Thursday, January 29, 2015

The Kathi Roll Express, Indian Street Food!!


“After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relatives.”  Oscar Wilde
Hello Everyone,
I had the privilege to attend a media dinner back in November at The Kathi Roll Express.  The Kathi Roll Express serves Indian Street Food.  They have two locations in Toronto, and I was lucky enough to taste the food at their latest opening on 1753 Avenue Rd.  Ok, so, by now, you all know that my family is Italian and I have not had much experience eating Indian Food.  However, I am always up for new things and I am always here to suggest to all of you, what I enjoyed most.
I have to say, my eating habits are very “vanilla”.  LOL.  Meaning, I am pretty basic in what I enjoy to eat.  I do enjoy vegetables; I can almost say at times, I am almost a vegetarian. LOL.  At media night, we were served an abundance of food.  From goat, to lamb, to chicken, to vegetables.  I am willing to try things but I have to say goat and lamb are not part of my menu options.  LOL.  Therefore, I ate a lot of vegetable creations and I really did enjoy them. 
I loved the Pani Puri.  It was a delicate wafer filled with potato, chickpeas, coriander and mint sauce.  I could not get enough of it.  It was light and tasty.  I am a huge fan of potato and chickpeas, so that could be why I could not stop eating it.   I also recommend you all try their Kathi Roll.  You can have it with Meat or Paneer.  We all had the privilege that night to try it with lamb, Butter Chicken & Paneer.  I enjoyed the paneer. Paneer, for those of you who do not know, is in fact a type of cheese.  We had a lot to eat but this girl always leaves room for dessert. LOL.  We were served carrot pudding and milk cake.  I have to say, the carrot pudding and milk cake was fantastic.  I loved both creations.  Melted in my mouth.
Now, I have to mention the owner of The Kathi Roll Express.  Sumit, made such a huge impact on me.  His story of pursuing his dream of opening up his own “Indian Street Food” restaurant touched me.  He left his previous employment from a “big company” as he was not happy there, and now, he has two locations of The Kathi Roll Express.!!!! Thank you Sumit, for not only sharing your great food with all of us, but for inspiring me with your story of doing what makes you happy.   Life is short, pursue your dreams and make sure to always have a smile on your face.    
I hope you all have an opportunity to go into a Kathi Roll Express.  Make sure, to have that Pani Puri.  I am still thinking about the crisp wafer and taste of chick peas.  LOL.
Until next time boys and girls, remember: “to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off...” I leave you with my pictures from the great media night at “THE KATHI ROLL EXPRESS”
©justbeingmeluvuholts
The Gang at Media Night at The Kathi Roll Express
Loved these, Pani Puri
Kathi Rolls
Indian Soda, LOL!!!
Wherever I go, Italian things follow me, LOL.  Table at the Kathi Roll.
Pita & Dips-lamb rogan josh, paneer labandar & dal makhani
Milk Cake & Carrot Pudding
My fellow blogger & Paseana
 
Jenny LOL.  Yes, she is Calabrese.
 
Indian Mints
Indian style nachos, LOL
I leave you with Thums UP LOL, Indian coke

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Fundraiser Gala in honor of JOEY CONTE! Firefighters, & MORE...LOL


"There’s a hero, if you look inside your heart.  You don’t have to be afraid of what you are….And then a hero comes along, with the strength to carry on….” (Mariah Carey)
Hello Everyone!
Today I am honoring a very special individual and charity, The Joey Conte Foundation.  I wanted to dedicate this blog to his legacy and to the charity his family & friends have created in his honor. When I attended the motorcycle super show earlier this year, I met some of Joey’s firefighter friends.  These boys were there to raise money in his honor for Sick Kids Hospital.  I thought it was sweet and I had to help by not only purchasing a calendar but also by purchasing gala tickets for April 17th 2015. 
Joseph Conte, known as Joey, died in a tragic accident on October 24th 2011.  He had a passion for outdoors, animals and children.  His dream was to become a firefighter.  Due to Joey’s loving nature, his family and friends created the JCF foundation.  They donate all money raised to Sick Kids hospital, burn unit.  They have raised approximately $49,000 to date and are having their 4th annual Charity Gala on April 17th at Paramount Conference & Event Venue.  When I heard about this event, I just had to lend a helping hand.  I encourage you all to come out to this event and meet his friends and family, and help Sick Kids hospital.  If you cannot make it to the gala, please, please purchase one of the amazing calendars made in his honour!  100% of proceeds go to the hospital.  For information on where to buy one of these fantastic calendars or a gala ticket, please go to the website: www.joeycontefoundation.com or contact info@joeycontefoundation.com
Now, I had to have a little fun and wanted to find out why Joey loved the idea of being a firefighter so much! LOL.  Yes, yes, his best friend Danny was nice enough to invite me to the fire station.  I had a great day watching and learning about fire safety.  I have to say, these boys are strong!!!  Danny, let me put on his hat and that thing weighs more than me.  LOL.  I have always had tremendous admiration for let’s just say: “911 boys and girls” LOL I never realized however, how strong and in shape fighter fighters are. WOWWW.  Impressive!  My heart will always have a special place for anyone doing this line of work. 
So, go get yourself a calendar. I have mine in my room signed and hanging on the wall, (wink), OR come out to the gala and enjoy “A Night in Tuscany”.  Yes, yes, it will be an Italian meal and night.  What can I say?  I love my Italian food.  Ha-ha. Help raise money for the Sick Kids Burn & Plastic Unit, and help the JCF foundation keep Joey’s memory alive. I am told there will be a special guest appearance.  I do not know who but I am sure the night will be a fun filled evening.
Until next time boys and girls...”remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off…”  I hope I see you all at the gala on April 17th 2015.  Now, I hope, you check out my pictures with the firefighters!!! Calling, 911…..LOL   (c)justbeingmeluvuholts
My Friend and I enjoying our day at the FIRESTATION
Danny, The Fire Fighter (Yes, he's Italian, LOL)
Can you believe they don't have poles anymore!! Just the Red truck..LOL
I had to wear my Lupul jersey, while I still can. :(
Group shot...sorry, Tony, you weren't working..LOL.
My Calendar. See, Tony, I did not forget you...Ha-ha.
Go Get yourself a calendar everyone! Support, the cause!
Yes, it's personally signed...hahahaha

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Motorcycle SUPER SHOW!!! 2015 Started off with a BIG BANG!!


“Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway.  Lookin’ for adventure and whatever comes our way….BORN TO BE WILD” (Steppenwolf)
Hello Everyone,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!  This is my first blog of 2015 & I have to say it’s going to start with a BIG BANG! LOL.  I am moving my blog to Thursday and some more changes will happen this year.  It’s going to be one exciting year, I promise. Now, on to the matter at hand! Today’s blog I am going to tell you about the motorcycle super show.  I am so grateful to Colleen who invited me and gave me those fantastic media passes.  Let’s just say this show, ladies and gentlemen had it all!!!!
When I was first invited, I thought motorcycles? I’m not sure if I care but then because of the show Sons of Anarchy, I decided I would go check it out.  I am so glad, I did.  This show doesn’t just have bikes.  It has FOOD, jewelry, silent auction, FIREFIGHTERS, yes, I said firefighters, clothes and yes it has motorcycles. LOL. 
It was one of the biggest shows, I’ve seen.  It takes up most of the International Centre. We walked and walked and walked.  Wear comfy shoes boys and girls.  We started looking at the bikes as soon as we arrived but we drifted quickly to jewelry.  It was so pretty.  I even bought myself a pair of earrings, Angel Wings.  I love them.  My friend however, was dying to meet people from Sons of Anarchy.  LOL.  We did not see any but she did buy tons of memorabilia from the show.
Wait, the best is coming... I’m telling you, I LOVED this show!! LOL.  As we kept walking I saw FOOD.  Now, you know my eyes are going to light up once that happens.  It gets better; it was ITALIAN SOPRASSATA and sausages.  OH MY GOD, that’s the best!!  I had to get some.  As I was arguing with Carlo, the Calabrese sausage man.  I needed him to go lower on price.  It’s the Italian in me. Get a good deal!! My friend grabs my arm and says "Niki, there are Fighter fighters here!!" WHAT???!!!!! Ok, Ok, so, here’s the deal with the Fire Fighters. The night before, I dreamt of them.  Yup, I know... crazy!!  But, lately, I’ve been psychic.  LOL. 
The Fire Fighters were amazing.  Not only were they there to help Sick Kids hospital, but some of them were ITALIAN!!!! LOL. So, thank you Danny, Tony, for the calendar and for the great pictures!! Yes, these boys are available for all you lovely ladies at a fantastic charity event happening soon.  I will get you all the details soon girls.  You do not want to miss this event!!
I had the best time at the motorcycle super show.  I feel good about donating to Sick Kids.  I got to bring home Calabrese Sopressata.  I got pretty Angel Wing earrings and I even saw Toronto Maple Leafs memorabilia.  What a fantastic day!!!!!  Thank you soooooo much Colleen!!!!!!  AND YES, I saw Motorcycles!! HA-HA.
Until next time boys and girls, “remember, to always just be yourself, it will eventually one day pay off...” AND NOW, for MY PICTURES!!!!
©justbeingmeluvuholts
LOVED THIS BIKE!!! Blue, for my Toronto Maple Leafs
IT was so hard to get on this BIKE LOL, and I go to Yoga! Let's just say, you need to SPREAD. ha-ha
Viva L'Italia..ha-ha...Kisses, Italian Style..
Angel Earrings
GO LEAFS GO!! LOVE Matt Sundin!!
Here are the Fire Fighters! LOL. Calling 911..
I had no IDEA, they were going to lift me!!  GOOD GOD, they are strong!! LOL

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!! It's a HOLIDAY SURPRISE....LEAFSNATION STANDS STRONG!


“I don’t want a lot for Christmas.  There is just one thing I need…All I want for Christmas is” (Mariah Carey) ………….. A Peter Kessel81 jersey LOL!!
Hello Everyone.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!  This is my last blog of the year and it is a very special one.  I am so thrilled I have an opportunity to share this story with all of you.  I am even more thrilled that it is a Toronto Maple Leafs story LOL!!
Dec 1st I was on twitter and I noticed all these tweets going back and forth by people nominating their friends for Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey’s.   I need to be honest; I saw the contest by Real Sports but wasn’t really looking at the details. I just thought it would be funny to nominate @LeafsFan_93.  Nick, who is @LeafsFan_93, would always joke around with me for cupcakes and so I thought it would be funny to mention the cupcakes in my tweet to Real Sports. I never thought the next day; I would get a tweet by Real Sports saying I won. WHAT???!!!! SERIOUSLY!!
Here I am thrilled because I thought I won the LUPUL jersey that Nick nominated me for in return, but they tell me NO NO you’re getting the Kessel jersey to give to Nick. Say what?! LOL I just assumed that Real Sports would send the winner the jerseys directly, not send it to me???  Now, here’s the deal, I knew Nick but never met Nick.  I guess the universe decided that Nick and Niki we're meeting.  LOL.
I am glad that Nick got his jersey, he was thrilled.  After all, that is what Christmas is all about giving,  not receiving, although, I would not say no to a Lupul jersey (HINT).  Merry Christmas Nicholas. I hope you enjoy that jersey.  I feel better giving you the jersey now that you can remember my birthday LOL.  Nick, when’s my birthday?? Hahahahaaaa. 
I would like to wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  This is my last blog for 2014.  I am taking 2 weeks off but will be back in 2015 with some extra special surprises for you all.  I am so humbled to have the most amazing followers and I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!! May you all have health, happiness and lots and lots of goodies in 2015! AND PLEASE PLEASE sweet Jesus, let the LEAFS WIN A CUP!!!!!
Until next time boys and girls…”remember, to always just be yourself ...  It will eventually one day pay off...” ©justbeingmeluvuholts
I know, you want to see some pictures!!!!! 
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!
CHEERS!!! LEAFSNATION to 2015 BABY!! GO LEAFS GOOOOO!!
WINNING TWEET BOYS & GIRLS LOL.
I THINK I MADE NICK's CHRISTMAS LOL

Monday, December 15, 2014

One of a Kind Show, Toronto!! Happy HOLIDAYS!!!!!



“There’s something about Christmas time something about Christmas time that makes you wish it was Christmas everyday…” (Bryan Adams)
Hello Everyone,
Can you believe the holidays are almost here? The year just went so quickly! That only means that “The One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale” arrived with great speed! LOL.  Happy 40th to the One of a Kind Show!!!!!
From November 27th-Decemeber 7th 2014, the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, Toronto, turned into a magical holiday wonderland.  I was so thrilled to be able to join the media event on November 27th, 2014.  We not only had the opportunity to preview this incredible show, but we had the pleasure of eating an incredible breakfast prepared for us by one of Top Chef Canada stars, Chef Rob Rossi.  This amazing cook, who owns, “Bestellen” restaurant in Toronto, prepared foods such as, Scones, Fresh Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, fried eggs, sausage, and I saved my favorites for last, INCREDIBLE Whipped cream with fried kale and potato pancakes!! YUM, YUM, YUM.  Let’s just say, that the most important meal of the day, was suburb on November 27th.
After this amazing breakfast, I had an opportunity to walk around the show and speak with some of the vendors.  I understand why people love this show so much.  Everything is not only Canadian but the Artisans are handpicked from across Canada!  With approximately 800 Artisans available, you definitely need time and patience to walk around.  So, this was my first time experiencing this amazing event, and I unfortunately did not wear the appropriate foot wear.  Yes, my feet were throbbing after about an hour of walking.  Next year, this girl will be wearing comfy shoes. 
I did have a chance to meet some amazing Artisans.  My favorite vendor was Robert.  I’m starting to think the universe wants me around people named Robert. LOL.  This incredible Artisan made the coolest things.  I loved the Brain scratcher! Yes, I tried it and yes, I LOVED IT.  It felt so amazing.  I got Goosebumps.  I regret not buying one. Next year, he will be my first stop.
As always, I had food on my mind. LOL.  I know, I just had the best breakfast but I still was thinking of food.  Where did I end up?  Monkey Butter.  Flavored peanut butter! I bought a variety pack which included flavors such as, Dark Chocolate Cherry, White Chocolate Pretzel, White Chocolate Raspberry, Maple Bacon, Dark Chocolate Banana and Salted Caramel.  Yes, I tried all of them. LOL.  Believe it or not, my favorite of the group is Maple Bacon.  I know, it sounds like a weird flavor but I really enjoy it.
As I walked further and turned a corner, my eyes lit up like the Christmas tree at the show! I saw, WINE JELLY!!!!!  I cannot get enough of this stuff.  I had to buy a bottle. As I left the booth, the worst possible thing happened.  I dropped my jelly.  It shattered in pieces and I knew it was time for me to go home.  Next year, One of a Kind Show, I will be more prepared.
I am looking forward to the next One of a Kind Show.  Make sure ladies and gents, the next time it comes to town, to check this show out.
A special thank you, to the organizers of this show.  I really enjoyed my media day.
Until next time boys and girls; “Remember, to always just be yourself.  It will eventually one day, pay off…”
©justbeingmeluvuholts   PICTURES: 
OH CHRISTMAS TREE.....HAPPY HOLIDAYS
CHEF ROB ROSSI
YUMMY BREAKFAST
MONKEY BUTTER!!

BRAIN SCRATCHER, TEST DRIVE LOL
Door Stoppers