Mmmmmm......Marish's Boulangerie

I'll admit to not doing much shopping lately (the after-Christmas hiatus) but I certainly have realized by blogging how much I enjoy our local eateries.

My DH and I just enjoyed a wonderful steaming hot bowl of Muligatawny soup at Marish's Boulangerie. But we didn't stop there, we ordered one of Marish's butter tarts with coffee.

I honestly believe, truly, that these are the very best butter tarts in the entire world! Owner Mary and her talented staff only use the finest ingredients and real butter in all their baking and cooking.

You can also enjoy delicous Indian cuisine at Marish's. Mary fell in love with all things Indian when she and friend Valerie Cite had the honour of being selected to teach European cooking and baking at one of the finest hotels in India. Now Mary has the wonderful Indian chef, Michelle in every weekend cooking up all sorts of delicacies. The freezer is always well stocked if you don't get in on the weekend. Maybe I'll see you there.

Port Credit Business Association Annual General Meeting and New Budget

Last night the members of the Port Credit Business Association ratified the proposed budget for 2007 programs.

Sadly, only a small number (very small number) of the over 500 eligible voters turned out. (Does that mean they're happy?) I'm never quite sure if apathy is a good or bad thing.

The board presented a budget of $313,015.00 to promote and beautify Port Credit. The membership voted an additional $10,000.00 for Canada Day fireworks bringing the final budget to $323,015.00.

It's wonderful how local business owners voluntarily tax themselves to invest in the community. I'm sure many people think the flowers, banners, festivals, free-parking in December, networking events, street cleaning and streetscape are all provided by the City of Mississauga - NOT!

The business owners in the village of Port Credit provide all these things and much more to make the village a good place to live, work, play and do business. I think they're doing a good job. Don't you?

The Planet Rocks

Planet Organic Market opened the doors last week and I have to tell you - it's changing the way I eat. I was mesmerized by all the unusual products as I wandered up and down the aisles of the new market checking out brands quite foreign to me - I haven't shopped in this type of market before. Fortunately the friendly staff were standing by to answer every crazy question I came up with.

Since opening day I have made two trips in in to Planet Organic Market and come out with things like juniper berries (for cleansing), supplements, teas (lots), organic veggies, presents (yes, even presents)and organic potato chips (does that mean they're not fattening? )

I proudly bought a big, red tote bag bearing the Planet Organic logo and slogan -

Our additives:water, sunlight, air, soil.

Don't miss the health and beauty section ably run by Ireny with well-qualified experts like life coach Janet Auty Carlisle. It's chock full of lotions, oils, creams, make-up, fragrance, soaps, ....you get the picture.

Planet Organic Market is a fascinating place to visit and a wonderful addition to the unique shopping village of Port Credit.

Hooked on Hooks

It's going to seem like I spend a lot of time in restaurants but last week was special with V-Day and my husband's birthday. Friday night we dined at Hooks, the coolest little cajun-inspired eatery in the City. I asked Chef-owner Brad to surprise me instead of ordering off the menu. My server, Janice was a bit surprised but you know, it's kinda like having dinner at a friend's house - you never know what's on the menu but you're grateful to get fed.

My appie was escargot - a dish I never order. I generally leave snails and mussels to my family members who think they're to die for. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Garlicky oil for dipping the bread into. mmmmmm

Pickeral, with pecans, rice and beets (I LOVE beets) came as my entree. It was fantastic. The wine was flowing, the conversation too. My son brought along his gorgeous new girlfriend for a first meeting. He's been trying to keep us away from her so we don't ruin his chances, hehe.

We weren't quite ready to go home so we popped in to the Ridgetown Restaurant and Bar to enjoy "Cosy, Comfy Thursday" with Chuck Jackson. The Ridgetown is now serving Fondue on Thursdays for two at $30. I'm looking forward to going back for that. There is absolutely no question - we have the best restaurants in the City right here in Port Credit!!

Gears 24-Hour Spin

What started out as a 6-hour spin fundraiser is now a major event that has raised over $3 million dollars and created the Betty Wallace Women's Health Centre.

The event is a fascinating blend of fitness, fundraising, music and entertainment. Participants will include everyone from elite athletes to those who just want to make a difference when it comes to breast cancer and women’s health care. www.grears24hourspin.com

I Love Thyme Ristorante

I enjoyed a special lunch today with my junior valentine - my son. One of his favourite dishes in Port Credit is the Zuppa de Pesce (Seafood Soup) served at Thyme Ristorante. I ordered a delicious bowl of Cream of Lentil soup and we shared a thin crust Thyme Pizza. We even had enough left over for a snack for him while he cooks up dinner for his real valentine.

Harbourlicious at Lake Affect Patio Bar

My dh (darling husband) and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Lake Affect Patio Bar & Grill last night. We were in early and had a chance to chat with owner, Bill Gordon.

Bill is a entrepreneur-extraodinaire and was telling us that his wife, Maureen is taking over the top management position at the restaurant. He told us this was a way for Maureen to "slow down". That gives you an indication of how busy this dynamic couple are, eh?

Lake Affect has a brand new menu and a special fixed price 3-course dinner but Dave and I went for one of the daily specials off the blackboard and enjoyed a delicious half-rack of ribs each. I splurged (again) and finished off with a delectable piece of pecan cheesecake.

Lake Affect has a special valentine dinner planned for tomorrow and are booking comedy shows every Wednesday at 8pm. Call 905.278.8223 for all the details.

Disco Beatrice

Here's a picture of Beatrice Moreira, the Port Credit Business Development Coordinator who won the prize for "Best Female" . Her big faux fur coat added to the look but she's still got the look.

Best Disco Couple at Saturday Night Fever

Here's a picture of Tonya & Jason, the best-dressed couple (thanks Lydia for sending it along)!

Saturday Night Fever

It was Disco Fever on Saturday the 10th at Port Credit Legion. The hall was full of seventies-fans of all ages and they boogied all night long to the sound fantastic of Disco Inferno. The event was a sell-out and sure to be back next February when we need a little excitement. I wish I had more pictures to share.

The group shot captures some of the organizing crew. And if you look closely at the dance floor you can see the best-dressed couple, Tonya and Jason in the sparkly disco clothes. They were great dancers too!

The event was part of the Harbourlicious event taking place in Port Credit right through to St. Patrick's Day. Check www.portcredit.com/events for details about the delicious fixed price menus and live entertainment to help you "Catch the Fever".

February Business Development Breakfast

We probably had our largest group ever out at the February BDB. Vic Rempel of the www.wearemississauga.com site shared statistics and reasons why businesses today have to look into internet advertising in addition to what they are already doing.

• 17 million Canadians are connected to the Internet and they go online for an average of 2 hours per day.
• 80 million searches are conducted ech day in and effort to find local businesses, products and services.
• People are turning to the internet before the yellow pages for business referrals.
• Search engine marketing is expected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2003 to $8 billion in 2008.

Vic recommended using local search engines for better exposure. He also recommended a free internet seminar on March 3rd - info can be found at www.wearemississauga.com.

We are planning to follow up the "Tapping into Technology" theme at the March BDB where Scott Kendall, Technology Coach will be speaking.

The BDB's are held the first Thursday of each month, 8am at the Brogue Inn. Do join us. $5.00 at the door - all are welcome.