LAUNCH | Tea Lattes and Tea Cocktails using David's Teas Winter Collection

With just over a month until Christmas, I'm sure everyone's planning their holiday gift lists and get togethers with friends and family - we're no exception!  After visiting David's Tea's new & improved location on Queen West (they've moved a block East), I'm super inspired to recreate their tea cocktails and tea lattes using some of their festive Winter Collection teas!

LAUNCH | New menu & kitchen program with premium whisky at The Emmet Ray

Ever since its doors opened in December 2009 on College St., The Emmet Ray remains as comfortable and inviting as it was 5 years ago. While the atmosphere has stayed the same, they have recently launched a new menu and kitchen program which is sure to impress regulars and new diners.

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.

REVIEW | The Good Press - Yorkville's new organic, cold-pressing juice bar

Cold-pressing has been around for decades but it wasn't until late 2012 - early 2013 that Toronto started catching on to this new "trend" and saw a boost of juice bars dedicated to providing one-bottle meals full of super-foods.  Yorkville welcomed The Good Press to their swanky neighbourhood this season and is quickly becoming a go-to for a quick snack or even a meal alternative.

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.

OPENING | D.W. Alexander - Toronto's new premium cocktail bar at the Distillery District

With its blended entrance, dark interior and mysterious atmosphere, D.W Alexander is reminiscent of an upscale British gentleman’s club. Located at the corner of Church and Front, it is a mere 10 minute walk from Union station and plentiful parking in the Downtown Distillery District.  

EVENT | Muscadet Magic at iYellow Wine Club - discovered a new favourite French white!

Ever since our wine class last December (read review here), we've become big fans of what Toronto's iYellow Wine Club does - create a wine experience like no other for wine-lovers.  This time around, we were invited back for their 'Muscadet & More' event, to discover France's hidden gems.  I mean, who can say no to that?

REVIEW | Old Mill Inn - an elegant afternoon tea experience in Toronto's heritage boutique hotel

Last Sunday, I headed over to The Old Mill Inn for an afternoon tea with my mom.  I knew about their popular afternoon tea and despite the Inn being located close to my home, I haven't made a visit until just recently.  The Old Mill Inn's customary English Tea service has been enjoyed by many since 1914 and it combines traditional favourites and contemporary flavours.

REVIEW | El Caballito Tequila Bar - after work drinks & late night snack bar #MidnightTaco on King West

I love, love, love tequila & tacos, so when I discovered that there's a new spot in town, I made my way there without hesitation.  The new El Caballito Tequila Bar is located at King and Simcoe, a great location to head to after work!

EVENT | iYellow Wine Club - Toronto's social wine club offering interesting & fun classes to explore the world of wine

If you're a wine-lover or looking to learn more about wine, you're going like this post. We were invited to one of iYellow Wine Club's classes last week in their new "wine cave" located on Queen Street West.  We're so happy we attended because the wine class was not only informative, it was interesting and fun!

REVIEW | The Tea Room - Simple Afternoon Tea on Oakville's harbour front

Afternoon Tea has been around for ages but it isn't until recently that it really started to make a comeback. When you think afternoon tea, you usually think of intricate china, pastries and finger sandwiches. A lot of places have elevated afternoon tea by adding sophisticated desserts, mimosas and champagne instead of tea but The Tea Room in Oakville has maintained the simplicity of this afternoon indulgence. 

REVIEW | High Tea at Shangri-La's Lobby Lounge - live music, cozy fireplace & heart warming tea on a chilly afternoon

The Shangri-La hotel is known for its luxurious and Asian-influenced decor and the new hotel in the heart of Toronto was no exception.  At first glance of the lobby lounge, you see massive paintings, beautiful sculptures, friendly smiles from the servers and a wide burning fireplace, which is where we were seated.  Seeing as everything from service ro ambiance was perfect so far, we had high expectations for our high tea.

REVIEW | DEQ at the Ritz Carlton - afternoon tea with beautiful presentation & delightful treats

After a long & busy week, all I want to do is indulge in yummy food, whether it be savoury or sweet.  What better way to satisfy both those cravings than an afternoon tea filled with scones, tarts, sandwiches and some mindless chitchat?

This past Saturday (a rainy & gloomy one at that), I headed over to DEQ at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto with one of my friends for an afternoon of pure culinary indulgence.

REVIEW | Annona at the Park Hyatt Yorkville - Afternoon Tea that hits all the right notes

 As a post-birthday meetup, my friend and I decided to go for some Afternoon Tea since we were meeting at an awkward mid-afternoon time.  Luckily for us, Annona at the Park Hyatt Yorkville had tea service starting at 3pm, which was perfect.

Park Hyatt is located on Avenue Road and Bloor St., which is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Toronto.  There's so many shops and boutiques to check out before tea time at Annona.

REVIEW | Ruelo Patisserie - deliciously perfect French macarons in midtown

Just a short walk North of Yonge & Eglinton, this the second location of this popular French Patisserie, Ruelo.  They offer fresh bread (baked daily), sandwiches, French macarons, pastries and cakes that will satisfy any one who stops by this lovely Cafe.

Their Macarons are one of the best I've had in Toronto with very unique flavours such as Green Tea Seseme and Wasabi Grapefruit!  They definitely taste ultra fresh.  I especially loved that they're not too big and not to small - the perfect size.  If you're a Macaron lover, you must visit this place.  Especially with the La Bamboche (yonge/eg location) closed, this will definitely be my new to-go place for a Macaron-fix.

REVIEW | Apricot Tree Cafe - more than just a cafe in Mississauga

Eating out in Mississauga isn't as interesting as eating out in Toronto because there are so many different option downtown. Whenever my friends and I eat out in Mississauga, it's usually the typical chain restaurants like Jack Astor's, Milestones etc..

A great place to change from the usual is a little cafe in the Sherwood Forest Plaza called Apricot Tree Cafe.

REVIEW | Thobors Boulangerie Patisserie Café - dainty little spot in Midtown

Last year, my co-worker Lindsay (check out her blog) took me to this lovely cafe on Mt. Pleasant, where I had such a delectable lunch. I forgot about this place until last week, where I was in the area meeting a friend and decided to revisit this French bakery: Thobors Boulangerie Patisserie Café!

Tucked away in the Davisville area, this little cafe always had steady traffic, full of people coming for brunch, lunch, light supper or picking up some delectable treats.