Feb

24

The Best Things in Life are on a Stick

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Two Fat Als Mallows

A tutorial on roasting marshmallows. Part of the Ladies who Lunch food reviews.

Lady N has always been a lover of the outdoors but has never got along with insects of any kind. (Blame it on the roach she dated years ago who always had problems finding his wallet when it came to paying for day-to-day expenses.) Since Lady N is not a believer in bug spray, or character reform for that matter, she had never stepped foot into a cottage, despite the invites she received growing up in the burb, and shunned the cicadas for the comforts of AC and the indoors instead.

Lady J, Lady N’s incredibly inspiring and worldly friend, was determined to show Lady N that cottage life was not about spiders or stingy suitors. It was about roasted marshmallows! Marshmallows that float down your throat like warm billowy clouds. Marshmallows that dissolve and collect into pools of sweet goodness in your cheeks the minute they hit your tongue. Marshmallows that stick to and delight the roof of your mouth in all its melted powdery-white marvel. Marshmallows that make you forget about the city and all the menacing boys that live in it.

Although Lady N was aware of Lady J’s many talents, Lady N had no idea how seasoned and skillful she was at roasting marshmallows. Lady J presented Lady N with a long even twig from its resting spot near the fireplace. Lady J brought two bags of marshmallows, one open, one not, and stationed herself in front of the fire that glowed hot embers and orange-coloured wood encrusted with burnt fibrous-looking gray bark. Lady J explained to Lady N that this low-burn was the exact temperature needed to roast a marshmallow to perfection and that any image Lady N may have of boy scouts with black-charred marshmallows surrounding sky-high campfire flames should be immediately discarded. That, Lady J said, is not the way its done. Lady N, knowing better than to challenge a friend armed with a twig, near an open fire, who can, at a moment’s notice, hold delicate marshmallows hostage, obediently agreed and watched Lady J roast away in total silence and awe. Read more

Nov

6

Learning your ABCs: Armagnac, Brunch, CĂ©lestin

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CĂ©lestin card

Just wanted to remind fellow readers that again, this resto review was written years ago, and so much has changed at Célestin since. The comptoir is now a separate entity of the café, bought out from Chef Pascal of Célestin, by his Master Baker, Marc Thobor. There is a petite outdoor patio to enjoy in the warmer weather. The menu has been revamped, and has been raised in price, but not alarmingly, and still incredible value for your meal.

All the finishing touches of the décor remain the same. The atmosphere is still French without pretension, elegant, and inviting. Perfect for families, socialites, and of course, ladies lunching.

This is my go-to place in Toronto. Many-a-friend has been dragged here at one point in their lives. Read about a more recent orchestrated brunch bullying invitation at Culinary Seductions. Bon Appétit!

Célestin | 623 Mount Pleasant Road | 416 544-9035 | Lunch Tu–Sa 8:30–2:30, Dinner Tu–Sa 6–10

Sometimes the best places in Toronto are the ones that least resemble the city, which is probably why, Célestin and Le Comptoir de Célestin is truly special in that it brings all things French to the table. Ladies who Lunch were escorted to one that seats for two close to a window where the sunlight was breaking through without being blinding. Already Ladies were feeling bright and insouciant as they poured over the brunch menu. (Now let me interrupt by saying that it’s only prudent of a lady to share what she knows with others. Sharing is what makes life meaningful. In this case, Ladies would like to inform potential patrons that Célestin offers a poorly publicized brunch menu consisting of light fare, but the same sumptuous wine list, at an excellent price in the early afternoon.) Ladies were fortunate that they arrived at the later part of brunch and almost had the entire place to themselves, which allowed the Ladies to walk freely to the Comptoir (skip the apricot loaf and go for the fig) to inspect the sweets. (Ladies had originally asked the hostess for her recommendation but it was her first day at the bistro. Ladies were extremely forgiving as they were taken away with her French accent and soft spoken manner, not to mention fantastic gray top that looked like a Marie Saint Pierre.) The lady attendant at the Comptoir immediately smelled Ladies’ recently done mani and pedi as they eyed dessert. Ladies were slightly embarrassed about the strong odor, which they had completely missed, but the attendant assured them that she was merely whiffed and not miffed by it all. Ladies picked their favourites and quickly returned to their seats least to offend the gracious attendant further. Read more

Aug

18

Excuse me While I Kiss this Pie

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Cupcake Dance

Another resto review for your reading pleasure. Dig in!

Wanda’s In the Kitchen With Dinah | 1057 Mt. Pleasant Road | 416 483-0399 | M–Sa 10–7, Su 11–6

Ladies who Lunch kept a mental note to shop Wanda with Di when they happened to notice it on a drive in the city. The food and catering shop is nestled within a residential area, slightly out of the way from the shops and services down the road. The outdoor whimsical coloured sign, partially covered by overgrown branches, was the tip-off that this was more than some junk-dressed-up-as-collectibles store. Then again, with that kind of entrance, one can’t be too sure. After a failed attempt at acquiring some new duds (alas, the shopping gods were nowhere to be found) Ladies went out of their way to sample edibles from two well-loved ladies who do lunch and everything in between, Wanda Beaver and Dinah Koo, of Wanda’s Pie in the Sky and Dinah’s Cupboard fame. Read more

May

22

Cahier Rahier

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At one point, in my life, I had imagined being a food critic. Except, my critique wouldn’t just be on coulis and cabernets. It would have to include some commentary too. Specifically, girl talk.

My goal was to create a Candace-Bushnell-meets-Jeffrey-Steingarten kind of column, but I think the closest I got to was Emily-Post-meets-Keebler-Elf. See for yourself!

I can’t promise you that the following review will amuse you, but there are definitely more to come. Most have been written a few years back, but if there’s interest, I’ll definitely write some more, and would love a food buddy to venture out with on the next culinary quest.

Rahier Apricot Danish

 

Rahier Patisserie | 1586 Bayview Ave | 416 482-0917 | W–F 8–5, Sa 8–4, Su 8–3 | Directions

Arrive here a little after 9am on a holiday weekend and expect a lineup out the door at this popular Leaside café. Moms and tots in extra large baby strollers clumsily navigate through poorly planned pedestrian traffic made up of cellophane-wrapped goodies, Beanie Babies and starved patrons waiting on buttery croissants and brioche. The frenzy is calm but calculated as regulars know that baked treats sell out quickly. Even Ladies who lunch felt the pressure to make haste but decided to secure a spot instead of getting caught up in the commotion. Those who are indecisive are often left with cinnamon palmiers, although excellent, cannot compare to the selection of tarts and mouse-filled chocolate ruffled paniers (as I like to call them). Not to worry. Even if the taking is slim this time around, Rahier’s coffee does not disappoint and still makes the visit worthwhile. After letting several people jump cue, Ladies were finally ready to order from the ample selection of sweets remaining. Read more