London - An indian diner

For those that don't know, London is surprisingly famous for its indian cuisine. After browsing the web and scouring magazine ads for numerous overpriced and "touristy" dining spots, we took the advice of our hotel bellhop and headed to a small spot close by called "The Indian Diner" (good luck trying to find that). Although we were slightly hesitant to stay as we entered THE tiniest little restaurant filled to the brim with customers (mainly business men still suited up), we had no regrets after this authentic indian meal. Unfortunately, I can't remember what each dish was called, and since we were served about 8 times, you'll have to bear with my choppy food descriptions.

Indian beer - it's very smooth

Poppadoms! (aka giant rice cake)

Awesome stuff you put on the poppadoms

Beef and salad and a fried potato thing

Vegetables and meat and lentils

Noms and naan 

Stuffed..

Despite feeling full to the brim with different meat and vegetable mishmashes and sauces, it was one of my most memorable nights in London. Now on to finding something just as good in Toronto......any suggestions?

Happy Tuesday everyone!

A.C

London - the typical grub

Sooo I went to Europe! Five cities in two weeks and it was aaaamazing. We had a giant rain cloud following us for most of the trip (good thing I only packed flip flops and flats..), but nothing could put a damper on the culture, history, and beauty of these unbelievable places. And the food! Ahhh the food...I have no idea how Europeans have such great bodies because if I lived there I would seriously park myself at a cafe every day and enjoy all their homemade goodies - cakes, cookies, breads, crepes, pies, you name it. I'm not going to lie, I ate at some pretty great places - some of the best food of my life - and obviously took photos of everything going into my mouth (family and friends were likely annoyed with me by the end of the trip). But for simplicity sake, I thought I'd give you a post or 2 from each city so you can ogle and aw and drool over all of the deliciousness. On that note, enjoy!

First up: London 

Famous for: tea, beer, fish and chips, meat pies, and just general pub food.

TEA. So much amazing tea in London.

Cappuccino's, and more tea 

REAL pub food

When you're tired of beer...drink cider.

Eggs and ham - quite common for any meal of the day

Bangers and mash

Salad with cheese and bacon (ha.)

A meat pie!

Fish and chips

Nachos with guacamole and sour cream

I need to get me a good fish and chips recipe because I think that would make an awesome summer snack.

Happy Friday!

A.C

Hadley's

Second only to those in the Junction, College/Ossington eateries are among my favourite in Toronto. There's something about finding that hole-in-the-wall diner that makes the best grilled cheese you've ever had, or a tiny storefront selling only specialty cheeses. A while ago, my sister and I and stopped in at Hadley's for a pre-concert bite. Hadley's, located at 940 College St. is likely best known as a smokehouse, delivering comfort food favourites all made on-site with fresh, local ingredients. You won't find any foie gras or beef bourguingnon here but tender ribs, hearty sandwiches, and flavourful salads are all over this menu. We decided to share our entire order, but looking back I think we could have handled an entree each pretty easily.  

I opted for a Smokin' Caesar, but their martini menu
was surprisngly impressive

Pulled pork sandwich and side of fries ($10)

Tender pulled pork shoulder with coleslaw on a Portugese bun

Green Goddess Salad ($9)

Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and parmesan cheese with a  dressing
of avocado, basil and olive oil

We did alright.

As a rule of thumb, food bloggers rarely visit the same place twice but I can safely say that Hadley's will be a repeat offender for me (gasp). And next time, no splitting.

Happy Tuesday!
A.C