iogo yoghurt goodness

My absolute favourite yoghurt (which converted me into a yoghurt lover) is Yoplait's Apricot flavour. I was first introduced to it by my host family when I was in Tours, France, but I have searched far and wide and have been unable to find it anywhere in Canadian supermarkets. So that's where my next favourites, of Peach and of Blueberry, come into play. It didn't matter if it was Yoplait anymore, these two flavours became my go-to flavours. If there is one flavour of yoghurt I do not like, it's got to be Strawberry. I don't know why, but I've always left those behind while I greedily devoured the others in the variety pack.

My mom has been crazy about yoghurt since hearing all the good stuff about it on the radio and in the newspapers (she's the crazy lady that tells us if we don't poop for a day, that's equivalent to smoking 3 packs of cigaretttes!!), so we are almost always stocked. We have tried every brand of yoghurt that the supermarket has to offer. One day at Food Basics, we decided to give this new one a try...

Introducing: iogo probio yoghurt!

I've had mixed flavours before... but even though I never liked strawberry flavoured yoghurt, somehow they made them so yummy I couldn't resist. The flavours that came in this variety box include: Strawberry-Banana / Raspberry-Cranberry / Blackberry-Blueberry / Peach-Mango ...and they were all very creamy, refreshing and delectable to my taste buds. The first time I came across this brand was on a billboard near the highway entrance, downtown, and what caught my attention were colours, font and the fresh-looking fruits. I am so glad we decided to try something new, because when I'm in Toronto, trying new things tend to yield disappointing outcomes and I am more often than not left with feeling that the tried-and-tested tastes so much better. But iogo's was unexpectedly really, really, good! And this is coming from someone who is uber picky about what she claims to be worthy of a compliment :P

Check out all of iogo's wide variety of interesting and yummy flavours and products on their website and give them a try today!

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
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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!

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! :)