MexFest 2014, Toronto

MexFest 2014, Toronto

It’s here! I’m excited about MexFest, a ten-day Toronto festival celebrating Mexican culture, music, art and cuisine. MexFest 2014 runs from August 7 to 17. Guests at the MexFest Gala, held August 7, enjoyed live music, tequila-based cocktails and a screening of Flight of the Butterflies 3D, the acclaimed documentary film by Director Mike Slee about […]

08.08.2014 · Filled under: Festivals & Events, Food, Mexico, Toronto · Tags: , ,
Dining at London’s top churches

Dining at London’s top churches

Did you know that some of London’s most famous churches have on-site restaurants? Modern British cuisine comes with a side of atmosphere at: CELLARIUM CAFE & TERRACE, WESTMINSTER ABBEY:  A great discovery on my last visit to London was the Cellarium Cafe and Terrace at Westminster Abbey. Accessed through the Abbey’s Dean’s Yard, the restaurants […]

03.08.2014 · Filled under: Architecture, Food, Spirituality · Tags: ,
An ode to classic American diners

An ode to classic American diners

Do you collect diners? I do. Their gleaming lines – reminiscent of old Airstream trailers – inspire dreams of the open road. Their association with travel comes naturally as the first diners were mobile lunch wagons. Often they were old rail dining cars, parked by the side of the road, serving as inexpensive all-night eateries. […]

03.05.2014 · Filled under: Architecture, Florida, Food, New York · Tags: , , , ,
International Couscous Festival, San Vito lo Capo, Sicily

International Couscous Festival, San Vito lo Capo, Sicily

Sicilian food, like its history, is a stew of cultural influences. Closer to Africa than Rome, and under Arab rule for 200 years during the Middle Ages, it’s not surprising to find couscous on menus in Sicily, especially in the western end of this Mediterranean island. Each September, the beach resort of San Vito lo […]

11.09.2012 · Filled under: Europe, Festivals & Events, Food, Italy · Tags: , ,
Taking the 506 streetcar to little India

Taking the 506 streetcar to little India

Toronto’s 506 Carlton streetcar is one of the best sightseeing bargains in the city, rambling past many of Toronto’s most colourful neighborhoods – Cabbagetown, Kensington Market, the original Little Italy and two separate ‘Chinatowns’ – on its way to and from its western terminus at High Park. A few days ago I hopped on the […]

02.07.2012 · Filled under: Canada, Festivals & Events, Food · Tags: ,
Lake Effect Diner, Buffalo, New York

Lake Effect Diner, Buffalo, New York

Pat and I are always on the lookout for a non-chain place to eat with great local food and plenty of atmosphere.  The Lake Effect Diner in Buffalo, NY, was a real find. It’s easy to love these old diners with their resemblance to old Airstream trailers.  Their exuberant lines just seem to shout holiday […]

12.08.2011 · Filled under: Architecture, Food, New York · Tags: , ,
Buffalo Gal

Buffalo Gal

Still carrying on my not-so-secret love affair with Buffalo, an affair that shows no sign of cooling any time soon. This time, a stroll down Elmwood Avenue, the sidewalk scattered with with golden gingko leaves, to our favorite Buffalo hangout, Cole’s.  Robbie at the old (1934) bar – dark wood, college memorabilia, antique carousel horses – […]

17.11.2009 · Filled under: Art, Food, New York · Tags: ,
A perfect fall weekend in Montreal

A perfect fall weekend in Montreal

Montreal was wonderful. Pat and I caught the pre-dawn train from Guildwood; he did some work while I snuggled into my seat, watching the sun rise over the trees we flew past, waiting for drinks and brunch to arrive. Via Rail Business Class truly rocks. A few hours later, we were settling into the Pierre […]

22.10.2009 · Filled under: Art, Canada, Food, Hotels · Tags: , , ,
Has anyone seen my perogy?

Has anyone seen my perogy?

6’2″, eyes of blue, has anyone seen my pyrohy? It’s almost impossible to find those tasty pillows of stuffed dough in the east end so Mario and I made sure we got to the Toronto Ukrainian Festival last weekend to get our fill. It’s the largest Ukrainian festival in North America, big enough to close […]

27.09.2009 · Filled under: Festivals & Events, Food · Tags: ,