Let's Eat: Carisma

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I was recently introduce to this little Italian gem through my friend Elizabeth, 

it was the perfect spot for a lunch time meeting.

 Once inside out of the cold that seems to be gripping Toronto, (I know it's winter in Toronto - but we have been spoiled with the above seasonal temperatures - so a slight "normal" is tres cold ...brrr)- it's like you were transported to a restaurant somewhere in Italy. The waiters all have wonderful Italian accents and drop a few Italian words here and there. While the menu sends your taste buds into over load just reading about your options - the waiters' passion as they describe a dish has you wanting to order one of each. Did I mention it was lunch?

As our beverages arrived - so did this fabulous platter of warm bread drizzled in olive oil 

topped with rosemary.

Zuppa del Giorno - Pasta Fagoli

I am a huge fan of this soup - and this one did not disappoint!

Calamari alla Grilia - grilled calamari, warm black Moroccan olives, scallion tomato salsa

Elizabeth savoured each bite ...

notice the disappearing bread?

Vitello al limone - veal scaloppine, lemon white wine, grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes

As tasty as the wonderful presentation.

Gnocchi - ricotta gnocchi, four cheese sauce

I'm still salivating days later over this delicious gnocchi with the rich creamy cheese sauce!

The continued disappearance of the bread ... it really is yummy ...

Dessert - strawberry gelato, crème brûlée - lavender 

While Elizabeth chose a "healthier" option the strawberry gelto - 

I of course could not resist the crème brûlée, after all it was lavender!!

One of the many things I enjoyed about this restaurant was that you were not rushed ... the service was brilliant and the atmosphere inviting. As, we were getting ready to leave, Elizabeth's hair stylist and nail technician (whose shop is next door) were enjoying a little late lunch at the bar - most of the lunch crowd had departed by this time. So, we joined them for another glass of vino. And I got to experience the staff as they worked on transitioning from lunch to dinner. Their dedication, passion attention to detail and zest for life continued as they went about their tasks preparing for the dinner guests.

From the scrumptious food to the sophisticated and elegant decor you can see the care and attention that goes into every aspect of creating a magnificent  dinning experience for their guests.

  

Whether you are coming in for a meal; a drink or an espresso at the bar, - you really will feel a sense of being welcomed not just into a great restaurant - but by a "family" that enjoys creating an authentic Italian experience for their guests.

La Dolce Vita! 
Carisma a little taste of Italy ...

Carisma is located at 73 King Street East (2 minutes from the King St. subway station)
visit their website here.

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,


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Let's Eat: Trattoria Nervosa

I was first introduced to Trattoria Nervosa, almost twenty years ago!! - it was known as Cafe Nervosa - and affectionately often shortened to just "Nervosa" in those days. A girl friend that was all in the know about the best places to shop, get a glass of wine and of course EAT! insisted I join her. I still recall my first meal - one of their famous thin crust pizzas - it had prosciutto, fresh basil, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. I enjoyed many more wonderful meals there, since that first visit.

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While living in the country visits to the city were limited, but Nervosa continued to be a favourite.
 Now, with spending more time in the city, I have been back many times. 

The menu changes seasonally - and last winter they were serving a Tuscan bean soup - that was out of this world!!-  Sadly- haven't seen it make a come back this winter. Some of the faces may have also changed over the years, but the smiles, service and can't wrong with whatever you order on the menu has remained consistently second to none.

This past weekend Mr. G and I made it to Nervosa for dinner and I thought I would share our scrumptious meal with you.

Polipo

grilled octopus, lemon potatoes, chimichurri, tapenade, piquillo puree arugula and fried capers

Cesare Nervosa

romaine hearts, pancetta, fried capers, parmigiano egg free dressing

 grilled calamari

Bistecca

grilled 12oz dry aged Cumbrae’s ribeye, roasted mushrooms sautéed spinach, porcini puree, red wine reduction crostini

Risotto Nervosa

barolo braised beef short rib, local field and porcini mushrooms fig balsamic reduction

this is one of my favourite dishes ... 

and if you can't eat it all, don't worry it re-heats perfectly the next day 

you will be the envy of all your co-workers at lunch. 

Homemade cannoli, and Tiramisu 

Bon Appétit !

Nervosa is definitely an old favourite!

Nervosa is located at 75 Yorkville Avenue - you can visit their website here. 

 You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

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Two Weeks of Highlights in Pictures

This week I'm sharing two weeks in photos - since I missed last week...

After a long morning of writing - rewarded myself with afternoon tea at Shangri-La Hotel.

You are never too "mature" - to enjoy a little Cadbury Easter chocolate egg

Nurtured my inner child!!

Dolce and Gabbana have been busy chewing the feet of Dolce's new toy.

Picked up some  Blackbird Baking Co - sourdough bread at Pusateri's

this bread has certainly become one of my favs!!

Enjoyed a country style breakfast at a local diner near our country home.

Some furbaby fun times at the country home. 

After updating my weekly planner, settled on the sofa - with hot chocolate -  furbabies  for some reading. Ladies if you haven't read Spinster by Kate Bolick - I highly recommend you check it out. 

Popped into Holts Cafe for lunch between appointments - and was treated to their home baked (on premises) scones with strawberry/raspberry schnapps jam ... seriously yummy.

Holts Cafe is now serving afternoon tea - will definitely be checking them out soon for tea!

Cake for breakfast - well YES please! perks of being in city and close to Greek Town

Yummy Greek pastries are minutes away!! 

Woke up to lots of commotion on my street  - 4-5 fire trucks, police etc.. thankfully it was a FALSE alarm.. but certainly added some noise to our normally quiet street.

Decided on some amazing food to "pair" with my glass of bubbly ... 

Great Winterlicious menu at Park Hyatt Toronto - Annona restaurant

I enjoyed the Sauteed Crab Cakes: aged Balsamic reduction, micro Greens; Surf and Turf: Grilled 4 oz Beef Medallion, Shirmp & Scallop, Peppercorn Jus, Red Pepper Beurre Blanc, Lobster Mash, Roasted Vegetables; Spiced Wine Poached Pear: Dark Chocolate Feuilletine Crumble, Caramel Sauce, Honey Mascarpone.

How was your week?

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,


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