Saturday, December 24, 2011

Independent Coffee in Toronto

Following is a map of the cafes I have been to in Toronto (blue marker), and the cafes I want to try (pink marker). Apparently I should have gotten my own Indie Coffee Passport. Most of my photos so far are from R2 Cafe. If there are notable cafes you think I should try out, please add them or comment! Thanks!



View Toronto Independent Cafes in a larger map

Ghazal of R2 Cafe pouring a tulip
Coffee from a cupping at R2 Cafe
 
A shot of espresso being pulled from the Nuova Simonelli International Barista Championship machine at R2 Cafe
French press brewed cup of Social's R2 house blend

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Knife

New thrifted knife, $5. Cuts like a dream.




Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Rain rain rain rain rain

Do we ever get anything else? I thought someone had been showering for the past couple hours since I got home but turns out it's just the rain falling down the drain spouts. It would be hellish to have to ride in this. Thanks to my bosses for giving me a ride home!



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Bell Pepper and Parsley Salad

I have craved and made several variations of this salad in the past few months. It reminds me of a tabouleh despite there being few ingredients in common. I love how fresh it tastes and feels to eat. In the future it might be interesting to add mango to the mix!


There's red and green pepper, flat leaf parsley, shallot, lime juice, and green lentils. In terms of a grain-based additive, some of my variations have included adding couscous or quinoa or both. Tabouleh has burgul in it. Often I get impatient, don't cook the lentils properly and they get mushy, but this time I followed the directions to great effect! The lentils still have a shape by the end of it!

Dry lentils

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Move out

My lonely room on Dufferin after move-out. Only a backpack left.

Oven baked pork chops with caramelised parmesan applesauce



I spent three months wanting to cook something more creative than oatmeal with currants and peanut butter (which is a delicious breakfast), but somehow never found the time. When I moved out of my shared house a few days ago, I was faced with finishing the fridge, including a bag of apples, pork chops, and parmesan cheese rinds, the combination of which screamed awesome at me. The result was oven-baked pork chops with caramelised parmesan applesauce.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Fruits