bella belmonte raw

Hello out there - it feels like forever and a day since I last posted. Life certainly does get in the way sometimes, doesn't it? A few weeks ago, I managed to steal away some time at Belmonte Raw, Toronto's newest raw food establishment, with some lovely ladies for dinner. You might know them, and their blogs, of course: Dani, Ashley, Nicole, Camille, and Candice.

The positive and glowing reviews about Belmonte Raw have graced my computer screen over the past month, and I knew I just had to experience the restaurant in person. Owner Carol Belmonte was the most gracious of hosts, and supplied our table with delightful conversation and copious amounts of freshly pressed juices and delicious dishes. Check out this stunning cotton candy colored pink juice - perfect for a girl's night out:

This juice was apple and gotu kola ("great for digestion"). Carol lived in and around Asia for a few years prior to opening the restaurant, and I was thoroughly impressed with her knowledge of ayurvedic herbs and remedies. They made a perfect addition to an already radiant glowing juice:

Photos and food; you definitely know when bloggers are dining together:

I ordered the Wilted Kale Salad which came with a variety of ingredients: cashews, raisins, sundried tomatoes, sprouted lentils, hemp seeds, red onions, and tomatoes. I really enjoyed the subtleties of the dressing here which featured more of a massaged, salted kale than one inundated with dressing. Superb.

I almost ordered the Beet and Carrot Salad, and was glad to see that Candice did so I could feast with my eyes. Look at this amazing salad medley - talk about presentation:

Camille and Ashley ordered the Burrito Wraps which came with a side order of corn chips.

Dani ordered the creamy Cashew Mylk with a Protein Bar topped with drizzled chocolate. Dinner, dessert, whatever you'd like.

Of course, dinner wouldn't be complete without some sort of raw cacao goodness. In the words of Sarah Jessica Parker à la Sex and the City,

"Hello Lover"

Without a doubt, this was the most sumptuous, whipped raw cacoa experience I have ever had. Whatever Carol has concocted here, I'll have another please. Fluffy, moist, and available in a few different flavours; I ordered the raspberry. Gorgeous.

Toasting to a wonderful get together with apple juice and gotu kola shots is a fantastic way to spend a November evening. I'm very fortunate to know these gorgeous gals and to take part in such fun gatherings. What a truly lovely dining experience at Belmonte Raw - I am already looking forward to my next visit. Cheers everyone!

Photo courtesy of Ashley

Belmonte Raw is located at 1022 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario. Check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and also their website for more information about their weekly lunch menu and detox juice program options.