With over twenty food options available, how did we go without lunch? Tehya and I met our friend Marco to explore and sample some of the many tasty options at the recent Sew Hungry 2012 on Ottawa Street in Hamilton, but all we had were the Beaver Tails and not the street meat we went looking for. What turned out to be a beautiful Spring day, saw hundreds of food crazy people line the streets and as if hypnotized, they stood in long lines urged on by the tantalizing scents emanating from the many kitchen on wheels. Yes, it was a gathering of food trucks and if you’re a fan of the Food Network, you have an idea of the buzz such trucks create when they hit a street corner. This time there were over 12 of them, so you can only imagine the frenzy.

With free parking available at municipal parking lots it wasn’t hard finding a parking spot (if you knew where to look), so within minutes of arriving, we were already in the thick of things and scrutinizing where we would eat. With the variety of food options available, this was not as easy as you would think. Tehya and Marco decided on the pulled pork parfait (pulled pork layers with mashed potato and gravy/bbq sauce), but I wanted to try something different so I left them in line and went exploring.

Along with the food trucks, the local restaurants on Ottawa street also took part in the event, so this also added to my confusion as to what to have for lunch. I did stop to smell the pies, but they were plastic wrapped so that didn’t work out as I envisioned. I don’t think they would want me smelling their pies either. With live music and other playful events going on, you could tell there was some planning on the part of the committee who organized the event. With a heavy police presence, there were no issues with cars and pedestrians sharing the road way and crowds were well controlled as well. Makes me wonder if they should have closed off the street.. but that’s probably something they’ll look at, as this event grows.

If you’re wondering what you missed out on as far as which restaurants and food trucks took part, here’s a list..

Ottawa Street Restaurants:

The Cannon Coffee Company
Helen’s Restaurant
Poco Loco
Cafe Limoncello
Sestre’s Coffee Shop
Dora’s Delicatessen and Catering

Food Trucks

Gorilla Cheese
Sweetness Bakery
Cupcake Diner
Caplansky’s Deli
Hank Daddy’s BBQ
Beaver Tails
Blue Donkey Streatery
Dobro Jesti
Toasted Tangerine
El Gastronomo Vagabundo
Kool Jim’s Ice Cream
Shriner’s Kettle Creek Popcorn
Smoke’s Poutinerie
Bonfire Catering

We knew this would be a well attended event, but as I worked my way back to where I left Tehya and Marco in line I noticed that they did not move more than 5 feet. After 40 minutes in line and they were no-where close to being served. I’m sure from the pics above you can also tell that the lines were long everywhere. If you were on your lunch break and had the typical hour off.. you’d go hungry for sure. It would have been so much more efficient if the trucks had tables set up in front of each, where the actual purchase – serving took place. This way when an order was placed it could be quickly filled and have more customers served, faster. I’m sure they have a reason for prepping, cooking, selling and serving from within the confines of the small trucks (maybe a health concern?), but it simply wasn’t efficient.  I see the same idea done with tables at the front of the main staging area, with a few servers working in conjunction with the “kitchen” at the annual Caribana in Toronto and you won’t believe how fast it all works.

The lines were just too long, so sadly I can’t comment on the actual ‘food’ at the event. I can say this though.. the prices were a bit more than what I would expect or call fair, but people were willing to pay. We headed out after an hour or so and the crowds were just getting thicker and thicker. A lovely event which certainly have captured the imagination and taste buds of Hamiltonians. Hopefully next year we’ll get a chance to actually enjoy some of the offerings.

Don’t miss – you have to make your way to the area where the police officers are based and take a pic of the horses. I’ve never seen such beautiful and grand animals.

Last summer we had a grand time exploring the sights and sounds of Niagara Falls and we plan to head back down in a couple weeks to get an early start this year. As you can tell from the various features on here, we’re not winter people. So as soon as the mercury rises above 10 C, we start heading out. Like bears we tend to do the hibernating thing as well and quite enjoy it (smile). It seems our visit to Niagara Falls always start off at Table Rock, where there’s always a buzz of activity and frenzy of tourists snapping pictures trying to capture the true essence of the falls. Here’s where you can also find Pop And Lollies Candy Shop on the upper floor of the main sort of tourist building. Like rats following the pied piper, the scent of freshly made candy will captivate you into jumping onto the escalator and before you know it… you’ll be mesmerized by the candy maker doing her thing inside the store.

Pop And Lollies Candy Shop is a fun and interactive candy shop where it’s so easy to be transformed back to one’s childhood and get caught up in the sparkling, vibrant colors of candies of just about every shape and size. You’ll see the art of specialized hard candy being made and find a wide selection of candy and gifts, from traditional favorites to unique containers ready to fill from the colorful wall of bulk candy. The best part though, is watching them hand-roll lollipops!  There’s a glass enclosed area in the center of the store where everyone can watch them roll these attractive lollipops.  The candy maker on duty was very polite, outgoing and explained to us how it worked and even suggested that we take part in the fruit dipping area, where you could dip your choice of fresh fruit or candy into a decadent chocolate bath.

I’m not much of a candy person as Caron, but I did find pleasure in sampling some of the amazing variety of fudge on display. Is it me or is Niagara Falls known for fudge and candied apples? It seems just about everywhere we went, these two items were in attendance. I don’t recall which flavors I tried, but I can tell you two things.. they were all delightful and cheaper to purchase here than other spots in Niagara Falls.

Since the girls refused to join us, Caron (who has a weakness for candied apples), got them each a candied apple.. it meant I had to walk back to the parking lot to leave them in the car since we were just starting off our Niagara Falls adventure for the day.

Here’s the thing… if you knowingly take kids into Pop and Lollies and then refuse to get them some candy (no dentist talk please), that would be the most “absolute” cruel thing you could ever do. They’ll remember this the rest of their lives and don’t be surprised when they don’t bring you hard candy and cake when you’re confined to the old folks home. The entire store is surrounded by walls of candy, so be prepared to have your sweet tooth take control of your wallet. Bearing in mind that as we discussed above, Niagara Falls is tourist driven so don’t expect to pay Wal Mart prices.. but then again, you’re not getting Wal Mart poor quality candy here either.

Pop And Lollies Candy Shop is located on Table Rock Niagara Falls, ON (see map and directions below) and truly a spot not to be missed. Funny thing is, we’ve been to Niagara Falls countless times and had never been to the upper floor before.

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What was supposed to be a lovely birthday celebration dinner at Red Lobster in Burlington Ontario, turned out to be a bitter disappointment. And though the manager did take one of the dinners off the bill, we left with dinner regret. Originally we had called to try and make reservations as there would be a party of seven of us, but (not sure if this was a sign of things to come this night) we were told that they don’t take reservations at Red Lobster. So we decided to meet for 7 pm and hope for the best. We were running a bit late so the birthday girl and her family had a drink at the bar as they waited to be seated and for us to arrive. We weren’t there at that point, but in conversation after we were told that the bartender was rather rude/non polite. To the point where our friend had to ask if he hated his job and would rather be somewhere else.

Luckily by the time we arrived we already had a table and everyone were digging into the buttery biscuits which Red Lobster is supposed to be so famous for. Personally, I didn’t see the big deal, but they were nice to snack on while we chat and waited for our dinner.

With drinks and dinner ordered, we did enjoy some good conversation and it seems it was a night of celebrations as table after table we could hear “Happy Birthday” being sung around us.  It’s funny how you don’t pay attention to time, but we arrived at around 7.10 and the food didn’t make it to the table until about 8 pm. And then we still had to wait for two dishes to be corrected.

I’ll quickly go though what we ordered, our thoughts and some final words on our dinner at Red Lobster.

Two of us ordered the “Ultimate Feast” which came with “A tender split Maritime lobster tail, steamed Canadian snow crab legs, savory garlic shrimp and Walt’s Favourite Shrimp. @ $29.75“. Caron got the  Grilled New York Strip Steak “A juicy 12 oz. New York Strip, lightly seasoned and grilled to your liking. @ $26.75 “. Which she asked to have medium/well done. The other steak order was the New York Strip and Rock Lobster Tail, “A lightly seasoned, fire-grilled 12 oz. New York Strip and our oven-roasted rock lobster tail @ $39.75” which was supposed to be well done (absolutely no sign of pink). And after seeing hundreds of tv commercials for Red Lobster and this being my first time (those commercials make the food so tempting), I decided on the  Lobster Tail, Skewered Garlic Shrimp, Broccoli and rice pilaf which was about $24.

The two Ultimate Feast platters were beautiful presented and thoroughly enjoyed.. but it went down hill after that. Originally Caron wanted to have the fish and chips, but we were told that they were out of chips (really?), so when  her steak arrived and it was still alive, she was disenchanted. One slice and it was apparent that this was not medium/well done. The other steak order was just as terribly cooked. What was supposed to be well done was medium. Now if I were having steak, I would be in my glory but for a person who can’t stand any pink.. Richard was as mad as Caron.

With a quick signal to our server for the night and she had both steak dinners taken back to the kitchen for improvements. As they waited for the return of their meals, they were presented with some lovely cocktail shrimp to pass the time by the manager. Nice touch.

With eager excitement (still recall those tv commercials) I started on my mini platter. Not to be over critical, but this was absolutely terrible. The lobster tail was rubbery and though the serving portion of the shrimp (2 packed skewers) were plentiful, they just didn’t taste right. With the shrimp placed over the rice pilaf, I think they poured the garlic butter sauce over it and made the rice very soggy. I’m a fan of butter, but Red Lobster got it wrong this time. I could easily squeeze the rice and get butter pouring out like a stream. The only thing I found edible was the steam broccoli, which wasn’t overcooked and still had  a ton of flavor and a bit of crunch to them. Red Lobster is supposed to be a fish specialty (lobster and shrimp) restaurant, so when the steaks came and they were not as expected I didn’t give as much thought to it. However, when my lobster tail and shrimp disappointed me… I had to search deep for a reason why I would ever dine here again. if you can’t get what you’re supposed to specialize in correct, something is very wrong.

As we were handed the dessert menu we were told to ignore the cheese cake, since they ran out of that as well. We ended up with a free slice of key lime pie for the birthday girl… which wasn’t too bad. A good balance of lime flavor and creaminess, with a packed crust which helped this dessert stand out a bit.

Our server did try to be as accommodating, but wasn’t as astute as we’ve come to expect when dining out. Red Lobster must stress on their employees that dining out is not just about the food, but the experience. Whenever we wanted a refill on drinks we had to search out our server, at no time did she notice that my plate was still full, even when she asked if she could clear the table and she was overly apologetic without actually finding solutions. After our experience with dealing with the terrible steaks, I didn’t bother with mentioning anything about my order. Very unlike me, but I chalked this experience up to poor quality and overall dining experience.

The manager did come out to ask about the steaks after they were redone, but with his sort of mumbling… we had no clue as to what he was saying. We shook our heads, smiled and agreed with whatever he said at that point.

I waited over 20 years for my first visit to red Lobster and I can say with all certainty.. it will never make my dining list again. Not  even their famous buttery biscuits can get me in a red Lobster again. According to Caron.. the steak was bland and she could make a better steak (someone who doesn’t even grill).

You can check out the Red Lobster menu at http://www.redlobster.ca/menus/default_cn.asp, including their occasional specials and discounts.

To contact Red Lobster Burlington:

2423 Fairview  Burlington, ON L7R 3N6
(905) 637-3454

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The night before heading down to the National Home Show And Canada Blooms in Toronto, we were at our friends place doing a video greeting for his moms upcoming birthday and with laughter in the air and fingers pointed at me… I confessed that I have a passion for gardening and we had to be up early in the morning to attend the show. I’m sure you couldn’t judge this book by it’s cover and every spring our small garden in the back yard is an indication as to my skills in the dirt.

We were invited down for the gala opening ceremony and we were looking forward to some complimentary breakfast and to being some of the first people to tour the shows.  This year both the National Home Show And Canada Blooms teamed up and visitors had the opportunity to be part of both shows for one low price. However it made for a ‘huge’ area to cover.

After a tasty breakfast and a brief introduction, we were guided  over to where they had constructed the ‘featured’ home (yes within the show’s building)… as Caron pointed out, it felt as if we were just off the cruise ship and herded to one of those tourist-designed tours, which always found it’s way though some straw market or souvenir shop. After some explanation as the design, functionality and general stats on the house, we headed over to the main stage for the opening tape-cutting ceremony. In attendance was someone I recall watching on tv years ago (before Home and Garden tv), Mark Cullen and it’s was indeed nice to see the man in person. Quite honestly one of the smartest men in the horticulture world IMHO. After the Mayor and attending dignitaries did their thing with the hedge clippers (no scissors here.. it’s a garden show), we were invited for a tour of the show, but in true OntarioAlive fashion, we opted to do our own thing. Here’s a video clip…

If you’re new to these types of shows, be prepared to be overwhelmed, but don’t let that hold you back from asking questions. I found all the exhibitors to be very welcoming and eager to answer our questions (and I’ve been know to be rather engaging), even though the crowds had already started to arrive. With just two hours gone after opening the place had already started to get packed, especially when the tour buses loaded with eager visitors arrived.

The show itself is huge and can be confusing, even with a map. We suggest to start at one end and try your best to make it to the other without falling into the maze-like trap it can be. You will be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare yourself for crowds. Since you have access to both Canada Blooms and The National home Show, you may want to reserve a better part of an entire day from your schedule as there’s a lot to see and do. There’s no need to pack a lunch unless you want to save some money, as there are many tasty food options and the coffee isn’t too bad either.

The highlight for many seem to be the 4 “JUNO Rocks” gardens inspired by JUNO Award winning and nominated artists – Feist, Jann Arden and Keshia Chante, as well as Royal Wood and Sarah Slean. Designed in partnership with artists and landscape professionals and intended to capture the artistic spirit of each musician. In the video above you’ll notice that I made a mistake when mentioning the name of one of the celebrities (JUNO Gardens), but that just goes to show how knowledgeable I am when it comes to ‘stars”. Personally we much preferred some of the other gardens and landscapes than the JUNO appointed ones, but that’s a personal preference and nothing against the creativity shown. The assortment of tulips were also amazing, but we were a bit puzzled as to what happens to the flowers after the show. Reliable sources told us that flowers were sent to retirement homes for seniors to enjoy and those like the tulip bulbs and bigger trees were taken by the city (we assume Toronto) for reuse.

Canada blooms is a horticulturalist and hobby gardener’s’ dream and for those of you into the home “oasis”, you’ll be just as excited at the National Home Show.

For tickets, group discounts and info on the National Home Show  And Canada Blooms visit: http://www.nationalhomeshow.com

TIP: Buy tickets online and save about $3 a ticket

Direct Energy Centre (DEC)
Halls A & Heritage Court
100 Princes’ Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario

* Parking is available on-site. During the Show, surface parking can be purchased by visitors at self-service Pay & Go machines (make sure you have a credit card – no cash) in the lots or through attendants for  underground lots. $13-$15.

Additional parking is also available at Ontario Place (South side of Lakeshore Rd.) for a cost.

WINNER WANTED!

As part of our goal for 2012 to include our readers in our travels we’ve secured a wonderful prize pack to give away to one lucky person. Our friends at Frog Tape was kind enough to donate a T-Shirt, cup holder and shopping bag to be part of this wonderful prize. There’s over $100 worth of coupons and individual items and we even cover the shipping expenses to have this sent to one lucky reader.

How To Win!

All you have to do is tell us what’s your favorite post so far from our travels in Ontario, in the comment section below and your name will be automatically entered to win. Yea.. It’s that simple.

There are two bonus ways you can have your name entered in the contest, giving you 3 chances at winning. Along with leaving a comment below, go to the Facebook fan page and/or the Youtube channel and leave a comment  there. We don’t care what your comment is, but it would be nice if you could tell us what you like about the website.

Here are the rules pertaining to winning the prize pack…

- contest is open to everyone globally (even if you won something here before)

- there are 3 ways to enter your name (see above)

- 1 winner will be chosen at random (if you left 3 comments, your name will be entered 3 times)

- contest is open from March 21 – to midnight March 31.

- winners will be announced within 1 week of the official close date.

- the winners will have 1 week to contact us with mailing address

- we will cover all shipping expenses (standard mail)

I hope you take a moment to enter your name as we would really like to mail this wonderful prize pack out to you. It’s simple, free and it’s always nice to be a winner.
Good Luck!

We grew up appreciating the rivalry between the Hamilton Tigers Cats and the Toronto Argos (Argonauts) and we’ve been to several CFL games over the years, but we’ve never had the opportunity to head down the QEW to the Rogers Centre for an Argos game. However this past Fall we did just that. After contacting the front office at the Argos, they were very courteous in hosting us for an amazing night of football and good fun.

After sorting out parking (about $10-$20 depending where you find a good spot), we headed into the Rogers Centre with as much anticipation and excitement as the other Argos fans in the line at the gates. For me it would be my first visit to the Rogers Centre (formerly the SkyDome), but Caron had been here several times before (can you say NKOTB?).

Can you spot the kid in the candy store? Since it was my time here and I’m an explorer by trait, I had Caron walking the entire perimeter of the main concourse level. The sight lines from here are amazing and I could easily stand on this level and enjoy whatever was going on on the field (with some beverages in hand). Even though we had dinner before coming to the game, the many food options had me immediately hungry as the delicious scent of roasting beef, grilled onions and other treats filled the air.

After about 30 minutes or so we made our way down to our seats, which were perfectly placed close to the half yard line. Great seats, but as I looked skywards I could only wonder how good was the view from the nosebleed seats towering high above us. This is when I also took the time to be amazed by the retractable roof, which made this venue so famous during the glory days of the Toronto Blue Jays. The mere size of it all really puts things into perspective and it’s our goal to come back during the summer months to see the roof actually being opened. Maybe we can land some Blue Jays tickets for a day of base ball and hot dogs.

The game itself was very entertaining and the overall entertainment value is just amazing for young and old. The management seems to really want to get guests involved and on this night we saw a guy win a trip for 2 to an all-inclusive sunny destination and another guy had a chance to win a million dollars (yup a million smacks)  for kicking the ball through the goal posts. Well it wasn’t that simple.. I guess this was a contest which was going on all season and we just happened to see the final kick for loot. The cheerleaders, the fact that you can enjoy a beer in the sort of beer-garden along the side lines and the overall atmosphere was very festive and entertaining. Hey, we even had a former wrestling mega star in attendance (see the pic above)… Mr Bret Hart himself.

Argos fans are very passionate as all CFL team fans are and it’s always nice to quietly sit among fans and take in the vibe and humor when opposing fans start their friendly rivalry. Do you think they could tell we were secretly TiCat fans?

It wasn’t a winning season for the Toronto Argos, but you couldn’t tell that by watching the fans in the stadium or the level of intensity at which the players played. Too bad it took us this long to travel down the QEW and be part of a wonderful Canadian Football League atmosphere.

Some quick notes:

Parking $15-$20 depending on where you decide on.
Beer $10 tall boy
Food  average about $8-$12
Pop about $5
Coffee – Tim Hortons (same price as elsewhere

For more info on attending an Argos game at the Rogers Centre, including coupons, discounts and packages, see: http://www.argonauts.ca/

To contact the Toronto Argos:

1 Blue Jays Way
Toronto, Ontario M5V 1J1
(416) 341-1707

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our time at  the Toronto Argos game) and do tune in to our videos (escapades!) on our youtube channel we’ve created.

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I’m a nerd at heart so when we had the opportunity this past summer to go to the Ontario Science Centre, I was giddy as a child on Easter morning. The anticipation of going from floor to floor in search of my own little nuggets of info and the idea that we’ll be seeing ‘cool’ stuff only got heightened as we parked the car and headed through the doors. Smack in front of us was the mechanical arm Canadian scientists designed for the Space Shuttle… immediately you’re overwhelmed with a deep sense of pride. What a lovely site to be greeted with if it’s your first time at the Ontario Science Centre.

After checking in with the info desk, we decided to make our IMAX reservations so we could plan the rest of our day. Yes, the Science Center is huge and you will need the most part of a day if you plan on seeing and participating in everything. With reservations made for the 4 pm show and with a guide in hand, we headed out to explore. It was summer and the place was packed with children in day camps and group trips, so be prepared during the summer months for crowds. The same can be said for general weekends year long.

The Ontario Science Center was designed in such a way that the building hugs the natural drop of the hillside to the valley floor and you’ll have to make your way down several escalators to get to the many levels of interactive displays. Take a peek out the windows as you make your way down the escalators to see what I mean. Personally I think it’s a clever way to make the building part of the natural environment… at least not to be intrusive.

Still giddy with excitement, we started at the area dedicated to space and space exploration, where it brought back memories of me as a kid in the Caribbean looking up into the heavens hoping to see a UFO. The night sky is very clear in the Caribbean and in those days I wished I had a telescope to really venture into the galaxy. Both Caron and I (yea, our girls didn’t think it was still cool to go to the Science Centre) thoroughly enjoy this area dedicated to space… so did the mass of kids as I think it was the most crowded area.

Rather than bore you with a detailed report of how we spent out day at the Ontario Science Centre, I’ll touch on what stood out, some important info and share some pictures with you. This way I won’t give away too much and take away from the excitement of your planned visit.

Caron is a nurse and not only does she deal with aspects of the human body on a daily basis, she went through a couple years of college as part of her training… but the area dedicated to the human body was not only very informative, but gripping as well (had to drag her out to another area). We were simply amazed at the wealth of information and the manner in which everything was presented. The hands on approach to explain how things work (like the lung display) really assisted in the learning process. The old lab was not only cool to see but a bit scary to know how cave-man-like scientists and doctors used to work in days past. A good chunk of our time was spent here.

There are food stalls on just about every floor (vending machines), but we headed down to the main cafeteria for lunch. Caron opted for the slice of pizza and drink and was quite upset when she saw what i got for the same price she paid.  There the option to have a fresh pasta dish made for you as you wait and it’s somewhat cool to see your food being cooked in front of you. My combo came with a drink, main course (pasta) and side salad. I believe it was about $8, but well worth it. The average meal (combo) at the different restaurants cost between $8-$10, so if you don’t plan on packing a lunch.. do walk with your wallet.

After a tasty lunch we headed over to the Amazon area, where you’d swear you were transported directly into the middle of the South American jungle. The light gleaming down though the trees, the sound of water rushing along the little creek and the humid conditions was as close as you could ever get to a tropical jungle in Canada. At this point we were starting to run out of time before the start of the IMAX feature we had made reservations for, so we rushed over to the engineering section (best way I could describe it) before we headed back up to the main entrance. Remember I said I would not touch on everything we did, so don’t be fooled into thinking this is all we did.

After a quick browse of the gift shop, we grabbed a seat for a coffee (just outside the entrance to the theater) as we had been on our feet for the most part of the day. Which reminds me.. wear comfortable shone, walk with a stroller if you have younger children (you can also rent them there I believe) and for a couple dollars you can rent lockers for the day.

The coffee was typical Starbucks and really not my thing, but it was an opportunity to recharge. By this time people were heading into the IMAX theater so it was our call to follow suit. On purchasing your entry ticket to the Ontario Science Centre, you have the option of including your admission to an IMAX feature… well worth the $$ especially if you’ve not had the experience before (like us). The theater is very steep and a bit scary if you’re afraid of heights. Overall a wonderful experience as you senses are really challenged with the huge screen, the amazing sound and overall quality of the production.

Some helpful info on planning your trip to the Ontario Science Centre:

Address – 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto, ON M3C 1T3
Fax – 416-696-3166
Phone – 416-696-1000
Toll-Free – 1-888-696-1110
TTY – 416-696-3202

*Parking at the Ontario Science Centre is $10.00 per vehicle (50% off for Members, FREE for Gold Members) and is cash only.

What’s going on: http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/whatson/default.asp

Info on summer day camps: http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/camp/default.asp

Admission prices including discounts and coupons: http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/prices/default.asp

The day we were at the Ontario Science Centre there were  a ton of field trips (day camps) and it was pretty loud and hectic with long waits to get to some of the more exciting exhibits, but they were worth the wait. Young or old there’s something for just about everyone and be sure to check with the “what’s going on” link above to get all the latest info on what you can expect when you attend the Science Centre.

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Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our time at the Ontario Science Centre) and do tune in to our videos (escapades!) on our youtube channel we’ve created.

What was supposed to be an exciting and appetizing lunch at The Pickle Barrel restaurant at Sherway Gardens, turned out to be a bit of a disappointment for the most part. Tehya had previously dined at another Pickle Barrel location a few months back, so she was excited when we decided to have lunch after a hectic day of shopping at Sherway Gardens Mall in Etobicoke.

Since we wasn’t prepared for doing a feature on the Pickle Barrel, you’ll notice that there are no pics of our dining experience as we would normally have. However we did have the flip camera with us so there’s a brief video clip below for your enjoyment.

After a short wait to assign us a table we were comfortably seated in a booth to the rear of the restaurant. As we worked our way to our table we could not help but notice that the restaurant was not busy, so having us wait 10-15 minutes to be seated was a bit of a mystery. On checking in I asked three times if they supply crayons and coloring paper for kids as all the other similar restaurants do and was told yes. Though we didn’t have any ‘kids’ with us, I didn’t expect to be ignored after asking three times for a set. Was this a sign of their listening skills and customer service?

We ordered our customary pop, ice tea, lemonade and I had to have my decaf coffee (which was quite good) after walking though that mall like a rat following the pied piper for hours. Ladies and shopping.. what was I thinking when I decided on coming along?

I’ll briefly tell you what we each ordered, followed by our comments on the meal and finish up on some general thoughts on the overall experience and service. But first, here’s the short video clip we took at the Pickle Barrel, Sherway Gardens.

Tehya had a severe craving for eggs Benedict, so she opted for the Traditional Eggs Benedict (Poached eggs and your choice of peameal or regular bacon on an English muffin, topped with hollandaise sauce. Served with sautéed mini potatoes and fresh fruit) According to her, the eggs were a bit overcooked, but was good the first 4-5 minutes (while it was still warm). Then the hollandaise sauce got thick and the texture of melted cheese which got cold. The fruit was quite attractive, but lacked any flavor or sweetness.

Dan, who’s been our partner in crime the past few months had the Famous Deli Sandwich (served with French fries and coleslaw) He decided on the roast beef brisket served on rye and for a $1 more he made it into the “Big One”! A massive sandwich indeed, which was quite tasty according him. He also got a side of of BBQ sauce for dipping, which he highly recommends. The fries wasn’t anything special and tasted as if they came out of the freezer.

Caron finally decided on getting a burger as the menu is very attractive (and beautiful as well..well laid out) sounding and making up your mind can be a challenge. P.B. Deli Burger (Premium, Certified Angus Beef seasoned and char-broiled, on a sesame seed bun with grilled onion and tomato) She got hers with the french fries and coleslaw as Dan did with his meal. Be prepared for a huge burger with a large potion of fries and it’s a good thing the coleslaw was bland, as I’m sure Caron would not have had room for it. I have a weakness for coleslaw, so when Caron couldn’t finish hers.. I went to work. Yea, I had to side with Caron and say that the coleslaw was nothing special.

I love trying new dishes, so when I came across the free-range roasted chicken with the cranberry chutney and medley of roasted root vegetables (the picture in the menu does not do this justice) I just had to give it a go. I believe this is on their seasonal menu, so don’t go causing problems if you go to The Pickle Barrel and not find it on the menu. Absolutely one of the best meals I’ve enjoyed in 2011 when it comes to dining out. I really wished they had gone crazy with portions as they did with Dan’s sandwich and Caron’s burger combo, as I didn’t want my meal to end. There is a huge difference in this type of “organic” chicken when compared to everyday chicken you get at the grocers and it shows in the texture and overall flavor of the meat. The chutney was just perfect with it’s sort of tart taste and complimented both the roasted root vegetables and chicken perfectly. Hats off to the chef for producing a chicken breast which was succulent and a dish which was a good reflection of ‘fall’ in Ontario.

Normally by now I would have already commented on the service as I done in past features we’ve done on restaurants, but this time it was a bit perplexing. Our server was there, but really wasn’t. We appreciate it when servers give us the privacy to enjoy or meal and company, but we felt that she was a bit to scarce. With a sort of blank expression on her face (not very welcoming) she went about her ‘job”. As I mentioned earlier the restaurant was not very busy, so I don’t think it was a matter of being overworked… but I guess I’m assuming here.

Overall the Pickle Barrel at the Sherway Gardens location is a lovely space, tastefully decorated and perfect lighting, but we wasn’t impressed by the overall service and though the menu sounds delicious, for the most part it was poor. On the way out I once again asked about the crayons and with a sort of “I don’t care” look, the hostess rolled her eyes.I just shook my head and went our way. We had more shopping to do.

The Pickle Barrel Sherway Gardens.
Sherway Gardens, 25 The West Mall, Etobicoke
Phone:     416.621.4465
Hours of Operation:     Sun – Thurs 9am – 10pm
Fri – Sat 9am – 11pm

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our time at the Pickle Barrel restaurant) and do tune in to our videos (escapades!) on our youtube channel we’ve created.

Creative and Kitchen are two words which could easily be used when describing myself, but when it comes to Caron… let’s just say that’s just not the case. Caron is one of those people who need a step by step recipe, along with every ingredient mentioned in the recipe. There’s no substitution and I don’t blame this on not being creative, but rather the fear of the dish not turning out as it’s supposed too. However Caron found a “new love” according to her own words (see the video), when we visited Supper Works in Ancaster Ontario a few weeks back.

On arriving at Supper Works (Ancaster location) we were under the impression that all the ingredients for what we ordered via their website would be provided but we would have to do the necessary peeling, crushing, chopping etc, but Stacey soon explained how things worked. Here’s a basic breakdown… You either place your order via their website, call in or place your next order when you’ve completed putting together your order in-store.  Stacey is one of those manager/owners who seem to revel in dealing with people and it showed as she took the time to chat with us during the entire hour or so we were there. We spoke about sourcing the ingredients, the freshness of it all, the services Supper Works offers beyond what we were here for and why so many people are repeat customers.

At the Supper Works website you first find the location you’d like to go to (in our case Ancaster was the most convenient), you then choose from the entrees and sides they have, finally you select a scheduled time you’d like to go into the actual store/kitchen to put the meals together. Once you get to Supper works, you get a sort of spreadsheet (like an invoice) with the items you’ve pre-ordered and you’ll find the different stations already prepped and waiting for you to begin.

You start off by heading to the wash station where the taps are controlled by foot pedals, so at no time are you making contact with the taps with dirty fingers. It was also explained to us that between each food station you’re required to wash your hands as well so there’s no cross-contamination . Supper Works is all about cleanliness and hygiene and you’ll find the entire kitchen spotless and shiny from the use of stainless steel. Even as you work your way through stations, we noticed Stacey behind us cleaning up.

Each station is clearly marked with the name of the dish on your list as well as instructions on how to put them together. At Supper Works all you’re doing is putting together the meals and the actual cooking is done at home at your convenience. In our case the first dish we were about to put together was the flat iron steak (which also happened to be the first one we cooked as well). Since I was busy with the cameras, Caron took over with the assembling. In a huge freezer lock bag you place the steak as in our case, then using the  instructions you start assembling all the other ingredients. Here’s the beauty of this part.. all onions, garlic, ginger, everything you need is already prepped for you (chopped, diced and grated). All spices and other ingredients as also provided. So basically within 10-15 minutes (depending on how fast you work) you have a complete entree prepared and ready for the oven, stove top or grill. This is one of the reason’s why Caron love Supper Works so much! The convenience, ease of putting together, freshness and knowing exactly what’s going into the meals you prepare for your family.

After you’ve completed an entree it’s time to label the bag with the cooking instructions (printed labels provided), place then into your assigned bin the freezer, wash your hands and move on to the next.

I’m very comfortable in the kitchen as many of you may know who are familiar with my  Caribbean Cooking Blog and since I work from home, getting out to do the groceries and hit Costco is my time away from my “office”, but Caron works twelve hour shifts which are very demanding, so dealing with crowds and insane shoppers is not her thing. But I must confess that like her, I too love the concept of all the shopping and prep work is already done when you arrive at Supper Works.

Additionally, I found that having spices that we wouldn’t normally purchase readily available was quite convenient. I hate having to purchase a container of spice to use a teaspoon in a recipe, after which it sits in the cupboards for months. Never seeing use again. With the amount of people who order through Supper works, you know you’re also getting fresh herbs and spices along with everything else.

With our girls at an age where they should already be cooking for themselves (and us) it’s very easy for them to thaw one of the entrees and cook according to the instructions on the label. So not only do they have the ability to cook for themselves if they wanted, we as parents know EXACTLY what went into their dish/meal.

If you’re wondering what the prices are like, I’ll have to say this… just before heading over to Supper Works In Ancaster we purchased some fast food (wings and fries) for our daughters and that bill came to $30. Knowing that it’s deep fried food, with tons of fat and who knows what else, we were alarmed to know that one of these healthy meals we just put together were around the same price. A few dollars more, but think about this for a second…

- fresh ingredients
- we knew exactly what was going into each meal
- convenience (no shopping, chopping, dicing, CLEANING)
- entrees were big enough for the 5 of us and we still had a little left over the next morning
- tasty recipes
- huge list of entrees to choose from
- home cooked meals

Speaking about convenience… Stacey explained that there’s also the service they offer where for a very small fee they even assemble the meals for you. I could only think in the back of my head as she explained, that this would be great for seniors, people on the ‘go’, and for those of us who may be stuck at work all day and heading up to the cottage for the weekend and want some meals already prepared for them. Imagine getting up to the cottage for a break and you don’t have to worry about what to cook? If you’re wondering if the size portions may be a bit to big for a small family, you have the option of splitting any of the entrees into 2, if you so desire.

Supper Works is a dream come through for people who want to eat well, but just don’t have the time or patience to deal with shopping, worry what to cook and if what they cook will taste good. As I type this we’ve got the pulled chicken going in the oven (didn’t have a slow cooker) and the entire house smells delicious. Caron’s at work and I’ve been in my office all day behind this computer, so it would be nice to enjoy a lovely meal of pulled chicken sandwiches when she gets home.

BTW, if you’re planning a girls night or having an event and you’d like to have it hosted at Supper works… the sort of cafe seating area would be perfect. And you’re even encouraged to bring along the wine! I must also make mention of the level of after sale customer involvement with Supper works. I’ve received two emails to date asking us about our experience at Supper Works and as an online marketer I must confess that I was very impressed. Too often do companies treat us as a one-sale client and never bother to follow-up. Kudos to Supper works!

Supper Works Ancaster

21 Panabaker Dr
Hamilton, ON L9G 3K9

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our time at the Supper Works Ancaster) and do tune in to our videos (escapades!) on our youtube channel we’ve created.

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Unlike last year when we covered quite a few fall fairs around the region, this year the only one we had time for was the Brampton Fall Fair. If you recall we did features on the Ancaster Fair, Caledonia Fair and the Niagara Regional Exhibition but due to scheduling problems we were unable to continue covering one of my favorite things to do when the weather gets cooler. Tehya and Dan did go to the Ancaster Fair, so you’ll be able to see footage from that on the OntarioAlive Video Channel very shortly.

With a short drive down the QEW on this cool Saturday afternoon, we were greeted at the gates by volunteer staff to the free parking area which was steps away from all the action. We made our way through the midway area where kids were screaming with joy on the many rides. Besides the entry fee to get into the fair, also note that you must purchase tickets to get on the rides. Here’s where you can also try your hands at the many games where you can win and assortment of cuddly stuffed animals.

Since we didn’t come for the midway we breezed through and headed to the area where the animals, crafts and other things you’d expect to find at a country fair. Heading towards one of the main buildings (looks like huge barns) we passed by the small area dedicated to food and with one look at the pulled pork sandwiches on sale, we were mesmerized. After a minute to regain our focus… we were back heading towards the building with the animals.

It seems the Brampton Fair with it’s deep history (158 years old) is not as big as some of the other fairs we’ve been too and the small amount of animals on display reflected that. Yes there was a fairly large assortment of chicken, birds, sheep and cows to see, but we felt as if something was missing. However, do keep in mind that we’re sort of Fair veterans!

It was a bit of an overcast day so you’ll notice that the pictures are not as vibrant as they normally are when we do a feature…

I totally forgot about my allergies, so after a few minutes within the animals area I had to leave as I didn’t have any Benadryl and I wasn’t about to dare my sneezing and headaches to start. Tehya and Caron remained with the baby chicken as I headed over to sort of market area where people were selling anything from roasted peanuts to guys with heating and cooling units for your house. A bit too commercial for me, but I had to kill time for Caron and Tehya to arrive and browse the many stalls.

We didn’t make it for some of the main attractions like the Demolition Derby and antique tractor show, but while Tehya was ordering her pulled pork sandwich I had a chat with a young family who mentioned that they thoroughly enjoyed the Derby. Speaking about pulled pork… after browsing the craft section and the display they had of vegetables kids from local schools submitted for judging, we headed back to the mesmerizing aroma of the grilled food.

We were scheduled to do a feature on an Indian restaurant in a couple hours so I didn’t partake in what looked like a mouth-watering sandwich paired with fresh cut fries. According to Tehya and Caron, the tender heap of pulled pork, smothered in BBQ sauce on a kaiser was just outstanding. I even noticed one of them licking their fingers.. I wont call names.

Overall the Brampton Fair is a great way to spend a cool afternoon in Ontario, with the opportunity to see some of the local produce, livestock and crafts on display. The buzz of activity and fun at the midway is truly a spot where kids can have fun while parents go broke… but so is the price of having fun with your family!

Brampton Fall Fair is presented by The Region of Peel Agricultural Society and can be found at:

12942 Heart Lake Road Caledon, ON L7C 2J3

For more info on scheduled events, entry fees and other helpful info on planning your trip to the annual Brampton Fall Fair, check out their website at http://www.bramptonfair.com

The 2011 entry fees to the Brampton fair is as follows:

Day Pass

Adults $10.00
Seniors and Students $8.00
Children Under 12 $2.00
Parking Free

Four Day Pass

Adults $20.00
Seniors and Students $15.00
Children Under 12 $5.00

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our time at the Brampton Fair ) and do tune in to our videos (escapades!) on our youtube channel we’ve created.

It’s always a pleasure when our girls join us on our adventures, but their moody ways and typical tardy teenage profile almost saw us late for our reservations at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill Upper Centennial in Hamilton. Kieana, Indy and Tehya were supposed to be with us, but Tehya wasn’t feeling well (ended up having surgery a couple days later), so Felicia,  (Kieana’s friend)  joined us for dinner.

We were greeted by the friendly hostesses who directed us to a very roomy booth which was perfectly situated at the rear of the restaurant, directly in front of the beautiful stone fireplace.  With my customary decaf coffee ordered, soft drinks for the girls and Caron was intrigued by the Pineapple Smash Martini (blueberry vodka, pineapple and blueberry juice with a splash of amaretto) so after consulting with our server Cassandra, she knew she had to give it a try. Forget elephants, Cassandra has one of the best memories we’ve ever witnessed. At no time this night did we see her write down anything we ordered and we were amazed that she got everything perfect. Keep in mind it was a table of five people.

With Caron going on how delicious her martini was in the background, we were busy sorting through the appetizer menu. We decided on getting the nacho platter, cheesy bread, Caesar salad,  and I was eager to try their coconut shrimp. Ever since my experience earlier in the year with coconut shrimp in Jamaica, I’ve been on a mission to find a source closer to home. I’m not much of a nacho person, so it’s not something we would normally order…when it arrived at our table we knew we were in for a long night. This is a supposed to be an “appetizer” but it seems the kitchen didn’t get the memo… this thing was built like a volcano. It was a tower of  layers of nachos, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, jalapenos, seasoned beef, olives, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, green onions and salsa.. baked, then drizzled with sour cream. Even with my help, the ladies had a difficult time leveling it. Though I’m not into the nacho thing, I crave a good guacamole and the side order we got hit the spot. Freshly made (no discoloring), with non of that bitter-oily after taste you tend to get at most restaurants. A blend of smooth and chunky avocado, with just the right amount cilantro and other ingredients.

The coconut shrimp was a bit over-battered for my liking, and had the look of chicken wing drumettes, but the accompanying Thai dipping sauce was on point and the Asian coleslaw was quite refreshing. A good balance of exotic flavors, crunch was an amazing partner for the coconut shrimp.

After continued attempts to make a real dent on the Nacho Extravaganza, we had to raise the white flag and concede. Watching the ladies struggle with the appetizers I knew they wouldn’t have any room for the entrees, but held back commenting until they were faced with the task at hand. Once again we were impressed by the courteous nature of Cassandra and we were silently hoping she would screw up one of orders so we could say “should have written it down eh!”. She’s as professional as they come and proves that she knows the menu front to back.

By this time we could hear live music emanating from the bar area (I didn’t get up to see) and we learned that there’s usually a live musician every Thursday… which was quite entertaining while we enjoyed a fantastic meal. Felicia had the Buffalo Chicken Wrap (crisp fried chicken tenders tossed in your choice of wing sauce.. then rolled into a flour tortilla with cheddar, lettuce, diced tomato and ranch dressing), which as I expected (with everyone else) she struggled to finish. Seems that big portions is the common theme at Turtle Jacks and from our experience we could safely say that just about everything on their menu could easily be shared by two people.

Kieana opted for the 1/2 rack ‘award’ winning baby back ribs (Cassandra mentioned that they won some award for their ribs) and from the reaction by Kieana and when I took a sample off her plate, we could see why. Not just your fall-off-the-bone -tender ribs, but well basted with a truly exciting BBQ sauce. Breaking away from her traditional baked potato, with her choice of side she got the coleslaw and fries. Kieana isn’t much of a coleslaw person, but she did mention that it was a bit on the vinegar side.

After many attempts by Indy to sneak a sip of Caron’s Green Apple Martini (another recommendation by Cassandra), she gave up and decided it was time to tackle her platter of  chicken fingers. According to the menu it’s freshly breaded chicken tenders which was marinated in buttermilk… then deep fried to a crispy finish. Not only was this seriously good (according to Indy), Caron took the leftovers to work for lunch the next day and she came home raving how good they were too.  The platter also included fresh cut fries, coleslaw, carrots and celery sticks. Take note that this is not the baby size chicken strips you’d normally get off a kids menu… parents would know what I mean.

I forgot to mention that my customary decaf coffee was excellent. I’m not sure how it’s achieved but for decaf to have this much body and flavor is something you’d expect from good regular coffee. It was so good I forced in a couple cups even though I was stuffed from all the tasty dishes.

Caron decided on the New York strip loin with fresh cut fries and coleslaw, which was surprisingly tender even though it was a bit overcooked from the medium-well she requested. The menu is one which will cause confusion as there are many appetizing sounding options, so after much inner debate I decided on the sort of surf and turf with the shrimp and scallop sirloin in a garlic wine cream sauce. This one was a hit out of the park!  Not only was my steak perfectly cooked to medium rare  as I had requested, the shrimp and scallops in that garlic sauce was simply delectable. The accompanying garlic mashed potato complimented the steak perfectly, but the dirty rice which was quite tasty on it’s own.. was a poor choice by me.

With good food on the table, live music in the background and tons of laughter and good times being had by all.. it was an overall excellent dinner. with no room for dessert, but thinking about our readers we sacrificed our bursting stomachs and ordered the “Fire ‘n Ice” (vanilla ice cream rolled in a cinnamon crust, fried and drizzled with caramel and chocolate syrup. A bit heavy on the cinnamon, but an absolutely delicious dessert to end the night.

After dinner I walked over to the bar area which seemed like a good spot to grab a bite, enjoy a few beverages and watch the game if you’re alone or with a buddy. There’s a nice vibe to this area and like the rest of the restaurant, there’s a comfortable feel to it all.

If you’re looking for a generally good dining experience, with friendly and accommodating service that’s not overly priced, be sure to check out  Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill on Upper Centennial in Hamilton and remember to ask for Cassandra (try to get her to forget what you ordered). And according to Caron, you MUST try the Pineapple Smash Martini which according to her,  is out of this world.

Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill

125 Upper Centennial Parkway
Hamilton, Ontario L8J 2T7
Tel: 905-662-3120

For a full list of all Turtle Jacks locations, see http://www.turtlejacks.com/locations

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our dinner at Turtle Jack’s Muskoka Grill ) and do tune in to our videos (escapades!) on our youtube channel we’ve created.

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When you hear the jingle “Let’s go to the EX”, what comes to mind? For me it’s a sad indication that the summer is coming to an end, but it’s back to school time (no more lazy teenagers in the house). We had been to the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) or the EX as it’s affectionately known in Ontario about 10 years ago as a family, and though our daughters have been a few times since, Caron and I didn’t give it much thought  over the years. During that visit all I could remember doing was spending most of the day at the kiddie rides area, stopping for food and a quick browse at an outdoor show.

What started off as a cool and overcast day turned out to be another gorgeous summer’s day with temperatures in the mid 30′s. The plan was for Tehya and Dan to hit the midway and Caron and I would do our thing until we got the text to meet for lunch. First stop was one of the many maps which are conveniently posted throughout the grounds so we could get our bearing. I would advise that if you can, check out their website to see all the events and where they’re happening before you make the trip down. This way you can plan your day much better than we did.

After a quick browse through the building with the animals and a glance at the cow milking show where there seemed to be quite a few people who were interested in what the presenters were doing (how to milk a cow was not my thing), my allergies were about to start acting up so it was a sign for me to head out. BTW, the butter sculptures were neat to see and I had a brief chat with one of the two people working on a sand sculpture (see pic below). We then made our way through one of the halls with crafts and other trinkets on sale and back out on the maze the CNE can be without a map in hand. Follow the crowds I guess.

Couple years back I recall my mom saying that she won some money on the casino games, so on my way to the main midway I thought I’d stop by the Casino and try my luck. I was greeted by a huge fella (kinda goonish) who asked where I was going. Let’s see this is the entrance to the casino, so unless it’s closed I’m heading in there. Without much of an emotion on the man’s face he blurted out.. no! Still confused I had to ask why.. seems no cameras were allowed in, so rather than have a sign where I could see or simply say you can’t go in with a camera, he had to put on the tough guy act!

The midway is massive and gets very congested later in the day, but truly the heart of the EX. The expressions you see on faces are truly priceless. The challenge of the games, the anticipation of winning and the joy of walking away with a stuffed animal, no matter how big or small… people were having fun. The games themselves range anywhere from 25 cents for the bowling ball game, to five dollars to knock over some plates, but I guess this is the cost of fun? Personally we found that the price of tickets to go onto rides were a bit overpriced, seeing that these rides were not the same caliber as the one at Canada’s Wonderland. You have the option of purchasing an all day ride bracelet (about $36 I think) or individual tickets that you can use for each ride. Note: Most rides takes between 3 and 6 tickets so be prepared to spend a ton if your children are interested in the rides. Dan and Tehya got the all day bracelet and it was a waste as they went on 3 rides in total… the choices were not as good when you’re accustomed to Canada’s Wonderland.

Then it was off to the beach area which I think was sponsored by Coke as they were giving out free samples of Sprite when I arrived. This area is a ton of fun, with it’s beach volleyball, sandy area where kids were busy making sand castles, a basketball court and the star attraction.. the flow rider. If you’ve been on those  newer Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships you’d know all about the flow rider. Basically it’s a portable surfing venue and the professionals on display were having fun and showing off all at the same time. I also believe that for a small fee you could also jump into your swim wear and give the flow rider a try. There were some kids and older teenagers trying to ride the waves and for the most part they were failing terribly, but it made for a good laugh to see them wipe-out.

It was getting a bit later in the day now and we had to refuel or risk burn-out. We rendezvous at the Direct Energy center then made our way to the food building. Walking into this massive food court gave me the impression that if the UN were to have a potluck and each ember brought a dish to share. There was no sharing here as you had to fork over cash, but what an assortment of food choices. Something I’ve never experienced before! I settled for Caribbean, Caron had the Philly cheese steak (rather small for the price), Tehya had Middle Eastern which was a bit disappointing and Dan settled for the Chinese after much debate. Yes, with all these choices it’s very easy to stand there for quite a while trying to decide what to have. Later in the evening we did come back and have the blooming onion and Tehya had an order of perogies. With all the hype behind the deep fried cola (coke) we expected to see some huge lines, but the lines were at the spot where they were selling the burger served between doughnuts instead of the typical bread. I guess people were more attracted at the chance of a massive heart attack?

The dining area is massive, but it gets very crowded so you may want to grab a table first and have someone save the spot while you go trekking through the many dining options. Like the midway, the prices at the food building is a bit pricey… about $2-$3 more than what you’d normally pay at a mall food court and the portions are a bit small. Well, except for the chicken roti that I had which was not only quite tasty, but very filling.

After replenishing our fuel (btw seems coke may be the sponsors of the EX as they were the only non-alcoholic beverages on sale) it was back to the area just past the midway where the Canadian Military was set up. Here (see pic at the top) is where we got Tehya to be our guinea pig and dress in active combat gear. You had the choice of going light or heavy and the ‘sport’ Tehya is, she went heavy. She could hardly move with all the bags and gear on and one can only imagine how strong these soldiers must be and their level of fitness. Just about everyone here were having fun, with the many vehicles you could tour, the interactive drill area for the kids and the military tank seemed to be the biggest hit.

The heat was now starting to get to us so we decided it was time to go back indoors, so we headed to the Direct Energy Center where I wanted to meet with the Food Network personality Chef David Adjey, who was nice enough to speak with me but seconds later he sent over his security people to ask me to move as I was doing something or the other to his concentration. Not sure why he wouldn’t say that to me when we spoke or what I was doing that prevented him from emptying containers of cut tomatoes etc. Caron and I met up with Tehya and Dan again and this was when the fun really started.. not for me! They found the shopping area with all the discounted makeup and nail polish etc (all brand names at reduced prices) and I swear Caron must have hrudled the small fence which enclosed the area with the discounted jeans when she saw they were reduced to $10 a pair. The nerd that I am, I headed over to the books area and found some amazing cookbooks (hard cover with pictures etc) selling 3 for $10. I was too lazy to carry them around (quite heavy) the rest of the day and now have regrets. The car was 10 minutes away!

We missed out on the dog show (not sure if I’d even want to see dogs pounce around) as well as the skating show, but the Black Angels African Acrobats and Mzansi Youth Choi were simply amazing and you had the opportunity to meet with the performers after each show. Be prepared to be encouraged to purchase their cds.

Among the many international stores selling items native to those countries or so they would have us believe, we also stumbled onto one of the most delicious hot sauces produced by a company called Hot Mamas… their hot pepper jelly is amazing on crackers. And once again Caron went crazy when she came across a store selling a bunch of Scottish items… she walked away with a baseball cap and could easily have spent some more money on the shirts etc which were on sale. The display with items depicting the haunting of the EX was a bit creepy and the sand sculptures were stunning. Nothing like the dumped out pale of sand I would make as a kid on the beaches of the Caribbean.

The EX or CNE as it’s officially called is a great place to spend a summer’s day with family and friends, but do be prepared to spend some cash. Parking is about $20, then you have entry fees, food, the midway and the overall shopping areas. The event is well run and tons of fun, but this could be attributed from the many years it’s been running… a summertime tradition in Toronto for 133 years.

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) or The Ex as it is also known, is Canada’s largest annual community event. Taking place over the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, the CNE offers a wide variety of entertainment and events, midway rides and games, a working farm, parades and sports, international food and shopping, Kids’ World, and a three-day air show. Over the course of its late summer run, the CNE attracts approximately 1.3 million people each year.

For more info on planning a trip to the EX, parking options, shows or for ticket prices and coupons, check out their website at http://www.theex.com/get-tickets/ticket-information/

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our day at The EX) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

We arrived at Walkers Fish Market in Burlington with seconds to spare for our 7 pm reservations and though the parking lot at the font and side of the building were packed, we easily found a spot at the rear. Caron and I are very picky about being on time, so watching the clock while we drive is part of our routine when we’re out doing features. Just wish our daughters would copy a page from our book and be a bit more concerned about being punctual. We were greeted at the door and directed immediately to our table where our waiter for the evening, had a pleasant greeting for us once again.

The few seconds it took us to get to our table from the entrance, we could already tell that attention to detail was something the owners and staff hold high in regard. You immediately get a sort of serene but classy feel about the space and I must confess that we were impressed at how clean everything seemed. With seating available  in private booths, tables around a beautiful stone fireplace which gave you a sort of seaside cabin feel and a nook area where you’re separated from the main bar by a very impressive custom wine fridge. We were offered a booth (kinda romantic) with a window view and a commanding scope of the main dining area. There’s also the option to sit at the bar area or the booths surrounding, where you’d easily be included in the buzz around the bar itself.

Our server for the evening was not only very polite and outgoing, she was very knowledgeable about the items on the menu, preferences the chef has (he will never overcook the tuna.. no matter if you ask) and with a very impressive wine list… she didn’t skip a beat in explaining some of the top pairings with what we were about to order. We’re not wine drinkers, so Caron had a couple Martinis (try the mango one) and since their house brand of beer is the Pepperwood Cream Ale I had to give it a test drive. A rich but light choice with a strong sort of malty base and I got a hint of a woodsy undertone which I found complimented my dinner well. But I no beer aficionado so don’t take my word as gospel.

The mood was just perfect, as it seems most people were at the cottage for the weekend so the restaurant was not as packed as it would normally be on a Friday night. And as I alluded to earlier, the decor and ambiance is quite comforting and with an airy interior you never feel closed in as in some other places we’ve dined. Being a steak and seafood restaurant, Walkers Fish Market achieves a wonderful maritime charm with the use of pictures, lighting (take a look at the fixtures – looks like nautical lanterns), but with a modern twist. Walkers Fish Market is not your typical fish and chips joint!

As we waited for our drinks to arrive (I started with a wonderful decaf coffee as usual and Caron had a Martini) we nibbled on the fresh rolls which were brought to the table with a creamy garlic butter which was very tempting to fill up on… temptation! Caron decided on the Walkers Garlic Cheese Flatbread which is huge and can easily be shared by 2-3 people. The asiago and parmesan topping is baked on perfectly and again it’s very easy to get filled by this tempting appetizer. Little old me had the Coquille St Jacques, which is sea scallops from the Bay Of Fundy baked with cremini mushrooms and a creamy Sauvigon blanc cheese sauce. Topped with a perfectly browned potato crust.

Up next (with some pointers from our sever) was one of the “catch of the day” for me, which was the Mahi Mahi bronzed with a creole sauce and I asked for it to be blackened a bit as well. This came with the choice of two sides, so it was the dirty rice with andouille sausage and garlic mashed potato. The Mahi Mahi was cooked to perfection, but I learned this night that I don’t care for blackened fish (my choice.. not reflective of the chef) and though the creole sauce had some body to it, I found it to be a little bland. But remember.. I eat spicy and complex foods on a daily basis. The dirty rice was a good representation of it’s Cajun roots and the tasty pieces of the adouille sausage were like little gems amongst the plum grains of rice with a tomato accent. The garlic potatoes were perfectly done and we especially like the sort of sweet-roasted garlic hints we got as we worked our way through the mound we got. Yes, the potions are fairly large!

Caron isn’t a seafood person unless it’s fish battered and deep fried, so when she opted for the Top sirloin with the red wine demi jus I wasn’t surprised. She decided on the garden salad and garlic mash as I did. The jus works great with the garlic mashed potato, but it can get a bit salty as the sauce cooled. The steak was perfectly cooked to the requirements of Caron and it’s amazing how the chef got a well done steak not to be dry and tasteless. I personally think it’s an insult to Angus to have it well done, but Caron absolutely hates ‘pink’.

I guess she wasn’t feeling like fish and chips as Walkers Fish Market is famous for it’s haddock fried in the pepperwood creme ale beer batter and served with seasoned fries.

We were absolutely stuffed but were convinced that we must try the banana bread pudding with the caramel sauce and custard. If you guys are fans of the Food Network, you’ll know about a show called “the best thing I ever ate”… well, this bread pudding would easily be a candidate for this show. I’m not much of a dessert person, so 3 years ago when I had what I thought to be the best breading pudding at a restaurant in the southern Caribbean, I thought my taste buds had hit nirvana. This is absolutely the best desert I’ve ever had. I’ll leave judgement for you, so I won’t say much more… but do go to Walkers Fish Market, even if it’s just for that amazing coffee they have and the bread pudding that’s out of this world.

If you’re a fan of good, fresh seafood, perfectly grilled steaks and a wine list which I’m sure would excite wine lovers, Walkers Fish Market should be on your list of restaurants when dining out. With a huge oyster selection, fish imported from as far as Chili, Philippines and Honduras and with their current ‘Lobster fest” going on, there’s no better place to enjoy the company of family and friends on a night when you just don’t feel like cooking.

I already have our next visit planned (I’ve been hypnotized by the pudding) and I’ve zeroed in on the ricotta agnolotti and shrimp al forno I saw on the menu during our visit.

This may sound a bit strange, but both Caron and I feel this is worth mentioning. You must use the bathroom! (ask us why in the comments below). BTW, if you employ the use of a wheelchair the wide spaces will be in your favor.

Walkers Fish Market Burlington

4045 Harvester Rd
(Corner of Walkers and Harvester )
Burlington, Ontario
L7L 5J1

Phone: 905-633-9929

For their latest promos and discounts, check out their website at http://www.walkersfishmarket.ca/burlington/index.html

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our day at Walkers Fish Market in Burlington) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

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Our third stop of the day at Niagara Falls, saw us at the Whirlpool Aero Car. When we did the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tour a couple weeks back, Caron swore that there’s no way she would ever be suspended that high over the Niagara Whirlpool, as we did some maneuvers directly below the Spanish Aero Car attraction. As she put it “why would any sane person go on that contraption connected to those little lines.. what if it breaks?” Funny enough she was one of the first people to board the Aero car and besides the other passengers who were particularly rude, she quite enjoyed it. It still baffles us how people have no concept of personal space or the reason for lines and how to respect the fact that when people queue in front of you, it means they get to go in first.

I must confess that I have a fear of heights and though I had a “macho” way about me when Caron asked if I would be ok with this ride, I was a bit apprehensive. However I’m also one to do just about anything if I have someone else doing it with me. I don’t consider myself a follower by any means, but if I’m going down I’d like to have company

After checking in with the attendant at guest services for a reservation (even if you have tickets already purchased, you must check in to get a slotted time) we realize that it would be another 20 minutes before our group would get to board, so we headed next door to the gift shop. You’ll find your typical tourist gear here and expensive soft drinks (it was a super hot day so we had no choice but to pay the prices), but if you go out the rear doors you’ll not only have a breathtaking view of the Niagara Whirlpool, but you’re perched n a great spot to see the Aero Car as it moves from one point to another.

It can get crowded on this balcony with everyone juggling for space to take that perfect picture with the wonderful background, so it can get a bit unsettling. Niagara Falls is a tourist town so be prepared for crowds when you visit any of the attractions.

I didn’t really check but I don’t think this attraction is wheelchair accessible as you must make your way down some stairs to get to the loading zone and from the layout I don’t recall seeing any elevators. The space on the Aero car itself is very narrow and there’s not much room for a wheelchair or motorized vehicle (but I could be wrong, so do check with the Niagara Parks before booking).

After the gates are opened by staff, you make your way down a flight o stairs, then enter the Aero Car starting from the left side and when this area is filled the right and center is used. From the look of things it seems they try to balance the weight for even distribution. With a loud bang and jerk the car released from it’s dock (you’re told to expect this by the attendant) and you’re on your way over the whirlpool for the return one kilometer (3,600 feet) trip which took about 10 minutes in total. We were placed on the left side of the car and was a bit concerned as we didn’t have a good view of the river and gorge from our position. The attendant did ease our concern when she mentioned that the people on the left side should not worry as on the return part of the trip we would move to the right side. This way everyone gets a chance to see both sides of the gorge/whirlpool.

It was a warm and fairly calm day so the ride was smooth for the most part, except when you leave the docking area and return. Would be interesting to see what happens under windy conditions…  maybe they don’t run it on extremely windy days? The view is simply breathtaking and it’s amazing how you go from one point to another for that long a distance and you’re still in Canada, due to the curve created by the whirlpool basin. I’m not good with averaging heights but I would guess you’re about 300 ft up, but the high walls around the basket and that fact that you’re surrounded by so much steel, gives you a sense of safety. I believe the ride can hold as much as 35 people standing, but that can be a bit crowded if it was at capacity.

The Whirlpool Aero car was designed by a Spanish engineer, Leonardo Torres Quevedo and has been in operation since 1916. Since then there’s been upgrades in 1961, 1967 and 1984 so though the age is a bit scary (age shows with some areas having rust spots etc) when you really think about it, it’s reassuring knowing that regular maintenance is done.

As I mentioned above I’m scared of heights, but this ride is not intimidating as you would think by seeing pictures or viewing it from the balcony area behind the gift shop. Do bring along your camera for some amazing pictures and video clips, but don’t forget to take in the moment while on the ride. It’s very easy to get caught-up taking pictures and if you’re like me… most of travels will only be seen through the viewfinder of a camera.

Location of the Whirlpool Aero Car in Niagara Falls: 3850 Niagara Parkway  Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Admission prices are shown in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes.

$12.25 Adults (13+ years), $7.95 Children (6 to 12 years). Children 5 and under are FREE!

Dates of Operation:

April 7th to June 6th daily 10am – 5pm

April 23rd & 24th Saturday/Sunday 10am – 6pm (Easter Weekend)

May 7th & May 8th Saturday/Sunday 10am – 6pm

May 14th & 15th Saturday/Sunday 9am – 6pm

May 21st & 22nd Saturday/Sunday 9am – 7pm (Victoria Weekend)

May 28th & 29th Saturday/Sunday 9am – 7pm

May 30th to June 24th Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm

June 4th to June 19th Saturday – Sunday 10am – 6pm

June 25th to September 4th Daily 9am – 8pm

September 5th to October 2nd Daily 10 am to 5 pm

October 3rd to October 7th Monday – Friday 10 am – 5 pm

October 8th to October 9th Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 6 pm

October 10th to November 5th Daily 10 am – 5 pm

November 5th (Last Day of Business for the 2011 season)

Last trip of the day leaves ½ hr before closing time listed

Gift Shop hours will remain the same as the Attraction.

Updated prices, coupons and discounts for the Whirlpool Aero Car can be found at at http://www.niagaraparks.com/attractions/whirlpool-aero-car.html

Almost forgot to mention that the Aero Car is a stop on the people mover transit system in Niagara Falls and it’s one of the best thing we can recommend you do when visiting Niagara Falls. Park your car for the day and purchase a day pass for the people mover. So easy not having to worry about finding parking.. sit back relax and be driven to all the cool locations.

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from our day at the Whirlpool Aero Car) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

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Sun burn, sore throats and tired feet, but we didn’t want to leave Canada’s Wonderland after a day of unimaginable fun. Our latest escapade saw us (entire family this time) at Canada’s Wonderland having a go at all the thrill rides… though one of us (Kieana) was too chicken to wander far from the tame rides and confines of the water park area. Myself, Caron, Tehya and Indy are all roller coaster and thrill ride junkies, so we were like kids in a candy store from the time we entered the main gates of the park.

The gates had just opened by the time we arrived and checked in at guest services, so there were huge lines to enter the park. But within a few minutes we went through security and were on our way to our first encounter with the new ride for 2011, Windseeker. With map in hand and an eagerness in our steps, we headed over to Windseeker expecting huge lines. There was a group of people in front of us, but within 10 minutes we were buckling into our seat getting ready to go up over 300 ft. On the way up the rotation started and at full speed we were doing about 25-30 mph (40-48 kmh) at a 45 degree angle. The view from the top is stunning as you can see miles around you and if you want to add a little more excitement to your ride, look down on the inside of the ride (to your left). You’ll truly appreciate how high up and fast you’re traveling.

We couldn’t decide if we were all hungry or not and due to some miscommunication we ended up at the The Marketplace – International Buffet where it seemed like only Caron and I were the only ones eating. Kieana, Tehya and Indy nibbled on some fruit, tacos and pasta dishes, while Caron and I had LUNCH! The options are plentiful at the International Buffet and we highly recommend the fried chicken, pizza, hamburgers which are grilled in front of you and I so wish I had gone back for some of that juicy looking roast beef. You can see some of the pics we took at the International Buffet on the Facebook Fan page. You’re free to pack a lunch picnic but I’m not sure if you’re allowed to bring it into the park (there’s a park-like area at the front where you could certainly picnic). The night before Caron made some delicious sandwiches so we went back to the car to change shoes and have dinner around 6 pm, plus we needed the short break.

There are many dining options throughout the park, from pizza to Chinese to some of the longest hot dogs I’ve ever seen, which are reasonably priced bearing in mind that you’ll pay park prices. There’s also a Starbucks on site for those needing a coffee rush or a gourmet drink! Don’t forget to get a funnel cake  at some point.. it’s a tradition for Caron going back many years now. A light batter deep fried then topped with icing sugar, strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream.

There’s something for every age group at Canada’s Wonderland so you can make it a true family day trip. There’s the largest assortment of thrill rides in Canada, the Splash Zone water park,  family rides and then there’s Planet Snoopy for the little ones, with all the fun of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts Gang! In between jumping from ride to ride we did have time for a couple of the live shows which runs at different times throughout the day (signs posted). We caught the diving and trampoline shows and they were amazing.

Some tips if you’re planning a trip to Canada’s Wonderland; pack sunblock, wear comfortable shoes, bring a change of clothing if you plan on doing any of the water rides (tons of fun), there are height requirements for many rides so get the little ones measured as you enter the park, be sure to get stamped on the way in especially if you plan on going out and coming back in and be prepared to have fun.

Parking was $10 I believe and this allows you to leave and return without having to pay each time (for that day). But remember to keep the receipt so you can display it on reentry. I’d try to arrive early as the parking lot is huge and all the prime spots close to the entry gates do fill up very fast. There’s a huge area dedicated to handicap parking at the very front as well.

Teenagers will love the water park, so encourage them to pack their swimsuits. While Kieana, Tehya and Indy were busy taking in the rays and splashing around in the water park, Caron and I were busy taming as much thrill rides as time would allow us. After the Sky Rider we recommend going on Behemoth which will have you on the edge of your seat as it takes you up 230 feet and then sends you speeding down at a 75 degree angle of descent with speeds reaching 125km/hour. Did I mention that it’s open air seating? Next up was the Fly which looks tame, but trust me it’s not. This is one of our favorite rides. We then went from Dragon Fire to Flight Deck to Psyclone and we then cooled things down at Riptide. After a short break we then headed over to Shockwave, then Sky Rider and we were disappointed when we saw that Sledge Hammer (Caron calls it the ‘claw’) was closed. All this while we were cooking in the open sun since we simply forgot to pack sun block and it never occurred to us to check the store within the park for some. It was a hot and humid day, so we took mini breaks between rides to hit the “cool zone” where you’re hit with a gentle mist of refreshing water. A full day of absolute fun at Canada’s wonderland and only on our way out did we realize that we didn’t go on Back Lot Stunt Coaster nor did we stay for the laser light show at the end.. FYI, you’ll need most part of an entire day to really appreciate all there is to do and see, so be prepared.

We really wish we could comment on the area designated for younger children, but with our girls being teenagers we tend to overlook these areas. Howbeit from our experience when they were younger… they’ll have tons of fun with their own little thrill rides and fun activities.

We saw many people walking around proudly with huge stuffed animals they won at the many games scattered throughout the park and this was the first time in all my years coming to Canada’s wonderland that I failed to win something at the games (hurt my pride). This was great opportunity for us to spend the day as a family and with the huge area the park covers, it gave us the opportunity to separate from the girls when they started to complain (always happens). You’re getting your money’s worth and more when you pay the admission fee to get in and I would even argue that it’s the best bang for your entertainment buck in Ontario. Oh yea! We even lost our voices from all the screaming on those electrifying roller coasters.

Address and Contact Info:

Canada’s Wonderland
9580 Jane Street, Vaughan, ON L6A 1S7
(905) 832-7000

For updated prices on admission as well as how to get discounts and coupons, visit Canada’s Wonderland official website.

Before you go we’d love for you to leave us your comments below, even if it’s just to say hello. And don’t forget to join us on FaceBook (for our latest updates, including discounts, coupons and more pictures from Canada’s Wonderland) and do tune in to our videos (escapades) on the youtube channel we’ve created.

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