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Last week felt like real Canadian winter in Toronto: snowy, slushy and dreadful. Thankfully I had a memorable dinner in the Private Wine Cellar at Gusto 101 - one of my favourite Italian restaurants in the city. The Prosecco, wines and of course the food left me and my tastebuds so satisfied that the cold was the last thing on my mind for the rest of the week. What was the occasion, you ask? Gusto 54 restaurant group recently partnered with chef Evan Funke to open up their newest addition,  Felix LA  in L.A. this summer and we were getting a sneak peak at his pasta skills. I'm personally a big fan of the restaurants under the Gusto 54 umbrella: Gusto 101, Trattoria Nervosa, and Pai, so I'm really excited for their numerous new openings this year in Toronto. - Gusto 501 will open its doors in the East side - Chubby's , a Jamaican kitchen will open across the street from Gusto 101 In the meantime, check out the feast prepared by Chef Evan Funke below: Photo Credit: Nick Lee...

[Guest Writer: Jonathan L.] For my first food blogging experience, I head over to a pre-opening at Cafeteria by Playa Cabana with Monica from the Food Sisterhood. The newest addition to the Mas Playas group is located on College and Dovercourt, an area with many up-and-coming restaurants.  We are seated at a table with fellow bloggers, Laney & Nick from  Best of Toronto , Jess from  Where Jess Ate , and Jess' fiance, Mike. While he refuses to contribute to her blog, he has at least put a sufficiently sizeable ring on her finger to warrant a few perks (ha ha).   Cafeteria boasts a lively ambiance.  Despite not being officially launched, the restaurant is bustling with walk-ins, undoubtedly attracted by the rustic charm of Cafeteria's decor.  The highlights are vintage wood and tile finishes throughout, and a set of floor to ceiling wrought-iron gates in the style of traditional Mexican courtyard architecture.   Before the meal begins, I warm my pa...

Lazy Sundays are one of my favourite things but if there's something I would get up & try to look decent for, it's brunch. Especially if the restaurant is as stylishly elegant as FIGO is.  This pretty spot is located in the heart of Toronto's entertainment district , so if you live in the area, I'm quite jealous! Chef Anna Chen serves up Italian spired dishes for brunch , lunch and dinner. Think pastas made from scratch, wood oven pizzas and house-made ricotta!  On my visit, I had a mix of items from lunch, brunch and dessert menus and I did fall in love with some: Zucchini Fritti, Burrata & Pancakes! The Zucchini Fritti reminded me of both Japanese vegetable tempuras and those veggie chips. It was super light, tasty and addictive. The Burrata - what can I say about that? The sweet notes from melon and huckleberry was memorable. As for the pancakes? I must admit, I'm not a huge fan of pancakes but these super fluffy pancakes with hints of lemon made me surp...

Guu Izakaya has been in Toronto quite a while now and Torontonians are probably used to being greeted by the servers' "irashaimase" every time they enter the restaurant. All three locations have been rebranded as Kinka Izakaya as of late but fear not, as they're still serving their signature dishes, and being attentive as ever. I haven't been for a few months and for this visit, I got to taste all my usual favourites and then some. The best things about izakayas are the liveliness and the noise and boy, do they do this well at all the Kinka locations! From the moment you're greeted to leaving the restaurant, the servers are so enthusiastic. Gotta love the Japanese servers' attentiveness. I also love sitting by the bar and watching all the items being made. I didn't know until this visit that they offer a tasting menu at $33 per person with 8 dishes and a dessert, which is what I had. Note that this is only available for seatings of 2 of more people......

Same great location, attentive service, and a beautiful hotel you enter through called the Four Seasons . So, what's different about the newly renovated Cafe Boulud ? For one, it's the newly designed space that is modern and cozy;  another is a wide range of new menu items that is traditionally French but with influences that Chef Daniel Boulud soaked in from cooking and dining around the world in different cultures.     The new space was designed by award-winning designer, Martin Brudnuzki, who they named a house cocktail after - a refreshing take on a gin & tonic (try it!). I immediately noticed the casually luxe interior style and compared it to Drake One Fifty , which was indeed designed by him as well. The banquets and 1950s-shaped chairs are definitely inviting - once you sit down, you won't want to get back up. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the food, drinks & the company!   Let's talk food. What ties together all the menu items is not the fact t...