The Union Station Holiday Market

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By: Carly Spears

The  Toronto Market Company brought us the deliciously successful Front Street Foods this summer and they are at it again with the Union Station Holiday Market. Though much smaller than the summer version, this artisan market is the perfect stop for grabbing those unique and thoughtful holiday gifts. 

Just realized you forgot to pick up a gift for your great-uncle Joe while you're en route to grandma's house for Christmas? Not to worry because the USHM has you covered! From December 5 - 16, travellers can stop by the market to grab those last minute, one-of-a-kind gifts.

From cheese boards, to Foxy Originals jewelry and G Fox sunglasses to everything in between, there really is a little something for everyone. Be sure to grab a taste of my personal favourite  - Chocome! Made with assorted cocoa beans and toppings from 20 different countries, these handmade chocolates are absolutely delectable. 

Not into chocolate? Grab an adorable ornament full of natural, holiday-themed candies from Papabubble. 

Happy Holidays!

Location: UNION STATION (THE OAK ROOM), 65 FRONT STREET WEST

Dates and Times: December 5 - 16, 2016 - M-F: 730am - 7pm, S-S: 10am - 6pm

My Night at The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

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By: Shelby Morrison

The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo recently celebrated its 22nd year at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This event brought together some of the city's top restaurateurs and food vendors displaying a wide variety of novel culinary dishes and products, as well as international and local wines, cocktails, beers and more. With plenty of craft beer, cider and cocktails available, you could try something new and old favourites, too! 

I was thrilled to attend the VIP Media evening and was eager to get sampling. After taking a walk around, I was able to make a game plan and get a better idea of what I wanted to try. It may seem deceiving when you see such small samples or portions, but trust me, you will end up full and satisfied at the end. This also leaves room to try more items!

Poke is a huge trend that has recently hit Toronto, so of course, I opted for a lazy California mini bowl at Lawai’a Poke Bar. The fresh salmon was paired with seaweed, spicy mayonnaise, cucumber, sesame seeds, green onions and crispy onions, all atop a bed of rice. The fresh fish paired well with the other ingredients for a healthy start to the evening. They were also offering a tuna, as well as a beef short rib bowl.

Next up was a sampling of beef short ribs from Entice Culinary Lounge. The sweet sauce paired well with the rich meat and tang from the kimchi.

Although Magic Oven is actually a pizza joint in the city, they do also cook up samosas, and the menu is Indian inspired. This evening, they were offering a veggie samosa on its own, or topped with butter chicken. I decided to go all out and ordered the latter. The filling was substantial, and the butter chicken topping was the perfect addition. I must warn you, although it was delicious, it was quite spicy.

JaBistro is easily one of the best sushi restaurants in the city, so I was excited to grab a bite from them. They are known for their blow-torched items, so of course I had to try one of each of what they were offering. The ebi oshizushi, also known as tiger shrimp, as well as the salmon oshizushi were out of this world. The soft rice topped with buttery fish was then blowtorched and allowed for a crisp outer layer. It was truly a unique experience for my taste buds.

I am a fan of The Chase restaurants, so I sampled a small lobster roll as well as the seared tuna sandwich from Little Fin. The sweet, soft bun encompassed the creamy and crunchy lobster roll quite well. As for the seared tuna sandwich, the chilli ginger marinade really came through, along with a creamy sauce which allowed for a nice balance of flavours.

Every time I see a pierogi, I remember just how much I really like them. They aren’t something I usually think about, but when I find a good pierogi, you can be assured I am one happy girl! Uncle Jack’s, an Oshawa-based company, was offering cheese and potato pierogies which were one of my favourite dishes of the night. The dough was the perfect thickness, with just the right amount of creamy, flavourful filling. This was also quite a large portion, which I am not complaining about!

After all the savoury snacks, it was time for dessert. The Bake Three Fifty truck caught my eye since I can’t say no to sweets. The concept is a dessert food truck serving up ice cream sandwiches either between a cupcake or a cookie, and your choice of toppings. I decided to get a chocolate chunk cookie, filled with Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream and topped with sprinkles, caramel sauce and cookie dough. Luckily I had a partner to share this with, even though I could have probably eaten it all! It was just the dessert I was looking for since it incorporated cookies as well as ice cream.

The French macaron display really looked appealing and I just had to go there for one last little bite. The crème brulee was my choice, which I was definitely pleased with. The sweet, creamy macaron was the perfect ending to my evening.

I did participate in more than just eating at the Food & Wine Expo. I sampled some of the fabulous drinks on offer and tried a few different ones. Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake caught my eye. I tried the Cabernet Franc, which was elegant, full-bodied and silky with aromas of raspberry, red currants, blackberries and blueberries.

Tromba Tequila is a crafted small batch tequila made in Mexico. The Blanco, which was offered was light with a floral, sweet flavor. It was paired with lime and cucumber juice, as well as agave and topped with soda water. The sweetness really came through and the tequila paired well with the lime and cucumber. I could have drunk many of these (but thankfully I didn’t!). 

If you are looking for a smooth beer to enjoy all winter, I suggest you try the Granville Island's Lions Winter Ale. It has notes of vanilla, cocoa and caramel to provide a comforting, creamy winter drink.

Lastly, I sampled the Canadian SoCIAL LITE Vodka. It is a ready-to-drink sparkling cocktail with no sugar, sweetener, or artificial ingredients. The flavour on offer was lime ginger and tasted crisp and refreshing. Each can only has 80 calories and is the perfect low cal cocktail option. 

The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo gives you the opportunity to try new things and experience many different flavours, cultures and restaurants. I can't wait for next year's event, which is sure to be bigger, bolder and  better! 

My Affordable Holiday Gift Ideas!

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Earlier this week, I brought you my top picks for big ticket holiday gift ideas. This time, I would like to share some affordable holiday gift ideas with you.

One year for Christmas, my sister-in-law, Charlene gifted me with the holiday collection from David's Tea. Twelve exquisite teas were presented in a beautiful crimson box. I enjoyed all of the flavourful teas and shared them with my work colleagues to warm us up during our winter woes. David's Tea is offering new gift sets, including 'the best of 2016', which features 12 delectable teas, such as apple strudel, coconut cream pie and sweet almond green to name a few. Your friends and family deserve the best, so why not give the 'best of 2016' from David's Tea? This gift box retails for just $26.00.   

I am not a fan of using any synthetic fragrances, as I try not to consume products with many chemicals or strong scents. Saje Natural Wellness offers products that are plant based, vegan, contain no synthetics and are not tested on animals. I adore their Pocket Farmacy, and no, that is not a typo. A collection of five soothing and revitalizing essential roll-on oils come in a compact and convenient carrying case. My favourites include the peppermint halo headache remedy and the stress release tension reducing remedy. I roll the product on my temples, my neck and down to my shoulders and they smell and feel incredible. The Pocket Farmacy retails for $59.95. 

This gorgeous printed scarf from Scotch & Soda is detailed with fringes and dotted with stars. It has a soft finish and is stylish and versatile, as you can wear it to work or even to a trendy restaurant. It's playful, girlish and fun and retails for $65.00.

OGX's extra strength argan oil of Morocco shampoo is made with silk proteins and it provides the ultimate hydration for drab, dry locks. We know that excessive heat styling damages and dries out hair, but this shampoo leaves hair soft, strong and voluminous. Pair it with OGX's extra strength argan oil of Morocco conditioner and you have a one-two punch for luscious, luxurious locks! At $8.00 a bottle, it certainly won't break the bank!

Win a Pair of Tickets to see Jann Arden in Concert!

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In addition to giving away tickets to The Twelve Days of Christmas starring Colin Mochrie, I am also giving away a pair of tickets to see A Jann Arden Christmas!

There's no one quite like Ms. Jann Arden; she's an incredibly talented singer with a beautiful tone and has plenty of sass and a great sense of humour. She'll be performing classic Christmas carols and more at her concert at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street). 

I am giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader for Jann Arden's SOLD-OUT show on Tuesday, December 13 at 8:00 p.m. There are many ways to enter (see below). Good luck! 

Open to Canadian residents only, 19+.

Contest ends Saturday, December 10 at 12:00 a.m. Winner will be contacted directly via email and announced on social media.

For more information on A Jann Arden Christmas, visit: https://www.tso.ca/concert/jann-arden-christmas. 

Win a Pair of Tickets to The Twelve Days of Christmas!

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Beloved Canadian comedian Colin Mochrie stars in the The Twelve Days of Christmas. This festive concert features a live-action pageant and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. It's a holiday spectacle that will be sure to leave you rolling with laughter in the aisles as Mochrie narrates the show. 

I am giving away a pair of tickets to one lucky reader for the performance on Friday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe Street). There are many ways to enter (see below). Good luck! 

Open to Canadian residents only, 19+.

Contest ends Wednesday, December 7 at 12 a.m. Winner will be contacted directly via email and announced on social media.

For more information on The Twelve Days of Christmas, visit tso.ca/concert/twelve-days-christmas.