HT DESIGNS_ BE INSPIRED

Heinz Redesign

I don't believe these have hit the shelf yet, but I love the direction Heinz is taking with their packaging. They are going for an approach that highlights the ingredients of their product, the design looks fresh, and fun and gives the idea of the taste of the product more than their previous packaging.

The Farmers Market soup gets across the idea of healthy and fresh, as if you went out to the market yourself and picked up the ingredients yourself to make the soup!

 

Some people may have a problem with the fact that their logo is suddenly tilted in this design, but I really don't. I think the logo is still easily recognizable because they've stuck with the label shape and it works with the imagery to give a warm and appealing design.

Packaging designed by Cowan Design

Fashionista Tea

I have always wanted to have tea at one of those posh hotels in London, and I think I'd like to try Afternoon tea at the Berkeley! All their tea biscuits and cakes are inspired by the fashion from designers such as Christian Dior, Burberry, Christian Lacroix , Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry.

Left to Right: representing Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior

From left: Valentino coat, and a Dior heel!

Cavalli and Coca-Cola

Fashion Designers really do seem to like to expand outside their comfort zone. Here is the latest hook-up between Roberto Cavalli and Coca-Cola. 

But as usual, this limited edition run is not available to us Canadians. Just Italians this time around.

To give credit where credit is due - I saw these on Yumsugar Blog.

Mojo

Mojo is an alternative alcoholic beverage with Guarana.  Guarana is a nut-like seed that grows in Brazil and has been used for centuries by the indigenous people as a natural energy supplement.  Its main ingredient contains 2.5 more caffeine than the coffee bean itself!!

It is a Canadian product that can be found in Quebec or Alberta so far. I am sure Ontario is not far behind. What!!? I love the packaging - that is the only reason I am interested. It has nothing at all to do with my energy drink addiction!!

this one's for Heather...haha

chocolate keyboard anybody?








fun!

Organic Marketing

Dole Organic lets consumers “travel to the origin of each organic product”. By typing in a fruit sticker's three-digit Farm Code on Dole Organic's website, customers can find the story behind their banana. Each farm's section on the website includes background info, shows photos of the crops and workers and tells consumers more about the origin of Dole's organic products.

I thought that this was a clever way to drive traffic to their website. Plus it builds the trust factor to those people who only eat organic food.

My Love (for food)

Wow…what a way to market.  This weekend was the annual Good Food Festival and Market at the International Center in Mississauga.  There’s nothing more appealing then the offer of free food.  So with that said, we were off. 

From booth to booth we followed the crowd, each one offering a different taste of what they had to offer. 

The McCain stand that offered the new Solo Gourmet microwave pizza was a pit stop at least three times.  Not only was it a great set up but it also had great staff and very tasty pizza.  I want to make a special point about the Sun Dried Tomato pizza.  It was great.  As we ate and spoke to the staff, it was clear this was a product they were very proud of.  The fact that it was all Canadian (minus the olives) was another selling point they were eager to share. 

Another highlight of the show was the Cape Honeybush Tea stand.  Now, although we have a sincere interest in them as our client, I do have to say that they had a great display and even better tea.  Their great tasting tea and pleasant conversation won me over in a heartbeat.  Their tea is all organic and is imported from South Africa and truly has a great taste. 

 

So next year, make sure you mark this event on your calendar. 

Chocolate Lovers in Vegas

Vegas certainly has something for everyone, and chocolate lovers are not excluded.

At the Fashion Show Mall, there is a great spot to relax and chit chat with friends - Ethel's Chocolate Lounge. Comfortable chairs, and 100% chocolate - truffles, cocktails, nuts and more.

Over at The Forum (Caesar's Palace), there is a 'couture' chocolate boutique called Vosges Haute Chocolate.  Here you can find premium chocolate truffles that are infused with exotic spices and flowers. From Hungarian paprika to Wasabi to Mexican guajillo Chili to candied violet flowers, there is certainly a flavor for everyone's taste.

A great alternative to sitting in front of the slots!!

Vegas_ Tao Asian Bistro

I have just returned from a trip to Vegas, so for the next week you will get your fill of my dining, shopping, and shoe convention experiences.

The first night, we went to the Tao Asian Bistro that is a celebrity hangout in The Venetian.  It is over 42,000 square feet, that boasts a nightclub, lounge and restaurant.

The decor is lush velvets, waterfalls , many unique Buddha sculptures and a hand-carved 20-foot tall Buddha floating over a pond.

The food was awesome. Kudos to Sam Hazen the executive chef who has created a menu that features specialties from China, Japan and Thailand. Not going to list everything ordered, as that would make for a very long blog. But the highlights were the Lobster Wontons, the addictive Edamame, Filet Mignon, a Sea Bass dish that was unlike anything that I have ever had, and of course all topped off with a hot sake.

The only downside to the visit - even though we had reservations -  we had to wait an hour for a table.

But I will go back just for the dessert - Chocolate and Raspberry Wontons served with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Ice-Cream. (Next time - NO SHARING!!).

Ki_ Modern Japanese

As my sister continues to introduce me to different culinary experiences (in her attempt to culture me) I will continue to write my personal reviews. So far I haven't had too many complaints (especially as I have yet to foot the bill).

The latest introduction was to Ki -Japanese in the Toronto Financial District.  I would describe the dining experience as "Modern Japanese" as it steps away from the traditional bamboo and shoji screens that we have all come to expect.

Very slick in design - polished steel and glass that reflect the well-placed textured panels and streamlined yet beautiful lighting .  Choose between private dining (raised dining areas that are surrounded by ponds) or social settings (sushi bar that seats 20).

My sister is not a fish eater, but we found a ton of dishes that were equally tempting. Asparagus spears, vegetable tempura, tenderloin - all served with varying dips and sauces. Each lived up to our high expectations.

But what more could I expect from the owners of my beloved "Keg Restaurant".