It was a girlfriend's birthday and she said she wanted to "try something different" so I told her to meet me at Pure Kitchen. I knew she'd never been. This is a vegetarian and vegan paradise. Being a carnivore, she was taken off guard and not quite sure she'd like it. I told her to keep an open mind and give it a shot. As they say, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always have what you've always got." Here was an opportunity for her to step outside the box and explore something new.
She was impressed by the menu. They have a great selection. I love meat too, but I'll try just about anything and I love vegetables. Fruit I can live without, but veggies are a staple in our house.
It was late and we weren't starving, so we decided not to have appetizers and stick to the mains.
My girlfriend couldn't decide. She definitely didn't want a soup or salad. I suggested a burger. You have the choice of the "Royale with Cheese" which is a mushroom and walnut patty or the "Summer Fun Time" made with a sweet potato patty. After what seemed like an eternity, she went with the "Summer Fun Time" with a side of fries. The burger is trimmed with a chipotle lime sauce, coconut bacon, tomato and sunflower sprouts. If this wasn't different and adventurous for her, I don't know what is. I really hoped she'd like it.
Interestingly enough I've never been crazy about falafel. Tried it many times, but didn't enjoy it. Not sure why, but on this menu it sounded so much more appealing. It is served on a flour tortilla with tomato, cucumber, mixed greens, pickled turnips, pickles, garlic sauce and a lemon tahini sauce.
Perhaps it was the name "Peaceful." Being a Mom of 4, I don't get many moments of peace so maybe this would help? Can't hurt to try! Lol With my "Peaceful" I ordered the kale caesar for the side. Their sandwiches and burgers come with a side. You have the option of fries, salad, half and half, soup or you can upgrade to a poutine.
I'll draw your attention to the coconut bacon. OMG, it's amazing. Who would have know that you can make coconut look and taste like bacon. I'm always very amused at how vegetarians have to make things look similar to meat products. I don't think I'll ever understand it, but these guys are magicians and everything tastes amazing.
I added cheese to my "Peaceful" and I'll tell you this is the best falafel sandwich I have ever had. Even with not one, but two sauces the bread wasn't all soggy. I think that's usually what turns me off. Texture is huge for me and there's nothing worse than eating wet bread. The vegetables were crunchy and the sauces were the perfect consistency. When I'm in the mood for falafel, this is where I'll be going. The kale caesar was delicious. I love the crunch of the kale and again the coconut bacon is awesome. For croutons they use crispy corn tortillas. I liked that the salad was lightly dressed, I hate soggy lettuce too!
My girlfriend loved her burger. It was so much more than she had expected. She enjoys a bit of spice so the chipotle lime sauce gave it a slight punch and really complimented all the flavors. The fries were amazing too. They are shoestring style and really crispy.
Our dinners were delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed everything. I had mentioned to the waitress when I arrived that we were celebrating a birthday so shortly after she'd taken away our clean plates, she reappeared with a huge slice of cake. It was a vanilla frosted chocolate cake. OMG, it was huge! Good thing we were sharing. There were layers of moist decadent chocolate cake with this beautiful fluffy mint green vanilla frosting. It wasn't too sweet nor was the cake overly rich. Perfect way to end such a great meal. We had to force ourselves to finish it because there was no way we were going to waste a single bite!
All of their desserts are vegan and gluten free so don't worry if you have allergies. My sister is gluten intolerant and most of the baking I had tried previously was kind of blah and dry. Not this cake. It's incredible how far we've come and improved ingredients so everyone can indulge.
The service was great. It was a busy night so we had to wait a bit for a table, but the food came out reasonably quickly and everything was delicious. Our waitress was extremely pleasant and attentive. Bringing the cake was a nice touch to celebrate the birthday. It's little things like this that stand out and make you want to go back.
The price was very reasonable. For both of us with drinks, the mains and coffee the total came to around $60.00 with taxes and tip. The ingredients are fresh and most items are prepared in house. Very unique items with interesting combinations that work really well. I look forward to going back and trying other items.
In the warmer months, ask to sit on the roof top patio. It's nice to be able to enjoy the beautiful weather and you can people watch as you look over the main strip in Westboro.
Even if you're a meat lover, you'll like the food here. We all need veggies and this restaurant certainly knows how to make them look and taste incredible. Give it a try, you'll love it too!
Carm the Foodie
Wednesday, 13 September 2017
Tuesday, 5 September 2017
Mike's - Hull, Quebec
Breakfast is my favourite meal. Week days I usually don't have lunch so breakfast is a must. The same applies on the weekends, so scoping out new places for great food is our mission when out and about running errands. My kids share in my love of breakfast. Typically on weekends we try to sleep in then indulge in brunch which holds us over until dinner.
Mike's has an extensive breakfast menu with some really great options. They also have a kids menu and activity pages which my youngest loves.
On this visit I went with my son and youngest daughter. We were starving. My youngest ordered the kids waffle. It comes with chocolate sauce, fruit, syrup, strawberry coulis and a hazelnut chocolate spread. She loves sausage, so we ordered an extra side. The plate is decorated like a happy face which makes it all the more appealing for a young child. My son and I opted for the countryside dishes. It was hard to choose from the 8 different choices. They come served in an individual sized cast iron skillet. An impressive presentation. One or two eggs prepared any way you like are served on a delicious au gratin base prepared with seasoned potatoes. I chose the "Signature" which comes with onions, garlic spread, broccoli, zucchini, tomato, Saint-Raymond cheese, mozzarella and bacon with poached eggs. My son decided to try the "All Dressed" which comes loaded with green onions, garlic, mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni and mozzarella with his eggs over easy. All countryside dishes are served with toast and a side of their delicious baked beans. Your coffee cup is topped up regularly and the servers are attentive, even when it's busy.
They have a great menu with morning pizzas, eggs benedict, waffles, omelettes, pancakes in addition to the usual breakfast specials for those who like to keep it simple. You can't go wrong, everything is good and the service is great. The prices are average, with generous portions and coffee is included with breakfast. For the 3 of us the total came to $40.00 including taxes and tip.
If you're looking for variety, Mike's is an excellent choice.
Carm the Foodie
Mike's has an extensive breakfast menu with some really great options. They also have a kids menu and activity pages which my youngest loves.
On this visit I went with my son and youngest daughter. We were starving. My youngest ordered the kids waffle. It comes with chocolate sauce, fruit, syrup, strawberry coulis and a hazelnut chocolate spread. She loves sausage, so we ordered an extra side. The plate is decorated like a happy face which makes it all the more appealing for a young child. My son and I opted for the countryside dishes. It was hard to choose from the 8 different choices. They come served in an individual sized cast iron skillet. An impressive presentation. One or two eggs prepared any way you like are served on a delicious au gratin base prepared with seasoned potatoes. I chose the "Signature" which comes with onions, garlic spread, broccoli, zucchini, tomato, Saint-Raymond cheese, mozzarella and bacon with poached eggs. My son decided to try the "All Dressed" which comes loaded with green onions, garlic, mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni and mozzarella with his eggs over easy. All countryside dishes are served with toast and a side of their delicious baked beans. Your coffee cup is topped up regularly and the servers are attentive, even when it's busy.
They have a great menu with morning pizzas, eggs benedict, waffles, omelettes, pancakes in addition to the usual breakfast specials for those who like to keep it simple. You can't go wrong, everything is good and the service is great. The prices are average, with generous portions and coffee is included with breakfast. For the 3 of us the total came to $40.00 including taxes and tip.
If you're looking for variety, Mike's is an excellent choice.
Carm the Foodie
7 Eleven Plus - Japan
Who would've thought you'd go to your local 7 Eleven convenience store to pick-up breakfast, lunch, dinner. If you just want a snack like we do back home, you can get them here too. Many locals frequent these convenience stores not only to pick-up day-to-day staples, but complete meals. They have a huge selection of prepared meals. The walls are lined with refridgerator displaying sushi, sandwiches, salads, full meals with rice and pickled vegetables, noodle or rice bowls, soups and the list goes on and on. Selections vary by location. They have snacks, a vast selection of drinks, ice-cream and a dessert section that would have you believe you were in a pastry shop. Can you believe they have ready to go soft serve cones in the ice-cream section?
These are nothing like the North American 7 Eleven stores, probably why they call them 7 Eleven Plus.
For the hot meal selections, they even heat them up for you and provide chop sticks and a wet napkin when you get up to the cash. This is convenient, inexpensive and healthier than fast food. Whether you're vegetarian or otherwise, the vast selection caters to all needs and likes. The cost ranges just under $10.00 Cdn per person with a drink and dessert.
I've fallen in love with the mille crepe with cream cake. Their desserts are pieces of art you feel guilty cutting into. The Japanese are huge on presentation. Even the smallest of gifts are very elaborately wrapped. I'm not a dessert person, but I think this trip will convert me. The desserts look decadent, but they are not overly sweet and the portions are much smaller than ours back home. This affords you a little less guilt! Lol
These are nothing like the North American 7 Eleven stores, probably why they call them 7 Eleven Plus.
For the hot meal selections, they even heat them up for you and provide chop sticks and a wet napkin when you get up to the cash. This is convenient, inexpensive and healthier than fast food. Whether you're vegetarian or otherwise, the vast selection caters to all needs and likes. The cost ranges just under $10.00 Cdn per person with a drink and dessert.
I've fallen in love with the mille crepe with cream cake. Their desserts are pieces of art you feel guilty cutting into. The Japanese are huge on presentation. Even the smallest of gifts are very elaborately wrapped. I'm not a dessert person, but I think this trip will convert me. The desserts look decadent, but they are not overly sweet and the portions are much smaller than ours back home. This affords you a little less guilt! Lol
Incredible how different stores and restaurants we have at home vary around the world. When in Japan, check out the 7 Eleven stores. Great for quick and inexpensive meals while site seeing or when staying at an AirBnB and you don't want to cook. Convenient, healthy and very affordable!
Enjoy!
Carm the Foodie
Monday, 4 September 2017
Archibald Microbrasserie - Montreal, Quebec
I was headed to Japan with my son for the Nawatobi championships. He had just returned from Edmonton and now we were driving to Montreal to meet up with Team Canada.
We hadn't slept in two days. It was 4:00 am when we arrived at the airport. By the time we met up with everyone and checked I'm, we needed food.
While walking to our gate we came across Archibald. It has a very rustic cabin like look. They had a seating area in the corridor and another inside. There were logs and red and black flannel fabric on the benches with various cushions decorated with faux fur, deer, moose and bears. It made for a very relaxed cabin like atmosphere and the seats were very comfortable.
We sat out in the corridor so we could people watch.
The picture on the menu caught our attention. The omelette looked amazing. It was a chorizo and mushroom omelette with sweet potato puree, old cheddar and arugula. Funny that we both gravitated to that one. My son decided to order the eggs Benedict with brie and chippie ham instead so we could try different plates.
The food came out fairly quickly. Both plates looked very artistically arranged. We should've taken pictures!
The plates came with home fries and the omelette had a side of toasted artisan bread. The omelette was delicious. The chorizo was surprisingly spicy, but the sweet potato puree and the melted cheddar helped tone down the heat. The mushrooms were sautéed and slightly crispy and the arugula added an element of freshness with a nutty flavour.
The eggs Benedict were rich and creamy. I never would have thought to use brie. The eggs were poached soft. The runny yolk, hollandaise sauce and melted cheese married perfectly creating a rich creamy note further enhanced by the ham which had a pulled texture and was well seasoned.
We'll have to plan another trip out of Montreal so we can go back and try other items from the menu. All the dishes coming out looked good.
Price was a bit high at $50.00 for two, but keep in mind prices are higher at the airports and coffee is not included with breakfast. I have no issues paying more for high quality food, especially when it's out of the ordinary. The ingredients were fresh and the combinations were unique. Our meals were amazing and the service was good.
You have to check it out!
Carm the Foodie
We hadn't slept in two days. It was 4:00 am when we arrived at the airport. By the time we met up with everyone and checked I'm, we needed food.
While walking to our gate we came across Archibald. It has a very rustic cabin like look. They had a seating area in the corridor and another inside. There were logs and red and black flannel fabric on the benches with various cushions decorated with faux fur, deer, moose and bears. It made for a very relaxed cabin like atmosphere and the seats were very comfortable.
We sat out in the corridor so we could people watch.
The picture on the menu caught our attention. The omelette looked amazing. It was a chorizo and mushroom omelette with sweet potato puree, old cheddar and arugula. Funny that we both gravitated to that one. My son decided to order the eggs Benedict with brie and chippie ham instead so we could try different plates.
The food came out fairly quickly. Both plates looked very artistically arranged. We should've taken pictures!
The plates came with home fries and the omelette had a side of toasted artisan bread. The omelette was delicious. The chorizo was surprisingly spicy, but the sweet potato puree and the melted cheddar helped tone down the heat. The mushrooms were sautéed and slightly crispy and the arugula added an element of freshness with a nutty flavour.
The eggs Benedict were rich and creamy. I never would have thought to use brie. The eggs were poached soft. The runny yolk, hollandaise sauce and melted cheese married perfectly creating a rich creamy note further enhanced by the ham which had a pulled texture and was well seasoned.
We'll have to plan another trip out of Montreal so we can go back and try other items from the menu. All the dishes coming out looked good.
Price was a bit high at $50.00 for two, but keep in mind prices are higher at the airports and coffee is not included with breakfast. I have no issues paying more for high quality food, especially when it's out of the ordinary. The ingredients were fresh and the combinations were unique. Our meals were amazing and the service was good.
You have to check it out!
Carm the Foodie
Lift Bar, Grill and View - Vancouver, BC
While on our journey to Japan, Vancouver was the next stop. We decided to grab something to eat since we had almost three hours to kill. It was lunch time anyways, but we didn't want fast food. After walking around for a bit , we came across Lift. It was empty and looked like it was closed. The menu was posted and they had a sharing menu with a cheese and charcuterie board. That would be perfect.
A hostess came over and welcomed us. The restaurant was open. She confirmed we could order from the brunch, sharing or lunch menus. Perfect! We knew what we wanted.
It was a very nice place with modern decor. There was a large salt water aquarium built into the wall. It was beautiful with brightly coloured corals and tropical fish. I find watching the fish swim around very calming and soothing.
The waitress came over after delivering food to another table. Most were ordering from the brunch menu. We ordered our drinks and the sharing plate. Slowly the restaurant started to fill up. I joked with my son that we're trend setters! Lol
The cheese and charcuterie platter arrived. The waitress described the various items. There was some prosciutto, chorizo sausage, brie, goat's cheese with pine nuts and pumpkin seeds, a smoked cheese, fig and raspberry compote, truffle honey, a generous mixed greens salad with a lemony vinaigrette and some baby garlic gerkins. The plate was garnished with garlic crisps.
My son had to take a picture. It looked very appetizing so it didn't require too much convincing for us to dive in. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The prosciutto was thinly sliced. The chorizo was the Portuguese style with a slight bite to it, but not overly spicy.
It was a perfect sized portion for two people. If you were going for dinner you might want to order a couple more sharing plates or a main. We were satisfied and it would hold us until dinner.
I found the price beyond reasonable. It was less than I expected given the restaurant was more higher end. The total bill with everything included was under $30.00. Always a nice surprise when you enjoy a high end meal at a low cost.
If you're at the Vancouver airport, check out Lift. They have a great menu with numerous options including sushi and sharing plates.
Enjoy!
Carm the Foodie
A hostess came over and welcomed us. The restaurant was open. She confirmed we could order from the brunch, sharing or lunch menus. Perfect! We knew what we wanted.
It was a very nice place with modern decor. There was a large salt water aquarium built into the wall. It was beautiful with brightly coloured corals and tropical fish. I find watching the fish swim around very calming and soothing.
The waitress came over after delivering food to another table. Most were ordering from the brunch menu. We ordered our drinks and the sharing plate. Slowly the restaurant started to fill up. I joked with my son that we're trend setters! Lol
The cheese and charcuterie platter arrived. The waitress described the various items. There was some prosciutto, chorizo sausage, brie, goat's cheese with pine nuts and pumpkin seeds, a smoked cheese, fig and raspberry compote, truffle honey, a generous mixed greens salad with a lemony vinaigrette and some baby garlic gerkins. The plate was garnished with garlic crisps.
My son had to take a picture. It looked very appetizing so it didn't require too much convincing for us to dive in. We thoroughly enjoyed it. The prosciutto was thinly sliced. The chorizo was the Portuguese style with a slight bite to it, but not overly spicy.
It was a perfect sized portion for two people. If you were going for dinner you might want to order a couple more sharing plates or a main. We were satisfied and it would hold us until dinner.
I found the price beyond reasonable. It was less than I expected given the restaurant was more higher end. The total bill with everything included was under $30.00. Always a nice surprise when you enjoy a high end meal at a low cost.
If you're at the Vancouver airport, check out Lift. They have a great menu with numerous options including sushi and sharing plates.
Enjoy!
Carm the Foodie
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