I know exactly when it happened. It was when I took my first bite of grilled pork chop with sweet pickled cherries. As I chewed, the fat melted in my mouth – like a lighter, more tender duck breast – coating the meat and spreading salt to every point on my tongue that craved it. … [Read more...] about Nora Gray: A Place to Love
Alexandre Jipa’s Wine Tasting Club and a Blind California Tasting
You've seen Bottle Shock, right? It's about the 1972 "Judgement of Paris," a blind tasting of California wines versus Bordeaux. The French got their sous-vêtements in a knot when Napa took down some French heavy-hitters. One of the reds in the competition was Stag's Leap, the … [Read more...] about Alexandre Jipa’s Wine Tasting Club and a Blind California Tasting
Quebecois Specialties Dinner on Sept. 26th, 7pm
I'm hosting one of my favourite dinners through Bookalokal this Sept. 26th at 7pm. Book your spot now for an intimate feast of duck confit, local cheeses and pouding chomeur. The Bookalokal idea is that you enjoy a meal at a local's house, as though you lived in the city – … [Read more...] about Quebecois Specialties Dinner on Sept. 26th, 7pm
So Many Oysters! A Live Stream of Montreal’s 7th Annual Oysterfest
Watch the action as it happens, as I post directly to the stream below all afternoon: … [Read more...] about So Many Oysters! A Live Stream of Montreal’s 7th Annual Oysterfest
Sakezuke Miso-Maple Chicken Thighs with Roasted Carrots
When you make sake, what's left over are the lees – bits of steamed sticky rice mixed with koji, the bacteria used to ferment the rice into alcohol. Like juicing, you end up with tons of this stuff. And like juicing, it'd be a shame to throw it out. It's full of all sorts of … [Read more...] about Sakezuke Miso-Maple Chicken Thighs with Roasted Carrots
Bivalves, Booze and (De)bauchery: Oysterfest Takes Over the Peel Basin Aug. 29 and 30, 2015
It's back! The 7th edition of Montreal's annual Oysterfest is happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Peel Basin (1057 rue de la Commune and Peel). It's not cheap, but it's bringing together over 80 restaurants and vendors, three oyster shucking competitions (amateur, pro … [Read more...] about Bivalves, Booze and (De)bauchery: Oysterfest Takes Over the Peel Basin Aug. 29 and 30, 2015
Nothing to Trifle With: Strawberries, Blueberries, Custard and Cream Make the Perfect Summer Dessert
When it's so hot your pores are like a swimming pool, you can barely sleep and stepping outside feels like you've been hit in the face with a sauna, it's time for trifle. The light-as-air dessert is served cold and combines sponge cake, custard, fruit, whipped cream and a hit of … [Read more...] about Nothing to Trifle With: Strawberries, Blueberries, Custard and Cream Make the Perfect Summer Dessert
Farm-to-Restaurant Love Story: Quebec Restaurants on Healthy Relationships and Heartbreak
When you think "farm-to-table" or "farm-to-restaurant," do pictures of happy animals and vegetables and delicious meals come to mind? But what happens behind the scenes when the romance takes a backseat to bottom lines and misunderstandings? Even with the best of intentions, … [Read more...] about Farm-to-Restaurant Love Story: Quebec Restaurants on Healthy Relationships and Heartbreak
My Interview on CBC’s Homerun About Canning: We Talk Jams, Pickles and Boozy Creations
I was asked to be on CBC Montreal's Homerun to talk about seasonal canning. Guest host Morgan Dunlop and I talk about pickles and jams for beginners, community gardens and what's in season now. Here's the audio from last week: … [Read more...] about My Interview on CBC’s Homerun About Canning: We Talk Jams, Pickles and Boozy Creations
Yana Gilbuena is Popping Up at Junior Restaurant This Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015
How do you spread the Filipino food gospel? Embark on a cross-continent tour that drops pulutan-format Filipino fare (eat with your hands) in restaurants along the way. That's what Filipino chef Yana Gilbuena is doing. After a 50-week, 50-state tour, she's going … [Read more...] about Yana Gilbuena is Popping Up at Junior Restaurant This Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015