Fork and Bottle

Explore the world of artisan cheese and authentic virgin olive oils.

MY MOTHER’S OLIVES AND OILS
Imported directly from Peter Eliopoulos’ hometown in Greece, these items can act as a delicacy for you or as an ideal hostess gift. www.peterandpaulsbaskets.com

FIFTH TOWN CHEESE
This company’s Bagel Chevre, which incorporates lemon thyme, cracked black pepper and goat milk, has a soft, creamy texture. When you chew into the firm Isabella cheese you can taste the nut, the goat cheese and the briny overtones. The Cape Vessey cheese’s chewy washed rind, salt, 100 per cent fresh goat’s milk and creamy palate makes for an intriguing combination. Read more

Let’s do Lunch — December 2009

“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper.” – Adelle Davis (1904-1974)

1. La Reserve
www.mariovena.ca, www.lareserve.ca |  905.881.0477
For a true Italian dining experience, try La Reserve’s signature dishes by master chef Mario Vena, and a wide selection of contemporary wines. Entertaining? Have some savoury delicacies brought to your home or workplace this Holiday season with Catering by Mario. Salute!

2. Giorgio D. Ristorante
www.giorgiod.com | 416.661.8989
Since 1976, the Sampogna family has been inviting critics and guests alike to indulge in their delicious dishes Read more

Wake Up and Smell Alfa Cappuccino!

Do you recall when you enjoyed your first sip of coffee? Chances are your intense love affair with caffeine is still going strong, as you yearn for its rich aroma each morning. “It must be of a sweet taste – not bitter – and it must have a few centimetres of froth or schiuma, as we call it. And when you pour the sugar into the coffee, it should be allowed to sit for a few seconds. It is an art. No doubt about it,” says Ross Cammalleri, owner and general manager of Alfa Cappuccino. This, his sharp, impassioned and tempting description of the ideal espresso, sends the java-obsessed on frenzied coffee runs.

Alfa Cappuccino is an importing mecca: an impressive 20,000 sq. ft. of espresso machines, coffee makers, whole coffee beans, coffee grinders and restaurant equipment and accessories. Ross, along with his brother Sam, began Alfa Cappuccino in 1986. “This coming October it will be 23 years,” explains Ross. Read more

Tremonti Ristorante: Moves Culinary Mountains

A definitive leader in fine Italian dining for over a decade, Tremonti Ristorante has pleased the palates of Vaughan residents since 1986. This long-term success is without a doubt a testament to its gastronomic flair and steadfast commitment to culinary achievements.

Named after three famous mountains in the Abruzzo region of Italy, Tremonti is known for its fresh seafood and fine-cut meats. With such unique dishes as the renowned pappardelle and wild bore, Tremonti’s menu is anything but boring. “A lot of people come here for our homemade gnocchi in a pheasant ragu,” says owner Claudio Librando. “And of course, our wine list is designed to quench any demand.” Read more

Let’s do Lunch in Vaughan

If you’re looking to invigorate your taste buds with a rich and warm meal, turn to Vaughan to feed all your needs.

1. Di Manno Ristorante
www.dimannoristorante.com | 905.707.5888
Visit Di Manno for an unforgettable experience complete with a meal that melts in your mouth. The chic, romantic ambience accompanied by a welcoming staff has Vaughan residents raving. Whether it’s a light lunch, a delicious dinner or a catered event, Di Manno Ristorante has it all.

2. Nawab Authentic Indian Cuisine
www.nawabindiancuisine.ca | 905.707.5002
Indulge in exotic spices at Nawab Authentic Indian Cuisine. Blending rich and silky curries that vary from mild to hot Read more

Let’s do Lunch

We’ve all had meals out that have involved upset stomachs, empty pockets or disappointing service. The unfortunate experience makes you wish you had just scrubbed your hands, sharpened your knives, threw on a floral apron and prepared the meal yourself! Turn to these reliable restaurants, which have garnered positive reviews all across the city. Read more

Mideastro: Spice up your taste buds with the latest fusion restaurant.

There’s something about Mideastro – it’s air thick with culture and elegance, it’s atmosphere saturated with downtown cool. Tucked away on a quiet street just north of Toronto, every visitor is whisked away on a romantic Italian journey, floated through the Mediterranean Sea and landed on the eastern shores of Israel. A place where East meets West, Mideastro isn’t your proverbial restaurant but an opportunity to delve into the mysterious and complex twists and tastes of flavours hailing from influential world-class cuisines, which bubble and melt like a dream on your palate.

A powerhouse when it comes to offering the local dining scene something a little more than the ordinary, Mideastro flexes with versatility. Its subdued décor of flickering candles soothes you, the syncopation of classical jazz from a live band Read more

The Big Cheese

Sprinkled on a green, healthful salad, served as an hors d’oeuvres, warmed on a French stick or savoured as a dessert, goat cheese turns every celebration from blah to bold. With its distinctively creamy, sharp taste resounding on the palates of party-goers and soiree hosts with the most, goat cheese has over the years become a table favourite; a special guest star. Onto the red carpet rolls Celebrity International Goat Cheese with Cranberry and Cinnamon, a freshly festive delicacy bursting with warmth and surging with bodied flavour. Made in Canada using the premier milk of soybean-fed goats, Celebrity shines on its own or when complemented with a robust glass of red wine and spread across crunchy crackers. Introduced by Canadian Food and Restaurant Association member Finica Food Specialties Ltd., the contrasting sweetness of the Canadian cranberries marries nicely with the tartness Read more

Vinsanto Ristorante – Linguine Vinsanto Seafood Marinara

When a restaurant operates on an essential motto of ambience, decadence and passion, you know its cuisine is something out of the ordinary. Vinsanto Ristorante offers this exquisite seafood pasta dish, guaranteed to tantalize the palate and make your guests beg for more. And if you don’t have time to make it, Vinsanto’s doors are open. www.vinsanto.ca

In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the onion and garlic for two minutes. Add the saffron threads, fish broth, fresh chives, butter, chopped basil, dry white wine and heavy cream. Read more

Tresca Trattoria – Cedar Plank Shrimp, Swordfish & Roasted Vegetables

The fruits of the sea can be a sinful delight when prepared well. If there’s one place you can find a delectable seafood creation with a positively pummeling burst of flavour, it’s at Tresca Trattoria. This dish is sure to dazzle your guests with an overwhelming array of sumptuous satisfaction. Try it at home or visit Tresca to see how it’s done!  www.trescatrattoria.com

In a bowl, toss the jumbo shrimp and swordfish with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper and set aside. Layer the bottom of the cedar plank with the onions Read more

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