Top 10 Toronto Restaurants, Events, and Travel Vlogs of 2012

It’s the end of 2012… Can you believe it? So many people have told me they can’t wait for it to be over so they can start fresh in 2013. Me? Well, I liked 2012 – can’t say it wasn’t without some pretty intense ups and downs, but wouldn’t life be boring without them? So while many are looking forward to 2013, I look back at 2012 and reminisce…

One of the View the Vibe job perks is that we get to cover fun events, review restaurants and attend some pretty cool parties, while capturing it all on film. So our divine Digital and Creative Director (aka Adam) thought it would be fun to have me write about my top 10 favourite vlogs of 2012. Fun – but what a difficult task! There were so many great events and restaurants we had the privilege of being invited to cover and try.

But I did it… I narrowed it down to my top ten…

10) The Viamede Adventures with Val & Nicki, Part 1, 2 & 3
This was awesome. I was invited by the lovely new owner of Viamede Resort in Stoney Creek to spend a weekend there and discover what it’s all about. Let me tell you, when one is overworked and aching for a vacation, as I was, this little 2-day getaway is welcome. My buddy Valerie Stachurski came along, as did our boyfriends. We had so much fun. The place is fantastic, affordable, and best part is the food is outstanding. Since welcoming a new executive chef, Viamede is turning into a culinary destination for those who enjoy getting away to cottage life while also eating five-star meals.

9) L’Unita, a Toronto Staple that Never Disappoints
L’Unita has to be one of my favourite restaurants in Toronto. I experienced it years ago when I first arrived and was amazed at the originality, freshness, and overall vibe. They have since become a client and I admire the owners David and Sam – both very professional and passionate about what they do and it is reflected in their restaurant. Adam and I were invited to do a tasting there last May when they launched their new summer menu. It was an unforgettable meal and while I eat at some of the best restaurants regularly, this tasting left me with a delightful culinary memory and I’m definitely looking forward to my next meal at L’Unita.

8) Food Fight Trivia Night at Cheesewerks
Not all vlogs have to feature me… thank goodness! *winks* So on this cold December night, Adam invited some lovely ladies to check out the latest and greatest from the “Big Cheese” of Cheesewerks, Kevin Durkee. Their very first trivia night. Wow – did this vlog ever get a lot of attention and I’m thinking their next trivia night (January 8th) will sell out. I already know of about 10 people going after seeing all the fun Adam and his harem had at the first one. Looked like fun and I chuckled throughout the entire vlog – they may just see me at the next one, too!

7) Experiencia de Tapas Autenticos
One of the best meals I had in 2012 – period. In May, the creators of now opened Patria decided to host a pop-up of what the future Spanish tapas restaurant would feature. Wow. We loved it and since Patria has opened, I’ve personally eaten there at least half a dozen times. The authenticity of the products they use is what gets me as well as the immense talent that is Chef Stuart Cameron. The pop-up was fun and a great way to preview what Patria was to be all about.

6) Auberge du Pommier Visa Infinite Dinner
Another one of my best meals of 2012… I see a trend here… Yes, I did eat quite well this year! Ha! However, this was truly a meal to remember and I was extremely flattered to be invited. Once arriving at Auberge du Pommier 1 1/2 hours late (long story…) we were ushered to our seats and the wine pairing began. The meal was spectacular and we sat with some very cool people, which always makes a meal just that much better. Great wine, outstanding food and funny people = recipe for a great night!

5) Nikki Beach’s TIFF Pop-Up 2012
This year marked the first time View the Vibe covered TIFF to the extent that we did. It was exhausting, exhilarating and we met some awesome people. Two ladies that I especially loved interviewing were Lucia Penrod, Co-Owner and Global Brand Standards at Nikki Beach, and Cleo Vo Dai, their Global Marketing Manager. After lunching there on a beautiful and sunny Friday afternoon with Sam and Adam, I got to sit down with these ladies two days later and uncover the beautiful story behind Nikki Beach. I have a personal love for Nikki Beach after living in St. Maarten and experiencing this International phenomenon in St. Bart’s – it really is a one of a kind place and I now know it’s because of the people behind it.

4) Hello! Canada TIFF Red Carpet
Another highlight of the View the Vibe TIFF coverage was that my best friend and aspiring actress, Sam Millar, came on board full time that week to help us cover all the red carpets and cool parties. She did an outstanding job but I think my favourite of all her segments was the one she did at the Hello! Magazine party. The interviews were funny and the celebrities were all so happy and at ease. Her blushing face and anticipating eyes when Edward Norton stopped to chat with her made this aspiring actress’s day, and her killer smile made this vlog.

3) Sam & Nicki Turn One Year Older at Babaluu
This was just pure fun. While I never have big parties for my birthday – I’m more of a dinner with close friends kinda gal – last year Sam and I decided to host our birthdays together since we are only 12 days apart. And who doesn’t like a big party? We invited all our friends and family to Babaluu to eat, drink, and salsa dance the night away. After a few too many tequila shots (which is terribly obvious at the end of this vlog…) and both of us slipping and falling on the dance floor, it was time to go home. But oh boy, this was a night to remember!

2) The Toronto Chicken Wing Battle as Decided by Six Girls
These types of vlogs are always some of my favourites. I grab five bloggers and/or foodies, pick one type of food and tell them to pick their favourite place that serves it. Then we set out to settle the score… The chicken wing battle was the first one we did and was an absolute blast. It’s obviously a full day affair as we have 5 destinations to go to, sample their version, and move onto the next. We also grab a drink at every spot so imagine six girls at the end of a day where they ate one wing and had one beer (in my case glass of wine…yikes!) at five different restaurants. Fun times is all I say.

1) Toronto Beer Festival 2012
Loved this vlog and it’s my 2012 number 1 pick! I hate beer so covering this event was not my thing… Therefore I sent my two beer loving besties to cover it… Oh wow – you can only watch it to understand why it’s my favourite! Lots of beer drinking, lots of sandwich eating, visible intoxication accumulating throughout, a cameo appearance by Salt n’ Pepa, and then a closing speech by Sam giving us her professional tips on how to do the Toronto Beer Festival properly. Only on View the Vibe can you see that!

Happy New Year Y’all! Cheers to 2012 and let’s make 2013 tastier than ever – I guarantee View the Vibe will keep producing more culinary videos and our lovely team of vloggers will keep you laughing, drinking and eating. Only way to live in my book!

xo
nicki