Vitamin Daily

The smartie-pants behind the popular Cheezy Bizness food truck, Nicole Fewell has more than amazing sandwiches up her sleeve. B

And what goes better with grilled cheese than a mean cocktail? Porter’s Tonic ($16) is a delicious tonic syrup that adds a little bit of kick to your regular old G&T. With ingredients like agave nectar, lemongrass and cinchona bark you can’t help but feel a little bit healthy as you slurp it down.

Each batch is handcrafted and numbered making it a great gift... for yourself. —Kait Kucy

At Vine Arts, www.vinearts.ca

C’est un des trésors du quartier Centre-Sud.

Le genre de restau qui ne paie pas de mine, mais dont la carte se révèle être un incontournable pour les aficionados de la cuisine mexicaine. Rien de branchouille dans la place, même un peu de kitsch bienvenu. Les nachos servis pour faire patienter un clientèle qui ne doit pas être pressée, sont délicieux. Normal, ils sont faits sur place. On peut d’ailleurs en acheter pour emporter. Difficile de choisir ensuite entre les enchiladas sauce mole, la soupe Azteca ou encore les quesadillas. Peu importe notre choix, on finir par goûter les plats de ceux qui nous accompagnent, ce qui ne leur demandera pas un grand sacrifice considérant la générosité des portions. —Sylvie Michelon

restaurantlaguadalupe.ca

The Main has a new watering hole, and it’ll quench more than just our thirst.

Open in what was once Cafeteria (corner St-Laurent and Prince Arthur), Suwu caters to our wildest late-night cravings with its comfort food inspired menu. If truffle oil popcorn ($5), grilled cheese mac ‘n cheese ($8) or veal meatball tacos ($14) – whipped up by a team with a Toqué background, no less -- won’t hit the spot at 2 a.m., we don’t know what will.

With its stylish yet laid-back and playful vibe – we’re looking at you, vintage pinball machine! – Suwu has successfully lured us back to lower St-Laurent.

Long live the Main! —Christine Laroche

3571 St-Laurent Boul., Montreal, http://suwumontreal.com

The ubiquitous beer hall is here to stay, so what makes National on 10th stand out from the rest of the craft beer crowd?

Pins and balls, that's what. Yes, you heard that right – the brand-spanking-new National on 10th's fully functioning bowling alley will be opened later in the summer. Meanwhile, active beer-sippers can get competitive playing foosball and table tennis. If sports aren’t your thing, why not try your hand at getting exclusive access to the prestigious Bourbon Room (tip: no smartphones allowed, this room is purely tasting fine beverages and mellow conversation).

Now where can we find a stylish bowling shirt? —Kait Kucy

The National on 10th, 341 10th Ave. SW, Calgary, www.ntnl.ca

Veuve Clicquot has selected Montreal as the home of the first-ever Yelloweek.

Until Sunday, the city will take on the colours of the chic champers brand with a variety of events in the worlds of gastronomy (think champagne pairings at Ryu, L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel and more, from $75), fashion (the show, curated by Lolitta Dandoy, is at Birks tonight) and more.

Here’s to a week of fantastic food, fab fêtes and – best of all! – bubbles for all! —Christine Laroche

http://semaineyelloweek.com

Our never-ending quest for the best benny in town led us straight to Blondes Diner.

Top Chef Canada hopeful, Chris Shaften opened the not-so greasy spoon in March with a menu of ‘fancy diner goodness,' like the Mushroom Eggs Benny with kale and buttermilk dressing salad. Stopping by later in the day? Order up The One and Only Gluten-free Mac & Cheese topped with local Gouda, Edam and cheddar.

It's classic Canadian done right. —Kait Kucy

Blondes Diner, 2005b 4th St. SW, Calgary, 403-474-3867, www.blondesdiner.com

Looking for a late-night snack after quaffing a few Gastown cocktails, but no longer have the stomach for cheap donair and cardboard pizza? Don't noodle over it - head to restauranteur Mark Brand's newest venture, No. 1 Noodle House.

Located in the much-loved "old Boneta" space, Brand is bringing post-bar ramen to the masses with his 75+ seat joint. We recommend a bowl of Tonkotsu, served with pork broth, pork belly, soft boiled egg, bamboo shoots and mizuna ($9.50). Also on the current modestly-sized and modestly-priced menu is bahn mi, chicken wings, spring rolls and edamame.  

Still in its soft open phase (with menus being finalized and liquor licence pending), earn cool points with your gang by being the first in the noodle know. 

Cash only, open for lunch and dinner, No. 1 Noodle House, 1 Cordova St. W., Vancouver, www.no1noodlehouse.ca

Niché dans le Vieux-Montréal, Le Balcon offre des soupers-spectacles qui se suivent mais ne se ressemblent pas.

En fait foi leur calendrier, énumérant des soirées placées sous le signe du tango, du Motown, du flamenco, du Charleston pour ne citer que ces genres-là. Ce soir, la musique cubaine est à l’honneur, avec le Cuban Martinez Show. Au menu, une cuisine du marché avec, par exemple, un fondant de bœuf parfumé au miel et au thym, un saumon grillé à la fleur de sel, des pâtes du jour. Une soirée à la carte…—Sylvie Michelon

60 $ le souper-spectacle, 25 $ pour le spectacle seul, lebalcon.ca

It's Greek Orthodox Easter this weekend – a perfect excuse to head over to Greektown to gorge on bougasta and baklava.

You can't go wrong at Athena Bakery, a Danforth mainstay and home to one of the most deliciously sticky baklava in town. Other treats include spanakopita, (flaky pastry stuffed with spinach and feta) koulourakia (traditional Greek cookies) and loukoumades (fried dough balls smothered in syrup and cinnamon)

A bakery by any other name just isn't as sweet. —Athena Tsavliris

Athena Bakery 598 Danforth Ave., Toronto, 416-462-1411.

Just East of the Stampede grounds, Crossroads Market has revitalized with over 25 fresh and delicious local vendors. 

Healthy Funky Foods caught our eye with their incredible menu of 100 per cent raw vegan and gluten-free meals, snacks and recipes. We sampled their version of a Nanaimo Bar and left wanting more. They also have great options for a dinner party like the Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms ($16/dozen) which taste deceivingly un-vegan. Yum.

More meat-free goodness can be found at Happy Kitchen Express courtesy of the Queen of Happy Cuisine herself, Saronn Pov who is serving up the most amazing salad rolls you might ever have. Jampacked with 18 veggies, these ultra healthy rolls are dipped in a flavourful citrus sauce for a little extra kick.

Our idea of summer involves a lot of lemonade. Luckily, Pearson’s Berry Farm carries all of our favourite flavours in concentrate just ready to be topped up with water and ice. You can’t go wrong with the Black Currant lemonade – serve with gin and you’ll be in heaven! —Kait Kucy

Crossroads Market, 1235 26th Ave SE, 403-291-5208
www.crossroadsmarket.ca