For the Love of Cake: Liberty Village

We stumbled on For the Love of Cake when we bought a cake ball deal from Groupon. This place is a gem! Whether you are ordering a special cake or looking for treat, all of the deserts here are a work of art!

We had cake balls which are two bites of cake (bigger than a tim bit) and dipped in chocolate or some other delicious coating. The salted Caramel was my favourite. This bakery is worth the drive! and if you haven't been to Liberty Village lately, wow, has this neighbourhood evolved fast! So many excellent shops. Enjoy!

Where to eat in Riverdale: The Combine Eatery

As Riverdale residents, we are always looking for good food combined with good value. A few too many times lately we have left establishments still hungry and with a big bill.

Last night the family headed out to The Combine Eatery at 162 Danforth Ave, just east of Broadview. The owner, Amy is delightful and the staff was friendly and attentive. They have done extensive renovations and the casual cool ambiance is relaxing and welcoming.

So enough about the space, let's talk food! We have a very picky 9 year old who had the Mac and Cheese and loved it! The menu includes Lobster Tacos (Yum!), Ribs, Hamburgers, Gourmet Onion Rings, fresh cole slaw, big leafy salads. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. All this and very reasonably priced.

Though it is not good for you, we did have the poutine and it was fantastic!

They don't take reservations however if you have a big group, call before your get there and they accommodate as best they can.  These folks get the concept of service!

Looking to try someplace new? Check out The Combine Eatery!

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2011/07/21/introducing-the-combine/

Toronto Taste of the Danforth

 
The Taste of the Danforth is one of the largest street festivals in North America - and for good reason! It's all about the food!

Our hands down favourite is Messinis. They make the best Gyros on a pita. The secret? Fries are one of the toppings! If you want to try a Messinis, the line up will be around the block so best to try their famous Greek Fries (Silver dollar fries topped with Feta and Oregano, toasted golden brown) any other time of the year.

For Souvlaki on a Pita, Detroit Eatery is the spot. This Greek family business has been a fixture for over 20 years and they know how to make souvlaki!

New to the Danforth this year is the Combine eatery - we look forward to checking that out as well as Dolce Gelato.

Word of caution - take the subway! Parking is nuts. Exit at Broadview, Chester or Pape. The festival stretches from Broadview to Jones.

This year's festival begins on Friday, August 5th at 6:00pm and runs through to Sunday, August 7th at 8:00pm.

A Decima Research poll indicated that 90% of respondents identified "The Taste" as their favourite GTA festival event -- beating out such iconic events as the Toronto International Film Festival, Caribana and Pride Week. The Pilaros Taste of the Danforth won two Toronto Sun Reader's Choice Awards: a Gold for Favourite Community Festival and a Silver for Favourite Summer Festival.

For more information check out http://www.tasteofthedanforth.com/tasteofthedanforth.php

Opening Soon: What's new in Toronto restaurants

Soon-to-be open restaurants on our radar:

Keriwa Cafe (1690 Queen St. W.) will be opening in May, with a focus on local, seasonal food with an Aboriginal twist.

Uncle Betty's Diner (2590 Yonge St.) will also have comfort food on the menu, but think more traditional diner fare like hot dogs, ice cream and burgers. They're planning a soft opening in early May.

The Combine Eatery is under construction on the Danforth near Broadview. No word on what they'll be serving, but one of the co-owners is Amy Chow, who used to own the now-defunct True Restaurant in Yorkville which specialized in local and organic cuisine.

Against the Grain (25 Dockside Dr.) pub will be opening in the Corus Entertainment building this spring. It's owned by F.A.B. Concepts Inc. who also own Brazen Head Irish Pub and the Foggy Dew.

If you live in Riverdale you may know Amy of the Combine Eatery as the better half of Cam - renowned mechanic and owner of Cam's Thruway Muffler on King Street East.

Good luck Amy!  We will certainly be over to check out your new diggs.

Toronto: Winterlicious 2011 stars January 28th

Winterlicious 2011 starts January 28th and the opportunity to try Toronto's top restaurants for a steal is about to begin!

Here is a list of the participating restaurants - Enjoy!

http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/restaurants.nsf/Winterlicious?Openform