Food photography has gained popularity in recent years with the rise of Instagram. If you search #foodphotography or #onthetable, you’ll see an eclectic mix of styled food shots that could easily belong in your favourite cookbook. Many of my Toronto friends are food stylists, food bloggers/writers and professional food photographers, however, unbeknownst to most – many of their photos are taken with a humble iPhone.
The key to taking good food photos isn’t the quality of your lens, it’s all about positioning and lighting. Here are my super straightforward tips to getting a top notch photo without much fuss!
Dine during the daytime Is your reservation at 9PM in the middle of winter? Don’t expect to get a great food photo without natural light. That brings me to my next point…
Sit near the window When I make restaurant bookings, I always request to be seated near a window. You’ll want natural light streaming in, but be wary of weird shadows on super sunny days! If you find yourself seated in the back corner, don’t bother. And never use flash!
Wait until everything comes out I find this increasingly hard in Christchurch where I only know a handful of food Instagrammers and typically eat out with friends and Nick. If you look back to some of my Toronto shots – you’ll see that we’ve waited patiently until everyone’s meal has been served before whipping out our phones. Also, the more meals, the better. You want to showcase the best of what the restaurant has to offer.
Be confident Sure, you might get a few stares or weird looks, but my friend, Isabelle (food stylist extraordinaire) says it best: “I just stare right back. The people who look at me funny for styling and photographing my food are the same people who are liking and marvelling at my content on Instagram,” which is definitely true in her case!
Don’t be afraid to move things around…
The best food photos, in my opinion, are carefully styled. Just like a chef artfully arranges the food on the plate, urging you to first eat with your eyes, so should the plates. Experiment with moving plates around, adding or removing cutlery and glasses, and add a hand to humanise the photo.
Showcase unique elements of the restaurant
While many of my food photos showcase just that, the food, I also try to tie in interesting elements of the café or restaurant I’m shooting. Whether it’s a tiled floor or a beautiful bar, capture café interiors are often as beautiful as the food itself!
There’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion than with birthday cake and ice cream. I’m crazy about birthdays, anniversaries and celebrations of all sorts. With my birthday on the horizon (okay, two months away), I’ve partnered with Tip Top to create a celebratory dessert bowl with all the fixings! No matter how old you are, this celebratory bowl is a delicious way to commemorate your special day.
This dessert is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds; those who want to have their cake and eat it (with ice cream), too!
BIRTHDAY CAKE ICE CREAM BOWL
Serves 2
INGREDIENTS
8 scoops of Tip Top Birthday Cake Swirl
1 cup of fresh strawberries
1-3 pinches of multi-coloured sprinkles (because you can never have enough!)
2 waffle cones (break and serve deconstructed)
Chocolate or caramel sauce (optional)
As many candles as you’d like!
METHOD
Cut strawberries in half, removing leaves.
Place 8 scoops of Tip Top Birthday Cake Swirl ice cream into 2 bowls (go on, treat yourself!) Arrange strawberries, sprinkles and deconstructed waffle cone pieces around the ice cream, top with chocolate or caramel sauce, and blow out your candles!
This post was created in partnership with Tip Top, but all opinions are my own.
If there’s one type of cuisine I haven’t seen enough of in Christchurch, it’s Greek. Fortunately, Welles Street (located on 44 Welles Street in Central Christchurch), is serving up a modern take on Greek eats. More than just souvlaki, the carefully considered menu incorporates a range of mouthwatering items: everything from rotisserie chicken to baklava soft serve. During the day, Welles Street will be pouring Flight Coffee from a coffee bar at the front of the property. At night, you’ll find a wide range of beer, wine and cocktails as well as margaritas on tap. Need I say more?
The spacious yet sleek beer hall is characterised by high ceilings, forest green subway tile counters and plenty of seating. There are some excellent neon signs and the bathrooms are well worth a visit. Trust me. You’ll receive a text when your order’s ready, which allows you to catch up with friends instead of hovering around the till (genius!)
Striking the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor flow, the bar and eatery is sure to become Christchurch’s favourite summer spot. It’s an industrial warehouse in the middle of Christchurch city, and you’ll need to experience it for yourself.
Vietnam To Go recently opened in central Christchurch among the other St. Asaph Street container restaurants and cafés. The eatery is serving up authentic and flavourful Vietnamese staples.
It’s been almost two years since my travels to Vietnam and I was seriously missing the freshly prepared pho and bánh mì joints that lined every street. As soon as I leave a place, I suddenly crave all of the food!
Nancy and I happened upon Vietnam To Go by chance, whilst on a midday coffee mission. Distracted from our flat whites, we stumbled upon this small eatery. The menu at Vietnam To Go isn’t overwhelming, rather it focuses on the essentials: pho, bánh mì, bún trộn (vermicelli salad), fresh spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee (hot or cold). We couldn’t make up our minds, so decided to share a pork bánh mì and chicken bún trộn alongside Vietnamese coffees (complete with sweet condensed milk). All items are made fresh to order, perfect for a quick lunch. Needless to say, we’ll be back again soon!
Vietnam To Go doesn’t have a website yet (as far as I can tell), but you can find them just behind Steampunk Laboratory on 270 St. Asaph Street.
Taking cues from late night eateries in Shanghai and Hong Kong, Sally and Sam Hooper will officially open Sister Kong Bao Bar this Friday. The pair is behind the hugely popular Pot Sticker Dumpling Bar and Christchurch foodies eagerly await their second venture.
The decor of Sister Kong is red, gold and neon, just what you’d expect from a Chinese-inspired eatery. The ceilings are adorned with bamboo scaffolding and dome lights, which Sally imported herself from one of her trips to Shanghai. Most importantly and prominently is the lucky cat which features throughout the restaurant. An ancient symbol of good fortune, Sister Kong’s logo was designed by local artist, Joel Hart.
100 lucky cats line the walls and will soon be available for purchase with all proceeds going to Paw Justice.
Baos are the main attraction at Sister Kong, and you’ll find everything from saffron chicken, brisket, pork belly to panko shrimp. There’s even a breakfast bao for the breakfast lovers among us.
We opted for a range of starters to kick off our meal – everything from stinky tofu (don’t worry, it’s not actually stinky), loaded fries, fried chicken wings, pickled vegetables and kimchi. There’s plenty more on the menu and I can’t wait to return to try it all. There’s beer and wine available as well as delectable cocktails. Sake’s always a good idea to wash everything down.
Everything about Sister Kong is a bit tongue in cheek, not taking itself too seriously. Located on 123 Victoria Street, down the laneway, Sister Kong is already the city’s most talked about spot. Look for the neon lucky cat in the window and you’ve arrived at Christchurch’s coolest eatery.
In a city that’s slowly rebuilding, Little High Eatery came out of the blue. Tucked behind the Mackenzie & Willis building on Tuam Street, across from C1 Espresso, lives a brand new food court. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill suburban shopping mall food court, it’s an exercise in excellent urban planning. Little High makes excellent use of a relatively small space; it’s home to eight quality eateries including Bacon Brothers, Base Pizza, A Mouse Called Bean, Eightgrains (deliciously, made-to-order dumplings), Sushi Soldiers, El Fogon, Thai Street Kitchen, and my personal fave, Caribe (Latin American food and margaritas the size of my head!)
The new eatery is quickly becoming a local institution (I’ve been there three times in five days!) and proves to be the perfect destination for indecisive eaters and foodies alike. The atmosphere at Little High is lively throughout the day, with coffee and breakfast burgers being served from 7am. If you’re searching for a lunch spot or after work drinks, this is it.
Last weekend I met with Angela and Nick Clifford, who have been in the wine industry for twenty years. Since moving back to North Canterbury twelve years ago, they have unearthed the region’s potential: Waipara is unique in that “it’s perfectly positioned geographically and geologically to grow both food and wine.”
The Food Farm came to fruition when the pair (who also run wine label, Tongue In Groove) realised the importance food and wine played in their daily lives. While New Zealand wineries often exist separately from food farms, The Cliffords have taken an old world philosophy.
Waipara’s microclimate produces a vast range of wild foods. When we visit, on a sunny Sunday, it’s nearly wild mushroom season. Foraging tours take place on a weekly basis and no two tours are exactly alike. Tours include either mushrooming, learning more about wild greens and weeds, fruit picking or sea shore wandering. Visit New Zealand’s only truffière, which produces four different types of truffles. Afterwards, famished foragers sit down for lunch and wine tasting at Black Estate Vineyard. The award-winning vineyard is pared back and true to the region. The delicious food is made from local produce and pairs perfectly with the organic, biodynamic wine.
The Food Farm is based on a permaculture system. A type of organic agriculture, permaculture looks at creating systems to ensure the things you use most often are the closest to your house. In farming, it considers how animals sit alongside plants.
The Clifford Family is continually re-discovering what makes their land and this region so special. Sharing this knowledge with others is a huge part of what they do and their tours are a must for foodies visiting Canterbury.
Thank you for inviting me to experience a taste of what The Food Farm has to offer.
This post was created in partnership with Koru Enterprises, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Explore their range of tours here.
Hoping to sharpen my writing skills while enjoying Christchurch’s culinary scene, I’ve started writing food reviews for Style Magazine. I’m always interested in discovering new pockets of the city and teaming up with Style has helped me eat my way through Christchurch. With a surprisingly diverse food scene for a city of its size, I still haven’t made my way through all the spots recommended to me. If you’re interested in my eternal quest to find the best food (both in Christchurch and around the world), check out my Instagram account where I document my experiences on a daily basis.
Here are a few of the recent reviews I’ve written:
There’s no way I could leave Toronto without compiling a guide featuring all the spots nearest and dearest to my heart. This list has been in the works for the past three years, even before I moved into my downtown apartment. So, without further ado, here’s the city guide I’ve most enjoyed writing!
Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and intricacies. It’s impossible to create a guide to Toronto without considering the myriad of unique communities that make up this metropolis. I’ve organized this guide by neighbourhood, and then by category, to make for easy perusing.
Note: Toronto is HUGE, and this guide focuses primarily on the core. It doesn’t venture too far north of Bloor. This is where I’ve spent my time and the guide is already quite extensive while only encompassing these areas.
Downtown Core (Queen West and Chinatown) The first few months of living within the downtown core was overwhelming, to say the least. I soon grew very fond of having the city at my fingertips, and loved being so close to many iconic buildings.
See/ Much Music: The television and radio headquarters for all of Canada. Many Canadian daily shows are filmed here, such as The Social and Marilyn Denis. The building is a striking, unmistakable landmark of Queen West.
OCAD University: Another stunning landmark, Ontario College of Art and Design fits in perfectly with the courses it offers. Hang out on campus, or visit one of the nearby cafés brimming with students for street style inspiration.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO): Designed by architect, Frank Gehry, The AGO is my favourite gallery in the city. There’s always something exciting to see, and the permanent collection is worth checking out regardless of when you visit.
Eat/ Toronto is a foodie’s dream! In the (almost) three years I’ve lived here, I’ve tried my hardest to visit as many cafés, restaurants, and bars as humanly possible. Let’s just say, dieting here is not easy. Rol San: Excellent Chinese food, this place is always pretty busy but the atmosphere and food is ridiculous. Mother’s Dumplings: Life-changing dumplings and steamed veggies Lucky Red: Delicious, delicious bao! The service is super friendly and the cocktails are mouthwatering. Bahn Mi Boys: Cheap Vietnamese eats! The kimchi fries are my absolute favourite!
Bahn Mi Boys
Peter Pan: I haven’t visited since they renovated, but the new patio makes it a must! La Carnita (John & Adelaide): The biggest and best La Carnita location. There’s ample natural light, and if you have a sweet tooth, you can grab a pimped out soft-serve cone from Sweet Jesus after your meal! Byblos: Make a reservation for the most delightful Turkish/Mediterranean cuisine in the city. P&L Burger or Burger’s Priest: Queen West has no shortage of burger joints, and the best burger is a highly contested debate. It’s a toss up between these two takeout spots. If you like a juicier burger, opt for P&L. The Burger’s Priest is known for outlandish burgers (think grilled cheese buns and multiple patties!)
The Burger’s Priest
Drink/ Peoples Eatery: I like to go here primarily for the kalimotxos (red wine and coke, who knew?) but the small plates are equal parts delicious!
Sweets/ Butter Avenue: Macaron heaven, this place is so darling! They also have a midtown location. Kekou Gelato: With two locations, one on Baldwin Street and a newer one (serving soft-serve gelato) on Queen and Spadina, Kekou serves up delicious Asian flavours like Vietnamese coffee and Hong Kong milk tea. Sweet Jesus: Attached to La Carnita’s newest location on John Street, Sweet Jesus dishes up soft-serve masterpieces with all the fixings. Go right at 12pm, and you’ll beat the rush. Le Gourmand: Skip the coffee, and try one of the best (and melty) chocolate chip cookies in Toronto.
Kekou Gelato on Baldwin Street
Coffee/ Dark Horse Spadina: Arguably the most photogenic of all the Dark Horse locations (there are four and counting…) This Toronto powerhouse makes a mean cappuccino. Oh, and it’s a hub for freelancers and creative types with shared work spaces in the building. Little Nicky’s: Did someone say, “mini donuts”? I love the vintage details of this cozy café. Red Eye Espresso: Located near the OCAD campus, this coffee shop is a hub for our city’s future designers, artists, and creative directors.
Stay/ Hotel Ocho: Boutique hotel with a popular restaurant/bar in the heart of Chinatown. Super 8: Affordable accommodation in the middle of bustling Chinatown. The Beverley Hotel: I have an affection for this hotel and its beautiful rooftop patio. My sister, Stephanie stayed here once and they offered us both free breakfast!
Activities/ Y Yoga: I chose this yoga studio based on its proximity to my apartment, the studio is beautiful, the classes are some of the city’s best, and I absolutely LOVE the spin classes and sauna access included with your membership.
City Dance Corps: As a former dancer, I wanted drop-in classes at an affordable price. City Dance Corps has accomplished teachers and a huge assortment of classes for all ability levels (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, ballet boot camp, stretch, barre class!)
Financial District/Harbourfront The central business district is constantly buzzing with activity and suits (yes, Suits the TV show is filmed here!) It’s a fun place to be during the week as the backdrop for New York in many films and TV series.
Nathan Philips Square
See/ Union Station: Maybe I’m biased because Nick worked here, but I think Union Station is the most beautiful building in Toronto. I sometimes sit in the Great Hall and feel myself being transported back to the heydays of railroad travel. Toronto Islands: No trip to Toronto is complete without a visit to the Islands. There’s a ferry that goes out every half hour from the Harbourfront. Pack a picnic (with some cheeky beers) and dig your toes into the sand. St. Lawrence Market: If I lived closer, I’d buy all my groceries from St. Lawrence Market. The vendors are knowledgable and friendly. Oh, and this is the place to try Toronto’s famous peameal bacon. Sugar Beach: Pastel pink umbrellas, anyone? Massey Hall: One of the most iconic concert venues in Toronto.
Gooderham Building: The original flatiron building is a historic landmark of Toronto.
Nathan Philips Square: There are plenty of concerts and events (including Jazz Fest) held here, and its now the home to the official Toronto sign.
Activities/ Rogers Centre: Do yourself a favour and go see a Blue Jays game. They’re Canada’s only professional baseball team and are on fire this season! Air Canada Centre: I visited the ACC for the first time a few weeks ago to see Janet Jackson – it’s massive! Steam Whistle Brewery: Learn about the deep water cooling system while enjoying a pint of crisp Pilsner at iconic Steam Whistle.
Eat/ Richmond Station: An unpretentious fine dining experience. Their burger is the best you’ll have in Toronto! Little Fin: If you love seafood, you’ll love Little Fin. The lobster roll is unbeatable. The Chase: The best rooftop patio in Toronto, you’ll want to take someone special to this spot. Pizza Libretto: Incredible Neapolitan pizza iQ Food Co: Healthy fare that consists of smoothies (try Peaches and Green) and salad boxes. The spicy salmon is my favourite.
iQ Food Co.Pizza Libretto
Drink/ AAA Bar (Triple A Bar): A Texas-style BBQ joint with enough bourbon to go around! Mascot Brewery: The unofficial pre-gaming spot before heading to a Jays game! El Patio: Margaritas and buckets of Corona, anyone? And apparently they give away free tacos at midnight?!
Coffee/ Dineen: Worthy of a visit for the building alone, Dineen has the most instagrammed floors in Toronto. Maman: New York’s famous french café recently opened in Toronto to hoards of devoted fans. Try their croque maman or stop by for a cocktail and their cinq-à-sept menu. Sam James (Toronto Street): Newest location, same incredible coffee
King West: Simply walk along King West, and you’ll hit so many of Toronto’s favourite restaurants and bars. Maybe of these spots (Portland Variety, Bar Buca, Colette) evolve throughout the day, serving breakfast and coffee earlier in the day and dinner and drinks at night. This trendy neighbourhood is exceedingly popular during the Toronto International Film Festival, held every year in September. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a celebrity. Bill Murray was cycling, exploring, and taking selfies with locals during the festival in 2014.
See/ Princess of Wales:The place to go for live theatre in Toronto.Kinky Boots is currently playing! I’ve also seen Anything Goes and The Book of Mormon here. TIFF: King Street West becomes pedestrian-only during TIFF, so even if you’re not seeing any films (but I recommend you do! Tickets are available to the public!) you’ll want to walk along King from University to Spadina to take in the energy and excitement. I always joke that TIFF is my Christmas because it’s the most wonderful time of year.
Activities/ Her Majesty’s Pleasure: Getting pampered has never been this much fun. Her Majesty’s Pleasure is a café, bar and beauty-lover’s mecca all in one. You’ll gush over the marble countertops and copper details. TIFF Bell Lightbox: See art house, documentaries, and hard-to-find films year-round at this venue. We saw a New Zealand Maori film here last year. The adjacent bar and restaurant, Luma is a local gem. SPiN: A ping pong social club offering lessons and regular tournaments.
Her Majesty’s Pleasure
Eat/ Wilbur Mexicana: Housed next-door to Her Majesty’s Pleasure, Wilbur is seriously addictive (and reasonably priced!) Colette: The most beautiful restaurant and café in Toronto. Don’t ask questions, just go! Wvrst: German beer hall with any type of sausage you can imagine. The curry wvrst is as authentic as they come. Bar Buca: An all-day snack bar with excellent service Patria: The best Spanish tapas in the city Home of the Brave: All your favourite American classics like tater tots and deep dish pizza.
Wilbur Mexicana
Drink/ Valdez: South American food and delicious sangria, their rooftop patio is a hit among locals and tourists! Bar Hop: All the beers you could ever imagine in a relaxed setting. Bar Wellington: A casual spot for outdoor drinks Rock ‘N Horse Saloon: If you like country music, this is the place to be for some serious two-steppin’! The Porch: A massive rooftop patio that serves bulldogs, win!
Sweets/ Forno Cultura: An italian bakery with a modern aesthetic. Millie Patisserie & Creamery: French-inspired pastries infused with Asian flavours. The sister shop to Kensington’s Millie Creperie. Delysées: French classics in the most unique flavours and hues. The shop is a sight for sore eyes. Try the gold and rainbow sprinkled éclairs.
Coffee/ Portland Variety: Coffee, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, dinner? They do it all in a beautiful space. Forget Me Not Café (formerly La Merceria): An Argentinean café that oozes charm.
Stay/ Thompson Hotel: Thanks to Hotwire, Nick and I were able to stay here at a very affordable rate. If you’re here in the summer, I highly recommend checking out the rooftop pool.
Kensington Market: See/ Walk around, take in all the sights and smells of this delightful neighbourhood. You can’t go wrong with any of the restaurants, food vendors, and vintage clothing shops that make up this vibrant, eclectic community. Pedestrian Sundays during the summer months are especially fun.
Drink/ Cold Tea: Ask them to make you anything. I’ve had the most delicious, inventive cocktails in Toronto at this speakeasy. Handlebar: It feels like your grandmother’s basement, but in a good way. They always host the best events, like people sharing their traumatizing Tinder conversations on Valentine’s Day.
Sweets/ Bunner’s Bake Shop: A gluten-free/vegan bakery. They even have vegan soft-serve!
Coffee/ Café Novo: Another perfect café patio with free wifi! Café Pamenar: A pleasant (and quiet) environment with impeccably pulled shots. Fika: Swedish café with a glorious backyard patio! They also serve delicious open-faced sandwiches (just like Swedes do!) and breakfast.
Fika Café
Shop/ Courage My Love: One of many incredible vintage stores along Kensington Avenue. Good Egg: My favourite bookshop/gift shop in the whole city! BYOB Cocktail Emporium: For all your cocktail and bar cart needs
Little Italy: See/ The Royal: My favourite cinema to catch non-mainstream (and mainstream) films. I saw St. Vincent here, and it remains one of my favourite movies today.
Eat/ Bar Raval: A spanish tapas bar that will transport you to Barcelona. Bar Isabel: Grant Van Gameren’s first restaurant featuring creative plates. Try the octopus. DaiLo: Inventive Chinese fusion, think fried watermelon! Easy Restaurant: Great for all-day brunch on any day of the week
Drink/ Sneaky Dee’s: Super dive-y, but always a good time. Their nachos are consistently rated the best in Toronto. No One Writes to the Colonel: A laidback spot for small-medium groups Mod Club: I’ve only been here once to see my friend, JT perform, but I had a really good time.
Coffee/ Voodoo Child: An all-day affair, coffee is served during the day and cocktails at night. Manic: This café doesn’t offer wifi yet still manages to appeal to students from nearby U of T. Empire Espresso: This cozy nook is the perfect place to bask in the sun with a cappuccino. They have a white and pink floral espresso machine that I can’t help but admire.
Sweets/ Bake Shoppe: My sister bought my birthday cake here, and it’s been my favourite cake to date! They make homemade poptarts that will make you swoon!
West Queen West/Dundas West See/ Trinity Bellwoods Park: Some of the best people watching in Toronto, this park is filled with the very fashionable and good-looking.
Graffiti Alley: Toronto has fantastic street art, particularly between Portland and Bellwoods on Queen Street West.
Eat/ (West Queen West) Saving Grace: Best brunch in Toronto with an ever-changing menu and heaping portions. The Federal: This place is less busy than Saving Grace, but also super delicious. I recommend the Eggs Federal. Kadbanu: Try the dates and eggs at this Iranian breakfast spot. Patois: Chinese and Jamaican food that will knock your socks off. The service is always incredible and the cocktails are yummy. The Goods: A takeaway joint with healthy, lighter fare for those in a hurry. Rock Lobster: There have been numerous photos taken and articles written on their famous caesar. The lobster poutine is also excellent.
Saving Grace
Eat/ (Parkdale) Grand Electric: Tacos and bourbon on the cutest patio. Electric Mud BBQ: Southern comfort food by the same folks as Grand Electric. Miss Thing’s: Polynesian food and the best cocktails in town (Rum in a coconut, so you feel like you’re on holiday!)
Coffee/ Capital Espresso: When in Parkdale, caffeinate here
Tucana Coffee: See my blog post on Tucana Coffee and owner, Tenille Clark.
Drink/ Czehoski: An all-around good spot and their sign is awesome! Cocktail Bar: They have a drink with a watermelon slice that I can’t stop thinking about. Northern Belle: By the same people as Northwood, this place makes magical cocktails The Beaconsfield: Good for groups The Drake: Plenty of live music on offer Bar Fancy: Look for the neon tiger 416 Snack Bar: The best bar snacks you’ll ever eat and a wonderful cocktail, beer, and wine list.
Shop/ Coal Miner’s Daughter: Such a lovely shop with mostly Canadian-designed and made garments. ZANE: An excellent assortment of accessories, both by Canadian and international designers. They’ve recently opened a Yorkville location as well. Old Faithful Shop: Vancouver favourite, Old Faithful recently opened its doors to Torontonians Aesop: This Australian skincare line has a massive global following, their flagship Toronto shop is stunning. Easy Tiger Goods: Another local design-focused store, I’ve written about Easy Tiger before. They also have a coffee bar in the back (yay for multipurpose spaces!) and serve Philip Ice Pops in the summer. Penny Arcade: Great vintage store where every piece is curated by the owner and restored to its original integrity. Monkey’s Paw: A used bookstore with a vending machine that dispenses books! Type Books: This is just the best place to spend an afternoon and has been written about in countless magazines. It’s located right across from Trinity Bellwoods Park, so grab a book and read in the park! Soop Soop: Stocking all those hard-to-find magazines
Soop SoopApolis bag from Old Faithful Shop
Shop/ (Parkdale) North Standard Trading Post: For a taste of Canadiana, stop by and chat with the lovely couple who own and operate this shop. Public Butter: Vintage shop worth checking out
Ossington: See/ Lower Ossington Theatre: A fun spot to catch live theatre The Garrison: Another great live music venue. We saw Christchurch’s own, Shapeshifter here last year.
Eat/ Boralia: I haven’t been here yet, but I’ve heard only good things Mamakas Taverna: A light and bright restaurant serving yummy Greek food Union: French fare in an intimate setting Poutini’s: Skip Smoke’s Poutinerie and hit up Poutini’s after the bar. La Cubana: I love the mint interior and design elements of this restaurant. Try one of the Cuban plates and a fresh mojito while you’re at it.
Drink/ Reposado: If you like tequila, you’ll want to add this to your list of must-visit watering holes. The Painted Lady: Everyone’s always dancing and smiling here, so many good vibes. Dakota Tavern: Bluesgrass and country tunes in a chill setting. They also serve bluesgrass brunch. Get Well: Lots of arcade games and great beers on tap Bellwoods Brewery: You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment after gaining a spot on this covetable Ossington patio.
Shop/ Victoire: Locally-made threads and the raddest employees!
Shop Lost and Found: See my blog post on this awesome menswear boutique.
Stay/ The Gladstone: Each room has its own theme and has been designed by a local artist. The Drake Hotel: Another design-focused hotel with excellent dining options.
Roncesvalles and Bloor West:
See/ Revue Cinema: Catch an independent flick or art house film at this adorable cinema.
High Park: Cherry Blossom season is brief, but worth checking out if you’re here in late April/early May. High Park Library: Housed in a beautiful old building, this a pleasant place to get lost in a book.
Eat/ (Roncesvalles) La Cubana: The original location has a patio and serves cuban brunch! The Westerly: My friend Lisa had brunch here two weeks in a row because she loved it so much! The Ace: One of my last meals in Toronto, and I was a big fan of the Dark and Stormy I had here. Barque Smokehouse: Meat-heavy dishes like smoked duck on blueberry pancakes.
Eat/ (Bloordale/Bloor West) Starving Artist: A variety of yummy breakfast options all served on waffles! Brock Sandwich: Trust me on this one, the best sandwiches I’ve had in Toronto. Hello Darling: Innovative vegetarian brunch options make this place a worthy destination Wallace & Co.: An adorable diner with one of the best burgers I’ve tasted in Toronto.
Coffee/ (Roncesvalles) Reunion Island Coffee Shop: This Oakville roaster set up shop on café-heavy, Roncy. With refreshing drinks like cold brew and tonic and a gorgeous interior, this place was an instant success. Lit Espresso Bar: A nice place to work remotely and I’m a huge fan of their mint green coffee cups. Extra Butter: The last time I was here they had these decadent breakfast tarts with either egg/bacon or egg/spinach. SO INCREDIBLE.
Coffee/ (Bloor West) Propeller Coffee Co.: An airy, spacious café that caters to students and freelancers. Wallace Espresso: An intimate café with strong coffee and good vibes Grey Tiger: Café-cum-bar with an eye-catching mint exterior.
Sweets/ Home Baking Co.: Carrot cake that even those who dislike carrot cake will enjoy. By the same people as Bakerbots and Bang Bang, they also have ice cream sandwiches, tea and coffee. Through Being Cool Vegan: The best vegan donuts (you won’t even know!) in the city.
Shop/ Muttonhead: Canadian apparel company, all clothing is manufactured right in Toronto Likely General: The best, most unique general store I’ve ever been to! This shop was curated with love.
Bloor/Yorkville:
Mink Mile, as its often referred to, is a popular shopping destination. If you’re wanting to give your credit card a workout, Yorkville is the place to be.
Eat/ Trattoria Nervosa: Try the mushroom pasta, you’ll die. Kasa Moto: Japanese dishes on a fabulous patio with top-notch cocktails
Drink/ Hemingway’s: The best (and least pretentious) bar in Yorkville. Maybe I’m biased because its a New Zealand-owned bar and they always play the rugby.
Sweets/ MoRoCo Chocolat: Soft-serve and decadent macarons in a dazzling café Summers: Delicious ice cream in the heart of Yorkville.
Coffee/ Sorry Coffee Co.: Located in Kit & Ace’s new flagship store, you won’t be sorry you stopped in. Sorry Coffee Co. is a copper/rose gold dream.
Shopping/ COS: Recently opened in September, this Swedish brand is known for minimalism and beautiful textures. The interior is absolutely stunning, and you’ll probably want to take photos on the staircase. Holt Renfrew: A Canadian jewel, this department store is reminiscent of the past. Club Monaco Bloor Street: The most beautiful and iconic of all the Club Monaco locations, they even host an outdoor market in the summer/autumn months.
East End Church-Wellesley Village: Canada’s largest gay village is vibrant year-round, but really comes out to play during Pride.
Activities/ Pride Toronto: A ten-day festival celebrating the LGBTQ community both in Toronto and internationally, culminating with an exciting parade on the final Sunday. It’s always such a fun event and makes me happy to live in such a diverse city.
Eat/ Smith: By far my favourite dining establishment in the Village, the brisket hash is out of this world. Oh, and order the doughnuts to share. Guu Izakaya: Inventive dishes are abundant at this rowdy izakaya.
Drink/ Bar Volo: Their website says it best, “rotating taps and snacks”. Woody’s and Sailor: Everyone is workin’ it at Woody’s and it lives up to its name as “Toronto’s Hottest Gay Bar”. Fly 2.0: Fierce and fabulous, you’ll want to dance all night long at the second edition of everyone’s favourite nightclub. Crews and Tangos: Another place to go if you want to leave your head and heart on the dance floor.
Corktown/Distillery District
See/ Allan Gardens Conservatory: A botanical gem in the heart of the city, Allan Gardens has a permanent collection of exotic plants and seasonal flower shows. St. James Cathedral: Striking Anglican cathedral that’s home to the oldest congregation in the city. Berkeley Events: A gorgeous old church that has been converted into an event space. Distillery District: The restored historic Distillery District features North America’s best-preserved collection of Victorian Industrial Architecture. It’s the perfect backdrop for local restaurants, design stores, cafes and art galleries, and the annual Christmas market. Arta Gallery: Open since 2003, Arta features the work of Canadian and international artists. It’s well worth a visit!
Eat/ Le Petit Déjeuner: All-day brunch, try the waffles! Cocina Economica: You’ll feel like you’re in a small Mexican village at this new joint. El Catrin: Another Mexican restaurant with the largest patio I’ve ever seen and superb artwork.
Coffee/ NEO Coffee Bar: Japanese desserts and the best coffee in Toronto by award-winning barista, Bruce Ly. Tandem Coffee: One of the best matcha lattés I’ve ever tried! They also have matcha floats! Oh, and the owners are the sweetest people you’ll ever meet! ODIN: A beautiful Norwegian café and bar that’s blowing up on Instagram. Rooster Coffee: Not as iconic as their Broadview location, this spot is still a gem! Balzac’s: Either my taste buds have changed, or Balzac’s coffee has become less bitter. Anyway, even before I liked Balzac’s coffee, I loved their coffee shop in the Distillery District.
Sweets/ Roselle’s: Earl Grey soft-serve in the summer, decadent, beautiful treats year-round!
Shop/ Hoi Bo: Toronto-made garments that are made to last in an aesthetically-pleasing shop. John Fluevog: Made in Vancouver, John Fluevog shoes are anything but boring. Heel Boy: Another of my favourite local shoe stores.
Leslieville:
This is certainly one of my most-visited neighbourhoods in Toronto. More mature and less rowdy than the West End, a trip to Toronto isn’t complete without an afternoon in Leslieville.
See/ The Opera House: Opened since 1909, The Opera House is one of Toronto’s oldest music venues. I saw Flume perform here for $13! What a bargain!
Eat/ Lady Marmalade: Vegetarian-friendly brunch options Bonjour Brioche: French bakery and delicious breakfast spot. I love their croque madame. Maha’s: You’ll want to return again and again for this Egyptian brunch. The County General: Their Riverside location is so cozy and welcoming.
Sweets/ Desmond & Beatrice: The best cookies and cupcakes I’ve ever eaten. Bobbette & Belle: A store so beautiful you’ll want to spend an entire afternoon reading or writing while sampling macarons and tea. Ed’s Real Scoop: So many flavours, so little time!
Coffee/ Te Aro: The perfect space to enjoy a flat white. Pilot Roasters: Try a coffee flight in this industrial warehouse that supplies many local cafés. Boxcar Social: Boxcar’s second location is even prettier than you’d imagine. They serve treats from local favourite, Bake Shoppe.
Beauty/ Fuss Hair Studio: I’ve tried SEVERAL salons in Toronto, and Fuss is by far my favourite!
Shop/ Good Neighbour: The East End’s version of The Drake General Store. It’s an excellent place to find gifts and unconventional Toronto souvenirs. Tiny Record Shop: Located inside TOKEN, this place has an extensive collection of records.
The Danforth/Broadview: See/ Danforth Music Hall: Hands down, the best live music venue in the city. I’ve seen Bombay Bicycle Club, Lorde, Brooke Fraser, and a handful of other wonderful artists here. Evergreen Brickworks: A community environmental centre that inspires visitors to live, work, and play more sustainbly. They even have a shuttle from Broadview station, so you don’t have to drive. Cycling is also encouraged. The farmers market is one of the biggest in Toronto and they often host food and cultural events. I was here a few days ago for their final summer’s night event that offered free food and entertainment.
Eat/
The Danforth has some of the best Greek food you’ll ever eat. It’s also host to a festival called Taste of the Danforth, which is really popular every year.
Sweets/ Von Doughnuts: The freshest doughnuts I’ve tried in Toronto (and I’ve tried too many!)
Coffee/
Rooster Coffee House: Overlooking Riverdale Park with the perfect view of Toronto’s skyline, this coffee shop is a must-visit.
Rosedale: Full disclosure: I’ve spent very little time in Rosedale, but here are a few suggestions for places to visit!
Eat/ Terroni: Authentic Italian cuisine, you can’t go wrong! I believe this was their first location.
Coffee/ Boxcar Social: Superb cortados, friendly baristas, a stunning space to write, read or catch up with friends.
Shop/ Want Apothecary: Hard to find brands that I wish I could afford.
Yonge & Eglinton:
Regrettably, I haven’t spent too much time on Yonge & Eglinton. However, these are a few places I’ve been and would recommend you visit, should you venture north of Bloor.
Eat/ Little Sister: Where else can you get Indonesian food in Toronto? La Vecchia: Set foot in old world Italy at this delicious restaurant Lil’ Baci: I haven’t been to this location, but I’m told its even better than their Leslieville spot.
Coffee/ De Mello Palheta Coffee Roasters: Great coffee with the best takeaway cups and great lunch options. Crosstown Coffee Bar: This place JUST opened as I was leaving Toronto, so unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to visit. My friends (aka BlogTO) have raved about it.
Drink/ The Rebel House: I had lunch and my leaving drinks with my colleagues here, and we had such a great time.
Escapes/ The Beaches: one of my favourite neighbourhoods, I like coming here to run or relax with a coffee.
Niagara Falls: It’s a must-visit for anyone who is coming to Toronto for the first time.
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Have lunch at the oldest pub in Canada and visit the myriad of wineries scattered along Niagara. Prince Edward County: Time Magazine rated it one of the best places to visit in 2015. Go see for yourself.
Tobermory: The perfect escape from the concrete jungle that is Toronto; a small community at the Northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula.
Transportation/Getting Around/ Toronto Transit Commission: The quickest, most convenient way to get around Toronto. The subway system is linked with buses and streetcars. GO Transit: Ontario’s inter-regional transit system, which links Toronto to the greater Toronto area and beyond. Bike Share Toronto: A great way to get around the downtown core. Uber: Uber’s received a lot of backlash in Toronto, but most Torontonians want it regulated. It’s safer and more reliable than taking a taxi, and you can order it directly from your phone. UP Express: The most enjoyable way of getting to Pearson International Airport.
Post-Katrina, a brand new New Orleans has surfaced. The city’s resurgence has proven to both locals and tourists that it’s unstoppable and relentless; a city full of lovers.
My parents spent their honeymoon in New Orleans just over thirty years ago. They’ve always spoken of its incredible music scene and unique architecture. My dad is a musician, primarily a trumpet player, and I can now understand why he resonated with the music this city produces. It is innovative and fresh, and makes you re-think all those repetitive pop songs that typically clutter North American radio stations.
I had the opportunity to visit Nola last week for the National Automobile Dealers Association convention. I was shown a wonderful time with impeccable Southern hospitality to boot!
Here are seven things I loved about my visit to the Big Easy:
1. The architecture is impossible to describe, but if I were to choose a few words, I’d call it new-age French. It’s reminiscent of Parisian streets, but with brightly-coloured houses scattered throughout the diverse neighbourhoods. You’ll feel as though you’re in Europe and Havana at the same time. How amazing is that?
2. THE FOOD. I could literally write an ENTIRE POST about the food here. To me, New Orleans is the ultimate city of indulgence. It’s a classier and better tasting version of Las Vegas, with such a rich culture and history. Vegas is known to many as Sin City, but if I had to choose, I’d rather sin in New Orleans where the buffets and casinos are limited and the drinks are flowing. Nola’s culinary scene is founded in tradition; jambalaya, po’ boys, shrimp gumbo, beignets, and KING CAKES (oh my!). I had my fair share of calorie-packed meals, but my favourite restaurants were:
a) Cochon (anyone who’s ever visited Nola will tell you to go here!)
b) Cochon Butcher (it’s an outpost of Cochon, with takeaway sandwiches, mac and cheese, and local beers) – I actually ate here twice as it was RIGHT across from the convention centre.
c) Café du Monde. Everyone will tell you to go here. Listen to them, forget about your diet, it’s winter! Have a café au lait with chicory and three beignets covered in icing sugar.
d) Merchant – order a latté and a crêpe, and stay for the ambience and Italian decor. 3. The music scene is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. We had the opportunity to listen to many talented musicians at the convention and the various parties we attended, but perhaps the best music was heard right on the street.
4. This city knows how to party. Pubcrawls are mandatory since drinking on the streets is legal and encouraged. The streets are filled with locals and tourists throughout the year, and a balcony is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with a daiquri or mojito in hand. The city amps it up during Mardi Gras, but if you’re from anywhere else, it feels like Mardi Gras year-round. Spend one night partying on Bourbon Street, sampling all the cocktails you can stomach.
Ask the bartender to make their best or favourite drink – it won’t disappoint! The drinks are strong, and come in various sizes of to-go cups.
If you’ve had a long day, don’t despair. Every bartender in Nola is an expert mixologist. They take alcohol very seriously! Tell them your favourite flavours and what kind of booze you like, they’ll make you something like this: 5. An unbeatable tourism industry. Stephanie and I managed to get stranded in New Orleans for two and a half extra days. This meant we had time to hop on a bus tour that began with the guide talking about the drive-thru Daiquiri stops in the city. We visited the city cemeteries that are built on top of the ground instead of underneath. We were also shown low-income neighbourhoods where the damage from Hurricane Katrina (2008) still hasn’t been fixed. The tour depicted a side of the city that many tourists don’t see.
Despite their hardships, the residents of Nola exhibit a spirit unlike any other population. Several rundown houses had been given new paint jobs with other, more expensive repairs taking place. Our guide described to us a thoughtful group of kids who helped fix up a desolate old house, unexpectedly painting it the favourite colour of its inhabitant.
6. NADA. We’ve been going to the conventions put on by National Automobile Dealers Association for as long as I can remember. They are held yearly in Las Vegas, New Orleans, Orlando, and San Francisco. While I remember the last convention I attended in Orlando, I admittedly wasn’t as engaged as I could have been. I took a lot away from the convention this year, especially in terms of internet marketing, which I found extremely relevant to my career. I also enjoyed the lifestyle centre where we relaxed, got our hair, makeup, and nails done, and watched a Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show. The keynote speakers were the highlight of the weekend. Former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton spoke as did Steve Forbes and J.R. Martinez. I was especially impressed with Hillary.
7. The NADA after parties were incredible. They always put on a great show, with music, food, and entertainment. I was especially impressed with the Dealer Tracks party, which was hosted at the World War II Museum.
prairie girl musings 