Calii Love Zen Bowl Salad

Ingredients

-2 Tbsp coconut oil
-1 tsp ginger, peeled and minced
-1 Tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
-2 Tbsp mirin
-2 tsp and one pinch of Himalayan sea salt
-5 springs cilantro, washed

-2 tsp turmeric
-2 tsp ginger powder
-1 tsp ground cinnamon
-½ tsp ground cardamom
-½ tsp ground black pepper

-¼ head cauliflower
-2 Tbsp avocado oil
-2 Tbsp golden milk spice (see directions)
-1 tsp chili flakes

-1 whole medium sweet potato
-4 tsp za’atar
-4 Tbsp grapeseed oil

-½ cup chickpeas
-1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

-1 cup shredded cabbage
-¼ cup red grapes, washed and cut in half
-½ cup cooked quinoa
-1 cup mixed baby greens
-¼ cup baked sweet potato (see directions)
-¼ cup turmeric cauliflower (see directions)
-¼ cup crispy baked chickpeas (see directions)
-3 Tbsp cilantro lime dressing (see directions)

Directions

1. To make the cilantro lime dressing start with coarsely chopping cilantro on a green cutting board. Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree on pulse until smooth. Reserve until ready to serve

2. To make golden milk spice, combine turmeric, ginger powder, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom and ground black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until thoroughly incorporated. 

3. To make turmeric cauliflower start by preheating the over to 450F. Remove leaves from cauliflower and cut into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter and coarsely chop into bite-sized pieces. Break florets on remaining cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.

4. In a large bowl combine cauliflower pieces with the golden milk spice from step 2, avocado oil, chili flakes, and 2 tsp of the Himalayan sea salt. Mix until the cauliflower is well seasoned

5. In a single layer spread out cauliflower on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and a deep golden brown in colour. Once cooked remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature. Reserve until ready to serve

6. To make roasted sweet potato, start with a preheated oven at 450F. Cut sweet potato into quarter wedges and then slice into 1/2-inch thick slices. 

7. In a large bowl combine the potatoes with 1 tsp of za’atar and grapeseed oil until they are well coated. 

8. In a single layer spread out potatoes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes or until tender and a deep golden brown in colour, approximately 15 minutes. Once cooked remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature. 

9. To make crispy baked chickpeas, preheat oven to 325F. Strain and rinse chickpeas in a conical strainer over an empty sink until water coming from the tip runs clear. Transfer chickpeas to a large mixing bowl and completely submerge in water. 

10. Stir vigorously until skins separate from peas and rise to the surface. Skim and discard skins. Strain chickpeas and transfer to a large baking sheet lined with a green towel. Lay chickpeas in a single layer and cover with a second towel. Gently pat until peas are completely dried. 

11. In a large mixing bowl toss together 100ml of the olive oil and chickpeas until peas are well coated. Transfer, in single layer, to parchment lined baking sheet. Bake in oven for 10 minutes, remove, stir chickpeas around, then return to oven for an additional 10 minutes. 

12. Once cooked, they may require additional time, transfer chickpeas to a mixing bowl containing 3 tsp of za’atar and the remaining olive oil. Toss vigorously until well coated. 

13. To assemble, in a large mixing bowl combine cooked quinoa with all remaining ingredients, except chickpeas, and toss until everything is mixed well and evenly coated with dressing. 

14. Plate in your favourite salad bowl and garnish with chickpeas

15. Serve and Enjoy!

Torontonians can now get their favourite poké bowls, smoothie bowls and salads for their next event with Calii Love’s new Catering Menu! 

The post Calii Love’s Zen Bowl Salad Recipe appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Over the past few years, we’ve often been asked about where to eat during TIFF. Whether you’re a die-hard film buff needing something fast in between screenings or excited over the idea of a possible celebrity sighting, we’ve got you covered! You know, for that Instagram pic of the day — Oh, I just happened to be at … grabbing my coffee and ran into Ryan Gosling, NBD – uh, yes, big deal! Here are a few places we suggest you make a bee line for during the crazy days (and nights) of TIFF …

FOR MOVIE BUFFS: You’re the true fan of TIFF for years and you’ve already made your list of films to see. You’re taking days off and well prepared for line ups (you know the drill). You may not necessarily care about the first screening or the celebrities. You’re all about seeing as many films as you can. Thank you.

Tractor Healthy Fine Foods (151 Yonge Street, near the Elgin & Winter Garden theatres) a casual fast and healthy outpost of the wildly popular BC eatery recently opened. Find fresh salad bowls and filling soups that are reasonably priced and full of flavour.

PAI Northern Thai Market (18 Duncan Street, near TIFF Bell Light Box) is a great spot attached to the sit down restaurant, where you’ll often find me grabbing a quick meal. They usually offer a handful of their most popular dishes. Casual order, pay and seating for those on the go. Open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a to 2:30 pm.

Mi Taco Taqueria: (247 Queen Street West) run by a mother-daughter team who make up tasty, house made tex-mex  tacos, burritos and burrito bowls.

H2 Kitchen: (204 Queen Street West) fresh, healthy and happy bowls with flavours from around the world are offered here. Poke bowls, salad bowls, hot noodle bowls, smoothie bowls and more.

*****

FOR INDUSTRY TYPES: You’ve running from from power breakfast right through to the late night party circuit. Most of your meals are planned well in advance. But then you have those last minute meetings for the wheelings and dealings. Where to go for  quiet and discreet conversation? Here…

Sofia Yorkville: (99 Yorkville Avenue) We’ve fallen in love with Sofia for it’s clean an honest approach to Italian fare and what will make this newcomer to the area a hotspot for TIFF is it’s location, layout an unhurried stellar service. Tucked behind the buzz of the busy street, Sofia sprawls into various dining spaces including a courtyard, dining room, tucked away bar and patio that’s away from the gazing eyes.

Copetin: (107 King Street East) MasterChef Claudio Aprile’s hotspot is removed from the hub of TIFF central but not too far from the buzz. The restaurant has several great spaces including an outdoor patio, private dining room, casual bar and formal dining room.

Kost: (80 Blue Jays Way) perched on the higher levels of the Bisha Hotel this restaurant almost feels like you’ve been transported to coastal California or the Mediterranean. Stunning views of the city and the lake in a bright spot includes an open terrace with pool area.

Mira Peruvian Restaurant: (430A Wellington Street West) inspired by Peru’s diverse culture, this menu offers lots of fresh seafood and meat dishes. Great selection of ceviches. Enjoy Pisco cocktails in this contemporary Latin American spot that’s tucked down an alley way off the busy street. Look for the lantern lit walkway.

Akira Back: (80 Blue Jays Way) Michelin-star chef Akira Back’s first Canadian restaurant is attached to the Bisha Hotel offering modern takes on Japanese and Korean dishes – ordering the Tuna pizza is a must. The award-winning space is sultry, sexy and sophisticated.

Patria: (478 King Street West) this Spanish tapas eatery is discreetly tucked behind a building with only a walkway to let you know where to go. Once you’ve arrived you know it’s somewhere special. Courtyard patio and indoor dining room options. The tapas menu is easy for sharing.

Kiin: (326 Adelaide Street West) you’ve had Thai food, but this is different. Chef Nuit brings us a taste from her homeland from traditional favourites to the foods of royalty. Hospitality is warm and friendly in this restaurant steps away from TIFF central. Weekend brunch is a must.

Montecito: (299 Adelaide Street West) this California cuisine inspired restaurant is a popular spot for TIFF industry types with reason — it’s mere steps away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox — and, yes Hollywood director Ivan Reitman is a partner so they understand the need for discretion. The two-storey dining room also has a lounge and an outdoor space perfect for meetings.

*****

FOR THE FOREIGN PRESS: You’ve heard so much about Toronto and how diverse our city is. Welcome! There have been many times we’ve been asked at press conferences on where to eat that reflects our global city that’s also budget friendly and comfortable. Maybe somewhere you can recharge and file stories?

Calii Love: Several locations including Union Station, First Canadian Place, Yorkville and 367 King Street West. We are West Coast dreaming at this healthy eatery that specializes in bowls. Think poke, grains, and smoothie bowls. Order up one of their specialties or create your own. Feel like you need to settle your tummy? Order up a cup of their bone broth. No worries about pulling out your laptop here as many do.

Sud Forno: (132 Yonge Street) craving great Italian pastas, pizzas and salads? This location has both a dine in restaurant and counter service seated area to serve your needs. Incredible sweet offerings as well. The espresso bar is worth a double up.

Luckee by Susur Lee: (328 Wellington Street West, SoHo Metropolitan Hotel) dim sum dishes will be served day and night starting at 10:00 am. Order up Chef Lee’s famous dim sum dishes like the Luckee Basket – a colourful and instaworthy offering.

Smoke’s Poutinerie: (218 Adelaide Street West and other locations). You’ve heard this is a Canadian thing and we’re proud of it! Fresh cut potato fries dripping with gravy and cheese curds is way better than it sounds. But this casual eatery offers different variations on our beloved dish.

Butter Avenue: (477 Queen Street West) You want to take a coffee and sweet break with nothing too heavy. This patisserie has a cozy, quiet and casual sit down area where you won’t be bothered. Settle in with a cappuccino or matcha latte along side a few unique flavour offerings in their French macarons.

Jumbo Empanadas: (245 Augusta Ave.) Kensington Market is truly a trip around the world with many different food markets and cafes to choose from. Empanadas here are amongst the best of the best. We love their house made salsa too.  Filling and affordable with a casual sit down area.

Touhenboku Ramen: (261 Queen Street West) There are numerous ramen shops in our city to choose from but if you’re looking to relax and not be hurried out, this particular one is accommodating. Noodle soup bowls are our comfort food. Customize your own ramen bowl and wash it down with a Sapporo.

Kung Fu Tea: (264 Spadina Ave.) This authentic bubble tea shop originated in Taiwan offers a great selection of fresh made beverages. You can also customize their drinks including sweetness levels and ice levels. BTW, they use honey instead of sugar. The counter service spot also has a clean sit down area where you can enjoy in peace. Tip: grab a couple of buns (baos) at a nearby Chinese bakery or an authentic Vietnamese bahn sandwich.

*****

FOR THE “I’M JUST TAKING A BREAK” CELEBRITY SPOTTERS: You love to take in all the celebrity spotting and well, you may just nonchalantly stumble upon them on a break. There’s no time to sit and eat. Just grab what you need and inhale on the go. Be on the look out for the black Escalades parked in front of various restaurants and hotspots especially along King Street West (like, west of Spadina) if you’re hoping for a glimpse of someone, anyone. You’re in the know and spotting the a-listers is easy.

French Made: (80 Blue Jays Way, Bisha Hotel) craving french pastries or a satisfying baguette sandwich? This Parisian style bakery makes everything fresh daily in house. Pair your buttery croissant with a robust espresso drink here on the go. Great spot to just hang out outside as a little bird told us there are several parties to be had at this hotel.

Sen5es Cafe: (328 Wellington Street West, SoHo Met) this airy cafe offers sit down but also a grab and go counter for delicious coffee and baked goodies located at the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel. During the first few days of TIFF, they’re transforming the counter of Blue Jays Way and Wellington Street with a TIFF themed lounge. The space will feature special TIFF smoothies and juice blends, fresh squeezed juices, ice teas and lemonades and a special lounge menu and complimentary Truffle Popcorn!  Neighbourhood Lounge opens at 7:00 am daily from September 6 to 10.

Jacked Up Coffee: Yorkville Village. This cute little blue independent coffee truck (1975 Citroen H Van) is often parked just at the entrance of Yorkville Village and is an easy spot for grab & go for GREAT small batch roasted coffee from Cut Coffee. Within walking distance to luxe hotels, it’s ideal for the celebrities who like to don their sunglasses and baseball caps and head over to get their java fix because really, Sbux is just way too obvious.

5 Elements Espresso Bar: (131 Avenue Rd.) also located in the Yorkville area  is slightly removed from “the scene” but perfectly situated  steps away from the choice hotels. This spot has has a pretty patio where locals and those “in the know” like to take their coffee breaks without hassle. Also, this espresso bar is situated across the newly opened KANDL where we’ve learned will also be buzzing with TIFF activity.

Sorrelle & Co: (161 Yorkville Ave.) How many celebrities do we know are gluten, soy, nut, preservative-free conscious? We’re wagering this  elegant and sweet bakery cafe in Yorkville to be a favourite for picking up treats to accommodate their sugar fixes and ours. Pretty spot for all your photo urges.

Wahlburgers: (46 Blue Jays Way) If any of the Wahlberg brothers are scheduled to be in town, you can be sure there’s going to be at least one visit scheduled here. We were here when Mark was in town and we’ve met Paul several times now. Super nice guys! But not only that, many film peeps stay at the Soho Metropolitan Hotel that’s just around the corner. Grab a quick bite – ahem, ask for Chef Paul Wahlberg’s special TIFF burger: The Beverly Hills Blitz! Available in limited quantities. Yes, there’s an actual Wahlberg brother behind this establishment! We’ve even done a cameo on their reality show! Yes, indeedy!  Sit down restaurant or counter service available  for quick eats.

Porchetta & Co.: (545 King Street West) One of the actors had mentioned to us at a previous TIFF season that he loves this spot for their fresh porchetta sandwiches whenever he’s in town. We agree! The sandwiches are amazing and it’s situated ideally where many of the pre-parties, after-parties and press conferences are held at all times of the day.

*****

FOR THE RED CARPET STALKERS: You just love the whole “scene” and have the time to take in the late summer night. Always such a beautiful time of the year in the city and everyone seems to just glow. As one actor told me “Toronto is filled with beautiful people.” Blushes! We know!  Make sure your phone is charged up and bring a battery back up. Enjoy the excitement of TIFF along the many Red Carpets in the city. Just give me a good grab and go because you never know, someone may just hand you some free screening tickets just because you are you. Yes, it happens!

Assembly Chef’s Hall: (111 Richmond Street West) Across the street from the Sheraton Hotel is this deliciously curated food hall. Find little outposts from some of the best restaurants and chefs in the city including mini versions of Little DaiLo (DaiLo), Tashi and Shari (Shoushin), Cherry Street Bar-b-que, Resto Boemo (Ivana Raca), Little Khao (Khao San Road), Reyna (Bar Reyna), Tokyo Smoke, and more.

Campo Food Hall: (433 King Street West) Just steps from TIFF central is this Spanish food hall created by Chef Rob Bragagnolo. Inspired by the food markets of Barcelona this is a great place to get your tapas fix.

O&B Canteen: (TIFF Bell Lightbox) Really a great spot for people watching if you can snag a table on the King Street facing patio but if you’re in a rush there’s a take out counter just off to the side. If you have a chance also head upstairs to LUMA inside the TIFF Bell Lightbox for their “Smoothie of the Day” TIFF special.

*****

FOR THE I’M HAVING A FUN NIGHT OUT CELEBRITY SPOTTERS: You’ve planned a night on the town. Maybe take in a Gala screening with your partner or BFFs. You’ve got your heels on and all the sparkles. Let’s face it, you want to see… and be seen. Keep your eyes open and keep it cool.

Lobby Bar at Shangri-la Hotel: (188 University Ave.) Grab a comfy seat in here amongst the haute couture star-studded gowns on display and go for a glass of bubbly from the impressive Champagne wall before settling into a night of people watching.

dBar at the Four Seasons Hotel: (60 Yorkville Ave.) Always buzzing at this bar with lots of fun people watching and often DJs spinning. Cocktails and charcuterie boards will keep you here celebrating all things TIFF.

One at Hazelton Hotel: (118 Yorkville Ave.) Their fabulous, and possibly the best, patio locations in the city offers up a night of happy star sightings. It always seems to be full of jovial laughter and air kisses but don’t let that intimidate you, it’s a lovely spot with the power players.

Mr. C at Bisha Hotel: (80 Blue Jays Way) Sexy and sultry moves behind the velvet curtains leading into this latest hotspot in the city. Walk in like a starlet and swish on over to order up your cocktails and late night nibbles. It’s a mysterious spot for the average star-gazer – and we know you’re not average.

Windsor Arms Hotel: (18 St. Thomas St.) This hotel will host several big TIFF soirees including the annual star-studded Artists for Peace and Justice Gala. Okay, you may not be able to get in that night without being “on the list” but most other times you’ll be able to grab a cocktail at the hotel’s much loved Library Bar. Feeling like a regal estate, definitely stay and linger — they make you feel like the a-lister you are anytime of the day.

Figures: (137 Avenue Road)It’s easy to walk past this unassuming hotspot. There are no tables visible only wall of curiosities if you look close enough but behind the hidden wall is the ultimate pop culture cave. Well, not cave but restaurant and bar tastefully done up in contemporary artwork and installations worthy of the cocktail price alone. Fun is an understatement making this an ideal happy place for celebrity sightings. Book ahead.

The post Local’s guide on where to eat during TIFF appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

• Parlour Salon – Will be donating to One Brave Night, 50% of the sales of their new Fusionplex treatments from April 2nd-April 6th.

• Tiger of Sweden – 10% of all sales from April 7th & 8th will be donated to One Brave Night, when shoppers mention their support for CAMH at cash + will have a donation jar available in store to support One Brave Night from April 7th -17th.

• Lululemon – will host yoga classes on April 6th at The Attic on Queen St from
5:30PM-6:30PM and from 7:30PM-8:30PM at The Local on Ossington, where participants can make cash donations to CAMH in class.

• Jimmy’s Coffee (Ossington) – Donating 50% of drip coffee sales on April 6th to
One Brave Night

• Calii Love – Will be donating 50% of sales from their coffees sold on April
6th.

• Crywolf – will be hosting a late night shopping event from 6PM-9PM on April 6th offering goodie bags and will have a donation jar to support the campaign + donating a portion of their sales on posters and small accessories.

• Bang Bang Ice Cream – will be donating all sales from their “overbaked” cookies to One Brave Night on April 6th.

• Ollie Quinn – will be hosting an Instagram contest for One Brave Night participants for a chance to win a pair of non-prescription sunglasses or single vision prescription optical glasses and will have a donation jar at cash on April 6th.

• Tonic Blooms – will donate 25% of the sales from April 6th.

***

On top of creating awareness for mental health, money raised from the One Brave Night partnerships will go to help support the life-saving research and treatment offered at CAMH. OBN is also encouraging people to join the conversation on social media with #OneBraveNight and #OneBraveSelfie.

One of the most interesting event will be run by writer and mental health advocate Meghan Yuri Young of The Sad Collection who will be hosting “Choose your Challenge” day in support of One Brave Night. The public is invited to take part in the day that begins at Myodetox for a charity sweat at 8:30 AM, followed by The Quiet Company leading a mid-day meditation at noon and then the day will finish at FREE SPACE at 7:00 PM.

We got a chance to chat with Meghan about The Sad Collective prior to the big day.

What exactly is the Sad Collective?

Put simply, The Sad Collective is a community and platform aiming to destigmatize the conversation around mental health and mental illness. We believe in the power of vulnerability. Our website elaborates on that best, “We believe in the freedom of crying, the strength in admitting we’re not always fine and the courage to seek support when it’s needed.” To do that, we encourage people to embrace their emotions by giving them opportunities to tell their stories — either via an article on our website, by posting a photo on Instagram featuring one of our stencils sprayed on the ground around the city or however else they feel comfortable. And beyond that, the stories shared make those not currently comfortable to tell their own feel like they’re not alone.

Who organized it and who works with it? What are their backgrounds with mental health work?

My partner, Vasiliki Marapas, and I created The Sad Collective. It’s a passion project that came about during our own personal struggles at work and outside of it. We’re both writers who wanted more of a creative outlet. After going through heartbreak at the same time and being there for each other, we decided we wanted to run with that idea of solidarity and community. Especially since we both had strong ties to the mental health community and didn’t even realize it.

Yet, for me, aside from double majoring in psych and English, I’d never pursued work in the mental health community before this. It was simply an ongoing interest that out of necessity became something more. It’s fascinating how creating The Sad Collective has encouraged Vas and I to delve more deeply into the community to learn more about it and ourselves.

What is the goal of The Sad Collective?

The goal of The Sad Collective is, first and foremost, to show people that they’re not alone. The more we share, the more our community shares and the more they feel connected to something bigger. And that itself leads into the second goal, destigmatizing the conversation around mental health.

How is this goal achieved?

We’re currently taking very simple steps to achieving this goal. The first is running a light-hearted and relatable Instagram account that nevertheless touches on the darker moments in day-to-day life. The second is highlighting great initiatives in and around the city on our blog. There are so many amazing people and groups creating safe spaces and incredible initiatives for the mental health community. We also encourage conversation with spontaneous call outs for content, which often attracts people from all walks of life who have been searching for an outlet to express themselves. Not to mention one of my favourite projects, our Sad Collective stencils that we’ve stamped around the city that remind people that “it’s okay not to be okay” and “we’re all in this together” while also inspiring them to share their own thoughts on mental health.

Where do you research your stories?

Our stories often revolve around interviews, so their are very people-centric and require little research.

Are most stories personal or are some from professionals in the mental health field?

For now, they are very personal, but we hope to include more professional voices in the future. I see The Sad Collective as a community for the people by the people, so that’s why it involves more personal stories. Yet there is a great need for access to professionals and we tried to start an “Aunt Agony” column that allowed a psychotherapist to answer our audience’s questions, but it was hard to maintain. We do hope to bring it back though.

What are you currently working on?

We’re currently working on a big event for CAMH’s One Brave Night. This year the theme as expanded, encompassing a “choose your challenge” angle that is more inclusive to all situations. So in this vein, there will be a morning workout at Myodetox Performance for those who seek physical activity when going through something. Then there’s a midday meditation by The Quiet Company at Lululemon’s The Attic followed by the big event in the evening at Free Space.

The evening event will start with an open mic-style hour featuring speakers from the clinical, middle-ground and patient-side of mental health. From there, there will be movies, boardgames and a chance to mingle not only with the speakers, but with other guests to truly connect with the mental health community. It’s our first official Sad Collective event (in partnership with CAMH)!

What do you aim to do in the future?

We’re hoping to do more offline work within the community. Over the last three years, the biggest hurdle I’ve learned is that people don’t feel truly connected to each other and thus inevitably feel alone in their personal struggles. Whether it’s finding the right person to talk to or a shoulder to lean on, The Sad Collective aims to provide that is some way.

What is the best part about working in Toronto?

Toronto is so welcoming and so open to vulnerability. It might be a big city with big city cliches, but it differs in so many ways from places like New York, L.A. and even Vancouver. The presence of community is very strong here. And very supportive. Torontonians rally around each other; it’s so beautiful to witness and to be a part of as well.

PAY IT FORWARD – What is another charity group that you think we should know about?

There are so many! Through my job in media, I’ve been exposed to many amazing non-profit organizations including Skylark Youth, a mental health organization for youth and families. Last year I had the honour of travelling to SOS Children’s Villages in the Dominican Republic and now I sponsor a village. I’ve also been volunteering at the Children’s Book Bank in Toronto, which provides free books to underprivileged youth in the city. These are just a few though, and all close to my heart.

The post One Brave Night will bring community and businesses together for mental health appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

This week, Miller unveiled her first set of wings in Canada at the newest Calii Love (First Canadian Place)  location to add to her  roster.

When we had learned she was coming to Toronto to create this new work we were interested in hearing more about the Global Angel Wings Project.  We admitted to Miller that we’re drawn to her wings even on our travels, but the opportunity to learn more about her work brought meaning beyond the Instagrammable posts.

So, why did you start creating these beautiful wings?

It was maybe late 2011 and I was meditating a lot. I thought a lot about life and humanity. As I drove around L.A., the City of Angels, and wings kept coming to my mind. I kept imagining them big on the buildings. I did them with in mind to remind humanity of our true divine self. I believe that even though we are all scarred in some way and have layers of complication, we are still human. But I do think there’s a collective similarity in love in everybody regardless of race or religion or wherever you are in the world.

Are there angels amongst us?

Yes, I think so and we can be them. We can be proactive to remind us that we are these angels of this earth even for one moment. Just take a pause. That’s what the wings stand for in The Global Wings Project. I’ve done them in different places around the world.

How do you decide where to put your wings?

Of late it’s been commissions and requests. There’s been multiple unique collaborations where someone will approach me but I have done them on my own like after the riots in Baltimore and I’ve done them in Kenya. I did it for the street kids because some of their friends have been murdered. I learned in Kenya they now have a boxing club named after the Wings project.

Are there certain colours that you like to work with and are then intentional?

The first few I did, I thought of the higher chakras. The higher colours are in indigos, blues and purples.  I also use gold and white. The colours are suppose to mean self realization and enlightenment. I was drawn aesthetically to those colours but I’m now also drawn to the painting as a whole that will work in balance, making it feel complete.

And what’s your process?

I create these by painting and wheat pasting so it’s half done in studio and then finished on-site. I’ve painted a couple straight on but I like the effect with the paper. I do them on multiple types of surfaces like brick, wood, tile, cement or steel. I sand, cut, paint and sculpt them. I usually varnish and seal them. I also UV protect them.

How did this collaboration with Calii Love happen?

They had seen some of my previous work in L.A. and they contacted me and asked me to do these wings at this new location. It’s the first pair in Toronto. Actually in Canada!

Calii Love at First Canadian Place, it’s the third location for the “good vibes only” casual eatery. Known for their whole body wellness, Calii Love brings a new level of consciousness to food using sustainable and fresh organic ingredients daily.

On board is new lead Chef Michael Parubocki (Planta, Momofuku, Kasa Moto, and Truffles Four Seasons). He’s brought some additions to the menu that offers on-the-go professionals in the area with even more healthier options while keeping energy and focus in mind. “This menu is designed for people to not only eat healthy but also to feel the feelings defined on the menu itself. In a world filled with negativity, we want to create a positive culture and love movement,” said Dan Gunam, co-founder of Calii Love.

A lot of the menu additions takes inspiration from Chef Michael’s experience in the kitchen and infusing it to the existing menu. Also keeping it light and balanced playing on a variety of elements of texture and taste bringing the best of each ingredient and how they work with others.

This new location’s larger open kitchen concept will also include on-site food classes and workshops.

The menu itself still continues to offer their much loved smoothie and poke bowls. Tip: be sure to order a cup of their comforting bone broth too! Here are  a few bowls we also tried at the new location…

The Empowered Signature Bowl: baked salmon, spiralled beetroot, warm quinoa, black rice, asian pear, Sriracha, roasted peanuts and a soy lime vinaigrette. Filling and delicious!

The Adventurous Signature Bowl:  bbq jackfruit, smashed avocado, lime jicama, cabbage slaw, sesame porcini dressing, lentil chicharron. It tastes like pulled pork & slaw but it’s all vegan!

The Strong Signature Bowl: raw rainbow carrots, toasted farro, crumbled feta, roasted beetroot, toasted sunflower seeds, golden raisins in a Zuzu yogurt dressing. It hits a lot of marks with sweet, salty, light texture, crunchy, soft, raw, and cooked.

If you would like to learn more about Colette Miller’s Global Angel Wings Project and where else in the world you can find them visit her website colettemiller.com

To learn more about Calii Love visit their website at caliilove.com

The post Street Artist Colette Miller unveils latest Angel Wings at Calii Love appeared first on Toronto Guardian.