LAUNCH | Toronto's popular Japanese izakaya rebranded as Kinka Izakaya

Guu Izakaya has been in Toronto quite a while now and Torontonians are probably used to being greeted by the servers' "irashaimase" every time they enter the restaurant. All three locations have been rebranded as Kinka Izakaya as of late but fear not, as they're still serving their signature dishes, and being attentive as ever. I haven't been for a few months and for this visit, I got to taste all my usual favourites and then some.

REVIEW | Get ready to pig out at Pig Out BBQ, the newest BBQ joint in The Annex

Patio season is sadly over with the weather getting colder everyday but that doesn't mean you can't have your BBQ ribs! Pig Out BBQ, a popular BBQ joint offering affordable and delicious BBQ ribs, wings, briskets and more. Lucky for us Torontonians, they just opened a new location on Spadina Ave. at Harbord St.!

REVIEW | Playa Cabana on Dupont offers generous portions of delicious Mexican staples

I've been a fan of Playa Cabana's Barrio Coreano since its opening (read review here) but didn't have a chance to visit their original location on Dupont until September this year. Thank goodness that I did because I can't stop thinking about their jar of jabanero sauce and scrumptious tacos!

OPENING | Chatime opens a new location in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood for more 'Good Tea, Good Time'

My favourite bubble tea brand, Chatime has its opened doors to their latest store, located in the Annex across the street from the St. George subway station. This location will be especially convenient for the UofT students nearby. I got a sneak preview of the store last week and ended up leaving with more love for Chatime and discovered their hidden gem drinks.

OPENING | Montreal's popular PoutineVille opens in Toronto's Annex neighbourhood

The arrival of Poutineville to the Annex means that we can finally have all you can eat poutine and a heart attack - just kidding! We don't mean a real heart attack but Poutineville's infamous 15 lb. poutine called 'The Heart Attack."

LAUNCH | Bar Mercurio - introducing the 'Love our pizza or it's free' challenge!

For the past 17 years, regular patrons have come in and out of Bar Mercurio solely based on word of mouth. Rather than continuing to keep its authentic Italian cuisine a secret, they are launching their “love our pizza or it’s free” challenge. After having tasted their food first hand, we don’t think they’ll be giving many pizzas away for free!

REVIEW | Sam James Coffee Pocket - a no-fuss, no-BS, quickie coffee bar in Koreatown

I'm sure many coffee-lovers in the city are already aware of the two Sam James Coffee Bar locations on Harbord and King St.  It was a mere coincidence that on one afternoon, I happen walking on Bloor Steet (just had some Korean soondubu that day) that I saw this hidden gem called the Sam James Coffee Pocket!  And, what a perfect name for this location.

REVIEW | Barrio Coreano - Koreatown's new hot spot offering Korean/Mexican creations

There's a new hot eatery in Koreatown! Barrio Coreano, by the creators of Playa Cabana, has situated itself among Korean family restaurants in the area and taking the neighbourhood by storm.  My visit was on a Thursday night as a walk in (as online booking was full) and was lucky enough to get a seat!

REVIEW | Guu Sakabar - Japenese Izakaya experience without going to Japan!

Mondays are always the worst day of the week for me. It’s so hard to wake up in the morning after having relaxed for two days on the weekend. To beat the Monday blues, we decided to head over to Guu Sakabar after work for some catching up.

Say Cheese - best gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches

For lunch, we made a visit to get some grilled cheese sandwiches at Say Cheese Toronto, a cozy retro-diner style shop in the Annex.  It's super easy to get to as it's right on Bloor street, just a few minute walk from St. George subway station.

From reading up on reviews online, we were pretty excited to try these sandwiches as grilled cheese is one of our favourites!