INTERNeX Canada: Culture Shock

I had a real culture shock a couple of weeks ago when we went to the Richmond Night Market and I saw a food cart offering… deep fried Mars bars! Really, fried a chocolate bar in hot oil is one of the most unhealthy things that I can imagine.

So I decided to investigate a little about this strange custom… The dish is said to have been invented in 1995 in the Haven Chip Bar in Scotland. The recipe consists in cover a Mars with a batter commonly used for frying other kind of food like fish or meat. The trick is to chill the bar before fry it, because if not the chocolate can be melted into the frying fat. Yummy.

But this isn’t the only deep-fried thing that you can find! Basically, you can find any chocolate bar brand like Snickers or Twixs. But you can find a big variety of deep-fried foods… like deep fried Twinkies, deep fried Oreos, deep fried ice-cream and even deep fried pizza!

Another strange food that I found is… Maple bacon donut (a donut with bacon and maple syrup on the top). This “original” combination was originated in Nebraska. It seems like in USA and Canada there is an obsession called bacon mania . Inside this phenomenon I also found bacon bubble gum, baconnaise, chocolate covered bacon…

I don’t know you guys but I really want to try something of this, only for the experience, but I don’t know if I will be able of try that… What do you think?

 

Take care!

Clara.

INTERNeX International Exchange
International Village,
Suite 2077, 2079 – 88 West Pender Street
Vancouver, Canada -V6B 9N9-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

Dinner & Entertainment – The Sultan’s Tent in Toronto

If you live in or near Toronto this is for you! While working and traveling within Canada, it can be hard to find an enjoyable evening that isn’t too expensive. One hot spot for a great night out is The Sulta’s Tent at 49 Front Street East in downtown. This restaurant can provide you with a full belly –  and belly dancing!

With many options for a four course meal, you’re guaranteed a relaxing dinner in an amazing atmosphere, but that’s not all. During your meal, the Sultan’s Tent provides belly dancing shows. I have a friend that had dinner there and while she admitted the dinner was amazing, she really enjoyed getting some belly dancing lessons by the performers! For a printable version of their menu, click here.

Belly Dancing Performances:

Sundays 6:15 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Mondays to Thursdays 6:45 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays 6:15 p.m., 8:45 p.m and 11:00 p.m.

For those of you attending the Toronto International Jazz Festival, you could also check out the Sultan’s tent during a performance by Suzana Da Camara. For more information on this event, visit the event section of the Sultan’s Tent website.

History

For decades, the original Sultan’s Tent at Bay and Yorkville entertained groups of diners in Toronto seeking an evening of entertainment, good food, romance and fun in a transporting traditional Moroccan experience.

The original Sultan’s Tent was closed in 2002 when its location was slated for demolition to make way for a high-rise. Purchased from the original “Sultan”, Nagi (now retired),  The Sultan’s Tent & Café Moroc has been relocated at a splendid new oasis at 49 Front Street East in downtown Toronto.

Glowing on the wall near the entrance to The Sultan’s Tent is a magnificent hand woven rug, a gift of the present King of Morocco’s father, Hassan II, who inspired a renaissance in the country’s arts and crafts. We thank the recipient’s son for letting it grace our wall. As far back as history is recorded, Northwest Africa and the Barbery Coast of pirate lore has been at the geographical and cultural crossroads of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The result is an intoxicating blend of cultures.

The indigenous Berbers, plus Arabian, Spanish, English and French influences have created a tantalizing mix of craft, culture and cuisine in one of the world’s most artistic nations, Morocco. In the 19th century, many European artists were drawn to Morocco’s luxurious interiors, exotic costume and lavish hospitality. They recorded them in paintings that are marvellous invitations to other lands and other times. These and many other images, modern and historical, blend in our impressions of a mythical, magical Morocco.

Moroccan traditions of hospitality were born of the Berbers’ nomadic life. A Sultan (Prince or ruler) would have a beautifully decorated tent with intimate alcoves, and these were echoed when they built even more lavish royal palaces. The Sultan’s Tent evokes the setting of a traditional “diffa” (lavish) banquet) at which all are welcome and where the dining philosophy was one of abundance.A sense of ritual hospitality, combined with regally prepared traditional dishes, earned the host his reputation.

We hope some of you get the chance to experience a relaxing evening at the Sultan’s Tent, while enjoying superb food and delightful entertainment among good friends. For more information on events and activities near you, visit the INTERNeX Events and Activities page.

– Laura

Summer 2010 List

So now that I am done all my final exams and papers I have started to put together a list of all the places, activities, foods, etc I am determined to do/try. Once I have completed these items I will let you know about them and give you a little bit of an introduction to these list items and perhaps you could try them yourself!

1) Number one on my list, surprise surprise it involves food. As some of you know today is my 22nd birthday so I have taken the entire day off to celebrate and I am filling it with all the things that I love. Starting off the day with a nice session at the Steve Nash Gym cause I am going to be indulging in some serious treats and I want to feel guilt free when I do. After my gym session I will be heading over with some of my friends to the Medina Cafe located downtown at556 Beatty Street, between Pender & Dunsmuir.

This quaint little cafe is known around the city for its unique bistro-inspired food served simply and conveniently in a comfortable, chic environment reflecting the lifestyle and desires of the neighbourhood and Vancouver at large. Medina provides a fresh and eclectic alternative with a pioneering attitude towards café culture.
Sister to neighbouring night time hot spot Chambar, Medina is a quaint café serving connoisseur-savvy coffee, Belgian waffles for sweet sustenance and a full breakfast, lunch, and brunch menu comprised of eclectic dishes created by co-owner and chef, Nico Schuermans.

When I go later I will for sure be trying their infamous Lavender Latte, will let you know how it goes!

2) The other week after my last final I headed out with one of my good friends to just have a great meal at one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets. Locate on the vibrant Davie Street at 1326.

This small Mexican Restaurant boasts some of the best food in the area and offers some reasonably priced menu items. I recommend starting off with the guacamole dip which comes with several layers of flavorful dips and a side of oven baked tortilla chips. Oh and of course you need some drinks to start the whole thing off!

Lolita’s is famous for its pint sized sangria cocktails filled with lots of tropical fruit to sink your teeth in. I might have had a few of those so I highly recommend those, they make you feel like your sipping them somewhere tropical. Its nice way to temporarily escape from your realities. After the appetizers, we moved onto the main course and we decided to share the halibut tacos…yum! After that meal were stuffed but the atmosphere was just so relaxed that we ended up staying there for a few hours. This restaurant is a little hidden so keep your eyes out for it! Great place for a date night too *winkwink*

Ciao for now