SUMMERLICIOUS @ ARRIBA

For those of you who haven't heard of SUMMERLICIOUS yet, it is "Toronto’s favourite culinary celebration, inviting you to discover and experience the diverse cuisine the city has to offer at exceptional value. For two weeks, Toronto invites you to savour delicious three-course prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at more than 200 of the city’s top restaurants."

Birthday Girl

Yesterday we celebrated Melissa's 26th birthday at Arriba Restaurant and Lounge. Located in the heart of the Entertainment District at 1 Blue Jays Way (located in the Renaissance Hotel), Arriba offered us a dynamic yet eloquent atmosphere with incredible views into the Rogers Centre. While we were there, our view into the Rogers Centre was the stage crew for the "On The Run" Tour for Jay-Z & Beyonce; so there wasn't much to look at other than stage prep.

Now, I know I say this alot but the food here, at Arriba, was fantastic. Lunch only cost us 20$ + a drink (or two!), applicable taxes & gratuities. Everything was fresh, flavorful and absolutely delightful.

Appetizer: Baby Kale Salad

Fresh watermelon, blackberries, toasted pepitas, prosciutto crisp with green apple dressing.

Best.Salad.Ever.

 My Main Course: Brown butter seared Whitefish Fillet 

 Warm quinoa salad with arugula, tomatoes, goat cheese & white balsamic 

(I had the goat cheese excluded, due to my lactose sensitivity)

I. Love. Food.

Melissa's Main Course: Grilled Pork Loin Banh Mi Sandwich

Spicy sambal mayo, house pickled vegetables, arugula, sriracha, garlic toasted baguette 

(and fries)

 Dessert: Housemade Bread Pudding

with berries, dark chocolate & bourbon caramel

Heaven.

 If you have a chance to check out Arriba, whether its lunch, dinner, pre-game/concert/event - whatever. I suggest you do. I cannot express my satisfaction enough..!

The Canadiana Restaurant Dining Lounge

Located at: 2454 Lakeshore Blvd West, Etobicoke
Neighborhood: Mimico


A moderately priced casual Canadian restaurant located in the Etobicoke area of West Toronto. It is a great family restaurant on the Lakeshore. Great for breakfast any day of the week. I've heard that the homemade burger is hard to beat, just as are the homefries. We have visited this place twice, as it is just around the corner from us.  Substitutions happily made and service is great. Our coffee cups are always overflowing, and the breakfast is served hot!
Atmosphere is quaint and cozy. Service is quick. Prices are more than reasonable! 

The New Flower Drum Restaurant & Bar

New Flower Drum Restaurant & Bar | 2428 Lakeshore Blvd. W. 

Toronto, Ontario M8V 1C4 | 416-255-7717 |

The New Flower Drum is a staple in my visits to Toronto. This quaint little restaurant and bar offer authentic Chinese food with friendly service. As noted on their website, they offer a 'modern perspective on Chinese dining without have to compromise any of your favourite dishes' stays true throughout every visit. I am in love with their won-ton soup. It is comprised with all the classic components but you can taste the love in every bite! There is a great variety of delicious items to choose from and an extremely inviting atmosphere to suit any occasion. They offer UFC every Saturday on their large projector TV screen, as well as hockey, football and other sport games that are on that night. There are a few pool tables located on the the bar side of the restaurant and they offer a great selection in alcohol, beer and liqueurs. 

Not only do they offer dine-in but also take out/pick up and delivery!