Back At It

It's been a long time since my last blog post. Too long. I've wanted to write about the fabulous food I've indulged in, but lacked the creative motivation to write. They always say you find inspiration where you least expect it, right? Well, I just returned from the trip I'd been dreading for years... the one to Toronto to bury my Grandpa. But during those heavy but meaningful days, I found my inspiration, so I'm back at it! Death brings intense perspective you could say.

Per usual, when my parents and I travel to Toronto, we try a few hot spots since we're all foodies and need some balance to our trips, which were mostly spent in a nursing home and visiting with extended family. The former being emotionally exhausting, we found solace in the latest delicacy... and a bottle of wine ;)

After my parents picked me up from the airport we headed for a mellow dinner at Fabbrica, an Italian spot my parents frequented on previous Toronto trips located in the Shops at Don Mills. Naturally we nestled up to the bar, ordered a bottle of wine and a few small plates to share.

The food was comforting and full of flavor. We weren't that hungry so we just ordered a few bites, the highlight being the Fregola and sweet corn charred with chili and dill. I love the meatiness of fregola. The char brought the dish together under a thick, spicy blanket and the chilis packed a punch to finish it off. I could have eaten the whole dish myself!

We also split a prosciutto and arugula pizza. Homemade tomato sauce oozed out of each bite and the salty prosciutto paired perfectly with the peppery arugula and silky mozzarella.

Hard to believe, but the highlight of this evening wasn't the food, it was Abby, Fabbrica's fabulous General Manager. Her upbeat positive personality was infectious. She befriended us, danced us through the cocktail menu, showed us their house infused liquors (below) and made some fabulous restaurant recommendations for while we were in Toronto.

She recommended a few other spots for us to try: Burger's Priest for Toronto's best burger, Rock Lobster for Cesar drinks with a lobster tail, Guu for Japanese tapas and a few more, most which we put on  our list (see future posts!).

We found ourselves back at Fabbrica for lunch with cousins on our last day in Toronto. Couldn't get enough!

I'm a huge steak salad fan so had to order it. Loved the use of celery leaves sprinkled in, which added a freshness and tartness. I've also recently become a huge fan of celery leaves (thanks to Osteria Mozza) and now use the stalks to juice and the leaves for a salad!

Fabbrica. Toronto, Canada.