Michelle V.'s Profile

Rude awakening. That is what I had... and it's bloody fantastic!

Perhaps some men might read this and think "What's the big deal? Sure, women look sexy in lacy underwear and bras. No need to have a parade about it." Well sir.... shaddup!

What makes this place stand out?
A) The staff is very helpful, friendly and knowledgable (I learned a lot about what to look for in a bra).
B) Moreso, it's not just a "How does that feel? Let me know if you need anything. See you at the counter." These ladies know the value of a good-fitting bra. Considering I [apparently] didn't know any better, Racquelle would make suggestions and come back with more sizes to ensure I left as a completely satisfied and fully supported customer.
C) They offer Italian macaroons in the fitting room
D) They offer more than your standard A, B and Cs

For me, there is no need to look any further to replenish my clearly tiny bra collection - and not just because most other bra stores don't carry anything higher than DD. This shop is a welcoming place with a staff that doesn't judge... they understand.

Time for another Yelp Elite poem...

Tonight marked the last elite party with Kat,
To San Francisco, she ventures. That's where she'll be at.

Everyone looked sharp, spackled in gold,
A rich evening, indeed, with friends new and old.

It's been a while since I've been out with these Yelper folks,
It was so great to chat it up and exchange Yelper jokes.

Neil T was vicious with two cameras on hand,
Taking pictures: Click. Flash. Snap. BAM!

The bartenders were on, serving up drinks with a smile,
Hardly a wait was to be had; I only stood there a short while.

The celebritini was my date, we did it three times.
Ugh, I'm still buzzed, can't think of any more rhymes.

Friendly. Adorable. Quaint.

These are just some of the words one can use to describe this ice cream shop in the Woodbine/Danforth neighbourhood.

This candy-stripe clad establishment is such a welcoming slice of summer to the area. There's a quiet sitting area for families off the Danforth with kid-size seats and adult-sized benches. The interior feels like a not-so-cheesy candy shop at the fair (complete with pink elephant popcorn). Adorn one wall is artwork from kids depicting their love for ice cream. Dare I say, it's adorable!

And though the flavours aren't anything innovative, it's still a great place to stop by for a late(ish) night ice cream run. The French vanilla in milkshake form is more delightful than words can say.

Oh and as a word to the wise - go in knowing that one scoop actually means two scoops. Yesterday I overheard a customer gleefully complain how big the single scoop was. The shopgirl rationalized it by simply saying "I couldn't get a wide scoop so I made it tall."

Works for me!

I honestly couldn't tell you what makes one Thai place better than another or what's more authentic and which is some North American hack (though I suppose if a poutine is a viable option under the subhead "Canadian Menu", then that might be one of the latter -- can't remember if this place had that but I digress).

Anyway, I went here for the first time for a date (the guy chose the place and I usually don't want my picky flag to fly just yet). I've walked by this place many times and though I'm put off by its bamboo-clad interior, the service was very friendly and attentive and I was introduced to my new love: the mango salad.

It was a torrid affair that already has me anticipating our next meeting -- perhaps it would be one unsuspecting afternoon where I pop by for some lunch or maybe it'll be a booty-call where I pick it up and head back to my place... you don't know.

Is it horrible that I remember the salad more than the date?

I also had the green curry and really enjoyed it. I'm happy to say this place might have made a spot on my regular neighbourhood haunts... now if only they could get air conditioning, then we might get married.

Not entirely sure what I was expecting when I went into Relish. I have passed it many times and disregarded it as another dive along that strip just east of Woodbine/Danforth.

The decor is something to be desired with tables and chairs you'd be pressed to find in a diner that serves both Canadian and Chinese food. In the far back of this narrow space was a cute little lounging area I didn't venture. Perhaps I claim that spot in my next visit (yes, the four stars and its close proximity to my home warrants its anther visit... and I haven't even gotten to the food yet!)

The tapas they served are just fantastic! A couple of those and I'm a satisfied-no-longer-hungry little person. It was very hard to decide which dishes to try especially when I limited myself to two.... I ordered three (tee-hee). And the staff was super friendly - the type you wish every establishment in your neighbourhood would have.

I shall return to conquer the rest of the menu... possibly on Open Mic Night, you don't know...

A new bakery opened in my neighbourhood so naturally I needed to see the inner-workings of this place and went to the grand opening (which seemed more like a soft launch/private party that I was crashing). In any case, I didn't stay.

Fast forward 2 weeks later to a lazy Sunday where I popped in for a hot chocolate. The seating area is adorable with a nice book shelf on the side which houses their jams. The bakery is painted with a bright and friendly yellow accompanied with lovely artwork on the walls. They offer freshly baked breads as well as sweets which sit in display trays on the counter. They also bake everything on site - top drawer. The kitchen is exposed the way I've always fantasized my bakery to look like. Colour me a little jealous.

I ordered a brownie and a hot chocolate. Though the hot chocolate was the blandest I've ever tasted, the brownie was really good - a little cakier then I'm used to but nice. Unfortunately I had to still drink the hot "chocolate" to wash it down.

I would definitely come here again to try their other baked goodies. I might even try the hot chocolate again - maybe the machine was just on its period today.

Who are the people in your neighbourhood? Well, Sesame Street tells us a postman or fireman are people in my neighbourhood and though I whole-heartedly agree with both their message and method at which to teach children, they fail to mention the butcher!

I heart meat.

I can't begin to tell you what's considered a good price for a hefty cut of top sirloin or ribeye steak and if this place fits the bill. What I can tell you is they have fresh cuts of meat, lamb burgers, these ridiculously addictive pepperettes (who knew I was a fan, huh?), panchetta, garlic aioli with herbs and lemon (among other flavours), pot pies (the steak and mushroom one is fantastic), homemade cannolis and biscottis, fresh bread and the friendliest staff wielding a knife.

Those living in this area? Use the grocery store to buy your cereal and frozen dinners. But for your meats, bread, pasta (oh yes, they gots pasta here too), Royal Beef is your carnivorous weapon of choice.

There are few places I'd never thought I'd find myself on a Tuesday night and dare I say, Toronto Business Development Centre is one of them. Then on a fateful February 2, 2010...

Well, skipping my tale of woe, let me tell you WHY I was there: I've been thinking of starting my own business. And after scouting the Interwebs for affordable night classes that fit my schedule, I decided perhaps a workshop or seminar would provide me with a solid stepping stone to wrap my head around how businesses come to be. My search ended with TBDC.

Without talking about the course, the building looks rundown but it isn't. I was intimidated because I wouldn't know where to go but the seminar rooms were clearly labelled and had people waiting by the door to sign you in. It also turns out (at least on my floor) it's impossible to get lost - to get to the washroom, you take a left, then a left and then one more left. The people, (on their site they're called Advisors On Call) are so pleasant and helpful, both in person and on the phone. It was like getting customer service from everyone's favourite aunt... the kind that married into the family and always has gum.

As for the seminar? It's a 4-part series called Starting a Business and is their flagship workshop. It's a no-nonsense discussion led by someone who has had experience with both successful and failing businesses. It helps to have someone who has been "in the sh*t" telling you the hard reality about something as serious and life-changing as starting your own business. I was thinking taking this workshop would either motivate me or scare the hell out of me - it managed to do both. If the outcome of attending this seminar actually makes people come to the realization that they're not ready, then it's done its job. If people decide to take that next step and start planning their future, then it's done its job twice.

When you want to think outside the Toys 'R' Us box, then you come here... provided you're prepared to spend more than what you would for your typical Fisher Price toy.

This review bounced from 3-stars to 4 to 3 and back again. Come with me as I take you through my thought process:

*** Too expensive.
**** As mentioned before, you'll find some cool things like wooden instruments that you might not find in your department store.
*** Didn't think a store could be similar to a pretentious hipster douchebag... Hmm, since I continue to go here, what does that make me???
**** Though the store is a douche, the service is not. They were so friendly and helpful. Always a pleasure to go in there.

So with the score even, why did I land on a 4-star review? Simple, they had a turtle hand puppet which I bought for my nephew. I named it Colin the Turtis.

The air was filled with hickory smoked meat,
As you walked through the doors, where Kate M was there to greet.

Let me run down the highlights, starting with the food,
Oh sweet beef brisket, you were so eff'n goooood.

Chipotle mayo and fries, this is a girl's dream come true.
Is it too soon in our relationship to say I love you?

Without Darryl and co. we'd surely be doomed
But fear not, there's Paige Armstrong, rocking the room.

And of course there's the yelpers, bringing their A-game.
Led by Kat F; you are one saucy dame!

Though the bar ran short of its free Vodka Slime
Hmm... give me a second  while I think up a rhyme...

Oh well, overall it was a pretty awesome night.
Now it's back to thinking of the brisket, and my very first bite.