The day not only reminds us of treating ourselves to a sweet morsel but it also raises awareness and funds for local charities.

We’ve found out that Toronto’s Butter Avenue has partnered up with Chef David Lee of Nota Bene this year to create exclusive flavours to commemorate the day in support of Kids Cook To Care, a charity that brings some of the city’s finest chefs together with volunteer little kid sous chefs. Together they visit local shelters to prepare fresh and nourishing meals to the communities in need. Chefs involved include David Lee, Hidde Zomer, Cory Vitello, Carl Heinrich, Loreno Loseto, Doug McNish, Sarah Sweeney, Rory White, Peter Minaki, Carolyn Drebin, and many more. An upcoming dinner prep will be lead by Lavelle’s Romain Avril at the end of this month.

Last year, Kids Cook To Care received the largest donation from Butter Avenue’s Macaron Day commitment and hopes that this year will be equally as successful. Over $4500 was donated from the day’s sales from the shop’s two locations. That’s a lot of macarons!

“Our customers are very loyal and excited about Macaron Day,” says Calvin Su, Co-owner of Butter Avenue. “We are thrilled to partner with Chef David Lee on this very special day. His involvement with Kids Cook to Care inspired us to take this year’s day to the next level. Our pastry chefs cannot wait to reveal the three exclusive flavours of his along side our other special flavours created for this day.”

So, any hints? You may want to pay attention to Butter Avenue’s social postings. In previous years, they’ve had fun with customers by offering some unique flavours like hot tamale, s’mores, orange spinach, matcha red bean and popcorn. Pushing the imagination of flavour combinations is what most macaron lovers want to try. But we won’t be surprised (okay, and really hoping) if they bring back some of our favourites like Guava Plum and Molten Chocolate Marshmallow? Pleeeeeeease?  I will personally buy a box or two.

Butter Avenue has announced that they will donate 35% of the day’s sales to Kids Cook To Care. Want more info on the charity? Check out our previous posts on them. Parent can sign up their kids (ages 6+) to volunteer at the monthly dinners through Kids Cook To Care. Then registering for the opportunities are first come, first serve with a donation to help offset costs of ingredients.  However, this isn’t the only way for kids to learn about healthy food for everyone. The organization also hosts other events including the popular holiday cookie recipe exchange and corporate events.

Macaron Day is an annual event held on March 20.

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It’s effing -20C below and I’m seeking something, ANYTHING remotely sunny and warm.

Chef David Lee at Nota Bene, has partnered up with California Wines with a limited pre-fixe menu and it’s the perfect way to chase away the January blahs!

It’s no secret that California produces award-winning wines. With gorgeous year-round sunshine, ideal land elevation and nature’s ocean cooling breeze, wineries here have created varieties sought after all around the world. We’ve heard of Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara but there are many other pockets of California wine country worth exploring as well. Having visited Temecula Valley’s vineyards on a recent press trip had uncorked a whole other area that made me fall even deeper in love with Cali.

I have great memories of surf, sand, sun, and a syrah, but I’m looking forward to chillaxing here on home turf for my Cali fix!

Chef Lee is one busy dude but we grabbed a few moments to have a fun chat about wuzz’up…and his California dreams…

What are 3 songs that remind you of California?

Led Zeppelin – Stairway to heaven

Eagles – Hotel California

Supertramp – Breakfast in America

Beach Boys – Good Vibrations

Red or White?

RED!

Where are your favorite areas to chill in California?

Napa Valley and San Francisco

My California Dream includes…. 

Surfing and drinking wine on the beach!

What should we know about California Wines?

California has a long growing season – sunny, warm and dry days followed by cool nights which allow the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly – resulting in fruit forward qualities and the right balance to pair beautifully with food.

Nota Bene’s Special California Featured Menu & Wine Pairing

Menu $65. With Wine Pairing $93.

• Hamachi Crudo paired with 2012 Firestone Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley
• White Corn Soup paired with 2012 Edna Valley Chardonnay, Central Coast
• Braised Beef Short Rib paired with 2012 Santa Barbara Winery Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley
• Alaskan Black Cod paried with 2013 Coppola Chardonnay, Monterey
• Artisanal Cheese paired with 2011 Edmeades Zinfandel, Mendocino

There will also be exclusive Winemaker and Sommelier dinner with guided tastings events held every Wednesday for the month of January and free corkage for any California Wines during January.

For more information visit: www.notabenerestaurant.com

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