I love food lore and how so many traditions ring in the new year with something sweet. Like eating honey and apples at Rosh Hashanah or moon cakes at Chinese New Year. But the truth is that life isn't all sugar and spice and everything nice. There's a little bitterness in there, … [Read more...] about Three-Citrus Marmalade and Syrup
7th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza: The Pictures
My family's annual Christmas party happened yesterday. As usual, it was ridiculous: There were the beef tacos. And the chicken tacos. And the shredded chicken with Mexican rice, black beans and aioli crema. Since the party was tex-mex themed, there was a table with … [Read more...] about 7th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza: The Pictures
Pickling Things
If your family isn't all that rambunctious at Christmas time and you find yourself with a little too much time on your hands to think about the season, it's time to pickle things. There's really no better way to distract yourself. Other things you could do: You could instead … [Read more...] about Pickling Things
The 7th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
It's that time of the year again—the time when I cook for 150 people who pass through my family's house over the course of the afternoon. Every year I choose a theme and make hors d'oeuvres, some over-the-top main courses, desserts, snacks and drinks. This year, in honour of my … [Read more...] about The 7th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza
Oven-Roasted Lamb Shawarma, and Why I Didn’t Use the Slow-Cooker
There's something primal about biting into a roasted piece of meat. There's the exterior bark that's a little charred and caramelized. that bark protects the interior meat that's tender and juicy after basting in the fat from the skin for hours. It's called the Maillard reaction … [Read more...] about Oven-Roasted Lamb Shawarma, and Why I Didn’t Use the Slow-Cooker
Three Montreal Mini-Reviews: Sumac, Shinji and Renard Artisan Bistro
Here are two new Montreal restaurants and one oldie but a goodie. Sumac Sumac is the new hip kid on the St-Henri block (at least until the new Satay Brothers opens, at which time they'll probably share the "affordable gourmet" block party ribbon). It does Middle Eastern with … [Read more...] about Three Montreal Mini-Reviews: Sumac, Shinji and Renard Artisan Bistro
Deep-Fried Fruitcake in Montreal and Where to Get This Booze- and Maple Syrup-Soaked Treat
My article on Ken's Fruitcake came out today on UrbanExpressions.ca. In it I break down the fruitcake stereotypes and introduce the idea of deep-fried fruitcake to the world. Well, really, Ken did that and I just wrote about it. Thanks, Ken. … [Read more...] about Deep-Fried Fruitcake in Montreal and Where to Get This Booze- and Maple Syrup-Soaked Treat
My Interview with Chef Normand Laprise of Restaurant Toqué!
My interview with Chef Normand Laprise came out on Urban Expressions today. Here's the link. We talk about what eating local really means, how Montreal stacks up in the restaurant world and how he cooks his duck breast. Also, his wedding dinner courtesy of Martin … [Read more...] about My Interview with Chef Normand Laprise of Restaurant Toqué!
Montreal This Week: Cocktails, New Restaurants and Counting Down Until New Years
It's a fine week to be a cocktail lover in Montreal. Tonight, Monday, Dec.15th, is the annual Made With Love cocktail competition. 19 of the city's top bartenders and mixologists are going to strut their stuff at the SAT from 6pm-10pm. They're given a short list of alcohols to … [Read more...] about Montreal This Week: Cocktails, New Restaurants and Counting Down Until New Years
Wok-Fired Bok Choy with Peanut Sauce
I waited about a month before pulling this last pak choy (like bok choy) from my garden. It's a little like kale in that it's hardy and can handle the first frosts. Mostly I wanted to keep something green growing, in an effort to fend off winter, which would inevitably fail. I … [Read more...] about Wok-Fired Bok Choy with Peanut Sauce