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Friday, June 16, 2023

Rolling up the Summer: Rolled Ice cream at Roll it Up

Roll Me Up
Roll me Up at Main St Markham

It's finally summer! Last summer, while strolling one afternoon in Main St. Markham, we decided to treat ourselves to some Thai Rolled ice cream at Roll Me Up.

The popular street food from Thailand had made its way here a while back but we haven't had a chance to try it until now.  We watched the server prepare the treat as we figured out what we wanted to order. The liquid mixture was stirred then poured onto the ice pan. Once frozen (just a few minutes), rolls of smooth, semisolid ice cream were scraped. The rolls were then placed vertically in the cup and garnished with selected toppings.

Thai rolled ice cream @Roll Me Up
Thai rolled ice cream @Roll Me Up

We got a couple of cups of "Love You Espresso" which is a coffee ice cream with whipped cream & chocolate sauce. They offer a choice of two toppings. We chose a couple of toppings--lychee popping boba and wafer sticks. 

Love you Espresso @Roll Me Up
Love you Espresso @Roll Me Up

It does take a while to get your order but the ice cream was delicious and creamy. A nice coffee ice cream and a wonderful dessert over all. 

Friday, May 12, 2023

Magnifique: an amazing dinner at Auberge du Pommier

 

Auberge du Pommier in North York
Auberge du Pommier in North York

Hubby and I have not been to Auberge du Pommier in North York in almost 10 years! It has been a while! But Hubby recalled that the food was excellent, so he booked a special date for us here. It was the best choice for our celebration!

Underground parking was so convenient, and we were greeted warmly by the host who took us to a nice table by a wall of wine bottles. We had a nice semblance of privacy even if we did not book a private room. I recall we were at the conservatory area when we dined here last and it seems there were some renovations.

While waiting for our orders to be taken, we got some cocktails. Or I should say, I got some cocktails while Hubby got some fresh-pressed juice. I ordered a nice La Rivière Rouge, which was made of rum, cassis, lemonade, syrup, cherry purée and apple juice. Needless to say, the evening started out very well!

La Rivière Rouge @Auberge du Pommier
La Rivière Rouge (right) @Auberge du Pommier


The warm bread did tide us over as we waited for our appetizers of Bluefin Tuna and Foie Gras. The tuna arrived first and it was nice and fresh. Giving a beautiful pop in our mouths, the tuna was minced and compressed with cucumber, dill oil and bits of sweet potato with lemon gel. However, when the foie gras arrived, O.M.G., I have got to say that this was one of the best foie gras we have had. Ever. It topped some of the amazing ones we had in Budapest. As we bit into the beautiful, seared foie gras, it just melted in our mouths. It went so perfectly well with the honey-roasted pear and pain d’épices. The bitter orange flavour of the sauce bigarade cut through the richness of the fois gras. It was just heavenly.

Foie Gras @Auberge du Pommier
Foie Gras @Auberge du Pommier

Hubby had another melt in your mouth dish. The sablefish was so tender it cut like butter, and with a fork! It laid gently on a saffron fennel foam, topped with pea shoot and served with black rice.

Sablefish @Auberge du Pommier
Sablefish @Auberge du Pommier

I, on the other hand, did not need something light even after a very rich foie gras starter. So, I ordered the rib eye! I couldn’t quite finish the 10oz cut so I shared some with Hubby. The rib eye was perfect. I can still taste it with my eyes closed. It already came sliced, on a superb port jus with Ras el Hanout butter on top. So Divine. They served it with parsnip boulangère which was just ok. It also came with cauliflower croquette which was nice and crunchy outside and soft and pillowy inside. I cannot remember a more exquisite steak.

Rib Eye @Auberge du Pommier
Rib Eye @Auberge du Pommier

We were already full at this point but when the server described the Soufflé du Jour, we just had to try it, even if it took 15 or so minutes to prepare. Their soufflé of the day was a Chive Soufflé which was served with crème anglaise flavoured with Goldschläger. Now, do you understand why it was irresistible? This savoury soufflé was airy and the chive flavour went really well with a hint of Goldschläger. Who knew?

Soufflé du Jour @Auberge du Pommier
Soufflé du Jour @Auberge du Pommier

We loved how the servers described each dish as they laid it on our table. It prepared us for the taste explosion that was sure to follow. Service was excellent. Be prepared, however, for leisurely dining. While we spent over 2 hours for a three course meal, it did not feel like we were waiting so long. Must be some pretty amazing company! Either way, each dish was worth waiting for. Hubby and I have to declare this as our favourite restaurant.