EATALY

With the thought of summer on the back of my mind, I cannot but think, will stay at home orders be a thing of the past and can we finally leave our homes for a sense of normality? Me, Mrs. Positive will keep positive thoughts as I think about what kind of things I want to do locally, yes, even Mrs. Positive realizes international travelling is not in the cards yet! Since travelling via plane is not in my near future, it does not mean I cannot find some amazing things to do closer to home. Eataly Toronto is most definitely on my to visit list, as it opened in the late fall of 2019 and then Covid hit, and my downtown days have been put to a halt!

I had my first Eataly experience in Chicago and when I first walked in I was in awe! There was so much to see and eat of course and somehow the people or shall I say the masterminds behind Eataly managed to strategically and beautifully set up a food market and restaurants all under the same roof. When I first walked in, I will admit, the Nutella stand caught my attention, but with some discipline, I stepped away from the heavenly chocolate delights and explored all Eataly had to offer. On the main floor aside from the Nutella station, there was a sandwich station with artisan breads, cheeses and cured meats, as well as the pastry counter with the most colourful and delicious sweets! On the other side of the store were cook books and kitchen accessories, of course everything was perfectly displayed. Up the escalator I went to the second floor and I had no idea just how much more there was to explore and eat!

As I stepped off the escalator, all I could see were bottles, bottles of wine, tomato sauce, olive oil and vinegar. How many different kinds of olive oil and vinegar can there possibly be? According to Eataly, many! There were locals, picking up fresh fish, meat, cheese and pasta in their respective stations in the market. Wooden tables were set up for customers enjoying a wood oven pizza or a bowl of fresh pasta all made in house, paired with a glass of wine or beer also sold in house. I also couldn't but notice the smell of strong coffee, thanks to the espresso machine at the coffee station. For those who feel they are not great in the kitchen, I noticed that Eataly also offered cooking classes, what have they not thought of?!

Back to Toronto! As I peruse Eataly Toronto Instagram page, of course the food looks mouth watering, the market and restaurant look rustic and and they have outdoor dining, or should I say, el fresco! Aside from everything Eataly already offers, they also feature specials or celebrations of foods throughout the year. Such as, Celebrating Proscuitto, Fall for Salumi e Formaggi, and what would be my favourite, White Truffle Festival. Belissimo!

Grab your credit card and put on your stretchy pants, and when it is safe to do so, go visit Eataly. As per their motto, "Life is too short to not eat well ".