Wine is a really big deal to us. The perfect pairing can transform a meal into an experience and idle chitchat into deep, delicious conversation. Wine makes meals magical. That’s why we hired Shahyn Kamali, a globetrotting Sommelier with a penchant for romance, adventure, and history, too.

Meet Mark Cheese, if you please. (And you certainly should.) He’s not only a new, friendly face in our bakery, he’s the head cheese. A master of sweets, treats and pastries, too. Mark joined us in early December of 2016 as Head Pastry Chef. Although he’s new to us, he is an old hat (and celebrated name) in the world of decadent baking. Mark’s been exciting taste buds and triggering sweet tooths in Canada since the early 90s. He trained in the culinary arts in England (where he’s from) and then made his way to France where he found his true pastry calling. Toronto, however, is where he eventually landed and now it’s home sweet home. The first thing Mark fell in love with at Ricarda’s was our restaurant’s big, open architecture—both inside and in the 134 Atrium. “It’s a brilliant fantastic place,” he says. “It’s hard to describe until you see it, but when you do – wow – there’s nothing like it!” He loves the open kitchen concept because it allows customers to see the artistry behind their order and it drives the behaviour of the restaurant. Mark says that the beauty of the space means that his desserts have to live up to the décor. Mission accomplished, Mark. Mark’s favourite dessert (and one we highly recommend you try) is the Beet Goat Cheesecake. Based on a simple idea for a salad, he created this unusual and delicious treat. “Using vegetables is becoming more popular in desserts,” says Mark. “This cheesecake has a beautiful colour. It’s a little bit sweet with a walnut crust and warm caramel apple.” It’s a recipe he’s used before—the one that won him Toronto Life’s cheesecake competition a few years back. And while he was pleased to win, he was slightly disappointed that Toronto Life missed a prime opportunity to connect his name and the winning creation with a pun. Stop by our bakery and say hi to Mark. He answers to Mark, Mr. Cheese and Monsieur Fromage!

I’ve eaten my weight in Ricciarelli in Tuscany, basked in the architectural opulence of Cordóba, sipped (multiple) Cab Sauvs in Bourdeaux, and danced in bare feet on a cobblestone dance floor until dawn. Yet, it’s here in Toronto that has proved to be the most prolific, exciting, enticing, thrilling, goosebumps-all-day-long adventure of my life.

I’ve been travelling again – this time to upholstery showrooms ...

I’m home! And while I can romanticize about the Mediterranean without end, I must admit, I’ve missed it here. There is something special about Toronto. The hustle. The endless awake. Still, I think it needs something more. A little dollop of that So Med life.

After months with the wind in my hair, coastlines past my peripheral, and pastries ever in hand and tum, I’m finally going home. Economy Class has nothing on the Mediterranean. These pretzels make me miss baguettes and camembert and tiramisu ferociously. Leaving the Mediterranean is bittersweet. I’m itching to see my friends and family to tell them about all of my adventures. About the fashion in Milan, the colourful Old Port in Nice, the ornate mosaics in Lisbon, the laissez-faire lifestyle, the love affair with Romeo, the ever-flowing Cava in Spain. Oh my! Everything. I can’t wait to tell them everything. I hope they’re up for a 4-day slideshow. I promise to bring snacks. I am definitely wistful for more. Yet, I am bringing back SO much of this place with me. In more than just memories and selfies.

Lisbon is all about community. It’s like Mr. Rogers’ Neighbourhood but without the cardigans and puppets and with better music (Sorry, Mr. Rogers). The homes house generations of tanned, calm, cool and sexy people. Everyone knows everyone’s name (and business). Laundry hangs over alley ways and people shout heartily at each other in Portuguese slang from open window sills. People are kind and every old lady is a surrogate grandmother to whomever passes by – giving an ear, a mouthful (for those raucous kids kicking soccer balls in the street), or a sweet affectionate tap without hesitation. Everyone is a child of the community it seems. Is this the way life’s meant to be lived? Yep, I think so…

Cordóba seduced me with its architectural gems. Columns, mosaics, patterns, carvings, ornate details, oh my! La Mezquita, particularly, is indescribably opulent. Candy cane archways, skylit domes, and lavish décor. It’s both geometrically perfect and artistically breathtaking.

Sorry Santa, but I have a new holiday love: The Three Kings!! My parents and I celebrated Dia de Los Reyes (3 Kings Day) in true Mediterranean fashion: eating, drinking, laughing, dancing! (Anyone surprised?)