Gastronomic (Mis)Adventures : Search results for toronto

Must Eats in Toronto (UPDATED)

Besides the abundant matcha shops in Toronto, there are also other must visit spots and must eats. Here are my picks for first-time travelers in this foodie town.

1. Glory Hole- If hibiscus and s'more donuts don't tickle your fancy, then I don't know what will. I stumbled into Glory Hole not even knowing that this is one of the best doughnuts in Toronto. I followed the crowd into this low-key location in Parkdale and beamed with delight on my newfound discovery.

S'more donuts. Burnt marshmallows to perfection.

2. Honest Weight- I am always in search for the best seafood. When I learned that many restaurants get their seafood supply from Honest Weight, I didn't hesitate to make a trek at their retail shop at The Junction. I walked more than an hour to get to Honest Weight so I was happy to greeted with plump oysters and a very friendly lady behind the counter who explained to me their catches of the day.

Smoked trout on a healthy bed of greens.

Oysters all for myself!

4. Peameal Bacon- I am not able to taste this for you, but my eating buddies who got not one but two peameal bacon on soft country buns in the popular Carousel Bakery at the bustling St. Lawrence Market told me that the meat melts in your mouth.

Tip: Some of the butcher shops at St. Lawrence sells peameal bacon by the pound in an airtight packaging that you can take to the airport with you!

Long line but not too bad of a wait.

3. Tim Hortons- For every city or country that doesn't have a Starbucks in every corner, you have to know why. Tim Hortons is the Starbucks in Canada, and their maple frappuccino is something to live by while you're in the country because you're probably not going to get anything close to it someplace else.

Slurp it up!

4. Beavertails- This Canadian-based pastry stand serves up doughs shaped like a beavertail. There are several flavors you can choose from, but we opted for the simple Nutella because nothing can possibly go wrong with anything that has Nutella on it. We got this after our sunset harbor cruise to cap off our night at the wharf.

Sinful late night snacking.

Amazing view of the city of Toronto!

2. Casa Loma cafe- Because Casa Loma is a must visit for any first-time Toronto traveler and there's no other food option around, their cafe is a good spot to refuel for the day after learning about the history of this castle, which was built as a residence for financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. My favorite area is the garden in front of the cafe, while my dad's is the garage where all the vintage cars are parked.

So many tourists but worthwhile the visit.

View from atop the castle.

Did I tell you I have a fascination with water fountains?

Carbo-loading for lunch

4. Nadege Patisserie- I never leave any city without visiting a dessert place. Nadege is the patisserie my sister, the pasty chef, picked so off we went to one out of its 3 locations in Toronto in the boutique-filled Entertainment district. What I love about Nadege the most is its striking white and bright pink packaging and interior design- definitely something worth emulating.

Such a clean looking cafe.

Thoughtful packaging.

So decadent.

Not the best macaron though.

Tons of picture perfect desserts. My fave out of all our loot.

Approved by the little one.

5. Moxie's Bar and Grill- I was searching for a nice lunch spot in downtown Financial District with wifi and outdoor patio via Yelp. Moxie's fit the bill. Right upon entering, I noticed that many well-dressed business professionals were dining at this establishment. It definitely helps that their servers are hot, tall blondes (!!!) with pleasing attitudes, and the food, a blend of Asian-influenced and Western-style dishes, are all decently priced for the area.

Tasty ahi tuna with salad.

6. Outdoor food halls- One thing I love about the summer are outdoor food halls! The only downside is if it starts to rain surprisingly for a few hours then you'd have to run for cover. This happened to my party while grabbing lunch in front of the Union Station.

I opted for a simple vegetarian hotdog and then waited in line in the rain for a funnel cake, which is a must try. #foodieproblems. Huge thank you to the British gal who shared her umbrella with me!

After quickly devouring our lunches, we all ran to the Fairmont across the street to use their swanky bathroom and wifi, dry ourselves, and take a nap in the lobby while waiting for the rain to stop. (Travel tip: When you need a break or use the restroom, go in to any 5-star hotel.)

Funnel cakes to the rescue!

Haven't had this kind of hotdog in a very long time.

So-so vegetarian panini.

The funnel cake I waited in the rain for.

This is how it looks without the rain. #unionsummer

Til we meet again, Toronto! For more of my adventures in Canada, read about the must visit matcha shops and the Canadian wine country.

Thompson Hotel, Toronto: Chic, Convenient, Contemporary

The triple Cs- chic, convenient and contemporary- of the hotel economy are hard to come by, but the Thompson Hotel in Toronto definitely fits the bill. There are only a few hotels that can turn its vibe from quaint mornings to happening night affairs without hassling its guests and residences. You see, the Thompson is not only known for its rooftop parties, especially during Fridays and Saturdays, but also it is a perfect resting spot for weary business travelers. I was lucky since even after a long day at the office on a weekday, I was able to wind down (ahem, crash at an exclusive party) at the rooftop and soak in the dazzling night lights of Toronto with my favorite cocktail on hand.

Rooftop view

Plushed bed just right for my aching back.

I'm always wary of party hotels being too loud when I retire to my room. However at the Thompson, I didn't have to wait for the revelry to die down. Even though I got a room facing the street, I didn't find it noisy at night and woke up excited to start my day at the Thompson Diner, also known for its late-night eats, on the ground level.

Behold, the best thing about their diner happens to be my all-time favorite for brunch, chicken and waffles. Besides from being (almost) a professional matcha taster, I also take pride in my hunt for the best fried chicken. I love their chicken and waffles so much that I ordered it twice in my weeklong stay at the Thompson - it is rare for me to do a repeat performance when it comes to food choices.

Can you smell that fried chicken crunchy goodness? The spicy aioli adds in that much needed morning kick!

During the quieter lounge hours, my comrades and I took groupfies because those sleek black and yellow pops of color were calling our names for photo opportunities.

The lounge without any party looks cool with pops of yellow.

Love that yellow sofa. Can I take it home?

I cannot stress enough the central location of the Thompson in downtown Toronto. I was not only able to see and go to where I was supposed to be at, but also I was able to squeeze in some summertime exploration - the cherry blossoms in the eastern part of the city at High Park, the blooming tulips on the opposite side at St. James Park, and of course, a visit to Toronto is never complete without stopping by at my favorite matcha cafe, Tsujiri!

Til we meet again, Thompson!

Toronto, I'm Matcha Crazy for You

Two of the green superfoods I have inside my cupboard are moringa and matcha powder, sourced directly from Taipei! I was certainly surprised to learn when I flew out to Toronto that this North American city is matcha crazy. They even have two matcha shops- Tsujiri and Uncle Tetsu's- just a block from each other.

Matcha Heaven

Once I stepped inside Tsujiri, I was in matcha heaven. I wanted everything on the menu. And I mean, everything! But since I had limited Canadian dollar cash with me, my buddy and I had to settle for a Tsujiri iced latte (not in photo) and a float, which is more photogenic. Both of these have set a very high standard for my matcha dreams from then on. It's not too sweet yet not too bitter with just the right amount of matcha goodness. Ironically, we ended up bringing these to the Starbucks across the street to sit down with the family and use the free wifi. FYI, the only thing I buy at Starbucks is their matcha latte.

I'm in matcha heaven. Must franchise this to San Francisco right now. I will be the first customer in line.

Window decor so enticing.

Read to learn about the benefits of matcha.

Snacks with a hint of matcha so you don't feel guilty eating them.

Houjicha roll. Pairs well with the latte.

Matcha crazy for you.

The Matcha War Continues
Continuing my matcha journey is the world renown institution, Uncle Tetsu's. Yes, they are fighting tooth and nail with Tsujiri down the block, but what they are really popular for is their Japanese cheesecake. After getting a box of cheesecake, I also bought some matcha madeleines with red bean to share. I am not a big fan of madeleines to begin with, but I'm a huge fan of matcha and red bean. With these two ingredients together, you can't really go wrong.

Matcha everywhere!

Choose wisely.

Matcha madeleine it is!

We were at the shop a few days after Canada Day!

Cute bag!

Uncle Tetsu's cheesecake so fluffy. This might not be the best Japanese cheesecake of all time but have to give it to their cute branding on the cheesecake itself.

Til we meet again, Toronto!

Even with these two shops just a stone throw from each other, there were long lines, which moved quickly, at each location. So far, the city of Toronto has gotten it right promoting these matcha shops. I even got a copy of an English/Japanese local magazine that featured all the matcha shops in town.

I don't understand why no matcha shop has landed in San Francisco shores, a city which has similar foodie habits compared to Toronto. Hint: Both businesses are open for franchising.

Tips for Packing for a Cross Country Move to Calgary

Have you ever wondered what it takes to move from a big city to a fast-growing city like Calgary? You're going to need to make a lot of plans and stick to them. Packing for a cross country move alone, whether to a beach house or city apartment, is a huge feat if you've got a whole household to pack, and it's not much simpler if all you have is a small apartment.

Make a Plan
To ensure you pack everything up before your move, in a way that doesn't impede your day-to-day life, you'll need a schedule. Beyond that, you'll need plans and backups for moving day to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Timelines: Know when your real estate deal closes and when you need to move out of your current place and into your new place.
Back-Up Options: Where will you keep your stuff if the unexpected happens? Is there an alternative moving company you could call? Do you have friends and family that could help with your move?
Have a Box of Essentials on Hand: When moving day comes, have a small box of things you'll want to keep with you. This should contain copies of important documents, keys, first aid, chargers, and other day-to-day items.
Make Plans for Your Pets: The stress of moving can be hard on pets. It may be worth it to hire a sitter or have them stay with friends and family on moving day or overnight so you have time to get settled.

Make Sure Everything is Easy to Handle

Even though a city like Calgary may not be as crowded as Toronto or New York, a moving truck or two may still find some places tough to park. Even in an urban or rural area, you'll want to get your things off the trucks and into your place as soon as possible.

Not Everything Needs a Box: Some objects will do just fine in bags, like winter clothes in summer or towels.
What will Your Moving Company Allow?: Not all moving companies will deal with antique furniture, instruments, or animals.
Use the Containers You Have on Hand: Have an empty suitcase? Use it to pack books or other hard to handle or heavy items.
Make Copies for Movers: You may have the address of your new piece of Calgary real estate memorized, but you want to make sure your movers don't have to. To ensure the trip goes smoothly, create a reference document with your name, number, and new address.

Label Everything

Sort By Room Over Contents (For example, "Kitchen" on top in bold lettering, with the specific contents of that box written underneath.)
Color Code by Room
Put Essentials in the Truck Last

Pay Attention to Your Boxes

Cut Handles
Use Tape over Interlocking Tops
Pick Up a Wardrobe Box – These specialty boxes allow you to pack your clothes on hangers. This can cut down on packing and unpacking time.
Throw Out Any Used Boxes with Damage – Most people will move more than once. Depending on how long it's been since your last move, those same boxes may not hold up today.

Keep an Eye on the Weather
Last but not least, you want to plan to move on a nice, clear day when possible. No snow or rain the day before or after and no wind. If you do have to move in the rain, plan for everything to take much longer than it otherwise would.

The Mystique of Calgary

When I was first invited to travel to Calgary, I didn't even know where it was on the map or what I can do there. For most of us who are not familiar with Canadian travel, it is the city where most tourists fly into to make a one hour drive to the famous Banff National Park. For the 150th anniversary of Canada, all national parks in the country are free so I quickly packed my bags to see what was waiting for me.

Visiting Calgary for Canada's 150th anniversary.

Downtown Calgary
Compared to its more popular sister cities, Toronto and Vancouver, downtown Calgary is smaller, cheaper in all aspects, exudes a charm of its own, and still doesn't impose a foreign buyer real estate tax. It has a small albeit lively retail and entertainment street on 17th Avenue where I got to try Made by Marco ice cream, a local cafe, Presotea for bubble tea (especially for my boba-addicted readers), and Model Milk for dinner.

My list of must eats include:
1. Model Milk - At the edge of the bustling 17th Avenue, you can find Model Milk, which serves dishes utilizing Alberta's freshest ingredients.

A relaxing vibe at Model Milk.

Foie gras for appetizer with buckwheat.

Calamari fricasse which was so good but didn't expect to have red meat mixed in it :(

2. Alforno Bakery and Cafe - It has a menu that sounds boring but actually my salmon benedict bursted with unexpected flavors. It also doesn't hurt that the ambiance reminds me of contemporary New York style cafe.

Smoked salmon with poached eggs at Alforno Bakery.

My treat after a long hike. Always a sucker for strawberry shortcake!

3. River Cafe at Prince Island - A bit pricey but this is one of those establishments you must visit to complete a trip in Calgary.

A peaceful lunch at River Cafe while people watching.

4. Suzette - For a more proper French breakfast, head to Suzette for their famous savory and sweet crepes.

Crepes for a late lunch at Suzette.

5. Regrub - Ok, I know they have countless of locations in Canada, but if you are looking to calorie-load before a hike in Banff, this is the place to do it with their over-the-top milkshakes.

Caught on video at Regrub.

Scooped out the whip cream before enjoying the Oreo milkshake with glazed donut.

6. Made by Marco - This ice cream shop actually made waves due to its Instagram friendly interiors. When you are in the middle of Canadian summer, this is your best bet for cooling down.

Matcha for me, of course!

Thanks to Elon Hotel, a block away from 17th Avenue, for making it easy for me to walk around during my entire stay in Calgary. I highly appreciate boutique hotels that obviously invest on interior design with matching branding colors even on its shower head and faucets.

Thanks to a convenient location, I was able to walk everywhere in downtown Calgary.

Comfy stay at Elan Hotel.

Admiring the matching red faucet, shower and tiles.

Simple breakfast at Hotel Elan

Enjoying the many parks in downtown Calgary.

Strolling on Stephen's Avenue.

A 10-minute walk up north is the upcoming area of Eau Claire, where I was tempted to go to an open house for luxury condos and envied the professionals soaking in the summer sunshine around Prince Island park during their lunch break. There are a few bridges in this area, one of which you can take to stroll to River Cafe, but the Peace Bridge is the most picturesque of them all.

The Peace Bridge in all its glory.

Up next, watch out for my misadventures in Banff National Park.

Disclaimer: I received a media rate from Hotel Elan in exchange for an honest review.

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Must Eats in Toronto (UPDATED)

Thompson Hotel, Toronto: Chic, Convenient, Contemporary

Toronto, I'm Matcha Crazy for You

Tips for Packing for a Cross Country Move to Calgary

The Mystique of Calgary

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