Archive | November, 2011

258. El Trompo

30 Nov

I have been meaning to eat at El Trompo in Toronto’s Kensington Market for longer than I care to admit! I was delighted when the opportunity presented itself. I’d be having dinner with two friends from university and we’d be having far too many margaritas and stuffing ourselves with some of Toronto’s best Mexican offerings. Just before dinner I popped by the neighborhoods new favorite bar, Cold Tea which had only been open for three weeks (bevs fresh off the press).

After visiting Playa del Carmen, Chichen Itza and Merida Mexico last winter I refined my taco taste buds. When trying to find the best Mexican restaurant in the city instead of going to BlogTo or other food writers I asked the real live Mexicans. It became somewhat of a funny quest. I’d be at a house party or chatting with a dancer after the opening night party of their show and in some way or another make that Mexican connection. Immediately the conversation (with my prodding) would switch to “what is the most authentic Mexican food you have found in this city.” Every single Mexican (and even some non-Mexicans #shockandawe) exclaimed, El Trompo!

El Trompo’s margaritas are a delight. Taco’s Pastor is a must have and their guacamole is full of smiles. I particularly enjoyed the chicharon de queso. A tower of grilled cheese (my lord). If only they had a plate of grilled cheese with crispy chicken skin and roast pork I’d have found my true love. El Trompo was a delight but it doesn’t quiet satiate my craving for Mexico’s finest. Take a look at this incredible plate of food I ate in Merida Mexico. I double dare El Trompo or any other Mexican restaurant in Toronto to make me that happy again.

We ordered (*beside my favorites):

*  mango, lime, strawberry margaritas

* guacamole

pico de gallo

* taco al pastor

taco spicy tinga chicken

molten cheese with chorizo

* chicharon de queso


El Trompo on Urbanspoon

257. Cold Tea

29 Nov

I sat at my computer staring at twitter, paused and then quickly typed, “Heading to El Trompo for dinner in Kensington #toronto any suggestions for a spot to grab a drink before the taco feast?” In seconds I had two food writers and five food fans exclaim, “check out Cold Tea!” I do what I’m told.

The place is tricky to find but that’s what makes it the coolest new place in town to check out. The mystery of its location is part of the allure and reason why you want to be here. I arrived with Meaghan right after work. Two of the owners sat at the bar discussing which beverages to put on their final menu. The place had only been open for three weeks and they were still getting the kinks out. The bartender and owner who grew up in Vancouver chatted with us about his wicked little spot and how passionate he is about mixology. He seemed most proud of the back patio which is probably one of the coolest hipster gems in the city. I immediately thought how popular this place would be in the summer. Smoking dirty cigarettes in a mysterious magical backyard. It’s what summer romance is made of.

At the bar he insisted we sample his two favorite beverages: The Bruce Lee and Pisco Sour. The Bruce was served with chewy cherries and had been jacked up with Asian Five Spice. The Pisco Sour was refreshing (and numbed the pain in my back from typing all day at work which was obviously an unforeseen added bonus).

Check out Cold Tea if you 1) like to support small business 2) like rad patio’s 3) like nifty mysterious little locations 4) enjoy well crafted cocktails. Oh and they serve up Dim Sum a few nights a week #whatsnottolove #???


Cold Tea on Urbanspoon

The SociaLight Conference

28 Nov

This past Saturday I had the pleasure of representing Planeterra at Toronto’s first inaugural SociaLight Conference. The Federal government announced 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur, perfect timing for Theresa Laurico and Dan Jacob to launch SociaLight. The Socialight brand aims to redefine what it means to be a “socialite.” Socia”LIGHT” is also an acronym that stands for: L.eader I.mpacting G.lobal H.umanity T.oday.

Theresa and Dan carefully curated world class speakers:

Robin Sharma – Personal Leadership Expert & New York Times #1 Bestselling Author of “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” and “The Leader Who Had No Title”

Tony Hsieh – Founder & CEO of Zappos.com & New York Times #1 Bestselling Author of “Delivering Happiness”

Bruce Poon Tip – Founder of G-Adventures

Tonya Surman – Executive Director of the Centre for Social Innovation

The Conference brought together over 1000 dynamic young professionals, and entrepreneurs for an incredible day of inspiration, empowerment and connection. The day was filled with inspirational moments and thoughtful advice from some of the industry’s top thought leaders. My favorite part of the day was the topical discussions with young entrepreneurs, finance big wigs and social media experts as it allowed the audience to engage in a Q and A via twitter. Special surprise videos featuring Seth Godin and Richard Branson had the audience wowed.

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