Every day is Mother’s Day. We are the original multitaskers, emotional support units, human search engines. We know where everything is. We have eyes in the back of our head. We know how to give warm hugs and unsolicited life advice that somehow always turns out to be right in the end. We have been there and done that. And while a “Thanks, Mom” is always appreciated, on this special day, we enjoy small tokens of recognition: hand-made, store-bought, a thoughtful activity, a nice visit. We may say, “Oh, you shouldn’t have,” but secretly, we are pleased that you made that extra loving gesture. Let’s raise a glass or a coffee mug to Mom’s, Mothers, those who are “like a Mom to me” and Grandmothers, and wish you good health, good luck and a really good day.
Pearls are the hottest jewellery look this Spring. A pearl necklace or pearl earrings add a soft glow to our skin. Try it and you’ll see what I mean. Maadrn Fine Jewels are committed to exceptional craftsmanship and sourcing. Their pearls range from AA to AAA in quality and are ethically sourced through a government-vetted sustainable supplier based in Singapore. Every pearl is carefully selected for its luster, shape, and character before being hand-strung or set in the Toronto studio. Maadrn works exclusively with a pearl dealer who brings over 35 years of expertise to the craft. With a discerning eye for rare and distinctive Baroque pearls, he helps Maadrn create one-of-a-kind designs that celebrate individuality, natural beauty, and enduring elegance. I know that my mom would have loved Maadrn Jewellery, because she could have put it on in the morning and would have been dressed in impeccably good taste throughout the day, no matter what the activity.
The glorious cuisine of Rome has arrived at Eataly on wings of Rigatoni alla Carbonara and Fettuccine Alfredo Burro e Parmigiana. But first, a Pallini Limoncello Spritz with Limoncello, Prosecco and Soda to set the tone. For the next 60 days at La Pizza & La Pasta, you can thrill to these icons of Roman cuisine and many more menu highlights such as crispy Polpette Fritte. Of course, there is pizza. I have not eaten pizza for several years now, simply because it has been one disappointment after another. Until now. Wow!! This is what made pizza the most popular food all over the world. The crisp crust; the luscious melty cheese. Pizza Tre Carciofe is lavished with artichoke puree, sauteed artichokes, mozzarella di Napoli, artichoke chips, shaved Pecorino Romano, fresh mint, extra virgin olive oil. I ask for a box to take the last two slices home for tomorrow’s breakfast. Double happiness pizza.
How about visiting Mom and bringing a pasta salad made with Catelli new Protein+ pasta line, which offers a nutritious and great-tasting option with 17g of plant-based additional protein per serving. Made with high-quality durum wheat flour and 100% plant-based protein from chickpeas, peas, and lentils, which adds delicious flavour.
Carlo Catelli was part of the original group of fifty Italian families to settle in Montreal in 1845. He was a skilled sculptor and created beautiful works of art, many of which can still be found in churches across Montreal. Today, Catelli gives back to the community via Project Hunger. For every box of Catelli purchased, an 85-gram serving (up to one million portions per calendar year) is donated to food banks to help address food insecurity across Canada.
Carlo’s adopted nephew, Carlo Onorato Catelli, emigrated to be with his uncle and, in 1867,
when he was 18 years old, started making and selling pasta on Saint-Paul Street in Old Montreal. The rest is Canadian history.
Picture the magic hour, as the sun begins to sink slowly in the West, and you’re with your Mom, enjoying the new line-up of Smirnoff cocktails: Raspberry Mule with a kick of fresh raspberries; a citrus forward Cosmo Bellini with bold berry notes, and a tropical 90s style Passion Fruit Martini—all mixed for you by a professional mixologist and ready to enjoy straight from the can. But “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet” as they say in the music biz. Toronto based DJ Gonnie Garko has co-created a listening experience that captures the spirit of the new flavours. “Shake Up The Classics,” is a mix of nostalgic favorites with a fresh edge. The playlist is now streaming on Spotify via Smirnoff Canada. This playlist has brought smiles all around and, coupled with cocktails, who could ask for anything more
Thoughts of My Mother…
A few words about my own dear mom who is still with me in my heart and spirit. Her frame of reference was that I was embarking on a new role as a wife and mother. She gave me advice when I got married in the 1960s, which I realize I followed as if the words were carved in stone. “Before your husband comes home from work,” she said, “make sure you have a delicious dinner ready. Take a shower and put on a clean house-dress, and (she stressed,) take the rollers out of your hair. Meet him at the door—no matter where you are in the house—and have a nice drink ready to welcome him home.” In the 1970s when we had children, her wisdom guided me: “When the kids come home from school at 4:00, always be there with snacks and smiles. Ask questions and listen to their answers.” As Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a changin.” And changin’ and changin’.
