WE feasted at a wonderful U-FEAST event!

I feast. We feast. 

U-FEAST!

What is this I speak of? Well U-Feast is a great new Toronto membership opportunity (and FREE!) that binds community, food lovers, wine admirers and local restaurants in a pop-up dinner format.   

Members than have access to an exclusive series of one-of-a-kind dining experiences ranging from adventurous outdoor BBQs to black tie seven course meals and everything in between. You’ll also be the first to experience new menu ideas or experimental dishes served up by some of your city’s top chefs. When you join - you get a $10 voucher towards your first event.

Very excited to begin dinner!

Team U-Feast was kind enough to invite me as RBNmedia to test out MADE IN A BRAZIL at Mata (Great restaurant in West Queen West that offers amazing South American fusion that is majority gluen-free!)..

Here's a sneak peak into what an event with this community is like (be prepared - images will cause you to salivate!)

Mata co-owner Steve Fernandes making our opening cocktail Caipirinha - made with pitu cachaça & lime!

Pretty little things....

We were so fortunate to have an opening cocktail, 6 amazing courses & all the wine courtesy of Sibling Rivalry Wine - here's what we had...

Feijoada Shooters (Brazilian Stew): Smoked Meats & Black Bean Broth. 

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Swordfish Ceviche: Pickled Pineapple Salsa & Housemade Cassava Chips.

Linguiça: House Smoked Pork Sausage, Chimichurri & Potato Sticks.

Encondidinho de Camarão: Mashed Cassava (potato like), Shrimp Cream & Prawns. *FAV!

Cassava Gnocchi: Jamón Crudo, Brussel Sprouts & Reggianito.

MMM.. Caramilized Banana Panna Cotta! (I'm not a sweets person yet this stole my heart).

Thanks Sibling Rivalry for making Joey S. of Articulate Eat's even more entertaining...

Everything was so delicious and well thought out, I would easily recommend this for a great date night, family outing (check for kid friendly options) or a fun group night out.  I cannot wait to join the U-Feast team again (hint hint Yvonne) for another evening filled with great conversation, impeccable food & the ease of just being able to enjoy it all one course at a time...

Thanks again to Steve, Mata, U-Feast & my dining companions for all the laughs...

xox
rbn.

GFW2 ~ The National Women's Show ~ Super Detox Smoothie ~ Giveaway!

Happy Snowy Thursday!

Grey, wet & snowy day - balcony view.

For those of you who know me - either in real life or social media life, this week is our #gfw2 - GlutenFreedomTO Week in Toronto and its going oh so well!  I realize not everyone who read my blog resides in Toronto (or nearby)... BUT if you do -> I really encourage checking out one (or two or three) of our amazing participating restaurants!  Our event ends this Saturday which gives you 3 more eves of gluten-free culinary masterpieces!  Click HERE for details & all things GFWeek2!

For contests & more follow Us on Twitter -> Rachel Bies AND my business partner Rachael Hunt @GlutenFreedomTO


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Thanks again to The National Women's show for the Media tickets & Giveaways, hope all that attended had a great time.  

My favorites included: 

Walter Caesar (click for details) - An all natural, artisanal & gluten-free Caesar mix made right here in Canada (recipe blog to follow soon)!  Check them out - They just went national!  Yumm. 

Orange Naturals (click for details) - A Canadian line of professional quality, naturopathic health products that are convenient to use and easy to understand.

Luv Lockits etc. (click for details) - Three women started this adorable locket co & I loved so much I bought one!   

Kitchen Mixer.  Eiffel Tower. Dog Bone. Josh & I's Birthstones.

 Be sure to check out The National Women's Show next year again & please tweet your favorites!


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Now that GFW2 is up and running, I've been able to make it back into RBN Kitchen for some recipe development & cooking for clients!  After my birthday week, decided after all the dining out & sparkling that it was time to DETOX; which for me is eating with lots of colour, 50% raw & lean proteins!  Morning smoothies and juices (after lemon water) were a priority - this is what I came up with!

 

 Super Duper Detox Smoothie

 

 

Green & Gorgeous!

 What you'll need:

1 thumb ginger, chopped

1/4 lemon, deseeded

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/2 tsp turmeric

1 handful of organic spinach

small bunch of fresh parsley

1 kale leaf, remove stem

1 tbsp organic coconut oil (or flax)

1 pear or apple (ripe is best)

1 tsp chia

1 tsp flax seeds

1 tsp bee pollen

1/4 cup cucumber 

1/4 cup celery

1/4 cup raw cashews (optional)

1/2 banana, ripened

1/2-1 cup water to liquify.

What to do:

After washing and roughly chopping all ingredients, add to bullet, vitamix or blender.  Pulse until desired texture.  Add a little more spice or greens if you're able.  Enjoy.  Makes 2 small or 1 large smoothie! **If too bitter add a touch of maple or honey.  

Will result in:

• brighter eye whites
• increased energy
•  skin & acne reduced/eliminated
• Alkalines your body to help ward off infections & flu's
• optimal health
• weight loss (once you begin eating clean whole food, naturally occurs)
• mood enhancer
• better sleep & more!
•  

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Giveaway time... duh duh duhnnnnn!

Its that time of year again for The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo which is one of my favorite food shows..I think it's because I know the holidays are just around the corner (I've been cooking to holiday classics!)..there is something for everyone tastebuds & insight into whats happening in the industry!  

Up for grabs:  

2 VIP tickets to The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo 

Thursday, November 20th

6pm-10pm

&

2 Sunday Day tickets to The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

Sunday, November 23rd

12pm-6pm

How to win:

Tweet OR Instagram me why you want to come this year! Super easy.  Contest begins November 14th, 2014 - Ends Wed afternoon 2pm!

Enjoy the wknd everyone and blog again soon xoxo

Me & my partner in crime (far right) at our GFW2 launch party!