Lima, Peru has a cocktail culture all its own. While classic cocktails are seeing a revival in Canada, and I dream of New Orleans when I think about a certain speakeasy in Toronto that made me fall in love with Fernet Branca, Lima couldn't give two figs about Manhattans, and the … [Read more...] about Land of Cocktails, Lima, Peru: Astrid y Gaston, Art Deco Lounge and La Emolienteria
Much More a Missus Than a Mrs.
I was biking in heels and a gold scarf the other day. Maybe not such a common occurence in Montreal. You see a lot of men in suits but women in heels? And it was a Thursday afternoon and I was in NDG - not exactly the financial district of the city. I'm used to not paying … [Read more...] about Much More a Missus Than a Mrs.
Champagne, Chardonnay, Chablis and Oysters
Some say Champagne goes with all food. And up until a workshop a few weeks ago, I was pretty convinced anything sparkling went perfectly with oysters (as my math friends would put it; "All A's are B's, all B's are C's, so all A's are C's" - All oysters are food, all food goes … [Read more...] about Champagne, Chardonnay, Chablis and Oysters
To Fields of Lucuma
I received an invitation today to heaven. My heaven - one coated in maple syrup mixed with roasted sweet potatoes. My heaven is creamy like avocado and rich like butterscotch, but dairy-free, like chicken soup for the lactose intolerant soul. The producer of organic lucuma … [Read more...] about To Fields of Lucuma
The Best Slow-Cooker Chicken and Vegetables
I won't be slow-cooking for awhile, as I'm in Peru for two months (where I am not bringing my slow-cooker...), but it got cold in Montreal this month before I left and I needed some comfort food. And there was no way I was going to marinate turkey for 3 hours and then toss out … [Read more...] about The Best Slow-Cooker Chicken and Vegetables
Video: Fruit, Vegetables, Fish and Meat at the Surquillo Market in Lima
Boy am I conspicuous. Even without a mini camcorder I stick out like a sore thumb in Lima. Fortunately I've been here before and generally know where I'm going and what not to do (carry a purse or shoulder bag, talk loudly and arrogantly in English, walk places alone at night, … [Read more...] about Video: Fruit, Vegetables, Fish and Meat at the Surquillo Market in Lima
Things I Forgot (Cosas que me olvidé?)
I'm in another airport writing this. This trip is a little longer than last week's to Newfoundland. It's also a little more stressful since I just realized I forgot a few things. Not my passport, no, and clearly not my computer, and not even the mallets or music I need for the … [Read more...] about Things I Forgot (Cosas que me olvidé?)
My Article in Sharp for Men Magazine
Check out my latest article in Sharp for Men Magazine. It's about restaurants serving horse in my two favourite Canadian cities - Montreal and Toronto. From tartar to steaks, it's time to check out this lean red meat. Thanks to David McMillan of JoeBeef for the pro-Montreal … [Read more...] about My Article in Sharp for Men Magazine
Brined Turkey with Grapefruit and Cranberries, à la di Stasio
A couple of weeks ago at the Appetite for Books anniversary party, I met Josée di Stasio. Now, if you're an anglophone you're probably going, "Huh? Who's that?" And I'm here to tell you that you need to figure it out. She's a French television cooking show host that is everything … [Read more...] about Brined Turkey with Grapefruit and Cranberries, à la di Stasio
5th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza Tomorrow!
It's that time of year again - when I go all out menu-wise and my family welcomes around 100 people into our home over the course of an afternoon. There's always a theme, there's usually wine pairing, and there's a feast with little cards explaining what the heck I made. This … [Read more...] about 5th Annual Volk/Watson Christmas Extravaganza Tomorrow!