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Monday, May 14, 2012
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Spice City Toronto: True Canadian Food
Spice City Toronto: True Canadian Food
Published on Torontoist | shared via feedly
A new east-end café makes First Nations comfort food for an aboriginal clientele.
Toronto is chock full of restaurants that serve food from all around the world, but have you sampled Canada's own traditional recipes? A brand new east-side restaurant, Tea-N-Bannock, offers up meals that are popular in Canadian aboriginal communities. Unlike the aboriginal-French hybrid restaurant Keriwa Cafe in Parkdale, or the trendy Oliver & Bonacini's Bannock, this food is intended primarily for aboriginal customers seeking a taste of home.
Tea-N-Bannock opened just three weeks ago at 1294 Gerrard Street East, only a few blocks west of Little India. Stepping in from the street, it feels like you've walked into a tranquil oasis—the room is decorated with birch tree branches and snowshoes, and a recording of birds cooing plays in the background.
The menu, posted on a stretched-out animal hide, consists of classic staples of aboriginal communities. Health food it ain't, but it'll keep you going if you're trekking around in the bush. "You can't get any more Canadian than this," explains staffer Timothy Peltier, an aboriginal from Manitoulin Island.
Read the rest at Spice City Toronto.
Spice City Toronto explores Toronto's great hole-in-the-wall restaurants and strip-mall joints serving food from all corners of the world.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Canadian Police Force Pimps Their Rides with BlackBerry PlayBooks
Canadian Police Force Pimps Their Rides with BlackBerry PlayBooks
Published on Techvibes Toronto Blog | shared via feedly
A Canadian police force is outfitting cop cars with Research In Motion's BlackBerry PlayBooks.
Mobile Innovations is the company behind the integration, which will see Canadian police use RIM tablets from their vehicle dashboard to control their car's lights and sirens, as well as receive traffic alerts and access GPS maps, plus be alerted of 911 emergencies.
The technology is currently being tested in the Ontario region of Chatham-Kent, according to Pocket-lint. Canadian police already use BlackBerry smartphones, which makes implementing PlayBooks a natural evolution.
The PlayBooks in the police vehicles will be attached to docks, making them removable. The tablets will also be accessorized with a physical keyboard and a printer.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Toronto Farmers' Markets 2012 preview
Toronto Farmers' Markets 2012 preview
Farmers' markets in Toronto are slowly starting to gear up for a new year. Although Toronto has famous year-round markets (St Lawrence, Evergreen Brick Works), the options for buying fresh fruit, vegetables and other local treats really begin to assert themselves as outdoor markets open throughout the city. While the real action doesn't begin until the month of June, here's a look forward to some of the new markets, improvements and other changes in store for the 2012 farmers' markets season in Toronto.
A caveat: Some markets (i.e. The Distillery Farmers' Market) still have not confirmed their 2012 dates and times and therefore info about them has not been included.
MONDAYS
Sorauren Farmer's Market (Sorauren at Wabush)
Open year round, but outdoors May-October. Hours of operation 3pm-7pm.
Local fruit and vegetables, of course, are available here. In addition, this market offers gluten free cookies and baked goods by DeFloured, as well as tofu by Ying Ying soy food and grass fed venison by Deer Valley farms. Angie's Ice Pops will help to cool you down so you can linger as you try to figure out how many ears of corn you can feasibly carry.
TUESDAYS
Ryerson University Farmer's Market (Victoria and Gould)
Opens June 5, closes October 23. Hours of operation 9am-2pm.
There are five markets in the My Market series which means that depending on your availability and location, you will probably catch one of them. Heavy on organic produce, heavy on honey and competing beekeepers.
Sick Kids Hospital Farmer's Market (University and Elm)
Opens June 5, closes October 23. Hours of operation 9am-2pm.
Another one of the My Market series with Montforte Dairy and Kind organics making a welcome appearance.
Stonegate Farmer's Market (St. James Anglican Church on the Queensway)
Opens June 26, closes October 9. Hours of operation 4pm-7pm.
Not only a market, a certifiable social gathering. This market offers entertainment in the form of dancing, music or cooking shows. Schedule to appear shortly on their website.
Trinity Bellwood Farmer's Market (Dundas West at Crawford)
Opens May 8, closes October 30. Hours of operation 3pm-7pm.
Lovell Springs Trout Farm, Matchbox Garden and Seed Company and St John's Bakery will be there this year, along with many other vendors dedicated to food education. On a nice day, it is also a great excuse for people who work in the area to take an extra-long "coffee break."
East York Farmer's Market (front lawn of the Civic Centre)
Opens May 15, closes October 30, 8am-2pm
Along with your fruit and vegetable bounty you can buy artisanal bread, honey and pies to test the durability of your shopping bag. Mission accepted.
WEDNESDAYS
Bloor-Borden Farmer's Market (east of Bathurst)
Opens June 6, closes October 24, Hours of operation 3pm-7pm
Small and accessible for U of T students scrambling to figure out the best way to spend their $5 rather than on yet another pita. Options do abound.
Montgomery's Inn Farmers' Market
Opens May 23, closes December 5. Hours of operation 3pm-7pm.
They bake their own bread at the inn and yes, the best flavours sell out quickly. When the oven baking the bread is older than your great-grandmother, you know that there is history in that loaf. Food history is usually a good thing (unless you count the food at the back of your fridge).
Nathan Philips Square Farmers' Market
Opens June 6, closes October 24 (market closed on June 27 and September 26) Hours of operation 8am-3pm
This market declares summer. Businessmen clutch strawberries alongside their briefcases and Bay street faces are coloured with something other than florescent light. Well attended free concerts play from noon to 2pm to help you forget your day job.
University of Toronto Scarborough Farmer's Market (on Military Trail between Morningside and Ellesmere)
Opens June 6, closes October 3 (winter markets first Wednesday of the month). Hours of operation 3pm-7pm.
Vendors for 2012 are still to be announced, but last year you could buy knitwear, hallumi cheese and homemade kettle corn. Please come back, vendors.
THURSDAYS
East Lynn Farmer's Market (Danforth and Woodbine)
Opens June 7, closes October 25. Hours of operation: 3pm-7pm.
This is one of the My Market series for the East Enders. It shows even more examples of perfectly ripe tomatoes that you would never find in a supermarket.
Metro Hall Farmer's Market (David Pecaut Square, by the former Metro Square)
Opens May 31, closes October 11. Hours of operation 8am-3pm.
Lunchtime concerts play as you shop, and the music may help to taper your impatience if you decide to wait in the long lineup for bacon sandwiches. There is a man dedicated to all things pickled (don't depend on the cucumbers until August - it is all seasonal), homemade butter tarts (not by the pickle man, don't worry) and sunflowers the size of your head. In case you want to make a point about how size does matter.
Toronto Botanical Gardens Organic Farmer's Market
Opens May 24, closes October 4. Hours of operation 3pm-7pm.
This space regularly offers classes on topics from beekeeping to yoga, and therefore a farmer's market is not a far stretch. Located at the entrance to the gardens, this year celebrity chefs will make appearances along with the organic farmers to celebrate all things yummy.
FRIDAYS
Fairview Mall Farmer's Market
Opens June 1, closes September 28. Hours of operation 9am-6pm.
This is a large square, and the space is used well. This market was established in 1994 and is awash with everything fresh. Go to smell the fragrance of basil and peppers lingering in the air, which believe me, is much better than the way the air normally smells in Toronto. Once you are there you may even buy something.
Sherway Farmer's Market (Highway 27 and the Queensway)
Opens May 4, opens October 26. Hours of operation 8am-2pm.
Meat pies, sausage rolls and "Rick's Nut Hut" will join the fruit and veggie filled stands this year. This may keep Sherway shoppers out of the mall a little longer than expected.
SATURDAYS
The Stop Farmer's Market at Wychwood Park
Hours of operation 8am-12pm
This year-round market features lots of local and organic vegetables as well as cheeses, honey and small selection of meats. It's not overtly preachy, but there's also lots of talk about food and where it comes from.
Etobicoke Farmer's Market (Etobicoke Civic Centre, The West Mall)
Opens June 2, closes November 3. Hours of operation 8am-2pm.
Taste test apples or eat your Saturday morning breakfast here to get a true idea of the term "farm fresh."
Weston Farmer's Market (John and Weston)
Opens May 12, closes October 27. Hours of operation 7am-2pm.
This market prides itself on selling spices as well as local fruits and vegetables to reflect the many cultures that make up the area. You can get your dinner ingredients in one place and not have to get frostbite from air conditioning. Bonus.
Withrow Farmer's Market (South of Danforth, between Carlaw and Logan)
Open May 19, closes October 27. Hours of operation 9am-1pm.
This smaller, community run initiative in the Danforth has everything from gluten free waffles to farmers who insist on throwing extra peaches in your cloth bag. Try to say no.
SUNDAYS
Leslieville Farmer's Market (at Jonathan Ashbridge Park)
Opens June 3, closes October 28. Hours of operation 9am-2pm.
Local environmentally friendly producers, local musicians...what's not to like? Oh, and they ask that you arrive hungry; as they have waffles. That is the sign of a good person...I mean market.
Liberty Village Farmer's Market (Green P Hanna Street)
Opens June 3, closes October 31. Hours of operation 9am-2pm.
Mostly organic, seasonal, local produce. Most of us are proud if we get one of those right, but all three? You can gloat a little with your green-ness. It is easy being green.
Writing by Courtney Sunday. Photo by Carly Miller on Flickr.
Lobster coming to a Toronto food truck near you
Lobster coming to a Toronto food truck near you
On Monday night Toronto showed some more love for street eats at The Next Food Truck event. Hosted by Steamwhistle Brewery and organized by Suresh Doss of Food Truck Eats, this latest event had everyone wondering who would be the next vendor to go mobile.
The event combined food and art, both with a street vendor theme. Doss, like the rest of us is tired of trucks selling "grilled cheese, cupcakes and hot dogs", and wanted this event to bring to light other gastronomical possibilities. Participants included pop-up extraordinaire Fidel Gastro, new TUM favourite Rock Lobster Food Co., Ryerson institution Salad King, and some up and comers like the Ninja Piggies, who once fantasized of bringing street food to the masses while evading the law by selling their sandwiches out of an unmarked moving van...dressed in ninja costumes. I'd buy one.
I had a chance to talk truck politics with Doss, and to hear his thoughts on the ideal situation for Toronto vendors on wheels. Back in 2002, a moratorium was placed on Designated Vending Area permits. Any food trucks already in operation before this time were safe (think the ice cream and poutine guys curbside at Nathan Phillips Square), but they did not, and still don't, have any freedom to change location. So there they sit. They do have the freedom to change their menus, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Doss doesn't think having Toronto trucks curbside is the best way to go anyway, citing examples of failure in New York and Boston. In his opinion, the best way to avoid all of the red tape is to park trucks on private property. And this is what Doss would like to see more of - food trucks establishing more than just temporary relationships with private commercial zones.
The majority of the vendors I spoke with are satisfied with the status quo - as events such as last nights are so popular - but said they would like the opportunity to have a truck if it wasn't for all the bylaws. Matt Basile, of Fidel Gastro's is happy to be the "pop-up guy" but would love to see the food truck industry take off because not all talented chefs have the funds to start up a restaurant, and good food "shouldn't be pretentious, but it should bring people together".
I am happy to report however, that the people behind the table with the longest line-up had a different announcement to make. Rock Lobster Food Co. confirmed that they will have a truck in 5 to 8 weeks, thus bringing lobster to the streets. The location is yet to be determined, but involves a restaurant partnership. Look for them at the Food Truck Block Party on May 5th at Evergreen Brickworks where they will be serving a new item... lobster poutine. Get ready to line up.
Whatever the political future holds for street food in Toronto, one thing is certain - there is a market for it. The people in this city have a love for street food, and it's a powerful love... a love that drives some to do crazy, but very practical, things. I saw folks last night with Tupperware, cutting boards and shears, yes shears, to divvy up their purchases. I learned it's possible to cut a Philly cheesesteak with scissors...but it ain't pretty. I saw one man wearing a plastic lobster bib that I'm pretty sure he stole right off a Rock Lobster's chest.
As for the future of Food Truck Eats, Doss says they plan on being back at Steamwhistle for more food and art fun. Also in the works is a little something called Food Truck Eats Tune Up to take place later in the summer which will combine art, awards, and of course, more food.
Footnote: The highlight of the night for me was the La Senorita offered up by Fidel Gastro. They never cease to amaze me. And I really like being cheered and applauded just for eating a sandwich.
New bar channels your father's cocktails
New bar channels your father's cocktails
On the corner of Adelaide and Portland Streets, there's a nondescript building known to house the Toronto Institute of Bartending. But something new is afoot: head down the stairs and you'll find a new bar devoted to contemporary and classic cocktails, barrel-aged cocktails presented in individual stoppered bottles, and featuring decor best described as culled from your father's study (if your father happens to be a captain of industry).
Read my review of SpiritHouse in the bars section.
10 places to shop for spices in Toronto
10 places to shop for spices in Toronto
Spice shopping in Toronto, to the nonchalant cook, is but a mere trip to the closest mega grocery store. There you'll find plastic re-sealable baggies of nutmeg, and in minutes your sweet curry will be well underway. But for a more sensual experience, a little background information, and quite often, a better price, there are a few specialty markets and bulk stores in Toronto that deliver much better when it comes to dill.
These are the shops that source exotic spices from all over the world, and many allow to you take a whiff to make sure the spices meet with your culinary specifications. And if you're not sure, the staff at most of these shops will surely have the answers. Here are 10 places to shop for spices in Toronto (that aren't Bulk Barn).
Trupti
Trupti is definitely worth a drive out to East York for those who are serious about fresh, authentic spice. The shop makes its own spice blends, grinds its own flour, and prepares its own instant mixes. Needless to say, those who are wary of strong scents should steer clear.
House of Spices
Most people know this Kensington shop as a great source for anything bulk, and spices are no exception. House of Spices has been around since the 1970's, sourcing herbs and spices from all over the world with a particular emphasis on Mexican and Indian spice. The shop also sells bags of combination spices designated to certain dishes.
Qi Natural Foods
You probably wont find sodium-laced chicken seasoning at this health and bulk store.Qi Natural Foods stocks a selection of spices you might not find just anywhere, including ashwagandha (which could be considered a supplement), senna, and marjoram. Pretty decent prices, as well.
Iqbal Halal Foods
Here's a full fledged grocery option when you want to combine your meat/produce/bulk spice shopping all into one trip. The largest Asian grocery store in Ontario, Iqbal has bins of bulk spices sourced both locally and from South Asian, right by the shelves of shampoo and shoe polish, and the room devoted to rice.
Johnvince Foods
Johnvince is an absolute utopia to the bulk store lovers among us (guilty), and it has a hefty section devoted entirely to spices and herbs. The daily offerings include jerk seasoning, pickling spices, and the typical thyme, cardamom, and cumin, all of which is available in abundance and almost enough to draw you away from the giant bin of sour keys.
Essence of Life
Another Kensington spice source that touts its collection of organic spices. The shop carries the typical assortment with a few exotics thrown in for good measure, with prices that typically beat all the other shops in Kensington. If you're looking to learn more about a particular spice, this is the place to ask.
Tutti Frutti
OK, maybe I lied; sometime you can find a better deal over at Tutti Frutti. But just occasionally. The shop offers a long list of bulk herbs and spices, which are presented in little wooden cubbies that make the spice-searching experience seem that much more authentic. Count apple pie spice, korean pepper, and Hungarian paprika among the spice offerings.
Sunny Foodmart
Sunny Foodmart does not compete in the bulk spice market. Still, its soon-to-be-three GTA stores do distinguish themselves from typical shops offering packaged spice in terms of Sunny's variety and selection. Its shelves are lined with imported Asian spice brands, along with your typical peppercorn and oregano.
Nuthouse
Yes, the name is wonderful, but it's not just nuts at Nuthouse on Bloor West. The shop has a superb little assortment of bulk spices, though the selection is more limited than some of the sprawling centres on this list. Or for just a little taste, there's alway Nuthouse's spiced organic carrot cake.
The Spice Trader
This isn't your white plastic bin/metal scoop type of spice store. And the prices certainly do reflect that. But if you're looking for a more luxurious spice shopping experience (right after your weekly high tea, I presume) The Spice Trader is your place. The shop offer spices from India, Vietnam, Turkey, Bolivia, and beyond, with custom organic blends and tinned spice collections.
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