BiteMe

K wanted to make cake pops so we went out to get all the ingredients. It’s made from an already baked cake that’s mushed into a ball, and then dipped in melted chocolate. We got everything (minus the cake mix) from Bulk Barn and it took us around 2.5 hours including baking and cooling times. It was a fun activity to do on a rare weeknight with everyone at home and no one had homework. Turned out pretty tasty and matched Starbucks’ cake pops. -A

We tried this Taiwanese beef noodle place in Mississauga Chinatown. For an extra $1, we upgraded to large-size bowls. I liked the soup version better as it was more flavourful. The noodle texture was good too. Beef was yummy and tender. I enjoyed lunch. -A

After a successful competition event, we celebrated at Bâton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar. It was lunch time, and we didn’t want to be too full for the drive home, so the girls shared a seafood linguine and M and I shared the prime rib sandwich. We also got one kids meal of half rack ribs to all share. It was the perfect amount of food for the road trip home. -A

There used to be a Lone Star Texas Grill by us, but I think most locations have mostly exited from the GTA. There was multiple locations in Ottawa in a 20km radius.

I always enjoy their tortilla chips and salsa that they bring. M and I shared a Big Rig Burrito, which is real big. -A

We were in Ottawa for a few days for a competition, and one of the lunches, we headed to Byward Market to Sammi & Soupe Dumpling. All the dishes look the same, so I only took 1 picture of the steamed dumplings and 1 picture of the pan-fried ones. The wrappers had a good texture. We tried a few different types of dumplings, including one with snow crab. The original was still the best in my opinion. -A

My cousin’s kids really liked Swiss Chalet while they were here that they went 3 times! I unashamedly say that Swiss Chalet is my favourite restaurant but 3 times in a week is a bit much even for me.

It’s probably not baked in-house, but their cheesecake is awesome. -A

I miss HK cafes. When I had to go to North York, I took advantage and headed to 松屋 Pine House Cafe. We got the borscht soup with our meals of Hainan chicken rice and baked pork chops. K told me that baked pork chops is her most favourite meal ever and even ranks above sushi, which is huge. -A

We finally went to Mamma Martino's and it did not disappoint. Pasta dishes under $20 is almost unheard of these days. We started with a caprese salad, bruschetta, and garlic bread. For the mains, we shared a large pizza (which we only tackled half), seafood linguine, spaghetti and meatballs and a veal parmigiana. I love that the pasta is made fresh.

Someone told me to get the green salad next time so looks like I have to make another trip here! -A

Last ice cream of the summer at Toms Dairy Freeze. I chose the ice cream sandwich because I wanted the cookies. -A

My cousin took his son fishing and they caught 4 big rainbow trouts. We cooked them 3 different ways - steamed, grilled on the barbecue, and oven baked. The favourite was the steamed version. We should have done that with 2 of the fish. -A