Pineapples aren't the only fruit that like to be upside-down, suspended in caramel. To be honest, I'm a little jealous. Quebec has Tarte Tatin, but the traditional recipe involves making a caramel first, before baking, which is more work than needed. It can also lead to all … [Read more...] about Gluten Free Apple Caramel Upside-Down Cake
Fennel, Beet and Pistachio Salad with Verjus Vinaigrette
Make a big batch of this dressing and save it for every salad, piece of lettuce, raw vegetable or piece of bread that's screaming to be dipped. Verjus is a sour grape juice that works as a vinegar replacement. If you boil it down, it turns into sweet-and-sour heaven – perfect for … [Read more...] about Fennel, Beet and Pistachio Salad with Verjus Vinaigrette
Chipotle Scallop and Halibut Chowder (dairy-free)
When I was in Tucson, Arizona over Christmas I cooked my way through a handful of recipes in a local cookbook called Savvy Southwest Cooking. The book has a lot of seafood options, despite heralding from a landlocked state. No problem, because Whole Foods and Sprouts both have … [Read more...] about Chipotle Scallop and Halibut Chowder (dairy-free)
A Preview of the 2019 Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert: Locally Made Gluten Free Bread, Soy-Free Tempeh and Vegan Smoothies
What foods am I excited about at next week's Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert? A lot. That's why I had to talk fast this morning on Global Montreal with the lovely Laura Casella. Here's everything I didn't get to say about the companies that were kind enough to give me … [Read more...] about A Preview of the 2019 Expo Manger Santé et Vivre Vert: Locally Made Gluten Free Bread, Soy-Free Tempeh and Vegan Smoothies
How to Throw a Five Course Sake-Pairing Dinner: Nama, Junmai Daiginjo, Nigori and Aged
I get a little excited about sake (jump to the Photo Gallery below to see exactly how excited). Now that I'm a grown-up, I made my first private import order of sake from Sébastien Langlois of Bacchus76. He's recently started bringing in a bunch of nama, unpasteurized sakes that … [Read more...] about How to Throw a Five Course Sake-Pairing Dinner: Nama, Junmai Daiginjo, Nigori and Aged
Adventures in Whole Duck Cooking (Aka How Not to Roast a Duck)
Don't let your eyes fool you. This was not an awesome roasted duck. It was my first one (see #2 below) and while it looks awfully pretty, what you don't see is the thick layer of un-melted fat under the crispy-skinned exterior. So when you crunch into it, instead of getting a … [Read more...] about Adventures in Whole Duck Cooking (Aka How Not to Roast a Duck)
The Best of Tucson Drinking and Dining: Tito & Pep, Villa Peru, Downtown Kitchen & Cocktail and Mezcal at Reforma
Tucson is humble. In my story for FineDiningLovers.com last year I called out its culinary highlights, from the genius of its indigenous peoples who were (and are) able to grow foods in the desert to the burgeoning fine dining scene that doesn't know how good it is. It … [Read more...] about The Best of Tucson Drinking and Dining: Tito & Pep, Villa Peru, Downtown Kitchen & Cocktail and Mezcal at Reforma
Where to Eat at Montreal en Lumières 2019: Dinners, Lunches, Brunches, Drinks, Food Talks and Free Samples
Montreal en Lumière, aka the Montreal Highlights Festival, can be a bit overwhelming. A Nordic style lunch, a Haitian brunch, an ice bar and some $300 three-Michelin Star cuisine? With so many dinners, invited chefs and special events, it's hard to know where to make a … [Read more...] about Where to Eat at Montreal en Lumières 2019: Dinners, Lunches, Brunches, Drinks, Food Talks and Free Samples
Hot and Spicy Montreal: Restaurants to Warm you up
Last week, I did a TV segment about hot and spicy restaurants. It's the time of year when we need all the heat we can get, I figure. And while Montrealers are notoriously hot pepper-averse, I'm not. So I found a local, high quality hot sauce maker and then hunted down … [Read more...] about Hot and Spicy Montreal: Restaurants to Warm you up
Portuguese Sour Cherry Booze, Gluten Intolerance and Cultural Heritage
I saw the hundreds of shooter glasses lined up on trays when I got the restaurant. the press event was just starting and servers were laying out the platters of creamy Portuguese cheese, baguette, silken and juicy Medjool dates and thick-cut fruit pâté. So I figured there were … [Read more...] about Portuguese Sour Cherry Booze, Gluten Intolerance and Cultural Heritage