True to my British roots - I do love a good cuppa...I discovered this Leslieville tea shop at the Tea Show at the Reference Library a little while ago. The staff were lovely and welcoming and I ended up sampling teas and purchasing an Edinburgh Breakfast , because really I love anything associated with Edinburgh.
I braved the Polar Vortex last Friday and decided to check out their shop on Queen near Carlaw. It's a wonderfully cozy spot and there is lots of opportunity to sniff out your favourite teas without asking someone to haul down a large tin from the top shelf. Although they are very welcoming and helpful if you have questions. I fell in love with French Blend a mixture of teas with jasmine, lavender and a hint of vanilla - since I am a sucker for teas with rose in them and also an Earl Grey Rooibos because I fall in the camp of Earl Grey lovers - Bergamot can be very polarizing!
I settled in at the front window table and basked in the welcome warmth of sun - the tastefully upholstered chairs are comfy and the staff person or perhaps proprietor assured me that it is now unknown for people to catch 40 winks in that spot. I enjoyed a delicious Matcha Latte with soy and noticed a letter from Buckingham Palace thanking the shop for the Royal Wedding Tea - apparently the owners have a friend in high places which allowed the gift to reach Will and Kate!
They also have treats and a beautiful selection of teapots, cups and accessories. So get some comforting tea and settle in to watch "Coronation Street".
www.majesteas.ca
On Sunday we went on an excursion to Toronto's only vegan Italian Restaurant "Bella Bio" - we had heard good things about this space on Mt Pleasant Road so were eager to check it out. The owners were very warm and gracious as I would expect of Italians - I do love all things Italian and the restaurant also has a number of things to purchase including organic pasta from Italy - so you know it's good - homemade sauces, soups, giardiniera (that's picked vegetables to us mangiacakes) tiramisu and a wide selection of organic and vegan imported Italian products such as an artichoke spread and a variety of seitan - from cutlets to roasts and something called "Muscolo di Grano" yet another type of vegan protein.
We had a tasty and simple kale salad, penne with peas and seitan and a Margherita pizza. I indulged in a perfect cappuccino with soy. Some pasta, giardiniera and artichoke spread came home with us. The business has been in operation 7 months - it would be lovely do have some takeout when the weather finally warms up and take it across the street to the park.
www.bellabio.ca
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