• I have a strong bug radar. My rule is whoever sees it first has to get rid of it and that usually ends up being me. Small bugs to medium sized spiders, ok. But I was traumatized by the gigantic cockroaches in HK and Taiwan!!! Can you imagine having to use a tissue to grab those things? I shudder at the thought. It doesn't matter that I am 1000000x their size. My hand isn't! ... And I don't want dead bug remnants under my slippers.
• I have a terrible sense of direction and I always get lost on vacation. I stay calm, and eventually find my way, cuz I mean, getting lost is all part of the vacation experience. But today, I had trouble finding where I parked the car and that's when I started freaking out!
• I started getting into Japanese beauty & fashion for about 2-3 years now, but I have yet to actually change my look. When I decide to stop being lazy, don't be surprised.
• I like all things cute, girly, tasty, pretty, beautiful, colourful, creative, arty, design-y, warm and cuddly. And the colour pink!
• My ideal guy is the Wong Fu type boys! Computer, social media and tech-savvy, creative, fun and NICE! I'm gonna bank on it that they are romantic too. Big Plus!
• I'm like one of the girls on the show 'Princess' on Slice, minus the part with the racked up debt. I can change my mind about what I want to be on any given day, but in my mind, they are all interrelated. It's anything from wanting to be a Wedding Planner to Entertainer to Corporate Big Boss. Sometimes I think I will invent or reinvent something so spectacular, that I will make my living off my inventions! Or off a really great book that I will write and become an overnight sensation!
• As you can see, I like to dream. Quite a bit.
• My favourite place to visit is Japan. My ideal place to work is Hong Kong. My other top contenders are NYC and L.A. to LWP (live/work/play) and I would love to spend summers in Paris. Places I haven't been but would like to in the forseeable future: India and Dubai.
• One of my life's goal is to excel at Yoga. I read somewhere that you need 10,000 hours of practice on something to be really good at it. I am gonna do it! Just 9990 more hours to go!
• I dabbled at learning the basics in Photoshop and Photography... but technicality does not seem to be my forte. And I am also not as creative as I imagine myself to be. But not to fear, I haven't given up, so don't write me off just yet!!!
• You will see a lot of food pics on this blog because I love to eat. I am always curious about what people are eating and I like asking people what they had for lunch.
Update since the afternoon post: I am newly inspired! Definitely need to get this project started!! ^^
Friday 28 December 2012
Clean Slate.
I think of Christmas as a big, huge, festive celebration before to say good bye (sometimes more enthusiastically) to the last 12 months and to look forward to making the coming year (a) / (an even) better one. We start fresh and dive into the next 12 months of working hard, making memories and accomplishing a new set of goals or revisiting old ones we did not get around to (but still aim to) checking off our to-do list. Christmas is perfectly timed, giving us a week's time to wipe the clean slate and start with a blank canvas, so long as our attitude and mentality permits us to move forward.
Aside from the usual...
Eating Less Meat. Last night in bed, I actually pictured myself being vegetarian but I couldn't give up seafood {cocktail shrimp! cold crab! fried fish!} and Lola's Kitchen's Turkey Melt sandwich. I even went on their website to give you the exact description {TURKEY MELT Shaved roasted Ontario turkey breast with pickled red onion, cranberry mustard & double creme brie cheese on grilled multigrain bread with arugula & balsamic syrup. 13 Brieeee! SO yum. Need I say more?}
Exercising more. Do Yoga. Walk the park. Swiffer the house.
Generally being more healthy. This means no more excessive bubble tea, indulging in sweets like chocolate, hiding bags of chips and crisps in the cupboards and to STOP using the computer by 10pm, which means being in bed by midnight.
Five things I'd like to work on in the coming year include:
1. Decluttering my life. In a current state of 'stuck' this simply does not help!
2. Stop using hot/scalding hot water while washing face, hands, hair, body. This dries out my skin so bad and promotes premature aging! I'm getting better at lowering the temperature in the sense that I no longer fog up my bathroom (that much) anymore but I honestly feel like it's an addiction that is hard to wean off...
3. Start consistently moisturizing my skin, especially because of point #2. I have a lot of products because I'm a huge collector of stuff (especially if they come in pretty packaging :), but my beauty routine, if you can even call it that is pretty low maintenance. I bought these huge 300ml Aloe Vera (92%) Soothing Gel from Nature Republic on sale in Taipei, and I like it for the simple fact that it's aloe vera = good for skin, and it's less perfume-y, seems more natural and probably has less chemicals that your skin can do without, than say, the body lotions from Bath & Body Works.
4. Sit cross-legged less often (I'm currently in this position as I'm typing away. SOM!). Honestly, I think this is even harder than #2 and #3 combined. I need one of those office chairs that simply wouldn't even give me enough space to sit like that. I had no problem with sitting like a normal person when I was at work, so this might be the one crucial investment I would have to make in the new year. That, and a smart phone. I wouldn't mind a tablet either... and a DSLR... and a better laptop and... :)
5. Working on this blog as a side project while working full-time, living on my own and coming to terms with myself. I honestly felt that by the time I reached this point in my twenty-something years of life, I would have achieved more and had more to show for. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I've been pushing myself away from who I am meant to be, rather than embracing it; because I fear of what negative outcomes might come from it. Or am I just afraid of disillusioning myself and what I have been insisting to be reality; really is not? Maybe it's the tiger child in me, but I have been feeling just an overwhelming wave of restlessness combined with a resurfaced thirst for recklessness. Time will only tell.
Aside from the usual...
Eating Less Meat. Last night in bed, I actually pictured myself being vegetarian but I couldn't give up seafood {cocktail shrimp! cold crab! fried fish!} and Lola's Kitchen's Turkey Melt sandwich. I even went on their website to give you the exact description {TURKEY MELT Shaved roasted Ontario turkey breast with pickled red onion, cranberry mustard & double creme brie cheese on grilled multigrain bread with arugula & balsamic syrup. 13 Brieeee! SO yum. Need I say more?}
Exercising more. Do Yoga. Walk the park. Swiffer the house.
Generally being more healthy. This means no more excessive bubble tea, indulging in sweets like chocolate, hiding bags of chips and crisps in the cupboards and to STOP using the computer by 10pm, which means being in bed by midnight.
Five things I'd like to work on in the coming year include:
1. Decluttering my life. In a current state of 'stuck' this simply does not help!
2. Stop using hot/scalding hot water while washing face, hands, hair, body. This dries out my skin so bad and promotes premature aging! I'm getting better at lowering the temperature in the sense that I no longer fog up my bathroom (that much) anymore but I honestly feel like it's an addiction that is hard to wean off...
3. Start consistently moisturizing my skin, especially because of point #2. I have a lot of products because I'm a huge collector of stuff (especially if they come in pretty packaging :), but my beauty routine, if you can even call it that is pretty low maintenance. I bought these huge 300ml Aloe Vera (92%) Soothing Gel from Nature Republic on sale in Taipei, and I like it for the simple fact that it's aloe vera = good for skin, and it's less perfume-y, seems more natural and probably has less chemicals that your skin can do without, than say, the body lotions from Bath & Body Works.
4. Sit cross-legged less often (I'm currently in this position as I'm typing away. SOM!). Honestly, I think this is even harder than #2 and #3 combined. I need one of those office chairs that simply wouldn't even give me enough space to sit like that. I had no problem with sitting like a normal person when I was at work, so this might be the one crucial investment I would have to make in the new year. That, and a smart phone. I wouldn't mind a tablet either... and a DSLR... and a better laptop and... :)
5. Working on this blog as a side project while working full-time, living on my own and coming to terms with myself. I honestly felt that by the time I reached this point in my twenty-something years of life, I would have achieved more and had more to show for. Sometimes I can't help but wonder if I've been pushing myself away from who I am meant to be, rather than embracing it; because I fear of what negative outcomes might come from it. Or am I just afraid of disillusioning myself and what I have been insisting to be reality; really is not? Maybe it's the tiger child in me, but I have been feeling just an overwhelming wave of restlessness combined with a resurfaced thirst for recklessness. Time will only tell.
Thursday 20 December 2012
Written Between the Texts.
I'm the only one on the planet (besides the members of my immediate family) still using a dumb phone aka non-smart phone. I see maids on the MTR in HK using them smart phones!!! It's bad enough that I've still not upgraded when I have to take my little phone out in public in North America, but being in Asia makes it 1000x worse. I'm on a prepaid rogers plan where $100 lasts 365 days or whichever runs out first. My friends know not to call me unless it's for emergency purposes only haha! Nobody has commented that I am still living in the stone age but I just didn't feel I used a cell phone enough to justify the $60 monthly phone bills. But now that I live, love and breathe social media, I feel like I need to have one! That's the first thing I'm going to invest in once I land a job.
Today, I want to share with you some of the texts that I have received from friends, that kinda give you a good idea of who I am and the kind of people I surround myself with. Some were too funny, sweet or fits-me-to-a-T to delete upon receipt and response, and some I just haven't gotten around to deleting yet, just because. Enjoy! :)
When I was planning a birthday weekend to Kingston:
Hey gals, just wanna tell that hotel has been booked and confirmed. However...xxx's (that's me) gonna flip again... price went up by $6!!!
When we got our first raise...
Pay raise sucked. It was like a courtesy raise. :(
When everybody was being polite and not inching toward the taxi that was free to take, I get called a...
Taxi stealer.
When I took a week off work for my wisdom teeth removal:
Friend A: Will you leave me alone for a whole week? I will punch you once you get back... Start missing u.. :(
Friend B: You slacker. How many days are you taking off?
This is before I signed up for the $5 monthly text plan:
Friend A: Till we find a driver. Oops I sent u two msgs. Sorry. I'll give u 50 cents next time lol
Friend B: I know this is a bittersweet txt cuz you've gotta pay.. But happy birthday! Hope you have fun at allllll your celebrations!
Friend C: Hey xxx!! I'm texting you with $$$! Don't be mad...I just wanna say happy birthday to my fam! Will see u soon, muah~
We always look forward to fresh meat coming on board our team. Except in this particular instance:
He is sooo annoying! Why him?whyy? Hes hoggin a space for another mewbie who could be my potential husband! Shiaaattt! S gcs bn jh dshhhjj
When I had a crush on a dude who worked in a different department:
Just saw mook dook lo walk by with a decent looking girl whom ive never seen..
When I had a case of JLin fever:
Just saw jeremy lin in a wifebeater on the magazine.. Hes actually not bad looking!
When I told mom I was going to go to Asia for 5 months:
Just saw your mum at no frills. And she said you dropped the bomb lol
Just a normal day at work...
When you came out of the elevator..it felt like a movie! In slowmo walking out with your hair flying around so young and pretty LOL
When I finally took the plunge, stopped being all talk, booked flights to Asia and quit my job:
OMG you won't be there today. I'm going to seriously get so sad seeing your empty desk!!!:(
Because there's always a glare coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows when I'm on my computer at work...
Also funny story, may shut the blinds and maria goes 'did you get a message from xxx to do this' I laughed so loud. Didn't care about management.
...Because it is a known fact I am going to be late:
:))))) I was predicted this). Of course, call me, when you arrive! I'm in the hair salon, stylist make my hair, and I'm make my nails in the same time:)
When I came back from Asia:
So the rumours of xxx sightings r true!! Yayyy ur back! I wanna hear all about she. U have time, which I'm sure is not today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY hun!!! Enjoy! Hope to see u b4 u take off jetsetting again:p xo
I did end up going on a family cruise to Europe after coming back from Asia, so I officially finished all my travels by Oct 1. Since then, I did a temp job and am still looking for that full-time position that is going to enable me to move out, pay off my travel debt and go to HK in July for 2-4 weeks. It's been way harder than I expected to secure something and if it's anything I learned, it is probably not the best idea to quit your job and go away for 5-6 months at a time. It's way less exhausting to take shorter trips more frequently, as you'll have more energy and enthusiasm for each new city you visit, not to mention, more money leftover in your bank account to boot!
No regrets, but I'm definitely struggling from the choices I have made... if the world ends tomorrow, well, at least I got to see a lot of it! :)
Happy Last Day on Earth, dear friends!!!
Today, I want to share with you some of the texts that I have received from friends, that kinda give you a good idea of who I am and the kind of people I surround myself with. Some were too funny, sweet or fits-me-to-a-T to delete upon receipt and response, and some I just haven't gotten around to deleting yet, just because. Enjoy! :)
When I was planning a birthday weekend to Kingston:
Hey gals, just wanna tell that hotel has been booked and confirmed. However...xxx's (that's me) gonna flip again... price went up by $6!!!
When we got our first raise...
Pay raise sucked. It was like a courtesy raise. :(
When everybody was being polite and not inching toward the taxi that was free to take, I get called a...
Taxi stealer.
When I took a week off work for my wisdom teeth removal:
Friend A: Will you leave me alone for a whole week? I will punch you once you get back... Start missing u.. :(
Friend B: You slacker. How many days are you taking off?
This is before I signed up for the $5 monthly text plan:
Friend A: Till we find a driver. Oops I sent u two msgs. Sorry. I'll give u 50 cents next time lol
Friend B: I know this is a bittersweet txt cuz you've gotta pay.. But happy birthday! Hope you have fun at allllll your celebrations!
Friend C: Hey xxx!! I'm texting you with $$$! Don't be mad...I just wanna say happy birthday to my fam! Will see u soon, muah~
We always look forward to fresh meat coming on board our team. Except in this particular instance:
He is sooo annoying! Why him?whyy? Hes hoggin a space for another mewbie who could be my potential husband! Shiaaattt! S gcs bn jh dshhhjj
When I had a crush on a dude who worked in a different department:
Just saw mook dook lo walk by with a decent looking girl whom ive never seen..
When I had a case of JLin fever:
Just saw jeremy lin in a wifebeater on the magazine.. Hes actually not bad looking!
When I told mom I was going to go to Asia for 5 months:
Just saw your mum at no frills. And she said you dropped the bomb lol
Just a normal day at work...
When you came out of the elevator..it felt like a movie! In slowmo walking out with your hair flying around so young and pretty LOL
When I finally took the plunge, stopped being all talk, booked flights to Asia and quit my job:
OMG you won't be there today. I'm going to seriously get so sad seeing your empty desk!!!:(
Because there's always a glare coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows when I'm on my computer at work...
Also funny story, may shut the blinds and maria goes 'did you get a message from xxx to do this' I laughed so loud. Didn't care about management.
...Because it is a known fact I am going to be late:
:))))) I was predicted this). Of course, call me, when you arrive! I'm in the hair salon, stylist make my hair, and I'm make my nails in the same time:)
When I came back from Asia:
So the rumours of xxx sightings r true!! Yayyy ur back! I wanna hear all about she. U have time, which I'm sure is not today...HAPPY BIRTHDAY hun!!! Enjoy! Hope to see u b4 u take off jetsetting again:p xo
I did end up going on a family cruise to Europe after coming back from Asia, so I officially finished all my travels by Oct 1. Since then, I did a temp job and am still looking for that full-time position that is going to enable me to move out, pay off my travel debt and go to HK in July for 2-4 weeks. It's been way harder than I expected to secure something and if it's anything I learned, it is probably not the best idea to quit your job and go away for 5-6 months at a time. It's way less exhausting to take shorter trips more frequently, as you'll have more energy and enthusiasm for each new city you visit, not to mention, more money leftover in your bank account to boot!
No regrets, but I'm definitely struggling from the choices I have made... if the world ends tomorrow, well, at least I got to see a lot of it! :)
Happy Last Day on Earth, dear friends!!!
Wednesday 19 December 2012
The Waffle Princess.
There's nobody else that I know who craves a good waffle as I do. Sometimes it comes at the most unexpected of times. Of course there are times I crave good sushi. A nice al dente pasta dish. Or a bubble tea drink of sorts (less the bubbles). But so often, I find myself just wanting, desiring, needing a soft, fluffy, fresh waffle, served warm with fruit, ice cream and if I'm lucky, with brownie bits and oreo cookies thrown in! When I move out, I am going to have to invest in a waffle maker, a Japanese crêpe maker and a sushi roll maker. I'm already looking forward to that day! But before that day actually comes... I'll have to stick to the outside stuff. Here is a list I've compiled of places I've had waffles from, some good, some so-so, but it doesn't matter - I'm gonna eat it when I need it!
Café Princess
I would go back for the ambience... but not their waffles. Just like in Korea, pairs of guys come here to chill, at Princess-y type cafés. Yup, it's nothing out of the norm!
HiTea
Beautiful artwork, generous portions of fruit, but unfortunately waffles are not fluffy.
Ten Ren's Tea Time
Although their drinks are good (especially their peach banana slush), their waffles are a bit dry and there is not enough ice cream or fruit! Extra 50 cents to add a side of red beans - worth it if you're a red bean lover like I am :)
Caffé Demetre
[ image unavailable at this time ]
The first few times I went to Demetre's, I always ordered 'The Last Straw' both in crêpe and waffle form because I loved it that much and the other combinations didn't quite hit the spot. That was, until I discovered the ultimate combination... my own!! The customization usually consisted of: the waffle accompanied by brownie pieces, oreo cookies, bananas and strawberries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! Their ice cream flavours are fun, and I am getting excited just thinking about it!
Destiny Tea and Café
So fluffy and yummy, asides from Demetre's, I'd go here for my waffle fix. Fresh fruits, huge scoops of ice cream (more than you will need) and a generous portion of warm, fluffy, goodness. Absolutely NOM worthy!
Café Princess
HiTea
Ten Ren's Tea Time
Caffé Demetre
[ image unavailable at this time ]
The first few times I went to Demetre's, I always ordered 'The Last Straw' both in crêpe and waffle form because I loved it that much and the other combinations didn't quite hit the spot. That was, until I discovered the ultimate combination... my own!! The customization usually consisted of: the waffle accompanied by brownie pieces, oreo cookies, bananas and strawberries, vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce! Their ice cream flavours are fun, and I am getting excited just thinking about it!
Destiny Tea and Café
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Nailing It.
Back in 2nd Year Uni, I wore nail polish the entire year. Mostly black, sometimes red, at times a hot pink or a lighter shade. But that was it. I was not experimental. At all.
Later on, I finally tried gel nails for the first time ever! It was the coolest thing that ever happened to my nails! Basically, it was a clear polish, with a very light purple sparkly polish and some small 'crystals.' Sandy and I got it done at P-mall, and it cost us a small fortune. $60 for the bare minimum with those 20 crystals, and $5 for each added bow or flower or whatever you wanted on top. The price was ridic, and so, I have not gotten my nails glammed up like that for years after... not until recently when I went on my Asia trip. I pampered myself and treated my nails to a different colour, pretty much every month.
Here's my nails when I was in...
Shanghai
Nothing super crazy or special, I just needed to glam up my nails for my last night in SH! It was a fun night only cuz Arina and Cecilia were there, not b/c of the pretentious event host, grrr. Don't let me see or hear of him again!!
Taipei
I was inspired by my famfriend Mish who is not afraid to play with her nail colours. She has every colour under the sun... gray... yellow... turquoise, you name it. I'm a changed girl now, I think I can even go for nude-coloured nails! Woo! You can get Chanel polishes on you for an additional 100 TWD, but I just stuck with O.P.I. cuz I didn't have a lot of TWD on me that day and their banks close at freaking 3pm!!! It caused me so much trouble the first few days upon arriving in Taipei. Anyway, they did such a fantastic job on my nails. Especially when the nail artist helping me took extra care in removing my HK gel nails. I thanked her profusely, because a lot of the time, people don't care about your nails and they just rush on it.
The owner of the shop is Aimee. She was originally from TW, moved to Canada for school and work and then back again to TW to open up her own nail salon. We had a lovely chat as I was in there for a couple of hours, and she definitely inspired me to kick myself in the butt and open up my own business already! But my broke ass can't afford that just this moment, so I will have to live vicariously through her. If you're in Taipei, check out Aimee's Nail Salon. You won't be disappointed!
Btw, here's a pic of my shoes to off-set my feet pics. I love them all, but my least favourite is the 2nd from the right. But it actually fit me and it was comfy, so I convinced myself that I could make use of that pair when I go to Miami, Florida or wherever there's a beach/pool! Plus, shoes are cheap in TW, and it definitely helps with my bargaining when I buy a few pairs at once =P
Manila
It was totally unnecessary, but since it was part of my spa package, I did another colour swap. The lady didn't do a very good job so I had to get it re-done. She was so nice and patient... then she told me how she was a single mom putting her daughter through uni... and so lady got a heartfelt thank you and big tip. When I'm on vacation, my mentality is always like, 'it's cheaper than back in Canada!' But that's what gets me into trouble!!!
Melbourne
Did some mad retail therapy at Alannah Hill. It's quite possibly my favourite clothing store in Melbourne! I scored a lot of nice stuff at great prices. The dresses were on sale for about $20-$30 AUD and were exceptionally well-made, with high quality material. The owner was super stylish and nice too, but I can't say the same for some of her staff (who tried to sell me their broken merchandise and acted like she didn't know about it when I returned it the next day)!
Anyway, let's focus on my nail varnish on the 2nd pic. I fell in love with it when I put it on: I Vant to Be A-Lone Star by O.P.I. I opted for the same hue when I came back to Toronto and got my nails done again. I was really into the pale, robin egg blue this summer and I want to kick myself for not getting that cute bag in that shade at Argyle Centre in Mongkok. :'(
Hong Kong
The ultimate gel nails I had on for a portion of my HK trip and during all of SE Asia... get ready, cuz here it comes!!!
I had always wanted these cute, crazy, 3-D nails, but it was just too expensive back in Canada. This would've cost about $100 after a little bargaining. I don't know if it's more affordable now, but it's always going to be cheaper to have them done in Asia! They were heavy and always in the way when I was typing or putting on my contacts, but so worth it :) I loved them and I would do it again. Probably something along the lines of the one with the little pink bow on the silver nails, but for all the fingers.
My toes were painted a hot pink with tiny silver 'crystals' on the big toes to balance out the crazy nails on the fingers.
The next nail art I want to try is having the nail artist actually do freehand drawing designs on a couple of my nails. The nail artist who helped me at Aimee's Nail Salon is able to do just that - she drew on her own nails and it looked super cute! If I were doing gel nails that day, I totally would've added a sanrio character or two.
Anyhow, I hope I've inspired you to get out there and do something crazy or different to your nails, especially if you are looking down at your nails and they are completely bare (as mine currently are!!). Even choosing a colour you wouldn't normally think you would like would be a great start. The combinations are endless and it's always fun just pampering yourself and doing something girly!
Here's my nails when I was in...
Shanghai
Taipei
The owner of the shop is Aimee. She was originally from TW, moved to Canada for school and work and then back again to TW to open up her own nail salon. We had a lovely chat as I was in there for a couple of hours, and she definitely inspired me to kick myself in the butt and open up my own business already! But my broke ass can't afford that just this moment, so I will have to live vicariously through her. If you're in Taipei, check out Aimee's Nail Salon. You won't be disappointed!
Btw, here's a pic of my shoes to off-set my feet pics. I love them all, but my least favourite is the 2nd from the right. But it actually fit me and it was comfy, so I convinced myself that I could make use of that pair when I go to Miami, Florida or wherever there's a beach/pool! Plus, shoes are cheap in TW, and it definitely helps with my bargaining when I buy a few pairs at once =P
Manila
Melbourne
Anyway, let's focus on my nail varnish on the 2nd pic. I fell in love with it when I put it on: I Vant to Be A-Lone Star by O.P.I. I opted for the same hue when I came back to Toronto and got my nails done again. I was really into the pale, robin egg blue this summer and I want to kick myself for not getting that cute bag in that shade at Argyle Centre in Mongkok. :'(
Hong Kong
The ultimate gel nails I had on for a portion of my HK trip and during all of SE Asia... get ready, cuz here it comes!!!
My toes were painted a hot pink with tiny silver 'crystals' on the big toes to balance out the crazy nails on the fingers.
The next nail art I want to try is having the nail artist actually do freehand drawing designs on a couple of my nails. The nail artist who helped me at Aimee's Nail Salon is able to do just that - she drew on her own nails and it looked super cute! If I were doing gel nails that day, I totally would've added a sanrio character or two.
Anyhow, I hope I've inspired you to get out there and do something crazy or different to your nails, especially if you are looking down at your nails and they are completely bare (as mine currently are!!). Even choosing a colour you wouldn't normally think you would like would be a great start. The combinations are endless and it's always fun just pampering yourself and doing something girly!
Monday 17 December 2012
Sunday Brunch.
Going out for brunch is one of those occasions I really look forward to, because it's such a rarity that I have the opportunity to go out and indulge in my brunch favourites. I live in the suburbs, where asides from Cora's (which I love by the way, for its fresh fruit and portion size) or Sunset Grill (which I love less), there isn't much else.
My friend Maria was looking for a brunch place to take her daughter to for her birthday. FYI: I am a bit of a food snob so everything is okay or decent unless I explicitly express my enthusiastic love for it (!) Scattered around Toronto, these were some of the suggestions I gave her:
Le Petit Déjeuner
Probably the most popular brunch place in Toronto! Le Petit Déjeuner was jampacked with people and we had to wait in line outside of the establishment. The interior had a pub-like, loft-feel to it, with an intimate and chill vibe. I was told by Linda that it had the best waffles in town and that immediately made me want to check this place out!
She did not mention that they were Belgian waffles, and I prefer the huge, soft and fluffy kind, so I was left mildly disappointed. I have a soft spot for eggs benny and smoked salmon (whether together or separate) as a brunch option, so I went with that. I got sis to order the 'Apple and Brie Panino' (for my love of brie!) but because I've had a better version of it elsewhere, it did not tickle my taste buds quite the same.
Bonjour Brioche Bakery Cafe
Nestled in trendy, quirky, hip Leslieville, Bonjour Brioche is located among the many curious cafés, shops and restaurant establishments in the area. I immediately fell in love with the décor when I walked in. It gave off a very cozy, comfortable and relaxed vibe with all the wooden accents and simple furnishing.
Brunch is not brunch without freshly squeezed grapefruit juice! I opted for one of their 'Tarts du Jour' - the spinach, red pepper and brie. I usually don't order vegetarian, but I just love brie that much! Annie ordered 'Baked French Toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup.' I liked her dish better than mine as it was more flavourful and overall, a more interesting choice. I might have been scarred as a child eating my mom's version of french toast drenched in gooey egg, but I just might start liking french toast after seeing how many different variations of it are actually out there!
Lady Marmalade
I went here so long ago (a year and 3 months to be exact), that I wasn't sure if I would be able to find the pictures to accompany this post. Lady Marmalade is also situated in Leslieville (I just love this area), and also a favourite brunch spot among T-dotters.
If my memory serves me correct, I think we received great service here. Décor was simple, people were chill. It was a great place to just sit back, catch up and enjoy a 'Baked Crêpe Croque Monsieur' without having the rest of the day planned. I wish I could say that I just rolled out of bed to join Annie and Amy, but Amy and I actually had to make the 1.5 hr commute down just to make it to brunch! If only I lived downtown... my life would be so perfect! So many of my dreams would begin coming true, one followed by the other... Well, at least my Sunday Brunch Dates would! :)
My friend Maria was looking for a brunch place to take her daughter to for her birthday. FYI: I am a bit of a food snob so everything is okay or decent unless I explicitly express my enthusiastic love for it (!) Scattered around Toronto, these were some of the suggestions I gave her:
Le Petit Déjeuner
Probably the most popular brunch place in Toronto! Le Petit Déjeuner was jampacked with people and we had to wait in line outside of the establishment. The interior had a pub-like, loft-feel to it, with an intimate and chill vibe. I was told by Linda that it had the best waffles in town and that immediately made me want to check this place out!
She did not mention that they were Belgian waffles, and I prefer the huge, soft and fluffy kind, so I was left mildly disappointed. I have a soft spot for eggs benny and smoked salmon (whether together or separate) as a brunch option, so I went with that. I got sis to order the 'Apple and Brie Panino' (for my love of brie!) but because I've had a better version of it elsewhere, it did not tickle my taste buds quite the same.
Bonjour Brioche Bakery Cafe
Nestled in trendy, quirky, hip Leslieville, Bonjour Brioche is located among the many curious cafés, shops and restaurant establishments in the area. I immediately fell in love with the décor when I walked in. It gave off a very cozy, comfortable and relaxed vibe with all the wooden accents and simple furnishing.
Brunch is not brunch without freshly squeezed grapefruit juice! I opted for one of their 'Tarts du Jour' - the spinach, red pepper and brie. I usually don't order vegetarian, but I just love brie that much! Annie ordered 'Baked French Toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup.' I liked her dish better than mine as it was more flavourful and overall, a more interesting choice. I might have been scarred as a child eating my mom's version of french toast drenched in gooey egg, but I just might start liking french toast after seeing how many different variations of it are actually out there!
Lady Marmalade
I went here so long ago (a year and 3 months to be exact), that I wasn't sure if I would be able to find the pictures to accompany this post. Lady Marmalade is also situated in Leslieville (I just love this area), and also a favourite brunch spot among T-dotters.
If my memory serves me correct, I think we received great service here. Décor was simple, people were chill. It was a great place to just sit back, catch up and enjoy a 'Baked Crêpe Croque Monsieur' without having the rest of the day planned. I wish I could say that I just rolled out of bed to join Annie and Amy, but Amy and I actually had to make the 1.5 hr commute down just to make it to brunch! If only I lived downtown... my life would be so perfect! So many of my dreams would begin coming true, one followed by the other... Well, at least my Sunday Brunch Dates would! :)
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