The biggest snowflakes I’ve ever seen, a cozy brunch at Hintonburg Public House plus my first Beaver Tail.
Canada
Ottawa? Ottawa!
I’m off to our chilly capital for the weekend with my loveliest lady friend to spend some time with her family. I must admit I know very little about what makes Ottawa awesome, so I welcome any and all recommendations on eats & sights. Our plan is to brunch at Hintonburg Public House, drink at Union 613, drop in to see this show at the National Gallery, plus a most exciting visit to Mags & Fags (the best magazine store around, so I hear). I’m crossing my fingers for some mild weather and sunshine.
(Credit: Drawing by John Cullen)
Yarn Bombing Colborne
You really don’t have to go far to travel. Enjoy this lovely street art installation in Colborne Ontario (about 140km east of Toronto), where 20 local knitters furiously assembled sweaters for the trees lining their main street, just in time for the Apple Blossom Festival (the festival ways in May, but the installation is still [...]
Le Weekend: Montreal (guest post)
My darling friend Julie is a native Montrealer, but a rare bird, who will defend the charms of Toronto to the death. Since we are yet to do a post on fair Montreal, I’m happy that she shared her latest perfect weekend with us. Merci! // Montreal is my home town. But, my family is pretty scattered now so I have to make a special trip to catch up with close friends and stay connected to the city I grew up in. My close friend Valerie-Anne moved from her apartment in the Plateau to a triplex in neighbouring Rosemont. This was a great chance to discover a neighbourhood I wasn’t as familiar with.
Shomberg, Ontario
Ever been to a demolition derby? Ever been to Shomberg? You’re missing out, my friend. But luckily I was there last week to capture the twangy, mud-soaked excitement. (A big thank you to our hosts Mary, Adrian and their family for showing us the way…)
Best homes away from home
Here’s a compilation of the coziest, most unique places I’ve ever laid my head to rest on my travels. The best HOSTEL: Hosteling International in Husey, Iceland PRICE: $20/night (private room), horse back riding additional This one farm ‘town’ is barely a dot on the map. It’s enveloped in fog and feels like the end [...]
Thanks Canada
We spent a pretty perfect (perhaps, stereotypical) Canada Day weekend at the cottage with our friends Mike & Saba and their family. The weather couldn’t be better, and the food and booze delicious and plentiful. We ticked off all the boxes: gorgeous sunsets over the lake, loons, fireworks and card games; check. And to top it off, we took a detour back to the city (completely avoiding the traffic—sweet!) and visiting a favourite spot—the antique book and print shop in Lakefield. I picked up a few blog-worthy gems:
BEST OF…dessert shops (part 1)
1. Magnolia Bakery, New York
Taste-tested: Red velvet & chocolate cupcakes
2. Gelateria Centrale, Riomaggiore, Italy
My fave: Lemon, cappuccino & pistachio flavours
3. De Bonte Koe chocolate factory, Schiedam, Netherlands
I recommend: Chocolate truffles