More than Bread at this Bar

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Bread Bar Restaurant in Hamilton OntarioIf you read my previous post you’d know that we spent some time in Hamilton doing a little Christmas shopping. And trust me, nothing works up more of an appetite than that little activity. So when we left Pure Home Couture with our shopping bags filled and tummies rumbling, we headed down the street to the Bread Bar.

This is a tiny Earth to Table restaurant which at the time of our visit was packed to the rafters with locals and visitors alike. We were advised to make reservations for future visits or we could be in for quite a wait….and this one was well worth it. The menu is mostly made up of local, seasonal ingredients and is varied to satisfy all palates. But in my humble opinion, don’t miss the pizza!

Sweet Treats at Bread Bar in Hamilton OntarioSavoury Pastries at the Bread Bar in HamiltonPizzas at the Bar at Bread Bar Hamilton OntarioBread Bar Hamilton MenuThe only thing I’m not happy about is that Hamilton is so far away. I have a feeling Bread Bar could easily have turned into my weekly must do!

Treasure Hunting in Hamilton

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Pure Home Couture Store Hamilton - View to front of storeWith only 52 days left until Christmas and a long list of gift recipients, it’s high time I got my shopping butt in gear. I wish I  was one of those people with gifts bought and wrapped by August (especially when the inevitable snow storms hit and I’m left giftless and feeling guilty). However, I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator. Although I love the feeling of finding the perfect item for that special person, I’m usually doing it under pressure. Major stress! That is until now. I’ve found the perfect place where I can strike off a few names from the gift list and truly enjoy the shopping experience. Pure Home Couture, is my newly discovered treasure trove of Christmas gift ideas!

I heard whispers of this amazing gem hidden in the depths of Hamilton and I couldn’t wait to check it out. On a sunny weekend, the boy and I made the hour long trip outside of London and we weren’t disappointed.

Pure Home Couture Store - Back Corner ViewChristmas Gift Ideas Hamilton - Wall Mounted ArtChristmas Gift Ideas - Pure Home Couture in Hamilton Scented Bath BombsChristmas Gift Idea - Pure Home Couture Hamilton - Apothecary CandlesClimbing to an upper floor of an innocuous looking building, I was transported to the ultimate shopping experience. The space feels historic with a soaring beamed ceiling and wooden plank floors. Softly glowing chandeliers sparkle against dark painted walls creating a warm coziness and a relaxed atmosphere. Shabby chic armoires and painted tables display scented candles, beauty products and sparkling jewels. The whole store has a feeling of stepping into a french country dream you don’t ever want to leave.

Poking through the items found in every corner of the space was like a veritable treasure hunt. There are unique greeting cards, baby items, and dishes stacked among a huge variety of the most delicious home scents including Bergamot Tea, Cassis and Rose, and Blood Orange. My personal favourite, Vintage Peony, has already made it’s way onto my bedside table.

Pure Couture Hamilton Scented SticksChristmas Gift Idea - Pure Home Couture Scented SoapTokyo Milk LotionPrincess Crowns and NapkinsPink Poodle BookendsColbert Scented Candle at Pure Home Couture in HamiltonAcca kappa lip balmJewelry displayBelle-de-Provence-ProductsI absolutely love this store and even the boy was enamoured with the shopping space and selection. Neither one of us could believe that Hamilton was hiding such a fabulous shopping destination and I couldn’t wait to share this find with all of you. I promise that a visit here will help you strike a few names off your Christmas list and like me, you will leave with some Christmas gift ideas for yourself!

 

Weekend Edition

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Pottery Barn Halloween Window DisplayTo the chagrin of my Christmas loving boy, this is my favourite time of year. Maybe it’s the dressing up, maybe the spooky spine-tingling atmosphere, or maybe it’s all those treats, but I’m absolutely mad for Halloween! Whether you’re heading out to celebrate with your ghoulfriends or staying in with the lights off and “Bride of Frankenstein” on the telly, here are my treats for you!

  • Nobody throws a Halloween party like Heidi Klum. I mean the girl goes ALL OUT! For true costume inspiration, check out this collection from the Queen of the Catwalk.
  • If you’ve ever wanted to tango with the real thing, here is a list of some faboolous haunted inns courtesy of BedandBreakfast.com.
  • Alida Ryder treats us to a recipe for the ultimate Poison Toffee Apples! Will you dare try it!

And if you want to see what treat I’ll be indulging it this Halloween check out my instagram page. Happy Haunting!

 

Marché Mövenpick – Market Style Dining in Toronto

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Food station at Marche Restaurant TorontoA few years ago, I was flying to Toronto from a trip abroad. I was seated next to a business man making his first visit to the city. We spoke about a number of things and food easily slipped in as a topic of conversation. When he asked me about a unique dining experience in downtown Toronto there was only one answer. Marché Restaurant.

Marché is a “front cooking” concept restaurant which originated in Switzerland and boasts a number of franchises around the world. Located on Front Street, in the business district of Toronto, it’s designed like a marketplace with a variety of freshly made food offerings to satisfy any palate. Being surrounded by so much mouthwatering food makes narrowing down your choices very difficult and you must be very careful not to mistake the restaurant for a buffet.

Upon entering, the hostess presents you with a plastic card which is swiped at every station when you request food or drink. The cost of the food is put onto the card and tallied by the cashier at the end of the visit. Speaking from experience, the food can easily add up as you wander around the “market” with a wooden tray, your eyes bigger than your stomache.

Foccacia station at Marche Restaurant Yonge St. TorontoOyster station at Marche Restaurant TorontoCafe bar with barrels at Marche Movenpick TorontoCupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries at Marche Movenpick Restaurant TorontoSitting area in Marche Restaurant Yonge Street in TorontoOnce you’ve selected your food, meander through the restaurant with your loaded tray to the seating areas. These are designed with different themes like “Scandinavian Cabin”, “Paris Cafe”, “Art Deco Lounge” to further add to the dining experience. My favourite is the French Bistro zone which has a very mellow European atmosphere.

I was able to snap some of these photos because I  was at the restaurant for an early morning visit. Most of the diners were business men and guests of the surrounding hotels. However, come lunch and dinner time, it is not unusual to find a line up outside the entrance. No matter time of day, the friendly staff make sure that each visit is smooth and enjoyable.

Interior view of bistro cafe with mirror wall at Marche Restaurant in TorontoLarge french clock in Marche TorontoInterior view of bistro cafe in Marche Movenpick Restaurant | Yonge Street TorontoAnd it wouldn’t be a complete visit to Marché if I didn’t indulge in a large Belgian waffle with strawberries, maple syrup and real whip cream. I will skip any savoury entree just to get my hands on this breakfast come dessert.

Belgian waffle with strawberries and whip at Marche Restaurant in TorontoI hope you give Marché a try on your next visit to Toronto. I promise you won’t be disappointed!