無敵家 V2 Ramen Izakaya review

V2 Ramen Izakaya logo

Ramen craze has made it's way to Toronto, first it was Downtown and now I feel it spreading to the Scarborough and Markham area. 無敵家 V2 Ramen Izakaya This place is really busy (or it could be because we chose to come here on Sunday afternoon). I must comment that the waitresses are quite professional (we felt taken care of). The tea was very tasteless though.

Rib Ramen with Tonkatsu Soup Base

ramen impression:

• nice ramen
• too plain (needs more seasoning)
• good quantity
• love the soft boiled egg
• you can select Tonkatsu or Miso soup base 

The Ramen (as in noodles) quality was quite good but I felt the soup could do with more flavouring (salt or more pork flavouring). The ramen was very filling, we were very full after finishing our ramen.

Chicken Knee Caps

chicken knee caps impression:

• nice grill taste
• seasoned nicely
• large portion

Chicken knee caps are a rare find especially in Toronto, so we ordered that (I know it sounds quite disgusting, but they are none other than the joints of the chicken legs you get). Everyone makes them differently, most places fry them, but this place had them grilled and coated them with a light sauce. I highly recommend it. 

complimentary dessert

We were extremely impressed and very happy when they served us dessert in the end. The dessert was Lychee jello with 3 popping boba (similar to the topping found at Menchies).

mhm.. ramen~

facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/V2-Ramen-Izakaya/1397392800474411

Quinoa Crunchies review

Quinoa Crunchies

During winter time, I am especially careful as to what I snack on... since our metabolism goes down, I want to make sure I'm not eating anything that will cause me to gain unnecessary weight (>.<) 

Impression:

• crunchy
• tastes like a thick corn flake
• coated with honey
• roasted taste
• sweet
• a little pricey

close up of Quinoa Crunchies

I always try to look for snacks which are healthy to eat and taste good, Quinoa is one of the healthiest grain. So when I found these at Bulk Barns I was really excited.

According to the Mind Body Green here are 7 benefits of Quinoa:
Here are seven health benefits of Quinoa:
1. Quinoa is one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat. It is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. 

2. Quinoa contains almost twice as much fiber as most other grains. 

3. Quinoa contains Iron. 

4. Quinoa contains lysine. Lysine is mainly essential for tissue growth and repair. 

5. Quinoa is rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps to relax blood vessels and thereby to alleviate migraines. 

6. Quinoa is high in Riboflavin (B2). B2 improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells and is known to help create proper energy production in cells. 

7. Quinoa has a high content of manganese. Manganese is an antioxidant, which helps to prevent damage of mitochondria during energy production as well as to protect red blood cells and other cells from injury by free radicals.

To be honest, the taste isn't very strong, it feels extremely light (in other words, quite tasteless), good thing is, it does satisfy your hunger. The ingredients contain only: Organic rice flour, organic Quinoa flour and organic cane sugar. I think this snack is perfect for Winter, you can snack healthily, while not having any guilty feelings! (and hopefully not gaining any unnecessary pounds! :D)


website: http://www.gogoquinoa.com/products/breakfast/crunchies-original/

McDonald's Poutine review

McDonald's Poutine

I have wanted to try McDonald's Poutine since it came out, unfortunately, I kept getting sick (flu season has been terrible) I kept having to delay and delay my trip to McDonald's.

Price: $3.99 (or $1.50 upgrade your fries to poutine in a meal combo).

McDonald's Poutine

thoughts:

• lots of cheese curds (good for me since I like cheese)
• good amount of gravy
• fries were quite crispy
• gravy needs to have a stronger taste
• a little pricey (portion is quite small - good for health not so your wallet)

overall, I think this was a fair poutine, the fries were slightly thin (for poutine) though.

rating: 8.5/10

website: http://www.mcdonalds.ca/ca/en/menu/full_menu/snacks/poutine.html

Swiss Chalet Rotisserie & Grill Restaurant review

It has been quite a while since I have been to Swiss Chalet. (I think the last time I was there, I was only a toddler), but Swiss Chalet has changed, they have improved themselves I was quite impressed by how good their quality and quantity has become. Prices are also extremely reasonable.

These were a few things I ordered.

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Linguine

Spicy Chipotle Chicken Linguine:

red onions, roasted button mushrooms, red peppers, spinach and chipotle pesto with roasted garlic cream sauce... is going to be delicious. But when it's made with our freshRotisserie Chicken, tossed with Linguine, and topped with Parmesan cheese, it's a 100% sure-fire winner. Oh, and did we mention the warm garlic toast

The Spicy Chipotle Chicken Linguine was the dish that surprised me the most. The Chipotle gave the pasta a beautiful Indian taste. It is something I have never tried any where else. It was also very filling... I only managed to eat 1/3 of this pasta in the restaurant and I was already so full. I know the plate makes it look like there isn't a lot... but trust me... there is A LOT.

Quarter Chicken & 1/3 Rack BBQ Ribs

Quarter Chicken & 1/3 Rack BBQ Ribs:

For those who just can’t choose between Swiss Chalet’s most famous entrées, opt for the mouth-watering combo of a Quarter of our famous Rotisserie Chicken and a 1/3 Rack of smoky BBQ Ribs all on one tasty plate. Served with coleslaw, home-style white or multigrain roll as well as your choice of side, you'll be glad you didn't choose one or the other!

available sides for entrees

I was quite impressed by their Quarter Chicken & 1/3 Rack BBQ Ribs and it is a good choice to choose this: 1. you get to taste their famous Chicken and 2. you can have more variety of food on your plate. There is definitely a reason why their chicken is "famous", the taste is mild but when you combine with their famous Swiss Chalet Sauce, it is very tasty.  However, I found the chicken to be slightly dry.

I found the ribs quite challenging to cut up though. The bbq sauce was nice.

The was impressed by the portions. I was very full (and even had left overs).

famous Swiss Chalet Sauce

Their famous Swiss Chalet Sauce tastes really nice too. I can't say I have fallen in love with it but it is definitely unique. It tastes like gravy mixed with some cinnamon and other kinds of herbs. I would actually choose their "regular gravy" over their Swiss Chalet Sauce though.

menu: https://www.swisschalet.com/menu/ribs

Sasa's Free Shipping (when you make a purchase of US $29 or more)! (offer till January 20) ended

-------------------------offer ended---------------------------

Hey guys,

it's been a while since I last posted about deals. So here is one! I was browsing through Sasa and this caught my eye:

Free Shipping!! I haven't seen Free Shipping on Sasa for quite some time...! Let's make use of it! :D (free shipping only to Australia, New Zealand, United States & Canada customers though...)

they have special deals please check out: http://web1.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/sasacms/drive_promo/2013-14_theBest/promo.jsp?cm_re=minibanner#cat04

These deals are not available for those of you in Hong Kong and Macau though :(

deal ends January 20

For those who are not familiar with Sasa, is one of the largest cosmetic retailers in Asia. They have a large variety of brands and products  (Suisse Programme, Clinque, Clarins; Elizabeth Arden, SK-II, etc). They offer beauty products (from slimming creams, hair dyes, nail polishes, fragrances, hair combs, blotting paper, masks, etc) Every time I am in Hong Kong I will find myself ooh-ing and ahh-ing at their stores over the huge variety of products they have.

head on to www.sasa.com!!

Crabtree and Evelyn's Summer Hill Hand Therapy Hand Cream

old vs new container tube

The winter months are harsh for our skin especially for our hands (this is especially true if you are Automysophobia like me). One of the ways I protect my hands are by using Crabtree and Evelyn's hand creams. One of my favourites has to be Summer Hill.

The Official website describes it as:

Lock in lashings of moisture with our Summer Hill Hand Therapy. Infused with macadamia nut oil, shea butter and a summer-inspired scent, this intensive cream nourishes skin so it’s noticeably smoother after each luxurious application.

• Contains hydrating ceramides and conditioning honeysuckle extract

• Myrrh extract helps condition nails and cuticles

• Formulated without lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, parabens or propylene glycol 

my impressions: 

• moisturizes
• smells good
• mild formula
• non-greasy
• only a little bit of product is needed for each use
• easily absorbs into your skin
• great for all seasons

I have been using Summer Hill for all seasons, simply because it's formula makes it very versatile. It protects my hands in the winter and keeps my hands moisturized during the summer (without making them feel yucky). I should add that if you plan to "fix" your cracked hands, this is not for you, it is suited for those with normal skin,(not so much if you have dry peeled or cracked hands... I would suggest another hand cream from Crabtree and Evelyn called "Iris" <-- I will be doing a review on this later).

Crabtree and Evelyn has a new tube container (plastic vs. metal)

old vs new container tube

New and Old Tube Container

For this post, I will be focusing on the new packaging. (click here to read my review on Summer Hill Hand Cream) I was kind of excited, shocked and happy when I saw the new packaging. Unlike it's traditional container (which is made out of metal), the new packaging is made out of plastic. Say bye to those hideous moments where you are literally fighting with the tube to get more hand cream out (you can see from the picture what happened to my used tube, and even as "flat" and "empty" it looks, there is still a lot of cream inside... I'm still finding ways to get it out)

I really hated the old packaging because my purse always gave it dents. These dents make it almost impossible to squeeze cream out, especially towards the end.

Last year I purchased their tube key, it definitely helped me get more of the product out, (one tip is to use the key several times, you'd be surprised as to how many more product you can get out each time) but because there were already so many dents, there is still a lot of cream trapped inside. Some times, the dents also cause the metal container to rip too (I guess you can see how frustrated I was using the old metal container).

I got this key last year, looks like I won't have any use for it anymore

I have just gotten their cream with the new plastic container for days, and I already love it. I can put it in my purse knowing there won't be dents when I take it out later.

I have noticed that they have also taken initiative to adding the full list of ingredients to the back of the new plastic containers.

I am really glad that Crabtree and Evelyn has finally decided to go for plastic containers! I can't wait to finish the full tube this time!

Official website for Summer Hill

Angora Rabbit Fur - Cruelty Awareness

Angora Rabbit photo source: www.alpacafarmgirl.com

Please do not buy Angora Rabbit Fur products. These include Angora Fur, Angora Wool, etc.  (please excuse any grammar mistakes or errors in this post, please understand that those errors were overlooked due to my frustration when I was writing this post). I want my friends and readers to be aware of what is happening and how we can make a difference.

Fur in general:

I have loved wearing fur, because of the natural texture and the warmth it produces, besides, I always imagined that the owner of the fur was well taken care of (e.g. wool, where a sheep MUST be shaved or they will overgrow too much wool,or other animals who have outgrown their fur).

Recently, I have had my perspectives changed, no, I still enjoy wearing fur, but only if the animal of the fur/wool is treated right. One of my resolutions is to make sure that the fur I'm wearing was rightfully taken from it's... owner.

So what did I find that caused me to feel terrible? 2 words: Angora Rabbits. Don't get me wrong, they are cute and adorable... what is wrong is how they are mistreated and tortured in exchange for their fur.

About Angora Rabbits:

While browsing the web, I learned about Angora rabbit fur. Angora Rabbits are extremely cute, harmless and have too much fur on them. Sometimes, they need to be shed so that they do not swallow their own fur (unlike cats, they are unable to cough or vomit fur out, as a result, this will lead to Wool Block, which will cause the rabbit to slowly starve to death as it's digestive tract gets filled up with ingested wool).

When I read this, I thought, awesome! I mean, this animal needs to get rid of their fur, and at the same time, we can benefit from this. It is definitely a win-win solution... warmth for us, Angora rabbits can get rid of their fur (so they can be healthy and happy) and we can make use of  their "useless" material.

who can be heartless enough to harm something so adorable?

Apparently, after doing more research... I realized how WRONG I was. I wasn't wrong about the ideal WIN-WIN-WIN solution, but I was WRONG because that is NOT the reality. The Angora Rabbits were actually being mistreated and tortured for their fur.

Angora Fur Cruelty:

Unfortunately, greedy Chinese Angora Fur Farm owners torture these poor Angora rabbits, instead of properly shaving or waiting till the rabbit's fur grows out, they have thought of ways to incorrectly pluck the poor creature. Perhaps, plucking is not the correct way of putting it. They literally rip the fur off them. They rip them out harshly, in a video (you can google this) you can literally see the flesh of the rabbit, all covered in blood after they harshly rip out their fur. Some rabbits die as a result because 1. they cannot endure the pain or 2. their wounds get infected, and they die of infection. (I think the farmers are kind of stupid... when a rabbit dies, don't they end up losing profit because they need to replace that rabbit with a new one?)

"video clip of angora fur harvesting on a mainland rabbit farm, the animal screaming in pain as its hair is ripped out instead of being clipped or sheared." - Andrea Chen
link to article: http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-watches/article/1385942/video-chinese-farmers-ripping-fur-live-rabbits-damages

As I said, I do not mind if they take the animal's fur without harming them, (eg. sheep's wool), as in actually WAITING for the bunny to shed its fur off, or even shaving it's fur... but ripping it off of the rabbit's body is torturing the animal. It is not right, if we are going to "take their fur" at least, we should care about their well being... (you can view images of the end results of this practice...warning, they are extremely disturbing - just search for Angora Rabbit Fur cruelty on Google).

 We need to pressure those farmers, educate them and teach them what is the correct way. We need to do something to save those poor Angora Rabbits... please spread this knowledge among your friends and family. Talk to your local retailers about this... but most importantly... the first step:

please do not purchase Angora Fur products.

delay in posts

cool google+ photo enhance tool allowed me to add snow to my image :P

 Hi lovely readers,

due to the massive power outage that happened in Toronto about 2 weeks ago, I was out in the dark for 4.5 days. This means there will be a delay in blog posts. Sorry!

Here are some photos for you...

temperature recorded in my house on day 3.5 (2.4 Celsius is equivalent to 36 Fahrenheit)

close up of tree branches, notice how thick the ice covering the tree branches are