Not Vanilla Pop-Up Presented By Ottawa Tourism

Canada Day is less than a month away now and our nation's capital just has one thing on its mind. Ottawa is sick and tired of being called vanilla! How are they going to change this view point that so many people seem to have? Well of course the only way possible. To offer some of the most crave worthy and delicious ice cream flavours possible.... for FREE!

This past weekend Ottawa Tourism partnered with an Ottawa artisan ice cream shop to launch "Not Vanilla" - an ice cream brand that shows just how exciting Ottawa can be. With literally no strings attached, anyone in Toronto from June 2nd to June 3rd was able to stop by Queen and Peter to grab a bunch of free ice cream with flavours that were inspired by all of Ottawa's cultural gems.

A simple white cube was all that was needed to capture the city's attention, but the stand out for me were those colourful boxes that the ice cream were served in. Whoever designed them deserves a promotion. Those boxes were certainly #NotVanilla.

The five flavours that were offered was:

• Rideauculous (Peppercorn + Plum)

• Roam Sweet Roam (Vegan Coffee + Date)

• ByWard ByNight (Smoked Caramel + Bitters)

• Urban Splash (Hops + Honey)

• Ottawild (Apple + Elderflower Frozen Yogurt)

These unique flavours were seriously impressive and even gives Toronto a run for its money. If ice cream is this good in Ottawa, you bet I'm packing my bags for a road trip there to see what other hidden foodie gems I can find.

At Home With The New Vitamix Explorian Series E310 - Chilled Green Pea Soup Recipe

If there's one kitchen appliance that tops the wish list for everyone year after year, most will probably say it's owning a Vitamix. It definitely was for me. The versatility of having a compact machine in your kitchen with a motor and blades powerful enough to make a wide range of recipes such as smoothies, salsas, doughs, frozen desserts, batters, and even hot soups without ever touching a stove top is a dream!

With a new year upon us comes new ideas and innovation from Vitamix. A brand new line of Vitamix blenders were being launched and I was invited to take part in a culinary journey hosted by Vitamix Canada and Chef Craig Wong of Jackpot Chicken in Toronto to see what the new Vitamix Explorian Series E310 was all about! A carefully curated menu was prepared for us where all the key ingredients of each dish was prepared by the new E310 Explorian Series Blender.

From start to finish, check out what we indulged in that night where the Vitamix E310 played an integral role in our dinner.

Flash forward a few weeks after the media launch and my grown-up, kitchen-appliance loving dreams came true! A brand new Vitamix E310 Explorian Series Blender landed on my door step and a flood of recipe possibilities through the simple act of blending came rushing through. What I love about this new series is that it perfectly fits my lifestyle and kitchen space. I don't have a huge kitchen at home, but because the Vitamix E310 is smaller than its predecessor coming in at a 48-ounce (1.4L) container it fits perfectly into my kitchen space without taking too much room on the counter. The smaller container size is also perfect to blend drinks fit for one or two people, nothing goes to waste. The smaller size also comes with a smaller price tag compared to some of the other models with a price point of CAD$400 which is what people have been asking Vitamix to come out with for a very long time. They listened!

If you're finally in the market to upgrade your smoothie game and want to get a great quality blender, but at a manageable price-point, the Vitamix Explorian Series E310 is then perfect fo r you! Here are some great features of the new Vitamix Explorian Series E310 that you'll love!

Variable Speed Control

Ten variable speeds allows you to refine every texture with culinary precision from the chunkiest salsas to the smoothest purees

Pulse Feature

Layer coarse chops over smooth purees for heartier recipes or thick vegetable soups

High-Performance Motor

The powerful 2HP motor can handle the toughest ingredients to create high-quality blends

Easy Cleaning

With just one drop of dish soap and warm water, the Vitamix E310 can clean itself in 30 to 60 seconds -  no disassembly required.

With all these great features I was able to put it all to the test at home by re-creating the exact same recipe that Chef Craig Wong made for us during the series launch at his restaurant. The "Chilled Green Pea Soup" was among one of the favourite dishes of the night and surprisingly so easy to make with the Vitamix E310 at home. You literally just need to throw in all the ingredients in the Vitamix and let it blend! All the work is done by that powerful motor and spinning blades. Before you know it a vibrant and healthy appetizer is ready to be served for a serving of 4 people. Enjoy!

Chilled Green Pea Soup

Ingredients

5 cups frozen peas
4 cups cold chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup baby spinach leaves, blanced, shocked in ice, squeezed of excess moisture
1 tbsp salt
1/2 tbsp ground white pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

Add frozen peas & stock into Vitamix
Blend on high for 3 to 5 minutes until mixture is very smooth
Add mint, spinach, salt & white pepper. Blend for another 30 seconds
Add heavy cream and blend for 10 seconds
Strain the soup and refrigerate or serve chilled immediately

Chef On The Go - For All Your Catering Needs

Catering in Toronto has recently seen a resurgence in the city over the past few years in an industry that is now as competitive as ever. Catering companies have been around for decades and for many years these companies have often been overshadowed by restaurants when it comes to finding the right venue and food to plan a large or even small social gathering. In the past parties would revolve around guests traveling to a specific brick and mortar restaurant, but now with the ever changing times convenience is everything.

One of the elite catering companies in Toronto right now is Chef On The Go. Just like how the name sounds, convenience is built right into it where their dedicated kitchen staff and Executive Chef will come directly to you to create an unforgettable experience with fresh and innovative menu options for you and your guests in the Greater Toronto Area. Owner and Executive Chef, Roni Prizant started Chef On The Go back in 2011 and it's now become one of Toronto's fastest growing "boutique" catering companies. They have also just been recently awarded "Toronto's Choice Awards" by EventSource which recognizes the top 5% professional catering service providers in the city!

Roni has always had a passion for food and cooking, and from a young age he found great joy in serving his latest culinary creations to his friends and family. His heart was always in the kitchen and now with his own catering company he is able to spread his passion for food to each of his clients, ensuring a personalized hands-on service with a customized menu designed for their event and needs.

With a new year and season upon us, Chef On The Go hosted their very first Open House at their home base in North York to showcase their boutique services and new seasonal items available this year on their catering menu. With four types of catering options (private, corporate, wedding, and drop-off), their array of menu options will make any event a delicious and memorable one. Their one-of-a-kind mobile kitchen was also on site, which are perfect for event spaces that may not have a kitchen available. To get a taste of what type of food to expect from a catered event from them, you'll just have to scroll down and see!

Candy Stripped Beet Lollipops with Walnut Crust

Fully Loaded Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Mini Root Beer Float (2oz white shooter glass) & Wild Boar Sliders with Sundried Tomato Jam, Smoked Ocra & Arugula

Torched Tuna Tartar on top of Pan Fried Sushi Rice Cake w. Pickled Ginger and Chives

Sharp Cheddar Profiteroles filled with a Garlic Shrimp

Mini lobster Taco’s with a Kewpie & Heirloom Carrot Slaw

Scallion Cake with Seared Duck and a Mango Slaw with Ginger Laced Crispy Shallots & Hoisin

Banana Mousse Cake

Chocolate Ganache Tart

If you're in the midst of planning an event, big or small, make sure you reach out to Chef On The Go for all your entertaining needs. They even offer turnkey solutions for every occasion where they will handle every single detail for you from the floral arrangements, music, decor, bar services, dishware and tableware rentals, venue consultation, and staffing. Of course above all else you're going to get the highest quality catered food in the city for all your guests with any of the food options shown here (and that's only a small sample of what they offer!). The last thing you or anyone else for that matter is to be stuck inside a kitchen preparing the food where instead you should be out socializing and entertaining your guests.

Mobile Kitchen Trailer

To inquire about planning your next catered party with Chef On The Go, visit HERE to get in touch with them and get that first conversation flowing! Start visualizing now the event of your dreams and let Chef On The Go turn that dream into a reality.

Chefs for Change Dinner with Aeroplan

Many of us may only associate Aeroplan with the reward miles we save up to redeem for travel, but as they grow in terms of their food and beverage sponsorships we will begin to see them as big players within the largest food festivals across this city and country. With some exciting new  partnerships already, Aeroplan is the Official Premier Sponsor of Toronto's Winterlicious and Summerlicious this year, which is one of the most prestigious and popular culinary events in Toronto with similar culinary sponsorships in Montreal and Vancouver.

Last week I was fortunate enough to be part of the Aeroplan team as we embarked on a night full of delicious food that was all for a worthy cause at the Chefs for Change dinner. For the first three months of the year, Chefs for Change is an event that hosts some of Canada's best chefs during five nights of food. Each night features a special culinary collaboration from the top chefs in Toronto and across Canada. These dinners also bring profound meaning, substance, and community involvement as the net profits from the ticket sales will go help Community Food Centres Canada, an organization that builds health, belonging, and social justice in low-income communities across Canada through the power of food. This has been an organization and cause that Aeroplan has been supporting for a number of years and a cause dear to their hearts.

Each of the five nights will incorporate a theme into the dinner that will all take place at Propeller Coffee Roastery, which gets transformed from the neighbourhood coffee shop in the day into a stunning culinary venue at night. I was fortunate enough to be part of the CONNECTION dinner that featured top chefs from the city's best restaurants like Richmond Station, Bar Isabel, Momofuku, Beast, Drake Hotel, and The Tempered Room.

Before the four-course seated dinner began, reception started off the night with wine, cocktails, and canapes as guests mingled with each other. Of course as one foodie does, my guest and I headed over to the bar to grab some drinks as we walked inside the venue. To say we were spoiled is an understatement. By the time we left the bar we had a refreshing gin cocktail from Top Shelf Craft Distillers on one hand, and a bottle of wine in the other. In all my past events when you ask for some wine you get a glass, but not here! You get to walk away with an entire bottle! Shout-out to Flat Rock Cellars and Cave Spring Niagara Peninsula for the Pinot Noir and Riesling to keep us hydrated throughout the night!

As 7:15PM approached the main event was about to start and we gathered to our assigned seats at our communal tables (table 3 represent!). Host Michelle Jobin guided us along throughout the entire evening introducing us to each chef as they came out to talk about their dishes they created for the dinner. With introductions complete the plates were ready to be rolled out to each of our hungry bellies and the exciting four-course dinner was to begin.

Here's a breakdown of what we ate!

First Course

Pork Jowls & Fluke - carrot, chickpea gochujang, white soy by Paula Navarrete of Momofuku and Ted Corrado of The Drake Hotel

Second Course

Empanadas - short rib and bone marrow with achiote aioli and braised chicken with oji costeno by Connie DeSousa & John Jackson of CHARCUT Roast House and Scott Vivian of Beast

Third Course

Pacific Cod and Chorizo Verde - confit potatoes, broccolini, cod sauce by Chris Brown of Victor Dries Events and Grant van Gameren of Bar Isabel

Fourth Course

Birch Nest - maple, black rice wine vinegar, lapsang, rosemary and mignardise by Bertrand Alepee of The Tempered Room, Carl Heinrich & Louis Lim of Richmond Station

Surprise Dessert!

Various Mignardises by Bertrand Alepee of The Tempered Room

To end the night off after such a fulfilling and exquisite dinner we all just had, Nick Saul (President & CEO of Community Food Centres Canada) gave us all an inspiring speech and reminded us all of why we were all there. There are many people out there who just don't have the means to eat lavish meals everyday, who fight every night to put a simple meal on the table for their family, yet it is food that is often the catalyst that brings people of all different ethnicities, ages, professions, religions, sexual orientations, political views, rich and poor to that same dinner table where friendships and community can be formed. Food can be used as a powerful tool for greater health, equity, and social change, treated as a basic right where everyone has the means, knowledge, and voice necessary to access good food with dignity.

I am so glad to see we have big businesses outside of the food industry like Aeroplan to support such worthy causes and give back to the community. Through some of these sponsorships and other food and drink initiatives, Aeroplan members will also have exclusive dining opportunities including:

• unique dining experiences such as chef collaborations from around the world

• priority access to culinary events and reservations

There will be even more opportunities coming up for members to earn and redeem miles for travel just by tasting the world right here at home with friends and family. If you are already an Aeroplan member and would also like to donate your miles to Community Food Centres Canada, please visit this link here.

I would like to thank Aeroplan on bringing me along to such an inspiring, uplifting, and delicious night. Great food is an integral part of the travel experience and Aeroplan is on the forefront of helping people share in meaningful moments by bringing everyone together through food and drink, a journey taken not in the sky but through our taste buds.

Dr. Oetker's Cioccolato's Ristorante - World's First Chocolate Pizzeria!

With the most romantic time of the year, Dr. Oetker is adding to their line of frozen pizzas just in time for Valentine's Day! This new pizza of theirs is called the "Ristorante Cioccolato Pizza," an indulgent chocolate dessert pizza that will surely make all your chocolate dreams come true!

To support this launch, Dr. Oetker will open the world's very first chocolate pizzeria in Toronto from February 9th to February 14th, 3PM to 9PM at 1056 Queen Street West. Once you take a step inside this chocolate pizzeria will transport you into a real, romantic Italian restaurant. Fitting to its theme, it is literally chocolate EVERYTHING inside. For example you'll find some showstopping pieces such as a low-hanging chocolate chandelier, chocolate pizza oven, chocolate covered walls, chairs, plates, tables, cups, utensils, and even Ristorante's diamond ring made from a chocolate pizza - Di Cioccolato Diamond! And yes the diamond ring is indeed real! You'll even find a security guard carefully manning the station to ensure the diamond ring is safe and sound.

This pop-up is completely free to the public where you'll be served complimentary slices of Ristorante Cioccolato's chocolate pizza before it becomes available in grocery stores. If free pizza doesn't entice you to come on by, they will also be serving complimentary glasses of prosecco to go with it! Got your attention now right?

To check out their official event page, click here to be directed to their Facebook page and let them know you're going! This is a limited time event for six days only so make sure you don't miss out before it's too late! There is literally two things in the world that people crave the most. Chocolate and pizza. And to combine them together into one is pure genius! You have a home run here Dr. Oetker!

Disclosure: I was paid by Dr. Oetker to attend and review the product. However opinions are of my own.