An Olive Branch Extended in Education

Thomas Jefferson had it right when he said that “the olive tree is surely the richest gift of heaven” Olive oil has always been present in my kitchen and on my table.  It has always been the condiment of choice for cooking, dressing and even snacking without any thought.  Whether store bought or pressed from […]

Moscato: Hot Wine Bling

*Image from gallofamily.com “It’s a celebration — clap clap bravo.  Lobster and shrimp and a glass of Moscato.”(Drake) These lyrics from the Canadian hip hop superstar sent sales of Moscato wine sky rocketing in 2009 making producers of the sweet drinking wine raise their glasses in cheer.  So celebrated in fact, that the Gallo Family […]

Having My Cake and Eating It Too!

For the last few years I have been a little unconventional with my celebratory confection and have set my birthday candle atop (or in the near vicinity of) cake pops, donut towers, cheesecake and even macaron pyramids rather than the conventional chocolate or vanilla layer cake.  While it’s enticing to experiment, there’s something to be […]

Diana’s Oyster Bar & Grill is Making Waves

Diana’s Oyster Bar & Grill quietly set sail and chartered new territory opening its second location in December of 2015.  Waiting for winter storms to pass they made waves with their recent grand opening celebration, treating everyone in attendance with an incredible catch. The festive atmosphere featured live music, an official welcome from Markham Mayor, […]

Chewing the Fat About Avocados

Famed American botanist and plant explorer David Fairchild once said “the avocado is a food without rival among the fruits, the veritable fruit of paradise”.  Mr. Fairchild was clearly ahead of his time as this glorious green fruit of Mexico has been garnering its place in the culinary spotlight recently.  Beyond it being the new […]

Femme Feast In Honour of International Women’s Day

Take one chef, and one event planner; add twenty-five or so of their closest friends; combine with three delectable courses at modern French restaurant and you’ve got the recipe for an incredible Femme Feast. I had the honour and pleasure recently of co-hosting a dinner with Joanna Sable, in commemoration of International Women’s Day.  The […]

Painting On The Smiles at Nutella Face 2016

Themed the Art of Happiness this year’s edition of Nutella Face, held at Façade Academy of the Arts, was definitely a masterpiece.  The overall aesthetic of the evening, an assemblage of Nutella lovers of all ages, along with culinary artists, putting their chocolate hazelnut showpieces on display. To kick off the evening, guests were greeted […]

Nutella Face 2016: Celebrating the Art of Happiness

For over half a century Nutella has turned making people smile, into an art; and on February 5th smiles will be painted on the faces of Nutella lovers globally, in honor of World Nutella Day. Our Nutella loving trio, Fables and Focaccia, Vanessa Galle Photography and Design Inc., and David f. Di Benedetto: Design, Creative […]

The Roundhouse Craft Beer Festival: Fast Track to Summer Enjoyment

There’s nothing like drinking a tall cold one on a hot day.  Better still, enjoying that beer with friends while sharing great street eats from food trucks with live music in the background in an awesome setting where Toronto landmarks tower overhead.      The setting, Roundhouse Park, home to Steam Whistle Brewing and the annual […]

Red and White Welcome

Welcome, defined as a kindly greeting or reception, as to one whose arrival gives pleasure; and to greet the arrival of (a person, guests, etc.) with pleasure or kindly courtesy. The best way that I know how to honor someone’s presence is through food. It is always a pleasure for me to find myself at […]