Duo Patisserie & Cafe

Recently opened in Richmond Hill is Duo Patisserie and Cafe. The story behind the name of the patisserie is heart warming: the two owners, Rocky & Eric have been best friends since they were 6 years old and this cafe is a celebration of the duo. 

Duo Patisserie & Cafe
Where: 230 Commerce Valley Dr E (Unit 4) Markham, ON 
Price: $

Food Adventure from Finch to Union!

This summer, my sister and  I decided to finally check this item off our bucket list

                  ✔Walk from Finch Station to Union Station

But why stop there? We both love to eat so why not make this into a foodie adventure? So we laced up our trainers and decided to embark on our biggest food adventure and hit restaurants, cafes, diners and from Finch to Union Station. We were completely confident that we could walk from Finch to Union in about 2.5 hour - 3 hours since we both go hiking but this trip took 5.5 hours with the multiple food stops we made. 

Originally, we had a list of 17 restaurants we wanted to hit up but unfortunately, it was taking too long as we had to finish by the early afternoon. So, 3 hours and 3 restaurants in, with a heavy heart we cut out almost 12 restaurants :( Oh well, more incentive to do this trip again!

On to all the places we went that day!! 

In the Kitchen: Carrot Cake

This is an extremely old recipe that I've had logged away for a long time. I made this during Easter so yikes, this is definitely a late post. Easter is never complete without a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. And a delicious cream cheese frosting is the absolutely necessary finishing touch on this classic carrot cake. 

Sugar Marmalade Inc.

via Blog TO

J & I came in here full and not expecting to order much but one look at the menu and I immediately grew a second stomach for desserts.

Sugar Marmalade
Where: 5322 Yonge Street
Price: $ (~$6 per dish)

Teacup Cake Molds

I was watching Giada at Home and noticed she was using these adorable teacup cupcake silicone molds:

Look how dainty they look!

I did some digging on the Internet and haphazardly stumbled upon the exact molds from Fred & Friends. I was a little surprised because, honestly, I didn't think I'd find them (usually I find that TV-show items are limited edition, expensive or made specifically for the show). But I'm so happy to share that these adorable molds are available for purchase off Amazon!

In the Kitchen: Infallible Waffles!

I absolutely love homemade waffles. Something about using the waffle machine and getting to dress the waffle to your liking makes me really satisfied (don't judge me!). The fact that you're only paying a fraction of the price is pretty sweet too ;)

As for the batter.... have you found that sometimes the batter is good, sometimes its bad? This recipe is perfect (and has never failed me once)! Trust me, you will never buy boxed waffle batter again.

Pastel Creperie & Dessert House

I've passed by this dessert house many times on my way downtown but never thought twice to stop in!
Finally had the chance to pop in and was I surprised! This place is a hidden gem and is the perfect cafe for desserts and lattes!

Pastel Creperie & Dessert House
Where: 5417 Yonge Street
Price: $
Notes: Free WIFI and...FREE PARKING! Available at 500 Doris Ave if you are visiting Pastel. For more instructions, click HERE.

Windsor Arms Hotel: High Tea

Windsor Arms

Where: 18 Saint Thomas Street

Toronto, ON

M5S 3E7

Price: $25 per person

In the Kitchen: Praline Cookies

Juliette et Chocolat [Montreal]

The ever famous Juliette et Chocolat is a favourite stop in Montreal! There are several locations around Montreal and if you're a chocolatier, this will be your heaven!

JULIETTE ET CHOCOLAT
Where: 3600 Boulevard Saint Laurent
Montreal, QC
514-287-3555
Price: $$

Xococava [CLOSED]

After hearing this was one the best places to get ice cream, of course we had to try it for ourselves!

XOCOCAVA
Where: 1560 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON
M4T 2S9
Price: Goodies usually range from $0.50-$20 (I spent a total of $21)

THE MELTING POT

The Melting Pot is a huge chain franchise in the USA (with 145+ locations!), but has recently just opened two locations in Canada (Edmonton and Richmond Hill). Lucky us up-towners get to try this new concept. This location took over the old The Keg restaurant that was here. 

THE MELTING POT
Where: 125-135 York Blvd.
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B 1J8
905-764-7770
Price: $$ ($22/person for 2 fondues)