It's Del-i-cious!

Princess H made this announcement while eating her pizza with spinach and mushrooms the other night. Two years old and she already has great taste buds!

The pizza was delicious - Benny Tudino's pizza always is. And the company was even better, but I'd be lying if I didn't say it was a sad occasion. It was our last (regular) meal with the Ws. This weekend they will pack their bags and take the family back to Toronto.

After five years of knowing them, the Ws have become family. Mr. W and Mr. Oh were acquainted through work, but our family ties strengthened over the years. We lived in the same building - a mere elevator ride away - for most of these years. And, in the last couple of years, we were there for the birth of their children and got to watch them grow.

I know the move will be great for their growing brood. I also know, there are a multitude of ways to keep in touch and that we'll see each other on our trips into Toronto. But, it doesn't make it any easier knowing that I won't be able to enjoy an evening colouring with Princess H as she gabbers stories to me about Caillou and Dora whenever I want.

Sticking with Tradition

When in Toronto for the Christmas holiday, we joined a group of friends at Terroni for some wine, chatter and food.

Terroni is a Southern Italian restaurant strongly influenced by the food and traditions of the Puglia region (Mr. Oh's ancestral home country). In Toronto, Terroni is somewhat a legend, an example of how having a clear vision and an appreciation for tradition can lead to restaurant success.
There are currently three tavernas in the Toronto region - Queen St. W., the Financial District, and Yonge and St. Clair. It has also forayed into the US food market (rather successfully, some say) with the opening of their Los Angeles restaurant.
This was my first visit to Terroni and it was good - very good. The ingredients were fresh, the food was well made and the service was spot on.
What really drew me to Terroni was its unwavering dedication to tradition. Printed on the menu for all to see (and perhaps to give the waiters some needed ammo for demanding customers), was a notice stating the restaurant would not accommodate additions, deletions or replacements to any of their dishes. The reason? Modifications would alter the essence of the ingredients, thus changing the quality of the dish.

In a society and culture where customization is a given, this was a nice change. And, after enjoying my perfectly dressed salad and the satisfying brick-oven pizza - I wouldn't have had it any other way.

It's Christmas Eve!

I'm back home in Toronto for the Holidays. And, while I've struggled getting into the Christmas spirit this year, I awoke excited and feeling a little more merry and bright.

The overnight snow fall (or storm as some would call it) had blanketed the outdoor landscape, leaving my neighbourhood Christmas-postcard ready. And, the aroma wafting throughout the house was evidence that Mamma was hard at work in her kitchen.

At first sniff, the air was sugar-filled and I became anxious to learn what dessert was being made (cream puffs!). But very quickly the stench of the sea assualted my nostrils and I knew: it's Christmas Eve!!

As is tradition for my family, seafood and fish are on the menu today. I'll be enjoying what I expect to be an overly filling and satisfying meal at the Oh's tonight. Will share pics soon enough!

Merry Christmas Eve to all!