LUXOMME

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

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. 



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 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. 

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.




There are three things I love about this place; the food, the service, and the amazing view right outside your window. 





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. 

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. 

I broke my pasta ban in favor of meatless Wednesdays (actually Mondays) and fresh herbs from the garden.

That's a good compromise right?



Used fiber rich pasta in lieu of the yummy + superior fiberless type. My attempt of trying to feel not as guilty afterwards.

Cooked till al dente in sodium chloride rich water. 



Everything here is from my garden... except for the garlic and marinated artichoke, which I picked up at the nearby Italian Market.



It was definitely worth it.

naomi