Summer(licious) in the City

For years my friend Vanessa and I had been talking about taking the jump: participating in Toronto's biannual two-week prix fixe restaurant festival that allows the plebes like myself to dine at the top-tier restaurants in the city without breaking the bank.

The photos above are from my three course meal at Canoe this past Sunday: the Chilled Holland Marsh Leek & Potato Soup with Marinated Baby Shellfish & Chive Oil, Wellington County Flatiron Steak with Smashed Cookstown Fingerling Potatoes, Corn & Wild Leek Aioli, and Lemon Thyme & Apricot Semifreddo with Almond Nougatine. That was a mouthful.

The previous Saturday, Vanessa and I, along with my friend Haley also dined at Sassafraz for Summerlicious and I honestly wish I had remember to charge my camera battery the night before. The restaurant was beautiful - well lit with lots of natural light (important for food photography!) with a great ambience, very chill but still upscale. I loved the fact that Sassafraz in located right in the heart of Yorkville; it's the perfect place to take a hopping break and eat a great meal with your girlfriends. (That is, when I'm grown and making the kind of money that is needed to pay for a regular meal at this restaurant.)

Canoe didn't necessarily have a worse atmosphere, but it was different from Sassfraz and one I was less comfortable in - Canoe is more of place for Toronto's execs to wine and dine over business. However, the food at Canoe was fantastic. I recommend that any fellow Torontonians try out either next Summerlicious (or Winterlicious!) A three course meal at either of these restaurants for $25 is a steal, and I encourage you to take advantage.

She Said "Look Ma, No Hands."

So apparently I have friends in real life who actually check my blog on a regular basis. You guys are awesome. Thanks for getting me off my ass and saving me from being a shitty blogger (that is, shittier than I already am.)

1. Celine Box Bag in Fluorescent Yellow Python
2. Alexander McQueen Studded Britannia Clutch
3. Proenza Schouler Large Suede PS1 in Smoke
4. Proenza Schouler Large PS1 in Turquoise Mochilla
5. Hermes Constance
6. Mulberry Tillie
7. Celine Large Boston Bag

Yesterday I was having a conversation on the bus with my housemate about our dream designer accessories - during this conversation, I asked if I was crazy for actually aspiring to eventually buy handbags that cost at least $2000. To this, she replied something like "No. Ride public transit. You'll save the money soon enough."

My consensus is we're both insane, but that's quite alright.

The Kids Don't Stand A Chance.

Went up to the town where I live during the school year to visit some friends. Had a great time - although I'm kind of sad I didn't get a picture of my kick-ass new shoes.

Titular Song: "The Kids" by B.o.B.

The Luck of the Irish

Fabulous baked goods made in honour of this glorious occasion:

(made by my lovelies Brianne & Boots)

As a University student, I have to say that there is a direct correlation between enthusiasm for an event, and how drunk it allows you to get.
Needless to say, the enthusiasm for St. Patty's was through the roof today on campus.

Have a lovely St. Patrick's!

Fuck Yes, Team Canada!

This was very close to my expression last night after the hockey game:

Boots, Darcy and I went to watch the Olympic game at a local pub last night - we travelled to about 5 places before we found a pub that would let us in to watch the game, everywhere was so full. But what can I say, Canadians love their hockey!

Some photos:

 

It was so much fun, I'm glad I skipped out on the library for it (even though I had a midterm today, and another tomorrow.) It was fun being there with hockey fans of all ages (old men, little kids and everything in between), and it was nice to feel patriotic. Us Canadians, we don't spend enough time being proud of our nation. Instead, we almost run away from our identity - everyone here defines themselves by where they came from, not who we are. I'm glad I got the chance to bond with strangers and come together as a country in the name of hockey.

Vuck Falentine's

Yes, I'm a bit late on the Valentine's update post. I'm in the middle of midterms right now, although temporary relief will soon arrive in the form of Reading Week. Joy!

Anyways, the most important part... My housemate Brianne & I got down to baking for Valentine's:

In the process of creating some fabulous baked goods.

Decorations!

Heart cake =) Made two of these to get the fabulous double-layered cake in the photo below.

Christened by Bri as "the tackiest cake ever."

Initial cupcakes!

Sugar cookies, om nom nom.

Initial cupcakes AND sugar cookies. Doesn't get better than that, does it?

Let it be known, neither Bri or I are particularly Valentine's people. But Boots loves it, and we thought we'd surprise her with baked goods in response to the fabulous valentines she left on all our doors last week.

Also, a friend came over and made us dinner later, it was delicious. Sadly, I don't have any pictures of that.

Also went out to a student event termed "Vuck Falentine's" Saturday night, hence the name of this post. Quick peek:

Darcy is precious, no?

Anyways, hope everyone had a great Valentine's!

Om Nom Nom

I made a fabulous spicy veggie soup.
IT WAS AWESOME.

Also, joke of the night:

Boots: "Don't you think he's what every gay guy is looking for?"
Darcy: "A bottom?"

I died.

I Heart You

Valentine's Day is near, and in honour, Boots made us all (myself, Darcy & Bri) valentines.






Boots is tres cute, love her. She also has a fab sense of style:

Ready for more? You should be. You can check out more of her style at theycalledmeboots.blogspot.com


I bought Darcy a tickling plant for Christmas:


It's the cutest thing ever. When you touch it, it moves, and we've all been having way too much fun for our own good.

Darcy and I were supposed to make our own shredded DIY tees in the summer, but never got around to it... until now. At least she did:

Looks fab, yes? You can check out more at mrdarcyscravat.blogspot.com

And now that she's started hers, she inspired me to start work on mine. It's far from done. But you'll be the first to see when I finish.


P.S. Just found out about Alexander McQueen, RIP.