Garden Gazing in Toronto

I’m not an active gardener, but I adore flowers. An obvious influence must be that my childhood century home in the country sat on just shy of an acre of green grass, with  a glorious potpurri of wildflowers and splashes of vivid colour no matter where I explored.  The sweet peas in the vegetable garden were one of my favourite flowers, and it was fun to cut bunches to bring inside and display in a vase on the kitchen table.  There were plump and luscious lilac trees, an intoxicatingly fragrant mock orange tree, lily of the valley, peonies, irises, daffodils, and more shades and scents to be enjoyed all around my yard.

Garden gazing can be a peaceful, meditative pastime, and may even inspire your inner artist to pick up a paintbrush, camera or notebook… or even get gardening.

Here are four of my favourite Gorgeous Garden Escapes in Toronto:

1.)Spadina House – 285 Spadina Road

 

 

 

 

2.) Toronto Music Garden – 479 Queens Quay West

 

 

3.) Allan Gardens Conservatory – 19 Horticultural Avenue

 

 

4.) Edwards Gardens – 755 Lawrence Avenue East

Another CNE – 140 Years Strong (Aug. 17 – Sept. 3, 2018)

The CNE is in full swing in Toronto.  And now with only a few more days before the Labour Day finale, I’m running out of time to cover my CNE Bucket List. Here’s why I’m going to The Ex:

1.) Legends of the Silk Road Indoor Lantern Festival: The reviews are excellent for this larger-than-life illuminated festival in honour of the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism. Giant illuminated sculpture installations tell the myths and lore of the legendary Silk Road. Judging from the long lineup inside the Enercare Centre, I’m not alone in wanting to see this. I wasn’t prepared to wait in line, so I’ll have to try again on a weekday. Wish me luck! (Daily, 10am – 10pm — Enercare Centre, Hall D)

2.) Gold covered ice cream bars and hamburgers: I’ll pass on ordering the $100 burger, but I’d like to see what it looks like.  Maybe the ice cream will be more in my affordability comfort zone. Anyway, I’m on a mission to find the icecream and burgers.

3.) Flip flop sculptures:  Repurposed art is such a clever idea (not to mention environmentally sustainable), and this project by Ocean Sole makes me feel less guilty about tossing my flops to the curb. It’s fun to see the artist work on a sculpture.

4.) Quatro: Aerial Acrobatics & Ice Skating Show:  I think this is the best ticket at the fair.  Olympians Elvis Stojko and Joannie Rochette gave electric performances in years past. This year is a brand new show and I’m not sure who will be skating, but apparently special guests include 2018 Dancing on Ice winner, Vanessa Bauer, and former Cirque du Soleil artist, Angela Kim. I attend every year but this time the doors were closed on me before I had an opportunity to find my seat.  I hope to have better luck next trip. Tip: It’s a good idea to get inside the arena 30 minutes before showtime. They will close the doors 15 minutes before showtime if it’s a packed house. (Daily at 2 & 5pm — 30-minute performance)

5.) TELUS Asian Market:  Immerse yourself in the Asian culture, along Princes’ Blvd. in front of the Enercare Centre. I’m looking forward to sampling some authentic Asian food.  (Thursday, August. 30 to Monday, Sept. 3)

6.) CNE Aquarama: I had seats on the shady side of the lake for this entertaining water skiing and water sports show. Tip: If you don’t want to melt in the sun on the bleachers, head across the pedestrian bridge to Ontario Place and find a seat in the shade.          (Daily at 4 & 6pm – Mon. Sept. 3 at 4pm only)

7.) S’mores by Leclerc (Freebee Alert):  Now this is my kind of comfort food.  No cronut burger or chocolate-banana steak eclair for me, thank you.  The line went quicker than I expected. Maybe next year they’ll let us roast our own marshmallow?

CNE Trivia: Did you know that the CNE elects an Ambassador of the Fairs each year? This year’s winner is Vanessa Riddell from the Milverton Agricultural Society. Vanessa was crowned (yes, crowned) as the 2018 Canadian National Exhibition Ambassador of the Fairs. Her duties involve promoting agriculture at fairs across Ontario for the next year.

Find Your Farm-to-Lakefront Cottage Getaway at Elmhirst’s Resort

Elmhirst’s Resort – 1045 Settlers Line, Keene, Ontario, Canada

Know someone with a cottage? Now you do. Escape to Elmhirst’s Resort on Rice Lake in the Kawarthas and you’ll receive a warm, family-style welcome.  After all, this four-seasons cottage resort in Keene, Ontario, a quick 20-minute drive from Peterborough and only 90 minutes from Toronto, has been a family affair for over a century.

The Elmhirst’s seem destined to plant roots on this land. As the story goes, in 1818 King George IV granted one thousand acres of Crown Land on the North Shore of Rice Lake to Phillip James Elmhirst, a lieutenant of the Royal Navy, as a reward for his efforts against Napoleon in the Battle of Trafalgar.  Nearly a century later, in 1903, Frank Elmhirst purchased what was then the Walker Farm, 340 acres with a mile of shoreline, on Rice Lake and it’s happily been in the family ever since.

Elmhirst’s Resort offers a unique farm-to-table experience enjoyed in a relaxing, hybrid farm and lakefront cottage setting. You truly have the best of both worlds. Cottages overlook the lake, each with a private balcony, barbecue and dock. Wood burning fire places make things cozy in the colder climates, there’s an indoor and outdoor pool, spa and fitness centre, and the 18-course, Bellmere Winds Golf Course is next door.

A view of Rice Lake and the horse stables from the pasture.

The vegetable and herb garden is visible as you enter the resort, and is very much a symbol of what Elmhirst’s represents. The private landing strip is accessible in the field close by for private aerial sightseeing tours. There’s horse-back riding, and to really get into the spirit of the cowboy way, you can partake in a hearty, country “cowboy breakfast” in the pasture.

The secret Wine Cellar at Elmhirst’s Resort stocks local Ontario wines.

There’s an intimate, rustic wine cellar tightly stocked with local Ontario wines for tastings and corporate events, and an opportunity to order fresh vegetables and meat from the farm to personally grill at your cottage. Now that’s service. Or, you have the option to dine in the Hearthside Dining room, with calming views of Rice Lake, or settle in at the Wild Blue Yonder Pub & Patio for a less formal dining experience.  Elmhirst’s Own Angus Beef is bred and raised on the farm, as are turkeys, Pekin ducks and chickens. Fresh eggs are available for sale at the font desk, along with honey from the beehive. Taking a farm tour is a good way to experience an understanding of the family’s commitment to sustainable farming and environmentally friendly farming techniques.

Fresh eggs are for sale at the front desk.

Culinary Team Leader, Jay Nutt, prepared a memorable gourmet farm-to-table feast for our TMAC Ontario roadtrip tour and lunch.  A graduate of the culinary program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Jay is the former owner of Nuttshell Nextdoor Cafe in nearby Lakefield. He’s also collaborating on his fourth cookbook with wife and food writer/recipe developer, Jennifer MacKenzie.

Jay Nutt, Culinary and Service Team Leader, Elmhirst’s Resort

Chef Nutt greeted us at the garden with a cool gin cocktail from Peterborough-based  Black’s Distillery, blended with rhubarb ginger syrup and lemonade.  He explains that lunch is  “representative of our farm, gardens and local suppliers.”  And he’s certainly spoiled for choice with veggies from the garden the likes of squash, swiss chard, radishes, and asparagus in the spring. “We plan on drying our herbs later this summer and making relishes and preserves with surplus vegetables.”

A potpurri of fresh garden vegetables garnished with edible nasturtium flowers

“Elmhirst’s Own” grilled and chilled rib-eye steak and “Elmhirst’s Own” confit duck leg strudel with caramelized onions, served with “Mom’s Rhubarb Chutney”

House-smoked Linwood Acres rainbow trout with pickled onions and horseradish mayo

Needless to say, lunch was absolutely divine. I could barely remove myself from the table to head outside for Kawartha Dairy icecream sundaes topped with delectable homemade giant chocolate-coated peanut butter balls, whipped cream, and chocolate and caramel sauce.  However, we were on a strict schedule. No time to linger and wallow in the pleasures of the moment. I’ll leave that for next time.  Perhaps a Thanksgiving feast set amidst the fall foliage.

Twitter: @lotusandlager

 

My fifteen minutes…in Derry, Northern Ireland

While visiting Northern Ireland I didn’t expect to appear in the local news! Here’s the article as posted on Derry Now.  Photo is taken in front of the Peace Bridge in Derry.

Maritime Festival putting Derry on the map as international journalists enjoyed what the city had to offer

11:37 Tuesday 24th of July 2018

By Derry Now staff

 

International journalists from the US, Canada, and Belgium visited Derry last weekend to experience the Foyle Maritime Festival.

The journalists, whose publications are read by millions of people, or potential holidaymakers for Northern Ireland, were invited here by Tourism Ireland, in conjunction with Tourism NI.

Over the weekend, the journalists experienced all aspects of the festival, including personal tours of the Clipper yachts given by crew members.

They also had a chance to get close to the water during a river safari in open canoes and had front row seats for the ‘Voyages’ showcase, which included a parade of illuminated boats, tall ships and Clipper race yachts, as well as a pyrotechnic finale.

On dry land, the group enjoyed a walking tour of the city and visited the Guildhall, Museum of Free Derry, Tower Museum and the new Siege Museum and Visitors Centre.

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are delighted to welcome this group of influential journalists to the Walled City of Derry.

“Their visit is another important opportunity to shine a spotlight on the city and its maritime culture.

“We are confident that the articles the journalists will write will inspire their readers around the world to come and discover the city for themselves.

“Tourism Ireland is continuing to roll out a busy programme of promotions throughout 2018, to build on the growth in overseas visitors to Northern Ireland.

“As well as festivals and events, we are highlighting iconic experiences like the Causeway Coastal Route, the Wild Atlantic Way and our unique cities, as well as our world-renowned golf and superb food.”

Pictured above: L-to-R: Catherine Gray, Tourism NI; Kathy Mangan, National Geographic Traveler Magazine; Stephen Hartshorne, Go Nomad travel blog; Cherie De Lory, En Route magazine (Westjet); Natalie Husquin, Maxx Sud Presse and Karen Henderson, Visit Derry.

Ski School: Learn to Ski Vermont’s Green Mountains

Mad River Glen, Fayston, Vermont

Whether you’re a first timer on the slopes or a seasoned skier wanting to improve your mogul technique, it’s a smart idea to consider hitting ski school before blazing the trails. With some professional training, your ski legs will take you from bunny hill to black diamond in no time.

January is National Learn to Ski & Snowboard Month. Discounts and contests are the perfect incentive to squeeze in a little professional development on your next winter getaway or daytrip. At Vermont resorts, beginning skiers and snowboarders pay only $29 for a beginner lift ticket, professional lesson, and equipment rental. If you introduce a friend to skiing there is an opportunity to win a two-night ski-and-stay package at a Resort in Vermont. To enter, just share a photo of you and your friend on the ski slopes at a Vermont resort on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and tag it with #BringaFriendVT to win. And fifth graders get big time perks with the ski and ride for free Fifth Grade Passport.

 

Skiing down Mount Mansfield (3,625 ft) after lunch at The Cliff House, Stowe Mountain Lodge

Get your slope smarts at four of Vermont’s top resorts:

1) Killington
Killington Resort has Killington Grand for overnight visits, 155 trails and seven mountain peaks, including Pico Mountain. In addition to the $29 beginner day package, Killington is offering a 4-day adult Learn to Ski program for $249. After completing the 4-day ski boot camp you’ll receive a free pair of Killington Resort branded Elan eRise skis and bindings (valued at $499), and a discount voucher for new ski boots.
Any skier worth their ski wax and Dermatone will tell you that proper ski boot fit is critical to an enjoyable day out on the slopes. The last thing you want is painful bruised shins from an ill-fitting ski boot. Surefoot is an international ski boot store that provides custom ski boot fitting and design. This means a boot with greater comfort and circulation, as well as improved agility and balance. There is a Surefoot store located in Killington, a quick 10-minute drive from the Killington Resort.

2) Sugarbush
Located in the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont, Sugarbush boasts six mountain peaks, 111 trails, and delicious locally sourced food. The pizza is a must-have after your workout on the slopes. Clay Brook is luxury accommodation at the base of the hill.
The Ski and Ride School offers first timer group lessons for skiers and snowboarders ages 13 and up. The First Timer to Life Timer program is a thorough 3-lesson series ($255) that takes you from clothing and equipment preparedness to riding the lift and linking turns. After completing the program you’ll receive a free Sugarbush All-Mountain Season Pass for the 2013/14 winter season.

3) Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Lodge, with ski valet and a new state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center next door, is situated at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont. The resort has 116 trails and 90% snowmaking coverage.
The Stowe for Starters program offers group ski & snowboard lessons for adults and children. There’s a team of 250 instructors ready to teach at all levels. The Stowe for Starters series offers a daily package valued at $130, which includes two 90-minute group lessons, all-mountain lift ticket, and a full-day ski or snowboard rental. Just remember to squeeze in some après ski time!

4) Mad River Glen
Mad River Glen is unadorned by fancy lodging and accommodation facilities at the base of its mountain. If you want vintage ambiance, a single-chair lift, sans snowmaking machines and snowboarders, check this one out, only a short drive from Sugarbush. Stark Mountain was named the most challenging terrain on the east coast of the United States by SKI magazine. It certainly lives up to its moniker – Mad River Glen: Ski it if you can.
The Beginner “You Can” Learn to Ski package is for adult first timers. One class includes beginner lift ticket, equipment rental, and a two-hour group lesson for $80. Private lessons are offered as well.

Recommended Reading: A Mountain Love Affair: The Story of Mad River Glen by Mary K. Kerr is a beautifully produced history of this ski area.

Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe Mountain Resort, Stowe, VT

 

Before attending your first lesson there are a few things to consider that keep safety and comfort in mind. Nationally certified ski instructor, Susan Rodetis, at Sugarbush, offers this advice:

1) Be prepared – Wear layers – the weather can change during the day, and so can your body’s needs depending on your level of activity. Eat well that morning – a good carbohydrate-rich breakfast and avoid heavy food; you’ll need the nutrition to tide you over, but not the heavy food sitting on your stomach. Hydrate – we need a lot of water for sports activities, to support our muscles and to replace what we use up (plus particularly when we “aspire” (breathe) on cold dry winter days, we also lose moisture).

2) Get the proper gear – Kind friends and family might helpfully lend ski gear, but you need qualified technical persons to assure that your gear is in proper working order, that the bindings will release appropriately for your level of skiing, and that the fit is right. Most ski areas have large and well staffed ski shops right at the mountain to fit your needs. And their gear is up to date and reflects the modern advances in equipment and safety, and is well taken care of.

3) Have fun and be mindful – Release the inner child a bit and be prepared for a new adventure. It’s your time now to have the fun of experiencing new sensations. Loosen up and enjoy it. Remember that skiing is a downhill sport, which involves moving forward…as you will. Parts of it may feel strange at first. But there are incredible parallels toward motions and activities we do in our lives, from walking to sports. And, as in life, be mindful of those around us, and some safety “rules of the road”. Overall, with proper guidance and help, you, too, can transfer your accumulated skills over to the joy of skiing and sliding across the snow.

Porter Airlines has direct flights from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport to Burlington, Vermont. It’s a very quick one-hour flight, give or take 5 or 10 minutes depending on headwind. The Green Mountains are a scenic one-hour drive from the airport along route 7, past cosy Vermont towns, or the mountain route, along Interstate 89.

 

Originally published January 1, 2014 – rates and services may have changed

What’s Your CNE Personality? Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto (August 18 – Sept. 4, 2017)

 

The crowds at the CNE don’t lie. Everyone loves the fair. It doesn’t matter if you’re two or 92, there’s something about The Ex that keeps us coming back every year. Even if just for the corn dogs and cotton candy.

What brings you to The Ex? Are you a thrill seeker who craves the energy of the midway, the culinary adventurer who is driven to sample the latest deep-fried creation, an animal lover with a hankering to be back at the farm, a shopaholic in need of some globetrotting retail therapy, or the cultural spectator who is captivated by the lights and showmanship of a good performance like the Aerial Acrobatics and Ice Skating Show? Whatever your CNE personality, you know the CNE will deliver. Here are a few of my highlights this year:

1.) Commemorative Book – History buffs have been able to see compelling online images of the CNE through the ages at http://www.cneheritage.com Now you can purchase the 2017 CNE Commemorative Book for $10. Stories and images highlighting everything from food, fashion and advertising at the CNE from 1879 will be the perfect addition to your coffee table.

2.) Warriors’ Day Parade – In this the 96th anniversary of the parade, many come to honour and show respect to our aging World War II veterans and those who have served and continue to serve in Canada’s Armed Forces. Every year on the second day of the Ex the parade makes its way into the Princess Gates starting at 10:30 in the morning. This year they commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the 75th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid.

3.) Quilt of Belonging – In celebration of Canada 150 this gorgeous travelling textile art installation made of 263 blocks represents the cultural legacies of all the First Peoples in Canada and every nation of the world. Intricate beadwork and a variety of fabrics tell a resilient story of multiculturalism, solidarity and hope for the future.  Arts, Crafts & Hobbies Pavilion.

4.) Bandshell Concerts – Go for the amazing roster of musical talent on tap every night at 7:30. Burton Cummings and Band opened the CNE with a memorable record setting performance for what they say was the largest audience in the history of the CNE. Actor/singer and Toronto expat Kiefer Sutherland, Colin James, Brett Kissel, and John Kay and Steppenwolf are a few of the musical acts in the queue.

Burton Cummings and Band

5.) Ribfest – Ribfest is smokin’ in the Bandshell Park, or you can feast on a giant turkey leg at Jumbo Smoked Turkey Legs and imagine you’ve just participated in the Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament (which is, come to think of it, next door on the CNE grounds).

6.) Origami Canada Land — The Canada 150 celebrations continue in Heritage Court in the Enercare Centre with a stunning origami art installation by husband and wife artist team Yuri and Katrin Shumakov of Oriland fame.  The CN Tower and proud Canadian landmarks are fun to identify, then try your own skills at origami design.

7.) The Unity Pole – Don’t leave without finding Ojibway artist Kris Nahrgang’s story of his quest for unity expressed through symbols etched in the Unity Pole. Enercare Centre (near the lavender cart).

8.) International stage –  Be entertained by performances from around the world (Enercare Centre – Hall B). Germany’s DDC Breakdance, Asham Stompers, Sagkeeng’s Finest & Inuksuk Drum Dancers from Manitoba and Nunavut, Africa and Quebec’s Kalabante, and Canada’s Circ’Opera are some of the stellar lineup in lights.

9.) CNE Aquarama – Get out by the lake and enjoy the waterskiing extravaganza.

 

Elvis Stojko, Three-time World Champion Canadian figure skater

 

Special rates – Only $8 after 5pm Monday to Thursday

 

Cobble Beach rocks the Concours d’Elegance

Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance

Exquisite classic and vintage cars were unveiled at the 2nd annual Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, September 23rd. The 18th fairway at Cobble Beach Resort near Owen Sound, Ontario glistened like eye candy for the 5,000 refined car enthusiasts who had the opportunity to chit-chat with the owners, take selfies with their favourite cars, or test drive Porsche Canada’s new 911 models.

Judging started early on the show field, which overlooks Georgian Bay, where close to 150 rarely seen luxury cars spanning the past century, in 22 classes, from Museum to Muscle were on public display in the exclusive, by-invitation-only auto show. (Elite cars are selected to participate.) The origins of the Concours dates back to 17th century French high society, when the Competition of Elegance began with horse-drawn carriages strolling through the pristine parks of Paris.

Speed forward to the 21st century where the glamourous VIP Porter package provided roundtrip transportation from Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport via a chartered flight to Wiarton Keppel International Airport in Wiarton, Ontario. This was followed by a scenic 10-minute drive by coach to the Cobble Beach Resort in the hamlet of Kemble. It was all very comfortable…and fast!

Toronto Journalist, Glen Baxter (second from right)

“The cars this year are even better than last year, which I thought was going to be hard to do,” says Robert McLeese, owner of Cobble Beach Golf Resort and founder/chair of the prestigious Concours. “Our American friends have been very supportive, and we have some phenomenal cars, including our Museum class and Micro class. We have some really special vehicles, including a 1963 Mustang. It was a prototype, the #2 Mustang. We have the 1867 Seth Taylor (first car in Canada), which came out of the Canadian Science and Technology Museum, and we have a Delahaye from Colorado, a 135 that is a really beautiful car. Not to mention the Packards, the Cadillacs, and the micro cars, the racecars, and it just keeps going on.”

48 celebrity judges representing 15 states and five provinces selected three winners in each class, based on authenticity and quality workmanship, proper fit and finish of vehicle components, and interpretation of elegance and presence of the vehicle. 13 other awards were handed out, including Margaret Dunning Spirit of Driving and The Willis S. McLeese International Museum Award. Chief Judge John Carlson, National President, CEO, and Chief Judge of the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada, says “The overall theme for this show is to have fun and enjoy some of the finest cars and scenery North America has to offer.”

Best of Show and People’s Choice went to the bold and sleek 1936 Delahaye Type 135, one of three remaining Figoni short-chassis coupes. Other winners include the 1904 Oldsmobile Model T French Front in the Antique Pre 1916 class, and the 1970 Ferrari 246 GT M Series Dino Coupe in the Sports Cars European to 1973 class.

Best of Show – 1936 Delahaye Type 135 Competition Court Teardrop Coupe – Roger Willbanks, Denver, CO

Proceeds raised by the event go to the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation to fund a rooftop helipad for the Toronto hospital. “Our inaugural year raised over $50,000 for the Sunnybrook Foundation,” says McLeese. “We are committed to giving our very best to support this important cause dear to our hearts and community. The Sunnybrook Helipad will directly affect County of Grey residents by providing trauma cases faster access to medical support, ultimately saving lives.”

Winning raffle tickets included a two-night stay at Cobble Beach with golf or spa, and a grand prize 10kt white gold, blue and white diamond cluster ring from D.C Taylor Jewellers.

The 3rd annual Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is set for September 12-13, 2015.

(Originally published September 23, 2014)

The 5th annual Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegance is September 16 & 17, 2017.

Anne Frank travelling exhibit and theatrical production in Stratford, Ontario – 2015 Season

Treasures – 151 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario

Theatre season is in full swing at the Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario. Home to North America’s largest repertory theatre, it’s not uncommon to spot celebrated actors such as Colm Feore and Cynthia Dale both on and offstage, in the restaurants and shops in this energetic theatre town.

One of 13 productions on the playbill this season includes The Diary of Anne Frank, on stage at the Avon Theatre, one of four theatres in Stratford. It tells the compelling story of a Jewish girl and her family who went into hiding during the Second World War to escape the Nazis. The Diary of Anne Frank production runs until October 10.

This production coincides with the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II on June 6. In honour of this date, The Stratford Perth Museum is hosting a new travelling exhibit from the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Anne Frank: A History for Today, runs until October 12th. See never-before-seen artifacts and learn the role Canadian soldiers played in liberating the Netherlands in 1945.

Stratford Perth Museum, 4275 Huron St., Stratford, ON

It’s easy to get to Stratford from Toronto by bus. The Stratford Direct Bus offers $25 roundtrip bus service from the Intercontinental Toronto Centre (225 Front Street West, corner of Front and Simcoe). Via Rail has daily service to Stratford as well. Plan an eventful day trip and pack in one or even two shows. The bus leaves Stratford at 5pm and again at 11pm.

If you’re planning an overnight trip, Ambercroft Bed & Breakfast is a charming 19th century farmhouse on a beautiful tree-lined street, within walking distance to all four theatres, shops, restaurants and the Avon River.

Ambercroft Bed & Breakfast, 129 Brunswick Street – circa 1880

(Originally published August 23, 2015)

 

Toronto’s Tour de Dufflet: No cake walk

School’s out and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than doing two of my favourite things: cycling and eating dessert!  Dufflet Pastries’ annual Tour de Dufflet during Bike Month lets you eat your sweets guilt free, as you peddle to all three participating locations. (Distance is approximately 35 Km or more depending on your starting and finishing point.)

I received my $5 passport at my first location on Queen Street East. (You plan your own route and the order of locations you visit.)  The best part is that at each scrumptious shop you get to choose a delicious dessert bar and your choice of water, tea or coffee.  Gobble it down at Dufflets or take it for the road.  After you’re finished you receive a $5 gift certificate for a future visit.

Now if only there were a Tour de Chocolat and  Tour de Crème Glacée!

Winter Wassailing in Herefordshire, UK

Traipsing through apple orchards and slinging back ciders in the rural hamlet of Much Marcle, England, I learned a thing or two about this renaissance beverage, and the eccentric rituals and traditions the local farmers are keen to uphold.  (Cider has alcohol?)

Read more in the winter 2015 edition of GoodLife Mississauga magazine.                            GL-Herefordshire Winter Wassail There’s also a bit about a wassail that happens on the Canadian side of the pond, on the island of Prince Edward County, two hours east of Toronto.

 

 

 

Taste of Toronto takes off at Fort York

It was a fun start to Taste of Toronto, with plenty of free samples and celebrity chef sightings to go with your $20 cover charge.  Foodies can eat, drink, participate in Metro Master Class, and stop by the Taste Theatre to see your favourite chefs. (Mark McEwan – top left and Drake’s Alexandra Feswick – top right.)  CTV weatherman Tom Brown stopped by to wish away the rain.  (June 15-18) @TasteofToronto