The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide to NYC Street Food

Photo Credit

I've been loving Toronto's street food scene recently: the success of events like Toronto Underground Market and Food Truck Eats; and the increase of gourmet street food vendors/trucks across the city. So, I was really excited to explore the street food community just south of the border—in New York City.

Gourmet street food vendors aren't as easy to stumble across in the Big Apple as you would think. So, do your research. Ask friends or locals where their favourite spots are. Download the Food Network's Eat St. free iPhone app. Follow a few vendors on Twitter, as their times and locations can change daily.

I was lucky enough to be in New York City during Madison Square Eats—a month long outdoor street food event in Worth Square. If you're in NYC before June 1st, it's every day, all day (11-9) and you get the opportunity to sample several eats in one location. Here's a rundown of my favourite NYC vendors who were serving up delicious gourmet street food at Mad. Sq. Eats and elsewhere across the city.

Calexico
Twitter: @CalexicoNYC
Regular Location: Food carts at Worth Square and Wooster/Prince and two restaurants in Brooklyn

Mexican cuisine with a kick. I had the chipotle pork and frijoles negros (black beans) tacos at $3/each, and these boys did not disappoint. The frijoles negros taco is one of my top two favourites from this NYC street food list.

The hug Tea Tour - Ritz Carlton, Toronto

We have been traipsing all over Toronto for a taste of high tea inside some of the best hotels in the city on The hug Tea Tour. Leaving no sandwich unturned or warm scone uneaten, we have sampled our way through the city. We were thrilled to find out that The Ritz Carlton, Toronto had recently begun serving afternoon tea - so we booked ourselves in for a visit.

My sister Amy and I decided to treat our Mom to a fancy afternoon tea and we thought what better place than the Ritz Carlton in Toronto. Tea is served in the Deq Lounge and Terrace near the back at the hotel. I wasn't aware that the Ritz was doing an afternoon tea until I got an email about it for Mother's Day. It seems like it is a regular thing and has been for the past six months or so. They will continue serving it every Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 PM, reservations are recommended. It was quite full for the Saturday before Mother's Day and Sunday itself was already fully booked. I'm sure it's a bit slower any other weekend, but because the window of time is so small - you should call ahead.

Afternoon Tea is $38 per person. Not-So-Classic Tea includes a cocktail to start for $48 per person. We chose The Sparkling Berry Bramble made with blackberries, citrus, sparkling wine and a sprig of mint (left). Our second cocktail was an ice cold Wine Spritzer (right).

We're Going To Caesar School With Mott's Clamato!

***DATE CHANGE*** - New Date is Friday June 22nd, 2012 

Come join The Hip + Urban Girl's Guide + Mott's Clamato as we go to Caesar School inside the Live Nation VIP Lounge at Molson Amphitheatre!

Your Ticket Includes:

• FOUR complimentary Caesars made by Mott's Clamato Caesar Mixing Officer, Clint Pattemore / @CaesarClint
• Learn how to properly mix your own Caesars at home at Mott's Caesar School
• Complimentary appetizers + snacks
• Swag Bag! 
• We invite you after to chill out with a summer night under the stars with Sarah McLachlan + The TSO in concert right after Caesar School
• Networking with 50 other Hip + Urban Girls AND Guys!

Caesar School Starts @ 5:30 PM

Sarah McLachlan with The Toronto Symphony Orchestra @ 7:30 PM

Class is in-session with Clint!

Tickets - $40, an amazing deal for a fun night out! Only 50 tickets will be made available for this event, so round-up your friends and let's go to Caesar School!

Make This! Almond Milk Panna Cotta

We were invited to a 'Nut Party' last month hosted by The Almond Board of California. I am a big panna cotta fan and I couldn't get enough of this recipe, created by Pastry Chef Jenny McCoy. She's the real deal having worked at top restaurants like Charlie Trotter, Craft Restaurant and A Voce. Make this light dessert at home for your next dinner party:

Almond Milk Panna Cotta
Makes 8 to 10 servings

Ingredients
1⁄4 cup (50 mL) almonds, finely chopped 
2 tbsp (30 mL) almond paste, finely chopped 
3 1⁄2 cups (875 mL) unsweetened almond milk 
1⁄4 tsp (1 mL) almond extract 
2/3 cups (150 mL) granulated sugar 
Pinch fine sea salt 
1 1/3 cup (325 mL) heavy cream 
2 envelopes powdered gelatin

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) Set 8 to 10 four-ounce (120 g) ramekins on a baking sheet.

Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast until deep golden and fragrant, about 6 to 8 minutes.

In a medium saucepan, bring toasted almonds, almond paste, almond milk, almond extract, sugar, and salt to a boil. Turn off heat and let steep at room temperature for 15 minutes; return to a rolling boil.

A Tasty Chocolate Tour of Toronto

Warning: this article may cause uncontrollable urges to consume large amounts of delicious chocolate. Reader discretion is advised.

I love spending a Saturday immersed in culture along King West and Queen West...and stuffing my face with chocolates and sweets! I was more than happy to join Tasty Tours' Chocolate tour – a three hour guided walk to visit six chocolate shops. Our guide, Audrey Ooi, introduced me to the origins, history, production and benefits of chocolate – all while I satisfied my cravings. Since there’s walking involved, maybe this counts as an Activity-A-Week article?  

Stop #1: Soma Chocolatemaker
The first stop was 443 King St. West – aka heaven on earth. I couldn’t stop inhaling the scent of chocolate after entering Soma,one of the few artisan chocolate-makers that makes small batches directly from the cacao bean. The staff roast, refine and conch organic and fair trade cocoa beans from places like the Caribbean, South America, Madagascar.

With a menu of truffles, there’s something for everyone. Soma truffles are preservative-free, made with fresh cream and butter and take up to three days to complete. Too lethargic to chew? A shot of Mayan hot chocolate will glide down your throat like lava.

I was a huge fan of the dark Peruvian chocolate. It took serious willpower to limit myself to two helpings.

Urban Eats @ Enoteca Maialino, Toronto

Maialino translates from Italian to English as 'little pig' and by the time we rolled out of this little Southern Italian wine bar - it was mission accomplished. We couldn't help but eat, relax and share a couple glasses of wine with old friends in this warm restaurant with a farmhouse feel. It's exactly the sort of place I could spend hours in, especially when the food is so incredibly comforting.

A selection of meats, cheese and olives to get us warmed up

Parmigiana in Vetro ($8) tasted like a lasagna in a jar! Aged parmigiano mousse is layered with roasted eggplant puree, tomato sauce and served with crostini. It was a discovery dish  which got you digging deeper for a taste of all the diverse flavours that just sing in harmony together when finally devoured. Beautiful presentation too.

Make This! Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

I found this recipe for Strawberry Cheesecake Bites at Food.com and have been bringing them to the slew of housewarming parties and baby showers that I seem to be attending every other week. I like adding my own little touches to the original recipe and have provided some ideas below. They are super easy to make, requires no oven and are always a big hit!

Ingredients:

• fresh strawberries
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 8 ounces puff marshmallow (alternatively use 2-3 tbsp of sugar and 1 tbsp of cream or milk)
• I also like to add a few drops of vanilla
• crushed graham cracker
• other types of garnish: cinnamon, nutmeg, shaved chocolate, sprinkles if there are kids attending, etc.

Directions:

1. Cut out centers of strawberries and place them on a paper towel to absorb moisture. (If you want them to stand, cut a bit of the bottom off.)
2. Mix whipped cream cheese and puff marshmallow (or sugar with cream/milk) together until smooth and place in pastry bag or large zip lock bag with edge cut.
3. Fill strawberries with mixture and dip into crushed graham crackers.
4. Garnish to your liking.
5. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

Total Prep Time: 20 mins and serves 2-4 people.

Farm Fresh Fare At The Green Living Show

There was a ton to do and see at this year’s Green Living Show, held at Exhibition Place.  Over three days, the GLS showcased thousands of eco products and services, live presentations by eco-icons and celebs and more than 400 exhibits.

But for me, the highlight was the food! This year’s GLS hosted Farm Fresh Fare – 18 food stations of delectable offerings created by dynamic Producer and Chef partnerships.  Here are my top 5 favourite dishes out of the bunch:

1) Porchetta on Wood Fired Bread
By Chef Mario Pingue and Fernando Pingue of Niagara Specialty Foods and producers: DuBreton and Ravine Bakery. Holy sandwich, batman!  This delicacy was overflowing with sumptuous meat on freshly baked bread, bringing a new level to the sub sandwich.

2) Hearty Buckwheat Apple Crisp
Chef: Evelyne Gharbirian of Hearty Catering and producers: Lincoln Line Orchards Harmony Organic. You can’t go wrong with baked apples topped with honey and organic whipped cream. I wanted to devour the whole tray. Check out Hearty Catering’s veggielicious spread at the Riverdale Farmers’ Market on Tuesdays from 3-7pm (May to October) and at Evergreen Brick Works on Saturdays from 8am-2pm (May to November).

Beep Beep. The Gourmet B1tches Food Truck is Here!

There's a hot new truck in town and it's being driven by the Gourmet B1tches of Toronto, Shontelle Pinch and Bianka Matchett. Both have a knack for entertaining, cooking and socializing that a food truck evolved out of catering for friends and family. Of course, they do it all in style in their five inch heels.

Shontelle has been working the hospitality scene for over 17 years and managed a restaurant in Toronto for the past five years. Bianka is a savvy home cook and mother who is always on the hunt for the freshest ingredients and healthy options that you can feel good about serving to your family.

We got a sampling of their food truck menu, when they hosted a launch party at The Boiler House inside of The Distillery District. The Gourmet B1tches have options that are free of gluten, dairy, soy and spelt  to cater to those with allergies or with dietary restrictions.

The spread for the night included chicken wings, tostadas, sliders, ceviche and poutine

Mother's Day High Tea Ideas - Toronto

Instead of piling your Mom up with more knick-knacks and #1 Mom mugs, we recommend treating her to High Tea and a swanky afternoon in Toronto. I did this a couple years ago for my mother-in-law and she was thrilled. It had been years since she had been for Afternoon Tea and never at The Royal York Hotel. It's the perfect alternative to brunch and something extra special that you can both share and have a cool memory of.

If you're thinking of booking High Tea in Toronto on Mother's Day weekend. I suggest you stop reading right now and pick up the phone. Reservations fill up quickly and Mother's Day weekend is a seriously in demand time. We always do it the week before or week after Mother's Day to avoid the crush. But if you're thinking day-of, call NOW.

Here a few places we love and recently reviewed. Click on the links to read our full post:

1) Red Tea Box - Tea Bento Boxes, Queen West, Toronto has an adorable little coach house around back, a sunny patio and an Asian or traditional tea menu. Read our story here!

2) Windsor Arms Hotel - Afternoon Tea, Toronto has one of the best traditional tea menus in the city. The sandwiches are top-notch, plus you can explore Yorkville afterwards or take a walk through the U of T grounds.

3) The Royal York Hotel - High Tea in the Library Bar, Toronto. I recommend splurging here and ordering the Royal Tea Experience. The sandwiches are nicer and you can add a glass of sparkling Moet.

Urban Eats @ 2nd Avenue Deli, NYC

I think I've found what is possibly my favourite Jewish deli in all of NYC. 2nd Avenue Deli was recommended to me out of Eat.Shop NYC Travel Guide and a gem of a find in a city full of tourist traps. I've done the big famous delis near Times Square and I always feel hurried in there and the line-ups are always long. 2nd Avenue Deli is cozy, where you can stay awhile and no one is rushing you out the door. It's where the locals come to eat hot, fatty Pastrami Sandwiches On Rye ($15.95) or huge Triple Deckers (from $21.95) stacked high with roast turkey, brisket and chicken fat.

I can never leave a proper deli without ordering a Matzoh Ball Soup ($7.50). The big juicy ball comes to you with carrots and the server brings a hot pot of broth to pour over the whole glorious bowl at you table, so the whole thing is fresh - never too soggy.

We also crunched our way through their delicious homemade pickles - I think one was a pickled tomato (a first for me). 

Our Summer Wine Picks From Prince Edward County

With summertime looming (HOORAY), it’s almost time to relax with a glass of red on the patio. But have you thought about the wine list? I attended the County in the City event at the Church at Berkeley Church.  

This was a wine-tasting event that highlighted the wines of Prince Edward County, hosted by the Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival. Over the course of several hours, I sampled an array of wines and even went back for seconds at some stations!  

Weekend Brunch @ The Drake Hotel, Toronto

Photo Credit - Wil Lau

I recently moved across the street from The Drake Hotel in Toronto and find myself meeting people here all the time for coffee, drinks or brunch. It's an easy spot with reliable food, a laid-back vibe and cool decor. Here's the latest from our recent visit for brunch....

The Warm Scone Share Plate ($7.95) is named the best in the city by The Toronto Star. I love that they are bursting with berries and begging to be smothered in cream and jam. Yes, they are the best blueberry scones in Toronto - but #1 scone in the city still goes to The King Edward Hotel because the Queen Mum is never wrong. If you're starving, I recommend ordering these to get you started with a hot cup of dark coffee.

I rarely order anything besides The Southern Fried Chicken + Waffles ($14.75).  It's soul food with a little bit of sweet and salty and a whole lot of crunch. The Drake Hotel version is a herbed waffle with three pieces of crispy fried chicken, a pat of melted butter and sweet Niagara cherry jam - all smothered in maple syrup. If breakfast could be like this everyday, I would be a 400-pound woman. I'm not sure what they do to the chicken here, but the skin is practically curling over because it's so crispy. The meat is still moist on the inside. Drake Hotel Chicken + Waffles beats any other I've had in the city AND it beats Roscoe's Chicken + Waffles in LA.

Best way to cure a hangover? More alcohol! Ok, I don't know if this is true, but the cocktails were too hard to resist, even after I made a long-winded speech about how I need to cut down on drinking. The Apricot Fizz ($9) was calling my name. Made with apricot brandy, lemon + lime juice, sugar and soda - it packs a stronger punch than your typical mimosa. Love Caesars? The Drake's Gin + Cucumber Caesar ($13) is my absolute favourite and a refreshing twist to your typical Clamato juice.

Made With Love Mixology Competition - Toronto

Santa came twice for me this year – I was invited to Made with Love, a cocktail competition in the Distillery District. Never heard of it? It’s kind of a big deal in the mixology world. Once a year, thirteen of the best bartenders in town showcase their personal cocktail creations, and compete for the coveted MWL Judges’ Choice and the MWL People’s Choice Awards.

Meanwhile, ticket holders get to savour every drink and vote on their favourite cocktail. Did I mention the event also serves up great music and delicious appetizers throughout the evening?

At the Fermenting Cellar, I was handed a string of drink tickets and a MWL necklace to award to my favourite bartender of the night. With thirteen drinks to savour, I knew it was going to be difficult to choose only one winner.

Without further ado, here are my top picks:

Kathleen Shattock, Fox/the Miller Tavern

Drink: If That Ain’t Love

Check out this hot pink masterpiece! Kathleen was inspired to create a cocktail with Polish vodka, and I’m glad she did. I loved watching her mix up this delish drink and explain the ingredients, which included Zubrowka vodka, Chai simple syrup, lemon juice and egg white.

Happy Birthday Blowfish On Bay

Blowfish, the sleek and sexy sushi restaurant and sake bar in the heart of Toronto's Financial District turned one this week and to celebrate we indulged in these bit-size glory creations.

Pull up a chair and we hope you are really hungry because the Blowfish menu is one of the most diverse we've seen - flawless maki, scrumptious sushi rolls and hot & cold sharing plates. Executive Chef G.Q. Pan seamlessly merges Japanese and Pan-Pacific styles with European and North American flavours.

Orange & black makimono roll: salmon, mango, avocado, orange & black tobiko, yuzu drizzle. $13

The almond encrusted calamari served with wasabi dijon kewpie is flash fried which adds an incredible crunch to this twist on a classic. $10

Binnaga–maguro ceviche diced albacore, avocado, cucumber, romaine, tomato and pine nuts, tossed in a combination of jalapeno, yuzu and served on a crispy taro chip. $18

Urban Eats @ Against the Grain Urban Tavern

Since the weather has been so gorgeous, we thought we would re-post our feature on one of our favourite patios in the city. Have a great weekend!

Toronto has just gained an incredible lake front patio at the base of the Corus Entertainment building next to Sugar Beach. 

Against the Grain Urban Tavern is the perfect place to soak up the sun with a clear view of the lake and the Toronto Islands. 

We snagged a spot for lunch and enjoyed a Mediterranean Pizza ($15) baked up in their stone oven. Prices range in the $13-17 for a variety of sandwiches, burgers, mussels, salads and pub favourites like fish & chips. 

The prices may seem a bit more expensive than your typical Toronto pub, but the food is pretty quality and you're definitely getting a great view. Against the Grain also strives to use local, in-season ingredients whenever possible. It's not a huge menu, but it's focused and the staff are all very friendly.

If you're just looking for a casual place to grab an after-work drink, Against the Grain has a variety of European and local brews on tap. They are also offering a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays with a $3 Caesar special from 11 AM - 3 PM. We are definitely looking forward to passing the lazy, hazy days of summer here.

Big props for the planning department at Corus for thinking of putting a patio here. It's an easy walk for the condo crowd in the area and of course, lots of Corus employees and office workers from other buildings too. We barely had to wait, it's a huge patio with lots of seating. Make sure to check the website for nightly specials too.