gusto 101

happy sunday! another weekend, another toronto restaurant review.

last sunday night we finally made our way to gusto 101 down at king and portland. it is not to be missed! having just celebrated their one-year anniversary in a town that spits out new restaurants by the dozen, we knew we had to give it a go. after waiting a half hour in the crowded bar area, we were  debating whether or not we should leave. there are only so many times you can be elbowed in the ribs before giving up. luckily, we were seated before we made the decision to look elsewhere.
we sat at a great table by the open kitchen. the industrial, abandoned auto body shop that was once 101 portland is now a trendy, food-focused destination. the chef, Daniel Mezzolo, is right on point and fun to watch, even chatting with us briefly about what he was cooking up.

check it out for yourself.

they sold these cute little sacs the bread was served in

appetizers

RK and i shared the mozzarella di bufala. i would argue it is toronto's best.
roasted tomatoes, basil oil, parmigiano crisp, smoked paprika, arugula

AY and MS shared the bruschetta ai funghi
wild mushrooms, truffle oil, manchego

mains 

AY ordered the rigatoni heritage pork sausage
rapini, peperoncino, ricotta salata

MS ordered the rigatoni lucani, and was impressed by the amount of meat:
shredded braised lamb shank, tomato, fresh herbs, shaved pecorino

i loved the roasted pumpkin agnolitti
sage brown butter, marmigiano, poppy seeds
i'm still thinking about it...

RK enjoyed the recommended spinaci pizza
spinach, buffalo mozzarella, pecorina, fresh ricotta and sliced garlic

dessert

two for the table
a divine dessert, budino al cioccolato
we should have ordered 4 this was so scrumptious

overall, great vibe, great food, great service! a definite recommendation!

before we left, our amazing waiter took us up to the second story to show us the new renos. come summer 2013, good luck getting in to gusto 101

chicken soup for the soul

today was a cold, rainy, relaxing sunday.  my bones were chilled. i needed some hot soup. chicken soup, actually. hold the matzo balls (this time).
if soup is your thing, give this recipe a try. it is simple but delish.
first: find a reliable recipe. i believe most of the women in my family use the one pictured here. i used it, too.

second helpings, please! a staple in jewish homes.

find a LARGE stock pot. add cold water and chicken thighs (or legs...or a soup bone, etc.). let it boil while you prep the rest. make sure to skim the fat off the top. 

now for the veggie prep!

carrots

onion

celery

throw it all in the pot and let it simmer for a few hours.  don't forget the S & P!!

hour 2.  take our the chieken before you serve.

yummy final product. add in some of the cooked chicken for protein.

serve with a side of fresh challah (for dunking!)

 enjoy! i hope this soup warms your soul!!
happy sunday!

cozy in the afternoon

ah. sunday afternoon.
complete with coffee cake, tea and my captivating book (rules of civility, by amor towles).
what could be better?

Nova Scotia Blue-Wild Blueberry Tea

for purchase information, contact me or see below

homemade coffee cake. the house smells so sweet and warm.

personal library

happiness

having a blast playing around with my new camera. haven't had as much time as i would like to, but i will get there.
hope you are having a relaxing sunday.
-t
i have had some inquiries as to where to purchase the blueberry tea (often imitated, never duplicated). it was flown in from halifax, nova scotia, but i believe can be purchased and shipped through www.teabrewery.com . it comes highly recommended.