Category Archives: Fine Dining

Alo Restaurant – Anniversaries with a Vegan Tasting Menu

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Last week JC and I went to Alo Restaurant to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary and the other exciting things going on in our lives: a promotion, a new and growing business, my growing belly (p.s. I’m pregnant), and so many wonderful little things that have added up over the last couple of years. It’s nice to be here in this place in life, and that seems like something worth celebrating. I like tasting menus because they tend to be indulgent, not in quantity, but in terms of showcasing a chef’s pride and work. Plus it’s fun to splurge on a fun meal and experience (Oh and The Process, The Process!), and I’m woefully indecisive so it’s perfect for me to have a variety of thoughtfully prepared dishes come out one by one (as long as they’re vegan). JC had had read a review in the Globe and Mail earlier this month that mentioned “vegan tasting menu available with 24hrs notice,” so he sprang into action, and thoughtfully made reservations for our anniversary while I was still wondering if we should do anything at all. Alo Restaurant has been open since sometime in July, and from the reviews I read before heading in, has been a wonderful and spectacular success – so we had to find out for ourselves. Would they make vegan food with the same passion as their other creations? Sadly, I wish I could show you better pictures, but as luck would have it, my favourite food camera lense (yes, I have one) broke a few days…

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Once upon a Valentine’s Day – with help from Bunners and Cafe Belong.

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So, I’m just going to brag. I had a really fantastic Valentine’s Day this year, and JC made it happen. I’ve always been a fan of the pink and red holiday. Even while most of my social group was decrying the horrors of commercialism, and the absurd expectations that are put on people on Valentine’s day,  I love the idea of a day devoted to celebrating love. Because sure, you can celebrate love everyday – but (most) people don’t! I think The Oatmeal really sums up my feeling on the worst thing about Valentines Day with this Comic. I sent people ridiculous little handmade cards this year. And picked up tickets to Avenue Q at the Lower Ossington Theatre for Mr.JC, despite my hatred of musicals (and to some extent – puppets.) But that doesn’t really compare to the nice series of surprises that were in store for me. Apparently JC had ordered some flowers, and they were supposed to be hand delivered to my office that day. Unfortunately, the building I work in had received a bomb threat for Valentines Day, so they weren’t accepting any packages from anyone. So a very enraged (so I hear) Purolator courier driver was turned away, with a big box of flowers and a teddy bear. Teaching me it really is the thought that counts, because despite this security kerfuffle, it was an absolutely sweet start to the day. (we did pick them up the day after and they were still lovely.) After an otherwise boring,…

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