Meet Shanea
I may not be a professional writer, but I consider myself a professional eater ... on the recommendation of friends and family I've started this blog. I love to eat, read about food, travel, shop, take in the arts, and explore new places. Focusing mostly on Toronto, my home base, Miami, my second home and New York and Italy where I travel to the most, while also featuring other places I'm fortunate enough to visit, I'll share with you my most savoury tidbits along the way. I hope you can take something away with you, a restaurant to try, fantastic shopping experience, great hotel to stay in or something to do next time you visit a new locale.Happy Dining,
Shanea
Shanea Rakowski
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Out and About ...
September 23, 2018
Toronto's Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto offers a culinary expression of art, with meticulous preparation and beautiful presentations. From artistically carved vegetables, to the finest uni and freshest and best quality sashimi, it's an evening of very fine and precious cuisine.
September 12, 2018
Momofuku Kōjin in Toronto is a new frontier for David Chang of Momofuku fame. He has given Chef Paula free reign to showcase her cooking skills, which are innovative and extremely satisfying.
September 10, 2018
At Obra Kitchen Table in Miami my meal was a gastronomic feast, that was creative, ambitious, innovative and yet unpretentious, approachable and casual. Considering the pedigree of the chef, the food was moderately priced.
September 8, 2018
At Wynona in Toronto, the experience was more than pleasant and relaxed, with good food at moderate prices, in a casual atmosphere.
September 3, 2018
Not all my reviews are about the latest hotspot. Occasionally I like to write about a tried and true winner. One such place is the Spotted Pig in New York’s West Village. It just may be New York’s most famous gastropub.
September 1, 2018
Olmsted offers sophisticated food at moderate prices. It really is worth the trip to Brooklyn for creative small plates, that are refreshing, whimsical and ambitious.
August 29, 2018
Alo Bar Yorkville stands out from a pack of other new places, pushing out exciting food that will likely keep the restaurant popular for a long time. I really enjoyed the culinary and hospitality philosophy there. I predict this will be one of the hottest tables in town.
August 16, 2018
Voted one of the best new restaurants in America for 2018, Frenchette in NYC's Tribeca neighborhood, showcases its talent by bringing back some nostalgic comfort as well as a mix of modern French cuisine.
August 8, 2018
Gennaro Amitrano Restaurant in Capri is an elegant, intimate restaurant with professional service, sound pacing, and each dish a visual joy. Is this Capri? A resounding YES!
August 8, 2018
Mirabelle in Rome combines a great view with refined gastronomy. You know you are in excellent hands and are in for a special lunch or dinner.
August 6, 2018
Armando Al Pantheon in Rome sesrves simple, classic Roman food, using fresh ingredients, that are capably prepared. This is food you can eat every day. Recommend.
August 2, 2018
If you are looking for something a little different to do this summer I suggest a 45-minute drive from Toronto to Milton Ontario, to see Terre Bleu Lavender Farm, Ontario’s largest lavender farm.
July 17, 2018
Fuwa Fuwa in Toronto is whipping up some airy, jiggly, delicate and tasty delights. The pancake is also not too sweet and relies on the toppings to give the perfect balance.
July 14, 2018
I say be adventurous, and you will be treated to a super cool, bohemian, urban vibe. Pinky’s Ca Phe in Toronto is a hidden treasure that serves exciting food with unique, bold, healthy, and distinctive flavours.
July 12, 2018
At Giulietta Restaurant in Toronto everything on the menu sounds enticing, and every dish that passed by me looked like exceptional regional specialties.
July 10, 2018
Godspeed Brewery is a cool place to meet friends for a beer where the food is surprisingly good, with a small menu of about twelve items. Well done, and Godspeed!
June 22, 2018
All in all, Paris Paris in Toronto is an inviting vibe, with an original, innovative menu. It is a welcome refuge, to get together with friends or loved ones, over a glass or two of wine, and a few bites.
June 20, 2018
I found a place that serves monster size desserts for the serious sweet tooth. Hollywood Cone at 1167 Queen Street West in Toronto, is dishing out some extravaganza creations that are definitely Instagram worthy.
June 18, 2018
The menu at IL Covo Restaurant in Toronto is more on the rustic side, with robust flavors. You will find tasty and creative dishes, that are reasonably priced.
June 16, 2018
The experience is fun at Pa’La Restaurant in Phoenix, AZ, and although the menu is minimal, everything is healthy and of the highest quality.
June 14, 2018
In Phoenix's captivating Desert Botanical Gardens is Gertrude’s restaurant, situated in an oasis-like garden setting and known for its seasonally inspired cooking.
June 12, 2018
Every drink is designed to thrill the senses. From the unique glassware, fire, smoke, infused ingredients, flavoured ice, magic and whimsy. The bar snacks offered are also creative. No wonder, Grant Achatz of the three-star Michelin restaurant in Chicago is behind this project.
June 12, 2018
We booked a tour through 360 Adventures in Arizona. What an amazing way to experience one of the world’s greatest wonders. We got a dizzying display of nature’s grandeur, with incredible views from sky, land and water.
June 1, 2018
If you value attentive, smart service in a sophisticated setting with playful and tasty food, I think you will enjoy Akira Back in Toronto.
May 30, 2018
At Emily in New York the tough decision is agonizing over what to order, the fabulous burger or the sumptuous pizza. I say order one of each and split them.
