Jam Tasting, Scones & a Cup of Tea - Kitten and The Bear

One of the great things about being in the city is that no matter the weather, you can still get around without driving by making use of the TTC system. On this damp, cold and drizzly day I made my way to this quaint little gem on Queen West. 

Kitten and The Bear (don't you just love the name!) may be a petite space offering seating for possibly 5-6 guests at a time, but it is HUGE in warmth and welcoming vibes. From the lovely floral arrangements to the shabby chic decor, you quickly forget the dismal weather outside.

Along with the signature jam, the gifting items include a potpourri of teas, soaps, tea ware, honey and a darling pin set. 

 To compliment the jam tasting a fine selection of  Sloane teas to choose from.

If coffee is your preference ...  V 60 is a unique style of coffee (to me - I had not heard of it before)

The freshly baked in house buttermilk scones are the perfect vessel for 
tasting all the wonderful jams. The scrumptious scones can be order to go. 

Kitten and The Bear is one of only a handful of preserve companies in the world that still makes confiture (the French term for “jam”) using hand-hammered copper “confiture pans” imported from France. The artisan jams, jellies and marmalades are made completely by hand in small, limited batches at the shop in Parkdale.

 A jam tasting is a wonderful experience to do on your own, an outing with friends or a date with your sweetheart.

I choose the Jasmine Pink Lemonade tea ...and my friend Shirley choose the Oolong Cream tea... 

All the jams in our tasting were beyond delicious ... 

and my favourite was the Banana Bourbon and Vanilla bean - 

I may have not been able to resist buying a jar for home.

The Kitten & The Bear is located at 1574 Queen Street West, easily accessible by the 501 Queen Street trolley which stops steps from the shop. The shop is small and reservations are not taken, though you can be placed on a wait list - and when one of the two sitting areas becomes available.you will receive a message your table is available. There are many little shops along this stretch of Queen West to explore as you wait for your table. A side note: there is no washroom on sight ( I was told this is common with the little shops - but the Deli literally a few steps away is accommodating to the Kitten & The Bear guests.) 

Whether you sit in to enjoy the tea and jam service or get your scones and jam to go, this is definitely a gem in the city that you should give a try. To learn more about the Kitten & The Bear visit the website HERE.

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Subscribe to Celia M. Living My High Heeled Life by Email

Éclairs & More Éclairs - Nugateau

Last weekend I made my way to Bathurst & Queen ...
Imagine my delight when I spotted Nugateau and discovered Toronto's first Éclair only patisserie!

These little works of art are beautifully displayed in a boutique style glass display case. Like selecting the perfect little bling from a jewelry case, trust me when I say it will take you some time to decide which elegantly hand crafted Éclair you will be treating yourself too! 

I finally decided on this beauty ... to pair with my cup of tea.
The tea served is from Palais des Thés, a France based tea company. 

The friendly and welcoming barista, will create your beverage of choice, from hot beverages
like tea, lattes, coffee to cold versions.

The selection of  Éclairs  is updated regularly and influenced by the seasons. And while I've been talking about all the sweet delights, know that savory Éclair options are also available and hand crafted with the same attention to detail as the sweet delights.

This Valentine's - why not treat your loved one (that includes YOU too!) to one of these wonderful delights.

On my visit I had the pleasure of meeting the pastry chef and artist behind these petite works of mouth watering delights,  Atul. Speaking with him you could hear and feel the passion he has for his craft. 

Nugateau is located at 717 Queen Street W. 

You can see more of these works of art on the Nugateau website HERE.

Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Subscribe to Celia M. Living My High Heeled Life by Email

Let's Eat: Carisma

image credit

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 ,


Stay in Step with High Heeled Life ...

Don't Miss a post get HHL Email Updates 

Subscribe to Celia M. Living My High Heeled Life by Email