Buddha Dog Toronto
163 Roncesvalles Avenue
416-534-2007
Dinner for two (dogs and a salad) including taxes, tips and two lemonades: $23

I’d heard all about Picton’s award-winning hot dogs and sauces. Naturally, I was curious to try Buddha Dog Toronto’s new west-end location to savour what Toronto Life called “Genius” and Reader’s Digest dubbed “Best Hotdog in Canada.” Their snappy black and white menu introduces newbies like me to the concept announcing, “We were founded on a very simple philosophy - showcase the best regional flavours by bringing together exceptional local suppliers to hand make our dogs, buns, cheeses and ever-changing list of unique sauces.” OK, I thought - batter up.

Continue reading Dog Gone Tasty! »

Anyone who has ever dined at any Fresh Restaurant in the city and left thinking, “I wish I had the recipe to make that myself,” can wish no more. The ladies of Fresh have released their second cookbook, reFresh- Contemporary Vegan Recipes from the Award-Winning Fresh Restaurants to add to our culinary arsenal. Luckily for me, a cornucopia of some of my favourite healthy delights abound: appetizers like sweet potato wontons, Florentine bean soup and mains including their tasty veggie burgers. Yep, I’ve got my own Fresh menu-makings in one tidy, easy to use book.

Apart from a slew of accessible recipes (I’ve got my eye on you, Marrakesh Curried Stew), owners Ruth Tal and Jennifer Houston (Jennifer is the chef of the two), offer tons of handy food tips. How to cook grains, beans, and toast nuts comprise some of the advice any home cook can use to boost the flavour of home-made creations. For those who have never tried it, the book’s date purée recipe for baking is a sure-fire way to add just the right amount of sweetness and moisture to vegan (or non-vegan) baked goods.

Continue reading reFresh Cookbook- Modern Vegan Refreshed »