For any last-minute sweet teeth out there, here's a Christmas-friendly recipe for dessert, lunch, or breakfast. Aw, the miraculous ambiguity (versatility?) of coffee cake... Super-Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping (Gluten-free, dairy-free) It's not low-fat, but … [Read more...] about Super-Moist Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Streusel Topping (Gluten-free, dairy-free)
Montreal Oyster Throwdown: Le Club Chasse et Peche, Joe Beef, L’Orignal, Maestro SVP
Note: This has been updated from the archives. Now I would also add $1 oysters at Cartel on Fairmount and St-Urbain on Wednesdays to the mix. I believe those come with $5 glasses of prosecco. Not a bad deal if the oysters are fresh. While some oyster lovers would shake their … [Read more...] about Montreal Oyster Throwdown: Le Club Chasse et Peche, Joe Beef, L’Orignal, Maestro SVP
Home for the Holidays
"There's about a 50/50 chance we'll be able to land in St. John's due to fog." Those were the words of the pilot on my plane home to Newfoundland for Christmas two years ago. I'm making the annual pilgrimage again tomorrow and as I stare out of bedroom window, I wonder what feat … [Read more...] about Home for the Holidays
Montreal Baklava Throwdown: Afroditi Bakery vs. Patisserie Efes
Afroditi Bakery (756 Rue Saint-Roch) | Patisserie Efes (689 St-Roch) ******** | ******* 8 out of 10 | 7 out of 10 Montreal is full of dry baklava. For a province that puts maple syrup in everything, I figured that I wouldn't be the only person who wanted their dessert swimming in … [Read more...] about Montreal Baklava Throwdown: Afroditi Bakery vs. Patisserie Efes
Vote for Me on Hostelworld!
Remember when I cut 6 lbs of chili peppers without gloves? Wasn't that hilarious? Turns out that a panel of objective judges (aka "not just my mom") thought burning my hands was great fun, too! So now I'm a finalist for the Hostelworld Travel Story Awards 2013 in the "Funny" … [Read more...] about Vote for Me on Hostelworld!
Montreal Pho-down: Pho Bac #1 vs. Pho Lien
Cloves, star anise, cinnamon and other secrets of the best Vietnamese noodle soups in Montreal. The Criteria: Broth and meat - two deceptively simple categories The Winner? Pho Lien...for now. Vietnamese noodle soup (pho - pronounced somewhere between "phuh" and "phah") is … [Read more...] about Montreal Pho-down: Pho Bac #1 vs. Pho Lien
Montreal Dumpling Throwdown: Qing Hua vs. ???
Qing Hua 1767 avenue Lincoln ******* 7 out of 10 There's just really nothing else that comes close to Qing Hua. They do have a second outlet in Chinatown, but it's not exactly competition. So you can either go to one of these establishments, or try to make your own dumplings … [Read more...] about Montreal Dumpling Throwdown: Qing Hua vs. ???
Persian Throwdown: Parisa vs. Tehran Restaurant
Note: I wrote this originally before Damas, Kaza Maza, and most recently, Barbounya, existed. I've been to the first two and really think Damas is exceptional, both for accommodating food intolerances (I had a delicious 100% vegan, gluten-free meal there and didn't feel like I … [Read more...] about Persian Throwdown: Parisa vs. Tehran Restaurant
One-Dish Seafood Bake: Prosecco-Poached Turbot, Mussels and Clams with Herb Vinaigrette
I rarely splurge on halibut. Sure, the texture's nice—it's a firm, white fish—but I usually feel there's just not enough flavour to justify the price tag. Poissonerie Atwater doesn't have the greatest selection of well-priced, quality fish. But fortunately there was turbot in … [Read more...] about One-Dish Seafood Bake: Prosecco-Poached Turbot, Mussels and Clams with Herb Vinaigrette
“Fruitcake Redeemed” in the National Post
Check out my article in the National Post today on Quebec-made artisanal fruitcake: "One man's quest to save the mighty—yet maligned—holiday loaf." Montrealer Ken Ilasz soaks dried fruit in rum, kirsch, and eau de vie, uses local products (ever heard of the haskap berry?), and … [Read more...] about “Fruitcake Redeemed” in the National Post