A Perfect Saturday in London, On - Winter Edition
The perfect self care day for the person who enjoys good food and local experiences
After finishing school for what now feels like the fifth time, I hit the ground running under one simple promise: “When I hit a big milestone, I will take myself on a date of all my favourite things.”
Like almost every Canadian, I am a seasonal-abiding citizen. Once we are past the second week of November, I expect my fridge to have at least one carton of oat eggnog, so these suggestions will change with the years and the seasons. Keep an eye out for more guides like this when the season changes.
Tie your boots, grab the mittens, let’s grab breakfast
London has an impressive amount of diners and breakfast joints, and the thing is that it really depends on what you prefer for options. I am a sweet breakfast person, but pancakes are not the only thing I look for, and to this date, I go back time and time again to Early Bird.
Not only did I go to have breakfast at Early Bird right after I got married, but I make sure I go back there for this specific meal: Berry Good
Berry Good - a beautiful combination of cheesecake filling with berry compote, chèvre, and lemon honey
I dream of this french toast, the eggs benny are great, and always order the home fries.
The whole decor of this place makes me happy, and if you ever end up getting there past breakfast time, the other half of Early Bird - Holy Diver - is an excellent choice for dinner, a drink, great music and overall great times.
Did you say Farmer’s Market?
The only way I can get through the market without buying something from every booth is by making sure I get there mid-morning and after a good breakfast.
Why? Because there are so many great vendors at the Western Fair Market and my “cooking ideas” will justify my want to get fresh bread, warm fritters, locally-source cheese, and the best produce, and despite my ambitions, there are only two people in my household, and only so much space in our tummies.
The second floor of the Western Fair Market, where local artisans showcase their craft
I like a me a little trinket
There are many vintage shops in the city, but I have a soft spot for Filthy Rebena.
Their collection includes everything from unique clothing pieces to vintage home decor and a selected variety of small business products, ranging from self-care to jewelry and a little bit of magic. In the backyard, you will find the Wortley Flower Farm, and I have to give the ladies at Filthy props for their creativity and beautiful flower design
They made this beautiful bouquet for out wedding!
Long walks in the park to see the sunset
After I make it home and drop off my spoils of war, I take a little breath and make my way to a nice cafe, grab myself an espresso drink and go on a long walk. Depending on who you ask, the best coffee in London is where the best vibe is.
These days, I make it to the London Bicycle Cafe for a nice americano and walk around Ivey Park and the promenade along the river before I find a bench and look at the sunset taint the sky with orange and pink.
It’s hard to make time to slow down and take a minute to be grateful for the beauty surrounding us, so watching the sunset has become one of my favourite pastimes to unwind and soak in the joy of being alive.
I love taking pictures of the sunset. When I look at it it reminds me to breath.
Close the night with an amazing dinner
I had to really think about where I wanted to close my night, and at the end I landed in Pizzeria Madre. The food is amazing, and their daily specials are so creative and delicious.
I’m partial for their sourdough with whipped ricotta and hot honey as an appetizer, but the star of the show will always be the pizza.
My go-to is the Cheese Louise with Calabrian salami
And that’s it!
This is my perfect Saturday in the city I’ve been calling home for the last decade, and I’m so surprised at how much I’ve grown and discovered during my stay in the Forest City.
I take suggestions for new places and experiences, and if you have any recommendations for the Spring Guide, please leave them in the comments!
Until then, Have a great day, and go out there! There is always something happening in London.
