Monday Morning - Slow Down

This quote says a lot today, I'm dragging my... ...well you know what I mean.

I've been working too much.  I'm beat and need a bit of a break.  Maybe I can get away for a bit? Maybe a vacation is in order? Maybe I need to Slow Down.  I just can't see it happening.  

I'm sure I'm not the only one in this boat.  The one great thing I did find time for was a little cooking and baking. I made scones with a delicious Grand Marnier fruit compote, as well as the very tasty Bruschetta below.

Take care and have a good week everyone, Friday will get here soon.

Bill

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Authentic Eats at Pantheon Restaurant

As you can tell from the Patrons staring at me, this place provide's a fairly authentic

The Greeks know how to do it right.  I feel like whenever I eat a proper greek meal, whether I make it at home, or go out to a restaurant, I can't help but enjoy the food.  That isn't to say it is always made right, I wouldn't exactly call Mr.Greek the most authentic Greek meal I've ever had (I'm not slamming it, I've eaten there), but when it's done well, its a fantastic meal.

At Pantheon on the Danforth, fantastic is exactly what you'll find.  My wife heard about Pantheon from her friend Nick, and before you ask, yes, Nick is Greek.  Nick, who hails from Kalamata,  told her it was as authentic as you can get in the city.  Being purveyors of fine olives and salty feta, we had to try it.   

Like an unexpected thrill at the movies, I didn't go in expecting that much from this meal, so I didn't grab as many pics as I should have.  Forgive me for that.  I do have a couple of great stories for you though.  

Our server was fantastic.  I have a feeling that our server was Nick Paroussis, one of the owners of the restaurant, though I could be wrong about that. This may be a reflection on why our service was top notch, but seeing the way the other patrons were so happily served I think this may be the norm.

After our drinks, our meals were ordered. Under five minutes later we were asked if our salads were brought to us.  We said no, they hadn't been, and were then apologized to. Our salads were out 30 seconds later with an appetizer we hadn't ordered to make up for the wait.

Let me get this straight for you.  Five. Minutes. Free. Appetizer. 

It was three dips. all delicious, especially the spicy creamed feta(?) dip.

Our meals were ontime, deliciously aromatic, we couldn't wait to dig in. My wife ordered the chicken souvlaki, my mother (who came into town for a visit) ordered the Orange Roughy and I ordered a suggestion. I asked for a fish reccomendation and was told "no problem, I'll give you fish." I had no idea what to expect, our server walked away before I could ask! Ha!

Melanie's souvlaki was delicious (I might have stolen a bite), salty, a proper amount of seasoning and oregano. My mother's Orange roughy was tender and sweet. (I might have stolen a bite of this as well)  And the obligatory greek potatoes that no one can say no to.

   

My meal came and I had no idea what to expect.  Happily for me it was a pan fried full fish (I think Porgy).  I think the surprise meal only added to the experience.   It was soft, and tender, but with a nice texture. Not over cooked,  seasoned very well and come on, even the finished picture looks interesting.  

Dessert was completely unexpected. We didn't order anything, but a well soaked dessert cake ended up on our table and was subsequesntly devoured by all three of us.

The Danforth has a million restaurants. There are quite a few good ones, and quite a few bad ones.  Pantheon stands at the top with any of the best. It's not flashy, its not glitzy, but its's authentic, well cared for, friendly and the food is awesome.  

You know it's authentic, it says so right on the sign.

Bill

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Monday Tuesday Morning - Canada Day Weekend Edition

 Hopefully you had as much fun as I did this weekend. Its great when you can get out and about for the long weekend.  I made it down to the beach, out for some fireworks and even had a little time to share some themed dessert with friends and family.

Getting set-up for the light show under this tree Mel said "We're sitting under a Maple tree, listening to a Vinyl Cafe podcast, sitting on a Hudson's Bay Blanket about to watch Fireworks on Canada Day". Quite the red and white moment.

There were clearer photos taken, but I love the soft light of these when they're captured out of focus like this.

The File Cabinet is a new addition to the office that we finally found time to clean up and get set in place.  The light on top is a little something we brought home from our trip to St.John's.

               

Bill

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Rocket Bakery and Fresh Food

Ever head out on vacation find yourself stumbling upon a bit of home?  Or maybe parts of what you wish were in your home and life? These are a few of those times in my life.

1. Having a beer at a street side cafe in Brussels
2. Waking up and following my feet through Naramata after a night spent enjoying Okanagan wines
3. Strolling to a bakery each morning for a coffee and a new treat

Its even better when its an unexpected find, and once in, the treats are better than you realized.  This is how my one week love affair with Rocket Bakery began.  

Slightly unassuming from the outside, its quirky, retro colour scheme and font drew me in (the word bakery on the sign didn't hurt either).   

Once inside the cool decor continues.  Horizontal Board on the walls feels very locally inspired and balances well with the overall comfy vibe.  I really love 50's retro.  

Free icewater is available, if coffee isn't on your mind, but it should be, because its excellent, and they know how to make it well. And seriously, check out these delicious treats.  That pecan tart may have called my name, admittedly, a couple of times.

See Below - Yup, there it is, or least half of it.

Grab a free copy of The Scope to give you  a heads up on local events. Goes well with anything.

Its not just sugar and snacks though, they have gluten free, they have great sandwiches (try the balsamic marinated veggie) and they have an open and friendly atmosphere.  If you're in St.John's, take the time and stop in. 

I did, and my stomach couldn't be happier with me for doing it!


Oh, and check out my pinterest, I pinned one other pic up there earlier this week.

Bill

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Wedding Treats

Homemade, even the word sounds good.  I like homemade.  

Thought i would share a recipe that we're using for our wedding "Take Homes".

We made them over the last couple of nights.  Lots of work, but lots of fun too!

cheater washing

Out of the oven. - Crispy Goodness.

Jar Filling Fun

So. Many. Lids.  

 The Mini Mason Jars look great. Simple ribbon to go around them and we're set.  Only 3 days to go now!

See recipe after the jump.

Bill

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Weekend Pics - Downtown and around

This was a great weekend. Great weather, a patio, and what could be a gin martini. 

Anyone else get to enjoy this sun?

You may recognize the green bag in the background

delicious

these Toronto streets

Enjoy your weekend

Have a great weekend everyone, enjoy it like I did with my Friday night meal. 

Notice the crumbs, delicious.

Bill

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