Let's Eat Toronto: Chabrol

Last week came to an end with beautiful weather - sunshine and warm temperatures. And having been inside most of the week writing it wasn't difficult to convince myself to get out and enjoy the sunshine. I made my way to Yorkville for a little stroll. As I walked by Chabrol - I have been wanting to check it out since I first heard about them a little over three months go - but was also aware that a seat without reservations may difficult - I took a chance.

And yes all the table seating was occupied - but there was space at the bar.

Since I was still a little stuffy ... I decided on the soup...

Chestnut Soup with Sheep's Milk Crème Fraîche, Espelette Croutons, and Sorrel 

  

It was beyond delicious ...

I was just going to have a soothing cup of tea ... 

but when I saw what a fellow diner was enjoying I just couldn't resist..

 This sweet delight is made to order and takes 20 minutes ...

Time passed so quickly as I sat enjoying my soothing cup of tea, listening to the French playlist playing in the background, and chatting with some Chabrol regulars. 

Apple Tarte with Calvados Sabayon - my new sweet addiction favourite!! I have a feeling my afternoon cup of tea will be outside High Heeled Life headquarters (aka home office) from time to time.

Words do not begin to describe how fabulous this is.

A complimentary confection ~ Calissons ~ a Provencal sweet treat that dates back to the 15th century, consisting of almond and crystallized fruit base coated with royal icing and with an orange blossom fragrance - is like a little bite of heaven. I truly hope they will start packaging these French delights and offer them for purchase. 

This little gem is tucked in from the hustle and bustle of Yorkville Avenue at the end of a long patio. Chabrol may be petite in size, I believe it seats 15-20, but it is HUGE in atmosphere! The staff is friendly and makes you feel welcomed from the moment you step through the door. The quaint space has a cozy feel and the closeness in seating reminds me of Paris bistros, inviting conversation between strangers. The large floor to ceiling windows provide an abundance of natural light. If you are seated along the bar you will have a view of the Chef creating his magic. The menu is influenced by the cuisine of Southern France ~ you can take a peek at the menu here. 

With the warmer weather upon us, the patio will soon be in use, providing additional seating. It will be serviced from an outside kitchen and offer a Champagne bar. Chabrol is like going to a friend's home for a visit with exceptional food, drink and great conversations. The set up is proof that good things come in petite packages!

Looking forward to my next visit!

image via Chabrol Facebook Page

Chabrol is located at 90 Yorkville Ave, Toronto. Reservations (highly recommended to avoid disappointment) 416-428-6641 or on-line. Visit their website here; follow along on Instagram for some mouth watering photos.

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.

image credit

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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Step out of the cold and into Windsor Arms for a cup of hot tea - Toronto

Long time readers of High Heeled Life know that I love a good cup of afternoon tea and Windsor Arms is one of my favourite spots in the city to enjoy a leisure afternoon with my girl friends over a cup of tea anytime of the year! And with the temperatures in Toronto remaining steady below freezing, it was a welcomed invitation to escape to such as fabulous place. 

Image credit - Google and Windsor Arms

The Windsor Arms is located on a quiet little side street off  Mink Mile just south of Bloor street. This neo-gothic building with its brown brick, cast stone trim, and a royal looking crest sets the mood that you are going to be transported from the fast pace of city life/shopping to a magical place back in time, when people actually took time for themselves regularly to re-energize. As you step through the entrance, you find yourself  in the most welcoming lobby. Staff greet you with a smile and welcoming hello, your transformation from hectic to calmness begins instantly. 

WA offers three spectacular areas to take tea. The French-style lobby tea room brings back memories of some wonderful salons de thé I have experienced during my trips to Paris; the Purple tea room - with its dark egg-plant walls, luxurious velvet seating, art on the walls and the original working fireplace which dates back to 1927 - is where you will find me taking tea on most of my visits; and The Russian Red tea room with its vibrant red walls, gold trim, glamorous chandelier and decor, is the perfect choice for small private gatherings - think girl outings, bridal showers, birthdays, I'm thinking it would be perfect for a Resilientista inspiration gathering. 

I invite you to take a little pause in your day and come along on a virtual afternoon tea with my friend J. and I as we settle in the Purple Room to enjoy a hot cup of tea and some sweet and savory treats, on this cold Toronto day.

With an extensive selection of loose-leaf teas there is something to satisfy everyone.

My friend J.s tea selection: was a Ginger described as:
Imagine the white tea is Fred, paired with Ginger we present a smooth, effortless, elegant cup that is certain to be a classic. Gentle nuttiness with the perfect hint of tea. Ms. J. was delighted with her selection and savoured every sip. 

How gorgeous is this setting ... 

My tea selection: Chai Arms - a perfect blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, ginger, pepper and organic black tea. It was exactly what I needed to warm up on this cold afternoon. While this tea is a wonderful complement for milk, I chose to have my as is. 

 Potato Blinis with Smoked Salmon, RosettePinwheel Egg Salad,Vegetarian with Sundried Tomato Paste and Dill Cream Cheese,Croque Monsieur

 Goat Cheese and Caramelized Shallot Tart , Fresh Scones

 Petits Fours

 This is simply DIVINE! - yes my favourite ...

 The warm tart is smooth, creamy and delicious just the right amount of
caramelized shallot and goat cheese.

Preserves and Devon Cream

The scones are light, soft and the perfect vessel for the Devon cream and WA homemade sweet preserves.

Tea at Windsor Arms has been synonymous with elegant, afternoon indulgence, since 1927. The majestic Purple room with its original fireplace takes my breath away each time I take tea in there.  

The crystal chandelier is beautiful and photos do not capture its full brilliance! 

Located inside the French-style lobby tea room you will find a hat rack with the most exquisite hats. For a $5 donation (proceeds benefiting Look Good Feel Better, in support of women affected with cancer) you are welcome to borrow a hat to enhance your magical tea experience. And let's be honest lovelies we all have an inner child in us, and what better way to let her play than with a little dress up and tea party.

 
I hope you have enjoyed your virtual tea and pause in your day, as much as Ms. J. and I did. This winter get out of the cold, and create memories with friends, family, and colleagues with tea at Windsor Arms.

Disclaimer: this afternoon tea was sponsored by Windsor Arms - all opinions are strictly my own and based on my personal experience.

You can read about some of my previous tea experiences at Windsor Arms: 

Here, Here, Here, and Here 

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

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

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