The next morning, I went out to purchase every pregnancy book I could get my hands on, and plowed through the pages. I spent the first two weeks, night after night, soaking in all the baby knowledge I could take. And then it hit me like a ton of bricks: the pregnancy exhaustion. All proposed plans for December (and Christmas) were indefinitely cancelled. Nothing could wake me up from my fifteen-hour slumber. And then the world’s most aggressive alarm clock decided to ring: nausea. Now nausea is a common symptom in the early stages of pregnancy, but this was on another level.

After a dramatic drop in weight and a visit to my doctor, I was told I have Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a severe nausea condition. “Kate Middleton had it too!” My British self and the Duchess share the same experience. How…wonderful? I was advised to eat anything I could (which I absolutely did) and was told to stay active (which I absolutely did not.) One morning I woke up and realized it was time to regain control of my being… it was time to revitalize myself. My body needed some TLC, and surely working out alongside other nauseous mothers-to-be would be a comforting experience?

Prenatal Pilates at 899

I have always enjoyed Pilates and when I found out it was beneficial for expectant mothers, I rejoiced. 899 sits between Yorkville and Rosedale and is a bright and wonderful studio offering a Wednesday evening prenatal Pilates session. The class is designed to strengthen muscles for delivery, specifically the pelvic floor, using movements suited to pregnant bodies. I follow the instructor’s directions and engage my deep abdominal muscles whilst lengthening my limbs. I focus on inhaling and exhaling rhythmically (and fight the temptation to snooze). My muscles and mind are engaged; I feel a sense of control. “I am the master of my body,” I think to myself, as the class comes to an end. Just then, my bump decides to remind me who’s boss, as I escape the room for a head-spinning episode of nausea. Baby – 1, Mummy – 0.

Yoga Mamas, torontoyogamamas.com

Prenatal Yoga at Toronto Yoga Mamas

Equipped with ginger tea in hand, I walk into Toronto Yoga Mamas feeling optimistic. I’m about to enter a bubble of tranquility; committing to an hour of me time. I deserve it. A few minutes into the class and I feel tremendously calm and stress-free. The room is filled with serenity and the voice of the instructor is soothing and clear. What differentiates prenatal yoga from the regular type is a lack of focus on abdominal strength and the avoidance of twisting and turning. Instead, the postures are designed to strengthen the lower back and enhance flexibility. There is no pushing of boundaries. For the first time, I listen to my body and what it requires from me. I feel a sense of confidence return, maybe I am still as flexible as I remember? Aside from the physical impact of this class, I leave with a peaceful and positive energy, ready for my day ahead.

Barre 3, barre3.com

Barre at Barre 3

Before pregnancy, I was a regular face at Barre 3. I would attend a Wednesday and Saturday class every week and raved about the results. Eventually, I managed to convince a group of girlfriends to join me, and it became a way both to socialize and burn some calories before two hours of prosecco and truffle fries. With my ambition to restore some normality back into my pre-mummy life, I ventured back into the studio ready to do the class I had done at least one hundred times before. Barre 3 offers one type of workout; it is a 60 minutes full body exercise that focuses on small movements at high repetition with the use of resistance bands, a ballet bar and small weights. It is completely safe for expectant mothers, and the instructor provides modifications and alternative movements to suit all fitness levels. The combination of strength training and cardio releases a rush of endorphins in me; I feel invigorated. I feel a sweat coming on and my heart thanking me for making it race. Both with and without baby, this is my favourite workout.

Mummies-to-be, please share your favourite workouts with me?

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• Best Fitness Apps: The be.come project
• Holiday Glow: Shine from the Inside Out!

The post The Best Fitness Classes for Mothers-To-Be with Hyperemesis Gravidarum appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.

Pisco is fashionable. I was introduced to the Peruvian tipple four years ago whilst tucking into a saucer of seabass ceviche. My first Pisco Sour was refreshing, tangy and had an egg white crown. It was easy to drink and judging from the taste I assumed that the alcohol content was minimal. Oh boy, how wrong I was. Several hours, laughs and cocktails later, I stumbled out of the restaurant tremendously merry and raving about my new best friend: The Pisco Sour.

Pisco originated in South America and has been in a tug of war between Peru and Chile, both claiming national ownership of it. It is un-aged brandy made from the distillation of fermented grapes (Quebranta, Negra Corriete, Mollar, Italia, Moscatel, Abilla, Torrontel or Uvina.) The liquid is bottled directly without any additives or dilution, and the alcohol content is deceivingly between 38-48%. The Pisco Sour is a cocktail of shaken Pisco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup and egg white, with a dash of angostura bitters. It complements fresh fish as well as flavor-rich items with its sweet, light and zesty profile.

With the appearance of Latin American restaurants across the Toronto dining map, I explored the city in search of my cherished companion.

The Classic, Mira
A friendly illuminated Llama greets me at the entrance of Mira. It is Saturday night at this trendy spot; the music is pumping and the crowd is ready to rock ’n’ roll. I take a seat at my table and look at neighboring diners for cocktail inspiration. With the display of different shaped glasses and garnishes surrounding me, it is clear that I am spoilt for choice. The menu confirms my observation. Alongside the classic Pisco Sour, there are more unusual varieties such as a strawberry and vanilla infused pisco option and a cucumber-jalapeno choice. I order the classic version and receive it in a small glass chalice, which resembles a candle holder. The egg white froth is dense, fluffy and reminds me of a cappuccino foam. The drink is just how I know and love it: refreshingly delicious. Similar to my original experience, several of these cocktails go down easy… unlike my Sunday morning.

The Twist, Jacobs & Co Steakhouse
It is a rainy Friday night and I am late for my reservation at Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse. I arrive at the table where my friends are breaking cheddar baked bread, as I apologetically explain my delayed arrival. Staring at their nearly-finished martinis, I hurriedly open the cocktail list and point to the first thing that catches my eye: the Pisco Pear Sour. This offering is an unexpected yet appreciated surprise on menu. Perhaps they knew about my passion for pisco. Aesthetically, the cocktail is simple and sophisticated. The flavors of pear and ginger are prevalent yet delicate and elegant. The pisco does not overpower but there is enough to heighten both my senses and mood. Observing my satisfaction, a fellow diner summons the server and speaks on my behalf. ‘I think she will have another one.’

The Showstopper, Baro
I walk through the doors of Baro and feel as though I have entered the hippest spot in downtown Bogota. It feels authentic. I sit at the bar and place an order of Yuca fries whilst tapping my fingers to the tunes spinning. Despite being rhythmically challenged, the energy of the place has me feeling confident and cool. The suave bartender shakes up my selected drink: The Baro Sour. This cocktail is a visual delight; it has an appetizing apricot shade and is ornamented with the restaurant’s logo. The ingredients are well thought-out and impeccably balanced. The Pisco and tropical fruit flavors dominate my initial sips and are followed by subtle notes of vanilla and almond. It is zesty yet sweet, comparable to sherbet. This cocktail is the vivacious cousin of the classic Pisco Sour; it shares a similar genetic makeup yet is a little more electrifying…

They say your best friend brings out the best in you. And that’s why mine is the Pisco Sour.

The post Cocktail Hour: The Pisco Sour appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.

I accepted defeat; I needed coffee and I needed good coffee. My body and brain decided to perk up to help me hunt for the best places in Toronto to find it.

Bar Buca, 75 Portland Street, Toronto

There is a line up outside Bar Buca. Of course. Their coffee has a following and not even torrential rain will deter them. In addition to their regular espresso-based selection, Bar Buca offers a menu of specialties with flavors ranging from ginger and cinnamon to dolce de leche. After pondering their selection, and frustrating the growing line up behind me, I select their most popular choice, the ‘caffé con zabaglione’, an espresso sweetened with Italian custard. I unapologetically devour it in a few gulps. The coffee is rich, the flavors are decadent, and it is most definitely worth the wait. It would be rude not to sample a second drink, so I leave happily with a buffalo milk latte in hand. No guesses, it is delicious.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Bar Buca (@barbuca) el 6 Nov, 2019 a las 12:12 PST

Box Car Social, 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto

This coffee haunt is minimal and contemporary, a place where yummy mummies, trending bloggers and first date hopefuls co-exist to get their caffeine fix. I am torn between their signature drip coffee and an almond milk flat white, but the barista decides for me. ‘The Cortado is our best seller, you will love it!’ He was self-assured, and one sip down I understood why. Originating in Spain, a Cortado is an espresso and steamed milk in equal parts, no foam or froth included. Every sip I take of Box Car Social’s version is deliciously moreish. The milk pacifies the intensity of the coffee but allows the flavor of it to come through. The coffee has depth yet is delicate on the palette. I sporadically hold up my coffee glass to spectate, hoping I am far from the end.

 

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Una publicación compartida de B O X C A R S O C I A L (@boxcar_social) el 14 Ene, 2018 a las 10:07 PST

Jimmy’s Coffee, 100 Portland Street

There is something about Jimmy’s coffee house that feels vintage. The interior is rustic and rural which surprises me for a coffee spot located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The aromas of coffee capture me as I walk up to the counter to place my order. The Barista is friendly and confesses she is exceedingly caffeinated. It must be good. Bleary-eyed, I receive my americano in their signature yellow mug and curl up in the corner with my novel to escape reality for an hour. I get distracted by the distinct flavors of the coffee. Smooth yet complex, different from anything I have had before but I love it. It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new bean for me… and I’m feeling good.

 

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Una publicación compartida de Jimmy’s Coffee (@jimmys_coffee) el 16 Ago, 2019 a las 7:07 PDT

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The post Coffee Shops for All Toronto Caffeine Enthusiasts appeared first on Food Health & Parenting Tips.

I would sit anxiously, in my lace frilled cardigan and signature French braid, watching and waiting for my father to savor his drink. Finally, he would pass me his empty tumbler and I would dive into the glass to fish out the bourbon-soaked cherry with my fingers. I was eight years old and remember the taste vividly – sweet and smoky with a hint of orange marmalade. The residual alcohol would burn my throat, but I enjoyed the sensation. My father, patiently watching me, would put out his hand signaling for me to pass back the glass before ordering his second. My front row seat to cocktail hour is how I was introduced to this classic drink: The Old Fashioned.

Fast forward 20 years, I am now living in Toronto and the slightest scent of an Old Fashioned takes me back to that treasured daddy-daughter ritual. However, these days, sipping the cocktail has evolved into a comfort for when home and my childhood feel so far away.

The Old Fashioned cocktail originated in Louisville, Kentucky at a private Gentlemen’s’ social club, and the recipe was said to have been taken to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Bar in New York by the creator, a Bourbon expert. The original ingredients consist of a dissolved sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, bourbon and a citrus peel, all poured over ice and served short. The recipe has developed over time, with many places adding a maraschino or glacier cherry as garnish. The depth and citrusy sweetness of the cocktail make it both the perfect aperitif and nightcap.

With Toronto being my new home, I took it upon myself to see what the city had to offer when it came to my dear Old Fashioned and I was comforted by the selection. Here are my picks for the best I have found:

 

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We are approaching the #weekend! Stop by tonight for a #scotch on the rocks. #Whiskey #Cocktails #FairmontRoyalYork

Una publicación compartida de Library Bar Toronto (@librarybartoronto) el 28 Jun, 2018 a las 8:36 PDT

The Classic, Library Bar, Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Library Bar, Fairmont Royal York: Dim, sultry lights and Sinatra lyrics flowing over the sound of an acoustic guitar, rustic aged bookshelves, and tuxedo-dressed bartenders. The perfect backdrop for a classic Old Fashioned. I sit at the bar and ask for exactly that. “Which bourbon would you like, madam?” to which I respond, “Your choice, just please make it the classic way.” He selects Bulleit Bourbon. In a short, intricately embossed glass, he crushes a brown sugar ice cube with water and adds the bitters, before adding the bourbon and ice. I am mesmerized by the swirling of the ingredients in the glass and I see the condensation around it building, along with my excitement. The final touch of a burnt orange peel and a dark cherry complete the cocktail. “Voila!” the bartender announces, before placing the cocktail on a coaster in front of me. I pick up the glass and take my first sip slowly. “It’s perfect.”

 

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Una publicación compartida de Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen (@chubbysjamaican) el 24 Oct, 2018 a las 9:58 PDT

The Twist, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

Buffalo Solider at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen: I walk into Chubby’s and instantly get that warm vacation feeling. The hostess signals to the upstairs bar and I quickly make my way up the narrow flight of stairs to the second level of the restaurant. Laughter, “Cheers!”, and the smell of Jamaican spices fill the room. The music switches back and forth between salsa beats and 90’s classics. I perch myself on a bar stool and promptly receive a menu. I am excited. I get a walk-through of the cocktail list and ironically get directed to the ‘Buffalo Soldier’. “This is our take on the Old Fashioned, it’s our signature cocktail. Real good.” says the bartender who exudes a quirky confidence. Within a few minutes, my drink is served. I bring it close to inspect the grilled pineapple garnish. As I take my first sip, I re-read the ingredients. Buffalo Soldier Bourbon, pineapple, nutmeg shrub, demerara sugar and walnut bitters. I can taste every ingredient as the flavors burst in my mouth. There is something wholesome and hearty about this drink. For a second, I close my eyes and my mind wanders to the beach. I immediately feel relaxed as I think of white sand and the waves hitting my feet.

 

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Una publicación compartida de The Cloak Bar (@thecloakbar) el 19 Dic, 2019 a las 11:18 PST

The Showstopper, The Cloak

Earl Grey Old Fashioned at The Cloak: I walk into this discreet establishment nestled in the midst of the downtown hustle and bustle. It’s a speakeasy – cozy, warm and understated. The place is buzzing and full to the brim, but luckily I had reserved ahead. Once seated, I immediately start exploring their highly descriptive menu. Usually, I do not like to share, but when an Earl Grey Old Fashioned is on offer as a shareable drink, I will make an exception. The cocktail appears like the crown jewels; it has a royal presence. It is served in a crystal glass flask and with four short glasses. The display is beautiful, and the serving style makes it the envy of neighboring tables. It is receiving attention- and so it should. The British in me is revived, as I sip away, unlocking the subtle flavors of the tea. The combination of ingredients is simple yet effective. Evan Williams Bourbon, Earl Grey tea, angostura and orange bitters. Elegant and sophisticated yet still trendy and fashionable. A true showstopper.

Call me old fashioned, but this cocktail will forever be my chosen classic.

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