One of my favourite ways to enjoy tea is amongst friends during Afternoon Tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel in Toronto’s tony Yorkville neighbourhood.

The most quintessential of British customs, afternoon tea is a relatively new tradition. While the custom of drinking tea dates back to the third millennium BC in China and made popular in England during the 1660s, it wasn’t until the mid-17th century that the concept of ‘afternoon tea’ was actually born.

Historians say it was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in 1840. The Duchess would be hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon and couldn’t wait until dinner, which was served at eight o’clock. She asked for a tray of tea, bread and butter and cake to be brought to her room each late afternoon. This became a habit of hers and she began inviting friends to join her. This break for tea became a fashionable event where society women would wear long gowns, gloves and hats to enjoy their tea.

Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches, scones served with clotted cream and preserves, cakes and pastries, along with tea served in bone china cups.

A ritual since 1927, the tea service at the Windsor Arms Hotel is a modern play on this centuries’ old tradition. The tea menu is exquisite, with both traditional and unique loose-leaf teas to choose from. My personal favourite is Black and Blue, a blueberry infused black tea.

The food, served on a three-tiered platter, is divine. On the bottom tier are fresh and fluffy scones served with preserves and Devon cream. The presentation of sandwiches includes smoked salmon with wasabi sour cream and salmon caviar; cucumber with sun-dried tomato paste and dill cream cheese; and grilled chicken, Granny Smith apples, citrus mayo, Greek yogurt and chives, and finally the most delectable goat cheese and caramelized tarts. The third and final tier holds the prettiest selection of petit fours desserts you’ve ever seen. And, as if that wasn’t enough, berries and cream are served off to the side.

The experience costs between $30 and $43 depending on what day of the week you go. You also have the option of starting off with a glass of Prosecco for an additional fee.

Can you think of a better way to spend the afternoon with girlfriends? I certainly can’t and it happens to be one of my favourite culinary experiences in the city.

It is meant to be eaten as an appetizer with fresh baguette or served over warm artichokes, as recommended by the magazine. But I, feeling slightly self-indulgent this weekend, decided to make it as a main and served it over basmati rice. It was so fantastic that I thought I would pay it forward and share it with all of you. Enjoy!

2 tbsp. butter
6 tbsp. Sriracha
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. shrimp (supposed to be with heads on, but I made mine with the raw, peeled variety)
1 tbsp. lemon zest
2 tbsp. fresh basil, finely chopped
2 tbsp. fresh mint, finely chopped
Juice of half a lemon

Whip together butter and Sriracha and melt in skillet. Add 3 cloves of garlic and saute for a minute or two. Add shrimp and when they are almost done, add lemon zest, basil and mint. Toss in skillet until herbs are slightly wilted.

Although the original recipe didn’t ask for this, I finished the dish off with the juice of half a lemon.

Serve as desired – with bread, over rice, etc.

Mental note: if you’re thinking about opening a restaurant in Liberty Village, do not include the word ‘liberty’ in the name. If the recent closings of three neighbourhood haunts – Liberty Café, Liberty Noodle and Liberty Belle Bistro, aren’t enough of an indication, I’m not sure what is.

Despite the unfortunate demise of these businesses, Liberty Village is growing like crazy. While still a long way off from being a true culinary destination, it has improved dramatically over the last couple of years.

Here are a few of my favourite spots:

The Village Cheesemonger – Located in the Liberty Market Building, this fromagerie offers more than 150 different varieties of gourmet cheeses from around the world, including a vast selection of world renowned and award-winning Canadian cheeses. The store also features a ‘pantry’ section, where patrons can shop for olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars, and other gourmet accompaniments such as tapenades, chutneys, artisanal crackers and more.

For the Love of Cake – A few stores down from The Village Cheesemonger, you will find this trendy little shop that specializes in custom designer cakes, gourmet cupcakes, mancakes, gluten free products and cakeballs, fully baked cake crumbles that are blended with icing, shaped to form a ball and then dipped in a rich and creamy premium chocolate. These are some of the best cakes in the city!

Merci Mon Ami – Merci Mon Ami is an insider’s secret. Also located in the Liberty Market Building, but on the outside of the complex facing Hanna Avenue, this bistro is only open for lunch and special events but it worth the drive to Liberty Village during the week if you can find the time. The simply delicious lunch menu includes baguette sandwiches, salads and a soup of the day.

On the last Saturday of every month, they open for dinner and serve a three-course steak frites meal. Be sure to book early, as it sells out every time!

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen – The first fine dining restaurant to open in the ‘hood, Mildred’s has cult following that began years ago at their original location on Sudbury Street. Obscurely located across from West Elm at 85 Hanna Avenue, it still manages to attract the crowds, especially at brunch-o’clock on the weekends. During the week, local businesses take advantage of the lunch quickie – a side, a main and a sweet finish for $15!

Locally sourced, seasonal items make up the menu. Some of my favourites include Smoked Georgian Bay Whitefish Fritters (lunch), Handmade Ricotta Gnudi (dinner) and Huevos Monty (brunch).

Caffino Ristorante –Tucked away at the base of the Toronto Factory Carpet building (1185 King Street West), very few outside of those who work or live in the ‘hood, know of this place. Quaint and romantically charming, Caffino is famous for its pasta, particularly its Pasta Caffino – penne with chicken, diced tomatoes and mushrooms in a light pesto cream sauce. If you’re in the mood for great, simple, rustic Italian food, this is definitely the place for you, and by far the best Italian restaurant in Liberty Village.

Balzac’s – Without a doubt, Balzac’s is my favourite cafe in Liberty Village. In fact, I stop in there every morning on my way to work. Located at the base of the Toy Factory condo conversion, this art deco-styled café serves up delicious, interesting brews and a wonderful selection of breakfast pastries. My only complaint is that it isn’t open late enough and doesn’t have WiFi. Late night gatherers must make their way to Starbucks after 7pm.

And, as if you didn’t need another reason to visit, it has been confirmed that Origin Restaurant is opening its second location in an old ammunition factory in the village in Spring 2012. As this is one of my favourite restos in the city, I’m counting down the days for its debut. It is guaranteed to add new life to the neighbourhood.

If all of this hasn’t convinced that Liberty Village is worth checking out, rest assured your curiosity will get the better of you soon enough. This wonderful neighbourhood just west of downtown Toronto will continue to grow, attracting new and exciting businesses, culinary and otherwise.

Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to be invited to the launch party for Cheesewerks, a delectable artisan grilled cheese restaurant in the King West neighbourhood of Toronto. After months of following the restaurant’s progress on Facebook, I had eagerly anticipated this evening…and, to my delight, it was well worth the wait!

Owners Kevin Durkee and Tom Douangmixay have created a little gem of a place whose menu is chalk full of classic and unique grilled cheese sandwiches, house-made soups, fine cheeses and other gourmet comfort food that is best enjoyed with a glass of Ontario wine or craft beer.

The sandwiches are inspired by the owners’ favourite cities around the world. While all were delicious, my top picks were the Original (Balderson aged and smoked cheddars on signature cracked peppercorn sourdough), the Los Angeles (Havarti, smashed avocado, arugula and citrus compote on sourdough) and the Toronto (a mini tower of grilled cheese sliders named after some of Toronto’s iconic neighbourhoods, including Koreatown – gruyere and kimchi; The Danforth – aged goat cheddar and olive tapenade; and Little Italy – buffalo mozzarella, tomato and basil). All breads are supplied by St. John’s Bakery.

Open for lunch and dinner, and located across the street from the Thompson Toronto hotel, this place is guaranteed to satisfy locals and visitors, gourmands and picky eaters, the budget-conscious and the big spenders.

The menu at Cheesewerks

For those on a mission to hone their grilled cheese sandwich-making skills at home, here is the recipe for the Cheesewerks’ Original to get you started. It doesn’t get any cheesier than that, folks!

Cheesewerks’ Original Grilled Cheese (recipe courtesy of Toronto Star)

3/4 cup grated smoked cheddar with rind
1/4 cup grated aged white cheddar
2 slices sourdough bread
Salted butter for spreading
Cracked black pepper
Ketchup, preferably Cheesewerks’ Signature Sriracha Ketchup

In small bowl, toss two cheddars until well combined.

Spread 1 side of each bread slice with butter, right to edges. Place, butter side down, on cutting board. Loosely top one slice with cheese mixture (there should be just under 1/2 inch/1 cm cheese). Sprinkle with pepper. Top with remaining slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Heat large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium high. Add sandwich. Cook until bottom is golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Using rubber spatula and knife, carefully flip. (Don’t flatten.) Cook until bottom is browned, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Transfer sandwich to cutting board. Let stand 1 minute. Slice on diagonal using serrated knife. Serve with ketchup if desired.

Cheesewerks – 56 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON, www.cheesewerks.com, 416.243.3327

It’s been nearly four years since I spent quality time in Vancouver. So, when I had the opportunity to go out there for business recently, I was thrilled.  While I knew its majestic mountains and salty sea air would be as intoxicating as ever, I was excited to discover how much the city had changed and, more importantly, how its culinary scene had evolved.

I happily found a city chalk full of new delicious gems and time-tested classics, including a burgeoning food truck scene. Here are just a few of my culinary recommendations for your next visit to Lotusland.

1)      Café Medina

This tiny Moroccan bistro, located next door to Belgian eatery Chambar (and sharing the same owners), is especially popular with the brunch crowd, with line-ups down the street on most weekend days. As I was dining solo, I was fortunate enough to find a seat at the bar right away.

A friend tipped me off to the famous lavender latte, an unbelievably delicious concoction made with house-made lavender syrup. I am not a coffee drinker but I could easily be converted if I had access to this beautiful drink every day.

That same friend suggested I try the waffles, particularly the raspberry and caramel dipped variety, but I went with the brunch tagine – traditionally prepared with two poached eggs in a tomato stew with Merguez sausage and a side of grilled focaccia with hummus and tzatziki. As I don’t eat meat, I chose to forego the sausage and was given some lovely slices of avocado instead. Divine!

www.medinacafe.com

Brunch tagine at Café Medina

2)      Bin 941

The first time I experienced ‘Bin,’ as the locals call it, was in 1997 when I briefly lived in Vancouver. I am happy to report that 14 years later, it is still a hot spot for food lovers.

I knew before I even got there that I could not leave without having the frites. Piled a mile high and drizzled with 25 year-old balsamic vinegar, these matchstick fries are the BEST frites I’ve ever tasted and this experience brought me back to the very first time I had them.  Not surprisingly, this is the most popular item on the menu. I also had the wild mushroom risotto, which was divine in its own right.

Unfortunately, as a solo diner, I found it difficult eating at Bin, simply because the dishes are designed to share, and I wasn’t able to try more than two dishes without absolutely stuffing myself. Other menu items worth trying include:

www.bin941.com

Frites at Bin 941

3)      Roaming Dragon food truck

Conveniently, Roaming Dragon was stopped right across the street from my hotel at Burrard and Robson, making it very easy to zip out for a quick afternoon snack. This unique mobile restaurant specializes in Pan-Asian favourites, like steamed pork bun, short ribs and fried rice. Admittedly, this was perhaps not the best truck for me to sample as the menu is very meat-centric. But, I did decide to try the only vegetarian dish available – the soba noodle salad, which was quite yummy.

Also located right beside my hotel was the famous food cart, Japadog. A must do for sure!

www.roamingdragon.com

Roaming Dragon food truck

4)      The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen

I walked into the Dirty Apron, also owned by those that run Chambar and Café Medina, and felt like I had died and gone to heaven, or at least found my calling. This cooking school/deli/gourmet food store made me long to have my own shop one day.

Stocking all of the products that you would need to fill your cupboards and fridge, the deli has take-out meals, organic eggs and milk, beautiful cuts of meat, local vegetables, cheeses, breads and more, including private label spices, sauces, etc.

And, for those looking to unleash their inner-chef, the Dirty Apron is Vancouver’s favourite culinary playground. The cooking classes are hands-on and designed to walk students through each step of creating a fabulous meal.

www.dirtyapron.com

The Dirty Apron Cooking School & Delicatessen

5)      Boneta

What can I say about Boneta? Well, it’s located in very trendy Gastown and is so popular they recently moved from their original location to a larger spot just around the corner on Water Street. Famous for their cocktails, the food certainly did not disappoint either.

For dinner, I had the house-made potato thyme gnocchi with chanterelle mushrooms and goat cheese followed by the seared albacore tuna, golden beet puree and black bean and woodear mushroom ragout and finished off with the sweet touch of sticky toffee pudding.

www.boneta.ca

Gnocchi

For those wishing to extend their stay in B.C., I would also recommend a trip to the Okanagan wine region in the interior. A quick 45-minute flight gets you to Kelowna, where numerous wineries, including the iconic Mission Hill Family Estate and Quail’s Gate. As part of my job, I was lucky enough to spend two days exploring and learning about Mission Hill Family Estate.

Mission Hill's barrel cellar

Mission Hill Family Estate

While I didn’t get the opportunity to dine in its award-winning al fresco restaurant called The Terrace because it was closed for the season, I did get to sample some amazing wines. Here are my picks:

2009 Reserve Viognier
2010 SLC Chardonnay
2010 Reserve Pinot Noir

www.missionhillwinery.com

I can’t wait for my next trip to Vancouver as I have no doubt that another culinary adventure awaits!

Toronto’s outpouring of love and generosity in response to the earthquake and tsunami devastation in Japan has been incredible.

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a fundraiser at Liberty Noodle in trendy Liberty Village. Dubbed “Sushi Making for the Soul,” the evening took sushi lovers on a journey through the history of sushi and engaged us in the detailed and intricate art of sushi making, while helping those deeply affected by the disaster in Japan.

The sold-out class was led by Master Sushi Chef, Shin Aoyama, and sushi impresario, Sang Kim. Proceeds from every ticket went to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), Second Harvest and the Japanese Red Cross.

By the end of the class, we had learned about the countless styles of sushi (I had no idea there were so many) and mastered the technique of making three different types of maki rolls.

Here’s what we made:

• Hoso maki – rolled up into small, circular tubes with nori on the outside and sliced into bite-sized portions. Think cucumber rolls.

• Ura maki – sushi rolls with rice on the outside. This type of sushi was created in America and is rolled backwards. One theory is that Americans were not used to eating seaweed, so a type of sushi with rice on the outside was more pleasing to the American palate. A great example of this is the California roll. For this exercise, we made spicy tun rolls.

• Temaki – cone-shaped sushi that has rice and toppings wrapped inside seaweed. Due to its fragile nature and open top, temaki, a.k.a. hand rolls, are always eaten by hand and never by chopsticks. Common fillers include tuna, fermented soybean, and salmon. We made ours with salmon and a crab salad.

While mine weren’t quite as pretty as those prepared by the sushi master, I certainly had fun making (and eating) them!

Sushi Making For The Soul grew out of a series of training workshops held by Sang Kim and Master Sushi Chef, Shin Aoyama, at some of the most famous Japanese restaurants in the country. The two pioneers in modern Japanese cuisine have been behind such restaurant concepts as Blowfish, KOKO! Share Bar and KI Modern Japanese. For more information about upcoming workshops, you can visit their website.

A special thanks to Arshad Merali, owner of Liberty Noodle, for inviting me to this event.