One day in and around Toronto: Cookbook author Emily Richards

The food expert, TV personality and home economist on where to eat and drink

Emily Richards has been in the food industry for over 15 years wearing many hats: cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer and cooking instructor. And who can forget Canadian Living Cooks,where she taught many Canadians good old kitchen basics and classic recipes? 

She may be in the kitchen a lot, but she knows where to find the best food when she is out in and around Toronto. Here are some of her top picks. 

Check out her latest cookbook, Per La Famiglia: Memories and Recipes of Southern Italian Home Cooking.

Breakfast

I love making breakfast at home for my family. So, when we can enjoy a breakfast out, I want it to be fun and certainly delicious. I always like to try things I don’t necessarily make at home. At Eggcetra in Guelph, a favourite to order is the Mexican Benedict that will fire up your day. Another great place with a twist is The Federal in Toronto, where you might not want to pass on the French toast and foie gras. And don’t forget the brunch cocktails.

 

Lunch

Getting together with friends or colleagues works well for the lunch hour and it’s a wonderful time to check out places all around. Sometimes quiet and casual is what I’m looking for to soak up the atmosphere and chat, but other times it’s just to check out the menu and what’s in season. Quatrefoil in Dundas has an awesome prix fixe that is perfect to enjoy with friends for lunch, and then do some light shopping along the main strip.

I love Italian food, especially when it has that Southern Italian flair and Terroni on Queen St. is always a tasty lunch with Italian classics made from the best ingredients. Be sure to head down the street and check out Sud Forno bakery for some more delights!

 

Tea and desserts

Langdon Hall serves up beyond amazing food and the seasonal summer bbq series is one not to miss, but be sure to drop in for tea. The selection of sweets, savouries and teas are hands down one of my favs. I would like tea time with friends to come more often!

Dinner

Dinner is time to relax with friends and have a good time with delicious food! For a hearty, classic steak with all the trimmings, Morton’s The Steakhouse in Yorkville serves it up juicy and hot. Try the souffle for two, light and made to order, to end the evening with a friend.

Nota Bene is where we love to get together with friends or have a night out with the girls. Chef David Lee always seems to have a menu that makes me want to try it all.

You can never go wrong at Delhi Street Bistro in Guelph. The seasonal menu that hits comfort food wants on all levels, and the cozy tables make for romantic evenings or giggle fests with the girls.

 

Drinks

Getting together with the girls to celebrate birthdays is always fun and when you have a stellar view from Canoe, the drinks taste even better. I recommend a flight of cheese for some nibbles with the view.

Hitting up Niagara is one of my favourite things to do and enjoy local wines and spirits. Tawse Winery is not only a wonderful place for tasting award-winning rieslings and pinots, but a beautiful destination that makes the drinks all the better.