Muskoka kid

Joanne Kates gave Claudio Aprile's new restaurant Colborne Lane a great review today. Anyone tried it out yet? Anything in particular to try?

You could always try Niagara Street Cafe. They have a great wine list, as well as a few hidden gems behind the bar. I think Chiado is open on Sundays and it is an amazing Portugese restaurant with fish as the speciality. If you are free during the day you could always try brunch at Thuet's or Xacutti. Toronto dining is limited on Sundays as you have commented that most of the bigger name restaurants are closed, but it could be an opportunity to try some of the lesser know establishements that are putting out some great food. Sarah B, totally agree, never had a bad meal at Batifole!

I was at the Cheese Boutique two weeks ago and they had a large variety of capers. Didn't check to see what kinds, but I'm sure they would be able to let you know! Hope this helps your hunt.

A couple of years ago I went to Dish cooking studio as a birthday treat (pre Food Network days). It was a great evening, everyone helped to create the menu. I think we prepared a rack of lamb, a risotto and a lemon curd, so it wasn't the most challenging menu, but it was fun and the chefs are there to assist with all aspects. The level of participation is voluntary and you can definitely kick back with a glass of wine and watch.

Just got back and found some great out of the way places around the island. In Marigot Bay (across from Rainforest) is Mygo Restaurant. Great west indy flavour and beautiful view of the bay. Rodney's Bay can be very touristy, so if you are game for a drive head toward Vieux Fort and stop at Auntie Debbie's. Open air restaurant with Christmas lights, but great fish and a sampling of local cuisine. Skip Jalousie's expensive $18 hot dog and go down the road to MangoTree (Stonefield Estates) best view in all the island (between the Pitons) and great fresh fish and a good wine list. Go for a walk around the hotel after, each villa has their own pool! Just a word to the wise, if you end up in Soufriere and go to the Hummingbird, be prepared to wait. Two hours between appetizers and mains!

I went to Domus in Ottawa over the holiday as well as jenc. Really great wine list, including some good finds like Charles Baker Riesling which paired so nicely with their smoked trout. I would definitely recommend lunch there.

I would recommend Rosewater Supper Club. They have a couple of private rooms that hold your party size. They would be able to accomodate the allergy in your group, as they do it on a nightly basis. Let us know what you choose!

There is a response to James Chatto's blog today about Michael Schmidt. Hope this reaches people who are interested in supporting his cause, since Chowhound wouldn't cooperate.

A couple of weeks ago, Amy Pataki reviewed Coppi's truffle menu and it wasn't good. (sorry can't find the link at the Star) She actually preferred the menu without the truffles. Guess it's a good thing they were confiscated.

A bottle of wine is always greatly appreciated. Even if you don't know your bosses well enough to know their tastes or even if they drink, around the holidays a bottle of wine will be enjoyed. You can get some great bottles for $25 and by giving them a gift that is relatively the same, no preferential treatment or comparison can be made. I agree with Kerry Beal and Milagai, I love getting homemade gifts because I don't have the time or patience to create what I have been given, too bad that some people can't appreciate it! Their loss.

How about Chiado? It always rates in the top ten by Toronto Life. I have always enjoyed the fish, especially the sardines.

Spoke to someone who works there last night before I posted to confirm if it was true. They were there!

Although I live in Ontario, I complete my collection of Le Creuset at Home Sense. I was at Ashley's yesterday buying a shower gift and paid twice what I did at Home Sense. If you see the white Le Creuset, stock up as the staff at Ashely's told me they have discontinued it. By the way they have launched the most beautiful colours this year from turquoise and chocolate brown.

In Toronto, Far Coast Coffee just launched. It is a subsidiary of Coca-Cola and the first test market. It is a fully automated machine that uses the pod system. It goes further than Illy or Starbucks as the pods are sealed and not exposed to oxidiation. Coffee is good and seems to be a recent trend in restaurants to offer a consistent product.

Were talking $300 Canadian a week to work a 12 hour shift!!!