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Baked Risotto with Peas, Asaparagus, and Pancetta

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If you’re a fan of risotto, then you’ll love this recipe. Different from the classic Italian risotto, this version calls for peas, asparagus, and pancetta, each of which have their own various health benefits. Eating risotto alone can boost your fiber intake, provide you with protein and provide you with 4 percent of your daily requirement for vitamin C, iron, and calcium. By adding peas, asparagus, and pancetta to risotto, you are boosting the nutritional value of the basic recipe. Read on!

TheMet_BakedRisottoWithSpringVeggiesRecipe_Apr232013

Peas

By adding low-fat peas to your recipe, you get high-everything-else. Peas come with lots of protein, fiber, and micronutrients, as well as high levels of antioxidants that can help build a strong immune system and provide you with higher energy levels. The many antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in peas support healthy blood vessels because peas’ high fiber and protein slow down your body’s digestion of sugar, thus improving blood sugar regulation.

Asparagus

Asparagus not only tastes delicious, but it is also a wonderful source of nutrients. Asparagus contains many anti-inflammatory nutrients, which help to combat arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune diseases. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, asparagus is also a robust fighter against bladder, breast, colon, lung, prostate, ovarian, and other cancers. It also has quantities of folate, a B-complex vitamin that are essential for a healthy cardiovascular system and proper cellular division. The healthy fiber and protein content of asparagus stabilizes our digestion, curbs overeating, aids in the maintenance of low blood sugar, and prevents constipation.

Pancetta

Similar to American strip bacon, pancetta is a type of bacon native to Italy made from pork belly, prepared with powerful spices and salt-cured. Although pancetta is a meat, if you’re interested in increasing the protein value of your meals, then pancetta is not a good choice; it should be replaced with a healthier meat, such as chicken, for more nutritional benefit. If you wish to enjoy pancetta, eat it in moderation to prevent overloading your body with fat.

Deemed by some as a pure comfort food, if you love risotto on its own, then the pouring and stirring of peas, asparagus, and pancetta is a testament of that love. Courtesy of thekitchn.com, here is the easy to follow risotto recipe. Happy cooking!

Sources:

http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-baked-risotto-with-spring-vegetables-recipes-from-the-kitchn-188006

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-health-benefits-of-peas.html

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/9-health-benefits-of-asparagus.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/555457-pancetta-nutrition/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/334328-risotto-rice-nutrition/

DIY Pop Culture Posters

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Looking for a tasteful way to incorporate your love for a TV show into the décor of your home?  Now you can!  Though some people cringe when they see the seemingly ubiquitous “Keep Calm and Carry On” posters plastered everywhere in Toronto, posters with your favourite saying/lyric/quote can be just the thing your condo wall needs.  They can be a great way to liven up a boring wall, personalize your space and make you smile each time you see them.

TheMet_Poster3_Mar52013

For those of you who want to take your TV and music passions to the next level, we’ve provided you with a simple DIY tutorial to make your own wall quote. From Taylor Swift lyrics to a quote from the Godfather, there’s no saying you can’t transform into art!  Take a look at some examples we’ve included below to help get your creative juices flowing!

TheMet_Poster1_Mar52013

TheMet_Poster2_Mar52013

Would you decorate your walls with pop culture prints and posters?  If you liked any of the above, you’re in luck!  You can replicate them in your home with little time and effort.  Click here to get the full tutorial, courtesy of Allison from House of Hepworths.  It’s easy, and, guess what?  It can be done on a whopping budget of…. $0!

Let us know how it went!

Source (images included):

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/yay-or-nay-pop-culture-prints-184403

Warm Snow Pea and Chicken Salad

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Spring is only a month away!  Can you believe that winter is almost over? (At least technically, according to the calendar- Mother Nature may not agree).  It’s time to put away the crock pots and let go of our attachment to winter comfort food, and welcome the new season with fresh vegetables and colourful salads!

Get ready for beautiful weather with this snow pea and chicken salad recipe.

TheMet_Salad_Feb192013

Makes 4 Servings

Preparation Time: 40 Minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, trimmed
  • 1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons tahini, or cashew butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound snow peas, trimmed and thinly slivered lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cashews

Directions:

  1. Place chicken in a medium skillet or saucepan and add broth; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to cool. Shred into bite-size pieces. (Cool and refrigerate the broth, reserving it for another use.)
  2. Meanwhile, whisk vinegar, soy sauce, 2 teaspoons sesame oil and tahini (or cashew butter) in a large bowl until smooth.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in slivered peas and cook, stirring, until bright green, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Add the chicken to the bowl with the peas; toss to combine. Serve sprinkled with cashews.

Enjoy!

Recipe taken from (image included):

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/warm_snow_pea_chicken_salad.html

New Year, New You – Resolutions for you and your condo in 2013

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With everyone chattering about the end of the Mayan calendar, it’s only natural to semi-believe that the world might end at the stroke of midnight on December 31st. With the thought of not having to worry about any responsibilities, New Year’s resolutions may seem “so last year,” but just in case we do get to see the light of day on January 1st, we’ve comprised 10 resolutions to help you become an even happier homeowner than you  already are!

  1. This is the year to get serious about your mortgage, and making it disappear. By strategically making a few extra payments, you can make a dramatic difference. Remember this: “The more payments you make in a shorter period of time, the less you end up paying in the long term, and the faster you’ll get rid of your mortgage.”
  2. This is a good time to make a list of all the things you
    need to fix up around your house. That squeaky door still bothering you? Or,
    how about the shower that hardly has any pressure? All the things that bother
    you, but you’ve never gotten around to fixing should be on this list!
  3. Cleaning out your closet is such a rewarding resolution to follow through with. Chances are your closet is filled to the brim with clothing items you don’t really care for anymore. Sort through clothes that you wish to donate and keep. This is a win-win situation: giving clothes to people in need is always positive, and finding your old outfits that are in style again saves you a trip to the mall and puts some money in the bank!
  4. This may seem like a silly task on the list but is quite worth the elbow work. Cleaning your windows can make a dramatic difference to the appearance of your home and, again, is a very rewarding task.
  5. Make sure your alarms and detectors have a fresh set of batteries and are working properly. If you don’t have a smoke alarm or CO2 detector, you should install one-it might save your life!
  6. This year, make it your goal to save energy. This is so simple. Remember to turn off lights when you’re not in the room, don’t leave windows open and use the air conditioner at the same time, and remember to power down that laptop of yours every night.
  7. Make a few improvements in your home. Is the ugly tiling in your bathroom that you vowed to remove as soon as you got the keys still there? Make the change now! Updating your home with finishing’s that you actually like will not only make you happier, but also improve the value of your home.
  8. Now that you’ve organized inside and out, you should have some free space to store all that unnecessary “junk” away. Liberating your countertops is a pathway to a cleaner, and more functional living space.
  9. It’s important to keep track of all the work you’ve put into your home. This way, you will have a better idea of its worth if it comes time to sell. Make it your mission this year to document what you’ve done in the past, and are currently doing to improve your home.
  10. The most natural thing to do, especially since we lived to see 2013 is throw a party!

Sources:

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/6-new-years-resolutions-homeowners-1.aspx

http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/6-years-resolutions-homeowners-2012-080212983.html

http://www.aroundhawaii.com/business/real_estate/2010-01-new-years-resolutions-for-homeowners

http://ellidavis.com/toronto-real-estate-news/2011/01/new-years-resolutions-for-your-home

 

The Ryerson Theatre School

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Ryerson University’s Theatre School does not only offer programs for students who aspire to make it in the entertainment industry, it’s also a place to for theatre goers to enjoy exciting shows. Here’s what is coming up in the next few weeks and months:


November 27 to December 1
8 p.m.
December 1 at 2 p.m.
Location: Ryerson Theatre 43 Gerrard Street

Produced by Karen Duplisea
Lighting Design by Aisling Sampson

 

 


February 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14
8 p.m.
Location: Abrams Studio 46 Gerrard Street East

By Colleen Murphy
Directed by Stewart Arnott


February 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14
8 p.m.
Location: Ryerson Theatre 43 Gerrard Street

Directed by Cynthia Ashperger
Enjoy a great night out at the Ryerson Theatre! Tickets for main stage shows are $18 for adults, while studio shows are $10.

Ryerson Theatre School, 43 & 46 Gerrard Street East, Toronto.

Source:

http://www.ryerson.ca/theatreschool/performances/2012-13-mainstage.html

 

The CWNA vision for Yonge St.

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Yonge Street is probably Canada’s most famous street. Not only does it date back to the 19th century, but it is also one of the country’s busiest streets.  It used to be the main commercial street in Toronto. Even though it is still Toronto’s main street and links different parts of the city, shops and restaurants are a bit more rundown than they were in the days of yore.

Condo developers have been remedying the situation by building new and exciting condominium projects along Yonge Street.  Aura, 88 Scott and Pinnacle are just a few additions that are transforming our famous street. Although this rejuvenation is generally positive, there needs to be oversight.

Condo developers, on their own, may not have the tools or the vision to do what is best for pedestrians and shops. The CWNA believes that there needs to be a balance between the concrete giant buildings and the pedestrian friendliness of Yonge St.

Slowly, changes are being put in place. Already, Dundas Square is becoming a popular spot for pedestrians to hang out. Yonge Street is also allowing for more patio space – all in an attempt to keep people shopping and traveling through the street. The City has recently launched a development process that is producing a Planning Framework to bring new life to Yonge Street.

Allan Jacobs, in his book Great Streets (1993), listed a few characteristics of the necessary criteria to make a great street. These criteria are the goals to which the Planning Framework is aiming with regards to Yonge. Here are a few elements that make a great street:

  • The ability to walk leisurely, with enough space.
  • The street engages the eye with rich textures, patterns, and shapes along the street.
  • Construction materials are of generally high quality.
  • There is a good amount of “green” space and elements along the street.
  • There are recognized “places” along the street. These places are destinations and locations where people want to spend their time (the Eaton Centre, for example).

Over the next few years, be sure to keep your eyes out for changes along the historic Yonge Street.

Already this summer, we’ve seen an increase in pedestrian friendliness along the strip. Our article: has more on that project.

For more information on new condominium projects along Yonge, please feel free to contact us!

Sources:

http://thebulletin.ca/cbulletin/content.jsp?ctid=1000006&cnid=1003127

http://www.rfabian.com/drupal/files/A%20Great%20Yonge%20Street.pdf

http://cwna.ca/sites/default/files/CWNA%20Neighbourhood%20Position_0.pdf

This summer, there’s always something happening at Yonge-Dundas Square, just steps from the Met

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Image c/o Freshly Educated Men

There is never a dull moment when living at Met Condos! With their proximity to shops, restaurants, and transportation, it is no wonder that these condos are some of the most sought-after in Toronto.

Perhaps their greatest benefit, however, is that they offer walking distance to one of the most popular hot spots in Toronto – Yonge and Dundas Square. Located directly across from the Eaton Centre, this public space has become a terrific spot for people to enjoy different forms of entertainment every day of the week.

From concerts, to films, to cultural festivals, it not only serves as a form of entertainment, but also as a place for people to congregate together and form a community. This is particularly true since all events are completely free; removing any barriers to entry that Torontonians or tourists might face (especially after a long day of shopping)!

Although these types of events do continue throughout the winter, summer is certainly the optimal time to check out the events offered at Yonge-Dundas Square. Here are a few to look forward to:

Films
Aug. 14, 2012                         Princess Bride                                            7:30pm- 9:10pm
Aug. 14, 2012                         Labyrinth                                                     9:15pm- 11:06pm
Aug. 21, 2012                         Brazil                                                              8:00pm- 10:15pm
Aug. 28, 2012                         Hush…Hush SweetCharlotte                8:00pm-10:15pm

Concerts
Aug. 10, 2012                         Samantha Martin and the Haggard    8:00pm- 10:00pm
Aug. 17, 2012                         Young Rival                                                 8:00pm- 10:00pm
Aug. 24, 2012                         Raoul and the Big Time                           8:00pm-10:00pm
Aug. 31, 2012                         Cuff the Duke                                               8:00pm-10:00pm

Aside from films and concerts, Yonge-Dundas Square also offers events such as the ‘India Day Festival and Parade’ (Aug. 11), ‘Yogathon’ (Aug. 19), and the ‘Macedonian Cultural Festival’ (Sept. 9). With so many exciting festivities that celebrate the countless cultures of Toronto, who has time to stay in?

If you would like to move into Met Condos or any other building in this exciting downtown area, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help with your search!

Sources:

http://www.ydsquare.ca/

W Burger Bar is no orindary burger joint

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Image c/o wburgerbar.com

 

W Burger Bar sits at 10 College Street, near the corner of Yonge and College and the Met condos. The philosophy behind W Burger Bar is “to offer great food, great fun, great services and great value.”

Lots of places serve burgers, so what sets W Burger Bar apart? Well, although it is still a hamburger place, here the food is sourced from local farms that raise organic, hormone and antibiotic free beef. They make their preservative free buns and cut their own sweet potato fries. There are even a few vegetarian options!

What’s also great about W Burger Bar is their extensive selection of alcoholic beverages! Choose from beers, wines, cocktails or even one of their spiked milkshakes.

Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches and poutines. Mains are about $10-$12.

If you would like to move to the Yonge and College area, check out the Met. For more information, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We would be happy to help with your search!

Sources:

http://www.wburgerbar.com/

http://www.blogto.com/restaurants/w-burger-bar

http://tastyburgers.ca/2011/06/27/w-burger-bar/

Guu Izakaya provides a unique Japanese experience

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Image c/o Toronto Life

The Met is surrounded by trendy bars and restaurants. At 398 Church Street, there is one such trendy and unique Japanese spot called Guu. It’s a lively place; staff are constantly shouting in Japanese when customers walk in and out (as a greeting and thank you). Guu is always packed, so it’s best to come early.

The food at Guu is delicious and reasonably priced. The menu is refreshingly different from other Japanese restaurants that tend to focus on sushi and sashimi. Instead, Guu serves up authentic Japanese “snack meals” that Japanese businessmen would typically order with a beer after work. In fact, Izakaya basically means something like “pub” in Japanese.

Here are just a few things you could try:

Marinated octopus with wasabi stem ($3.80)
Deep fried soy sauce marinated chicken served with garlic mayo ($6.80)
Grilled black cod with Saikyo miso and white wine sauce ($9.80)

The idea is to order many small dishes, perfect for sharing in larger groups.

The Met is a great place to live. If it has piqued your fancy and you would like more information, feel free to contact us at (416) 929-1660 or email us at resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com. We’d be happy to assist you in your search from a dream home!

Sources:

http://guu-izakaya.com/toronto/

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2009/12/18/just-opened-guu-izakaya-slings-japanese-beer-and-comfort-food-on-church-street/

http://antonium-foodie.blogspot.ca/2010/10/guu-izakaya-church-carlton.html

Hoops Sports Bar & Grill is an excellent place to catch the game

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Hoops Sports Bar & Grill is the perfect location for serious sports fans to grab good pub grub and catch the game.  Despite being called Hoops, the most commonly watched sport there is hockey. Hoops’ main location is located just around the corner from Maple Leaf Gardens, so the bar is packed on game nights with devoted fans that couldn’t manage to get tickets. 

When hockey season is over, these fans switch over from watching the Leafs to watching the Jays, soccer,UFC, and many other sporting events and teams. 

The walls are covered from head to toe with hockey related paraphernalia and there’s a couple of pool tables in the back for those of you who are interested in playing your own game than watching one. 

They also have events throughout the year and daily specials on their wings, ribs, fajitas, burgers, and beer. 

Some of their popular menu items include:

  • Triple Cheese Garlic Bread ($7.49) – Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan
  • Peppercorn Steak Wrap ($13.49) – Grilled strips of beef sautéed with wild mushrooms and onions, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese in a soft flour tortilla
  • Hoops Nachos ($14.99) – Hoops tri-coloured corn chips topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapeno peppers, and melted cheese, served with a side of salsa and sour cream

If you’re interested in living where all the action happens, feel free to give us a call at 416-929-1660 or send us an e-mail to resupport@axoncapitalrealty.com.  We would be happy to help you find your perfect condo!

Sources:

 

http://hoopssportsbarandgrill.com/

http://www.toronto.com/listing/212626–hoops-sports-bar-grill