Sunday 9 December 2012

music and a meal

over a month ago (that's embarrassing and highlights my tardiness), AF and i had a much-anticipated after-work date. we were so excited and had been planning it for quite some time.
we met on the danforth around 6pm, as we were seeing joshua radin's concert at the beautiful danforth music hall later on. we headed straight to the highly acclaimed allen's, a staple for anyone who lives remotely close to the danforth. it did not disappoint, see below.


INFAMOUS

SALAD NICOISE
GRILLED FRESH TUNA, FRENCH BEANS, HARD-COOKED EGG
 STEAMED NEW POTATO WITH CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE

MAXWELL'S ALL IRELAND CHAMPION BAKED POTATO FRENCH FRIES

BEST EVER BURGER
MEATS ARE NATURALLY RAISED, HORMONE AND ADDITIVE FREE


THE MAGICAL DANFORTH MUSIC HALL

MR JOSHUA RADIN
SINGING HIS BABY-MAKING TUNES
we had a wonderful evening, with satisfied stomachs and happy hearts. joshua radin makes us swoon every time. Allen's on the Danforth on Urbanspoon

Tuesday 6 November 2012

linda

last week we had a long, overdue date. it had been a while since eating thai food...after spending the month of july in thailand, it wasn't high on my priority list. wednesday, however, NA and i enjoyed a delish (and long) catch up session at Linda Modern Thai by Salad King (Shops at Don Mills).



we shared these yummy spring rolls. always room for more spring rolls.

NA enjoyed the beef panang

i ordered the bangkok stir fry with chicken, which came in a light egg pouch. 

everything was yummy, wait staff were great, and best of all (aside from the company): serving sizes were large so there was enough for lunch the next day.



Linda Restaurant on Urbanspoon

Tuesday 30 October 2012

l'unita

after many canceled reservations at a variety of toronto's best, an intimate group spent an evening celebrating the birthday of the wonderful AF, at the one and only-l'unita. situated right at avenue and davenport (warmly referred to as 'av and dav'), l'unita had a great atmosphere and delicious italian cuisine. a definite recommendation. 
beware: they were sold out of a lot of the special items. next time, we'll make sure to book an earlier reso.
take a gander...
n.b. it was very dark inside so i had to use flash...not recommended
wine recommendation: cave springs 2012 reisling



the bread and olive oil were delicious. couldn't get enough. 
autumn squash agnolotti 
sage, brown butter, amaretti & parmigiano


must tryoxtail gnocchi 'alla romana' 
red wine soffritto & parmigiano
ox tail melted in my mouth, it was fantastic


potato & pnacetta  
taleggio, smoked crema, onions & fresh thyme


margherita D.O.P.
tomato sauce, fior di latte & fresh basil
(not a favourite)
on to dessert....
espresso cake 'tiramisu' 
mascarpone crema, amaretti biscotti, espresso & lemon
mascarpone cannoli 
candied orange & cioccolato bianco
holy cannoli--MUST TRY!
Overall, the pastas and desserts were both mouth watering. I wasn't a fan of the pizza, however others in my party loved it.
Give l'unita a shot--you won't regret it!
Later this week I am going out for dinner with NA of Where The Locals Go, stay tuned! L'Unità Enoteca on Urbanspoon

Tuesday 23 October 2012

sushi moto saturday!

it's been a while....i have been a busy lady! i started a new teaching job (dream job, actually), and have been nursing a month-long cold, so those factors might contribute to my absence!

anyhow, a few weeks back we went for a great sushi eve. our little foursome had our own private room at sushi moto: delicious saki, sumptuous sushi and a whole lot of laughs. enjoy.


yum....this sake warmed us up.
yonge and sheppard, check it out.






my apologies, we ate everything so quickly i didn't get to photograph it all.
fun times, RK, MS and AY!

stay tuned, hope to be back soon!



Sushi Moto on Urbanspoon

Saturday 22 September 2012

saturday brunch

it has been a very very long time since the girls and i shared a meal. far too long. 
today, after....an indeterminable amount of time, all six of us were able to make it for brunch. finally. and we only had to book it two months in advance!
from all ends of the city, we ended up at oliver and bonacini at bayview village. the most easily accessible location for all attendees.
our meals did not disappoint.  here is a taste.


MM and I each ordered the Belgian Waffles
fresh-off-the-iron with seasonal berries, topped with creme fraiche and maple syrup

a side of extra crispy bacon never hurt anyone....

MC ordered the O&B Breakfast, complete with:
two free-range eggs (ordered scrambled) three slices of bacon, two sausages, roasted mushrooms,
home-fried potatoes and two cheddar scallion scones



JL ordered the Farm House Ham and Swiss Cheese Omelette
home-fried potatoes, sweet and bitters herbs
 
DH and JW (new initials for the Mrs!!) shared the Margherita Pizza
San Marzano tomato sauce, bocconcini and basil with added prosciutto

 we were stuffed, not even room for their tempting desserts. 
everything was so delicious.
thank O&B...until next time!

Oliver & Bonacini Cafe Grill on Urbanspoon

Friday 7 September 2012

dinner party

last week, we hosted an intimate dinner party at the condo! our first time hosting in the new digs.
it was a pretty successful eve, aside from the boggle-induced noise complaint after midnight!

a special thank you goes out to KB for sending the scrumptious chocolate cream pie we enjoyed for dessert!

allow envy to ensue...

savoury cheeses and an assortment of crackers
cheese recommendation: le delice de bourgogne
(available at: alex farms, st lawrence market)
cracker recommendation: cranberry hazelnut
lesley stowe raincoast crisps,  


salad: arugula with asiago/pear, homemade lemon vinaigrette dressing
(subbed apple for pear)


olive oil coated veggies, seasoned to perfection!

the plate
lemon peppercorn rounds, grilled veggies, salad


DELICIOUS chocolate cream pie, thanks again KB!
you can bake for me anytime!


lots of boggle...special shout out to AF for being the winner of the eve!
do i hear a rematch?

recommendation recap:

cheese: Alex Farms Delice de Bourgogne (a favourite cheese of mine!)
cracker: Lesley Stowe Cranberry Hazelnut Raincoast Crisps
wine: Cave Spring 2010 Reisling


coming soon: pictures from lake louise, banff and jasper!

Tuesday 21 August 2012

hiatus is over

beauty in the world is back! 
after a wonderful summer hiatus complete with world travels, warm ocean water, cold mountain air and people i love, it is time to update beauty in the world with all the beauty i witnessed while away!

below you will find a few pics highlighting my travels. 

thailand:
steps up to doi suthep
amazing buddha statues at doi suthep in chang mai, thailand
hand made umbrellas 
baby tiger foot and tail
so gorgeous

happy happy elephant at elephant nature park, a reserve for abused and rescued elephants



on to railey, krabi.
 cambodia:
outside the angkor thom complex


ta prohm

angkor wat


back to thailand: 

phranang cove in railey, krabi





milky bay resort, koh phangan



koh samui
fresh fruit at the bangkok market
i experience a lot of beauty on this trip!
stay tuned for the magic of the mountains...