Our Spin on the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe - BBQ Feta Pasta!

Tiger King, sourdough bread, TikTok dances and baked feta pasta. Just to name a few.

As we celebrate a year since the global pandemic began, it's hard not to look back and see what transpired over the past 365(ish) days. Including those things that went viral. 

I will admit, we binged Tiger King as fast as we could. We got a quarantine puppy. And most recently, we made the baked feta pasta recipe.

But, due to a lack of oven in our house we were forced to put our own spin on it.

So without further ado, I give to you... BBQ Feta Pasta.

A lack of oven has really forced us to get creative with what we make. And with the global pandemic and stay at home orders, we've had nothing but time to perfect our BBQ skills. Homemade pizza, Thanksgiving dinner roast, mac n' cheese, banana bread... just a few of the things that we have successfully cooked on the grill. And now, we can officially say we've 'been there, tried that' with the baked feta pasta recipe that went viral on social media. 

And we also now know just WHY it went viral on social media. It's easy to make with minimal ingredients and cooking time. A true one pot meal that your kids will LOVE. Oh ya, and it's freakin' delicious. Check out how we did it on the BBQ below.

BBQ Feta Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes
• large chunk of feta cheese
• 5 whole gloves garlic, smashed
• olive oil
• salt and pepper
• dried italian seasoning
• fresh basil, thinly chopped
• pasta of your choice, cooked to al dente and drained

Directions:

1. Turn up the BBQ burners to high.
2. In a BBQ safe baking dish (we used a Pyrex), add cherry tomatoes. Toss in olive oil.
3. Add feta cheese to the centre of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil, add smashed garlic cloves and salt, pepper and dried italian seasoning (amount to your liking).
4. Once the BBQ reaches approximately 450F, turn down the centre to low. 
5. Place the baking dish in the middle of the grill and close the lid.
6. Allow to cook, checking every 10 minutes. 
7. While tomatoes and cheese are cooking, thinly slice the basil.
8. Cook the pasta to al dente.
9. At approximately 30 minutes, turn off the BBQ. Mix the tomatoes and cheese. Add the pasta and mix until combined. Sprinkle with fresh basil.
10. Enjoy!

>> For more details on how we made this recipe on the BBQ, hop over to my Instagram and check out this Reel. 

Tell me - what quarantine trends were your favourite? What were your least favourite? Have you tried the baked feta pasta?

PIN IT

How We’re Helping the Environment this School Year

There are many things that you can do to help reduce your environmental impact during the school year, and beyond. Today we’re sharing 5 ways that we’re helping the environment this school year, including an exciting new partnership between Babybel and TerraCycle!

How We’re Helping the Environment this School Year

Getting Outdoors

The first step is creating children that care for the environment is getting outside and connecting them with nature. If they have a connection with the environment, then they are more likely to care for it. Whether it is a hike on a local trail, a trip to the beach or even a picnic in your local green space, getting outside will help to solidify that connection and, overall, help to protect the environment. Remember, this doesn’t need to stop when the school year ends - it’s important to get outside all times of there year. Especially as there are proven physical and mental health benefits to getting outdoors as well. 

Pack Litter-less Lunches

On average, a school-age child with a disposable lunch generates about 30 kg of waste per school year. That’s more than my kindergartener weighs! It also means that if there are 25 students in a class, they are producing 737 kg of waste each year. And that number only gets bigger as you look at the rest of the school, and beyond. 

By taking a litter-less lunch, you produce 89 per cent less waste. Not to mention, litter-less lunches also often mean healthier (think fresh cut fruits and veggies) and saving money.

Use Reusable

A big part of going litter-less is using reusable containers for lunch, such as bento boxes, bamboo utensils and refillable water bottles. Ditch the single use plastics.

This school year, another thing that you can include in your child’s backpack that is reusable are fabric masks.

Support Local

By supporting local you are not only helping to boot the local economy, but you are also reducing the distance that many products need to travel. Products that travel greater distances to reach consumers may not be as fresh, and contribute to greater carbon emissions from the vehicles they are travelling. Opt for locally grown, raised and produced products, such as fruits, veggies and meat.

Recycle

Reducing the amount of litter you create is extremely important, but so is recycling those materials that are recyclable. Oftentimes, what can be recycled may differ between providers and cities, so be sure to check with your local municipality to see what can be recycled in your home.

In addition to curbside recycling, take advantage of alternative recycling programs, like TerraCycle!

Babybel has partnered with TerraCycle to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. Now, all Babybel packaging (for all the different varieties and formats), such as cellophane, tag, net, metal clasps, wax, and plastic wrappers can be recycled! This partnership is Babybel’s first step towards becoming more environmentally-friendly. 

Participating is simple and free,

1. Start by signing up for TerraCycle’s free recycling program.
2. Keep all the nets, tags, metal clasps, cellophane wrappings and wax in a box.
3. Once your box is full, seal it tightly, print a prepaid label and mail your recyclables to TerraCycle for free.
4. For every box of recyclable material that you mail, you will earn points that can be converted into donations to the charitable organization of your choice.

What happens to the materials, you ask? The cellophane, nets and tags are used to make other plastic items. The metal clasps are separated from the tags and then melted to make joints, nuts and bolts. After being melted and filtered to remove any impurities, the wax can be used to make new candles.

It really is simple to do - we keep a reusable container on the counter, and whenever we eat a Babybel, instead of going into the trash, we put the packaging into the container. Once it is full, we follow the steps above and send it off the TerraCycle to be recycled.

By recycling your Babybel packaging, you are not only doing a positive action for the planet, but you are also giving back to charity. Recycling is an easy choice to make a positive change in the world we live in.

Remember - caring for the environment doesn’t stop when the school year ends! These steps can be followed at all times of the year to ensure we all do our part to help take care of the environment.

What actions do you take to consume less, recycle and be more environmentally-friendly? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Babybel. Opinions in this post are not my own.

Favourite Packable Kid-Friendly School Lunch Ideas

There’s no denying that for children everywhere, the 2020-2021 school year will look different than those in the past. Just how different, is yet to be fully determined. But one thing that will remain constant is lunch time, and the need to pack your child’s lunch. 

Check out some of our favourite packable kid-friendly school lunch ideas, made with Mastro/San Daniele cooked deli meats.

This September, our family enters a new chapter - our oldest daughter enters kindergarten. And while we're all excited for her to go to "big girl school", one thing I'm NOT looking forward to? Having to pack her lunch every day. 

I was having a conversation with a girlfriend the other day about school lunches. For the past six months, I’ve made my girls’ lunch every. single. day. Making my kindergartener lunch for school should be no different, right? Wrong. We may only be a few days into the school year, but I’ve quickly found that the opposite is true.

So much more planning needs to go into school lunches - ensuring they have enough food to last the entire day, that what you pack is peanut-free, that your kids actually like and eat what you pack, that the lunch contains minimal packaging, that they can easily open any of those packages, and so on, and so on. 

At the end of the day, regardless of whether our children are in kindergarten or high school, we just want them to eat lunch. Am I right?! But, coming up with creative ideas that ensure no food gets left behind can often be a challenge. 

Mastro/San Daniele offers a variety of cooked deli meat products that are great for families and can make going back-to-school easier. They are versatile, light and can be used to elevate a dish that you eat regularly (think that reliable lunch sandwich) or incorporated into a tasty snack. 

Check out our favourite packable kid-friendly lunch ideas made with Mastro/San Daniele cooked deli meats - meals that are easy to whip up the night before, but delicious and healthy to keep our kiddos fuelled throughout their busy day (regardless of what that may look like this school year).

Favourite Kid-Friendly School Lunch Ideas 

Nectarine Wraps

Kids won’t eat fruit? Try this fun alternative. Mastro Prosciutto Cotto is full in flavour, extra lean and low in fat. Combined with the sweet nectarine, its a winning combination.

What you’ll need:

• Mastro Prosciutto Cotto
• Nectarine (can also use peach, pear or melon)

What to do:

1. Slice the nectarine into manageable sizes. 
2. Wrap each individual slice of nectarine in an approximately sized piece of prosciutto cotto.

Ham & Cheese Flatbread

A fun spin on a classic sandwich! Slow cooked to perfection, Mastro Capocollo’s distinctive flavours make it ideal in sandwiches, antipasto and pizzas.

What you’ll need: 

• Mastro Capocollo
• Cheese, thinly sliced
• Small pita or naan bread
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Mustard (optional)
• Shape cutters (optional)

What to do:

1. If your child likes mayonnaise and mustard, add a thin layer of each to the top of the pita or naan.
2. Add a piece of Mastro Capocollo on top of the bread. 
3. On top of the cooked deli meat, add a piece of thinly sliced cheese (your choice of variety). 
4. If you want to get really fancy and fun, use shape cutters to cut fun shapes into the bread, meat and cheese.

Lunch Sandwich Sushi

Perfectly portioned, two-bite sandwich rolls. It’s like kid-friendly sushi! San Daniele Mortadella is gently prepared and cooked to savoury perfection, a great choice for this lunch sushi. It comes in three varieties - classica, light and hot.

What you’ll need:

• San Daniele Mortadella
• Whole wheat tortilla
• Cream cheese
• Cucumber, thinly sliced

What to do:

1. Peel and thinly slice cucumber.
2. Lay out the tortilla on a flat surface, and cover in a thin, even layer of cream cheese.
3. At the bottom of the tortilla (closest to you), lay a few thin slices of cucumber.
4. Layer a piece of San Daniele Mortadella on top of the cucumber.
5. Starting from the bottom (closest to you), roll up the tortilla. If the wrap does not stay closed, use a bit of cream cheese to hold it together. 
6. Using a sharp knife, slice in one inch sections.

Check out this link for $1 OFF your next Mastro Prosciutto, Mastro Capocollo or San Daniele Mortadella purchase. 

What are your favourite kid-friendly lunch ideas? Any tips or tricks for this new school-aged kiddo mom? I’d love to hear!

*Disclosure: I have participated in a paid partnership with Mastro/San Daniele. Opinions in this post are my own.

PIN IT

The Best Chicken Dumpling Soup Recipe

Looking for the perfect comfort food in a bowl? Check out this hearty recipe for the best Chicken Dumpling Soup, loaded with chicken, vegetables and tasty dumplings. 

I recently discovered cooking chicken in the slow cooker. I don't know why I wasn't cooking it this way before - boy, was I really missing out. And it's so easy! Just add two skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces (usually breast and thigh combos) to the slow cooker, season with a bit of salt and pepper and then cover with approximately 2 cups of water. I then allow it to cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until no longer pink, and voila! Delicious, juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. 

Not only does it create tender, delicious chicken, you will also be left with a flavourful broth that can be used in your next recipe, or in this delicious soup recipe.

During the cold months, soups are my go to. I usually pay them with a side salad or a sandwich. This soup, however, is a complete meal in a bowl. Loaded with that tender chicken, hearty vegetables and tasty dumplings, this Chicken Dumpling Soup is sure to win over your family's stomachs this chilly winter.

Chicken Dumpling Soup

Ingredients

Soup:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cups chicken, cooked and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour

Dumplings:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (3/4 stick)
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or 1 tbsp white vinegar and 3/4 cup milk, combined)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced

Directions

1. Add the olive oil to a large stock pot and bring to a medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, onion and garlic and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until onions are translucent.
2. Add chicken pieces and garlic powder to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Add chicken stock and water to the pot. If you like your soup salty, feel free to use 8 cups of stock, instead of half water, half stock.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. While soup is simmering, make your dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Stir in the melted butter, buttermilk and parsley until just combined. At this point, should be a nice dough. Set aside.
6. Ladle 2 cups of the cooking liquid into a large bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup of flour until smooth. Add flour mixture back into the soup by continuously whisking until combined. Simmer until slightly thickened, occasionally whisking, about 8-10 minutes.
7. Once soup has thickened, add dumplings. Form balls of dough about the size of half of your thumb. Gently drop dumplings one at a time into simmering soup. Simmer, covered, until dumplings are firm, about 12-15 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional minced fresh parsley for garnish (optional).

Home Chef Tip 1: If you do not end up using all of the dumpling dough (I only used about half), store the remainder in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for a few weeks.

Home Chef Tip 2: If you do not want to cook the chicken from scratch, you can also use leftover chicken or turkey and premixed stock.

Voila, comfort food at its finest!

If you like this recipe, you may also like this recipe for Fall Harvest Root Vegetable Soup.

What is your favourite soup recipe? Any fall or winter favourites? I'd love to hear!

Trader Joe's Grocery Shopping Haul: How We Spent $75

For us Torontonians, no trip to Buffalo, New York is complete with a stop at a select few retailers. One such location is Trader Joe’s. Today, I’m sharing our recent Trader Joe’s grocery haul - what we bought for under $75!

Before leaving for our trip to Buffalo, I took to the wonderful world wide web and googled, “what to buy at Trader Joe’s”. I was instantly inundated with hundreds of product recommendations. Turns out, there are entire blogs, Instagram accounts, etc. dedicated to this store. It’s insane. And also, insanely helpful!

From these sites, and my question put out to you on my Instagram stories, I compiled my list. Here is what we actually came home with.

Trader Joe's Grocery Shopping Haul: How We Spent $75

Unexpected Cheddar Cheese - $3.99

This inexpensive cheddar cheese popped up on all of the “must buy at Trader Joe’s” lists. It is the perfect addition to a charcuterie board, or just eaten on its own or with crackers. Think cheddar meets parmesan. At first bite, it tastes like an aged Cheddar. Then, the smooth creaminess gives way to a tangy flavour and slightly crumbly texture, a subtle hint of salt crystallization, like an aged Parmesan. 

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip - $2.99

Raise your hands if you love dips! Trader Joe’s had a variety of signature dips in the refrigerated section, but we opted for just these two. They were eaten with tortilla chips and TJ’s ridge cut salt and pepper chips (below). 

Caramelized Onion Dip - $2.99

Of the two dips we bought, this was definitely my favourite! Also eaten with tortilla chips and TJ’s ridge cut salt and pepper chips (below). 

Aioli Garlic Mustard Sauce - $2.49

If you look in our fridge, it’s filled with condiments. What’s one more?! We have yet to try this, but I imagine it would be good on sausages, sandwiches and even in a homemade salad dressing.

Chili Onion Crunch - $3.99

We have yet to try this new condiment, but I bet it would be good on pasta, in a salad dressing or as a marinade for meat.

Roasted Gorgonzola Crackers - $2.29

While I was hesitant at first when Steve picked these off the shelf, I now wish we had of bought more than one box! For all of you blue cheese lovers, these taste exactly like the name suggests and are just as tasty to eat on their own as they are paired with cheese or meat. Would be a great addition to a charcuterie board.

Ridge Cut Salt & Pepper Potato Chips - $2.99

No explanation needed.

Chile Lime Blend Spice - $1.99

Trader Joe’s has some really unique products in the spice aisle, and this is one that I bought on my very first trip to TJ in Chicago. I put it on watermelon, but have also heard it’s good on pineapple and for rimming margarita and Caesar glasses. The perfect combo of salt and sweet, with a touch of smokey spice.

Everything But the Bagel Spice - $1.99 (x2 = $3.98)

Another good find in the spice aisle, this tastes exactly how it sounds. This seasoning is good on avocado toast, sandwiches and BBQ chicken. 

Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Batter - $3.69

This one was for my mother-in-law, so we didn’t actually get to try it. But, like other speculoos, is probably delicious!

Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (6 pack) - $11.49

This beer is not a Trader Joe’s brand, but it is one of our favourite IPAs. Whenever we’re in the States, we always pick up a 6-pack. It doesn’t last long in the fridge. 

Boatswain American IPA (6 pack) - $4.99

As IPA lovers, we’re always up for trying new ones. Unlike Dogfish Head, this is a Trader Joe’s brand beer. Also, not my favourite. The price was right though, so we’re glad we tried it.

Popcorn in a Pickle - $1.99

I’m a salty person, so this popcorn was right up my alley. Very addictive!

Scandinavian Swimmers Gummy Candy - $2.99

Morley is a big fan of gummy candies, and because of that, they are the perfect bribe treat (#momtruth). Each unique shape has it’s own distinct and delicious flavour - the orange rockfish are orange-flavoured, the blue dolphins taste like huckleberry, the yellow sea horses are mango-peach and the red lobsters are berry. And if you’re curious, Trader Joe’s recently posted a video on their IG about how they are made. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9YbYEnqD2/

Bamba Peanut Snacks - $0.99

This popped up on many different lists when I googled “what to buy at Trader Joe’s”, and for good reason. One, this snack is a great price and two, they’re both adult and kiddo-friendly. Think a peanut butter-flavoured cheesy (minus the cheese) that melts in your mouth. There’s no wonder our littlest loves them so much. 

Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - $4.29

On my one other trip to Trader Joe’s in Chicago, this was in my haul. They are a bite-sized piece of delicious. So, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to grab them again on this trip. 

Enrich Facial Moisturizer (4 oz.) - $3.99

This moisturizer (with SPF 15) was on many of the must-buy lists I came across. And at under $5, I had to give it a try. I’ve only been using it for a few days, but do like the way it feels on my skin after putting it on. It’s light-weight and fragrance-free. While it can’t be a substitute for a normal facial sunscreen because of the low SPF, it will do a good job at keeping your face moisturized. 

Dark Roast Ground Joe Coffee (14 oz.) - $3.99

When it comes to coffee products, Trader Joe’s has a large selection. From cold brew to ground coffee, there are quite a few options to choose from to get your caffeine boost. We were running low on coffee at home, so we picked up a bag of the dark roast (the darker, the better in our house). It was comparable to other grocery store brands, and at $4 a bag, I would definitely buy it again.

Organic Apple Strawberry Fruit Wrap - $0.49 (x2 = $0.98)

This fruit wrap is like fruit leather found in the grocery store, and full of flavour. The perfect toddler snack. Also comes in Apple Blueberry, Apple Raspberry, Apple Banana and Apple Wild Berry.

Apple + Mango Fruit Bar - $0.99

The fruit bars are similar to fruit wraps, but thicker. Another perfect toddler snack. They are full of flavour, and also gluten free. Also comes in Apple Coconut, Apple Strawberry and Apple Banana.

Just a Handful of Olives - $0.99 (x2 = $1.98)

Our resident olive monster Morley was tasked with picking out her own snack. When she saw these individual bags of olives, she thought they were “so cute” (her words, not mine). They contain about 15 small pitted buttery green olives, and are the perfect addition to a lunch bag. Again, I wish we had of bought more.

Beef Jerky Strips Dog Treats - $1.99

Morley is always thinking of her furry friends Lola and Titus (my parents’ chihuahuas). She picked up a bag of these treats for our camping trip, and they loved them. Since they are senior dogs, they have a hard time eating the harder jerky treats. These ones were just soft enough for them to mow down.

Green Tea Matcha - $0.99

I’m not a fan of matcha, but my sister is, so this one was for her. Her feedback was that it was really good. It comes in a grab-n-go 245mL can.

Total Spend (before tax): $73.04 

Since we made the trip at the start of our recent visit to Buffalo, we strayed from the refrigerated and freezer items. If we had of stopped on our way home, I’m sure our list would have been a lot longer (and closer to $100). But, we’ll save that for the next visit.

Morley was also a big fan. Guys, they have mini grocery carts! While it was kind of dangerous because she started shopping for herself, it did make the experience fun for her. Now if only other grocery stores would get mini shopping carts…

All I can say is that I’m glad the nearest Trader Joe’s is almost 2 hours away, or our grocery bills would probably be a lot higher. And that grocery budgeting we’ve been trying so hard to stick to, would be right out the window.

Do you shop at Trader Joe’s? What are your favourite items? I’d love to hear!

*Disclaimer: Prices may change based on location, time of year, etc. 

PIN IT:

How to Make a Build Your Own Caesar Bar

Wedding season is officially upon us! But, before we can celebrate the nuptials, we must first celebrate the bride-to-be with a bachelorette party! And you know the perfect thing for any bachelorette party? A build-it-yourself Caesar bar. You know, to help cure a morning “headache”.

Earlier this month, we spent a relaxing three days at an Airbnb on Lake Simcoe, about an hour north of Toronto. It was the perfect weekend to relax on the dock, with a cocktail (or two) in hand, while celebrating my soon to be sister-in-law.

First off, for those of you reading from outside Canada, Caesars are NOT the Canadian version of a Bloody Mary. Yes, there are similarities, but in my opinion (and the opinion of many other Canadians), they are So. Much. Better.

As the story goes, the Caesar was invented in 1969 by restaurant manager Walter Chell in Calgary, Alberta. He devised the cocktail after being tasked to create a signature drink for the Calgary Inn's new Italian restaurant. The Caesar typically contains vodka, tomato clam cocktail mix, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, spices, served over ice and traditionally garnished with a celery salt rimmed glass, a stalk of celery and wedge of lime. However, over the years it has taken on many different adaptations, including extravagant garnishes such as shrimp skewers, meat sticks, lobster tails, etc. 

As one of the moms of the group, I was up bright and early to make coffee each morning, even after a much later than normal night. This gave me the perfect opportunity to set up the Caesar bar on the kitchen counter for all the girls to see as they made their way down the stairs in the morning.

While there are some decent Caesar mixes on the market, creating your own guarantees a fresh and flavourful mix. And, if you don’t want to create your own, I recommend Walter Craft Caesar Mix - the Classic Spice includes added grated horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, a few select spices, sea salt and cracked black pepper. The clam juice used in Walter is also Ocean Wise recommended, which means it comes from sustainably-harvested clams. 

Here is what we had at our build it yourself Caesar bar. 

Build It Yourself Caesar Bar

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Vodka
• Clamato juice
• Caesar rimmer
• Limes
• Ice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Horseradish
• Hot sauce
• Pickles
• Pickle juice
• Olives
• Meat sticks
• Celery

Other Supplies You’ll Need:

• Letterboard
• Pitcher
• Glassware 
• Napkins
• Spoons
• Forks
• Skewers
• Plates 
• Bowls
• Paper straws

Let the guests get creative, and enjoy!

Looking for another fun cocktail for an upcoming bridal shower or bachelorette party? Check out this love-themed vodka cocktail. 

Are you a fan of Caesars? Is there anything else you would add to this build-your-own bar? I’d love to hear!

PIN IT:

Satisfying Our Wanderlust, Through Our Bellies

We didn’t take a big vacation this year. Between a new babe and a new house, it just wasn’t in the cards. And we’re ok with that because instead, we decided to keep it local, with a couple of day outings and weekend trips here and there. A stay-cation, if you will. 

*Disclosure: I’ve partnered with YMC and Moneris and have received compensation for this post. As always, all opinions and experiences are 100% that of To & Fro.

Despite enjoying our stay-cation, you could say we’re itching for an adventure. But, until we can get away (I’m looking at you Alaska 2020), one way that we satisfy our wanderlust to it revisit memories of trips from the past.

While we’ve had some great adventures, one trip that sticks out in our minds is from 2012, when we ventured to Kauai, Hawaii for our friends’ wedding. We spent 10 whole days exploring, and eating and drinking our way through, the island. It was definitely a memorable one.

Now when I say we revisit memories from past trips to curb our wanderlust, I don’t mean we just look at photos. One of our favourite ways of “taking a trip down memory lane” is to also eat the food that we enjoyed while we were there.

Living in the big and diverse city of Toronto, almost any type of food you crave is essentially at your finger tips. (Ok, maybe not salmon straight out of the Kenai River in Alaska, but that’s why I said almost.) So, when we crave the poke bowls like the ones we had while relaxing on Hanalei Bay beach in Hawaii, we don’t have to travel far.

On one of our more recent day outings downtown Toronto, we discovered Calii Love, on King St West. I have walked past it many times before (and have seen their unique insta-worthy photo ops all over social media), but had never ventured in.

Calii Love is a California- and Hawaii-inspired healthy lifestyle hub for all. It started from the idea that a grab and go food place could be more than just your everyday salads and bowls. They decided to take that experience and elevate it with positive emotions, wellness and a sense of community.

Vegans, vegetarians, chicken lovers, fish lovers, whether you’re dairy intolerant or gluten intolerant or simply want to enjoy a great coffee or latte, you will find something you enjoy at Calii Love. And enjoy we sure did.

With every offering on their menu named after a feeling, they literally allowed us to “eat our feelings” of our trip to Hawaii. I enjoyed the “Amazing” signature poke bowl - filled with fresh tuna and salmon - while reminiscing about how much of an amazing vacation it really was.  

You know what else I love about this place? Every decision made at Calii Love starts with a respect for the ingredients, the purpose for those ingredients and where they come from. This includes mindfully sourcing ingredients to meet sustainability standards. As someone with a deep respect for the environment, and especially the ocean, I love that they only use sustainably harvested Ocean Wise-certified seafood in their bowls.

Not only did Calii Love allow us to eat delicious, fresh food and relive some great memories from our time in Hawaii, visiting also allowed us to support a local, small business. Supporting our local business owners has never been more important. You know who else is committed to supporting local? Moneris. They are here to make transactions easy for both merchants and retailers, thanks to their payment solutions for every type of business.

Ok, so it may not be exactly the same as sitting on a beautiful beach, watching the waves crash against the sand while enjoying a fresh poke bowl, BUT Calii Love did allow use to relive those memories, while eating local and enjoying a delicious lunch with our little family. And that is something I can support.

I would love to hear - what are your favourite ways to satisfy your wanderlust?