Paris and the Porch

Dad just got back from spending 3 weeks in Berlin and Paris.

My Dad spends a ton of time outside of Canada, in fact he travels more than some travel bloggers I know.

He said that he tried to bring me back a box of pastries and macarons from Paris but there was a huge lineup at the Patisserie, so by the time he got to the cashier he forgot how to ask for what he wanted in french.

He ended up getting only a baguette that he ate on the way to the airport.

However at the airport he picked me up a giant chocolate bar.

I know isn't Vegan, but it has fruit and nuts in it so it's not really cheating.

After eating almost a pound of chocolate and collapsing on the porch I had to make something to bring me back in focus.

Grilled golden zuchini with portobello and spinach balsamic quinoa.

GIGANTES and Food Festivals.

It's getting easier, the cravings for candy have subsided and I can shut out the smells of summer BBQ without having to drink a beer.

Thankfully our summer walks have exposed me to a multitude of international cuisines here in Toronto and soon it will be food festival season...minus the meat for me.

Taste of the Danforth, Taste of little Italy, China Town festival, Caribana and even the Pedestrian Sundays in kensington have an urban food flavoured theme.

This year i'll have to dig a little deeper for the vegetarian option , but that is precisely what excites me.

I'm preparing for a taste adventure.

Here's a little sampler bowl i've recreated from my tasting trips.

Gigantes with roasted eggplant, red peppers and tomato and grilled Okra Fries