Cacao 70 is a popular chocolate cafe franchise from Montreal. They recently opened in the space that temporarily housed Balzac's Coffee Roasters earlier this November. The timing couldn't have been more perfect as the cafe's launch coincided with the popular annual Toronto Christmas Market at the Distillery District during the holiday season. I was invited to Cacao 70 Distillery to try a few items on their menu, and I didn't hesitate, as I have a major sweet tooth. This was actually my dinner that Thursday night (chocolate dinner FTW). Cacao 70 Distillery's space was bright with an open kitchen concept, so you could see the kitchen staff make the chocolate dishes. Open for brunch (weekend), lunch, and dinner; I would say that it's the perfect spot if you love sweets, and chocolates.

While perusing the menu, I realized just how extensive their premium chocolate offering was. They have a great chocolate collection consisting of chocolates from worldwide ($9.75 each) consisting of various cacao content. I opted for the 66% Mexico - complex aromas of subtle taste and with a long lasting taste which reveals warm, woody, spicy and tobacco flavors. Each hot chocolate arrives in a metal mug of regular hot chocolate, and a cognac glass containing the respective premium chocolate, and rimmed with the chocolate as well. You have to mix the liquid content with the melted chocolate to make your preferred hot chocolate mixture.





I started off with the Nutella and Fruit Crêpe ($11) - a thin French crepe with Nutella and fruits (choice of strawberries, bananas or raspberries) drizzled with chocolate sauce. Strawberries, and chocolate hazelnut spread are the perfect combination when it comes to sweet crêpes.




My favorite dessert of the night was the Strawberry and Cheesecake Crêpe ($15.75) - a thin French crepe stuffed with cheesecake and served with fresh strawberries, homemade berry sauce, melted chocolate and chocolate-covered ice cream. This was a perfectly decadent dessert stuffed with pieces of rich and creamy cheesecakes, and it definitely satisfied my chocolate craving.





Besides sweets, Cacao 70 Distillery also offered some savory options such as various crêpes. J ordered the Feel Good About Yourself Pressed Crêpe Sandwich ($14.25) - smoked turkey, mushrooms, tomatoes and Swiss cheese served with a green salad, which was a surprisingly light dish.




He also got a small cup of American Style Hot Chocolate (small is $5.25) - Cacao 70's classic hot chocolate served with marshmallows and drizzled with melted chocolate (choice of milk, semi-sweet, or dark).


We visited during their opening week, and noticed that there was an issue of the cafe being understaffed. Due to the media exposure, and The Toronto Christmas Market, they had a consistent amount of customers coming into the cafe to dine. This issue was relayed, and I was told at the time that they were working on getting more staff. I am assuming that by now that the issue has been resolved, and the service is more steady. It didn't completely ruin my dining experience, as I found the desserts to be quite delicious. Although, Cacao 70 Distillery specializes in chocolate-based desserts, they do have their fair share of savory options, and a full brunch menu until 4 pm. Be sure to pop by this chocolate cafe located in the Distillery District if you're craving for some sweets. It's a great place to catch up with some girlfriends, and even date nights.


Address: 28 Gristmill Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cacao70
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacao70official/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cacao70_mtl
Website: http://cacao70.ca/

Disclaimer: The food provided in this post was complimentary. However, all of the opinions expressed in this review are of my own.

Urban Bonfire specializes in barbecues, grill accessories, kitchen tools and ingredients. All of their items are available for purchase online, and they ship everywhere in Canada. 

Looking through their catalog, the following gift sets caught my eye. 

During the holidays, Urban Bonfire has put together a great list of gift items including 15 sets at different price range, with a combination of tools, spices, accessories, grills and pans. These BBQ gift sets are perfect year-round, and perfect gifts for those who love to grill and barbecue.

For more information, check out http://urbanbonfire.com/.

The Boston-based fast casual restaurant opened its first Toronto location earlier this year, and their second one on Queen St. West opened last week. b.good prides themselves on serving healthier fast-casual food by using preservative-free, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients. Given that their main message is "make fast-food “real” by making it the way it should be… by people not factories"; it's rightfully so that they use local ingredients. Their menu gears more toward the healthier side of fast-food, as they specialize in burgers & sandwiches, kale & grain bowls, hand-cut fries, and healthy drinks (shakes and smoothies). Located directly across from the St. Lawrence Market; the restaurant is open 7 days a week for dine-in, and take-out.

Their top sellers are the kale and grain bowls, of which there are five options on the menu. I opted for the popular spicy avocado & lime kale bowl - marinated kale (lemon, canola oil, Kosher salt), sauteed veggies (carrots, zucchini, green beans), avocado, black beans, corn, grape tomato, lime, cilantro, queso duro, chipotle puree, and red pepper vinaigrette. The kale bowl arrive packed with tons of nutritious veggies, and I also added a side order of chicken as I needed the protein. The bowl was very filling, and the spiciness of the chipotle puree enhanced the dish. 

Not only do they aim to offer the same quick service that you would find at fast-food restaurants, but they also want to provide the best, and freshest ingredients. In order to do so, they have partnered with many local growers, and farmers in Canada. In fact, their relationships with these farmers are so integral that they have become part of the b.good family. Information on the farmers, and producers are showcased all throughout the restaurant (online, in-store info book and walls), so they are very transparent about it.

b.good does not offer any carbonated drinks on their menu. Instead, customers have a variety of choices of healthy smoothies and milkshakes. I got the strawberry-banana smoothie - strawberries, bananas, honey, and Greek yogurt, which quenched my thirst.



Also on the menu is freshly made lemonade.

 They also have a reward program that offers free food rewards, as you gain points each visit. Upon joining, you are welcomed with a free order of hand-cut, oven-finished real fries. These baked fries are a healthier option, as they are baked instead of deep-fried. The fries are well-seasoned, and crispy right out of the oven. However, I do recommend that the fries be eaten right away, as it got soggier as it got colder.



Lastly, the b.good brand participates in a lot of local charitable initiatives. The Toronto b.good's charitable partner is Regent Park Community Food Centre (CFC). Regent Park Community Food Centre (CFC) is a local charity that helps to provide basic housing, clothing and food needs to those who reside within the Regent Park community. I think it's great that a portion of the sales from the Toronto location helps those in need. 

Overall, b.good is a solid option in the St. Lawrence Market area, especially if you're in the mood for some healthy fast-food options. It's great that customers can be rest assured that all of the food served here are locally-sourced from farmers in Canada. 

Address: 100 Front Street E, Toronto, ON M5A 1E1

What is better than a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts from Krispy Kreme? How about another FREE dozen Original Glazed doughnuts to go with the first purchase? That's right, Krispy Kreme's popular Day of the Dozens (12-12) event is back, and occurring this Saturday, December 12, 2015 from open to close. Join in on the fun that day commemorating the Day of the Dozens event at any of the participating Krispy Kreme Canada locations. 

Quebec City – 1560 LeBourgneuf Blvd.

Consumers are encouraged to show the following coupon (either print or show on phone) when purchasing in store on the 12th.


 The Day of the Dozens event first began on December 12, 2012, and has continued to be an annual event to this day. It's $9.75 a dozen, so the deal is super sweet! 

Additionally, I was gifted with two dozens donuts from Krispy Kreme yesterday, which I helped myself to a few. I can't really choose a favorite, as I thoroughly enjoyed both the Original Glazed, and Red Velvet donuts equally. I really liked the donuts from Krispy Kreme, as they are super soft, and sweet. Plus, the holiday season donuts are super cute, especially the Santa's belly one that is filled with chocolate, and dressed in red and chocolate icing.


 Day of the Doughnuts Event (held on Dec 2, 2015)


** All photography from the event are courtesy of Krispy Kreme & EGPR **

I was asked to test out a new delivery service earlier this summer called Favour. They gave me the option to order a meal from any restaurant in the Toronto downtown core. Naturally, I chose Flock, as I've heard a lot of good things about their food when they first opened. Flock Rotisserie + Greens offers rotisserie chicken, and greens, which are available for both casual dine-in or to-go in the Entertainment District. The restaurant opened its door earlier this summer, and the man behind the restaurant concept is The Harbord Room's Cory Vitiello. Since, Favour is a delivery service, I didn't get the chance to experience the take-out procedure to comment on it.

Clearly stated in their name so it shouldn't come as a shock; the restaurant menu is limited to rotisserie chicken, and green (salads). I opted for the classic chicken (halved) ($9.50) - naturally raised without hormones or antibiotics, and served with house Caribbean pepper sauce. I also got a side order of Rotisseries roasted sweet potatoes with chilli and lime salt ($4.50). The chicken was very well-portioned, and I thought that it was reasonably priced considering the location. However, I thought that the roasted sweet potatoes side was a tad pricy considering that you don't get that much. 

The chicken was marinated with a house blend of spices, and then roasted for a little over an hour. It looked a little dark on the outside, but the meat was moist and juicy. The chicken skin from Flock differs from other places that also serve rotisserie chicken, as it's not crispy, but that's intentional. Overall, what I liked most was that Flock uses fresh ingredients, and that the chicken they use are not raised with hormones, so they are not unnatural huge looking. They have a few salad options for those who are more healthy eaters, but you do have the option to add chicken to the dish as well.

Address: 330 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1R4

I was invited to participate in the Persimon® blogger recipe challenge last month, and chose to re-create their Roast Chicken with Persimon®, Fennel and Olives recipe. Persimon® are available in limited quantities from October to mid January at your local Metro, or Sobeys grocery stores. The Persimon® branded persimmon fruits are packaged in two kinds of cases so look for either the Bouquet or Mondo in Blu boxes. I found a case of Bouquet at my local Metro for $6.99, which is reasonably priced. Additionally, I love that they are ready to eat (ripe when firm), and that you don't have to wait until it ripens like other persimmons on the market. 

PERSIMON FACTSHEET:

♥ Persimon® is grown in the Ribera del Xúquer Valley (Xúquer river valley) near Valencia in Spain.
♥ The outer skin of a Persimon® from Ribera del Xúquer is shiny orange and is longer in shape than other varieties.
♥ A Persimon® contains seven essential nutrients and is high in fibre (6 g per fruit, double the amount found in a peach, banana or orange).
♥ A Persimon® from Ribera del Xúquer is firm and ready to eat (unlike other persimmon varieties which must be consumed when they are soft).
♥ Has a sweet, delicate flavour similar to a peach or a mango.
♥ The fruit sometimes speckled with natural sugar freckles, which appear as the fruit ripens (just like bananas). These freckles are a sign of extra sweetness.

RECIPE:

Persimon® persimmons are very versatile, and can used to make an array of dishes (whether sweet or savory). As noted by Persimon®, by adding Persimon®, fennel and olives to this classic roast chicken recipe, it gives a touch of Mediterranean flair to this delicious, home-comfort-food dish.

INGREDIENTS:

1) Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2) Line a rimmed bake sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add the paprika, salt and pepper and half of the parsley; toss to coat. Place the chicken, skin side down on the tray and bake for 20 minutes.

3) Place the Persimon® wedges, fennel, olives and remaining parsley in a separate bowl. Add olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

4) At the 20 minute mark turn the chicken pieces over. Add the Persimon®, fennel and olives to the bake sheet and bake for an additional 20 – 25 minutes, turning once halfway through. Cook until the fennel is browned and the chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice or salad.

5) Makes 6 servings

Source: www.persimonsays.com

 

 

Disclaimer: I was comped a gift card to Metro to purchase the ingredients to make the dish. However, all of the opinions expressed in this blog post are of my own.