a Girl Called Kim: Out and About

Showing posts with label Out and About. Show all posts

{Snapshots} Summer's End

Just some photos from the last few weeks of summer! I can't believe it's almost fall!

I stopped by my local Value Village and found these beautiful bowls. Only a few scratches on the smaller Friendship bowl, but I swear the orange one is brand new. There is no evidence of use inside or outside the bowl!

The orange one is the same size as the other two Pyrex bowls I picked up last time, so I'm glad I found the smaller one as well.

Somehow, within three weeks I picked up four pairs of shoes. The striped espadrilles were not on my shopping list but at 60% off, they got on the list.

I didn't think I would be going to the CNE this year, but I had forgotten that with a concert ticket for the Molson Amphitheatre you get access to the CNE grounds as well, so of course we went to try out some of the food.

I cannot even believe the details on this sandcastle (literally)!

Little person on another sand sculpture.

I think this was the 'Lumberjack' poutine?

Pulled pork poutine. I preferred the fries of the Lumberjack poutine but the meat/sauce of this one (different food stalls).

Red velvet funnel cake. Yum!

The Fray. Five songs into their set I realized I had seen them years and years ago! Lol, whoops!

The Fray. Still amazing live.

Isaac ran to the back of the amphitheatre and was singing in a crowd of people. Of course it was the complete opposite side of where we were... For one or two songs he also sat down with a keyboard in the crowd.

Packed venue! I hate the Molson Amphitheatre though and it was crazy windy that night.

Kelly Clarkson.

Kelly and her backup singers also ran into the crowd to sing on a mini platform.

Isaac and Kelly singing 'Don't You Wanna Stay'.

Airborne Kelly.

Kelly Clarkson.

Sometimes Spider-Man needs help too.

The CNE midway and the CN Tower.

The CNE midway. I love the colours here.

This guy was a rockstar getting the rubber chickens into the pots! His friends though, not so much.

The Dufferin gate.

{Out & About) Girls in the City - Day 3

Continuing from Days 1 & 2, here are photos from Day 3 of my girls' weekend in New York!

The view from Michelle and Cera's room. They even had a nice view of a sunbather on the neighbouring rooftop. Mandie, Fiona, and I got a nice view of some office.

Pancakes from Clinton St. Baking Company. There was an hour and a half wait for a table so we opted for some takeout.

Fun on Brooklyn Bridge.

Manhattan Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan.

Lower Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park.

On the High Line. The popsicles are Mango Chile and Coconut - definitely needed on a hot day. (I love that popsicles are making a comeback!)

Some of the food we had at Marea. Pickled cucumber (?), Hawaiian Blue Prawn Tartare, Charred Calamari, Grilled Octopus, East & West Coast Oysters, Braised Octopus & Bone Marrow Fusilli, Lobster Ravioli, Crab & Sea Urchin Spaghetti, Seared Sea Scallops, Roasted Guinea Hen, Grapefruit gelee (? I think I'm making this one up), Affogato with Brown Butter Gelato, Bomboloni, Carrot Sponge with Carrot Ginger Sorbet, Hazelnut & Dark Chocolate, Mignardises to end the night.

The girls at Marea.

My home away from home - Times Square.

Hanging out on the steps of TKTS in Times Square on our last night.

It seemed like forever from the time we booked our tickets to actually flying, but once we were in New York, it was over in the blink of an eye! I wish the trip could've been longer, especially since it's our last group trip as single girls!

{Eat} Sassafraz & Crêpes à GoGo

After this past weekend, I am 90% done painting my dresser but I still need to apply some poly in a couple areas and spray the hardware once more before I can reveal the final product, which will essentially look like the tall boy. I also realized I have to go around the house and take photos for some updates, so maybe later this month when I have some time!

After all the gruelling housework on Saturday, I headed down to Yorkville with the girls for some lunch and window shopping! Sassafraz is one of those restaurants I've always wanted to try despite hearing mixed reviews and after this visit, I would try it again.

Sassafraz is located in an array of Victorian rowhouses. (Source)

Summerlicious is happening right now so we took advantage of the prix fixe menu.

Vichysoisse with lobster and truffle essence.

Roasted chicken breast with doubled smoked bacon and red onion quinoa, braised leeks in
natural reduction.

Pork tenderloin with roasted garlic sweet potato mash, asparagus, sweet apple cider glaze.

Pappardelle with roasted tomato, artichoke, goat cheese and basil pesto.

Apparently the pork tenderloin was not enjoyed as much as the chicken and pappardelle were! The smoked bacon in the quinoa was soooo good.

Inside the restaurant. There's a water feature in the back and I forgot to take a picture of the gorgeous bar area at the entrance.

Banana cream tart, toasted coconut mousse and mango sherbet. YUM.

Chocolate brownie with brandied cherry, Chantilly cream and amaretto reduction.

Giant paper flowers at Anthropologie.

Pardon the reflection - it was super sunny!

After we did some window shopping (well, I did pick up a skirt from FCUK...), we walked to the re-located Crêpes à GoGo for some Parisian-style crêpes.

I had heard to try the Limonana, which is made of lemon juice, mint leaves, and organic cane juice. It's definitely not for everyone, but I liked it! It reminds me of the mint tea I always had in Turkey.

From the Sweet & Savoury menu, the Big Ben - mozzarella & raspberry jam. The crepes are served in a paper bag for you to eat in the cafe or to take to go.

And from the Sweet menu, the Tartinade - their version of Nutella.

Anytime I have authentic Parisian-style crêpes, the first one I have to try is with the chocolate-hazelnut spread. If you mess that up, I can't be bothered to try your other options!

Can you tell I love food? Does anyone else love when their city has restaurant week? Especially when it happens twice a year (Winterlicious and Summerlicious)!

{Out & About} Summer Fun

I can't believe we're in July already! My brain is still in early June! I'm not complaining though because I loooove summer! Everyone hibernates in the winter and summer is when we all come out to play!

Thanks to the long weekend for Canada Day (Happy Belated Canada Day & Fourth of July!!), Monday was spent at Ashbridges Bay and it was HOT. The sand would burn your feet so I just stayed on the grassy area and got slightly burnt.

This guy was walking on a strap, we think to practice balancing since he had a paddle board.

Some of the group hiding out in the shade from the hot sun.

With the shifting sun/shade, the chairs shifted around as well.

Homemade salsa which was nice and refreshing.

I wish I lived closer to the Beach(es) as I was born and raised in the Toronto area, but have only been a handful of times. When the condo is done though, I will be MUCH closer and I can't wait!

One activity I've looked forward to every summer these past 3 years is Free Flicks at Harbourfront Centre. There's a different theme each year and this year they've actually extended the series by 2 weeks! More movies! There are several venues/themes around the city featuring free films but the Harbourfront Centre one is my favourite (not that I've been to the other ones...) because it's by the breezy Lake Ontario and there's less vehicular and foot traffic so it's much quieter! Plus they already have benches for you whereas at other venues, you may be required to sit on the floor or bring your own chairs.

Sailboats on Lake Ontario.

Along the Waterfront Trail.

It's kind of hard to see, but there's a line of kayakers. Another summer activity I love! I have passes for that rental company and I love kayaking between the Toronto Islands.