.
Tummies
satisfied, we hopped on over to the distributing center right beside
the restaurant and picked up some of these (unfortunately
named) oysters and cherrystone clams.
If
you are in Toronto and are looking for a place to obtain seafood for
an upcoming party, or just for yourself, a trip to Diana's is worth
it.
Anything
you want, they probably carry. Walls of oysters, clams, lobster,
fresh sea urchin and even sashimi grade fish. It's always a highlight
of my day to drop in for a visit and look around, you never know what
you might find :)
People
are also extremely friendly and will take the time to dole out
advice, which is helpful if you have absolutely no idea what's going
on, like me.
Prices are very reasonable as well. I picked up 5 dozen oysters, a tray of sea urchin, one sashimi grade chunk of tuna, and another of salmon, along with 6 kg of cherrystone clams for around 150 Canadian.
Even
if you aren't planning on picking anything up, it's a fun place just
to go look around. After all, how many places carry a clam this BIG.
Wear
clothes you don't mind dirtying though, or are planning to wash soon
after. Seafood, as always, can get quite messy, but it's absolutely
worth it.
naomi.
By
Naomi
January 02, 2014
canada,
canoe,
christmas,
eatons,
food,
friends,
oliver and bonacini,
shopping,
toronto,
travel
This is a really dated post but it's been crazy busy, so here I am trying to make up for it!
The last two weeks in Toronto have been a whirlwind. I arrived late on the 18th and woke up bright and early the next morning to head downtown with Tiffany.
I needed to bring my bag over downtown to get it fixed so we stopped by Bloor street first and then decided to freshen up at Eatons first since both of us were a little tired post exam recovery and weren't ready to brace the cold that is Bloor's street shopping.
We didn't end up buying anything other than a pair of matching earrings, but this coat was definitely tempting.
Defeated and exhausted we decided to retire for lunch and were greeted in the lobby by these breathtaking Christmas trees which look a multitude times more impressive in person.
We stepped into the elevator and zoomed all the way up to the 54th floor of the TD center to Canoe.
Our server brought us two kinds of fresh steaming bread and a side of kidney bean spread.
100km Greens
Maple Mustard Dressing, Fresh & Preserved Vegetables
There are three things I love about this place; the food, the service, and the amazing view right outside your window.
Grandview Farms Grass Fed Beef Short Rib
Sugar Beets, Pickle Sour Cream & Whipped Potatoes
Aurora Chicken Suprême
Harvest Squash, Seared Leeks & Walnut Butter
Because we went on a Friday, most of the clientele there were businessmen and women dressed to the nines in suits and pearls. Not going to lie, it was a little uncomfortable being the youngest ones there, and in Uggs to boot, but our waiter was so patient and the service was absolutely impeccable.
I'm always a little skeptical of these places because you are expected to hold your fork properly and put your napkin down in the correct way, which almost takes the fun out of food, but if you haven't tried Canoe, do it. There's a great deal of hype surrounding this restaurant and I feel it's one of the few places that actually live up to it. Their attention to detail is amazing, not just in the dish but also in the service as well.
Just don't get the salad, and go for something more adventurous ;)
It's also a great place to sit down and have a conversation. With strangers, with acquaintances, with close friends.
Great company makes the food even better.
Tummies filled and moods lightened, we ended our day under the Christmas tree.
naomi.
By
Naomi
November 21, 2013
life,
personal
It's official, There are 33 days left till Christmas!!
It doesn't actually feel like Christmas till we get our first snowfall, and judging by the fluffy white flakes piled on my lawn right now, Christmas is definitely here.
This year, I will be spending Christmas in Toronto with my Family and Friends. I am so looking forward to seeing everyone again, trips downtown to Moroco and GUU, and Yorkdale mall runs! Not to mention RAMEN RUNS with Tiffany, who doesn't fully understand my obsession.
I always like to do something special on the first snowfall, it's kinda tradition. This year I slapped on a shiny necklace which I finally got my hands on after months of lusting and went on a bit of a shopping spree with an extra large earl grey in hand.
And of course, Christmases in Toronto means loads and loads of family dinners! My cousins and I are in charge of Christmas dinner and after hours of brainstorming and bouncing ideas back and forth, we have firmed up our dinner menu. I know it's a bit early, but it gives us something to get excited over and something to look forward to as well.
I thought I'd give a sneak peek on this blog since I love reading about other people's Christmas Dinners and you know, food is always exciting.
How are you spending the holidays? :)
naomi