Toronto Food: The Red Bench

Every once in a while, a concept comes along that makes you think "genius!" The Red Bench is one of those concepts. While heading to brunch at Fire on the East Side a few weeks ago, Chris and I passed The Red Bench. The pretty sign and bright red bench sitting on a stretch of Yonge that isn't exactly known for prettiness (think Money Marts, pawn shops, and strip clubs) caught my eye. The small chalkboard sign that read "made to order custom cookies" solidified our vow to come visit The Red Bench another day.

Well, that day happened on Saturday morning. For $3.80, the friendly staff at The Red Bench will bake you whatever kind of cookies you want, and deliver those still-warm lovelies in little brown bags to your table. You can enjoy with a classic like cold milk, or opt for one of their many choices of loose-leaf tea. We chose hot-chocolate, because honestly, when can you turn down hot chocolate with cookies.

Chris went wonky with his and made a Snickers, oatmeal, cranberry concoction. I opted for organic dark chocolate, walnut, coconut (gluten-free) cookies. 

The cookies were yummy (not as good as I can make...but still very very yummy ;) I loved the decor too - a faux tin ceiling, reclaimed wood bar, Parisian bistro tables, shiny white subway tiles, and cute chalkboards. It felt fresh and clean, just like the concept itself. We'll definitely be back.

Toronto Food: Taqueria

Public service announcement - we found the best new taco place in Toronto. Taqueria. It's on Yonge, just south of Bloor (right after Hayden). Snuggled between the Spring Rolls and McDonalds, the giant green avocado is a beacon of good food. I've walked by it every day on the way to school, and was so so so excited when the empty store-front unveiled itself as a taco place. And not just any taco place - one that specializes in food-truck-ish fancy tacos (like corn fritter tacos, shrimp tacos, tuna tartar tacos, and pulled pork ones too!). You can get crispy or soft tacos, burritos, nacho plates, taco salads, or burrito bowls served on a bed of rice.

We went tonight for a quick dinner, and completely gorged ourselves on the deliciousness. We shared some crispy corn tortilla chips with homemade guacamole and corn salsa. Chris had the pulled beef whole wheat burrito, which looked just like a massive hunk of wonderful food. I had the crispy shrimp tacos, which were light, flavourful (green mango, spicy mayo-ish sauce, red peppers!).

The decor leaves a little to be desired, but I figure that's since it's so new. I was interior-decorating the entire place. I like the industrial vibe they have going though...and any time I can eat delicious tacos while listening to Eminem's "Lose Yourself", I'm happy :)