Meet Shanea
From dives to fine dining, street art to private art exhibitions, boutique hotels to grand dames, farmer's markets to gastronomic food halls, join me on my adventures in finding the hottest to the hautest. As a Canadian, I focus mainly on my hometown of Toronto and my second home in Miami, also journeying frequently to New York and Italy, but nothing is off-limits for me. My love for food has led me here, to share all things I savour – and I will continue to search out the best and most impresssive, highlight culinary excellence, with dishes that inspire me and regional specialties, feature art, hotels, and current trends, and offer my experience on where to roam, where to stay and where to dine all over the world.Shanea
January 3, 2017
Harbord Bakery is an institution, one of the few left in Toronto. Shopping here is an experience, it makes you feel like you are a kid again. They make THE best challah in the city!
January 2, 2017
J&J BBQ in Toronto is dishing up some pretty amazing barbecue. Because of them, I might become a convert to this style of cooking, or even an addict! Their meats have light rubs, minimal sauce and lots of wood smoke flavour.
January 2, 2017
What else does a Jew do on Christmas Day when everything else is closed? Go for Chinese food, natch! Tropical Chinese is the real deal. It's authentic Chinese cooking, where everything is hand-crafted from scratch, since 1984.
December 31, 2016
Every dish at Chef Brad Kilgore's Brava in Miami is like a work of art. The menu is unique and authentic with elevated presentations, and the design is elegant with a sophisticated ambiance.
December 29, 2016
We had dinner at the Bird and Bone, under the tutelage of Chef Richard Hales. He is the chef who also helms Blackbrick and Sakarya Kitchen. Hales' interpretation of American cuisine takes it to another level. I prefer this restaurant to Yardbird.
December 27, 2016
Brooklyn's Paulie Gee's has come to Miami. The crust is thin, but not soggy, and nicely charred and tender, just the way I like it. Every month they collaborate with another restaurant to incorporate what they are known for into a pizza.
December 27, 2016
Anet Gesualdi Macarons in Toronto creates artisanal French macarons of the highest order. They are super fresh, with an amazing flavour profile and many unique rotating flavours.
December 26, 2016
People's Eatery in Toronto is fun, trendy and delicious! A great place to come with a few people so you can order lots of dishes. They are doing a bang up job with their diverse eclectic menu by Dustin Gallagher (a former Top Chef contestant).
December 25, 2016
Upland Miami is an offshoot of the New York restaurant with the same name by restauranteur Stephen Starr and his Chef Justin Smillie of Il Buco. At Upland the food showcases Smillie's rustic/comfort food and seasonally influenced fare.
December 24, 2016
Olla in Miami has only been open for two weeks as of writing this review and I think they are doing an excellent job here. The chef is Marcus Samuelsson. He was friendly and very welcoming, and let me tour his pristine kitchen. Boy, it's hot back there.
December 24, 2016
Consider Barnsteiner's in Toronto if you are in the mood for some home cooked food, but you don't feel like cooking. People who are intimidated by trendy restaurants, or menus where they can't find anything that they would dare try, this is your place.
December 23, 2016
With the opening of Nichi's Sweet Confections, people in Bay Harbour, Bal Harbour, Surfside and North Miami can rejoice! There is finally a bakery serving delightful, made-from-scratch baked goods! It's really filled a void in the area (and in my stomach ...).
December 23, 2016
Leña in Toronto is a recent venture by the O&B Group. Located in the new Saks 5th Ave, it's quite striking and sophisticated for a restaurant within a department store. They have many restaurants from Canoe, Auberge de Pommier, Jump, Luma, to the O&B Canteen.
December 22, 2016
Leslieville is a really cute area of Toronto, reminiscent of the West Village in New York. Once a seedy part of town, now interesting restaurants and stores are popping up everywhere. Another new addition to this area is Greta Solomon's.
December 21, 2016
At Nadege Patisserie all the pastry are like little jewels, beautifully crafted and showcased edible art. Toronto you will fall in love.
December 21, 2016
Daits Bar is a new, truly unique food experience in Toronto. The dates are not only attractive looking, but feature a dynamic variety of notable flavour combinations. Treat yourself or someone special.
December 20, 2016
Chabrol Restaurant in Toronto really feels like you are in a small Parisian bistro or wine bar. I am so happy to have the addition of this new place in the Yorkville area. They are packing them in and reservations are hard to come by, so book early.
December 20, 2016
The first cold day in Toronto I immediately ran to Kinton Ramen on 396 Church Street. They have about 5-6 locations throughout Toronto and are part of the Guu and Kinka Family of restaurants. My favourite place is Ja Bistro.
December 20, 2016
Ja Bistro in Toronto has good dishes with a modern twist, served up in a beautiful but simple unpretentious manner. The fish is fresh and of high quality.
December 19, 2016
Toronto's Noorden is the perfect spot for a light snack and drinks, or a full on dinner. The pop up will be closing when their lease comes up in mid 2018, but maybe we can convince them to move to another location.
December 17, 2016
Located close to the Miracle Mile, "Oh My Gosh", is the perfect name for this Miami sweet shop because that is what you say when you will bite into your first brigadeiro.
December 13, 2016
I think people visit Mina's Mediterraneo because the staff is friendly, the garden is pretty and on Saturday's they have live entertainment. It is cheap and cheerful, but I also need great food to return ...
December 12, 2016
Now Miami doesn't have to wait for its annual art week. The Faena Forum will host a wide range of happenings throughout the year within the absolutely dazzling 21-century cultural center.
December 7, 2016
Le Coq Rico New York's poultry taste better than your average birds. They might just serve one of the best roast chickens this side of Paris.
December 6, 2016
For me "Dôa" means, "dead on arrival". Cool place, but you've got to upgrade the food and service. I am too old for this and was very disillusioned.
