Bhai’s Bites

This all vegetarian gem in Richmond Hill was amazing! Chef Sanjeev is famous for his show Khana Khazana, so growing up having it in the background on weekend mornings when making breakfast with my mum, it was natural that I had to try his restaurant! Bhai’s Canteen is the newest addition to the Host Hospitality Group umbrella, and I have to say it didn’t disappoint!

From the moment we stepped in the door, the décor just took my breath away. It was simplistic, but done tastefully. The vibes of India showed through from the wall art to even the bathroom décor.

Indian food is done best family style, so we decided to stick to that and ordered a variety of dishes. We started off with a pani puri competition! We had so much fun, and the pani puri was the best we’ve had in the city! Although I can’t quite say that I won, I can say that I enjoyed each and every one of those 6 pani puri’s to the max! The pani puri came with the cutest presentation, with a syringe in the ‘pani’ portion which made the competition that much more fun!

We then had the rest of the dishes come out together, which included

KHUMB MEIN SEEKH – Tandoori Mushrooms

PANEER SHANEER

MASALA DOSA

CHILLI PANEER

CHOLEY BHATUREY

HAKKA NOODLES

 

The food was all presented well, and the taste of each of the dishes was exquisite. The traditional thali style servings were authentic, keeping true to both the street style food and maintaining a fine dining experience! My favourite dish, though difficult to decide, would have to be the choley bhaturey! I enjoy spicy food that’s not over the top, and this dish was just the perfect amount of spice! It didn’t compromise on flavor at all, and although I was full I still wanted to eat a bit more! (That’s when you KNOW the food is good!)

My only regrets of the evening were that I didn’t try the karak chai, or the traditional Indian deserts! Because it was a friends birthday, we did have a delicious cake from one of my favourite bakeries in the city; Nadege! We had the Marie Antoinette Macaron cake which was AMAZING! The restaurant was very accommodating for the birthday, providing plates, forks and even candles! Overall, an incredible dining experience and I was very happy with the service too!

I definitely recommend you give Bhai’s a try as well! Let me know if you decide to go, and what your favorite dish was!

Happy dining!

Xo, Ally

Yorkville Cafe Crawl

Yorkville – a gorgeous upscale neighborhood commonly referred to as the annex was once the Canadian capital of the hippie movement. Now, as one of the best places to find all your designer gems at your fingertips, it also has a huge selection of great food that will satisfy any foodie! But what I love most whilst shopping is a nice hot cup of tea in the crisp fall weather.  But let’s be honest, I enjoy a hot cup of tea whilst doing just about anything! And since I work in Yorkville, I tend to try out all the café’s in the area. Whether it is to sit and cuddle with a good book before work, or to grab a quick latte and pistachio croissant (SO GOOD!)  I have narrowed down the perfect café crawl list in Yorkville you have to visit, and a few of my favorites at each.

Because I am self-proclaimed tea addict, most of my choices will be tea inspired. if I do have coffee, it’s usually a latte or chocolate mocha. I have done my research for tasty coffee too, don’t worry!!

Sorry Coffee Co. (102 Bloor St W – In the Kit and Ace store)

• Earl Grey Misto – this is the first on my list for a reason. I am OBSESSED! (As I’m sure you can tell by the number of pictures from this place!) The tea is absolutely amazing, fresh leaves that they steep with steamed milk and hot water. They have this liquid sugar that is a must with this to give it the perfect sweetness. I highly recommend it!
• Chocolate hazelnut croissant – It’s the perfect sweet treat and it’s a small croissant, so you don’t feel guilty having the extra calories ( #sorrynotsorry )

Café Moi (1200 Bay St.)

• Assortment of fresh tea leaves that smell & taste amazing! I especially like their iced teas infused with vanilla! So perfect on a hot day!
• Hands down the BEST croissant I’ve ever has, the pistachio croissant is so worth it! It’s on the pricier side, but this is a heavenly treat! It’s made at the famous Parisian bakery Delysees (and I would also recommend stopping by that bakery if you’re ever around the area (780 King St. W)

Goldstruck Coffee (130 Cumberland St.)

• Their Latte was quite strong, and a bold taste for a coffee lover. A bit too strong for me, I only have it once in a while when I really need a pick me up! But I have to say the beans were freshly roasted and you could definitely tell the difference! Next time I need a gold star caffeine rush (get it?!) I know where to go! The interiors are super cute, and have character the minute you walk in the doors! I love places like this for the ambiance as well, my only regret is that the menu doesn’t include any teas! Next time I’ll be sure to try out their baked goods as well!

Nespresso Boutique Bar (159 Cumberland St.)

• The famous Nespresso coffee machine has a flagship store in Yorkville that’s super chic, with high ceilings and a café and retail store. The décor is beautiful, and I have yet to try their food but will be going by in the near future to try the lobster Panini! It’s a great date spot, after work coffee bar or to enjoy a latte after dinner, but the down side is that they don’t do take out! Not the best for those working in the area, but hopefully a suggestion they’ll take into consideration!

That about sums up some of my favorite places, and I guarantee you once you try them you’ll be back for more! I have a few places in the area that have sweet treats that deserve an honorable mention below! Hope you have a chance to check out a few of these places, and enjoy the gorgeous area while you’re at it!

• Prairie Girl
• Trattoria Nervosa
• Holt’s café

Xo, Ally

 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough & White Chocolate Rosebud Pistachio Bark

Recently, I have been baking up a storm and haven’t had any time to blog about it! I have tried to keep my Instagram page updated with pictures of the goodies (@Alyiar27) and now it’s time to go back and give some recipes to some new & old favorites! Currently, I’m obsessed with chocolate bark! I’ve made a variety of types (rosebud & pistachio, double chocolate Oreo, chocolate peppermint) but this one reminds me of the perfect ice-cream flavors! So for the hot weather we’re currently getting, I figured let’s start with this one (with a bowl of ice cream by my side of course)

So what’s the flavor you ask? Well, what can be better that cookie dough? Cookie dough stuffed in between two layers of chocolate and topped with cookie pieces! The best part, you can eat it as is or put it in any flavor of ice cream to take it to the next level! Currently my bowl is vanilla with chocolate cookie dough chunks; heavenly!!

BUT if you’re going for something a little fancier, I’m giving the recipe for two varieties! How does white chocolate pistachio rosebud bark sound? I made these for my best friends baby shower and they we’re a gorgeous addition to the sweet table! Not to mention they taste amazing!! If you’ve never eaten rosebuds or rose petals before, I highly recommend it! (I also highly recommend rosebud tea) Especially with chocolate!

Here’s the recipe to both, hope you enjoy!

A few Useful Tips:

• Melt the chocolate in the microwave instead of a double boiler, I found the extra moisture made the chocolate a dryer consistency and more difficult to spread
• Prep all the ingredients in bowls beforehand so you can work quickly
• When working with white chocolate, keep in the fridge longer & work swiftly as the chocolate tends to melt quickly

Ingredients:

Cookie Dough Bark

• 1 pkg Chocolate melts light (12oz)
• 2-3 Butter cookies
• Cookie dough

Cookie Dough

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• Handful mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Cookie Dough

1. Cream together the butter, brown and white sugar until light and fluffy
2. Add in salt, vanilla and milk and mix until combined
3. Add in flour and mix on medium speed until smooth
4. Fold in chocolate chips and form into a ball
5. Place in the fridg
   e to cool

Chocolate Cookie Dough Bark

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
2. Melt half the chocolate and spread evenly on cookie sheet
3. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes
4. Remove the chocolate and the cookie dough from the fridge, spread cookie dough evenly out on the chocolate and pat down to make a flat layer
5. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes
6. Remove bark from fridge, melt remaining chocolate and spread over the cookie dough layer
7. While chocolate is still warm, break up butter cookie pieces and decorate the top of the bark
8. Place in fridge for 15 minutes
9. Remove from the fridge, break into pieces and enjoy!

White Chocolate Pistachio Bark

• ½ cup pistachios
• ½ cup dried rosebuds or dried rose petals
• 1 pkg white chocolate melts (12oz)

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper
2. Chop pistachio up finely
3. Heat white chocolate in microwave
4. Pour white chocolate onto cookie sheet
5. Break up the rosebuds and pour on top of melted chocolate keeping a few buds as well
6. Evenly pour pistachio pieces on top of bark and slightly press in larger pieces
7. Place in the fridge for 3 hours
8. Remove from fridge and break apart the bark
9. Place on a pretty & enjoy!