Stepping into History

London Mechanics Institute - Heritage Building in London OntarioOne of the most attractive heritage building facades in London, Ontario  is only steps from my neighbourhood. The London Mechanics Institute was built in 1876 in what I’ve come to find out is the Second Empire architectural style. Although I’ve found myself rushing past this building on many occasions, it took one glance up from across the street to realize the immense presence of this historic structure along Dundas Street.

How to find dinner in the woods

Sun streaming through the trees near Stratford OntarioThis past weekend I went on a nostalgic romp through the woods…looking for dinner. As the leaves turn colour and the weather notches lower on the thermometer, I hear the call of my European roots to head into nature in search of some edible treasures. So I grabbed the boy, a basket and some rubber boots and made for the wilds of Southern Ontario.

Walking through the trees near Stratford OntarioThe foraging caravan - foraging for mushrooms near Stratford OntarioJust so we are clear, I had no idea where I was going or what I was looking for. And I had a hard time quieting the boy’s concern that my lack of knowledge might kill us. To calm both our fears I decided to call for reinforcements. Step in Peter Blush, master forager from Stratford and founder of Puck’s Plenty, a foraging tour company. Peter is a renaissance man of sorts. A former news correspondent for the Viet Nam war who moved to Quebec to run a B&B, then turned to a new interest in foraging while becoming a writer with a novel short listed for the Robertson Davies Prize. In short, the most perfect and knowledgeable guide I could find.

Speaking with Peter Blush - Guide of the foraging tourPeter, along with his dogs Liam and Faolan, leads foraging events every weekend pretty much year round. Although there is a cost involved, he never lacks participants and most events sell out quickly. On this sunny morning, he led a group of ten, most of whom turned out to be European, in search of mushrooms, wild leaks, and wild ginger.

A stream in the woods while on a foraging adventure in Southwestern OntarioGiant Puffball MushroomWild leaks found while foraging in Southwestern OntarioWild ginger plant near Stratford OntarioOn the path with a dogKeeping my eyes peeled for goodies spread out by mother nature under our feet, I breathed the fresh crisp air. As the wind played through the woods rustling the leaves and making the trees creak, I stomped bravely through mud and streams mindful of the path set by our guides.

Dogs in the trailMushroom hunting in a forest near Stratford OntarioDog by the streamWyldwood Conservation areaOur patience and efforts paid off. We returned home with a bounty of puffballs, blewit mushrooms, gem studded mushrooms and wild leaks. No words can describe the taste of a dinner so hard won!

Wild mushrooms and leak bulbs

The Chic Toronto Hangout, Italian Style

Terroni Bar Centrale exterior TorontoThough not one to frequent chain restaurants, whenever I can avoid them, the Terroni chain of eateries have become my go to place for great Italian food and a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Each of the eight Toronto based restaurants serve traditional southern Italian food but are themed in different ways. You can choose between family styling dining with large sharing plates, traditional restaurant dining or a wine bar atmosphere.

I’ve now visited three of the establishments and Bar Centrale tops my list. Located along the Yonge Street corridor, and often frequented by the chic residents of Rosedale, Bar Centrale is more than a restaurant. It’s a neighbourhood hangout. A place where you take your family for an early breakfast, meet your girlfriends for brunch, or linger over dinner and wine with whoever makes your heart beat a little faster. The staff is young, friendly and attentive. No one rushes you out the door. And in fact the longer you sit, the more you will order….the menu items are simply irresistible.

Interior view of Bar Centrale restraurantGlass water carafe and brunch menu at Bar CentraleCoffee and cream at Terroni Bar CentralePandolci with preserves and nutella - Terroni Bar Centrale Toronto And if you would like my recommendation…don’t miss the pandolci. Tiny Scandinavian style pancakes served hot with a side of jam and nutella.

Terroni restaurant Toronto ON

Weekend Edition

Lilac rosesI’m planning on a very busy weekend. There will be no time for lounging in bed or even stopping to smell the roses (no matter how gorgeous!). I hope you all take advantage of this weekend as well to engage in something adventurous. But if you’ve been busy all week and prefer to stay in, here are a few links you will enjoy. So kick up your feet, you deserve it!

  • Fashion Week has moved to Europe. Style abounds at the shows and on the streets of Milan. There is no one better to give an insider’s view than Canada’s own Tommy Ton. Mamma mia!
  • Scrolling through Laura Wright‘s post on a “really good tomato soup” I not only found a great soup recipe, but also a reflection on living a life that’s more engaged. Slow down and enjoy every step in the journey…my sentiment exactly!
  • Beth Kirby is another blogger who finds joy in the little things, the perfection of imperfection. She recently ran a workshop called “Gathering from Scratch” and looking at all those photos made me want to call all my family and friends for a reunion under the sky.

Falling for Ford

Orange Ford truck  on the streetI came across this fantastic orange vintage Ford truck in front of the London’s Central Public Library.  I admire people who buy and restore classic cars. The designs and colours have more presence and personality than the waves of bland neutral vehicles polluting the roadways. I just wonder if the owner of this truck changes the colour with the seasons. I bet it’s a hit on Halloween!