Comments Off on What to do on Canada Day in Toronto
If you’re still looking for something new to do on Canada Day here’s what we’ve got for you art, film, music and party lovers on your day off.
Open Roof Festival
Movies music and drinks in an outdoor setting. Today’s feature entertainment is singer-songwriter Sam Drysdale with the movie Ex Machina. If you haven’t seen it before, check out the Ex Machina trailer here.
Starting today, Revolver Gallery opens Canada’s largest collection of original paintings and prints by Andy Warhol at a pop-up gallery centrally located at 77 Bloor St West. $10 admission for adults. The exhibition is open until December 31st, 2015. Photo by Nick Lee
Ajax Downs
These horse racing grounds are hosting Canada Day celebrations from noon to 8:30pm. Check out all the details here.
Pompeii at the ROM
Check out the current exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum “ROMPEII” to immerse yourself in the world of the once-thriving city that was destroyed by Mount Vesuvius. For more info click here
Fringe Festival
Theatre lovers rejoice as Fringe Festival starts today, boasting to be Toronto’s largest theatre festival with over 148 shows. More info here.
Dress in red for a pool party Canada Day celebrations at Cabana Pool Bar. Bryan Bickell will be there with the Stanley Cup. Doors open at 1pm. cabanapoolbar.com
Comments Off on In Photos: U-Feast’s biker-themed dinner at Böehmer Restaurant
On June 18th, foodies and bike enthusiasts alike descended on Böehmer Restaurant in the hip Ossington neighbourhood for a special U-Feast Chef Concert Series dinner. On this night, a seven course, Mediterranean-style extravaganza would be enjoyed by the guests, prepared by two amazing chefs.
Celebrity “biker chef” Ivan Flowers flew in from California to collaborate with Böehmer’s chef and owner, Paul Böehmer, on the “hog” themed menu. Flowers is the executive chef at Top of The Market in San Diego. Fellow bike lover, comedian, and TV personality, Mike Bullard was the emcee of the night.
Chef Paul Böehmer
Chef Ivan Flowers
Prior to dinner, there was a red carpet where attendees could get their photos taken. Beer, wine, and special cocktails like the Smoked Gentleman’s Manhattan and Southern Mule were the available libations. Guests socialized and enjoyed drinks while admiring the motorcycles on parked outside (and one inside) the restaurant. Finally it was time to sit down as U-Feast CEO, Terry Mocherniak, introduced the two chefs. Bullard then took over as host and entertained the crowd with his comedy stylings.
Dinner then began with several appetizers. The lobster bisque was creamy with the porcini mushroom flavour coming through nicely. The crispy Eryngii mushrooms with emerald kalettes (featured image) were delicious – the crispness of the kalettes juxtaposed with the juiciness of the mushrooms created a perfect pairing. The proscuitto di parma lobster boursin roulades were delicate and beautifully put together. There was even caviar served.
Prosciutto Di Parma Lobster Boursin Roulades, Confit Tomato Lobster Rose, Jalapeno Syrup Tip
Lobster Bisque with Porcini Mushroom Infusion
Caviar
With the appetizers finished, it was time to move on to the mains. Fried chicken? Check (well quail actually). Pork belly? Check. Lamb? Check. It was like the chefs knew all of my favourite foods. Not only that, the chicken fried quail came with bacon corn bread. The pork belly was on a bed of seared Fijian yellowfin tuna, and then topped with black garlic tempura, smokey piquillo droplets and a sweet glaze. This was a surf and turf at its finest.
Smoked Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Wild Leek and Mushroom Jus
Dessert was a lemon-strawberry tart topped with various fruit coulis. I love desserts that have both sweetness and tartness, softness and crunch, so this was yet another favourite in an evening full of favourites. Throughout the meal, it was great to converse with our tablemates, and the family-style dining helped to facilitate the social dining that U-Feast promises. It was definitely an enjoyable evening with great food, great drinks, and great company.
U-Feast’s next event is a “3-way” Italian dinner with Michelin Star Chef Cristina Bowerman at the Windsor Arms Hotel. This means three appetizers, three mains, three desserts, and even three door prizes. It will be another dinner to look forward to in the U-Feast Chef Concert Series, taking place on July 9th. Even better, if you buy before July 1st and use promo code MICHELINCHEF you can get $30 off. Reserve your seat and find more details here.
For more information about U-Feast and its upcoming events: www.ufeast.com
Twitter: @u_feast #ChefConcert
Instagram: @u_feast #ChefConcert
Facebook: UFeast
Photos by John Tan
Chef Paul Böehmer
Southern Mule
Smoked Gentleman’s Manhattan, Southern Mule
L: Paul Boehmer C: Terry Mocherniak R: Ivan Flowers
Lobster Bisque with Porcini Mushroom Infusion
Caviar
Chef Ivan Flowers
Crispy Eryngii Mushrooms, Emerald Kalettes, Garlic, Lemon, Herbs, Parmigiano and Sweet Chili Glaze
Prosciutto Di Parma Lobster Boursin Roulades, Confit Tomato Lobster Rose, Jalapeno Syrup Tip
Prosciutto Di Parma Lobster Boursin Roulades, Confit Tomato Lobster Rose, Jalapeno Syrup Tip
Prosciutto Di Parma Lobster Boursin Roulades, Confit Tomato Lobster Rose, Jalapeno Syrup Tip
Comments Off on Burl’s Creek: A preview of the grounds for the Wayhome Music Festival
I was lucky to be able to be part of a day trip out to Oro-Medonte between Barrie and Orillia. That in itself doesn’t sound too exciting but it’s now set to become the premier location one of the hottest and newest renovated event grounds around called Burl’s Creek. Continue reading→
Comments Off on A weekend getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara-on-the-Lake holds a special place in many hearts and minds alike. Located at the western end of Lake Ontario, it was one of the earliest regions for settlement– due in part to the War of 1812. There are many key sites which helped establish Canada as unique and separate entity from the United states– who at the time– wanted to absorb the fledgling colonies. Today, you can visit the many historic sites that played an integral part in championing Canada as an independent nation- such as Fort George, Navy Hall, and Butler’s Barracks. Continue reading→
Comments Off on Bigger than Ever: The Stop’s Night Market 2015
Bigger than ever this year, The Stop Community Food Centre has once again brought together the city’s culinary wonders to its sold-out annual fundraiser, The Stop’s Night Market. Featuring inspiring dishes from 70 chefs, 20 beverage vendors, and over 39 one-of-a-kind food carts by local designers, this two-night extravaganza last week displayed the very best of food, art, and music this city has to offer. Held at a spacious vacant lot off Sterling Road on the west end, we had the opportunity to check out one of the nights, and here are our favourite moments.
