CUISINE

It's Saturday night, and it's nine o'clock. I'm looking for a little excitement, as well as a little spice. And what perfect place for that, than a cute little Thai restaurant I know (Bualai, a Taste of Thai), that transports you into Thailand itself. With its perfectly decorated walls to the ambiance of the Thai music playing in the background, you instantly have a sense of adventure, exotic-ness and authenticity. Not to mention that the food is absolutely delicious and addictive. My favourite: the coconut sticky rice. 

This Saturday night, I had the pleasure of going out to dinner with my parents to a wonderful Indian restaurant in downtown Toronto. 259 Host is a elegant and modern hotspot located at 259 Wellington Street, right beside the Marriott. As soon as I sat down, the mix of traditional smells and trendy artwork created an amazing atmosphere that was truly and exceptionally enjoyable.
As one of my best friends is Indian, I am no newcomer to the Indian cuisine and what spices and dishes it entails. However, I was surprised and amazed by the creations that wound up at our table. Although I was stuffed to the brim, I couldn't help but eat more because it was absolutely delicious. We ordered around six or seven dishes and somehow managed to finish them all. For starters, we had straight martinis accompanied with a sample dish of samosas, and crusted goat cheese crumpets with mango sauce. We then enjoyed giant grilled scallops with a fine tomato and herb paste, an an order of goat cheese and spinach filled naan. (omg, yum). And for the grand finale, we all ordered (yes, the same dish because it is superb), two lobster tails in a subtle curry sauce. I don't know how they managed it, but the lobster tails were cooked to perfection, and popped out of the shell so easily, they almost slipped out. Pictures definitely don't do the meal justice- once again, it was truly amazing. If you have the chance, do go and enjoy a wonderful evening there. 

Layer fruit salad, consisting of blueberries, blackberries, mango, grapefruit and apples on top of a bed of baby spinach greens. Add a dollop of cottage cheese, drizzle on your favourite fruit inspired salad dressing (I chose a raspberry merlot vinagrette). For a bit of crunch, I added a sprinkle of Kashi Crunch cereal.

Check out our sponsors!

Moet & Chandon has released a fun new bottle of Rose Champagne, complete with it's own golden sharpie to graffiti the night away with the ones you love. This is a perfect Valentines present to start off the night in a perfect way. Tag it with a romantic, quirky or sexy message to steam things up. Or, just simply write the three words women want to hear... I love you. Classy and beautiful, this is a great present to give to the love of your life on that special day in February.
Moet & Chandon rosé bottle, $120 at select liquor stores around the world.

Blue and Black Berry Clementine Crunch Salada

Ingredients: Baby Greens and Spinach Mix (organic, prewashed), clementine slices, an handful of blueberries, a handful of blackberries, a scoop of cottage cheese, a drizzle of blueberry vinagrette dressing and a sprinkle of Kashi crunch cereal (or any fibre cereal you prefer).



For anyone who is feeling a little chilly this evening and needs some tropical inspired warming up...

 

Image and recipe found at http://www.lcbo.com/discover/lounge/en/recipes_p4.shtml

Strawberry, Blueberry Mango Blush Salada

 

Strawberry, Blueberry Mango Blush Salada

Ingredients

Romaine Lettuce, Strawberry slices, Mango slices, Blueberries, a dollop of Cottage Cheese, and a splash of Blueberry Vinagrette dressing. 

Another one of my light and fresh creations. Add a splash of colour to your day with this delicious salad, that is refreshing and utterly scrumptious.

Apple Crunch Salada, an energy boost for a cloudy, and gloomy January day.


Ingredients: Mixed Baby Greens with Spinach, square sliced Apples, Clementines, a dollop of Cottage Cheese (or any cheese protein you fancy), a sprinkle of Walnuts, a dash of Kashi Fibre Crunch Cereal and a drizzle of a Raspberry Merlot Vinagrette dressing (or any sweet dressing you prefer).


This salad is delightfully refreshing, sweet, and is absolutely delicious down to the last slice of apple. mmmmmmmmm.

Tangerine Almond Salada

One of my New Year's resolutions is to be healthy. Isn't it always everyone's? So, I decided to challenge myself and eat a salad every day of the year (that I am able), and to show people how to make one of their own. Simple right? They are beautiful, and absolutely delicious as well!

(Each one is my own concoction, of whatever I feel like eating/whatever I found in the fridge that day).

Ingredients:
Mixed Baby Greens and Spinach Salad mix, Cottage Cheese, Clementines, Almonds, Dried Cranberries, Raspberry Vinagrette

For all you crazy people who are facing the cold and going out downtown with minimal fear on how cold your bones will feel tonight, I applaud you. As for me, I'd rather just stay in and drink these. Maybe if I drank enough I could be convinced to leave my warm couch. Cheers.

xx

Picture and mixing instructions found at Muy Bueno Cookbook

Persimmon Mojito
Ingredients
Crushed ice
6 ounces light rum
8-10 mint sprigs
4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
Simple syrup (about 4 tablespoons sugar to 4 tablespoons water combined) to taste
2-3 tablespoons persimmon puree, (fuyu variety)
Club soda
2 lime slices
Directions
Puree persimmons (remove skin), in a blender or juicer.
Place ice in a beverage shaker, add rum, bruised mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar mixture. Shake well and serve over ice in a high ball glass. Add the persimmon puree and combine gently, and top off with club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves.


All images and information found directly from http://www.whippedlightning.com/index.jsp

Be creative with these this Halloween weekend! Make an amazing drink, or use it in a food fight. Not only does it have amazing flavours, the whipcream adds a little kick to your night.

Strawberry Colada Whipahol®

The great taste of strawberry with a kiss of coconut and pineapple.  It wouldn’t be summer without your favorite frozen cocktail, top it with Strawberry Colada Whipahol.  We’re just trying to help by offering up a big new flavor with a little bite.

36.5 Proof

18.25% alc/vol

Amaretto Whipahol®

The sweet Italian almond flavor you know and love. Cocktails, shots, coffees, desserts; you name it Amaretto Whipahol is as versatile as it is tasty.

36.5 Proof

18.25% alc/vol

 

White Chocolate Raspberry Whipahol®

Chocolate with just a touch of raspberries makes for a truly delightful treat. The taste of heaven right here on earth, try White Chocolate Raspberry Whipahol with someone you love.

36.5 Proof

18.25% alc/vol

Spiced Vanilla Whipahol®

Vanilla bean with a hint of cinnamon and rum, we don’t call it spiced for nothing. Top off your ice cream, coffee or specialty martini; Spiced Vanilla Whipahol steps it up a notch (or two).

36.5 Proof

18.25% alc/vol

Tropical Passion Whipahol®

Our unique blend of oranges, strawberries and bananas makes for a refreshingly sweet topping for all kinds of specialty drinks. Try it on a margarita or daiquiri for a blast of color and flavor; let Tropical Passion Whipahol ignite the island fever in you.

36.5 Proof

18.25% alc/vol

 

Coconut Whipahol®

A direct flight straight from the islands to your doorstep. Coconut Whipahol adds the tropical flair you’ve always desired to your favorite drink or dessert without any layovers.

36.5 Proof

18.25% alc/vol

SEVEN SINS COCKTAIL
A perfect combination for a fall evening, when apple cider is craved the most (this one has a little kick to it...)
if you dare try it (and I do dare you... ) give me your nitty gritty feedback. I'd love it.

cheers.

xx

1 oz rye whiskey (Sazerac 6-year)
1 oz Laird’s bonded applejack
¾ oz lemon juice
¾ oz grenadine

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Fresh grate some cinnamon over the top and serve.

 images and recipe found at http://sloshed.hyperkinetic.org/2010/10/16/seven-sins/

I recently had the pleasure of tasting this interestingly packaged vod. It's quite good, and makes for a night, or day of memorable events. Now, Dan Akroyd's vodka brand has come out with a gift set, incorporating two mini skull shot glasses in with the mix. If you thought the original Crystal Head was beautiful, you'll definitely be impressed with the new members to the skull family. They are absolutely adorable, as skulls go... and make a great addition to anyone's shot glass collection. 
Each skull holds aprox 2.5 oz of vodka (of course), and have timed their debut perfectly, being released quite close to Halloween. 
This sculptural vodka bottle with matching shot glasses makes for a fashionable life. 

xx. jennieC 

pictures taken from NOTCOT