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
Warm Carrot, Orange and Endive Salad with Toasted Coriander
This is a simple salad that looks awfully fancy. Taking the extra few minutes to toast and grind the coriander seeds is the secret to being a fake gourmet. And if you're going to grind the coriander seeds you may as well grind the black peppercorns while you're at it. Can't find … [Read more...] about Warm Carrot, Orange and Endive Salad with Toasted Coriander
Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Mixed Bean Chili with Parsnips, Carrots and Eggplant
This is the ultimate quick-fix meal. It takes forever to cook (either stove top or slow-cooker) if you use dried beans (and you should), but it's simple because you just toss in whatever vegetables you have (almost) and lots of dried spices. It's very economical, it's fresh, and … [Read more...] about Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Mixed Bean Chili with Parsnips, Carrots and Eggplant
Red Lentil Dal with Broccoli, Peppers and Toasted Coconut, and Comfort Food for Snowy Winters
I keep seeing cockroaches. In the street, on the metro...They're not really there, but it always takes an extra second after my head has remarked, "Oh, a cockroach," for it to subsequently think, "No it's not. I'm not in Lima anymore." That's not to say there aren't cockroaches … [Read more...] about Red Lentil Dal with Broccoli, Peppers and Toasted Coconut, and Comfort Food for Snowy Winters
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
Edo Sushi in Lima, Peru
Why is all sushi in Lima just "fine"? Why is not extraordinary? Why does everything need tempura and cream cheese? And why are the sushi options always the same (it's not because only local fish are served)? These were the questions running through my head after every sushi meal … [Read more...] about Edo Sushi in Lima, Peru
Sushi Making Cooking Class in Montreal
Last week I held a sushi making workshop. Here are the photos. You should come next time. The five participants (I can only handle up to 8 in my space) would all agree. $40 for lobster nigiri; inside-out California rolls with sustainable Nordic shrimp, avocado, cucumber and … [Read more...] about Sushi Making Cooking Class in Montreal
Cooking in Huaraz – Cleaned Guinea Pigs and Pigs Heads
Long before I met a guy in Peru who studies neurocysticercosis, I avoided eating pork. My homeopath said it was too similar to humans, that disease passes too easily between the two, and that made it dangerous to eat. My homeopath told me lots of crap, but for some reason the not … [Read more...] about Cooking in Huaraz – Cleaned Guinea Pigs and Pigs Heads