FARMSHARE FIELD DAY: TORONTO

My husband and I snuck over the border last weekend for a much-needed, mid-winter escape to one of our favorite foodscapes, Toronto! So, I thought I'd share a few of our Toronto discoveries, mostly but not entirely food related.

Artfully delicious macarons and brioche at Nadege Patisserie.

A delectable, Ontario-centric Ploughman's Platter for brunch at the Farmhouse Tavern featuring smoked oysters, house-smoked charcuterie and gravlax, farmstead cheeses, pickled duck eggs and bracing Bloody Caesars to start the day.

Warming bowls of Japanese ramen at Sansotei.

A charming shop called Good Egg packed with all my favorite things... British cookbooks, Marimekko aprons, Le Creuset, Opinel knives, and so much more.

This adorable, locally made skirt with the skyline of downtown Toronto. Sadly, it's the last of a discontinued line of fabulously, flattering skirts made by Laura-Jean, founder of Fresh Collective, a local design cooperative. Luckily, Fresh Collective shops are loaded with more fun, Toronto-made togs to choose from.

The hottest thing in Toronto's culinary scene now seems to be the izakaya (Japanese pub food) concept. As new spots compete for top reviews, diners like us win with great food and service. We tried Vancouver import, Guu on a previous visit to Toronto. So, this time we headed for Kingyo where we found even more fabulous food and fun. Exotic cocktails, super-fresh and inventive sushi, pickled veggies, sukiyaki, and classic 1970s, Kamen Rider sci-fi videos on the big screen. Go!

Just as hip -- the super-yummy Korean-inspired bulgogi cheesesteaks, ssam platters and crafty cocktails at Oddseoul.

Beautiful, Japanese knives and a wealth of knowledge at Tosho Knife Arts (more on this in future blog posts, hopefully).

Bixi Toronto bike rental, our favorite mode of transport in Toronto -- even in winter!

With spring, our next visit will certainly include Toronto farmers markets like this one at Evergreen Brickworks that we heard so much about.

Can't wait!