On The Menu:

Where to DINE Now: Vita Sociale
Imagine walking into your grandmother’s living room and finding it had become a disco. Surprise! And so it was that I entered the new Toronto restaurant, Vita Sociale. Gone was the Centro that I had known and loved for twenty five years… Today, we’re standing in a casual bistro that could have been plucked from a roadside in Italy.  READ MORE…
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The Stratford Festival is renowned throughout the world, but this season has become even more exciting and more inclusive. Check out this season’s plays and musicals. Forget about driving; take the new Stratford Direct private bus from Toronto/return with twice-daily pick-up and drop-off at each of the theatres for only $10 each way! Also new: The Forum of panels, debates, symposia, exhibitions, and Food For Thought–a buffet lunch series followed by a talk on one of this season’s plays or musicals. READ MORE…
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Between the Coastal and Cascade mountain ranges, heavy rains nourish rich soils and enable the beautifully acidic, soft and elegant Pinot Noir for which Oregon is renown.

Sokol Blosser, one of the pioneers of Oregon’s wine industry, is also one of its most recognized. Having visited the winery in Dundee Hills an hour south of Portland, I was eager to taste their Evolution blends recently in Toronto–displaying the fun whimsical side of the winery. READ MORE…
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A penny saved is a penny earned…

A new wine has wagged the Yellow Tail of the Australian wine industry to eke out its own spot in the Ontario market. Sourced from low-yielding cooler climate vineyards in New South Wales, John Casella of Casella Wines, has created premium wines that are accessible, full-flavoured and easy to enjoy: Lucky Penny.

READ MORE…
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“How do you make this crust so perfect?!” I ask Gianni Salvati of Caffe Bacio… Enter DINE’s Caffe Bacio Pizza Making Contest to find out!
Contest includes: Pizza making class for two with Gianni Salvati at Caffe Bacio; Learn about, and make, dough (the most important part!); Make pizza, and then eat the pizza! READ MORE…
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Most of these nuts are not nuts. When is a nut not a nut? It depends on whether you’re using a culinary or botanical definition. Many nuts are referred to as such because they can be used as nuts in cooking, but technically they are seeds or kernels. Which is which? And what is the difference? READ MORE…
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The Essence of Mediterranean Culture
Olive Oil: 101
• Where does the best olive oil come from?
• What should you look for when purchasing a bottle of olive oil?
• How should you taste olive oil?
• How should you store olive oil?
• What are the health benefits of olive oil?
• Where can you purchase the best olive oils?
READ MORE…