Toronto, London, Muskoka, and More - Where I Want to Eat in 2025

But first, a quick review of the 2024 list and highlights

Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! I hope this finds you well - in the comfort of your home, snuggled up at the cottage, or in bed, nursing a hangover whilst on vacation with your parents somewhere sunny… To start off this newsletter, I took at look at the final post of 2023 to see if I made it to the spots on my list. Let’s say while I made it to the destinations, I did not do so well on the reservations - take a look below.

2023’s Wish List for 2024

Toronto - 1.5ish/4

1. Emmer - Yes, many times, and I am now an addict. In fact, I am surprised no one bought me Emmer merch for Christmas.

   emmertoronto

   

   A post shared by @emmertoronto

2. Viaggio - No, but our plan is to go in January 2025 for a girls night.

3. La Bartola - Nope, crossed off the list, heard from two reliable sources that it is not great.

4. Parallel Basta - Made reservations and then the power went out in the City that day, and then it closed.

Ottawa - 0/2

1. Arlo Wine & Restaurant - Nope - figured oysters and wine could wait until post baby.

2. Stofa - See above.

Montreal - 1/1

1. Cafe Olympico - Yes, and it is still perfect.

   cafeolimpico

   

   A post shared by @cafeolimpico

Tokyo - 1/3

1. 35 Steps - Did not make the honeymoon list.

2. Shima Steak - Yes, and it was better than we could have imagined. The owner brought us a honeymoon cake with a candle to blow out.

   

   Shima Steak Sandwich

3. New York Bar - Closed for renos!!!

London - 1/2

1. Cafe Cecilia - Wouldn’t dare bring husband here.

2. River Cafe - Yes, and it was a bucket list moment.

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2024 took me to Miami, Whistler, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Buffalo, back to Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, Hakone, Naoshima), California (Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea, Lake Tahoe), London, Copenhagen, and Nashville.

The Five Best Bites of 2024:

1. Hamburger (+ drive to) the Post Ranch Inn (Big Sur). The Instagram photos really do not do this place justice

   postranchinn

   

   A post shared by @postranchinn

2. Dimsum at iDen & Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House (Vancouver)

   idenquanjude

   

   A post shared by @idenquanjude

3. That shaved ham & cheese & butter plate at Liverpool House (Montreal)

   liverpoolhousemtl

   

   A post shared by @liverpoolhousemtl

4. Waygu beef skewer bought at the Tsukiji Market (Tokyo)

   tsukiji_wagyu_jyu_jyu

   

   A post shared by @tsukiji_wagyu_jyu_jyu

5. Calamari ai ferri at The River Cafe (London)

   therivercafelondon

   

   A post shared by @therivercafelondon

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2025 will have a lot less travel. In fact, all I have planned is Chester, Nova Scotia and Muskoka. I am hoping for one trip in the early fall; depending on how restless I am. Therefore, I think it is safe to only put some Toronto , London, and Muskoka spots on the list:

Toronto

1. Sue Fung Dim Sum

2. Belle Isle

3. General Public

4. Stop

London

1. The Audley Pub

2. The Pelican

3. Kitty’s Fishers

4. Sessions Arts Club

Muskoka

1. (Return) Smokin’ Birds

2. Scopa Pizza

In 2025, I plan to draft many Foreign-Complets as I have been bad about posting from London, Copenhagen, Paris, even Muskoka, etc.

Hope you all have a perfect night and welcome 2025 with open arms! X