Ethiopian New Year

Sometimes life surprises me. This morning included. I was unhappy about having to wake up at 5:15 am for work. I am NOT a morning person. I grudgingly got out of bed and cursed my job all the way there because I was cranky, not caffeinated, and cold. My morning went from bad to amazing. I was invited to celebrate Ethiopian New Year in the West End where I work and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had.

From fresh roasted coffee beans, to traditional Ethiopian cuisine, my whole morning got better and better. They were welcoming, caring, happy and giving. They've ruined coffee for me forever because now all I want is that fresh roasted Ethiopian dark, rich goodness. I might have a new obsession.

Not only did I get to indulge in food, but I was able to learn about an entirely different culture from my own. One of the strangest but most pleasant experiences was when we all sat down to eat. A sign of love and respect in their culture is to feed someone. I have never been hand fed and while uncomfortable at first, it became a really rewarding experience. To feel included in their family and community was unlike anything I've ever experienced.

I'm so lucky that through work I get to have my eyes opened to so many cultures. The neighborhood we work in is one of the most ethnically diverse areas of the city and I've been fortunate to learn so much about so many people.

Filipino, Indian, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Somalian, Korean, Lebanese, Chinese, and the list goes on and on. I would never have had these experiences were it not for my job and I'm so thankful for that. It's days like today that keep me going.

Thank you Gohe (pronounced go) for allowing me to be there while you were interviewed on Breakfast Television. It was a wonderful morning.

Gohe is located at 533 Sargent Ave and I highly suggest a visit! My favorite cuisine and some of my favorite people.

Skip The Dishes

Who has a problem spending money on lunch when they have a fridge full of food at home? THIS GIRL.

I've tried multiple times to motivate myself to pack a lunch, but when you work on the outskirts of Downtown and the West End, the mystical pull of food is too hard to ignore. I'm so lucky to work in an area teeming with culture, but my poor bank account hates me for it. 

The other problem, aside from spending money I should be saving for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is time. I only have 45 minutes for lunch and I don't like spending it walking to get my food. 

Enter Skip The Dishes. (This is not a sponsored post, I just love it this much.)

It is one of my favorite things in the whole world because I can order food from Osborne Village, Corydon, St. Boniface, etc, and have it delivered to me in the West End in time to enjoy it with all my coworkers. The amount of restaurants that participate is astounding. I have so  many options, sometimes I can't even choose. First world problem, I know.

The most embarrassing factor is the frequency in which I order from Stella's. It's a 5 minute walk from my office. I order it for delivery a solid once a month at least. Can you say lazy? Doesn't matter, because it's delicious and I don't have to wait in line.

Do yourself a favor next time you can't decide on lunch and order through Skip the Dishes.

Oh one more thing! It's also great for ordering dinner. Sometimes I'll order it for delivery right before I leave work and then I bring it home to the delight of everyone. Basically I use it to buy people's love. It works. So you're welcome for that helpful tip.

Have you used Skip the Dishes? What are your thoughts?

Chocolate Zen Bakery

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen this picture on Saturday. My roommate and I were out and about and decided to stop for a little something to satisfy our sweet tooth (teeth?).

Chocolate Zen is located at 553 Osborne on the corner of Morley. Doug and Betty have been working together for about 20 years and the shop opened about 8 years ago come this October. They do weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and everything in between. Cakes, cupcakes, french macaroons, pastries, dainties, the list goes on. They even do the baking for places like The Gates on Roblin.

Their delivery vehicle is unique to say the least. The hearse is a newer addition. They take "to die for" to a whole new level. Sinfully sweet if I do say so myself.

I was given a tour of the shop and it was hard to keep my hands to myself. I wanted to try everything; all the things! I settled on a chocolate croissant, because obviously, and it was one of the best I've ever had outside of Paris. Other notable mentions are the cheesecakes and the truffles. I've had them before when my parents would bring them home and I swear the cheesecake melts in your mouth.

I did a quick search of their social media to showcase some of the many beautiful cakes and things they've done in the past. You can see more on Instagram if you search #chocolatezenbakery.

I highly recommend checking out this quaint little shop in Osborne! There's only one table so it's more of a takeout atmosphere but definitely worth the try. You'll be running back for more, I promise you that!

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Manitoba Derby Day

August long weekend has always held the tradition of going to bet on the ponies. My family goes every single year. Rain or shine. This year was the 66th Manitoba Derby and we of course went. Now I'm not a big gambler. My dad always taught me to stick to $2 bets. I also don't care about odds. I pick the horse with the best name. Or if I think it's the prettiest. Obviously I'm really well versed in horse racing.. ahem. 

This year was the first year that I won big! I won $15.00 but it was still a big win to me since I only bet $2.00. 

Derby Day is always fun since women go all out and wear big fancy hats. There's even a contest. I completely forgot to make a hat this year and I kicked myself for it. 

I guess there's always next year!

The family that bets together stays together. Definitely one of my favorite Winnipeg summer traditions. I highly suggest a day out at the races. If you go, let me know if you win!

What They Ask For

Take Me To The Pilot has officially left the building (well, province). They've set off on their Eastern Tour and just a few days ago dropped this beauty of a new single. You obviously don't need me to tell you how much I loved it.


If I were you, I would follow them on YouTube to stay up to date on tour happenings. They barely made it out of Manitoba and a tire blew so I'm sure there'll be lots of excitement to come as well. 
If you're looking for tour dates check out their Facebook for complete info!
They'll be playing a show at The Park Theatre on August 18th. I will, of course, be there to support. So I wanna see all your faces there too!

I'm Coming Home

I have seriously neglected this blog in the pursuit of growing my other one. It's time I get back to one of my biggest passions: my city. Look for a new layout and new posts coming within the next month.

Now that the weather has FINALLY taken a turn for the better, I will be once again exploring my city. I recently moved into a new neighborhood so expect some posts to do with that as well.

I'm sorry for taking such a long hiatus but I'm back and ready to discuss all things Winnipeg! It is the heart of our country after all.

Celebrations Dinner Theatre

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I had the pleasure of attending The Big Boom Theory 2 at Celebrations on January 11.  It was a great night out, since I never go out anymore. If you've never been to Celebrations, what in the heck are you waiting for!? I've only been twice, but both times I left with sore cheeks from laughing and a tummy full of delicious food.

This time around, I went with my immediate, and some extended, family. We were there with East End Community Club to celebrate the end of another great year and also my aunt's retirement. The food was phenomenal, the show was absolutely hilarious and the actor's were so on point. 

The actress who played Bernadette had her voice down perfectly and Leonard had mastered the facial expressions. I actually felt like they were the real characters from The Big Bang Theory. If you've never been to a dinner theatre GO. It's the best 4 hours you will spend I promise you. 

This particular show is over but the next one is The British Invasion which looks amazing in its own way. Might just have to hit that one up too!