Monday’s Munchies: Food in Barbados

We forgot to take pictures of everything we ate, but here is a look into some of the yummy things we did capture. Barbados is known for its scrumptious fish! We ate fish almost everyday and loved it – so fresh and tasty.

Breakfast at Pearson

Dinner at The Carriage House – Dorada Fillet with baked potato and salad

Flying Fish with macaroni pie at Cutters Deli – a short walk from the resort

Fish with rice & peas, salad and fried plantain

Fish with salad, potato and yams

Pina Colada for him. Guava for me. The best juice I’ve ever had. EVER.

This was a local fast food chain. It was quite similar to KFC. We had potato and curry roti – it was pretty good, but not the greatest.

Pasta at a restaurant in the resort, D’Onofrios Trattoria. Nouman didn’t like this much

I ordered pizza. It was average

Enjoying a grilled cheese samwich on our balcony

Flying fish with rice & peas, salad, macaroni pie and coleslaw. This was at Oistens – it’s a street party that happens every Friday

Blue Marlin with the same sides as above. This was by far our favourite type of fish – it tastes like chicken, so Nouman loved it!

Getting coconut water on our resort

He got pineapple flavour and I got strawberry. Notice the tan? OH YEAH!

Treats after a long day at the beach. This was from a cute cafe on our resort

Room service and grilled cheese samwiches. Nouman couldn’t have more than 2 fish balls.. so naturally, I ate them all. He had juice and I had coke. Ofcourse.

We went back to Cutters Deli for our last breakfast. Eggs Benny for him

Yummy Breakfast Burrito. All mine.

Sorry if you’re fasting! It’s Monday’s Munchies, what did you expect? 🙂

Monday’s Munchies: Volcano Lava Cake

A quick update on life before I get started on Monday’s Munchies – Alhamdulilah, I am feeling much better today. I had a mini breakdown for the last 2 weeks but once I cried everything out, I felt much better. I’m still not sure why everything was getting to me so much… but yes, I feel less stressed and am hoping to stay calm!

Onto Monday’s Munchies…

I bought a yummy chocolate tea last week in the hopes that I will eat less chocolate. The good news is that my chocolate craving has decreased, but the bad news is that my face is breaking out. I’ll be blogging about the tea soon, so hang in there for the review. Anyway…

I was talking to my mom about chocolate a few days ago and had to share a picture of a chocolatey treat that my parents love.

My mom is an absolute chocolate addict. She loves chocolate in all forms and my dad always gets her chocolatey treats when they go out (I know, so cute – MashAllah!). A few years ago, during an evening stroll (my parents love taking walks), my parents discovered a place that sells a treat called the “Volcano Lava Cake.” Basically, the Volcano Lava Cake is a chocolate cake, oozing with a warm fudge ganache and topped with a handful of pecans. Ever since my parents discovered this mouth-watering dessert, they have made it their go-to place when my mom craves chocolate. My dad recently took my mom there as a lead-up to their anniversary celebrations 🙂

Unfortunately, this place isn’t in Toronto.

We added 2 scoops of icecream... because cake and icecream is so awesome together.

Anyone have suggestions on where I can find something as scrumptious in the GTA?

Pakistan Fashion Week 3: Day 3

I had a bad day yesterday – I ended up crying out of frustration and disappointment in myself. Remember how I always emphasize on paying very close attention to your contracts, reading and re-reading everything and making sure everything makes sense? Well, I screwed up. The one contract that I didn’t read properly is biting me in the bum. I signed this contract one day before I left for Pakistan (and on Eid), so I didn’t pay attention to everything. Now, I’ve realized that I’ll be paying my entire balance before my wedding – for services that I’ll be receiving ON the day of the wedding. While it may not be a big deal to some people, I would’ve preferred to keep a small balance for the last day of the wedding – which gives me some leverage incase something goes wrong.

I didn’t read the contract, so it’s my own fault. But the reaction of the vendor totally surprised and annoyed me. A classic situation of “it’s not what he said, it’s how he said it.”

Blah.

I still do trust my vendor and they totally understand my vision – so I’m hoping for the best InshAllah.

Anyway… back to Pakistan Fashion Week!

Wardah Saleem via Rewaj
I like the vibrant colours!

Rizwanullah via Rewaj

Baani D via Rewaj

Shamaeel Ansari via Fashion Central

Nomi Ansari via Fashion Central

Nomi Ansari via Fashion Central

In terms of fashion week, I definitely like Day 3 the best – there was alot more variety in style and cuts. However, I can’t help but be biased towards bridal fashion – I love collections with bridal wear. But hey, there’s Bridal Fashion Week for that 🙂

Monday’s Munchies: Macarons At Petit Thuet

First of all, I’d like to thank all of you for entering the Birthday Giveaway!! Many of you entered via email, but unfortunately, I did not include those in picking the winner. The winner is Anisa Tayab – I’ll be contacting you tonight!! 🙂

And now, it’s time for a yummy munchie!

The first time I had a macaron was almost three years ago at the Distillery District. I had always thought that macaroon and macaron was the same thing – but it’s SO not! In North America, macaroons are generally made from coconuts. On the other hand, macarons are a confectionery with a filling sandwiched between two  meringue “cookies.” I have always loved macaroons but had been excited to try macarons as soon as I laid eyes on some a few years ago.

Petit Thuet is a little place close to my work – which makes it easy for me to slip in and try their yummy flavours. Here’s what I think:

• Size: Most of the macarons are a pretty good size compared to other bakeries
• Variety: On most days, Petit Thuet carries a wide variety of flavours – Hazelnut, Chocolate Coconut, Lemon, Rosewater, Pistachio, Cookies & Cream, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Ganache (I think!), Mango… you get the picture!
• Meringue Cookies: I really like the “cookies” – they are light, airy and not too sweet. I also like that they aren’t too chewy; I’ve had macarons where the cookie is so chewy that it feels like glue! Yuck.
• Overall Flavour: Yummmmm! Most of the flavours are great – not too sweet. The one flavour that I don’t like is the chocolate ganache
• Price: Average – around $2/macaron
• My Favouritest: Hazelnut and Pistachio
• Hoping to Try: Rose water

Macaron Day!

Hazelnut, Pistachio and Chocolate Ganache

Top Row (Left to Right): Salted Caramel and Hazelnut
Bottom Row Left to Right): Cookies & Cream and Coconut

Chocolate

Yes, I take pictures of things I've bitten into

Hazelnut

I’d love to know if you have a go-to Macaron place in the city!

Monday’s Munchies: Fran’s Restaurant

I hope you all had a great weekend – mine was so hectic (I seem to say that alot lately!). I went out for dinner with 2 girlies on Friday; the Mister and I went for a day-long workshop on Saturday and then to meet our decorator; the older sister and I went to 3 different malls looking for dresses and other random things on Sunday. I also tried on my shaadi and valima outfits!

Anyway…

Breakfast is my most favourite meal – I can have breakfast food all day. My family loves going for Sunday brunch 🙂 I can’t wait until the Mister and I start checking out breakfast places in his area. Ever since I’ve had this stupid fever, all I’ve been craving is breakfast food – too bad I don’t have an appetite to eat though!

Last year, I went to Fran’s Restaurant for the first time ever – unbelievable, I know. Here are my thoughts:

• Variety: They offer a huge menu which I love. Pancakes, Waffles, Eggs, Salad, Soup, Burgers, Pasta’s, etc. I also love that this is one of the few places that offer veggie sausages!
• Service: On the slow side but in general, pretty good
• Food: The homefries were dry but the omelette was okay. Overall, the taste was nothing spectacular… especially not the dry homefries.
• Price: Average-ish – I’ll have to try something else to see if the price is comparable to the taste.

Next time, I’m going to try the pancakes – I’ve heard they are really yummy!

Desi Wedding Shows: Suhaag and Kismet

I went to my last wedding show this past weekend – after 2 years, this was the final one! WOOT WOOT! It’s actually a little sad but I’m definitely more excited that the wedding planning is almost over.

Before I started planning my wedding, I had no idea what happens at wedding shows nor that there are wedding shows specifically for South Asian brides. Naturally, I was shocked when I found out that the GTA hosts not one but two desi wedding shows – how awesome is that? 🙂

Suhaag and Kismet are the 2 largest South Asian wedding shows in the GTA. The turnout at both of these events is HUGE – we’re talking close to 200 vendors and a few thousand “guests” throughout the day. Pretty impressive!

Both of the shows happens twice every year – once in the winter and once in the fall. I think wedding shows are a great way to meet different vendors and get a taste of their work and personalities. I totally recommend that brides should go to wedding shows – the amount of information (and deals) available at these shows is amazing. If you organize your thoughts before the shows, you will come away with lots of useable information.

Top Reasons For You To Attend

• Information Overload: The best way to meet a variety of vendors at one location – this means you save time. You don’t need an appointment to get a feel for someones work… you can walk up to their booth and skim through their work! You can also check out the latest wedding trends whether it’s dresses or decor
• Great Deals: Many vendors offer a discount if you book them during the shows – who wouldn’t want to save 10% off a certain service? 🙂
• Inspiration: There is a little something for every type of bride and the wedding shows are a great way to get inspired. So many different displays, so many people with different backgrounds – you’ll be full of ideas!
• Prizes: Let’s be honest, everybody loves to get free stuff, right? Wedding shows offer loads of gifts and prizes – you might be the lucky winner! 🙂
• Have Fun: You’re getting married – how can you NOT go to atleast one wedding show? 🙂 It’s all part of the experience and you need to have fun while you’re planning!

While both of the shows are great, I think I like Kismet slightly more than Suhaag. The reason? Simply because I find Kismet to be more interactive – you can get makeup demo’s, henna on your hands, pictures taken at Photographers booths, and my favourite; you get to taste some cake (also at Suhaag)!

All the below pictures are from the wedding shows

Bite Bar

Big Al Studios - Our Photographer! Their booth was set up in Valentines Day theme

I got a demo done by them - pictures coming soon 🙂

That's me - completely shocked at winning something at Suhaag last year.. because I NEVER win. Not even at Bingo. Sorry the picture quality sucks - it's a camera phone

The vase got knocked off and broke... right at the end of the Kismet show

p.s. One more day until FRIDAY!! 🙂

Desi Wedding Clothes in Toronto: Naz Fashion Bug

I was going to write a review about 2 wedding shows that I recently went to but I couldn’t wait to share the below images with you guys! A couple of you have asked me to suggest places around the GTA that carry a wide range of desi bridal clothes – so this one is for you guys! 🙂

One of my favouritest places to shop around Toronto is Naz Fashion Bug (you might remember my previous Friday’s Feature about her). Naz Fashion Bug is owned by Nazish Khan – a very sweet and genuine person – and her collection is ah-mazing. We recently bought 3 outfits from her and I love how unique and intricate her work is. Every piece she has is extremely different to anything else available in the GTA – alot of desi stores are still stuck in the 90’s! Seriously, what is up with that?!

Everytime I have visited Naz Fashion Bug’s studio, I can’t help but want everything… I felt like I was back in Pakistan doing my bridal shopping. Her work is delicate and not gaudy – something that is seriously lacking in Toronto; you either find ultra boring or ultra gaudy. I also love her choice of colour combinations.

To top off everything, Naz is such a nice person to work with. The first time we went, we told her which colours we were looking for and she made sure to order outfits in that colour – how sweet is that? 🙂

Brides: Naz does take custom-orders so you can talk to her and see if she can make your dream dress! She also has matching clutches that you can purchase with outfits. If you’re wondering – yes, she also has grooms sherwani and pagri’s

Naz showcased her latest collection at the Kismet Wedding Show on February 12, 2012. I have one word to describe the entire runway show by her: breathtaking! She was inspired to give her collection a Sufi touch and hence her models wore Turkish hats on the ramp. The clothes, the jewellery, the hair/makeup and the entire ambiance she created on the runway truly captivated the entire audience.

Enough of my blabbering – check out the pictures below 🙂

I've seen this outfit displayed and it's even more gorgeous on the runway than the mannequin

Mumma and I both fell in love with this outfit when we saw it earlier this month

She's looking at me... I should've waved. I do that to random people sometimes.

The show stopper - my friend tried this outfit on back in Dec!

Final walk

Don’t you just LOVE? 🙂

p.s. Happy Valentines Day!! Please don’t go overboard with presents – chocolates and flowers are the best way to go 🙂

*All the above pictures are owned by me*

Monday’s Munchies: Monk’s Blend From Teaopia

I’m not much of a tea drinker so this post is probably coming as much of a surprise to you as me. The only type of tea I drink is green tea – and not the fancy kind… I drink the stuff by Tetley and Lipton. So as you can imagine, I was surprised when I had a random urge to try flavoured teas – what an odd craving!

Since I know nothing about tea, I wasn’t sure where to start – what kind of tea would I like? What the heck am I supposed to say to the “tea experts” if I walk into a store? Yeah, a little intimidating!

Anyway, I was walking around the mall on Saturday and I passed by Teaopia. I decided to go in and just look around – secretly hoping someone would help me. I walked up to the counter where they keep all their specialty teas and was greeted by an extremely friendly “tea expert.” I’m pretty open/honest so I told him straight off the bat that I know absolutely nothing about tea and that the only type of tea I drink is green tea. I told him I was also open to black tea as I do like the flavour of it without milk.

From then on, he narrowed down my likes/dislikes based on what I wanted and what I smelt. I really wanted something with pomegranate but the green tea that had bits of pomegranate was almost finished… so we went with Monk’s Blend: Ceylon Black Tea, Vanilla & Grenadine.

I love the smell of this tea! Both of the sisters think it smells like medicine but NO it doesn’t – I like the sweetness of the grenadine and the subtleness of the vanilla. I’m not a fan of the ultra sweet smell of vanilla, so I liked that the this blend has just the right amount of sweetness.

As my first loose leaf tea, I think it was a good choice 🙂 I didn’t have to add sugar or honey so yeay! It has just the right amount of sweetness and pick-me-up goodness.

I can’t wait to try more teas from Teaopia!! I totally want to try something with chocolate and/or almond pieces next – in addition to something slightly more fruity.

• Caramelissimo: I had a smell of this at the store and it smelt divine! It has pieces of caramel and hard biscuit!
• Coco Caramel: Rooibos tea, chocolate flakes and caramel pieces
• Mudslide: Rooibos tea, banana bits, cocoa peel, walnuts, chocolate drops and coconut – I think this is at the top of my list
• Sangria: Apple pieces, hibiscus, grapes, orange peel, papaya pieces, pineapple pieces, mango pieces, strawberry slices, lemon peel and lemongrass

The blue is from blue corn flower petals

Into the tea strainer we go

Orion's Belt... haha. Get it? Men In Black? Nevermind

Are you a tea drinker? I’d love to hear your recommendations on what I should try next! 🙂

Monday’s Munchies: Chocolatey Goodness

I had a pretty crappy weekend so naturally all I’ve been doing is indulging in bad food. Actually, I didn’t indulge that much – I only had a few cookies/crackers, 1/2 a bar of chocolate, and some Hello Panda. I’ve been craving a good chocolate cake this entire weekend so this post is to satisfy my craving.

A slice of Larocca's Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

Yummy chocolate cake with vanilla icecream

Peanut butter goodness

Haagen Dazs Cafe

Haagen Dazs

Here’s to a better day…

Monday’s Munchies: A Review of Chipotle

Hope everyone had a good weekend!Mine was good – it wasn’t too busy except for Friday (besties wedding)

For today’s munchy, I’m blogging about Mexican food – yum, yum yum! I’m going to be completely honest here: I have no idea what real authentic Mexican food tastes like – I would SO love to go to Mexico and try their food (hint hint Nouman). The closest I’ve gotten to Mexican food are places like Burrito Boys… okay, and I’ve been to Chimichanga’s.

Chipotle is close to my office and I’m kind of addicted to it. It is SO delicious!

My Order
Veggie Burrito Bowl

Whats In My Bowl
Cilantro-lime rice, fajita vegetables (green peppers and onions), black beans, guacamole, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili corn salsa, tomato green chili salsa, and topped off with lettuce

My Thoughts

• Customizing: I love that customers can customize their food according to their preferences.
• Ease of Ordering: Ordering on-location is straight forward but if you’re ordering lunch at work, you can place your order online or through fax – it is so easy! Group orders are extremely easy to use for large parties. Oh, and there is even an iPhone Ordering app!
• Price: Definitely on the pricier side for fast-food, but it is SO good. If you add nothing to your order, you’re looking at around $9.50 after taxes – add guac or a combo and the price goes up (duh)
• Portion: HUGE
• Flavour: Yum, yum, yum! I’m not a fan of avocado but I really really really love the guac that they have. It is so flavourful that I actually crave it sometimes. I also really like the cilantro-lime rice – they both add just the right amount of flavour without being overpowering.

Weight-Watchers/Carb Counters/Health Conscious Eaters
I definitely appreciate that we are able to customize our meals according to what we want. If you want to eat healthy, you can always ask for brown rice instead of white or ask them for 1/2 the rice and extra lettuce/veggies/beans/whatever else you want!

Vegetarians/Halal-Eaters
According to their website, the rennet in the cheese is from a vegetable source so go ahead and eat that! Their pinto beans, however, are cooked with bacon so opt for their black beans.

They put my name on it... how nice :p

You'd think it was mainly lettuce until you mix the bowl

Brown rice

Avec white rice

All done!

I’d love to know what you think of Chipotle if you have tried/whenever you do try it 🙂

 

*Edited: Please note that, to my knowledge, none of the meat items are Halal*