As a Foodie, I am a Professional Eater. I have stopped fretting about my dress size. It fluctuates from size 2 in the summer, when I’m busy with summer events and walking like mad, to size 6 when I graciously plump up when I’m in “food season” sampling lots of new foods at various events.

The fashion of Alexander McQueen always makes me look fabulous! Among my designer favorites; Gucci, Prada, Stella McCartney, Alexander was in my top ten.

I dream to buy his couture fantasy and feminine pieces. I splurge on his classics; like his pencil skirt done only in a way that defines who Alexander McQueen is, and what he brings to fashion. I feel feminine and protected, ready for anything and everything.

“I try to protect people. A lot of my clothes are hard-edged, even if it is just a simple two-piece suit, like armor.” Stated McQueen

So it is with deep sadness that the Fashion World has lost this talanted designer, one I can count on protect me through “plumpy” sizes with a beautiful shape. He will be missed not only by his muse, but by me.

In my recent extended stay at a hotel we got tired of order in, take out, hotel foods. We longed for a home cooked meal. While doing the laundry I met a fellow neighbour (who was doing the hotel living for 6 months…yikes I should not be complaining about a one week stay. He suggested a Greek place they had recently ordered from, where the food was supposedly great. I sceptically said I would try the restaurant, and when I got back to my suite, like any good neighbour, he left a brightly colourful menu at my door. “Greek X-press” screamed from the brightly colourful brochure.

I thought of another Greek chain that was like another McDonalds only with Greek food, and I paused, only slowly as two teenage girls and a hungry husband groaned in the background about what’s for dinner.

My spirits lifted as I read the menu, Moussaka, gyro, souvlaki, and where I finally said yes this is going to be it…the grilled kalamari dinner for $15.95. They had me at “tender squid grilled to traditional Greek perfection”.

We ordered the grilled kalamari and a gyros dinner with the trimmings and sides. It was not too long before a jovial Greek gentleman showed up with a bag of goodies. He reminded me of one of the uncles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, I just knew that whatever this uncle was bringing was going to be good. I could tell by his expression. This is how it is with authentic food people.

Dinner served, we started with the Greek salad, the gem amongst the iceberg lettuce was the plump, tart, bitter and sweet-all at the same time olives that made my mouth come alive, and the subtle finish of the Greek feta was the perfect mix for the salad.

Then I experienced what was sheer heaven. Tender pieces of perfectly grilled calamari, seasoned with garlic, and flavourful subtle spices, that was out of this world incredible. I could imagine Greece c.1920; this is how “mana” meant it to be. We dipped the perfect al dente vegetables and potatoes into the delicious sauce, followed by the warm plump pita. My husband and I looked at each other with that knowing smile of complete satisfaction while the sauce still dripped down our faces… and said “yep they tapped that, hit it out of the park”.

So good it was we went back for more the next day. This time with my complements and raves about how good it was the day before they included an extra pita and god bless them. Sometimes, (yes it happens) when you return to a restaurant it’s not the same. However not the Greek Xpress Restaurant. Today’s grilled calamari with the extra pita was, I don’t know how to say this, was even better than the day before. Again Noel and I moaned, and delighted in the exquisite flavours of the perfectly grilled calamari and the homemade tzatzike sauce all slathered on the warm pita. Worth the drive way way up on Yonge Street. Exceptional traditional portions, an order for two fed a family of four, all for $35.

The Greek Xpress Restaurant
9631 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
905 787 0388

I’m not the sort of female to torment a respectable man…but I must get to el Bulli, before they close.

Waiting to complete the final chapter of my book on the ultimate culinary experiences – a delicious journey of places, people, and ingredients that is all a culmination of satiating a Foodies need for great food. These experiences range from simple fare to complex Michelin star dishes.

Like anyone looking for the ultimate thrill and satisfaction in all experiences, I’m looking to reach the ultimate O in the culinary experiences I’ve had to complete the G-spot which is to land on shelves Sept 9, 2011. This has to be and evening, leading to a late night all around a 6 to 9 course meal at El Bulli.

Here’s hoping Senor Adria will see me to the finish. And, before he takes his hiatus from El Bulli while he further studies and refines “molecular cuisine”.

French Antique Monogram Bed LinensThere are three things I love to do in bed; sleep, eat, and smile. All three involves a plush existence on top, in between and all-round something French, refined, rich and yes I will admit, old.

I collect a few things; old English china, cuff-links (which includes a stunning sterling one from the 70’s that was owned by Hugh Hefner), and vintage French textiles.

My passion for vintage linens comes from the sheer beauty in the softness and texture of the fabric and the intriguing shades of beautifully aged patina in good vintage linen. Exceptional quality French linen ages like no other. My heart races at the mention of French linens which are my favourite, followed by Belgian linens.

Like wine and cheese, good linen grows better with age. The fabric becomes softer and more refined with age, it feels like what could be 2000 thread count or more…and in this finess I love to sprawl nibbling on…some decadent treat, or even my simple bowl of frosted flakes. Amongst the cool French sheets its heaven.

There is nothing quite the feel of cool linen. In any season it brings a sense of luxury, especially mixing different textures. Mixing delicate light linen voile….with a damask, creates a luxurious, and tranquil romantic feel.

The natural texture of linen lends itself to faded pattern and soft colour and with age the look and feel is simply stunning.

I love everything about Christmas morning! So much in fact that Christmas morning for me starts the night before. Whether I’m making my pastry for my incredible Stilton Quiche that I only bake on Christmas morning, or getting pure cocoa from Jamaica prepped for Coco Tea (made from the actual cocoa bean in raw form).

This Christmas breakfast I added side bacon to the Stilton quiche and made home made scones. They were so good!
What made them priceless was that they were home made. Not from-a-box home made, from-scratch home made. As with all hand made products it’s the flaws that make it endearing. I used heavy cream and tripled the required butter (a slight mistake from misreading the line on the butter marker), however the result was heaven. They were little dollops of heaven. Steaming from the oven, we devoured them with double English cream and raspberry plum jam.

Indulgent Food. Life. Style. “A foodie is not just looking for expensive items, it’s the adventure, tasting, sharing…the entire culinary experience”. “I love what I do! I am passionate about food.

It is so much more than the way I make a living. More accurately, it’s about the extraordinary people — the chefs, critics, artisans and dreamers – as well as the less fortunate and the most fortunate. I am grateful that you allow me to share my passion with you and that I have a job like this, that involves making people happy through food.” Nadine Spencer, Indulgent Foodie