This is an actual conversation I had with a chef recently. He's very nice and he'd gone out of his way to make a soup recipe that I'd written up for a magazine, but had never been able to try because it contained flour and butter. So he made a version with cornstarch and oil, … [Read more...] about Dear Chefs: A Tiny Bit of Gluten is Too Much Gluten
I’m in The Globe & Mail: How to Crash a Newfoundland Dessert Party and other Holiday Food Traditions
Last week I was in The Globe & Mail with a story about crashing a Newfoundland dessert party, but the story is really about food traditions from coast to coast, specifically regional and familial variations on holiday jello puddings and a whole lot of Dream Whip. I should … [Read more...] about I’m in The Globe & Mail: How to Crash a Newfoundland Dessert Party and other Holiday Food Traditions
In the Belly of the Banquet: Inside Montreal’s Biggest Catering Companies
I don't often post links to my Montreal Gazette food feature articles here on my blog, but this one about an insider take on catering companies in Montreal deserves it, I feel. Especially around the holidays, so many people attend catered events. And most have no idea the … [Read more...] about In the Belly of the Banquet: Inside Montreal’s Biggest Catering Companies
La Cuisine Botanique: This New Plant-Based Cookbook Gets a Thumbs Up
Chef Stéphanie Audet's first cookbook is a keeper. It's all-vegetarian and mostly vegan and gluten free. (If recipes aren't overtly vegan or gluten free, there are often gluten free options.) I'm still working through it, but my favourite recipes so far are a Middle … [Read more...] about La Cuisine Botanique: This New Plant-Based Cookbook Gets a Thumbs Up
L’Orygine Bistro Quebec City
If you're planning a trip to the capital of Quebec any time soon, there's a restaurant group you should check out – mostly because at least one of its Old Port restaurants will appeal to you. I don't always love restaurant groups, but this one is impressive because of the quality … [Read more...] about L’Orygine Bistro Quebec City
Kimchi Stew – Kimchi Jigae (pork-free)
When I saw that a pork-free kimchi stew won a best recipe award on The Guardian website, I figured it was time to use up the rest of my 2018 batch of kimchi and grab a box of tissues. The spicy stew is supposed to be earthy and rich and deep, but my versions in the past have … [Read more...] about Kimchi Stew – Kimchi Jigae (pork-free)
Pesto Potatoes Two Ways and Trout with Peach Salsa (aka à la Beau Mont)
Rarely is a meal that I make for myself as much about eating something pretty as it is about eating something delicious. But sometimes life just works out for the best. This dish of potatoes and trout is a prime example. I'd made a green pesto (I blended together basil, olive … [Read more...] about Pesto Potatoes Two Ways and Trout with Peach Salsa (aka à la Beau Mont)
“Made With Love” Montreal Regional Cocktail Finals: Bartender Mackenzie McNolty of Nhau Bar on What it’ll Take to Bring Home a Prize
If you've never attended the Montreal regional finals of Made With Love, the country's biggest cocktail competition, now's your chance. On Monday, Nov. 25 at L'Olympia in Montreal, 20 of Quebec's top bartenders will vie for the right to compete in the national finals and win big … [Read more...] about “Made With Love” Montreal Regional Cocktail Finals: Bartender Mackenzie McNolty of Nhau Bar on What it’ll Take to Bring Home a Prize
Salt Baked Fish
You know when a restaurant charges you $40 for the whole grilled fish? That's a complete waste of my money. Whether it's a waste of yours depends on your income, inheritance, budget, your home's proximity to a good fish shop and the restaurant's sourcing and belief in … [Read more...] about Salt Baked Fish
Wine Suggestions for the Holidays: Natural Wines, Private Imports and a Rosé to Drink Year-Round
With back-to-back-to-back salons in Montreal this fall, there was plenty to wade through for suggestions for what to drink right now. I headed into the two days of the natural wine salon, Raw wine, fully energized, but ended up not making it to RASPIPAV (the private import salon) … [Read more...] about Wine Suggestions for the Holidays: Natural Wines, Private Imports and a Rosé to Drink Year-Round