Note: I wrote this originally before Damas, Kaza Maza, and most recently, Barbounya, existed. I've been to the first two and really think Damas is exceptional, both for accommodating food intolerances (I had a delicious 100% vegan, gluten-free meal there and didn't feel like I … [Read more...] about Persian Throwdown: Parisa vs. Tehran Restaurant
Archives for December 2013
One-Dish Seafood Bake: Prosecco-Poached Turbot, Mussels and Clams with Herb Vinaigrette
I rarely splurge on halibut. Sure, the texture's nice—it's a firm, white fish—but I usually feel there's just not enough flavour to justify the price tag. Poissonerie Atwater doesn't have the greatest selection of well-priced, quality fish. But fortunately there was turbot in … [Read more...] about One-Dish Seafood Bake: Prosecco-Poached Turbot, Mussels and Clams with Herb Vinaigrette
“Fruitcake Redeemed” in the National Post
Check out my article in the National Post today on Quebec-made artisanal fruitcake: "One man's quest to save the mighty—yet maligned—holiday loaf." Montrealer Ken Ilasz soaks dried fruit in rum, kirsch, and eau de vie, uses local products (ever heard of the haskap berry?), and … [Read more...] about “Fruitcake Redeemed” in the National Post
“Heinz on Crack” Homemade Sweet and Spicy Ketchup for Fine Dining Lovers
My most recent publication is the last of my canning series over at Fine Dining Lovers. In this final installment I break out the big guns: my bestselling "Heinz on Crack," a sweet and spicy tomato ketchup that should not be restricted to hamburgers. Tourtière, shepherd's pie, … [Read more...] about “Heinz on Crack” Homemade Sweet and Spicy Ketchup for Fine Dining Lovers
Montreal’s Best Bakery: Boulangerie Guillaume
Note: This article is updated from the archives. I have since met Guillaume. He even donated baguettes to the Midnight Poutine 300th Podcast BBQ we threw last summer at Parc Jeanne-Mance. His conjointe is lovely, and he probably doesn't think I'm a creepy stalker anymore. Which … [Read more...] about Montreal’s Best Bakery: Boulangerie Guillaume
One Fish, Two Fish: Montreal Sustainable Seafood
You're in a restaurant, out for a special dinner, and you decide you want fish. Staring at the menu you have your choice of shrimp, samon, Chilean seabass ("bar du chili" en francais), or whole red snapper ("vivaneau"). The mango and pineapple salsa sounds good with the salmon, … [Read more...] about One Fish, Two Fish: Montreal Sustainable Seafood
6th(!) Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza: Party Menu Ideas 2013
It's crazy to think that it's been 6 years since I got so fed up with being bored at Christmas that I decided to throw a massive party, having the balls to call it "annual" even in its first year. This year will be more of the same, in true Christmas tradition form, and I'm … [Read more...] about 6th(!) Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza: Party Menu Ideas 2013
Sticky Toffee Pudding (Vegan, Made Gluten-free)
I used to work in a restaurant on the top floor of a gorgeous museum with a view of all of St. John's. Everyone reading this from St. John's is smiling right now because they know exactly what I'm talking about. It was a brand new kitchen and the menu was evolving at the … [Read more...] about Sticky Toffee Pudding (Vegan, Made Gluten-free)
At (My New) Home Without Madhur Jaffrey: Spicy Sambhar and South Asian Cuisine from Mangoes and Curry Leaves
I’ve moved a lot. 10 places in 9 years, last I counted. More than 30 roommates. With the good comes the bad. In one I only had a mini fridge and a shoebox of a room, but in another I had enough room for yoga, and a gas stove…which was great until I got asked to leave because the … [Read more...] about At (My New) Home Without Madhur Jaffrey: Spicy Sambhar and South Asian Cuisine from Mangoes and Curry Leaves
Juice and Sandwich Bar Throwdown in Lima, Peru: El Enano vs. La Lucha
To Limenans, nothing goes together better than fresh fruit juice and sandwiches, especially at dinner, or after dinner, or in the afternoon...or in the morning for that matter. In fact, sandwiches don't have to count as a meal in Peru, and juice can. And a sandwich platter in … [Read more...] about Juice and Sandwich Bar Throwdown in Lima, Peru: El Enano vs. La Lucha