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The Rolling Pin: Deluxe Donuts Plus!
Nestled among a row of vintage storefronts, at the top of Toronto‘s Avenue Road, sits The Rolling Pin. Step inside this delightful bakery and the retro theme continues. For just beyond the entrance you are greeted by Ruby G – their colourful and sassy logo. Ruby G’s bright red apron sets the tone for both floors of this charming shop, which are highlighted by sparkling red, subway-tile back-splashes, blackboards and vintage prints. She also reflects the personalities of partners and co-owners, Isabel Loiacono and Vanessa Baudanza . These two passionate bakers first met at the Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionery Arts where Isabel was Vanessa’s instructor. They hit it off so well…
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Vimy Remembered
November is upon us now. The days grow shorter and the skies grey. It is a time to remember. In Canada, we commemorate the many who fought and sacrificed their lives for the wonderful freedoms that we enjoy today on November 11th, Remembrance Day. And Vimy Ridge has come to symbolize this nation’s remembrance. I feel blessed to have had the good fortune to visit this site of such great courage and sacrifice. Located about 100 kilometres inland from the Normandy coast in northern France, Vimy Ridge, is the site of what is considered one of Canada’s greatest victories during World War I. In just four days, beginning on Easter Monday,…
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Croissants and Pâtisseries to Die For
I had just returned home from an amazing month abroad, travelling through France and Belgium, enjoying their wonderful vennoiseries – those tasty, buttery treats such as croissants and brioches. In fact, it was the morning after my return flight and I was craving some of that golden goodness. Lucky for me, I live just a short drive from one of Toronto’s best French pâtisseries – pastry shops – Duo Pâtisserie & Café. So I hopped in the car and paid a visit to fulfill my craving. I had learned about Duo a few months earlier while listening to CBC Radio’s morning show. One of their guests that day had decided…
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SOMA Chocolate-maker Extraordinaire
I was in the mood for a sweet treat earlier this week so popped in to one of my favourite Toronto chocolate shops: the award-winning SOMA Chocolatemaker. Since I was in the east end of downtown, I chose their boutique in the historic Distillery District. If you’ve never been, it is definitely a must-see while in Toronto. What was once the largest distillery in the world, is now a pedestrian-only area filled with wonderful boutiques, bars and restaurants, nestled among beautiful, Victorian-era, stone and brick, industrial buildings. It even has its own version of the Paris’ love-locks! The Distillery is a lovely place to while away a leisurely afternoon any…
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Ladurée Has Arrived!
What better way to inaugurate my new blog than with a visit to the new Ladurée pâtisserie in Toronto! If you have ever visited Paris and enjoyed the sweet and savoury pleasures of Maison Ladurée, you, like me, have longed for a location in our fair city. Thankfully, our prayers have been answered! Ladurée opened it’s premier Toronto location last autumn in the prestigious Yorkdale Shopping Centre. I recently had the opportunity to visit this Parisian icon and was greeted by their signature canopy and store front, instantly feeling transported back to the City of Light. I visited on a weekday afternoon, a great time as the shop was quiet and free of…
