'That Looks Tempting' ~ March — v i c k i h a l l

Wow…I only posted once between Feburary’s ‘That Looks Tempting’ and today’s…and I didn’t even write it! Now it’s suddenly a week into March and I need to get my temptations out to you! I would be pleased if time would slow down just a little. Wouldn’t you?

I must admit that I had reservations about posting during this rather stressful time in our world. But the more I thought about it, the more I dug deep into my own family history and realized there is probably nothing more my sweet Babcia (grandmother in Polish) would want me to do than continue doing the things I love. You see at the start of World War II, Russia invaded Poland and Babcia and her two little girls (my mother and her sister) were taken by Russian soldiers, loaded onto trains (normally meant for cattle) and take to forced labour camps in Siberia. My Grandfather worked for the Forestry Department in Poland so he was also taken by the Russians and likely killed in the early days of the war - no one really knows what happened to him. Their story is so much more complicated (and sad) and this is a tiny snapshot of the start of their journey during WWII, but I think it gives you an idea about where I come from. I grew up with true stories of the war from both my mother and father, and I know they would want me to keep going, to keep being positive and keep doing what I love - even during this tragedy, and so can you. Hold space in your hearts and prayers for the Ukrainian people…especially the young mothers and their babies fleeing to Poland - but keep moving forward and keep doing what you love. We can’t let the enemy control us. If moving forward includes good food, great coffee and fresh vegetables…all the better. I think that’s what Babcia would have wanted. And that’s what’s included in my March temptations…because good food is comfort.

MATTACHIONI - EAST AND WEST - @mattachioni

I almost had the opportunity to sample this recently discovered newish (on my radar) Italian resto - but it was closed. I should have check Insta first. But it still makes it on my temptation list. Mattachoni is a ‘fast casual’ Italian restaurant featuring pizza, panini and salads with two locations in the city. One for the ‘west enders’ on Dupont St. and one for the ‘east enders’ on Gerrard St. East. I think the east end location is in the old Bargain Harold’s location that faced Gerrard. It brought back a lot of memories of my childhood when I lived on Greenwood Avenue. Mattachoni often posts their specials on their Insta and they get my mouth watering, so be sure to give them a follow.

LE PETIT DEP - @lepetitdep

As promised last month, I will try to bring the odd cool spot from across the country. My son goes to University in Montreal, so I’m lucky enough to get to visit this amazing city every now and again…and Le Petit Dep with it’s fun and funky aqua green exterior is definitely on my ‘must visit’ list next time I go. A Depanneur is what we in English speaking Canada call the corner store. At the Depanneur (or ‘The Dep’ for short) in Quebec you can also buy beer and wine. Le Petit Dep in Montreal has coffee, lush sweets and an upscale convenience shop with three locations around the city. Besides coffee and baked goods, Inside the warm and cozy shops you’ll also find some prepared foods for a quick lunch all made with local ingredients. The shops also boast a retro candy bar and quirky souvenirs from the city. I have actually wandered into the Old Montreal location, but we couldn’t get a table so my husband promised me we could go to the bigger Griffintown location on our next visit. It also happens to be one of the most Instagramable coffee shops around. I would totally visit just for the ‘gram’.

MANDY’S GOURMET SALADS - @mandysalads

Sticking with the Montreal theme…Mandy’s Salads is the cities hot spot for the best salads brought to you by sisters Mandy and Rebecca. With seven location in Montreal…yes seven, it’s not too hard to find a Mandy’s near your hotel. Here’s the great news for us Torontonians. Mandy’s just opened their first Toronto location on trendy Ossington Avenue. I’m super jealous of you people in the west. While Mandy’s specializes in salads, they also offer soups, smoothies and special bowls. The restaurant also happens to be deliciously Instagramable.