Starbucks Refreshers™ Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemonade and Orange Melon

Starbucks Refreshers™ Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemonade and Orange Melon

I don’t start my work day until the afternoon and let’s face it most mornings I take forever to get moving.  I usually have a couple of cups of tea before I leave the house.  When I get to work I usually pick up a hot Starbucks coffee to give me a jolt.

As the spring is coming I have found myself grabbing Starbucks new cold drink called Starbucks Refreshers™.  They come in Raspberry Pomegranate, Strawberry Lemonade and Orange Melon flavours.

They are refreshing and are very yummy.  My favourite is the Strawberry Lemonade flavour.  It conjures images of the summer as I start my work day and indeed is a very soothing drink.

You can buy these Starbucks Refreshers™ in grocery stores, convenience stores and gas stores across Canada for a mere $2.99.  Sold? 

Starbucks Refreshers™ Raspberry Pomegranate

Looking for a boost of energy that tastes delicious? How about a thirst-quenching pick-me-up that combines tangy pomegranate and juicy raspberry with natural energy from Green Coffee Extract? This new way to re-energize is a welcome boost when a cup of coffee isn’t what you crave. Fortified with three B vitamins and Vitamin C, it’s a revitalizing treat for the senses that you can feel good about.

Starbucks Refreshers™ Strawberry Lemonade

The Green Coffee Extract in this new beverage adds an invigorating boost of natural energy, minus the taste of coffee. With sweet strawberry and lemonade, it’s the classic flavor you love, but enhanced with a new way to re-energize and fortified with three B vitamins and Vitamin C. And even better, it contains just 60 calories.

Starbucks Refreshers™ Orange Melon

Crave a boost of energy but not a cup of coffee? Orange Melon Starbucks Refreshers™ beverage will revitalize your senses with a fruit juice enhanced with the energizing properties found in coffee, but without the coffee flavor. Starbucks Refreshers™ beverages blend Green Coffee Extract with the flavors of real fruit juice for a sparkling and delicious pick-me-up you can feel good about.

http://www.starbucks.ca

Winterlicious Highlight: BerBer Social

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Winterlicious in Toronto always offers a flurry of excitement to see which restaurants will be offering unique wares to celebrate the season. 

This past Saturday night, I decided to check out Berber Social tucked downstairs behind an ornately designed door between Front Street and Church in Toronto.  I wanted comfort, warmth, great service and most importantly top food for my money.

BerBer Social takes you back to a time, when the Berbers of North Africa bestowed exquisite gifts of urban living on medieval Europe.  The focus at Berber Social is that of a style artisan selection.  The ambience in the space was casually decadent, with ornate furniture, chandeliers, luxe pillows and soft furnishings.  The ceilings were low and the vibe extremely sexy but yet sophisticated.

I was seated in a gorgeous enclave with a lovely set table, chiselled wooden painted chairs and the most comfy pillows.  After walking down King Street in the cold – this was a welcome spot.

I was greeted by Rebecca, my server for the night.  She was gracious and gave me some lovely insight on food and drink choices.  There was a lot of room to breathe and take my time.  This really echoed the energy in the space.  I decided to pick my three courses from the Winterlicious menu that included of the Duck Confit (Muscovy duck confit, served with cranberry chutney and toasted brioche), Braised Short Rib (Tender fall off the bone beef, braised with traditional spices, Finished with a rich red wine demi-glace, Served over creamed leek and potato mash and Accompanied by seasonal vegetables) and the Creme Brulée du Jour (A rich and flavourful crème brulée).

The Duck Confit was just the perfect palate lure into my entrée.  It was light, tantalizing and easy to eat.  It indeed left me wanting more.  I decided to sip my Kiss Me Cosmo (Absolut, Peach, Grand Marnier, Pomegranate and Lime Juice) as I savoured each delectable bite.  The cranberry chutney highlighted the Muscovy duck gorgeously while amplifying the crunchy brioche.  A true surprise.

Upon completion my plate was quickly taken away and replaced with the Braised Short Rib.  If you are looking for a true winter treat – this is your choice on the BerBer Social Winterlicous menu.  I would suggest going to Berber Social for this alone.  Fall off the bone beef is an understatement.  This beef was like butter.  The beef I was told by Executive Chef Erik Kekes-Marshall, was braised for close to 8 hours.  It oozed goodness on top of a bed of a flavourful but simple creamed leek and potato mash.  I felt like I was back in England again as I sopped the beef up into the mash.  Ladies and gentlemen, a true Winterlicious winner. 

Before my dessert I opted for the Blue Berber Martini (Blueberry Liquor, Hypnotq, Sparkling Wine and Lemon Juice).  It was lovely taking a moment in to inhale the relaxed ambience of the restaurant.  The drinks are extremely generous made for an even more delightful experience.

Again almost like magic my plate was replaced with the Crème Brulée du Jour.  Sipping my martini in between bites of my dessert was a true ovation.  The Crème Brulée du Jour was light and the sugared crust made for a nice play on sweet and crunchy.  Toffee like but still staying true to the essence of a well-made Brulée.  My only quip would be to add some berries on the side for a lil added zest.  Overall – divine.

Both Executive Chef Kekes-Marshall and Head Chef Harrison need to be applauded for putting such a cohesive but light menu together.  The meal as a whole was a perfect aperitif to an evening out for more drinks and merriment. 

I left Berber Social feeling satiated.  The martinis offered a nice interlude in between the courses.  I recommend looking at the drink menu and also if you have a chance the luxurious tea box as an after dinner warm treat.  BerBer Social has some lovely staples that even past Winterlicious is worthy of making an investment to visit time and time again.  If not only for the food but the true experience of being in a unique dining space.

Winterlicious runs from January 25, 2013 – February 7, 2013.

BerBer Resto Bar Lounge

49 Front St E

Toronto, Ontario

Phone:  416-860-9000

http://www.berbersocial.com/

Starbucks Holiday: Skinny Caramel Brulée Latte

Starbucks Holiday: Skinny Caramel Brulée Latte

I think my favourite of Starbucks’ Holiday drinks is the Skinny Caramel Brulée Latte.  It’s New Year’s Eve and before popping home with my Chinese Takeaway, I thought I’d pop in and pick up a hot drink.  The Skinny Caramel Brulée Latte is made with freshly brewed espresso and steamed milk, flavored with buttery-rich caramel Brulée sauce.  I prefer a milky coffee just like my tea – the creaminess adds a nice touch to mellowing the sweetness.  This baby is going to keep me up to midnight. 

Happy New Year!

This is how I have been spending most mornings over the hols.  Eating my mom’s Christmas sweets by my fireplace in my flat.  Life is grand.

Happy New Year Everyone! xo

 

 

Big Black Car – by Gregory Alan Isakov

Thank you ‘Golden Arches’ for repeating your holiday commercial over and over this morning as I ate my healthy egg whites and toast breakfast.  This song is officially in my head as it was last winter.  Lovely song – but now I have hamburgers on the brain.  Well played.

Starbucks Holiday: Skinny Eggnog Latte

Starbucks Holiday: Skinny Eggnog Latte

If you are keen on a hot drink this week and like me have been dipping into far too many Christmas cookies – try the Starbucks Holiday Skinny Eggnog Latte.  Let me tell you, there is nothing like being at work and yearning for some eggnog.  The Skinny Eggnog Latte is just the right amount of creamy, with a dash of nutmeg and warmth to keep you plugging on for a few more hours at work or holiday shopping.  I just wish they were a lil less pricey.

Osgoode Hall Restaurant

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My new favourite spot for a prix fixe menu for $20.95 is at Osgoode Hall. Yes, Osgoode Hall.

I’ll admit, I felt a bit intimidated prior to checking out this restaurant knowing that there would be robed lawyers dining. But I was wrong – indeed it was refined dining but the mood felt amiable.

After walking through a metal detector at the entrance of the building.  It took me a minute or two to find the restaurant on the second floor.  When I did I was greeted by the maître d who took me to a table at the back of the room where I could absorb the grand space.  It was grand.  Wooden walls, wooden beams, glorious flags, coats of arms, large study tables and swept clean shining floors.

The Osgoode Hall Restaurant is open to the public from September through June from 12 noon- 2:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and features the cuisine of Executive Chef Adam Foley.

Foley, who has directed the kitchens of some of the top restaurants in Toronto, including the Rosewater Supper Club, Brassaii, Empire and Brant House, has a reputation for simple, clean flavours and classical flare with a modern take. While his cooking style reflects his classical training, his dishes are lighter than traditional European cuisine. “French and Italian food can be too heavy,” says Foley, whose updated classic dishes have won rave reviews.

You can order à la carte or enjoy a three-course menu of seasonal fare from the prix fixe menu, surrounded by leather-bound law books, stained glass and robed lawyers on their way to court.

I ordered the prix fixe menu for the day which included Cornish Hen Galantine with Goat Cheese Mousse and Chutney, Duck Confit with Butternut Squash Gratin and Sautéed Spinach and for dessert I had the Paris Brest with Ontario Apricot and Raspberry Coulis.  I was excited as the menu changes every day.

Carlos was my waiter and he was sure to gently inform me that if you do not make a reservation in the restaurant it’s hard to get a spot after 1 p.m..  He also advised me that some of the wine on the wine list you cannot find in the LCBO – they are exclusive to Osgoode Hall.

When the Cornish Hen Galantine with Goat Cheese Mousse and Chutney arrived at my table within minutes of ordering it – I found it to be beautifully plated.  The Cornish Hen was flavourful and quite a substantial portion for an appetizer.  In that moment I wondered why I even bother going to Summerlicious & Winterlicious in Toronto.  This meal was already proving to be more value for the money.  The Goats Cheese Mousse provided a creamy layer to the hen.  I loved the chutney.  It was fresh and made the hen and mousse dance in my mouth.  A mixture of flavors and textures painted a beautiful picture visually and as I digested.  Taking in the room as I ate added to the ambience.

The Duck Confit with Butternut Squash Gratin followed.  If I thought the Hen was substantial, the Duck Confit was plentiful.  The Duck (I was advised from Carlos) took 3-4 hours to bake in the oven at 350 degrees at a slow heat to ensure it was tender, moist and decadence once it hit one’s palate.  Agreed.  I didn’t want the rich, warm and velvety essence of the duck to end.  The Butternut Squash was a perfect Fall compliment.  Adding simplicity alongside the duck but ensuring the colourful spinach added an extra depth to my meal.

Lastly, the desert was the Paris Brest with Ontario Apricot and Raspberry Coulis.  The Paris Brest could be described as biscotti in the shape of a circle with a delicious almond and pralines cream mousse spread inside.  I loved how the soaked Ontario Apricot in the Raspberry Coulis opened up the flavours of the Paris Brest.  The Ontario Apricots on this plate were the real heroes.

This maybe the best kept secret on Queen Street West.  If you are looking to do something slightly different with your mates during the lunch hour – check out the Osgoode Hall Restaurant within the Law Society of Upper Canada’s premises at Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St. West, South Entrance.

Reservations are recommended. Reserve a table by calling (416) 947-3361 or email orestaurant@lsuc.on.ca.

http://www.lsuc.on.ca/menu/

The Holiday Tea Reveal – Mighty Leaf Tea’s ‘Black Gold Tea’

Mighty Leaf Tea’s ‘Black Gold Tea’

This week’s The Christmas Tea Reveal is from Mighty Leaf Tea.  Even its name spells luxe.  Black Gold Tea makes me think of a secret stash of tea brought out only for special occasions.  But in this case, from Mighty Leaf Tea – you can have it every day.

Black Gold is one of China’s finest black teas.  It boasts gold tips and needle-like black leaves. A smooth and elegant infusion with hints of wine and chocolate.  This complex tea pairs well with dark chocolate and rich desserts. A delicious self-drinking tea for the tea connoisseur.

It maybe a bit pricey at $20.46 for 3 ounces of loose tea but this tea is an investment.  I only use the tea very sparingly in my tea infuser and I’m still able to yield a robust flavour.  Even though this is a black tea, you can drink it with milk or without.  In the mornings I’ve been topping this brew up with milk, whereas in the afternoon I’ve been having it without.

If you are having a holiday party at work and you know there will be loads of desserts – bring Mighty Leaf Tea’s ‘Black Gold’ tea with you.  It will be a great way to celebrate the season.

Don’t forget to enter my The Great Holiday Tea Giveaway!  Here’s how it works – once a week until December 24th 2012 I will highlight a gorgeous tea from The Urban Tea Merchant’s TWG Tea or Mighty Leaf Tea Canada.  All I ask is that you subscribe to my blog (already subscribed readers consider yourselves entered).  Easy right?

What’s up for grabs?  One reader will receive a massive tea selection from The Urban Tea Merchant’s TWG Tea and Mighty Leaf Tea Canada!

http://www.mightyleaf.ca/en/tea

Restaurant Review: Bannock

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Tucked into side of The Hudson Bay Company at the corner of Queen Street West and Bay Street in Toronto is the home of Bannock.  This space originally housed The Bay’s signature label line, which I never saw anyone shopping in.  It’s nice to see the space transformed into a yummy eatery.

With a total of 4,348 square feet, Bannock is part grab-and-go café, part coffee shop, and part dine-in restaurant. The architecture reflects the menu – eclectic and approachably Canadian – featuring antique pine and hemlock reclaimed from one of the Queen’s wharfs that sat under the waters of Lake Ontario at York Street for over a hundred years.   The owners Oliver and Bonacini also own the likes of ‘Canoe’ and ‘Auberge Du Pommier’ in Toronto.

Bannock’s honest approach to food is rooted in familiar, wholesome ingredients that are reflective of Canada’s rich regional and cultural diversity, delivered in an innovative and playful way. Everyday classics are revitalized as the Chefs pay homage to traditional Canadian comfort foods, putting our cultural favourite’s front and centre. Bannock breads are integrated throughout the entire menu including artisan sandwiches and pizzas. Bannock garnishes are also added to soups, salads and main courses.

I have been meaning to come to Bannock for ages.  I decided to make a reservation for my best friend and I for our birthdays last week.  When we arrived we were seated at a lovely banquette table for two with a great view of the restaurant.

Marcel our waiter greeted us jovially and presented us with menus.  He provided us with some interesting recommendations for specials and left us to decide on our meal options.

My friend and I opted for the pickerel taco + cucumber apple salad on a steamed bun with caviar tartar as appetizer for each of us.  The bun was warm, doughy and indeed very comforting.  The cucumber salad had a chili punch to it.  We were advised by the server that the wine we ordered would make for a nice compliment to the appetizer.  The cucumber was fresh, crunchy and was a contrast to the softly steamed bun.  The caviar tartar was something to marvel over.  It was lush and oozed goodness throughout the taco.  Happiness.

The wine we ordered was the Pinot Grigio, Argento, Mendoza for $32.  It was a perfect accent to our evening.  It  anchored our appetizer and entrees choices.  It’s a great feeling when you are sipping away at a sweet but mild white between bites.  Very soothing and amplified the flavours within the meal.

For entrees my friend ordered the Seared B.C.  Albacore Tuna.  It came with wax beans, smashed fingerlings, roots crudités, banga cauda.  The Seared B.C.  Albacore Tuna was prepared beautifully on the plate.  The tuna was generous and could be swallowed whole – it was that soft.  It looked like Turkish delights only larger in depth and quantity.  The smashed fingerlings, roots crudités, banga cauda provided the colour and the background sounds to the main meal.  It was light enough that my friend felt satiated and had room enough in her belly for more wine, martinis and dessert.  Isn’t that the best feeling after having a gourmet and pristinely prepared meal?  Perfection.

I ordered the Ontario Venison Chuck Chili which came with great northern beans and bannock.  Bannock, also known as fry bread, skaan/scone or Indian bread, is found throughout North American native cuisine.  Today, bannock is a growing culinary trend across Canada with non-aboriginal people.  The bannock in my meal was prepared on site at Bannock.  It was lovely.

My friend and I had a conversation if the venison would make a good choice for dinner.  Would it be too gamey?  It wasn’t.  Again, perfectly prepared and plated.  The Venison Chuck Chili had a kick to it.  The spring onions added a nice texture next to the chunky chili and soft northern beans.  The bannock that was placed to the side was a gentle addition to be either eaten alone or to sop up the chili.  The venison was robust and very filling.  My friend actually helped me finish my meal.  The bowl wasn’t heaping but if you do order this dish either be prepared to take some home with you or have your friend help.

After dinner we ordered two Niagara Martini’s to start us off on the right foot for our dessert journey. Additionally we ordered a warm smore’s pie and a canoe fireweed butter tart.

The Niagara Martini’s indeed were lush.  We were glad to end our evening with these martini’s as oppose to starting with them.  They were light enough and kept the giggles and celebratory mood through our desserts.  The warm smore’s pie and a canoe fireweed butter tart were supreme.  The warm smore’s pie could be enough of a trigger for choco-holic’s to land them into a Chocaholic’s Anonymous meeting.  Ecstasy.  The slightly toasted marshmallows infused with the chocolatey brownie.  Definitely campfire worthy without the sticky mess.  Civilized but also pure debauchery.

The Canoe Fireweed Butter Tart is a good choice is you slide onto the other side of the sweets scale.  I personally prefer my butter tarts with raisins.  This one did not come with raisins but regardless it was just as buttery as I expected.  The crust was flaky but also sturdy enough to hold together the treat.  Very posh and would be perfect if you were wanting something sweet and light after a heavier meal.

The service that accompanied our meal from Marcel and Jackie was genuine, warm and dedicated.  It’s nice to be seated in a nice restaurant and not feel rushed and most importantly treated like a regular after one visit.  Classy yet comfortable.

The Café/Coffee Shop is open for breakfast and stays open well past dinner hour. The dining room is open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and is open for brunch on Sundays.  Check out Bannock when you have a moment – A truly Canadian and comforting experience.

Bannock

401 Bay St., Toronto, M5H 2Y4

Phone:   416.861.6996

http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Bannock.aspx

The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder

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I have been meaning to get up to The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder up on St. Clair West.  Let’s face it, us west enders try not to go that far north if we can help it.  But since I am on holidays, a trip was in order.

As per The Stockyards website:

‘The Stockyards is the modern day interpretation of the family diner/ BBQ joint! We offer reverently prepared renditions of comfort food and diner classics, from our 48hr. brined and marinated fried chicken, as well as authentic wood smoked Carolina style BBQ. The Stockyards respectfully embraces traditional methods of dry curing, aging, and smoking that require time and patience. We hope you enjoy our effort as we are honored to have you grace our restaurant.’

So yes, don’t go to The Stockyards with your hipster vegetarian mates.  This shop is the real deal and mouth watering yummy.

When I popped into their location, just a shave before 5 p.m. to take advantage of their BBQ Ribs and Chicken offer – the young lady at the till advised me that the ribs were just out of the oven and ready for purchase.  She seemed a bit snippy, not sure what that was about…but whatever.  Yes, meat!  Apparently, I hear that it gets pretty busy after 6 p.m. The BBQ Ribs and Chicken runs on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays only at 5 p.m..

You can get a:

Whole Rack $26.00

Half Rack (Pork) $14.00

Pit Smoked Whole Chicken $14.00

½ Chicken $8.00

I opted for the Half Rack and ½ chicken along with fries that were added to as a combo for an additional $2.50.

I was starving by the time I got home and couldn’t wait for some proper protein.  The food was still warm.  The chicken was juicy and tasted like summer.  You knew that taste – a properly cooked chicken that tastes like its been roasting lovingly in a bbq pit and evenly smoked for hours.  Every bite was a snapshot into ecstasy.

The ribs were decadent too.  Do you know when you bite into some ribs they taste really fatty, and there is not enough meat coverage on the bone?  It’s so disappointing and you start feeling ripped off because you paid some proper coin for some bones.  I may as well give it to my dog to naw on.  Not at The Stockyards.  These ribs were thick with meat.  Since they were still warm, the meat was practically falling off the bone.  I’m not even kidding!  The meat stacked onto the bone was greater than the actual bone at times.  It tasted sweet, rich and my measure is if I feel like I need a nap after a meal – it’s been a good meal.  This was one of these times.

I wasn’t a fan of the bbq sauce they added to my order.  It tasted a bit ordinary.  When I dumped some onto my ribs at one point – I regretted it after the first bite.

The fries were okay.  I was actually expecting more.  The next time I’ll skip the fries portion of the evening.

Also a little bit better packing of my order would have been nicer.  The juices and liquids had dripped out of the paper bag into the fabric recyclable bag I carried my order in on my way home.  Which was disappointing.  Nothing worse when you take your order out of a paper bag and it’s leaked on everything from the day.  A plastic bag maybe a better choice in presentation and product delivery Stockyards.

Overall a positive experience and was worth the one hour subway ride to the north west of Toronto.  By the way, that order gave me three nights worth of dinner.

The Stockyards Smokehouse and Larder

699 St.Clair Ave. W, Toronto M6C 1B2

PHONE:  416 658 9666   

http://www.thestockyards.ca