RESTAURANT REVIEW: GUSTO 101

Over the past few months, we’ve been hearing so many great reviews about Gusto 101 that opened this past spring in Toronto. We are happy to say these reviews did not disappoint. True to its name (gusto means tasty in Italian), the food tasted authentically Italian with a city twist.

We began with the kale salad and arancimi (rice balls) – They were just as yummy as we hoped. It felt like we were brought back to Sicily!

The Kale salad literally burst with flavours; who would’ve ever thought that the simple mixture of lemon and parsley could be so marvellous for our taste buds.

Our favourite part of Gusto 101?  HOME MADE WINE!  Guess the price? 1 dollar per ounce and it tasted close enough to a Chateau du Campuget!

We aren’t sure how a restaurant can manage to be both homey and chic at the same time, but somehow Gusto 101 makes it happen.

See for your own and threat yourself to a night out x

http://gusto101.squarespace.com

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

At BOXNOIRE, there is one thing about the holidays that we absolutely love – the food. We’ve been cooking up a storm for all of our holiday parties, and we’ve shared some of our favourite recipes below. They are all super easy, and are certain to please even the pickiest of guests! Which will you try first? xx

These mediterranean skewers are a fantastic appetizer option that requires little prep work and no cooking.

INGREDIENTS
– Cherry tomatoes
– Mini Bocconcini
– Pitted Green Olives
– Artichoke
– Meat of your choice
– Olive oil
– Sea salt
– Spices

DIRECTIONS
Wash and prep all of the different ingredients. Line up the ingredients in the order of your choice on wooden spears. Play around with different combinations. Lay out the finished spears onto a platter, and drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and any spices of your choice (we suggest basil).

These stuffed mushrooms caps are a party favourite and super easy to prepare!

INGREDIENTS
– Mushroom caps
– Goat cheese
– Red peppers
– Sea salt
– Basil
– Jalapeños (optional)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350º C. Wash the mushrooms and remove the stems to create the caps. In a small bowl, mix the goat cheese, diced red peppers, sea salt and basil (jalapeños can be diced and added for an extra kick). Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet, and scoop the goat cheese mixture into each mushroom cap (be generous!). Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until soft.

These are an easy snack that is best served hot.

INGREDIENTS
– Baguette
– Goat cheese
– Prosciutto
– Honey
– Thyme
– Cracked pepper

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven (broil – high). Slice the baguette and lay out on a baking sheet. Spread goat cheese onto each individual baguette piece. Roll a small piece of prosciutto and place on top of the goat cheese. Drizzle honey over each baguette piece, and sprinkle with thyme and cracked pepper. Place in the oven on broil until the edges are golden.