What I've Been Up To Lately - May 2024

It's been a month full of ups and downs for me.

Sadly, my aunt in San Antonio passed away suddenly last month, so I headed to Texas to be with my family. As the Italians say, “I funerali uniscono le famiglie,” which means that even though funerals are sad, they often bring family members closer together. And this one did just that, there’s something about Texas BBQ that soothes the soul.

On a lighter note, as the weather heats up in Toronto, I’ve been spending as much time outside as possible. I've been visiting the Brickworks Farmers Market, the Toronto Zoo with my niece and nephew, and taking lots of photos of the beautiful flowers blooming in my neighborhood. I finally discovered the hype around the Good Behaviour breakfast sandwiches (run, don’t walk!), enjoyed my first Bar Ape soft serve of the year, and had one last meal at Fonda Balam before they closed.

What I ate

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and after discovering Good Behavior's breakfast sandwich, I now need to eat that everday. The custardy rolled Japanese egg is exactly what I'm looking for. They also have an egg salad sandwich too that I'm waiting to try! Plus with 3 locations across the city (Geary Ave, Gerrard St E in Leslieville, and now Queen St. downtown) they have you covered!

We didn't know that Fonda Balana was losing when I hit it up for a friend's birthday party last month. My favourite things to get there were there famous Birria tacos along with their aquachilie. There's just something about eating seafood with crackers that just hits the spot.

Our office is right across the street from Sam James Coffee, who is serving up Robinson Bread pastries. When I saw the rhubarb card Danish - I knew I had to give it a go, and I was not disappointed. If you see it in the pastry case, make sure to get it!

You know it's summer when Bar Ape opens their store. Obviously, we had to go their first weekend and try their Sugo tiramisu colab. If you see brown butter, sour cherry, or malted chocolate on the menu, try your best to head there before they sell out.

I made NYT Cooking asparagus and goat cheese tart, but made it with Gray Owl cheese instead, and wow, am I glad I did that! It's the perfect tang to take on the buttery puff pastry. This would make a great brunch dish for friends and family.

I am slightly obsessed with ChatTime's Thai iced tea bubble tea. I like to get mine 20% sweet and with extra ice - I'm usually running around the city when the bubble tea craving hits and this is THE drink of the summer for me.

I finally visited Mainta and had their Medditerrian Plate with baba ghanoush, tzatziki, feta, marinated peppers, a soft egg, cucumber, olives, guindillas, pickled turnips, AND griddled bread. This is the perfect dish to enjoy while having a cold glass of wine while on their patio.

When I went to Texas to visit my family, very kind friends of the family prepared an entire Texas BBQ meal for us. It definitely helped soothe our souls during a difficult time, and we couldn't have been more appreciative.

What I did

Work has been keeping me veryyyyy busy through the spring, so I've been spending my weekends hosting Open Houses (come visit me sometimes!), and I also had the chance to visit the Toronto Zoo with my niece and nephew too! I haven't been to the Zoo in YEARS, so it was a lot of fun to go back. They were obsessed with this super active river Otter who was obviously the star of the Zoo for us.

I also visited San Antonio Texas to visit my family after the sudden passing of my Aunt. Italians are known for getting together for weddings and funerals, and it was so nice to be around my close family during this difficult time for us. Texas is almost like my second home. When I was a kid we would visit during our summer break and as an adult I would visit throughout the year to visit with my family so I'm glad I was able to be with them now. My Aunt was the first woman entrepreneur I knew—she worked in the concrete forming business and was known to be tough but fair. She built some iconic buildings in SA, including the AT&T Center and the Frost Tower. Her legacy will live on in those she inspired, myself included.

And because it's summer, I am ALWAYS at Brickworks Farmer's Market. I am convinced it is the best farmers market in the city. But you do have to get there early or else you will be pulling your hair out trying to park. If you're getting there after 9:30AM, I'd recommend biking or taking public transit there. Right now, it's all abut the strawberries and lettuce for me!

What I read

TVO's Want to understand the housing crisis? Look to 175 Cummer Avenue.

I've said that Toronto's housing is a complex issue, and it isn't just one thing that is affecting it. It's a lot of little things that we have been doing (or not doing) for years that are finally adding up with this perfect storm.

Architecture Digest's A 323-Square-Foot Paris Studio Is Transformed Into a Minimalist Duplex We love a tiny home! When property through out and planned, a tiny home can be the perfect oasis. I think you'll be surprised how big 323 sqft can actually feel with the proper floorplan.

Toronto Life's Where to Eat Now 2024 Need some inspo about where to take a date this summer? Check out all of the best new restaurants that have opened in 2024. Warning: obscenely delicious dishes are pictured and described in detail; it’s best not to read it on an empty stomach.

That's it for this month - see you in July 👋