Reading Week, by j

So there has been some reading this week.  Along with some good work.

But let’s be honest.  There has been some slacking.  Here’s what I’ve been doing:

Making these brownies:

They weren’t quite this bright.  But they were pretty tasty.

I watched a documentary on YouTube, “The Most Hated Family In America” about the Westboro Baptist people.  Their insanity is oddly fascinating.  The film maker was interesting, and the kids break your heart.  Apparently it is family belief that we are fast approaching “end times”.  So, the young women and men are discouraged from thinking about love/marriage because they’re all hoping on a spaceship to their home planet (or is that another cult?).  Anyways, it’s pretty sad to see the young women near tears about their inability to do what they truly want because their crackpot of a grandfather thinks the locust are coming.  Makes me grateful for my grandfather.  Who does things like this:

I’m so grateful for my family.

Last weekend we went to visit some very special people.  More importantly we ate together.  And we got to go to The Stone Road Grille.  Or is it call “Rest”.  Confusing.  It also lives in a crappy little strip mall (next to a Subway).  The food, however was amazing.

I had pate.  I’m eating offal like nobody’s business these days.  And it has inspired by mother to try her hand at making mustard.  MUSTARD.

Little A decided not to come because of some silly class project.  So I made sure to have her favourite.  Steak frites.

And then…this:

I don’t generally go for dessert…but my aunt is a good influence on me.  This is sticky toffee pudding.  We decided it was probably just a warm muffin.  BUT it came with ice cream.  Maple BACON ice cream.  Heaven.

After filling up we went for a drive in the big black truck to find a winery.  When we got there I looked down at the directions I had been giving my father.  Right next to the address it said “not open to the public”.  Oops.  But we did stop at an artisan cheese shop.  We left quickly after the retirement facility’s big bus pulled up.  They were not the nicest women to be around in the tiny shop.  However, who could blame them.  I’m guessing that breaking out is not something that happens a lot.  Before we left the parents bought some cheese and I got a picture of a room I’m pretty sure M would like to live in:

Yes, that’s a cheese room.

I have also made a discovery- the game “Settlers of Catan”.  Half Risk, half Monopoly.  It’s as long as a game of Monopoly and as boring as Risk.

I was not good at playing it at all.

Finally, a feminist rant?

Can someone explain this to me?

Pads for women who are size 14+ are 12 for $7.  Pads for regular sized women (size 12 and down?) are 28 for $9.

Can we do the math?  It might makes some uncomfortable to read…but it must be said.  My vagina is not twice as large.  I should not have to spend twice the price.

Ah yes.  Another reminder of where people’s value lies.

And I’m not even going to touch that we have to pay taxes on on this stuff.  Or that it’s called “feminine hygiene”.  STOP GENDERING MY ANATOMY.  THERE IS NOTHING UNHYGIENIC ABOUT MENSTRUATION.

One more thing…read this article if you want to know anything about the reality of Chris Brown and Rhianna getting back together.  Let’s stop blaming Rhianna.  I’m surprised because this is generally what we do to any woman who returns to an abusive partner.

And finally…I’ve seen this video being posted by soooo many people.  I generally don’t hop on the bandwagon.  I didn’t watch it right away.  And then I did check it out.  And it was amazing.

I have a secret dream of becoming a slam poet.  Mom- watch this!  I think you should share this:

Amazing.

And now for funny pope pictures (sorry in advance Grams):

And I’m not even going to touch this Pistorius thing until I can think straight again.  Effing ridiculous.

Can anyone explain to me how he believed an intruder had locked themselves in his bathroom?  In his gated community?  Would you not first check for your sleeping girlfriend who you think is sleeping next to you?

My new(ish) obsession, by a

The air is getting colder, the leaves are turning, and so… it’s time for me to acquire a new tv obsession. Last year, it was CBC’s “Heartland”, with which I had the added bonus of feeling like I was contributing to the advancement of Canadian television. I spent long winter nights running through the series on Netflix while simultaneously picturing my new life as a horse whisperer because it looks so freaking easy.

This year, I have delved even further into obsession and have become fully enthralled in the supernatural clusterf*ck that is ‘The Vampire Diaries”. This is not Canadian television. And I don’t care!

“The Vampire Diaries” takes place in the sleepy town of Mystic Falls, Virginia (not unlike the whimsical Stars Hollow of Gilmore Girls, minus the unrealistic portrayal of teen pregnancy). The hot hangout spot is creatively named “Mystic Grill”, not unlike “The Peach Pit” of Beverly Hills, 90210. I’m beginning to think there is some sort of handbook for teen dramas…

The series revolves around the protagonist, Elena Gilbert, a human girl who falls in love with the new guy that moves into town, Stefan Salvatore. Stefan is a vampire who desperately tries to reject all of the dark and predatory parts that come with being a vampire (think Edward Cullen, but with the ability to socialize and be normal with other people). Season 1 & 2 Stefan is boring and gave me second hand embarrassment; season 3 Stefan is a whole different story (you’re tempted to watch it now, aren’t you? AREN”T YOU!).

 

Damon Salvatore is Stefan’s older brother who follows Stefan back into town and  their childhood home in Mystic Falls- a place neither brother has been in over 15 years. Damon wears leather jackets. He smirks a lot. He drinks human blood and likes it. Damon Salvatore is a badass. The brothers have a crazy, f*cked up relationship that really should be on an episode of Dr.Phil, and it makes for a cray cray situation when they both fall for Elena.

What comes next, you ask? Werewolves, Originals (the first vampires, EVER), vampire-werewolf hybrids, witches, that guy from “Blue Crush”, paternity scandals, good looking people, lots of crying, people dying then coming back to life, unrealistic portrayals of love and relationships, etc, etc. Oh, it’s good.

I watched the first three seasons online in order to be caught up for the recently premiered fourth season, and the drama keeps a-comin’. I highly recommend this show if only to get you into the Halloween spirit this time of year (and no, it’s not just for tweens, cough*M*cough).

Ta ta for now and may your dreams be filled with Damon Salvatore’s tortured gaze..

 

 

 

 

Mish Mash: Summer Edition, by j

Well, hello there.  It has been another self imposed break for myself from blogging (little A it seems has taken a more severe hiatus).

What did you miss?  Not too much.  Just summer.

Some of us have been living it up, enjoying summer to its fullest potential, and others (like me) have been slogging through the southwestern Ontario heat to make the big bucks.

And yet again, we find ourselves at the end of August, looking at the tail end of summer wondering, what in the heck happened to the last two months.  It has been a fairly eventful summer, full of goodbyes/hellos/food/fun/family/work.

This is what you’ve missed from my life:

– Absolutley nothing.  As a student in mid-grad school I was given the opportuntity to work full time (rather than the .5 hour work week I had planned) this summer at the job.  Yea for my tuition bill, not so exciting for my summer.  Working hard 44 hour weeks makes me sleepy.  But that will be the end of my complaining- I have a job, and by Friday, I’ll have my fourth semester’s tuition in hand (Ha-llay-lu!).

Other than than that what have I been up to?

– an awesome weekend in Niagara with my favourite peeps

– an expensive trip to the Toronto Women’s Bookstore (woot!)

– corn shucking

– making killer fresh peach daquiris (any opportunity to get my aunt E drunken is an event that deserves copious amounts of run)

– kid-hanging-out-with-fun (except for the 6 year old who told me he wanted me to leave his house the other day…)

– dreaming about having my own apartment again (sidenote: I am totally appreciative of the gift of free living at my parents’ house…don’t read that as ungrateful…Dad, I’m looking at you)

– helped set up a blog here for a family member who will not be named (as she is not utlizing her wordpress tutorial I gave her).  We want snarky posts!

– book clubbin’ it up (“Best Laid Plans” by Terry Fallis last month…a hit)

– the Australians have descended (or ascended?  as they are on the bottom of the globe?)

– World Prisoner Justice Day in TO (heavy conference, but kind of amazing)

– M has been gone for almost two months!  Seems like yesterday she and FFD were broke down in Wawa.  I’m currently stewing over the fact that I am not leaving for Fort Fab next week with A.  She gets a whole week of vacay in a small northern town where they are mere minutes away from (what I hear) are the best long island ice teas west of Toronto.  Maybe that’s a good thing.  Because I do believes that FFD has only been around me when I have been inebriated.  My goal will be to remain stone cold sober then next time I see him.  The fact that I just wrote that being sober is “a goal” is perhaps a giant red flag that I will ignore.

– did I mention the 44 hour work weeks?

– dreaming of fall.  Yes, and I will not feel bad for it.  A and I had this convo last week.  We will not be silenced, you summer lovers.  We are lovers of fall.  HEAR US!  Don’t try and make us feel badly for loving crisp breezes, sweaters, hot apple cider and closed toe shoes.  We will not wane in our excited anticipation of the next couple of months!  So stop with your cries of “Just enjoy the sunshine, we’ll be in the snow before you know it” and chastizing us for not loving summer enough.  We’ve had just about enough of you.  STOP OPPRESSING US!

– started back at therapy…an expensive, but wonderful choice

Things that have not happened:

– those summer walks (although A and I did get a Saturday night stroll to the SuperStore at 10pm…living it up)

– one final mark from last semester has not popped up yet.  Are we surprised that it’s practicum related?  (Remember they’re kind of a hot mess)

– farmers’ marketing w/ dad, I could not say no to sleeping on Saturday mornings after a year of working at 9am on the weekend.  Although I will say I miss the free breakfast

– Toronto time, seems a waste when my fave Torontonian has left the Big Smoke for big stars up North!

Things to look forward to:

– starting my second internship next week!  Wahoo!  Eight months to go before I am a gen-u-ine MSW!

– fall, obvs.

– starting classes

– seeing my MSW peeps!  Living 1.5 hours away from school has its advantages, but a disadvantage?  Missing my people and our pub.

– high school bestie moving back to Ontario!  12 years is long enough, I command Newfoundland to return my beloved vegetarian!

– Oktoberfest…with bestie back in Ontario, I believe it is a sign that she is moving to the K-W area.

– my own home again.  currently salivating over the idea.  Sorry, dad.  This time around you will be invited more.  And I will make you meat dinners.  Despite the cost of animal protein.

Things that I am currently obsessed with:

– a food blog, “Joy the Baker”.  This only makes me dream of my own kitchen.  Although that’s ridiculous, as I live in a home with the nicest and most beautiful kitchen I’ve ever (and probably will ever) have.  But it’s not mine.

Tomato cobbler with blue cheese biscuits.  This needs to happen.

– Teagan and Sara.  Obvs.

– cider, I’ve decided that Alexander Keith’s is my new fave, sorry Strongbow

– Michele Landsberg’s new book “Writing the Revolution”.  Slogging through, but ultimately fascinating.  In my dreams I imagine that Michele and Stephen Lewis are my family.

– Top Chef.  Sorry dad, that’s where all that bandwidth went this month.  But seriously, I’m obsessed.  Taking a break from the watching.

– My friends.  Currently smashing as much time as I can with all those lovelies before school starts.  Started today off by a lovely visit with this little one and her mama.

–  Adoption. Kind of liking that thought.  For now.

– when her new album will be dropped.  Can’t. Stand. Anticipation.

– we (and by “we” I mean “me”) bought “The Hunger Games” during the late night SuperStore run.  A-mazing.

Harry Potter & First World Problems, by j

La la la la la

Well, it’s over.  The Harry Potter odyssey is done with.  Dragons slayed, goblins pulverized, and horcruxes eliminated.

For the past eight weeks I have been going with a group of friends to watch all the beloved HP films in sequence.  We were taking advantage of the “Harry Potter” passport and we braved the elements. (And when I say “elements” I mean “embarrassment”, tweens and ridiculous fanatics).

Seven weeks were spent getting to know J.K. Rowlings’ lovely little twisted world.  Seriously.  Where did she come up with some of this?

I met a plethora characters and tried to wrap my head around the complexities of the world of wizardry (Hogwarts? Hogmeade?  Who can keep some of this shit straight?).

It was, at times hard believe that one woman created this entire world in her head.  A world that has spawned eight blockbuster movies, toys, a game (Quidditch?  She developed an entire game.), dolls, clothing, and an amusement park (I’m sure I’m missing a ton of stuff).

Did you know that the actor that plays Harry made $25 million in 2010.  In 2010.  That’s not cumulative.  That’s just in 365 days.  And he’s, like 10 years old.

Did we also know that Rowling is (rightly so) richer than the Queen.  Awesome sauce.

And the characters are pretty bad ass, as well.  Hermione?  Literary feminist icon.  Yeah, I said it.

Now, there were some crazy parts.

First, all the killing.  I don’t have a problem with this being children’s literature.  Not at all.  I’m just not a big fan of you killing people and/or creatures to whom I am attached.  I feel as though you are hurting me on purpose.  First you make me love Dobby, then you kill Dobby.  Dobby was not someone/thing that I liked at first.  And then you made him loveable.  And then you killed him.  How DARE you, J.K. Rowling?  How dare you?

(And contrary to popular belief, the deaths of all beloved Harry Potter characters COMBINED do not rival the horrifying moment that Wash was killed in “Serenity”.  Not at all.)

Second, the violence.  You can’t be surprised that I wasn’t a huge fan of the violence.  I was not that interested in all the blood and gore.  No thanks.  Needless to say that I covered my eyes for an equivalent (probably) of at least 90 minutes.

Third, the “Defence Against The Dark Arts” Instructors for the first 6 films/books.  Don’t you think we figured it out by the second or third that the incoming professor was evil?  I totally did.  Puh-leeze.  (Sidenote: Again I know that it is children’s literature.  But still.)

But, all in all the series was crazy…absolutely crazy.

That being said, I had been quite excited about the whole idea of seeing the final film.  I have never read the books (that would be a touch too lame at this point in my life), and I don’t intend to anyway.  But when my Potter obsessed friends put the idea to me, I thought “Why not?”. (Sidenote: I totally forgot that the Monday night movies conflicted with the “The Bachelorette”.  Had I remembered, I might not have gone for it.  Thankfully I did, and this season’s “The Bachelorette” turned out to be a special kind of stupid)

The whole operation of seeing the seven movies were leading up to our group seeing the final and epic movie that is “Harry Potter: The Deathly Hallows Part Two”.  And we did it right, VIP tickets were purchased a few days in advance.  I chose my clothes and shoes correctly (I’ve learned that the AC is usually pumping something fierce).

We arrived at the VIP and got settled in, the squishy seats were amazing, and there was a place to my purse (who else hates holding their purse at the movies?).  And then the movie started.

It was dark, brooding and fantastic.  I was munching and poking my seat mate occasionally, enjoying my HP experience.

And when you think about it…it was pretty major.  What other movies series has eight installments and is not effing lame like “James Bond” (Sidenote: that is a whole other blog post).  I’ll answer you: None.

In short this was an experience that we shelled out the big bucks for just to ensure that this did justice to entire series and journey.  (What do you think I’m overreacting?  Well, I don’t care.  I was looking forward to this).  I mean, part of the reason I spent the last seven weeks going to SilverCity?  We were getting ready for TONIGHT!

Now.  Let me preface what you about read by saying this:  I am well aware that what I experienced tonight was a FWP (First World Problem).  I get it.  There is a horrifying famine and drought happening on the Horn of Africa.  Despite this, I reacted like a First World Ass tonight.  But I don’t care.  Everyone’s entitled.  And the fact that I recognize my insane privilege allows me to be bitchy about this.  Mmmkay?  Alright, continue.

An hour into our epic journey something happened.

The movie stopped.  House lights up.

I believe our reaction was a collective “What the hell?”.

Oh, did I mention that something fanstastic was about to happen?

How do I know?  Well…the picture stopped but the sound did not.

Here’s a recap of what I heard:

Voldemort’s voice:  Let’s begin.

*crazy, amazing, wonderful, scary, fantastical sound effects*

Me: NO! DON’T BEGIN ANYTHING TOM RIDDLE!

20 minutes later a terrified looking VIP staffer shouted that the film would restart.

And then we picked up about 2 minutes before the blackout.

However, my irritation was complete.  During the black out I believe these were things that I said, really loud:

“Well, glad I paid for a VIP ticket”

“This blows”

“You know what would be amazing? If this GD movie started back up again”

“I’m not watching HP8 and I had to see unfortunate side boob” (someone had a wardrobe malfunction…it was unfortunate)

“I better be getting something free out of this”

“I will set this place on fire”

So, long story short, the movie started up again after 20 minutes and I was totally not into it. My excitement had disappeared as quickly as Fred was patronus’d. (Yeah, they killed off Fred.  WTF?).

I was so not into it that when my good friend started shedding tears I almost giggled.

Afterward I got a voucher for a free VIP tickets for a movie.  Whatev.  I kind of wish I had someone to yell at.

Rant over.

Anywhoodles, thanks J.K.  I might not have been a part of the 13 year journey, but I had a kick ass eight weeks.

Roller Derby or How Some Fierce Womyn Roller Skate in Fishnets and Underpants, by j

Last night my friend Alison and I went to the Forest City Roller Derby to watch the Thames Fatales take on the Nickel City Knockouts from Buffalo.  I’ve never been to a roller derby, but a strange fascination began when I saw the film, “Whip It”.  Now the fact that I actually liked a Drew Barrymore film enough to check out the event that inspired it is impressive.  (Sidebar: I loathe Drew Barrymore)

I heard about the roller derby last fall and almost had my dad and uncle convinced to go.  And then we found out that it fell on the same day as a UWO football game.  Goddammit.  So we had to go and sit in the rain and watch football.  I now know that this was the wrong decision.  And I firmly believe that my dad would have had a much better time at the derby.

At first glance the the roller derby can be semi violent…to the uniformed.  What I’ve learned that it’s more aggression, than violence.  And speed (which seemed that most of the injuries happened from the combo of speed, excitement and collisions).  Lots of speed.  However throughout the night it was clear that the derby “girls” from London and Buffalo acted like good friends who were about to hip check each other over and over again.  It was nice.

Couple that with the fact that the evening could be described as a family event.  There were TONS of kids there.  TONS.  When I saw that kids under 10 were free, I thought…maybe I wouldn’t take my 9 year old here…but afterwards I totally would.  The derby players were friendly, spoke with everyone in the stands, took photos with everyone who asked and joked around with the crowd.  The huge crowd (my mathematical eye would say there were well over 500 people there).  At intermission the players threw down dozens of hula hoops and a wave of kids ran on and starting hula hooping for 20 minutes.  Hilarious!

It was an awesome crowd as well.  Lots of folks were very polite and were clearly getting into the game (I’m sure that the next time I as well get into more…it is slightly confusing the first time).  I saw lots of tattoos, horned rimmed glasses and womyn taking charge and having an awesome time.

The roller derby season is pretty long, they began in April and go until October.  However the Thames Fatales won’t be back in London until October 1st (anyone busy?  ‘Cause I sure as heck ain’t gonna be at no football game).  Fantastical time.

I can definitely get why the roller derby is beginning to become more and more popular.  The excitement of the sport, the awesomeness of seeing womyn being celebrated in playing an aggressive sport…but then ending it with good natured hugs, congrats and check ins with their bruised counter parts.

AND it was fantastical to see all different kinds of womyn on the track.  They definitely had some skinny minnies (to go super fast), but they also had some gorgeous thicker womyn skating around the track knocking the skinny women down.  Made my heart smile.

And their names are effing cool…

The Thames Fatales:

Anya Face, Mirambo, Killson, Back Alley Sally, Dollface Massacre, Annie Takers, Jemecide, None Ya Biz, Slacker Smacker, Sufferjet (my fave), Piepshow, Freez’er Burn, and Bad Pitt (their coach!).

(Sidebar: My derby name would be “Jane Ire”)

The players weren’t the only ones with cool names…the refs were awesome too.  Here is my favourite:

Loves.

Had we watched this prior to going there, Alison, we would have had way fewer confused glances.

And here’s a video that I took of our Thames Fatales killing it.

Final score?  Thames Fatales 170, Knockouts 90.

Boo Ya.

The Jammers

You know how you go to events and the paramedics are there and never really needed? They were totally needed here. Many times. Woman down.

The Blockers.

 

Checking the gear...they tug on pads and helmets. I found out that there were very good reasons to do this.

 

The perfect ending to an amazing night, Royal York style, by a

By now you’ve read about the majority of our fun filled evening in Toronto last Friday, with great reviews about the performance and the food. Now it’s my turn, and I’m focusing my attention on our post-ballet destination: The Library Bar at the Royal York Hotel.

First of all, I would like to paint a picture regarding our journey from the ballet to the hotel…

Three sisters walking brusquely down the street…

M: What part of the show did you guys like the best?

A: I loved the last scene of Act I, where Nathalie and Mathieu dance under the Eiffel tower to Claire de Lune.

M: Yeah…(whimsical look) it’s just like that time I had that date when I was in Paris…

A & J: *shifty eyes* sure.

As we got closer to the hotel, we saw that there was a lot of activity going on just outside, consisting of  a lot of people, lights, and camera equipment. Being the smart little nuggets we are, we concluded that there was some sort of movie or t.v show being shot at the hotel that night. Once we entered the building, we saw a lot of people, presumably extras, waiting around and warming up, but we just passed them as we headed in the direction of the Bar. However, as we entered the lobby portion, things got weird…

A: (inside thought) wow, there are a lot of people in here…and that guy over there looks very attractive in a business suit, he seems to be having a very serious discussion with those people over there…and why does the lighting in here look weird…

*voice coming from right in front of us*: And…rolling!

A, J, and M: Freeze like multiple deers in headlights, as we are in fact, right in the midst of a scene for this production that they are apparently shooting in more that one location of the hotel. And I realize that the attractive man in the suit is an actor…duh.

After awkwardly bumping into extras (who I’m pretty sure were laughing at us) while trying not to ruin the entire thing, we approached the concierge and asked, quite confused, if the Library Bar was indeed open, as the movie set stood in front of it like a treacherous obstacle course we had to get through. After being informed that the Bar was open, we had to wait until the director man yelled “Cut!“, and then we leaped across the place like three gazelles and made it before they started rolling again. Mission Accomplished. Now bring on a beverage.

Once inside, we found a table and promptly ordered our drinks, a Singapore Sling for J, Vodka soda for M (who was upset with herself that she didn`t get the expensive vodka after she found out it was my treat. So UNgrateful!!), and a Shirley Temple for moi.

Throughout our wonderful and spirited conversation, we were also serenaded with the likes of the Black Eyed Peas and Coldplay, by a dapper looking guy on the classical guitar. The same one that was there the last time we were at the Royal York, and mom made me go up to him while he was playing and awkwardly hand him a tip. I don`t think he remembered that though. Thankfully.

All in all, it was a great evening, and I couldn`t have asked for better a end, or better company.

Thanks girls!

Dress, Please! by a

So we’re into the thick of awards season, and I’ve been bombarded with images of celebrities in their finest (or not so finest…yeah, I’m looking at you, Angelina, for shame!). Here are a few of my favs from the last month or so…

Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhullier

Leighton Meester in Burberry

Selena Gomez in Irina Shabayeva

Olivia Wilde in Marchesa

Julia Stiles in Monique Lhullier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review: Auberge du Petit Prince, by j

Today, after a few weeks of eating fantastic food at my house (thanks mom!) I ventured out with two of my college besties (minus one other best!) for an amazing dinner.

Right now our city is participating in “Londonlicious” which is, indirectly born from the SARS epidemic.

Many moons ago only a few places in the world were affected by the deadly respitory disease, SARS. One of them was Toronto. To get in good again with the tourists the bright folks of TO decided to start a promotion called “Summerlicious”. Great restaurants would offer a three course menu to folks for a fraction of the cost…needless to say our family hit this hard.

As with most TO ideas, it eventually trickled down to our city, and thus “Londonlicious” was born.

I’ve been to a few of the restaurants over the past couple of years and it is hit and miss. Some restaurants see this as an honest to goodness opportunity to open their doors to a new clientele by giving them a chance to test out the restaurant in the hopes that they will return. Others see it as a cash grab and this is reflected in their fare.

Flashback…January 2010…Tru restaurant…normally a dinner for two can run over $100 (easily). This time? $30 for 3 courses. In a word: crap. We were seated in an area completed isolated from other diners (some form of division between those that pay full price and those who don’t???), and abandoned by the server. The food was…meh. Nothing to write home about. And dessert was horrible…it looked as though it had been prepared the week before in an industrial kitchen in Brantford (reminiscent of my days at Timmy’s).

I was not impress. Tru, you will not be receiving my dollars for your full menu price. We were out the door in just over an hour.

Flashforward: January 2011, Auberge du Petit Prince.

This restaurant is in a fairly odd place in town. It is in the downtown, but the portion of the downtown that is near the methadone clinic. It’s situated in an old house, and when you go inside decorated in a French-Parisienne type theme. And not the type of cheesy theme with the mustachioed French guys and red and white table clothes. It was nice, and I was surprised (this is a good thing). Bonus: they had a few small display cases at the register with jewlery and other baubles. Note to self: my grams would love this place.  The service was awesome and we had a great visit during our 2 1/2 hour meal.  And the kir royale was delicious…

On top of the nice decor (who doesn’t like a nice decor?) the food on the Londonlicious menu was fantastical. I had a great cauliflower soup (even though I am a staunch hater of cauliflower, this soup was very good…could have been the blue cheese and heavy cream that made it awesome, though…). Followed by a seafood crepe. Crepes should be their own food group. You can do breakfast, lunch and dinner with them. I LOVE CREPES.

And finally came dessert. It’s a French restaurant. Take one giant guess what j had. YES! If you guessed “creme brulee” you would be correct. For those of you who don’t know, creme brulee and I go waaay back. I love it and it loves me. I consider myself a connaisseuse of the dish, if you will. Ever since my first experience with it in Montreal during a trip with my mom and papa at the tender age of 18 I have fallen in love with the taste, texture and sound (yes sound) of a GOOD creme brulee. (FYI: to test the sound of the creme brulee hit the top with the back of your spoon. If the sound reaches your ear without you having to bend down or it catches the attention of other diners take notice: YOU HAVE AN AMAZING SOUNDING CREME BRULEE).

I have had creme brulee in a lot of place, if it’s on the menu I’m ordering it. I’m pretty picky about my creme brulee, temperature of custard, thickness of sugar, carmelization and colour all come into play.

The Auberge did not disappoint. It was a thick custard with a thick layer of torched sugar. Not runny at all. Definitely in my top five.  Sound quality was good (but the spoon quality could have been better).

Ch-ch-check it out.

Picture courtesy of Anna!

p.s. Worst creme brulee?  “Fred’s Not Here” in Toronto.  Runny as snot.