Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Weekend of Mar 31-Apr 1

[Aside] I'm a bit behind in updating my blog lately because I've been distracted by my Ipod Apps... some games are really addictive lol :P

Earth Hour Celebration
March 31, 7:30-9:30pm
Distillery District
http://earthhour.wwf.ca/earthhour/index.html

The official celebration of Earth Hour with WWF (Turn off the lights for 1 hr to raise global environmental awareness for combating climate change) in Torono with performances, art show and more! Participants are encouraged to bring along candles, glowsticks, lanterns, and flashlights!

One of a Kind Spring Art S

how and Sale
March 28-April 1, 10am-9pm
$12 online, $14 at door
Direct Energy Center, CNE
http://www.oneofakindshow.com/toronto/

Showcasing handmade arts and crafts products! A nice exhibition to find unique gifts for friends and family.

A Night of Fashion, Art, and Music for Japan
March 30, 7pm-2am
$10 (80% of that goes to charity - Habitat for Humanity Japan)
The Great Hall
http://www.japanaidtoronto.com/index.html

A night of fashion show, live music, silent auction, and dancing to raise money for the Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami survivors

Piano Recital of Music from Beethoven, Brahms, Webern, Bach by Erion Tulina
March 30, 8pm
FREE
Grace Church on the Hill
http://www.gracechurchonthehill.ca/

Monday, March 12, 2012

Free Macarons and More!

Upcoming foodie events that you DON'T want to miss!

Macaron

Day Toronto
March 20
Free
http://macarondayto.com/macaronDay.html
Visit participating patisseries and mention that you are "celebrating Macaron Day TO" to receive a FREE macaron! 25% of the revenue of macarons purchased will be donated to a local charity.

Jiro Dream of Sushi: The Movie
March 16-22, 2, 5, 7, or 9pm (82 minutes run time)
Toronto International Film Festival
$13
http://tiff.net/filmsandschedules/tiffbelllightbox/2012/3600001654
The only Michelin 3 star sushi chef in the world, Jiro Ono, reveals the secret of his art in this documentary.

Grads Market
March 17, 9am-4pm
St. Lawrence Market, South building
$5 free sampling
http://www.gradsmarket.ca/
A culinary event to showcase signature dishes from various graduates of different culinary schools.

Toronto Underground Market
April 7, 6-11pm
Evergreen Brick Works
$10 is the admission fee. Food costs extra. Tickets go on sale from March 16.
http://yumtum.ca/index.html

Street Food Block Party
May 5, 5pm-midnight
Evergreen Brick Works
Tickets will go on sale in April
https://www.facebook.com/events/308205175903451/

Monday, March 5, 2012

Burger Talk: Where is the best burger place in TO?

Although everyone has different taste buds (preferences), I want to start a thread to pull ideas in as to where we can get the best xxx in town.

This week's topic will be: Burgers!

My gourmet burger adventures are as follows:

Cheeseburger @ Burger Priest

http://theburgerspriest.com/

Comment: Voted as the best burger in town of 2011 by Toronto Life Magazine. The cheeseburger (~$5) looks great, with fresh toppings, and a freshly made, loosely packed medium-rare beef patty. I'm a bit disappointed with the character lacking bread, and the underseasoned & lack of beef flavour in the patty. The place is well known for its "Priest Burger" (~$10), which comes with fried cheese-stuffed mushrooms on top of the cheeseburger. And you can ask for the "secret" additional toppings. I wonder how "The Priest" will compare with "Big Grind" (also $10) at the Grindhouse Burger Bar.

Kobe burger @ W Burger

Bar
h ttp://www.wburgerbar.com/

Comments: A tasty burger that comes at a steep price of $19. I wonder how it compares with the most expensive burgers in town, namely the Wagyu brisket burger ($42) that was featured at Nota Bene; the porcini and truffle-decked burger at Bymark ($37); or the signature burger ($100) with 2 Kobe beef patties, bacon, grilled pear, foie gras, brie, fig jam, garlic roasted ham, asparagus, porcini mushrooms and truffles at M:brgr (the Toronto location has closed down, current location is in Montreal).

Eggburger @ Hero Certified

Burgers
http://www.heroburgers.com/

Comments: A good breakfast styled burger with peameal bacon and eggs on top of the angus beef patty which comes into a choice of 4, 6, or 8 oz. (~$8).

Aussie Burger @ Gourmet Bur

ger Co.
http://thegourmetburgerco.com/index.html

Comments: A burger with pineapple! I wonder if Aussie really adds that in their burgers! I wonder how this compares with the Hawaiian burger at BQM (Burgershoppe Quality Meats), both at $9.

Burgers @ Origin & Marben

http://origintoronto.com/
http://marbenrestaurant.com/

Comments: Tried their mini burgers at a local Burger War. Their style is very different. Origin's burger ($17) looks simplistic but has an interesting sauce (use of guacamole is unusal but works!) while Marben's burger ($13) looks rustic but has a nice flavour.

Mini burger trio @ Twist Martini & Wine Lounge (at Blue Mountain Resort)

http://www.twistmartinilounge.com/

Comments: Caramelized onions always go well with prime rib ($16). But the price is a bit steep for 3 mini buns.

OTHERS:
The following do not have the standard beef patty, but they are pretty delicious nonetheless.

Trout sliders @ Against the Grain

http://atgurbantavern.ca/

Comments: How often do you see fish mini burgers ($13)? These are pretty original but I don't see it being offered on their current menu anymore.

Lobster roll/club @ Rodney's

Oyster House
http://www.rodneysoysterhouse .com/

Comments: Such a delicious sandwich with juicy, fresh lobster chunks! $10 lunch deal or $23 for a more substancial affair.

Pork Belly Bao @ BAOSS

http://baossto.wordpress.com/

Comments: Tried these at TUM (Toronto Underground Market) because currently BAOSS don't have a permanent location yet. The fatty pork belly blends well with the soft steaming hot bun ($3). These Chinese/Vietnamnese style sandwiches along with Banh Mi are creating a hype in the city, can't wait to try the ones offered at Banh Mi Boys once their renovation is done.

Final Thoughts:
Which is your favourite? And are there other ones in the city that I did not mention but you'd recommend? Don't afraid to speak up, I'd love to hear your ideas :)

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Weekend of Mar 3-4

Japanese Doll Festival

Date: Mar 3, 12-5pm

Location: Japan Foundation

Cost: Free

See the Japanese Dolls display, watch a Japanese tale presentation, and play with the cute baby seal robot!

The Artist Project

Date: Mar 1-4

Location: Exhibition Place

Cost: $10 online, $12 at door

Website: http://www.theartistprojecttoronto.com/

Presenting original works from over 200 independent contemporary artists of various mediums of art, from paintings to installations and video art

The Toronto Golf & Travel Show

Date: Mar 2-4

Location: Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Cost: $15 ($8 after 2pm on Sunday)

Website: http://www.torontogolfshow.com/

North America’s largest consumer golf show, showcasing deals on the latest golf equipment and destinations

Sugarbush Maple Syrup Festival

Date: Mar 3-Apr 9, 9:30am-5pm

Location: Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area or Kortright Centre for Conservation

Cost: $9

Website: http://maplesyrupfest.com/

Live demonstrations of maple syrup, wagon rides, pancakes and more

Two upcoming performances

Mythbusters: Behind the Myths

Date: Mar 29

Location: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

Cost: $50-160

Website: http://www.sonycentre.ca/Events/Event-Detail.aspx?evtID=645

Watching first hand TV scientists Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage on stage to confirm or bust urban legends, rumours and movie scenes on their popular, Emmy-nominated Discovery Channel series, Mythbusters. Fans get a chance to join them onstage!

Music from Final Fantasy

Date: Mar 31