Treat | Apple and almond custard German pastry

A weekend treat for hubby I bought from Dimpflmeier German Bakery ....

Dreaming of Farm Life

One thing that is common with my bucket list and that of my hubby is to live in a farm where we can raise chickens and lambs and grow lemon trees and herbs (lots and lots of of therm!). Maybe one day. For now, we can always drive to farm houses not far from where we are and dream of having these ... up close and personal ....

... maybe. one. day.

Shared with : Rurality Blog Hop

Bites and Nibbles @ Momofuku Noodle Bar

I went to Momofuku Noodle Bar in November last year - three months after it opened its door to Torontonians. There were lots of hype about the place so I thought it was worth traveling from Ajax to give their ramen a try.

I arrived just in time for lunch so the place was already in full swing. I was seated right away by a friendly staff  in one of the communal tables and in no time, another staff came to introduce the items on the menu.

I settled for these with much anticipation .....

The pork bun was truly a gustatory delight - soft and light bun welcoming the flavours of the perfectly cooked pork belly. The hoisin sauce and green onion slices kicked it up a notch. I paired this treat with the Momofuku ramen which was a dissappontment. I find the broth salty and not hot enough {sorry, I like mine hot - ramen or otherwise *-*}. For somebody who grew up in Asia where ramen is a staple food, this one didn't meet my expectations. I will go back and try other things on the menu - just another reason to have pork bun - on the side!

MOMOFUKU NOODLE BAR

190 University Ave. Toronto

We {heart} nature : Niagara Falls State Park (USA}

Taking photos of the majestic Niagara Falls  is one of my favorite things to do - every season is different. The view of the falls is always perfect any time of the year from the Canadian side of the boarder. That said,  I wonder what is there to see on the US side.

Last week, hubby and I went hiking at Niagara Falls State Park in New York and finally I saw what I have been missing all these years!

The view from the observation deck is impressive and I was able to really get closer to the falls. The powerful sound of cascading water is amazing . What impressed me more is the totality of park. I have to admit that the park is much better than the Canadian side simply because there are more trees, hiking trails and benches where one can really appreciate nature. No tourist traps too {if I may add}.

We hiked along the rapids - oh, the sweet smell of soil fresh from winter hibernation and the mist in the air - spring has truly sprung!

There are more to see like the the Rock of Ages and Cave of the Winds that are closed for winter. We will be back in late spring for another nature adventure!

Share with : Weekly Top Shot

Chasing Sunset

We were driving on our way back to our hotel in Niagara Falls when we saw this .... yes, the sun was beginning to "retire" so I grab my camera and asked my husband to drive slowly ....

.... so I can capture these....

The sky's dramatic transformation when the day is ready to retire is amazing! Another reason to thank the Lord at the end of the day!

we {HEART} nature : Purple Woods Conservation Area

There was (still) ice on the grounds and the temperature was {still!} below zero but we headed out for the annual maple syrup festival at Purple Woods. I guess we were not the only one ....

.... who decided to brave the bitter wind to taste the fresh "liquid gold" on hot pancakes!

The steaming hot apple cider managed to put the smile back on everyone ... yes including ours!

Have a blessed Easter everyone!

Easter Sunday

Our GOD reigns! Halleluiah!

Bites and Nibbles @ Le Cartet

Great food + chic ambiance + friendly service = Le Cartet!

When I am on business trip, I normally eat breakfast at the hotel to maximize the time. On this particular trip, I finished all the tasks at hand earlier than expected so I was able to enjoy a brunch at this highly recommended resto-boutique.

The place is still closed when I got there but there was already a short line of excited foodies waiting. Once inside, I  was impressed by Le Cartet's trendy ambiance - high ceilings, long harvest table for communal dining and perfect light giving the place an airy feel.

After minutes of deliberation (there's so much on the menu that I wish to try}, I finally settled for brunch sante: 2 perfectly poached eggs served on top of toasted country bread with lightly dressed mesclun salad,

Cheddar cheese, fruits and dried fig. 

It also came with a bowl of to die for creamy Greek yoghurt topped with ginger granola and plump blueberries. I drizzled it with honey and my oh my - the tartness of the berries,  the creaminess of the thick yoghurt, the crunchiness of the flavorful granola plus the sweetness of the honey - that made my day!

I'll be back for sure. In the meantime ....bonne journee!

Good Friday

"Were you there when they crucify my Lord?"

St Patrick's Day Favorites

Happy St. Patrick day everyone! 

Hours before drinking Guinness with hubby, I enjoyed my "me time" this Sunday afternoon browsing the new issue of Food and Drink {can't wait to try new spring recipes!}while snacking on green tea cake and shamrock shake.

How could I not take photos of these .... different shades of green of my food and drink!

Seeing Rouge in Grey

When hubby and I arrived here in Canada 14 years ago, Montreal was our first home. We lived there for 3 years and we both fell in love with vieux Montreal. So, on my recent business trip to Montreal in late November, I was able to squeezed in some time visiting this old and beautiful part of the city.

It was grey and very cold - but that did not stopped me to grab my camera and put on my heavy coat and comfy boots very early in the morning. I wanted a quiet time - just me, my camera and the cobbled steps in this part of town. Don't get me wrong - I love old Montreal any time of the day but I've spent most of my time here during the busy hours where the town is alive with excited tourists, locals minding their businesses, restautants filled with hungry foodies eager to sample Montreal's finest cuisine, and oh the night life - that is a different story all together!

But today was a total contrast - the streets are deep in slumber, still recuperating from previous night's revelry. Most of the establishments were still close except for the boulangeries selling freshly-baked baguettes and pastries {this alone justified my being out on this very cold day!}. The silence was punctuated by the sound of the horses' hooves carrying the caleche - preparing for the busy day ahead.

From rue Saint Denis, I walked further south until I saw one my favorite places on earth. Looking down at the bottom of this hilly street, (along rue Saint Paul} there stand the Notre-Dame-de Bon-Secours chapel - so quaint as usual but always welcoming.

Yes, it was grey and cold but this part of the world will always be RED  and vibrant in my eyes!

Je me souviens .....