Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter Five)

San Gennaro snuck up on me this year, quietly becoming the pizza delivery of choice in our house. For years, I dismissed the spot as an old-school Italian cafe, mostly on my radar for espresso and pastries. Big mistake. (Big! Huge!)

First thing to know: San Gennaro makes square pizza. Perfectly soft, chewy dough is bordered by a crunchy, salty crust. (I strongly suggest shotgunning a corner-piece right away -- those are the best part.) Their tomato sauce tastes fresh and bright; toppings are doled out generously.

The caciocavallo is my stand-out favorite. It's a white pizza, topped with the softest slices of potato, then blanketed with a thick layer of gooey cheese. Yes, it's decadent, but also totally worth that hit of lactaid. The pepperoni pizza is a close second, though, and easily one of the best no-frills traditional pies in Montreal. While I don't normally consume a ton of meat, exceptions are made when a pizza has small pepperoni rounds on top of the cheese (instead of baked under it) like the one at SG.

My extensive research (i.e. eating take-out) has actually proven that these two pizzas perfectly compliment each other. It is very, very important to always order both ;)

San Gennaro pizza also holds up wonderfully as next-day leftovers, heated up in the oven until the cheese starts oozing again.

Finally, if you're jonesing for dessert, don't skip the bomboloni (custard-filled donuts rolled in white sugar). They come in a handful of flavors -- vanilla custard, nutella, pistachio -- you can't go wrong with any of them. 

Hungry for more pizza? Feel free to browse my other posts about cherished spots like Stella, Parvis, and Gema.

Read More

Pizza Night Hack

A new weekend is around the corner, which means I will soon embark on another round of Can I Convince Josh To Have Pizza Tonight? In his defense, left unsupersived, I am liable to eat the stuff every damn night. Someone has to draw the line --- that's his job.

A few Saturdays ago, I suggested we make pizza ourselves, thereby sneaking it on the menu under the twofold guise of ~fun activity~ and ~homemade dinner~. The plan was easy enough, until we tried a hack that made everything even simpler.

Did you know some pizzerias will sell you their own raw pizza dough??? Like, the real-deal designer stuff!

Fugazzi recently opened a location near my apartment and, at $3.00 a piece, they will sell you blobs of dough -- each yielding a generously-sized za. Considering I know zero about making dough from scratch, buying the readymade hipster stuff was a brilliant shortcut! The staff even equipped us with all the temp/timing info for our crust to turn out restaurant-grade perfect. Ridiculously easy and so, so good!

For fun, here are the winning toppings we made that night, in case anyone would like a little inspiration!

My favorite: 

Olive oil

Ricotta (small blobs)

Fig jam (more small blobs)

Drizzle of balsamic reduction

Optional: Sprinkle arugula on the finished product (can you "sprinkle" greens?)

Runner-up:

Tomato sauce

Calabrian chilies (I start with a small amount and slowly build up the heat to my taste)

Mozzarella (basically covering the pizza like a heavy blanket lol)

Sliced green olives

Optional: Pepperoni

I assume you can call up any favorite pizzeria to see if they will sell your their dough :) let me know if you give it a try.

Happy eating!

Image credit: I lost the source -- please let me know if you recognize it!

Read More

Recently On Repeat

Long time no see!

Evidently, I haven't felt particularly inspired or motivated to update the blog. Blame the miserably frigid weather, paired with pandemic-related quasi house arrest. Anyway. It's not all bad news! Here is handful of fun things I've really enjoyed recently :)

Eating

Pio Pio's Peruvian chicken sandwiches with seasoned fries. 

Tofu poke bowls from OKOK. Don't forget to mix-and-match sauces!

A corner slice of Pizza Toni's square pepperoni (with spicy hot drizzle) is my new favorite one-handed lunch. Ordered with a can of...

Drinking

...Coconut La Croix! I might be hate-hooked on its strange taste. (Are you sweet or savory??)

Lupi Reali Montepulciano d'Abruzzo a.k.a. the very easy, very tasty red wine that will only set you back $12.

Zab ground espresso -- especially this blend -- with oat milk.

Doing

Playing Redecor day and night.  Please send help!

Technically, this one isn't a game, but I've been having fun with Warby Parker's interactive app while I shop around for new frames.

Indulging

Using Transforming Walnut Scrub from Ole Henriksen weekly. It's an oldie/goodie I reacquainted myself with last month. Easily the best (and best-smelling) facial scrub I've ever used.

Reading:

We're only one month into the new year, but Nothing Good Can Come From This, by Kristi Coulter, already set the bar ridiculously high for favorite book of 2021.

Wearing 

Apologies to all my other cold weather footwear, but I reach for black faux-shearling-lined Timberland boots every single day. Sturdy, warm, understated. Looks like they're on sale at The Bay, too.

What small things are keeping you sane during weary winter days?

Read More

Made-In-Montreal Panettone (And What To Do With The Leftovers)

Montreal is home to a big Italian community -- which might explain why, come December, there is no shortage of panetonne in markets and groceries stores. While it's totally acceptable to stan those mass-produced loaves, we're lucky to also have a bevy of special, artisanal options made right here in the city.

Here are some local standouts. A word to the wise: Order yours ahead of time to ensure you're equipped for Christmas :)

 

Left to right:

Arte & Farina (1256 Ontario St. E) FYI, A&F's panettone is also available at Epicerie Conserva.

Automne Boulangerie (6500 Christophe-Colomb) This is a new-to-me bakery and I've heard really good things!

 

Elena (5090 Notre-Dame W) Elena's token baked goods are great. (I longingly remember pistachio amaretti cookies from last summer.) I suspect their latest festive offering won't disappoint.

Hof Kelsten (4524 St. Laurent) I consider theirs the OG trendy artisanal panettone. Hof Kelsten is famous for their takes on traditional recipes. (Hello, chocolate babka!) Plus, the colorful packaging is something out of a Wes Anderson movie. 

*

In my experience, there is always, ALWAYS leftover panettone hanging around after the holidays. It's inevitable. Assuming you can't bring yourself to eat another (now drying) slice of sweet bread, how do you salvage the rest of it? Bread pudding, or french toast, or dipped in your coffee like a biscotti... Basically just revive the rest at breakfast time :)

Image credit: Sous Chef
Image credit (panettone): These images are linked back to their sources

Read More

Gifting Locally

Over the weekend, our inboxes began to bloat with pre-Black Friday e-mail blasts. It's hard to ignore the siren song of those extremely, ridiculously tempting deals.

The thing is, when it comes to holiday gifting this year, I really want to shop more methodically and responsibly (and less like a trigger-happy maniac armed with a dozen discount codes). There is a small handful of specific, timeless items I'd like to buy (or restock) on the 27th -- I'm looking at you, UGG Adirondack boots and Glossier Moon Mask. Aside from those, I've challenged myself to support smaller businesses with the rest of my holiday shopping list.

Good news: If you're on the lookout for lovely local gifting in Montreal, the options are truly endless! Let me help get the ball rolling with a few of my favorites :)

  

The soy candles from Lycka Atelier are incredible. I recently bought two: blueberry muffin and pineapple-coconut. Both smell good enough to eat!

Raplapla is the sweetest Plateau toy shop for all the hipster babies in your life.

Goye makes such dainty, delicate ceramics and jewelry. I'm lusting after, well, EVERYTHING in the shop, but the floral bowls and planters (omg those scallop edges!) really have my attention.

On that note... Why not book someone a pottery class at Les Faiseurs?

   

For plants, dried flowers, cute pots, gorgeous fresh arrangements: Jardin de Mathilde (15% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter) and Vertuose are my MVPs.

Drawn & Quarterly will satisfy all your literary needs. Don't skip their kid-friendly satellite shop, either.

While we're on the topic of books, Westmount's Appetite for Books offers cooking lessons -- often in coordination with a newly released cookbook. (Class sizes are obviously scaled back at the moment.)

  

Les Barbos and Lili Graffiti create the most beautiful prints and paper goods.

Boucle et Papier is my favorite stationary store in the city. (THERE, I said it!) They are a one-stop shop for checking off every possible gifting need on your list: greeting cards, gift wrap, paper products, party supplies, candles, calendars, and tons of tiny whatnots that make perfect stocking stuffers. 

Personally, I love Pitou Minou & Compagnons for all things pet-related -- ESPECIALLY their location on St. Laurent and Mont Royal. They aren't exactly a tiny company, but they are from Quebec and the staff is suuuper kind and knowledgable.

  

Swing by Amber and Smoke Vintage for one-of-a-kind trinkets and housewares. Ashley keeps her inventory stocked with treasure -- you have to move fast, though, because her stuff often gets snatched up quick.

Treat someone to a photo session with Sadie from l'orangerie photographie! She always brings out so much love, personality, and style in her work (but magically makes it seem effortless).

Book an online workout class at Studio Mile End (formerly Wanderlust Yoga). I've taken their Barre and Studio de Base -- they are loads of fun and super accessible for beginners!

  

Puzzles and board games are heroes of the pandemic. Randolph and Le Valet d'Coeur both have a seemingly endless selection of entertainment, as well as helpful staff.

For music fans and vinyl lovers: Aux 33 Tours, Sonorama, and Cheap Thrills. (Thanks for the tips, Josh.)

Boozy business: Veux-tu une bière?, Dépanneur Peluso, Ils En Fument Du Bon will satisfy any need for microbrew beer and/or intriguing organic wine.

Stocking someone's pantry Italian-style: Epicerie Conserva and Il Miglio are cherished all-stars in our house.

Consider a Th3rdwave coffee subscription for the caffeine addict in your life.

Not a groundbreaking idea, but an excellent one nonetheless: Gift cards to favorite restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. 

Donate to a meaningful local charity or grassroots organization in your loved one's name. Here are some ideas: Hoodstock, La Maison d'Haiti, Desta, Meals For Milton-Parc, The Open Door, Sun Youth, Chez Doris, Native Women's Shelter of Montreal.

*

There you have it! Even though this is hardly an extensive list of Montreal's local shopping landscape, I've hopefully given you enough juice to jump-start your Nice List :)

What are you planning to gift others over the holidays?

Image credit (top): Time Magazine
Images of merchandise come from their company's respective websites

Read More

Where To Find Great Veggie Sushi In Montreal

I'm not a vegetarian. Yet.

When it comes to my relationship with food, what started as eccentric (read: tedious) pickiness has evolved into eating habits that closely resemble a meat-free diet. Compared to a decade ago, I'm much more conscious of the ethical and environmental impact made by the things we choose to eat -- and I'm sure a lot of other people feel the same way.

Luckily, Montreal is not short on incredible vegetarian (and vegan!) eateries, as well as large veggie-friendly sections of grocery stores. I fully credit easy access to awesome meatless ingredients for my transition away from the stuff.

Some of our local vegetarian restaurants are so good, they could easily go toe-to-toe with any non-veggie counterpart, and very likely come out as the tastier option. This is particularly true when it comes to the city's non-fish, non-meat, and even non-dairy sushi restaurants. Stay with me! Once you are at peace with forfeiting seafood for a meal, you will be ridiculously impressed with how good a shrimp-less hosomaki can be.

Keep on scrolling to see a list of places I trust for veggie sushi :)

OHANA SUSHI (330 MONT ROYAL EAST)

When Ohana opened down the street from our place, I was so pumped. Gorgeous-looking veggie sushi was a mere ten minute walk away! Ohana is aiming for elevated, stylized, Momo-esque (more on Momo later) offerings and, for the most part, the restaurant hits the mark. They boast a looong list of rolls, each of which is creative and high quality. My favorite is the Eclipse (I'd never tried black rice before this place) -- I would very happily order three servings of this roll alone and call it dinner :)

SUSHI MOMO (3609 ST. DENIS)

Sushi Momo is the undisputed MVP of vegan sushi in Montreal. In fact, I'm pretty damn confident that their offerings are more inventive and taste better than many traditional sushi places in the city. Momo's flavor profiles are insane. Each roll has its own personality and is brimming with flavor. They don't skimp on the quality of their ingredients (which explains why many rolls cost upward of $10). 

TBH, their delivery system is kind of annoying, so I recommend phoning in a pick-up order instead. That being said, there is zero chance you'll regret choosing Momo over any other sushi place around. My absolutely favorites are Mangue Patate, Momo, and Patate Jalapeño -- these three ALWAYS make the cut when we're ordering. 

ROULEAU PLUS ROULEAUX (816 ST. ZOTIQUE EAST)

From the outset, Rouleau Plus Rouleaux seems like a random choice. Definitely not a strictly-veggie spot. But of all the conventional sushi places in town, this one has the most extensive list of interesting vegetarian choices. Rouleau is ridiculously accessible! Fast, inexpensive, super satisfying. (Real talk: I order from here the most of ANY restaurant. Even Domino's.) 

I'll just go ahead and list all my favorite rolls, putting a * beside the ones that get ordered every single time I eat from here. It goes: avocado hosomaki* (theirs is made is huge chunks of fresh avo), omelet hosomaki (for Josh), Eda Maki*, Exotic Veggie Futomaki* (with soy paper), Wakame Futomaki, Deluxe Veggie Futomaki (no sun-dried tomato), Dragon Veggie Futomaki.

If you're feeling wacky, grab yourself a dessert roll. Also, make sure to splurge on soy paper (instead of nori) wherever you can. You'll be happy you did :)

JONES CAFE / SATA SUSHI (3349 ONTARIO ST. EAST)

Last Thursday, I found out Mimi & Jones opened a sister-location called Jones Café that serves vegan sushi. Ten minutes later, I was ordering five rolls to share with Josh for dinner. Super impressed with how many ingredients are incorporated into a single roll, some of which are pretty unusual for this cuisine (like sumac and agave). It makes me beyond happy to support up-and-coming local restaurants -- I wouldn't hesitate to give Jones Café another shot ASAP.

SOBA SUSHI (5227 SHERBROOKE WEST)

Soba & Sushi Bar is another non-veggie restaurant. Frankly, I might brush past this place today, had I not lived across the street for two years. Back then, in 2011, I'd grab take-out from Soba WEEKLY, then proceed to eat it in bed while watching 30 Rock DVDs. (I'm a class act.) They don't have a ton of veggie options, but the ones they do make manage to branch out beyond cheap variations of cucumber and carrot.

The Asia (#204) is my favorite roll ever ever ever -- the decently-sized chunk of sweet potato stays crispy and the avocado is creamy, creating a near-perfect combination of flavor and texture. The Hawaiian (#218) is great, too. Unless you're vegan, don't skip the spicy mayo :)

*

Bloom Sushi is next on my list -- I've heard only excellent things about them! Did I miss one of your favorite spots for veggie sushi?

Image credit (top): Brit + Co

Image credit (restaurants): Ohana Sushi, Momo Sushi, Rouleau Plus Rouleaux, Jones Cafe/Sata Sushi, Soba Sushi

Read More

Thanksgiving 2020: Take-Out Edition

Let's face facts: Turkey Day 2020 will be unique. Unless you already live in the same household, you and your loved ones will be clinking glasses digitally. Not ideal, not the end of the world. We're all in it together, fighting for the greater good!

Besides, just because you aren't sharing a table with family doesn't mean your Thanksgiving eats have to suck. On the contrary! Montrealers have a bevy of kick-ass options to feast on that fully compliment the holiday vibe. Let me share my favorites :)

JOE BEEF'S "POULET DU FUMOIR" MEAL FOR TWO

If you're looking for full-blown meal kits, Joe Beef and Rhubarbe (click for their menus) are still taking orders for the upcoming weekend. Their offerings are pretty damn luxe. I ordered from Rhubarbe for Sunday pick-up, and have honestly been thinking about that food non-stop lol. 

Also, just last night, McKiernan announced that they'll have Thanksgiving options available on Sunday. A menu hasn't been released yet but, whatever they prepare, I'm sure it's going to be dope. Otherwise, you can always treat yourself to their rotisserie chicken meal and pretend you're eating turkey ;)

TOURTIERE AUSTRALIENNE'S HAND PIES ARE RICH AND RIDICULOUSLY GOOD

If meal kits aren't your thing, and you'd prefer to pepper your table with a small handful of outsourced dishes, then I've still got you covered...

The sides at Dinette Triple Crown are very much in the spirit of Thanksgiving -- sweet potatoes, hush puppies, a famously delectable mac and cheese. 

Tourtière Australienne makes savory pies with the most buttery dough. Certain pies (like curry sweet potato or the classic) really nail an autumnal vibe. You can pick them up hot and fresh, or frozen. Oh, and don't forget the mushy peas.

Rustique I've never, ever been disappointed by their desserts. Right now, they have a "seasonal pie duo" that is so on-point for the holiday. One-two punch of pumpkin and apple pies, anyone?

*

Have a fabulous long weekend! Sink in and enjoy it :)

Image credit (top): Cloudy Kitchen
Image credit (middle): Joe Beef 
Image credit (bottom): So Montreal

Read More

Local List: My Favorite Pizza (Chapter Four)

PIZZERIA GEMA (6827 ST. DOMINIQUE)

Before diving into the next chapter of my love story with pizza, I want to echo a sentiment most of us are feeling today, as Montreal enters another code red lockdown. Yes, it sucks. No, it won't last forever. Until the pandemic is finally behind us, our restaurant scene is taking a huge economic hit. Again. If you have the means and love your local eateries, consider occasionally ordering take-out this month :)

*

It was only a matter of time before Pizzeria Gema found its way onto the blog. For me, Gema is tied with Stella for best Neopolitan-style pizza in the city. 

The Vibe

There's something really warm and inviting about having dinner here. The space feels intimate, the atmosphere is stylish but chill -- an ideal vibe for grabbing pizza with friends. I don't mind being seated at the bar, either, and theirs has ample space. Gema gets pretty busy (it's only ever been a full house when I've gone). Make sure to call ahead for a table.

The Eats

The 1889 is a margarita with buffalo mozzarella and, unsurprisingly, my fail-safe choice. Good, salty, crunchy crust. Smooth, gently tangy tomato sauce. Always, always ask for spicy oil on the side. (Be warned: It is HOT, so a little goes a long way.)

If you're into Hawaiian pizza, theirs is next level with grilled pineapple and maple ham. I should also confess that the Ruliano (melted leeks, fontina cheese, prosciutto confit) is actually my favorite option on Gema's menu -- I haven't tried anything like it elsewhere. The only problem: I'm not always ready to commit to all that flavor for an entire pizza. (That's when splitting pies with your group comes in handy.)

La Collective is the one I'm most excited to try next. It was concocted in collaboration with three other pizzerias, and a portion of the profits from this particular 'za will be donated to support Montreal's restaurant workers. As if that wasn't incentive enough, La Collective has cheddar and freakin' WHIPPED RICOTTA on top. Obviously, I'm sold.

Gema's homemade frozen custard (and all the toppings) is really, REALLY good. Frankly, chocolate ice cream + amaretto cherries = perfection. To be honest, I think the custard is a smidge pricey, but definitely worth tasting at least once.

Their wine list is extensive and includes plenty of by-the-glass options, but I'm just as happy ordering their Aperol Spritz. There really isn't a wrong answer at this place ;)

*

Have you eaten at Gema before? I'd love to hear what you think!

Image credit (top): Caserne

Image credit (middle): Zebulon Perron

Image credit (bottom): Time Out

Read More

Graphic Tees

So, do you wear them?

I like to tease Josh for owning approximately three hundred graphic tees. Truth is, they're pretty cool-looking, and sometimes even double as a souvenir from an awesome show, trip, etc.

Personally, I'm a fan of them :) even though I only own a couple. As someone who wears a variation of basic top + jeans almost every day, I like how screen prints lend an extra touch of character to an otherwise plain-ish outfit.

Random aside: Remember, back in like 2010, when everyone was crazy about blazers? Fairly certain I went to someone's bachelor party (don't ask) wearing a neon pink Britney Spears Femme Fatale Tour tee layered under a shoulder-pad-laden leather blazer -- and felt VERY COOL about those choices lol. (I wonder where that top went?)

From time to time, Frank And Oak collaborates with graphic artists to release a capsule of screen tees. I'm usually a big fan of those collections, but their current partnership with Na Kim, an illustrator from Brooklyn, is particularly cute!

  

Seriously coveting the softcore/hardcore one because it cracks me up! Safe to bet that, come September, it will wind up in my closet.

What do you think -- stylish for everyday wear or strictly as PJs?

Image credit (top): The Telegraph
Image credit (products): Frank And Oak

Read More

Pizza News: I Tried La Main Folle!

As a follow-up to this post from last week, it feels right to circle back and quickly recap my maiden voyage* to La Main Folle.

*Technically, the meal voyaged to us via delivery app, but you get the drift.

Last week, we commemorated Junk Food Friday by ordering a small caesar salad and two pizzas, The Tartiflette (cream sauce, mozzerella, gruyère, sliced potatoes, rosemary) and The Sopresata (tomato sauce, mozz, spicy sopresata).

The salad was standard, tasty. You know you've lived in the Plateau for too long when you look at a salad and think, "No kale?" Anyway. The small was easily shareable between two people -- especially if you're about to stuff your faces with za...

At $16 a pizza, La Main Folle is serving up the best freaken deal in town. Also, they were MASSIVE! Probably 20" (I didn't actually measure lol) and twelves slices to a pizza. Post-meal, we basically had a full pie leftover. If the goal is to try different flavors, but you're not a huge group, I'd suggest going to their shop and ordering by the slice.

The dough was very thin, NY-style. It totally held up to the toppings without getting droopy or soggy. As for said toppings, both pizzas were surprisingly mild, well-balanced, and not too greasy. Even the potato one (my personal favorite!) didn't taste as in-your-face as the long list of ingredients might imply. 

Conclusion: I loved it! Other pizzerias might boast more frills or funkier toppings, but our order from La Main Folle was perfectly delicious and beyond satisfying. (Plus, I challenge anyone to find another non-margarita pizza for the same price.) This might be my new go-to pizza place for delivery. I'm already looking forward to trying their Three Cheese and maybe some of those pastas :)

Image credit: Nightlife

Read More

More Local Pastries To Impress

Ready for more adventures in the Montreal pastry scene? I am, always!

Last month saw cakes and other goodies of the sort. Today, we're talking donuts. The first spot in this list is an old standby. The second, a new-to-me pâtisserie whose treats were calling my name all summer. Both shops are on my side of the mountain, so I apologize for excluding any awesome options in the Sud-Ouest/NDG area. Maybe, once the pandemic is behind us (fingers crossed), I'll venture back to that part of town and stuff my face with all the sweets Léché, Rustique, and the gang have to offer ;)

For now, I'm strolling through Little Italy and Rosemont. On y va! 

TROU DE BEIGNE (156 ST. ZOTIQUE EAST)

Over the years, I've stopped for a Trou de Beigne donut many, many times. In fact, it's my favorite follow-up to a savory brunch at Santa Barbara. Their offerings come in two sizes and usually nine different flavors -- a combination of seasonal confections and perennial crowd-pleasers like maple bacon, cookie dough, and s'mores.

Personally, I'm an oreo gal, but occasionally dabble in the "limited time only" options. (I'm looking at you, mind-blowing peach jelly donut from last summer.)

Okay, fine, the treats at Trou de Beigne are kiiind of greasy -- avoid looking at your napkin when your donut is done. However, their texture is surprisingly light, and the largest size isn't exactly enormous, so I figure everything balances out nicely ;)

CREMY PATISSERIE (2202 MONT ROYAL EAST)

Last week, I schlepped myself to the corner of Mont Royal and Parthenais to finally test drive Crémy. I specifically set out to try their pistachio/cherry jelly creation, which I'd had my eye on for months (literally), and I'm pumped to report that it lived up to the hype!

Unlike TdB, these donuts are quite hefty. Like, difficult-to-take-a-bite big (not that I'm complaining lol). There's also an impressive choice of inventive options on the menu -- tons of cool flavor combos and fun reinterpretations of classic treats. Plus, on top of the donuts, Crémy makes their version of nostalgic snacks like Joe Louis and Ah Caramel. It took A LOT of self-control to keep myself from ordering one of everything. Which means I have to go back for more, I guess. What a struggle :)

Have you been to either of these shops? I'd love to get your input!

Image credit (top): Happy Shappy

Image credit (donuts): Trou de Beigne, Crémy

Read More

Spruced Up Gin & Tonic

There's loads to love about a classic gin and tonic: Its mild flavor is always refreshing, and it's composed of such basic ingredients that you can get a decent one practically anywhere.

Recently, I've been doing an easy twist on the standard cocktail. My version doesn't call for extra steps or, frankly, any additional effort whatsoever. You'll need an ounce of Madison Park Pink Dry Gin, one small bottle of Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic Water, ice cubes, and a tall glass. Combine, kick back, drink up.

 

Cute packaging, right?

I arrived at this combination by total happenstance. The gin was an impulse purchase while waiting in line at the SAQ. Although it's certainly interesting that Madison Park is distilled in Montreal, the truth is, I was only really drawn to it because of the color lol. As for the tonic water, my sweet friend Erika gifted me a four-pack, saying it would change my G&T game. She was right! (This hidden treasure is sold at Rachelle Béry.) Maybe these bottles were destined to be in my kitchen at the same time -- they work so well when mixed together!

The flavors are a touch more... unusual... than your standard version of the drink. Fragrant, herbal, fairly sweet and light. And yet, there's no mistaking it for anything other than a gin and tonic! I find the unique taste of these somewhat off-the-beaten-track ingredients elevates the cocktail, making it special without really changing the recipe. 

For those who appreciate a good garnish, this drink would be lovely served with a sprig of lavender. Or, if you feel like channelling your inner Martha Stewart (and have time to prep in advance), try freezing edible flowers or berries into the ice cubes.

Let me know when you give this drink a whirl! And, as always, I'd love to know what you've been sipping on lately :)

Image credit (top): World's Best Bars
Image credit (products): Google

Read More

Pizza By The Slice

A handful of New York-style single-slice pizza joints are bubbling up in my neighborhood and I AM EXCITED.

Similar pizza (like Al Taib or Pizza Dany) was basically my main source of nutrition throughout university. For a couple of loonies, I could get the most reliably scrumptious "meal" -- to be eaten in one hand while beelining to my next class.

Even more than on-the-go convenience, I love the low commitment of buying just one slice of za. Perfect if you're feeling peckish but not hungry enough for a full pie. Equally ideal for when you're craving multiple toppings but can't narrow down a choice.

Imagine my delight upon realizing THREE new by-the-slice spots were opening within a ten minute walking radius of my home. Unsurprisingly, I'm already on a mission to try them all. 

PIZZA TONI (104 ST. VIATEUR OUEST)

PIZZA TONI

Pizza Toni, the progeny of Falafel Yoni (another trusted restaurant in the area), just opened this summer and seems to be doing super well, considering they regularly run out of dough before closing time! They only offer the basics: five types of za and a soda fridge.

I finally tried them out last Thursday, treating myself to a slice of pepperoni and springing $0.25 for ranch drizzle (because I have no self-control). I very happily munched my pizza all the way home, careful not to get grease and/or buttermilk dressing on my clothes. It was tasty and satisfying, but the ranch was overkill for me. I'm already looking forward to my next visit -- I've got my sights on their cheese pizza with a side of spicy honey.

LA MAIN FOLLE (4040 ST. LAURENT)

LA MAIN FOLLE

La Main Folle might be the restaurant I'm most pumped to visit. I've walked past their window multiple times and things are looking DELISH in there. Their topping combinations are fun -- I'm dying to try the one with cream sauce, mozz, gruyere, and potato (omg). They have other things on the menu, too. Calzones, sandwiches, salads. But let's get real... I'm only here for the pizza.

SLICE + SODA (56 ST. VIATEUR OUEST)

SLICE + SODA

I didn't realize Slice + Soda had other locations until I spotted Coming Soon signage in their St. Viateur window. (Oddly, they are opening only a few storefronts away from Toni.) Their pizza menu sounds promising and seems to be the most extensive of the three places mentioned in this post. Stay tuned!

*

Are you a by-the-slice believer? Is there an awesome pizza place in your neighborhood? I'm always on the lookout ;)

Image credit (top): blogTO

Read More