Where to Eat - sparkleshinylove

Roxymandy June 17, 2014

Rock Lobster Leslieville – Kids and Dogs Welcome!

A few months ago I blogged about my experience at Rock Lobster on Queen West. I loved the food, drinks and atmosphere – it was a great dinner and experience! You may remember from my original Rock Lobster post that I wasn’t sure that it was exactly kid-friendly. There wasn’t a child in sight, and the music was very very loud! Not exactly the right atmosphere for a toddler, or even a baby for that matter. The amazing news is that Rock Lobster has opened up another location in Toronto, but they not only encourage you bring your baby, but your dog too!

The new location is all the way down the other end Queen Street, and it has three patio’s, and they have water bowls for dogs as they are allowed to hang out on the patio while you are eating. The children’s menu at this location includes mac and cheese topped with crumbled Gold Fish, which sounds perfect for my toddler. I’m pretty excited as the seafood doesn’t get any fresher (flown in fresh from Nova Scotia!), and all of the appetizers, entree’s and cocktails were so creative. And when I am having lunch with my toddler, I need a cocktail.

Rock Lobster Leslieville is located at 1192 Queen St. E., 416-533-1800, @rocklobsterfood, www.rocklobsterfood.com

Roxymandy June 9, 2014

Dinner at BOSK – Shangri-la Toronto

Last week my husband and I had dinner at BOSK at the Shangri-La. I had been to the hotel a few weeks prior for Mother’s Day High Tea, and had an amazing experience. I was sure we were in for a great dinner considering how amazing their tea service was, and we weren’t disappointed. Our meals were not only excellent, but our experience at the hotel and restaurant was very impressive. As always, I will also fill you in on my thought on if BOSK was kid-friendly!

We used valet parking on this trip as there aren’t many close lots near hotel to park at, and when you are wearing sky-high heels, it’s best to park close! Once we walked into the lobby we were greeted by the conceriege who walked us straight to the restaurant. In many of the city’s hotels you end up walking into a vast lobby and are not sure where to go from there unless you are checking in. At the Shangri-La the check in desk is tucked away in the corner, so it’s a different layout then most hotels. I like that the concierge is right at the front door so someone can direct you to exactly where you want to be. Once we were walked over to Bosk we were handed off to someone who found our reservation and seated us immediately. No one missed a beat – everything was so seamless.

Suddenly we were greeted with a champagne cart to start our meal. On ice there were many types of champagne for us to mull over while we were selecting our drink of choice. Although I am a champagne lover and the cart was tempting, in the dining area you couldn’t help but draw your attention to the wine displayed in the room. Their wine list was extensive, and I loved that I had more that just one option for a glass of Riesling (my wine of choice) – I hate it when I have only one option, but here I could chose from a few selection of Rieslings which was nice.

We both decided on wine (although I felt sad to see the beautiful champagne cart roll away) and were not disappointed in our choices.

Our water was poured from a jug with a foot-long curved spout which you couldn’t help but stare at as our server refilled our water glasses. I’ve never seen anything like it before! It was amazing how far she could stand from our table and pour it, which made it seem un-intrusive when she approached the table to do this, but you couldn’t help but stop you conversation as she did to see if she would spill a drop!

We decided on an appetizer to share since we were brought out fresh bread to start. The bread was warm with their in-house maple butter which was to die for. How many bread baskets did we go through? I was too embarrassed to count, but their rosemary herb buns where threatening to ruin my meal by filling me up.

Our appetizer was the Nova Scotia Scallops ($23) with avocado, hon-shimiji mushrooms, crunchy rice, and sesame ginger dressing. Our server knew we were sharing, and without asking had the chef split our appetizer into two plates so we could share. I thought this was an amazing touch – I don’t think a restaurant has ever done that for us. Especially since their presentation was so creative – it was lovely to have our own split appetizer made with the same careful attention to detail.

The scallops were cooked perfectly. They had a nice sear on the top so it was a bit crispy which was perfect. I don’t think I’ve ever had better scallops, and the mushrooms were to die for. The plate had very simple fresh ingredients, and the sesame ginger dressing which was a little sweet and tangy.

Next up a few more baskets of bread (only a few, I swear!) and then our mains were on the table.

I chose the Spring Pea & Mushroom Agnolotti ($30). Can you tell I love mushrooms? It was a stuffed pasta with spring vegetables, topped with fresh parmesan cheese. The pasta really was stuffed so I had to cut each piece in half just to fit it in my mouth. It was sprinkled with fresh peas, and I probably finished the whole pasta dish in embarrassing little time. I was nice enough to share a bite with my husband who was pretty impressed with it as well, but he was not allotted another portion. This entrée was definitely filling!

I was surprised when my husband chose lamb because the last time he had it was for dinner in Europe about 5 years ago! He thought that if he was going to try it again, this would be the place to have it. He had the Duo of Cumbrae Farms Lamb ($38) with tabbouleh, artichoke, carrots, cauliflower, yogurt and aromatic lamb jus. The first bite he let me have was just of the carrots and cauliflower. I am not a vegetable girl – I like them hidden so I can’t taste them, but this dish was the exception. Knowing my distaste for vegetables but offering them first meant my husband knew they were to spectacular too pass up. He was right – they were some pretty tasty veggies! The cauliflower was a little spicy and crispy. The lamb was cooked medium-rare and was very moist and tender. I loved it. I didn’t realize I like lamb until I tried this. Or maybe I only like it here? Uh-oh. I didn’t get more than a couple bites since my husband was being selfish and decided to keep the rest of his meal to himself. Dangerous move on his part.

At this point we were completely stuffed. Maybe all of that amazing bread wasn’t the best idea? Even still we were presented with some complementary truffles and treats at the end of our meal.

We thanked our server and went on our way with the intention of walking off that amazing meal. Where did we end up? Across the lobby to momofuku’s Milk Bar. I’d always wanted to try some of the desserts there, and with it only being a short walk away, we gave it a try. It was on the second floor of the momofuko complex, and it was basically a very busy walk in fridge filled with goodies. We came out with a couple Crack Pie’s, Compost Cookies, and truffles. We took them home with us, well, almost home. We ended up eating them in the car on the way home, so I was pretty sure I wouldn’t need to eat anything the next day because I was so full.

Overall our experience was a great one! I always check out if children are welcome to restaurants I eat at, and I hardly had to ask at BOSK because when we sat down two children were dining near us already. Most of the crowd at the restaurant seemed to be there after work (we went on a Tuesday night, so that completely makes sense) but there was a family sitting near us as well, and we were told that on Thursday’s, Friday and Saturday’s the lobby is filled with a younger crowd having drinks. They also have high chairs, and a kids menu with chicken fingers, mac and cheese, and other kid staples.

As I mentioned before, the service was impeccable, and the staff at the Shangri-La really focus on making sure your experience is the best possible. I don’t think I have had better service at a restaurant before. I hope to stay there for the night in the future to see what that experience would be like as well. They are doing a special Father’s Day brunch on Sunday which would probably be amazing, so check it out! I’ve linked to their website below.

The Shangri-La Toronto is located at 188 University Avenue in Toronto, and you can visit their website here.

For reservations call 647-788-8888 ext. 8858

Please note photos 1 & 3 are courtesy of Shangri-La.com

Roxymandy May 21, 2014

Springtime Farmers’ Markets

I am not the best when it comes to eating my fruits and vegetables, so I need to find creative ways to get them into my diet. That usually means hiding all of the healthy stuff inside a smoothie favourite with chocolate so I don’t really know what I am drinking. One of the other ways I actually look forward to eating things that grow on trees and in the dirt is shopping for them at a farmers’ market. Let’s face it – I love any kind of shopping. Grocery shopping doesn’t exactly give me any sort of satisfaction (unless it’s delivered to my door, otherwise I find it a pain), but when shopping for all that healthy crap is snowballed into an outdoor event, well it suddenly seems a bit more appealing.

I really like farmers’ markets! It’s like going to a street party, but instead of alcohol there are carrots. Since daytime drinking has been pretty much eradicated from my lifestyle since becoming a fab mom, I take whatever I can get.

Here are a few you might want to give a try this spring!

Evergreen Brick Works Farmers’ Market – 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto

This is one of my favourites! Evergreen Brick Works has a year-round farmers’ market, and their summer hours run from now until November 1st. The market is on from 8am – 1pm, and the food court is open a little longer (until 2pm).

What I like about this farmers’ market is how many things there are to do all in one place. There are vendors serving up all kinds of food in the food court, then there are all kinds of events and workshops taking place every weekend from classes on making pottery as a family, to children’s cooking classes.

For a $5 donation your child can take part in what they call Nature Play at the Brick Works. Children remain supervised by their parents, and this drop in program from 10-4pm on weekends and holidays offers play time, story telling and crafts.

Parking can be tough because there are not a lot of spaces so many people park the street, so you do end up spending a lot of time driving behind people hoping to be the first to take their parking space! You must pay for parking as well.

In the winter there is ice skating and hot chocolate outside, and in the summer it’s nice to talk a walk since the area is surrounded by walking paths.

http://www.evergreen.ca/

The Stop Farmers’ Market at Wychwood Barns – 601 Christie Street, Toronto

Courtesy of National Post

Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 pm, this market houses most of it’s vendors inside of it’s giant space. The Barns also has an art market with over 30 vendors, and they host all kinds of events like CraveTO with music, food and drinks.

All of the non-farmer vendors shop their ingredients from the market which is nice too.

http://www.atthebarns.org/about-the-wbca/the-stops-farmers-market/

St. Lawrence Farmers’ Market – 92 Front Street East, Toronto

Courtesy of St.LawrenceMarket.com

This market has been running for over 200 years! It’s pretty amazing. There are over 120 merchants which makes it one of the largest in the area as well. It runs year round from 5:00am until 10:00pm on Saturday’s, and they pretty much have everything you could imagine. It’s so busy that parking isn’t the easiest, but you can try the Green P lot behind the South Market Building, or there is a parking garage on the east side of Lower Jarvis (very short walk).

In the Market there are lots of cooking classes which I have been dying to try (will anyone go with me?) for adults and even classes with children, and there is always some sort of festival in the area to enjoy as well. This one is a must try!

www.stlawrencemarket.com

The Leslieville Farmers’ Market – Jonathan Ashbridge Park (Queen Street East between Greenwood & Coxwell)

This newbie on the farmer’s market scene is every Sunday from 9am to 2pm until the end of October. I haven’t visited this one yet, but it’s on my list of stops for this summer.

They say they have music, and that they will have wine starting next weekend! That might be why I’ve decided this one is one on my list. Coming up this year they will have a Bacon Fest, and a Movie Night in the Park as well.

http://leslievillemarket.com/

Roxymandy May 12, 2014

High Tea at the Shangri-La Toronto

I had never been to a High Tea before, and Mother’s Day seemed like the perfect opportunity to see what it was all about. It’s really the ultimate girly experience! When you were little how many times did you have a tea party? And were boys ever welcome? Probably not, unless you had a little brother and he was the next best thing compared to your Cabbage Patch doll. Ok so maybe there was a boy invited by default, but otherwise a tea party was more of a girls-only event that was all about drinking from fancy tea cups and enjoying some gossip.

There are many different places across the city to enjoy High Tea, but I really wanted to experience it at the Shangri-La. A reservation was required (I made mine one month in advance!), and we were there for a few hours and didn’t see a free table. High Tea Service is normally 2pm-5pm daily at the Shangri-La.

We decided to use the convenice of the hotel’s valet parking. It’s so lovely to just stop your car right out front, have an attendant help you out of your car (this is always helpful when wearing impossibly high heels), and walk straight into the venue without worrying about a thing. Since we were staying for tea, valet parking was only $15.00.

Right inside the front door is the receiption for the Lobby Lounge, where afternoon tea is served. The two-story lobby itself is opulent, complete with beautiful fireplaces, art lining the walls, and a grand piano. Nothing seems more grand than having a piano player next to your table while having tea! He played everything from his own rendition of “Imagine”, to that song from My Best Friend’s Wedding when in the movie Julia Robert’s realizes she isn’t going to win the guy. Trust me, you would know the song if you heard it. I really need to watch that movie again. Sorry, back to tea!

Once we were seating we were given a menu which included all of the tea’s they had to offer. Each of us was given a pot of tea of our choice, which was nice because you could try the tea’s that the other people at your table ordered. I had the Vanilla Roobois tea which I knew I liked because it’s my favourite tea from Starbucks.

We were all very happy with our tea choices (we also ordered their Green Tea and Earl Grey tea), which wasn’t an easy choice since they actually have 68 to choose from! Luckily they narrowed down the selection of those 68 on the menu so you don’t agonize over your choice for too long.

I was worried before we got there that the sandwiches and desserts would not be enough to fill us up. It just seemed like in all of the photos that I saw, what was served at tea was just an afternoon snack and not really a lunch. I was completely wrong! We couldn’t finish all that was there. There were three sandwiches of each kind on our tray so we could all have an equal amount, plus there was a batch of mini house made scones which were still warm from the oven. By the time we got to dessert I am embarrassed to say that we couldn’t even finish what we had! When we were finished with our tea we packed a few items to go, which I would have never guessed would happen.

The cost per person for the High Tea on Mother’s Day was $40 per person, plus tax and gratuity. As I mentioned this really could be done as a lunch, and because of the lovely experience as well I would say this price was very much worth it.

I like to mention whether or not kids are welcome when I attend things like this, and my answer would be yes and no.

While there I saw a baby around the 6 month mark who seemed very happy to be there! He was obviously there with his momma and family, and he loved watching the piano player. I also saw a few little girls around the age of 7 who were dressed up in pretty party dresses enjoying tea as well.

The tables were very low so I wouldn’t say that a high chair would work necessarily. It’s one of those things where older children would probably love to be at a grown up tea party, but my two year old would despise being there since he wouldn’t be able to touch anything! My overall opinion would be this is an adult type of event, unless you have a well-behaved baby or a young child who would love to act like a grown up and have a tea party with the adults.

The Shangri-La Toronto is located at 188 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.

For reservations call 647-788-8888

Roxymandy April 28, 2014

Where to Eat with Kids – Origin North

I get really sick of going to the standard kid-friendly restaurants, so I’m always looking for somewhere different to go where the staff don’t look at my child like the little germ-carrying monster he is, and accept him as an extra guest who may or may not leave with pizza all over his face and shirt. I’ve been to Origin in Toronto a few times, and loved it. Many of the plates are for sharing, so I’ve tried most of the menu and didn’t find a thing I didn’t like. The music is loud, the room is dimly lit, and there is an open kitchen that you can sit right in front of to see everyone at work.

When I heard about Origin North located just outside Bayview Village Shopping Centre, I tried to check it out a few months ago. I went at lunchtime, but when I got there they said they only had four high chairs, and they were all being used. That meant I had to go somewhere else for lunch!

Fast forward to this weekend, I made a reservation for dinner and made sure to note that I needed a high chair! I made the reservation for 5:30pm because I felt that it was an appropriate time to bring my son to dinner so people out on a date night wouldn’t be bothered by us.

When we arrived the funniest part was that two senior citizens were standing in line in front of us, and even though it was only 5:30pm and the restaurant was still rather empty (it opens at 5pm), the requested a quiet table. We asked to not be seated near them!

Luckily we found that noise wasn’t an issue! Our son was on shockingly good behaviour. I think a lot had to do with the restaurant itself. There was so much for him to look at! He could see the chefs in the kitchen, the bar in the centre of the restaurant which got very busy as the night went on, the restaurant had floor to ceiling windows from one end to the other, there were lots of funky light fixtures (lights are always a good distraction for toddlers), and the music wasn’t too loud so you couldn’t have a conversation, but loud enough that you could make a bit of noise and not feel disruptive.

Our son was greeted with a fresh package of crayons, and his own placemat with pictures to colour and his menu. I thought the menu was great, and it covered most of the regular kid favourites. We chose Mac and Cheese for him, because usually you can’t go wrong with that!

Dinner came out quickly (even with my husband and I ordering 5 plates to share!), and my son’s Mac and Cheese came out in a cute mini skillet. His Mac and Cheese was amazing! I’ve noticed a lot of restaurants just feed kids Kraft Dinner and call it their own Mac and Cheese which is kind of annoying. I know that I don’t want to go to a restaurant and pay for Mac and Cheese, so why would I want to feed it to my kid?

Overall our dinner was amazing – as always – and I thought Origin North was a great option to bring my toddler. They seemed happy to have him too. The staff were great with him and they all said hello to him or tried to make him laugh. There were quite a few kids there on Saturday at 5:30, and by the time we left around 7pm the kids were clearing out, and couples and large groups were packing the place.

They can often be hard to find, but this is definitely a kid-friendly option for parents who want to go somewhere with amazing food for not only themselves, but their kids.

Origin North
2901 Bayview Ave #300, Toronto, ON
(416) 479-8833
www.originnorth.com

Photos courtesy of sparkleshinylove and Origin North.