I know I haven't blogged in a while, but I'm going to use the lamest excuse ever and say it's because life got in the way. Going through the wedding, honeymoon, and just enjoying life as newlyweds - can a girl ask for anything more? It's truly been a wonderful 2012 so far.
I promise that I will get back to food posts - there is so much I want to share with you all! From delicious to even-more delicious; I will go back to writing about food; this I promise!
However, today I come with a personal request. You see, my oldest and dearest friend has MS and every year, I pledge to do the MS Walk to raise money for this horrible illness. This year, with life moving so fast, I actually forgot when it was - and just remembered to register today...and the walk is 4 days away. That doesn't give me much time to fundraise, but every dollar counts - just like every step I take on walk day counts.
So please, click here to donate to a cause that means so much to me, and help us get closer to finding a cure.
Showing posts with label sweetone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sweetone. Show all posts
Happy New Year
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2011 was full of wonderful memories and meeting new friends. I have been lucky to not only discover a lot of great new restaurants, but have also met a lot of amazing people in the process. For something that started off as a whim one afternoon just over a year ago, this blog has been something I've really enjoyed updating. Who knew that my love of food would lead to the opportunities that I've been so blessed to experience? I truly am a lucky girl.
Looking forward to what's to come in 2012, I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in my life, and discovering more gastronomical delights along the way. I can't wait to share my adventures with you, and thank you for your support.
A few days late, but I just wanted to wish you a very, very happy new year.
Looking forward to what's to come in 2012, I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter in my life, and discovering more gastronomical delights along the way. I can't wait to share my adventures with you, and thank you for your support.
A few days late, but I just wanted to wish you a very, very happy new year.
Neurotic Nibbler: Print Edition
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A few weeks ago, I was approached by the owners of The Purple Heather to write a short piece for an upcoming issue of a local magazine focused on Burlington, Oakville and Mississauga.
Flattered, I happily accepted and we went to the restaurant for dinner one evening. Sampling a few items from the current menu to getting a sneak peek at the upcoming winter menu, I even got to meet the chef! Armed with a full belly and a Blackberry full of notes, I went home to put all my thoughts into coherent words.
I'm so very pleased to say that you can now see what I wrote in the November/December issue of West of the City - available at Chapters/Indigo and Whole Foods. I'm on page 145!
So thankful for the opportunity and so happy with the result! Amazing what an impulsive idea a year ago has given me!
Flattered, I happily accepted and we went to the restaurant for dinner one evening. Sampling a few items from the current menu to getting a sneak peek at the upcoming winter menu, I even got to meet the chef! Armed with a full belly and a Blackberry full of notes, I went home to put all my thoughts into coherent words.
I'm so very pleased to say that you can now see what I wrote in the November/December issue of West of the City - available at Chapters/Indigo and Whole Foods. I'm on page 145!
So thankful for the opportunity and so happy with the result! Amazing what an impulsive idea a year ago has given me!
American Nibbles
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I've been travellling a lot lately for work - I've basically been gone every week since the beginning of August and have only been home on weekends. I used to think work trips were fun and exciting, but doing it as much as I have over the past while, I'm exhausted. All I see are hotels, airports and meeting rooms.
One of the advantages to travelling is being able to try new restaurants, and that's what I want to talk about today. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of any of the food (mainly because I didn't want my boss to think I was weird for whipping out my camera at every meal), so these are just my general musings from the places that stuck out in my mind.
The majority of the restaurants we ate at are fairly well-known American chain restaurants, but I did try to steer our decisions to places that we don't have in Canada. One place that I didn't get to try was Ponderosa. Every time I saw one and suggested it, anyone I was with groaned in chimed in with a variety of protests. So, to any American readers I might have on this blog I ask - is it really that bad? There seem to be enough of them around that they can't be so horrible, right? I admit I am curious. The adamant refusals to step foot inside of one makes me want to try it even more. Stubborn? Me? No, why do you ask?
Ruby Tuesday's
Probably my favourite place out of all the restaurants we went to, mainly because they have a pretty extensive salad bar that was well stocked. After eating out 3 meals a day x 329847234732 days, I craved fresh and healthy food and the salad bar was my haven. We liked it enough we tried it in two different states (NY and CT) and it was consistent in service and quality. The Watermelon Fizz was a good drink too: fresh chunks of watermelon and soda with mint leaves (with free refills!) - made it a nice change from pop or water. I also really liked the choices for side dishes becaue it went beyond fries and baked potatoes - I tried the roasted asparagus, the spaghetti squash and the roasted green beans, and all were done beautifully. There are the typical steaks, burgers, pastas etc. on the menu, so it's not an exotic menu by any means, but it was full of vegetable options to make whatever you choose feel healthier. It was exactly what I needed after many exhausting days.
P.F. Chang's
My boss really likes Asian food, so we found a P.F. Chang's one night and decided to try it out. The decor is very trendy with fountains and statues everywhere, along with chic young servers inside. I've heard a lot of people say that it's not authentic Asian food, it's not good, blah blah blah - but I actually didn't mind it. It's a lot better than the Mandarin buffet here, and the menu was extensive with lots of choices. We went for the prix fixe menu for 2 ($40) and it came with a full sized appetizer, two entrees, rice and dessert. As is typical for Asian fare, the portions were large, but everything came fresh and steaming hot to the table. Was it my mom's cooking? Not even close. Was it passable for a chain Asian restaurant in North America? You bet. I'd go back if I was craving Asian and saw one around.
The Elephant Bar
Another chain, with most locations in California, the menu here was as thick as a novel. There was everything from fancy meal-sized salads to Asian stir-frys to fajitas. It was overwhelming to go through the menu and I'm glad I had time before we were seated to look through the menu so I didn't feel too pressured when our server came to the table. One of the worries I have with restaurants that try to do too much is that they can't master their dishes and they bite off more than they can chew. Thankfully, that was not the case here because our table ordered from each of the menus (Asian, seafood, salad) and we were all happy with our choices. I do have to note that the Warm and Spicy Artichoke Dip was way better than any artichoke dip I've had here. When I mentioned this to the server, she said that the artichokes were local grown and bought fresh - my goodness, what a fantastic difference it makes! Eating fresh produce has never tasted so sinfully good.
There have been plenty of other places I got to try, but these are the ones that stood out in my mind as something I thought I should share here. Next week, I'm in Winnipeg - maybe I'll get to bring back a good story from there!
One of the advantages to travelling is being able to try new restaurants, and that's what I want to talk about today. Unfortunately, there are no pictures of any of the food (mainly because I didn't want my boss to think I was weird for whipping out my camera at every meal), so these are just my general musings from the places that stuck out in my mind.
The majority of the restaurants we ate at are fairly well-known American chain restaurants, but I did try to steer our decisions to places that we don't have in Canada. One place that I didn't get to try was Ponderosa. Every time I saw one and suggested it, anyone I was with groaned in chimed in with a variety of protests. So, to any American readers I might have on this blog I ask - is it really that bad? There seem to be enough of them around that they can't be so horrible, right? I admit I am curious. The adamant refusals to step foot inside of one makes me want to try it even more. Stubborn? Me? No, why do you ask?
Ruby Tuesday's
Probably my favourite place out of all the restaurants we went to, mainly because they have a pretty extensive salad bar that was well stocked. After eating out 3 meals a day x 329847234732 days, I craved fresh and healthy food and the salad bar was my haven. We liked it enough we tried it in two different states (NY and CT) and it was consistent in service and quality. The Watermelon Fizz was a good drink too: fresh chunks of watermelon and soda with mint leaves (with free refills!) - made it a nice change from pop or water. I also really liked the choices for side dishes becaue it went beyond fries and baked potatoes - I tried the roasted asparagus, the spaghetti squash and the roasted green beans, and all were done beautifully. There are the typical steaks, burgers, pastas etc. on the menu, so it's not an exotic menu by any means, but it was full of vegetable options to make whatever you choose feel healthier. It was exactly what I needed after many exhausting days.
P.F. Chang's
My boss really likes Asian food, so we found a P.F. Chang's one night and decided to try it out. The decor is very trendy with fountains and statues everywhere, along with chic young servers inside. I've heard a lot of people say that it's not authentic Asian food, it's not good, blah blah blah - but I actually didn't mind it. It's a lot better than the Mandarin buffet here, and the menu was extensive with lots of choices. We went for the prix fixe menu for 2 ($40) and it came with a full sized appetizer, two entrees, rice and dessert. As is typical for Asian fare, the portions were large, but everything came fresh and steaming hot to the table. Was it my mom's cooking? Not even close. Was it passable for a chain Asian restaurant in North America? You bet. I'd go back if I was craving Asian and saw one around.
The Elephant Bar
Another chain, with most locations in California, the menu here was as thick as a novel. There was everything from fancy meal-sized salads to Asian stir-frys to fajitas. It was overwhelming to go through the menu and I'm glad I had time before we were seated to look through the menu so I didn't feel too pressured when our server came to the table. One of the worries I have with restaurants that try to do too much is that they can't master their dishes and they bite off more than they can chew. Thankfully, that was not the case here because our table ordered from each of the menus (Asian, seafood, salad) and we were all happy with our choices. I do have to note that the Warm and Spicy Artichoke Dip was way better than any artichoke dip I've had here. When I mentioned this to the server, she said that the artichokes were local grown and bought fresh - my goodness, what a fantastic difference it makes! Eating fresh produce has never tasted so sinfully good.
There have been plenty of other places I got to try, but these are the ones that stood out in my mind as something I thought I should share here. Next week, I'm in Winnipeg - maybe I'll get to bring back a good story from there!
I Didn't Fall Off the Face of the Planet
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I'm the worst blogger ever, I know. I haven't written in ages! In my defense though, life has been really busy and I apparently don't multi-task very well. First, I got pneumonia after dealing with the worst cold ever and that basically put me out of commission for 93823 days. Then work got really busy, and my sister moved home (*wave to my sister! Hello! So good that you're within the same area code now!)
Oh, and I uh, got engaged. This past Saturday, in fact. And well, who can write about food when there is something sparkly and shiny to serve as a distraction? I'm still totally freakin' out, so I'm not sure when I'm going to come down to earth enough to write about food. Though...let me tell you, the next few food posts are going to be delicious. Your taste buds will want to wait.
For now though, *squeeeeeeeeeee* I'm just too excited to sit still, let alone do a proper post. I know, I am a horrible blogger. But! I hope you can understand and be patient and join me in a little jig (omg, I'm engaged!!!)
Back soon with food posts, I promise. And I suppose I have to stop calling him "the boyfriend" too. Man. So many changes!
Oh, and I uh, got engaged. This past Saturday, in fact. And well, who can write about food when there is something sparkly and shiny to serve as a distraction? I'm still totally freakin' out, so I'm not sure when I'm going to come down to earth enough to write about food. Though...let me tell you, the next few food posts are going to be delicious. Your taste buds will want to wait.
For now though, *squeeeeeeeeeee* I'm just too excited to sit still, let alone do a proper post. I know, I am a horrible blogger. But! I hope you can understand and be patient and join me in a little jig (omg, I'm engaged!!!)
Back soon with food posts, I promise. And I suppose I have to stop calling him "the boyfriend" too. Man. So many changes!
Neurotic Nibbler News
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Hooray for alliteration!
A few things have been going on behind the Neurotic Nibbler scenes - number one being I finally got an email address for the blog. Now, if you have suggestions for a review, or if you're a restaurant that wants to be reviewed, you can submit your requests to:
So! If you're a restaurant, be on the lookout for my card. You never know when you might be nibbled!
A few things have been going on behind the Neurotic Nibbler scenes - number one being I finally got an email address for the blog. Now, if you have suggestions for a review, or if you're a restaurant that wants to be reviewed, you can submit your requests to:
neuroticnibs@gmail.com
Secondly, and even more exciting, I now have business cards for the blog...and they are amazing, if I do say so myself! This way, when I leave a restaurant, I can drop my card off with the bill and the restaurant can visit the blog to see what I thought. Want to see what they look like? They're super cute!
Thank you so much to Melissa from iDesign for designing and printing off these beauties - and having to deal with my "I don't know what I like....pink?" indecisiveness. Highly recommend working with Melissa if you need any design work!
So! If you're a restaurant, be on the lookout for my card. You never know when you might be nibbled!
MS Walk 2011
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Not food related by any means, but still an important part of my life...
On April 17 I will be participating in the annual MS Walk in Burlington - something which I've done for the past few years to raise money and support for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Every year I walk in hopes that my small action can bring us closer to finding a cure.
If you would like to donate and support the cause, please go here:
http://msofs.mssociety.ca/2011WALK/Sponsor.aspx?&PID=1273110&L=2
Any support would be appreciated, or if you are unable to support financially, come out for the walk! The path takes us in and around some lovely neighbourhoods, and you get to spend some time with your fellow Burlingtonians.
For more information on the MS Society of Canada:
http://mssociety.ca/en/
On April 17 I will be participating in the annual MS Walk in Burlington - something which I've done for the past few years to raise money and support for a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Every year I walk in hopes that my small action can bring us closer to finding a cure.
If you would like to donate and support the cause, please go here:
http://msofs.mssociety.ca/2011WALK/Sponsor.aspx?&PID=1273110&L=2
Any support would be appreciated, or if you are unable to support financially, come out for the walk! The path takes us in and around some lovely neighbourhoods, and you get to spend some time with your fellow Burlingtonians.
For more information on the MS Society of Canada:
http://mssociety.ca/en/
Total Cleanse Giveaway via Natural Mommie (Contest)
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I've been on a health kick and have been dying to try a detoxifying cleanse to see if it makes me feel better and really does clear out the guk in my system/clear my mind. Most of my research has been on a Canadian company called Total Cleanse that does a three or five day juice cleanse. I'm curious if I can handle three days of ingesting nothing but juice and water, but apparently the benefits of doing it are tremendous and amazing.
One of the blogs I read, Natural Mommie, is giving away a 3 day cleanse for one lucky Canadian (which is always nice - I hate when it's US only and us poor Canadians get left out!)
Anyhoo, I entered the contest because I want to see if it's as beneficial and awesome as it says, then come back here and let you know too! Natural Mommie also has blog posts that talk about her experience while on the cleanse, so you can read how she fared.
If you'd like to enter her contest, the link is: here
If you'd like to know more about Total Cleanse
Good Luck!
One of the blogs I read, Natural Mommie, is giving away a 3 day cleanse for one lucky Canadian (which is always nice - I hate when it's US only and us poor Canadians get left out!)
Anyhoo, I entered the contest because I want to see if it's as beneficial and awesome as it says, then come back here and let you know too! Natural Mommie also has blog posts that talk about her experience while on the cleanse, so you can read how she fared.
If you'd like to enter her contest, the link is: here
If you'd like to know more about Total Cleanse
Good Luck!
Update
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I just wanted to drop in and thank you for your patience with my lack of writing these days. I know it's been a while since my last post, but real life has managed to sneak up on me and keep me from writing.
I promise I will be back soon with lots to write about - my backlog is getting long! Hang in there!
I promise I will be back soon with lots to write about - my backlog is getting long! Hang in there!
Taking the Plunge
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My impulsive behaviour has finally taken me down the blog path. The rationale behind how I even came to the idea was pretty simple. Basically, I go out to eat a lot. More than anyone needs to (or should). That's not to say I don't know my way around a kitchen - because I'd like to think that I'm a fairly decent cook/baker. Sometimes I get lazy. Sometimes I just want to put on my jammies, turn on Ghost Whisperer and eat some frozen pizza with chips crumbled on top. Other times, I want to curl my hair, throw on some lip gloss, put on my stilettos and go out for a 5 course gourmet meal where I don't have to do the dishes afterwards. It usually depends on 1) what's on TV 2) how my day at work went and 3) how social I'm feeling that day.
Aside from eating, I seem to find myself with a lot of opinions about things. For some reason, it feels like I'm always the girl that something goes wrong for when I'm out to eat. Or I'll find that hidden gem that I want everyone to know about so they'll go there. I guess I always have something to say about my food - sometimes good, sometimes...not so much.
So I figured I'd start a blog. I've got high hopes that I'll talk about the restaurants I've tried, or the recipes I've attempted...or even the rare occasion I try to throw ingredients together to come out with an edible product at the end. Hope you're hungry!
Aside from eating, I seem to find myself with a lot of opinions about things. For some reason, it feels like I'm always the girl that something goes wrong for when I'm out to eat. Or I'll find that hidden gem that I want everyone to know about so they'll go there. I guess I always have something to say about my food - sometimes good, sometimes...not so much.
So I figured I'd start a blog. I've got high hopes that I'll talk about the restaurants I've tried, or the recipes I've attempted...or even the rare occasion I try to throw ingredients together to come out with an edible product at the end. Hope you're hungry!
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