I just read a line about a travel resolution in the AFAR newsletter by senior editor Aislyn Greene. It's actually a quote of another travel writer for the Guardian, Shahnaz Habib, but I think the lineage is important because it shows how this is resonating with a lot of … [Read more...] about Travel Resolutions for 2021 and Why I Spent Three Months in Lima, Peru, and Never Saw Machu Picchu
Lima Restaurants
A Ground-Shaking Pop-Up at Raffles Istanbul with Michelin Star Chef Paco Roncero
The pink casing on the right-hand olive melts like cocoa butter as the pulp-free brine inside coats the tongue, a molecular sleight of hand that starts the new multi-sensory pop-up dining experience at Istanbul’s Raffles Hotel by Spanish Michelin Star chef Paco Roncero. … [Read more...] about A Ground-Shaking Pop-Up at Raffles Istanbul with Michelin Star Chef Paco Roncero
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
PF Chang’s: Gluten-free in Laval and Montreal
Yes, this is a chain restaurant. Yes, the one I went to is in Laval. These are two criteria that would normally mean I’d never try the restaurant. But any Asian restaurant with an extensive gluten-free menu is worth the drive to the giant shopping complex, the Carrefour … [Read more...] about PF Chang’s: Gluten-free in Laval and Montreal
Nonya Indonesian Cuisine in Montreal
When I used to live in Outremont I'd occasionally walk past this restaurant and want to go there. I recognized some of the Indonesian dishes—Laksa soup, satay, nasi goreng salad, but then I'd notice the pricetag and think, "I'll just go make my own instead..." And then I'd find … [Read more...] about Nonya Indonesian Cuisine in Montreal
Walls of Watermelon, Aisles of Potatoes, Bushels of Chili Peppers and a Lifetime Supply of Mangoes in Lima, Peru
I've been putting off writing this, because every time I look at the photos of this market in the north part of the city of Lima I want to cry. Editing them was very difficult for me. I see mangoes and I can taste their juices. I see heaping piles of dark purple yams and I … [Read more...] about Walls of Watermelon, Aisles of Potatoes, Bushels of Chili Peppers and a Lifetime Supply of Mangoes in Lima, Peru
Natto and Lime-Sauced Sole Sashimi at Izakaya Restaurant, Lima, Peru
I don't think I've ever seen sashimi served with a lime dipping sauce before in North America. In Lima, though, this is a non-spicy variation of tiradito, which is essentially ceviche smothered in a lime-based puréed chili pepper sauce. In this Izakaya restaurant (small plates, … [Read more...] about Natto and Lime-Sauced Sole Sashimi at Izakaya Restaurant, Lima, Peru
Interview with Chef Henry of El Almazen Organic Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Almazen is the only organic vegetarian restaurant in Lima, Peru. It's been open for four years, and is run by Henry Vera and his wife, Mariella Matos. But it's really a 30-year old project in the making. Henry is the kind of chef that leaves his kitchen to walk individual diners … [Read more...] about Interview with Chef Henry of El Almazen Organic Restaurant in Lima, Peru
Curich Cremolada in Lima, Peru
I hung out with a friend down by the Malecon in Lima one day. That's the seaside boardwalk overlooking the Pacific. It felt a lot like being in Montreal, but with a dramatic ocean view. Okay, so maybe it felt more like being in St. John's, NL, but, you know, hot... Hot enough … [Read more...] about Curich Cremolada in Lima, Peru
La Canta Rana
I get a little upset at bad ceviche for a few reasons: 1. It's dangerous. Under-cooked or under-marinated fish causes anything from indigestion to...well, worse. 2. It's so simple. It's an art to do really, really well. But if the fish is fresh and you don't add a bunch of extra … [Read more...] about La Canta Rana