In the really short period of time that I've lived in Brooklin, the local bakery - aptly named Brooklin Bakery - has changed ownership three times. Even though it has been in Brooklin for decades, there was a period of time where I avoided it completely. The last thing that I ever hope to see in a small-town bakery is mass produced baked goods. Thankfully, the provisions and ownership has changed again and I am happy to have visited the bakery more in the past few months than I have in the past few years. Maybe I've visted too much, maybe I should take cue from the free shortbread they gave me this morning. But, without it, I would not have my inspiration for this update for you.
'Tis the season to be invited to way too many potlucks, parties and opportunities at the office for ridiculous amounts of sugar. It is sometimes hard to know what to bring where, again avoiding mass produced items. So, let me tell you about chocolate shortbread. Have you tried it before? I had never even heard of it until today. There it was - small and sweet and drizzled with white, this dark chocolately cookie is simply too decadent to ignore this season. I wish I had taken a photo of it, but I finished it off so quickly that I didn't have time to even think about it.
I've had my fair share of different kinds of cookies and pastries but this one is new to me, you will enjoy it too. You will also bring something 'new' to the table if you are in need of a decadent treat. They are sold for $3.49 per half-dozen. Or, you can opt for the regular Christmas cookies and shortbread, a little smaller in size, priced at $1.99 per half-dozen. Either way, with the price of Walker's Shortbread, I guarantee these cookies are a steal and far more unique. This is not to mention the fresh pies, bread and croissants on offering (the BEST cheese croissants that I've found within kilometers) - the Brooklin Bakery is back and more decadent than ever!
Showing posts with label gourmet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gourmet. Show all posts
Friday, December 10, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Finding Decadence in Durham
I am a foodie, kind of. I live in Durham, Ontario.
If you are reading this blog, I'm sure you are familiar with the little pocket of communities just a little east of the City of Toronto. Close enough to get a little culture but far enough away that it is sometimes hard to find enough of that culture here in the outskirts. Most Durham communities are "bedroom ones", where commuters into the city find themselves in the evenings and on weekends - often missing some of the great cuisine one would find during the weekday lunches and corporate gatherings. This leads to a vast number of foodie sites and restaurant review sites with unanswered forum posts about Durham: "Where do I find great Mexican food in Oshawa?", "I'm moving to Brooklin, are there any great dining spots around there?" If you Google these posts, you'll find the same handful of restaurants mentioned again and again and once you've dined there, where do you dine? I am hoping to fill that void, even just a little. Not only that, I am looking for suggestions - unique ones.
When I say that I am foodie, kind of. I am. I do have to warn you though, I feel there is a great deal to do with being a foodie outside of fine wine and $50 steaks. Don't worry, I will "go there" too but I will explore greasy little joints and grocery store items that bring a little decadence to my life in Durham.
I often find neither as I visit restaurant after restaurant as part of a part-time job I find myself working. None of them are decadent. I will eat, pay the bill, and not return again unless I'm paid to do so - I review to make sure they are presenting themselves the way they should. They offer quantity, value and sometimes high prices - but no decadence and not a lot of "heart". There are too many dining establishments around like this.
What is decadence? I think it has everything to do with quality and luxury. Sometimes the two go hand in hand and sometimes they don't. To me, finding decadence makes life feel luxurious wherever you find it. I can compare it to having recently ate gelato at the Cafe de Paris in Monaco but I can also compare it to driving a half hour for a good, cheap dozen of farm fresh eggs.
So, that is the decadence I'm looking for. Some luxury, some quality, sometimes both - here in Durham. When I find it, I want to share it. I hope you enjoy it!
If you are reading this blog, I'm sure you are familiar with the little pocket of communities just a little east of the City of Toronto. Close enough to get a little culture but far enough away that it is sometimes hard to find enough of that culture here in the outskirts. Most Durham communities are "bedroom ones", where commuters into the city find themselves in the evenings and on weekends - often missing some of the great cuisine one would find during the weekday lunches and corporate gatherings. This leads to a vast number of foodie sites and restaurant review sites with unanswered forum posts about Durham: "Where do I find great Mexican food in Oshawa?", "I'm moving to Brooklin, are there any great dining spots around there?" If you Google these posts, you'll find the same handful of restaurants mentioned again and again and once you've dined there, where do you dine? I am hoping to fill that void, even just a little. Not only that, I am looking for suggestions - unique ones.
When I say that I am foodie, kind of. I am. I do have to warn you though, I feel there is a great deal to do with being a foodie outside of fine wine and $50 steaks. Don't worry, I will "go there" too but I will explore greasy little joints and grocery store items that bring a little decadence to my life in Durham.
I often find neither as I visit restaurant after restaurant as part of a part-time job I find myself working. None of them are decadent. I will eat, pay the bill, and not return again unless I'm paid to do so - I review to make sure they are presenting themselves the way they should. They offer quantity, value and sometimes high prices - but no decadence and not a lot of "heart". There are too many dining establishments around like this.
What is decadence? I think it has everything to do with quality and luxury. Sometimes the two go hand in hand and sometimes they don't. To me, finding decadence makes life feel luxurious wherever you find it. I can compare it to having recently ate gelato at the Cafe de Paris in Monaco but I can also compare it to driving a half hour for a good, cheap dozen of farm fresh eggs.
So, that is the decadence I'm looking for. Some luxury, some quality, sometimes both - here in Durham. When I find it, I want to share it. I hope you enjoy it!
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