[Event+Giveaway] 6 Reasons to Attend The Gentlemen's Expo

Did you wake up this morning and wonder "Damn, how can I be more interesting?" Well the wonderful folks at the Gentlemen's Expo (TGE) have got you covered. Carrying the underlying theme to help people "be more interesting" (seriously, try out their hash tag #bemoreinteresting), the first ever Gentlemen's Expo (@GentlemensExpo) will be taking place at the Metro Convention Center, November 22-24, 2013.

So instead of telling you what you can expect during the this manly expo, I'll do you one better and give you 6 reasons why you should go.

[San Francisco] Sotto Mare

Location Review
552 Green Street
San Francisco, California
United States 94133

Website


After what seems like an eternity of a blogging hiatus, I've accumulated quite a couple dining locations that deserve notable mention on my food blog! Where to start, how about all the AWESOME food from along the west coast?!

That's right. A couple months ago I embarked on one of the most highly recommended road trips in North America - the pacific coast highway drive. Not only is a treat on the eyes with its scenic routes, it's a treat for the tummy as well!

My adventure started in San Francisco, which is a haven of seafood. After a convincing recommendation from one of my coworkers, I stopped by Sotto Mare for a light weekday lunch.

Sotto Mare

[Event] Toronto Festival of Beer 2013

Last weekend I had the pleasure of once again attending the Toronto Festival of Beer (@TOBeerFestival). Despite it being the 19th annual TFOB, this would only be my second time in attendance. And with all the lessons I managed to learn from my first beer festival visit last year (see here), I think it's safe to say I was able to enjoy it this time around even more!

The Preparation

First order of business was to (a) buy tokens (no tokens, no beer!) and (b) to hang out a bit in the media lounge. It's a nice refuge from all the walking and standing around, and it also doesn't hurt that there are an endless supply of Neal Brothers (@NealBrothers) chips and LOL Candy trees (@LOLcandyco)to snack off of! :)

Official Beer Festival Currency

[Toronto] Magnum Ice Cream

Location Review
11 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario

Website


Over the past few weeks, you may have already seen these Magnum ice cream bars pop up on feeds of various social media outlets. I remember when I first saw it, I thought to myself "So, what's the big dealio?".

Well if you haven't heard, Magnum Ice Cream (@magnum_canada) has recently opened a pop up store in the heart of yorkville offering a customizable and indulgent experience with their premium Belgium ice cream bars. Despite the many customizable dessert shops that already exist (think Menchies, Marble Slab, etc), Magnum seems to assert itself as something special. I work around this area, and there is never a time where the line up doesn't span out the door and across several other store front entrances. Not surprising though, because this ice cream paradise is only here until August 30th. Are you lining up yet?

Magnum Ice Cream Store

[Toronto] Azure Restaurant & Bar

Location Review
225 Front Street W
Toronto, Ontario
Phone:416-597-8142
Menu




Azure Restaurant & Bar has been around for quite some time. Located in the InterContinental Hotel (@ICTorontoCentre), the restaurant prides on delivering a modern Mediterranean fare using the best Canadian ingredients. The truth is, I've been here before. Around half a decade ago I visited during for a fixed-prix Summerlicious menu. I don't exactly remember how the dinner went, but the fact that it barely left a memory probably means it was nothing to write home about.

Fast forward to the present. When I was informed that Azure had been undergoing a full restaurant revamp (read lunch, dinner, dessert and bar menu face lift to be released), it struck some interest in me. I wonder how it is now? The only way to find out, was to make a visit to the restaurant and try the Summerlicious (@liciousTO) menu once again.

[Toronto] Harbourfront Shipping Container Food Stalls

Location Review
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, Ontario



If you have noticed already, food trucks are all the hype now. Gone are the days where food sold on the street is considered sub par fast food. Gourmet popups serving restaurant quality food are sprawling the city, many picking up popularity. So what's next? How about, storage container food stands?

Nestled in the beautiful Harbourfront and Queens Quay area are a trio of shipping containers that have been recently (and not to mention creatively) transformed into food truck like kitchens. The food stands are powered by solar panels which is a bonus to the environmental subconscious! Also gives a hand in preserving the environment.

Harbourfront Shipping Container Food Stalls

[Missisauga] &Company Resto Bar

Location Review
295 Enfield Place
Mississauga, Ontario
Phone:718-858-4300
Menu




Being a girl with no business far from Toronto, its not very often that i woiod venture too far outside the heart of the city. Unless there is some thing really special. So what was I doing out west in Mississauga on a Friday night? Well, that was just it; there was definitely something special here. Located just outside Square One shopping mall, is one of the few night clubs in Missausagea &Company Resto Bar. When I found out from Lien (@LienValesquez) that they had just a day ago revamped their menu for then summer, I decided to take a look and was impressed. Some interesting options, reasonable prices, Added to the fact that on Friday nights they have burlesque dancers to entertain you while you eat, and a dance floor to transition into a nightclub after dark, I didn't see why I wouldn't make the short trip out for an experience.

&Company Resto Bar