The Thrill of the Covert Food Find

Have you ever been to the Village by the Grange food court? I love the seemingly covert location of what is definitely not you average food court. You won't find your usual chain restaurants here. Instead, a really diverse collection of great local spots serve everything from Indian to Chinese cuisine. The first time I ate here it felt like I accidentally stumbled across a well kept secret. Of course, this added to it's charm. I definitely tend to love the feeling of having somehow 'discovered' a new food place. It comes from my tendency to love a good hole in the wall restaurant. 

That was a few years ago. Nowadays the place is definitely more well known. Nonetheless, it has maintained its seemingly unexpected location, hidden under the tall skyscrapers at University and Dundas. 

My favourite place within the mish-mash, and likely their best known spot, is Mean Bao. When you eat here, you definitely wouldn't think "I'm eating food court food". They serve excellent bao (a steamed bun)sandwiches. My favourite ones are filled with things like pork belly, and tofu with enoki mushrooms, always topped with all the right fixings. Their dim sum dumplings are also really good. Check out my pics and tell me if you've ever eaten here. Or do you have a favourite hole in the wall place that you've discovered?  

Pretty excited to go feast on bao and dumplings

Pork Belly Bao and Shrimp Dumplings

French Invasion

I've recently noticed an insurgence of French inspired bakeries in Toronto. Even corporate giant Starbucks is getting in on the action. I have to say, their new boulangerie style butter croissants are surprisingly delicious. They even warm them up for you. Yum. 

Not to sound too cliche, but it's really great to enjoy baked goods almost as delicious as the ones I've had in Paris years ago. Even at my local Starbucks.

My longstanding favourite French inspired Toronto bakery however is probably Nadege. Of course their macaroons are amazing, but they do everything else really well too. I can't help but love their artistically intricate pastries or their homemade marshmallows. They also have this thing that should probably be up for national holiday status... Croissunday! Although I have never actually had the opportunity to partake, seeing as both times I was out of the city.. aka the saddest thing ever, I will definitely attend the next one. It involves an amazing array of croissants in the best flavours imaginable. 

What are some of your favourite places to enjoy a good croissant or a mouth watering pastry? 

Enjoying a sunny St. Patrick's Day at Nadege. Notice the Guinness flavoured (lucky) macaroon. 

Warm and flaky. Ooh yeah. 

Southern Haze

I love visiting the southern United States. It is culturally distinctive, brimming with lots of character, southern friendliness, warm weather and of course, indulgent food. 

I was lucky enough to escape the cold for over a week when my boyfriend and I visited his parents in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. It is not necessarily a quintessential southern destination, but nonetheless a perfect spot for a relaxing beach vacation with a unique small island community vibe. But of course, I have to mention the unexpectedly great local food. You just have to know where to go. Check it out!

The best ice-cream at the Royal Scoop

You have to love the vast variety of jerky /mystery meat at the local 7-eleven

My favorite place brunch place, if not my favorite place on the island for food, the Heavenly Biscuit. The name says it all. 

P.S. no good pictures to post, but if you are in the area, Maria’s Smokehouse is a must try. Start with their gumbo and work your way through what is likely the best seafood in the area. Trust. Also, the nearby Rib City has some of the best smoked ribs that I have ever had. Just saying.