Toronto Beer Festival !!!!

“Ooohhh, what is the malted liquor, what gets you drunker quicker, what comes in bottles or in cans…. BEER!” (South Park)

Hello Everyone,

On Sunday July 27^{th 2014}, I attended the Toronto Beer Festival. I have to be honest, I am not a beer drinker nor have I ever attended this festival previously.  I am someone however, who will try something at least once. LOL. 

I was really excited about going to the festival.  I had an opportunity to meet a lot of incredible people but also I got to try a lot of beer. LOL. Friends, if you love beer, this is the event you should attend.  This festival showcases experts from the brewing industry from around the world. With over 100 brands of beer on site, you can get the party started boys and girls!

I love Somersby Citrus Flavoured Cider!!!!!!! It definitely won my heart at the festival.  I do have to mention the Neal Brothers.  They were kind enough to have samples of their new Kettle Cooked Chips.  Ok, yes; I took some home for my dad to try.  If my father does not complain when he eats something, try it. Neal Brothers, your spicy ketchup flavoured SRIRACHUP cooked chips are a hit.

There was so much to see and do.  I did indulge in some food while at the festival.  I mean, they had so many food vendors, and you all know I LOVE FOOD. Ha-ha.  I’m Italian; I’m allowed to eat a lot. LOL. From Porchetta to Poutine, to Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, this festival had it all.

My favorite part besides the Somersby Cider, and kettle chips was the people.  Everyone was having fun.  It was spring break in Toronto!! So many giveaways. From free beer glasses to hats from Coors and Steam Whistle, to music and yes I saw some people dancing. LOL  

Exhibition Place for 3 days was transformed into one big party.  If you have an opportunity, to attend this festival in the future, do it! Make sure, you have an empty tummy.  You will want to try all the food and yes, you will want to drink BEER!!!

It was a day to remember and thank you Les Murray Owner of the Toronto Beer Festival for bringing such a great event to this city.  I feel such privilege to have been invited.

Until next time boys and girls...” Remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off...” ©justbeingmeluvuholts

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

I know you want to check out my photos from this fun day!!  CHEERS EVERYONE!!! OHH and Thank you to Toronto Police for keeping us all safe.   

 

Nanny Hudson's Ketchup.. Pay it Forward....

“Calling all angels, calling all angels! Walk me through this one, don’t leave me alone” (Pay it Forward, Jane Siberry)

Hello Everyone,

We always hear that everything happens for a reason.  Sometimes, we never know what that reason is and sometimes we have a hard time understanding why it even happened.  At the end of the day, we all need to have faith and believe that “paying it forward” is always a great solution to any problem.

One night as I waited to pick up a friend from the subway, a lady approached me asking for change.  Being raised with the mentality “never talk to strangers” I had a bit of hesitation in speaking with her, but she seemed friendly.  I felt bad for her as she needed change for a 20$ and unfortunately, the bank machine only disperses 20$ bills. LOL. I offered her the change I had.  She was so thankful that I gave her this change.  She insisted she somehow pay me back.  I told her, no need it was only change.  Nancy would not let it go.  She was persistent; I wanted to ask her if she was Calabrese. LOL.

As we continued to talk, I offered her my card where she then emailed me. She sent me the most amazing ketchup my family tasted. Sweet Nancy expressed delivered 4 bottles of Nanny Hudson’s Ketchup to my home.  

“Pay it forward...” a phrase that is always in the back of my mind.  The world would be such a happier place if we all “pay it forward...” Thank you Nancy and Burnbrae Farms for the amazing ketchup who my parents love!!

I was happy to help you out that night in getting you to your party and in return my family is still enjoying the great gift you sent.  If you can get a hold of this ketchup, ladies and gents, it is worth a try.  It is really tasty and it is made with love.

Until next time boys and girls...” remember to always, just be yourself, it will eventually pay off…” the more I say this phrase, the more the rewards keep happening.  I have met some incredible people since I have started this blog, and I feel so lucky and blessed.  

Thank you once again Nancy for my ketchup!!!! My ENTIRE family loves it girl!!!!!!

Here are some pictures of my Nanny Hudson’s Ketchup….OHHHH, what a perfect day to post this; today is National Hot Dog Day LOL!!!   ©justbeingmeluvuholts

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca

 

Pukka Restaurant !! Amazing Indian & great SUMMERLICIOUS menu!

“Namaste is what you say to the good in you and the good in me.  Say Namaste every day and the world will live in harmony.” Sydney Solis

Hello Everyone,

Pukka is the first Indian restaurant I have ever tried.  I knew I would love it before I even walked in because as I walked up to the front doors, the word Namaste was on the door.  Anyone, who knows me, knows I LOVE yoga.  I immediately felt connected to this restaurant.

It is such a calming and relaxing place.  The décor is great but I am not here to tell you about décor. I am here to tell you that you must go EAT at PUKKA!!! I had the most amazing experience at this restaurant.  I got an opportunity to try their Summerlicious special.  This deal is going on until July 20^th.  People of Toronto, this is the restaurant you need to try.   Lunch is a 3 course meal and under the summerlicious menu it is only 15$!!!! OMG, yes I said it 15$ boys and girls!! I ordered the Chicken 65, which is south Indian fried chicken, the Beef Short Ribs and last but not least I had Chocolate Espresso Cake.   The funniest part is that I never eat beef. LOL.  I am now a beef lover. Ha-ha.  It was so good. That beef melted in my mouth.

I am so blessed and I have to say, I was lucky enough to get a chance to try their butter chicken and Kale salad.  I could not get enough of this food.  I even took an order to go.  Yes, I ordered Sweet Potato Samosas and Vegetable pakoras.  Ok, so, this is how good this food tastes.  My Italian father who lives on “Italian food” ate my samosas and loved the beef short ribs.  Not one complaint ladies and gents, the food was gone in 2 minutes flat. LOL.

If you have a chance to try the Summerlicious program, trust me call PUKKA ASAP.  www.pukka.ca What am I saying?  Try Pukka whether it’s fall, winter or summer, you have to eat at this restaurant.  

In Hindi, Pukka means “genuine” OR “very good”.  Derek Valleau and Harsh Chawla got the name right on this charming restaurant.  Thank you, to you both for a fantastic lunch.  Catherine, you were a delight and I enjoyed the service!! Before I left, Derek said to me “I hope we converted you...LOL” Derek, anytime you want me to come back I will be there. Ha-ha

Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off...”

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Now, I know, you want to see my pictures from Pukka…LOL.  Here they are:

©justbeingmeluvuholts

 

Wendel Clark's Classic Grill and Bar

“Wendel was a man with a stick in his hands.  Who learned how to play in Kelvington S-A-S-K.” (Rheostatics-Ballad of Wendel Clark)

Hello Everyone,

In 1985 this great hockey player was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs.  He made a huge impact on hockey and on the city of Toronto.  He made the city proud and to this day Leaf fans everywhere still smile when the name “Wendel Clark” is mentioned. I not only got a chance to watch this great man play hockey, but, I idolized the hound line.  The hound line is the reason I am a Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

So, when I got an opportunity to go to Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar in Vaughan, I got to do my “happy dance.” LOL I was pleasantly greeted by a great staff and was delighted to discover the atmosphere  was fantastic. Wait, it gets better.  My pulled pork sandwich was amazing, the chicken sliders made me sing but when I got an autographed Wendel jersey, I became the happiest girl in the bar. Now, the only thing left would be to meet “Captain Crunch” in person! I met Russ Courtnall. I met Gary Leeman.  Now, I need the last member of that “hound line” to make my life complete. Ha-ha.  I suppose I could go eat there every weekend, and hope to see Wendel.  The food is incredible, but would that make me a stalker? LOL

Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Bar in Vaughan, has truly won my heart.  If you are a Wendel Clark fan, you will be in heaven at this bar.  I have been there twice in the last month. No, I am not trying to stalk Wendel, I actually do really enjoy the food. LOL Check out their website for location, menu and reservations. www.wendelclarks.com

Wendel, you inspire all Leaf fans.  You have made this city proud.  It was an honour to get to eat at your bar.  Thank you, to the staff at Wendel Clark’s Bar for making my experience incredible and a special thank you to David, for my amazing jersey!!!

Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off…”

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Check out my pictures from Wendel’s Bar!! 

©justbeingmeluvuholts

Yam Chops Event !! Vegetarian Butcher Shop!!

“I don’t eat no meat, no dairy, no sweets.  Only ripe vegetables, fresh fruit and whole wheat…” (Dead Prez)

Hello Everyone,

A few days ago I was invited to a Blogger event at this new, amazing vegetarian butcher and prepared foods store. Yam Chops is a vegetarian butcher shop! I know, it sounds crazy but I really loved their food.  It made me actually think about going healthy. LOL.

I got to sample an array of foods.  I have to say, I kept going back to get a Tuna-Less Tuna Slider. LOL.  Maybe, the word slider made me want more of this treat but I could not stop eating it.  It was made with Free Range Chick peas, dressed with vegan mayonnaise, dill pickle, red onion and nori.  It was mashed to a “tuna” like consistency.  I have to say, it tastes sooooo good.  I mean, I don’t even eat fish. LOL.  I know, it wasn’t actually tuna but it did taste like tuna.

I then sampled some of the Carrot Lox Bites.  WOWWWW. Delicious!! They were organic carrots marinated in a Smokey spice blend and baked to have a smooth texture.  It was served with cashew sour cresm, capers and dill.  Yam Chops, carrot lox bites has been acknowledged by wild salmon across Canada with a “Two pectoral Fins UP”!! Ha-ha!! I have to say, I was very impressed at this cute shop that came up with some great treats for all vegetarians and vegans. 

Now, I even took some things home to eat!! LOL.  That is how much I enjoyed the food at Yam Chops.  I bought myself some No pulled Pork, Veggie Burger and yes yes, an Italian “sausage”.  You knew I would somehow bring up the Italian food. LOL.

Yam Chops was gracious enough to give out goodie bags to all blogger’s. The goodie bags included their Mango Tamarind Chutney and Nothing but Heirlooms Tomato Sauce.  I have not yet tried these products but tonight guess who is having a Veggie Burger for dinner?!?  LOL

Thank you to Yam Chops for hosting such a fun event and for giving me an opportunity to learn about healthy foods. I enjoyed your Watermelon juice and all your amazing treats.  If you are vegetarian or vegan you must check out Yam Chops.  It has some amazing goodies that are healthy and taste fantastic! Believe it or not, I wish I bought some of that Tuna-less Tuna to take home.  I’m telling you, it was really tasty.  Great job yam chops, I almost want to become vegetarian. Ha-ha

Check out their website at www.yamchops.com they deliver boys and girls!! Not to where I live but if they can deliver to your home or office, try them!!!!

Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off...”

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Here are some pictures of my evening at Yam Chops!!!

©justbeingmeluvuholts

 

Fancy Franks Hot Dogs!! OMG!! Gourmet Hot Dogs!!

“Hot dog, hot dog, the problem’s solved…hot dog hot diggety dog...” (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)

Hello Everyone,

As a little girl, I can always remember loving hotdogs.  They always made me feel happy.  Ketchup, Relish, Mustard, all of it, made me one happy little girl.  Walking into Fancy Franks was like walking into heaven.  Their menu was like winning a lottery. LOL.  My head was spinning, not knowing which one to try.

Frankie Goes to Buffalo with Chicken Bacon, Carrots, Celery, Blue Cheese Dressing and Buffalo Wing Sauce was the winner.  That hot dog was sooooooooo good.  I have dreams of this hot dog.  I want another one soooooo bad.  Listen, I’m not just saying this because I love Hot Dogs, I’m telling you that Fancy Franks is a true gem. I wish they would open one up near my house!!!!!!

I was very lucky to get a chance to try their Fancy 90210 hot dog and also my friends their mini donuts!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! My favorite was the Nutella and crushed Biscotti, but, I think I’m biased with that one because we all know, I’m Italian. You have to pick Nutella. Ha-ha. They were all delicious. We had a variety, the cinnamon sugar, lemon curd and strawberry and powdered sugar donuts. PLEASE, open a Fancy Franks near me!!!!! There are still so many things on the menu, I must try!

I want to thank everyone at Fancy Franks for treating me like a hot dog queen LOL.  Thank you, to Tuan, Vicky, Steven and the rest of the staff for making my experience a great one!! Fancy Franks, now has 2 locations.  You need to go try one soon! Here is their website for any information, you may need. www.fancyfranks.com.

I hope, they open one soon near me. I mean a girl needs her gourmet Hot Dogs!! I have my eye on the Southern Fancy; it has pulled pork on it!!!!!! LOVE IT!!! If I am ever in the Bloor St area again, you better believe that I will be in Fancy Franks!

Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually pay off...”

For more of my blog posts, please visit my site at www.justbeingmeluvuholts.blogspot.ca.

Here are my pictures from my amazing day at Fancy Franks!!!!

©justbeingmeluvuholts