My Other White Coat

Langdon Hall's Sizzling Summer Barbeque Series- July 8th Under the Tuscan Sun

2011-07-09T04:35:00.027-04:00

To celebrate our successful sitting at the Royal College this year, my colleagues and I brought our families to Langdon Hall.

In part, to thank them for their unwavering support during the arduous years of preparation, but also to have some really good food (understatement.)

One of my earliest blog posts covered Langdon Hall's 20th Anniversary luncheon back in 2009. Last night, we took part in their Sizzling Summer Barbeque Series, featuring different guest chefs or different hosted themes every Friday night during the summer.

And despite the pomp and circumstance of the Relais and Chateaux establishment, this event was casual and of remarkable value. Each night, there are a limited number of spaces for dinner guests not staying overnight going for $65 per person.

Last Friday was Canada Day and featured "Langdon Hall's own" led by Grand Chef Jonathan Gushue and highlighting their chef de cuisine, sous chef, baker, sommelier, and head gardener.

This week's theme was titled, "Under the Tuscan Sun" and featured hosts: winemaker Elisabetta Gnudi-Angelini from Italy, Chef Rob Gentile from Buca Osteria & Enoteca on King West, and Master Chevalier Afrim Pristine of the Cheese Boutique in Toronto.

Good wine, great food, and even better company...

Buon appetito!

Upon driving into the secluded grounds, you are greeted by the stately manor of Langdon Hall.

The front lawn also served as the helipad for a chopper dropping off some of the guests tonight. Fortunately, Donald Trump was not on the guestlist.

A little bubbly in the room to start the evening...

Did you know that Dom Pérignon is a vintage champagne only having been produced in 36 years from 1921 to 2002? Three vintage years in a row are a rare phenomenon (which has only occurred two times: in 1969, 1970 and 1971, in 1998, 1999 and 2000). Well, that's according to Wikipedia.

The menu

One of the hosts, Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini, is the proprietor of Tenuta Caparzo, Borgo Scopeto and Altesino. As such, there was a special wine pairing menu offered for $55 per person that included four full glasses, progressing from white to red to dessert wine. Another remarkable value when you consider each bottle ranged from $50 t0 $145, which may have been specially priced for the event.

We started with a 2006 Toscana IGT, Le Grance from Carpazo which paired well with the oysters. Then we progressed to the reds, a 2008 Morellino di Scansano DOCG, Doga Delle Clavule as well as a 2004 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, La Casa. And to finish off the evening, we were met with a glass of 2005 Moscadello di Montalcino DOC from Carpazo to pair with dessert.

The grounds

The highlight of the night: The Cheese Boutique

Local Strawberries

Aceto Tradizionale

Afrim in action...

The Buffala Milk Parmigiano Reggiano that was aged for 6 years in the Cheese Boutique's Vault and the only wheel of its type in North America. The one of a kind piece was cracked just for tonight's event.

The ten-month old tamwart attached to the Jamotec (the J2 model from the Professional line.)

Prosciutto e Melone

"The Hut" which houses the pizza grilling station featuring two varieties: Pork Shoulder, Spring Onion, Grana, Toasted Chili as well as a simple trio of Mozzarella, Basil and Green Olive

Malpeque Oysters with two accompaniments: Fennel, Lavender, Garlic or Melon, Rosemary, Citrus

Chef Rob Gentile plating the starch dish...

The finished product- Sweet Pea Risotto and Ricotta Stuffed Zucchini Flower

Another creation by Chef Rob Gentile from Buca at the Grill- Cuore di Manzo Marinato, Preserved Figs, Robiola and Grilled Radicchio.

Umm... beef heart. Remarkably tender for such an active muscle.

The Grill Station manned by Grand Chef Jonathan Gushue was my last stop prior to dessert. Unfortunately it was later in the evening and by that time the service was ending. Although you still had access to the two proteins: short ribs, radish, salsa verde and grilled tuna, lemon, pistachio, capers and olive oil. The ribs were tremendously tender, perhaps sous-vide, and the salsa verde perhaps foreshadowing the August 5th theme of Authentic Argentinian Asado.

And the featured soup of the evening: a Cauldron of Cherry Tomato and Zucchini Soup with Aged Pecorino. The broth was intensely savoury!

Actually, being a self-respecting carnivore, I left the "Greens and Things" Station last...

Cucumber Salad, Ricotta, Toasted Almonds, Bottarga

Golden Beets, Fennel, Fennel Tops, Black Olives

Roasted Asparagus, Walnut Cream, Truffle Pecorino

Missing photos: Friarelli Peppers, Heirloom Tomatoes, White Anchovy, Capers
as well as the Chilled Cavetelli, Pig Jowls, Rapini, Garlic dishes

The perfect summer evening...

By the time we were ready for dessert, the sun had set... and unfortunately the lighting, or lack thereof, meant that there would be no photographs of the dessert table in this post. Here's what you would have seen at the "Sweet Things" table:

Buca's Goats Milk Panna Cotta, Macerated Berries, Chocolate Vincotto
Pistachio and Almond Cake
Grapefruit and Orange Salad
Baked Apples with Vanilla Mascarpone
Chocolate and Sea Salt Cookies

Langdon Hall is an indulgence that always satisfies. Life is short and you deserve it!

Braise Food & Wine, London, Ontario

2011-05-31T23:59:00.002-04:00

Earlier today, I received the good news that I passed my Royal College examinations. To celebrate, the missus and I went out for dinner together without child for the first time since becoming parents.

Braise is a modern restaurant and lounge that opened recently in 2010. It joins a collection of new restaurants in downtown London such as Cello Supper Club and King West that instill the big-city vibe of downtown Toronto, in contrast to the old money feel of London.

The 6-course tasting menu is pricey at $95, especially relative for London and considering the tasting menu at the much celebrated The Only on King is only $50, albeit only 4 courses.

We opted for a la carte and started the night with an order of fresh oysters (six for $18). I believe they were from Prince Edward Island and were refreshing consider the hot and humid weather outside.

The wifey ordered the pan roasted striped bass primarily for the accompanying braised oxtail that was mixed in with the toasted quinoa.

I ordered the 'pork duo' of milk poached tenderloin and crispy pork belly that was a bargain at $25. The accompanying sweet braised collard greens and smoked wheat berries in sage jus stole the show!

Overall, a pleasant experience...

SEASONAL OYSTERS, traditional garnishes, kettle chips

Garnishes: lemon, horseradish, mignonette

Kettle chips

PAN ROASTED STRIPED BASS, braised oxtail, toasted quinoa, forest mushrooms, mustard greens & seeds, cabernet vinaigrette au jus

PORK DUO, milk poached tenderloin, crispy belly, sweet braised collard greens, smoked wheat berries, sage jus

This was the highlight of the night... collard greens so sweet and wheat berries so smokey.

Pork belly

Tenderloin medium-rare...

Chicken Shawarmas at Barakat

2011-04-23T18:19:00.010-04:00

Barakat is my "go to" spot for a unique food experience in London.

Sure, there is Rei Dos Leitoes (Hamilton Road location has a more extensive menu than Cherry Hill location) for premium Portuguese piri piri chicken and roasted suckling piglet (deserving of the title "King of Pigs" and much better than Romados in Montreal).

And for authentic Szechuan cuisine (Szechwan Sichuan, tomato tomahtoe) that is the shiznit, the New Kung Fu House is the real deal.

Lest we forget about the fresh, local and organic fare at The Only on King which needs no introduction.

Okay, back to Barakat. It specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine and is located on Richmond Row. The long line-ups move quickly and the place is open late until 330am on weekends for the college club crowd.

Barakat, 551 Richmond Street

Shawarmas... chicken or beef, are ~$5 a pop. Of note, they only take cash but will accept debit above $15.

I prefer the do-it-yourself approach with their platter combos (~$10-12).

Combo plate #2 is my personal favourite. It's for "meat lovers" and includes a beef shish kabob and chicken shawarma with all the fixings.

The colourful fixings include garlic (white), hommos (shade of chickpea?), red cabbage (purple incongruously, intially), Lebanese pickles, and fresh tomatoes.

Tomatoes and pickles...

Cabbage... so good and uniquely prepared.

Hommos

A focus on the meat...

Mala Special- Fattoush salad (Roman lettuce, tomato, parsley, cucumber, garlic, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, toasted pita) with chicken shawarma on top accompanied by hommos, garlic sauce, and cabbage.

You'll leave Barakat with the lingering hint of garlic on your breath... and the lingering thought about when you will return.

Play (Inside) Ottawa

2011-03-10T23:13:00.001-05:00

A couple of months ago, I was in Ottawa for an intense course. So I wasn't able to enjoy much of the city's food scene.

The bitterly cold -40 degree weather certainly didn't encourage exploration beyond the comforts of our confine. And when it hits -40, one does not need to state Celsius or Fahrenheit anymore, either way it's equally frigid.

Fortunately, one of the restaurants featured in Ottawa Magazine's list of Top Ten Restaurants 2010 was right across the street from our historic hotel, the Chateau Laurier.

Play Food and Wine is located at 1 York Street in Ottawa's ByWard Market. It is a new venture by the guys behind famed fine-dining fixture, Beckta.

It's upscale yet casual. The focus is on small plates with an aim to pair perfectly with the wine list.

At lunch, one can take advantage of the special: 2 plates for $20.

The mixed charcuterie plate was a hit. The other savoury small plates, on the other hand, left something to be desired.

Until next time, Ottawa!

Play Food & Wine

mixed charcuterie plate $19

pork rillete / apricot sage chutney

duck speck / cranberry-cardamom chutney

Pingue prosciutto / raisin rosemary compote

Berkshire chobal / fennel roasted olives / Dijon / cornichons

fennel roasted olives

side of heirloom carrots

gnocchi / truffle cream / edamame / mushroom / thyme $13

pork belly / parsnip purée / cranberry / apples / sage $16

quail / risotto / soffritto / scallions / apple raisin $13

The Best Sandwich in Ottawa

2011-02-01T21:43:00.005-05:00

I know, it's a big claim... but trust me.

And for $4.87 a pop, no one can dispute that the Famous La Bottega Take-out Sandwich, is one of the best deals in town.

These fresh, made-to-order, Italian sandwiches are simply the best, because they are so simple. You pick the deli meat, you pick the fresh-baked bread, you pick your fine cheese. So simple but oh so good when you have the highest quality ingredients making up your meal.

FYI, you can ask for half of one meat and half of another to increase your flavour profile. I personally enjoy a prosciutto and capicollo combination. And I like to match it with a hard aged provolone.

Although in my opinion, there is one condiment that makes or breaks the whole deal. You have got to ask for the hot eggplant... The piquant aubergines transform the already great sandwich into the ultimate sandwich.

Interestingly, Ottawa Magazine did not mention this sandwich on their list of 101 Tastes To Try Before You Die. But now you know!

Enjoy!

La Bottega in the ByWard Market

Japango in Toronto

2011-01-11T23:11:00.014-05:00

Right across the street from our "second home" in Toronto is a diminutive restaurant that offers up a ginormous gastronomic experience.

Japango is located at 122 Elizabeth Street in downtown Toronto. It can only host up to 20 guests at a time and the quarters can be cramped, but it is worth the wait and worth the sense of confinement.

It is arguably one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in town. Arguably, because everyone has their own opinion. And without having been to Japan, I cannot say I know what is truly authentic. Although I know what I like, and I like Japango, domo arigato!

Enjoy!

New menus

Tuna and Avocado Tataki

Nigiri Sushi Platter

Seared sea bream

Dynamite roll

The Staples:
Salmon aka sake aka 鮭,サーモン・さけ・サケ
and Tuna aka maguro aka 鮪・まぐろ・マグロ

Sea bream and Butterfish

Yaki Udon

Green Tea on Black Sesame

Udupi Palace in Toronto's Gerrard India Bazaar

2010-12-08T23:31:00.012-05:00

Keeping with the theme of municipal pockets of ethnicity from last month's post, we visited an authentic South Indian restaurant this month in Toronto.

As you go East on Gerrard Street past the Don River, you will drive through East Chinatown between Broadview Avenue and Carlaw Avenue. As you go further East, you will find Toronto's Gerrard India Bazaar between Greenwood Avenue and Coxwell Avenue.

Udupi Palace is located at 1460 Gerrard Street East. It serves authentic South Indian vegetarian cuisine, specializing in Vegan and Jain cuisine.

Interestingly, a tiffin service has recently started operating out of the Udupi Palace during its off-hours. Tiffinday delivers fresh lunch meals every day within the Greater Toronto Area based on the remarkable dabbawalla model of effficiency.

My MBA classmates and I developed the same business model involving a tiffin delivery service in the GTA in 2008... there goes any first-mover advantage!

Tiffinday was recently recognized by the Globe and Mail's "Ten best small business stories of the week" for the 1st week of 2011.

Back to our meal...

The menu

We started the lunch with Chaats, which are described as sweet savoury snacks from the streets of India.

Pani Poori - Crisp round hollow pastries stuffed with potatoes and gram, with spiced cumin water and tamarind sauce on side

Samosa Chaat- Samosa mashed and topped with chana masala, onions, tomatoes, sweet yogurt, mint chutney, tamarind sauce, coriander and crispy noodles

Chana Batura- Chick peas cooked in a delicious curry served with two Baturas (deep-fried dough)

Paneer Tikka- Paneer cubes marinated and cooked in Tandoor (only available on weekends)

Udupi Special- Choice of Dosa or Uthapam served with Idli and Medhu Vada

Medhu Vada (Fried Lentil Doughnuts) and Iddly (Steamed Rice and Lentil Patties) served with sambhar and chutney

Mysore Masala Dosa- Spicy chutney smeared inside Masala Dosa

Desserts clockwise: Mango Ice-cream, Carrot Halwa and Kulfi

Dessert from down the street... Meetha Paan (betel leaves filled with fennel seeds, dried fruit and candy) served to cleanse the palate, freshen the breath, and aid in digestion. Enjoy only in moderation given the uncertainty in areca nut and slaked lime paste content.

Very interesting... an acquired taste.

Little Italy, San Diego

2010-11-22T23:29:00.006-05:00

San Diego is such a beautiful city on California's West Coast. Temperature hit plus 30 degrees Celsius while we were there in November.

Our hotel was within steps of Little Italy so we ventured off into the sunset to find a taste of Italia.

We found this modern little gem of a restaurant, Bencotto Italian Kitchen at 750 W Fir Street. From their website, “Bencotto” means and refers to a meal “done well,” or perfectly cooked.

Here's a video of the owner, Guido Nistri demonstrating the different types of la pasta fresca (fresh pasta)- la pasta fatta a mano (daily hand-made) for a smooth consistency; or la pasta artigianale (artisanal) for an “al dente” texture- and how to properly slice prosciutto.

Guido was a very pleasant host and the pasta lived up to its claim of "best in town."

On our way home from dinner, we walked by a beautiful dessert place called Karen Krasne's Extraordinary Desserts located at 1430 Union Street.

We were too full from all the wonderful fresh pasta, so we came back a few days later for brunch. Highly recommended.

The desserts were... well, let's just say the place is aptly named.

Buon appetito!

Sunset in San Diego

Bencotto

Menu

Balsamic vinegar in velvety “Bencotto” supertuscan extra virgin olive oil

Calamari In Umido- sauteed in white wine, garlic tomato sauce; garlic bread crouton

The pasta special of the night: Tagliatelle Nere Al Gambheri- handmade black squid-ink fettuccine; spicy pink shrimp sauce. Just like on the cover of San Diego Magazine, when Bencotto was featured as one of the city's best restaurants of 2010.

Pasta A Modo Tuo (pasta your way)- Gnocchi Salmone

Goodnight, Little Italy, San Diego

Hello Extraordinary Desserts! Unfortunately, our stomachs were too full of pasta to even consider dessert.

So we returned a few days later for lunch...

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Organic root beer and Elmo...

Bruschetta

On the left: cashel blue (with Extraordinary gourmet Sonoma pear & fig jam)
On the right: ping pong surfing goat (with Maui mango chutney)

Panini served on Bread & Cie levain bread

smoked salmon/avocado/tomato/miso mayonnaise/lime

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka Vancouver

2010-10-10T00:14:00.012-04:00

Nobody does Japanese better than Vancouver, well except maybe Japan.

There are a number of ramen noodle shops concentrated within blocks of Robson and Denman: Benkei Ramen, Kintaro Ramen, Motomachi Shokudo...

And there are a number of "original" noodle shops in the city: Ezogiku Noodle Cafe, G-Men Ramen in Richmond, Menya...

We tried the new kid on the block that recently opened during the Winter Olympics... Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, located at 1690 Robson Street.

It is a franchise that originates from Japan with locations throughout the motherland, US, Singapore, Hong Kong and now Canada!

The title of best ramen is always contentious because there are so many factors involved such as authenticity, originality, price, value, and most importantly, taste and flavour which is so very subjective. All I will say is that I will be returning to this noodle shop very soon!

And which ever broth you decide upon, whether it be Shio Tonkotsu (Salt Pork Bone), Miso (Soybean Paste), Shoyu (Soy Sauce), or Kara Miso (Spicy), I would highly recommend ordering the daily "limited quantity" Toroniku Cha-shu on the side. Melt in your mouth goodness!

According to their website, "Toroniku Cha-shu is simmered pork cheek (jowl) meat. Pork cheek meat is very rare and only 200-300g can be taken from each pig. It has a very rich flavour and it is tender like fatty tuna."

My personal favourite was the "dry noodle" option. The Tsuke-men: Santouka Style Dipping Ramen is a dish of cold ramen noodles with hot dipping soup. The benefit is twice the amount of noodles as a regular dish, and the noodles confer an al-dente texture and chewiness that is lost in the other soup dishes.

Enjoy!

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Kara Miso Ramen with Sides

Extra side of Toroniku (pork jowl or pork cheek), Yaki-Nori (toasted seaweed), and Tokibi (sweet corn).

Cool stainless steel slotted spoon

Perfect blend of pork meat + fat = melt in your mouth goodness!

The "Combo"- a big bowl of ramen with a small bowl of Cha-Shu Gohan.

Miso Ramen

Cha-Shu Gohan- rice topped with pork cha-shu.

The Tsuke-men: Santouka Style Dipping Ramen

Smart soup spoons...

As in Japan, store-front plastic displays of the food inside.

On The Fork, London Ontario

2010-09-02T00:44:00.004-04:00

This will be the third blog post in a row featuring London, Ontario. I'm all about local support.

For my birthday dinner, we went to an old favourite of ours. On The Fork is an elegant and upscale establishment yet instills a very casual fine dining experience in town, located within the London Museum.

Dinner prices are very reasonable with appetizers ranging from $10-$13 and entrees set at $14-$23.

Each item on the summer dinner menu tonight sounded tempting and was presented beautifully, although the attempts at molecular gastronomy were a little distracting and passé.

Nonetheless, the restaurant is still one of London's best kept secrets and a little gem.

Ontario Tomato Salad/Ginger Miso Tofu/Buffalo Mozzarella Sphere

Sugar Snap Risotto/Sweet Corn/Fresh Basil/Grana Padano

One of the views

Ontario Lamb Rack/Yogurt Pudding/Eggplant Puree/Red Wine Gelee/Mint

Best dish of the night: Chilean Seabass/Mussels/Chorizo Basquaise/Fire Roasted Red Pepper Foam

We passed on dessert and ordered another appetizer instead... The gentlemen next to us ordered the quail and we were a bit envious.

Honey Garlic Quail/Watermelon Plank/Creamed Corn Ragout

RibFest! London, Ontario

2010-08-03T20:57:00.008-04:00

This past Civic Holiday Long Weekend marked the 24th Annual London RibFest at Victoria Park in London, Ontario.

It is billed as the largest ribs competition in North America. The details are summed up in this promotional Rib Wars video on YouTube.

Although Burlington, Ontario claims it is the largest Ribfest in Canada, and Toronto has a Ribfest of their own hosted by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke, I suspect it is the same band of traveling professional "ribbers" going across North America to stake their claim to fame.

I have gone almost every year since moving to London and it is simply hog heaven! The aroma of smoked and grilled rib meat and BBQ sauce that permeates the hot and humid air makes my mouth water. Mmm... ribs...

The ribs can be quite pricey at ~$25 per full rack. Instead for $10, I actually prefer buying a pound of pulled pork from the ribber that wins either the Best Ribs or Best Sauce from the previous year. I always ask for extra sauce to be slathered on top... usually 6 ladles will suffice. I bring along a bag of freshly baked plain white hot dog buns, and a container of thinly sliced sweet vidalia onions, and make my own pork-on-a-bun sandwiches. Amazing!

My goal is to one day serve on the Judging Panel...

I went early one morning to check the prep work and take some photos, to avoid the crazy crowds... definitely the calm before the storm. Enjoy!

Ribber Row

Horn Dawgs

Ribs Royale- Back-to-back winners of Best Ribs and Best Sauce in 2007 and 2008

Pistol Pete's Smokehouse

The reigning champ...

Gator BBQ

Fire Island BBQ

Jack the Ribber

Texas Rangers

Boss Hog's

Kentucky Smokehouse

Stop for fresh lemonade...

City on London, Ontario

Londonlicious at Auberge du Petit Prince

2010-07-21T23:37:00.004-04:00

For our wedding anniversary, we stayed in London, Ontario and took advantage of the warm weather nights for a late dinner al fresco.

We found a quaint French bistro with a whimsical name... Auberge du Petit Prince.

Our dinner coincided with the end of a recent London food initiative to showcase local restaurants called Londonlicious, based on the success of similar programs such as Summerlicious and Winterlicious in Toronto.

So we each tried the special menu and happy with the results...

Bon Appetit!

Amuse Bouche

Butter balls

French bread

Courtyard Gates

Escargot- Escargot tossed in a garlic and herb sauce over a buttery puff pastry with baby spinach

Chevre Salad- Mixed lead lettuce tossed in vinaigrette served with a warm chevre crostini

Lamb Shank- Slowly braised lamb shank served with Mediterranean ratatouille and couscous

Bouillabaisse- Fresh shrimp, mussels and halibut in a rich tomato and wine fish broth, served with garlic "rouille" and crouton

Getter darker...

And darker.

Mocha Parfait

Creme Brulee

Brunch at the Hoof! The Hoof Café, Toronto, Ontario

2010-06-06T22:03:00.017-04:00

This is now my most favourite place for brunch in Toronto.

Vegetarians... do not scroll down. Actually, their french press coffee alone is worth a visit.

The Hoof Cafe at 923 Dundas West is where you go when you can't wait until 6pm for Grant van Gameren to open The Black Hoof. The charcuterie chef also has his own blog, aptly named Charcuterie Sundays.

Of note, only cash or debit...

The Hoof Café

Peeking in on Geoff Hopgood?

Beignets filled with bone marrow and rhubarb (6 for $5)

The Ploughman's Platter

Weekend Special: Pork Belly Pastrami, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Butter and Salt

Grilled Octo and Burnt Lemon N'Duja

Brioche French Toast and Fois Gras

Suckling Pig Eggs Benny

Pig Tails and Grits

Breakfast in Niagara-on-the-Lake

2010-05-15T12:39:00.005-04:00

One of our most favourite weekend getaways is a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake, considered to be one of the prettiest towns in Canada.

This time we stayed at the modern boutique hotel, The Shaw Club, a member of Ontario's Finest Inns.

Continental breakfast at Zee's Grill is always included in the hotel room rate. For an extra $7.50, you can upgrade to one of the delicious hot breakfast items... highly recommended.

The doors of The Shaw Club

The hotel aquarium

Toast and croissants

Canadian smoked salmon Eggs Benedict

East Coast Lobster Omelette

Zeffirino at The Venetian Las Vegas

2010-04-01T20:59:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, no celebrity chefs were visited on this trip to Las Vegas.

Instead, a quaint Italian restaurant with a longstanding history of al dente tastiness.

Zeffirino at The Venetian is a family-friendly restaurant that serves a special prix fixe Lunch Grand Canal Menu for only $20.

Zeffirino

Calamari and Zucchini

Pan seared beef tenderloin medallions with mushroom sauce

Spaghetti Carbonara

Assorted mini pastries

A table overlooking the "Grand Canal"

Québec City- Old School Fare

2010-03-08T18:20:00.016-05:00

We took the train from Montréal to Québec City... and we wanted to try traditional Québecois fare.

We came upon Restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens in the heart of Old Québec located at 34, rue Saint-Louis.

Like many other restaurants in Québec, the menu offers a la carte dishes and table d'hôte menus.

During lunch hours, they offer a reasonably priced table d'hôte menu comprising of a glass of local wine or beer, a bowl of soup, main entrée and dessert, all for $19.95.

The restaurant is set in one of the city's oldest houses, historic Maison Jacquet, circa 1675. It is a quaint setting with a charming atmosphere complete with costumed waitresses.

Bread and butter

Laguiole setting

Local Unibroue blonde pilsner

Soupe à l’oignon gratinée

Soupe aux pois Grand-mère

Ragout de boulettes Grand-mere

Tourtiere du Lac St-Jean aux Gibiers (Lac St-Jean meat pie made with wild meats)

Tarte ou sirop d'erable (maple syrup pie with fresh cream)

Dessert du jour... apple pie a la mode.

A painting of la Maison Jacquet

Overall, a nice lunch...

Some other recommendations:

Cafe Paillard - the pastries are buttery, flaky pieces of perfection.

Poutine a la Chez Ashton- Poutine Galvaude avec Fromage (Chicken with peas and cheese curds) and a couple of their hotdogs: Hot Dog du Lac and Hot Dog Expo.

You know you are getting the freshest cheese curds when they squeak upon bite.

More poutine... Poutine Dulton avec Saucisses. And a couple of local beers: Unibroue La Fin Du Monde (The End of the World) and Maudite (The Damned One).

Montreal Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

2010-02-22T21:53:00.016-05:00

We're back in Montreal... and this blog post is based on Guy Fieri's theme show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives".

Our first stop is Casse-Croute Du Coin, also known as the Corner Snack Bar, or simply "Moe's" to the locals, named after the original owner.

Located close to the old Forum at 1455 Rue Lambert-Closse, this diner is a throwback to back in the day.

Casse-Croute Du Coin

Open 24 hours since 1958.

Large poutine...

Staples... steamie and toastie! Both all-dressed.

I know this place is considered an institution but where are the curds?

Considering we did not have a car in Montreal, and it was the middle of winter, there were no drive-ins or drive-thrus we could visit. So the next best thing... delivery. Chicken from the Quebec chain, St. Hubert.

Free delivery

One breast dinner and one leg dinner.

Dare I say, the sauce is better than Swiss Chalet's.

Mashed potatoes were pretty good, actually.

The next day, we tried the best chicken as voted by locals in the Montreal Mirror... Romado's Chicken.

Quite frankly, a huge disappointment and highly overrated. The chicken was severely dry. The bifana (Portuguese pork cutlets), on the other hand, was quite tender, moist and juicy.

For those living in London, go to Rei dos Leitos (King of Pigs) for similar fare.

Romados

The spread.

Half chicken Dinner

Bifana Dinner

Portuguese Egg Tarts... too sweet and gummy. The ones in Macau are more authentic.

And last but certainly not least, The Dive. This restaurant was simply chosen for two reasons, 1) as a matter of convenience considering its proximity to our hotel, and 2) it looked like a hole in the wall. We were pleasantly surprised.

The sign says Restaurant Bei Fang but the menu says Maison du Nord, 2130 rue St-Mathieu.

Chinese Pulled Pork Sandwich- which seems to have a faithful foodie following in Montreal, as noted in a long Chowhound thread.

Lan Zhou La Mian (beautiful hand-pulled noodles) are a specialty of Maison du Nord. I would highly recommend the noodles with Beef and Potato in Soy Sauce Broth. The beef is melt in your mouth tender and the broth is so flavourful.

Pork, Shrimp and Chive Dumplings... fried and average.

Toratatsu- A Taste of Tokyo in Vancouver

2010-01-01T18:13:00.028-05:00

Following a disappointing dinner at Cibo Trattoria which did not live up to its hype as enRoute magazine's 2009 Best New Restaurant in Canada, we set out to eat what Vancouver does best... Japanese tapas and seafood.

Located on Denham amongst other quaint Japanese izakayas and ramen restaurants, Toratatsu is a little taste of Tokyo in Vancouver, BC.

There are many isakayas within the area to choose from: Guu, Hapa, Kingyo to name a good few... but we decided upon Toratatsu on the recommendation of my brother, a local Vancouverite.

And this time, we were not disappointed one bit...

Sapporo to start...

Aburi Shime Saba- House cured mackerel seared at your table with a blowtorch!

A touch of lemon on the mackerel...

Fresh and Sweet Spot Prawn Sashimi

Kakuni- Slow braised pork belly in a sweet soy reduction with baby bok choy and hard boiled egg.

Beef Tataki Carpaccio- Seared beef sashimi Carpaccio with fine shaved red onion salad

Cheese Tofu- Creamy mascarpone tofu, toasted almonds, fresh strawberries, and a touch of honey, served with baguette. Surprisingly pleasant and refreshing!

Ishiyaki Risotto- Risotto of seared scallops, mushrooms, Iwanori seaweed served in a hot stone bowl.

A cook comes tableside to mix the risotto...

Dragon Roll- Prawn and avocado with salmon caviar topped with tobiko.

And again... blowtorched!

After you finish the Spot Prawn Sashimi... they take away the heads and then deep-fry them for a second round course...

Tarako Kimchi Udon- described as a "Japanese style pasta", it is udon noodle with cod roe sauce and kimchi.

Highly entertaining dinner... highly intriguing ingredients... highly highly recommended!

Culina Highlands- Edmonton, Alberta

2009-12-21T00:54:00.009-05:00

Last weekend, we returned to Edmonton for the holidays. The city broke a record for the coldest December 13th ever! Minus 46 degrees Celsius at Edmonton International Airport and -58 with windchill!

On that day, we braved the freezing climate to have brunch in celebration of the birthdays of my wife and sister. We ventured to a neighbourhood gem that had recently garnered rave reviews and made the #9 spot on EnRoute magazine's Best New Restaurants of 2009.

Culina Highlands is all about local suppliers and the fare reflects a Ukrainian history. Hot comfort food provided with warm service... just what we needed that day while living in the coldest place in North America.

Brunch

Organic French Press coffee for two

HAIR OF THE DOG: Nathan's Famous Bacon Caesar with clamato, horseradish, premium vodka, lime and garnished with crispy applewood smoked bacon

Lemon, Horseradish and BACON! garnish

Again... bacon was the garnish!

Berbere Steak with Chocolate Demi accompanied by Salmon & Prawn Fritatta and Fennel Gratin

Ukrainian Breakfast- cheddar and toasted caraway omelette with kubassa and pyrohy topped with bacon gremolata

Kubassa

Baba's pyrohies with sour cream and bacon gremolata

Dill Crepes with Gravlox, poached eggs, spinach and hollandaise

Apple Crumble with Pinocchio's bourbon vanilla ice-cream

Berry Compote Pavlova with blueberries and Granny Smith apples

Highly highly recommended!

Biff's Bistro, Toronto

2009-11-27T21:47:00.009-05:00

After being disappointed about the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo selling out on Saturday night, a couple of friends and I searched out for some libations to drown the sorrow.

We walked by a sign that read "Oysters for $1 after 5pm"... and were sold.

Biff's Bistro and Wine Bar, 4 Front Street East, is a modern French bistro located in downtown Toronto.

Considering our craving for oysters, we ordered a bottle of the 2007 Muscadet "Sur Lie" from the Sevre-et-Maine appellation, produced by Andre-Michel Bregeon in the Loire Valley of France. The Melon de Bourgogne grapes lend mineral notes and the aging on the lees develops nice musty and yeast notes to complement the raw oysters perfectly.

2007 French Bregeon Muscadet Sevre-et-Maine "Sur Lie"

Appetizers

Roasted Bone Marrow Pudding, with Parsley Salad and Maldon Salt

B'oysterous Oysters, on the half shell, $1 each after 5pm in the bar

Pour Bien Manger? Biff's! Bon appetit!

Bun Saigon, Toronto

2009-10-31T18:29:00.006-04:00

From my previous blog entries, it may appear that my gourmand side might outweigh my foodie side. However, I live (and eat) by the mantra... everything in moderation.

While I do enjoy the fine dining scene, my gastronomic requisites when visiting Toronto include cheap good eats. Balance is key.

Specifically, $2 hotdogs and $3 sausages from the street vendors. I love how they cut 'em up with those crisscrosses and grill 'em just right. Mmmm... street meat.

And I always hit Chinatown on Spadina for Vietnamese subs, also known as "banh mi Viet Nam". For a $1.75, you can get a freshly prepared footlong French-style baguette filled with butter, deli meats, chicken liver pate, pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cucumber and cilantro. Ask for fresh chiles to provide a nice numbness to the lips.

My favorite place to hit up is Banh Mi Nguyen Huong at 322 Spadina. The place has a bright yellow sign not to be confused with the banh mi place right next door with the green signage, Banh Mi and Che Cali, 318 Spadina. I've compared them head to head and the Yellow Sign trumps the Green.

For dinner, my parents, wife and I like to go to Bun Saigon, 252 Spadina. On the last page of their menu, they have special dinner combos that cost $25 for two people or $35 for four.

We highly recommend their Dinner Combo #2. It includes Canh Chua Tom (Sweet and Sour Soup with Shrimp) although we ask to substitute with Canh Chua Ca (Sweet and Sour Soup with Fish). It is a nice sweet & sour contrast to the other sweet & salty dish in the combo, Ca Kho To (Braised Fish in Sweet Caramel Sauce). I think the tender and moist white fish are basa steaks. And the sauce over plain white rice is ridiculous.

Bowl of fresh chiles

Canh Chua Ca

Ca Kho To

Dinner Combo #2

Highly highly recommended next time you are in Chinatown.

Milestone Birthday Dinner at The Only On King

2009-09-01T22:15:00.010-04:00

Today, I turned 30. A little traumatic to be honest. Though nothing that a good meal could not fix.

Joy and I went to The Only On King in London, Ontario. It was ranked No. 6 Best New Restaurant by enRoute magazine this past year.

Chef owners Paul Harding and Jason Schubert believe in and live by organic and more importantly, fresh and locally sourced ingredients. It helps that the restaurant is just down the street from Covent Garden Market, a local indoor farmers market selling locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods, Field Gate organic meats, cheeses and seafood.

I had the tasting menu tonight which is very reasonably priced: $50 for a savoury 4-course meal.

Wild mushroom soup, dollop of creme fraiche, drizzle of white truffle oil.

Lamb Ham (leg of lamb in ham brine), sliced and grilled with microgreens, poached egg and sungold tomato vinaigrette.

Wild BC Red Spring Salmon, seared and roasted, sauteed spinach, mussels, curry butter.

Duo of organic beef- braised shin and medium-rare tenderloin topped with melted brie and green beans.

Joy skipped the starter and went directly to the intermediate and main.

(Perfectly) house-made potato gnocchi, garden pea veloute, house smoked bacon.

Crisp duck leg confit, cannellini bean and house made chorizo ragout.

No room for dessert tonight. Basal metabolic rate decreases with age.

For those looking for a taste of "Only @ Home", check out their website. Chef Jason Schubert shows us how to prepare local organic chicken leg boudin.

Montreal Weekend Part Deux: Canada's Best "New" Restaurants and a Celebrity Chef

2009-08-16T10:56:00.021-04:00

Montreal is a food city. Boulevard Saint-Laurent, aka The Main, ranks amongst renown restaurant rows in Canada, along with Toronto's King West and more recently Harbord Street, in addition to Kits West 4th Ave in Vancouver.

We took enRoute magazine's restaurant recommendations for our nightly dinners. Every year and each November, the magazine puts out a Food Issue and publishes a list of new Canadian restaurants that best "advance the country's culinary identity" where "the overall dining experience will have a lasting and significant impact on our restaurant culture."

The enRoute cross-country panel voted Nota Bene on Queen Street West in Toronto as the No. 1 Best New Restaurant in 2008. Le Local of Montreal was voted #2 and The Only on King of my current hometown of London got the #6 nod.

So we decided to check out a couple of past No. 1 award winners both located on rue Sherbrooke Ouest. Brontë was voted No. 1 Best New Restaurant by enRoute in 2004, and Garçon took the top-spot in 2005. I figured if they were still around in 2009, the high standards of quality should be maintained.

On Saturday night, we went to Brontë, a chic and modern restaurant within Le Meridien hotel. Our waitstaff team, including the manager, two waiters, one waitress, and a sommelier, was very attentive and knowledgable. Please excuse the variable lighting in the photographs.

U Blonde Pilsner- a pale lager brewed by Unibroue in Quebec

Breads: Ricotta Brioche, Anise and Currant Bread, Foccacia with Basil Olive Oil, Crackers with Black and White Sesame

Amuse Bouche Zucchini, Tomato and Olive

Amuse Bouche Steak Tartare

Braised Rabbit Pappardelle, Porcini Mushrooms, Travaglini Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Village Bay Oysters with Avocado, Baby Banana, Microcelery Puree

Duck Magret and Fois Gras Parfait, King Eryngii Mushrooms, Swiss Chard, Baby Carrots, Artichokes

Atlantic Salmon, Sweet Corn Relish, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Mataki Mushrooms, Bacon

Roasted Coconut Panacotta, Lemon Poppyseed Cake, Lemon Cloud, Tangerine and Olive Oil Sorbet

On Sunday night, we ventured to Garçon-hip and unassuming. It was unusually quiet perhaps due to a recent thunderstorm and the fact that it was a Sunday evening. We were one of only three covers that night.

Amuse Bouche

Braised Rabbit Parmentier, Sweet Potatoes and Foie Gras, Marsala Jus

Cauliflower Veloute with Dates

Scallop and Shrimp Nage with Layered Tomatoes

Guinea Fowl Ballotine with Chorizo and Peppers, Zucchini and Tarragon Risotto

Praline Mille-Feuille, White Chocolate and Lemon Cream, Chestnuts and Confites Oranges with a generous glass of naturally sweet white amber Passito di Pantelleria Ben Rye, 2004 vintage from Donnafugata in Sicily.

Complimentary post-dessert cookies, biscuits and milkshake shooters as well as parting gift macaroons (not pictured).

Head to head, I would say Bronte was better overall.

On Monday morning, we walked over to Old Montreal for the day. For lunch, I wanted to check out Chuck Hughes' restaurant, Garde Manger (408 rue Saint-François-Xavier). Chuck is a cool and up-and-coming celebrity chef who has a cooking show on the Food Network called "Chuck's Day Off."

Unfortunately, it was literally Chuck's day off (split infinitive?) and the restaurant was closed for business but we were lucky enough to meet him in person. Actually, Chuck was meeting with Food Network producers in his restaurant that day when we met him to discuss shooting for the second season.

Chuck is super friendly and down-to-earth. This guy is serious about food. Case in point, he has tattoos of the words "Bacon" and "Arugula" on his wrists, a heart with "Oysters" on his right triceps, a Lobster on his left forearm, a Shrimp on his right forearm, and for dessert, a Lemon Meringue Pie close to the right elbow.

Jeff and Joy with Celebrity Chef Chuck Hughes

Garde Manger will definitely be on our list of places to dine when we return to Montreal, hopefully soon.

Montreal Musts: Poutine, Smoked Meat and Bagels

2009-08-08T23:14:00.029-04:00

First foodie must... poutine! The greatest innovation from Quebec since Bombardier. French fries, cheese curds and gravy. The story goes... a customer orders french fries to go but notices cheese curds on the counter and asks for them to be mixed in a bag, to which the restauranteur replies "ca va faire une maudite poutine". Translated in English, "that's going to make a damn mess". Gravy was actually added to the mix at a later date.

Bob R. the Poutine Guy has an informative website montrealpoutine.com that details the history of poutine and contains helpful reviews. It also has a nice Google map of local Montreal poutine eateries, as well as a worldwide map.

As a matter of convenience, our first stop was La Belle Province close to our hotel. This franchise holds the #1 spot for Best Hot Dog and #2 spot for Best Poutine in the Montreal Mirror's 2009 BOM (Best of Montreal) Chowtime Readers Poll.

The fryers at La Belle Province.

The poutine was good standard-fare. Medium cut fries and cheese curds that did not melt away upon contact with the beefy gravy.

The hot dogs, referred to as steamés locally, for the manner in which they are prepared, are smaller than typical and served in top-loading buns. No ketchup, just mustard and onions. Good but I prefer the charcoal taste of Toronto BBQ street meat or the crunch and snap of New York's grilled dogs sold at Gray's Papaya or Papaya King.

The people here really love their Canadiens. Although, who wouldn't love a 24-Stanley Cup winning team, as my good friend MGB would contend.

Outside of Montreal, many fastfood chains have a version of poutine on their menus. In Montreal, McDonald's has capitalized on the fanfare and produced their own version. Montrealers actually voted it #4 Best Poutine in the Montreal Mirror's 2003 and 2005 BOM Chowtime Poll.

I normally love McD's fries but I would advise against their poutine. Light, runny and tasteless gravy topped the classic thin fries and cheese curds which tasted off and disturbingly tangy.

We left Montreal without tasting some of the better-reviewed poutines. Patati Patata Friterie De Luxe (4177 Blvd Saint-Laurent) was closed for vacation while we were there. And we never made it out to Resto La Banquise which is considered the best in town but now we have reasons to come back to Montreal.

Second Montreal must... smoked meat. In particular, the roasts from Schwartz's on blvd Saint-Laurent are reknown. You can order "fatty, medium or lean", but prepare to wait in a line that stretches the block though it does move quickly. If you're in a hurry or value your time, I'm told that The Main (3864 Blvd St-Laurent) across the street will equally satisfy your carnivorous desires.

Third foodie staple... the bagel. St-Viateur and Fairmount reign supreme in this city. There is a longstanding debate about which one is better, with the popular vote slightly favouring St. Viateur. Now there are no double-blind randomized control trials out there to definitively say one is better than the other. One also must take into consideration confounding factors such as time from oven, type of bagel tested, manner of preparation and personal preferences. I sampled both (sesame bagel, simply toasted and buttered) and actually preferred the Fairmount although it is difficult to make conclusions from a small tasting sample size. Actually both were very tasty with a chewy, soft centre and crisp outer edges.

The two bakeries are open 24/7 but located further from the downtown core which can be a hassle without a car. We were able to find local cafes selling the famous bagels within the underground pedway system. We found Fairmount bagels at Dame Nature in the downtown train station. And we found St. Viateur bagels a few steps away at the Gourmet Express in Place Bonaventure.

Fairmount Sesame Bagel, toasted and buttered.

Famous St. Viateur Bagels

St. Viateur, toasted and buttered.

Langdon Hall 20th Anniversary Alumni Chefs' Sunday Long Lunch

2009-07-26T23:57:00.023-04:00

There are only a handful of Relais & Châteaux properties in Canada. Sixteen to be exact (as of 2009) and only two of them are in Ontario. Luckily, we only live an hour away from one of these fine establishments. Langdon Hall is a beautiful country house hotel and spa located in Cambridge, ON.

The Dining Room at Langdon Hall holds the coveted CAA/AAA Five Diamond Restaurant Award among other accolades. This past year, Executive Chef Jonathan Gushue was honoured with the designation of Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The July 24-26th, 2009 weekend marked their 20th anniversary. To celebrate the occasion, they assembled an Anniversary Weekend Premier Experience filled with inspired food & wine pairings and memorable special events hosted by famed foodies such as Chef Michael Bonacini, Chef Jamie Kennedy, Chef Jason Parsons and TV host Antony John, the "Manic Organic".

We attended the Alumni Chefs' Sunday Long Lunch where former chefs of Langdon Hall were invited to return and share their signature dishes. The expansive and luxurious spread encompassed the entire main floor of the main house. Patrons went from station to station collecting tastings prepared by alumni chefs, as well as recipes of the signature dishes.

Here's a small sample of the dishes.

Smoked Salmon, Baby Spinach and Anchovy Terrine with Black Olive Tapenade by Chef Proprietor Tony de Luca.

Got Cheese?

Goose Pate en Croute

Fresh strawberries and Parmesan shavings with Balsamic vinegar

A sight to behold... a ten pound mound of Steak Tartare!

Desserts

Gold Kissed Pavlova with Lemon Basil Curd and Fresh Ontario Red and Black Raspberries

Cake and Cupcake Stand

Langdon Hall Cake

Relais & Châteaux Cupcake

And last but certainly not least, "Elvis Ice-Cream"... a novel home-made blend of the King's favourite foods: peanut butter, banana and candied bacon.

I have also included a couple of recipes. The first is a simple and simply delicious gazpacho perfect for the summertime.

Golden Gazpacho by Chef Todd Clarmo of Oliver Bonacini Restaurants

Ingredients
1 lb yellow tomatoes, cored
1 lb orange tomatoes, cored
2 yellow peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded
2 orange peppers, roasted, peeled and seeded
1 lb English cucumbers, peeled
2 shallots, peeled, sliced and sauteed
2 garlic cloves, peeled, sliced and sauteed
2 tbsp ginger, peeled and minced
1 stick of celery, peeled
4 oz extra virgin olive oil
8 oz cold water
To taste green Tabasco
To taste white wine vinegar
To taste white pepper, ground
To taste kosher salt

Method
1. Puree all ingredients together with a stick blender or food processor.
2. Adjust vinegar, Tabasco and salt to taste.
3. Don't serve soup fridge cold. Take out of fridge an hour early.
4. Soup is best the second day! Enjoy!

The second recipe is a creative and rich treat by Chef Jason Parson, Executive Chef at Peller Estates Winery.

Icewine Foie Gras Cheesecake with Niagara Peach Preserve

Ingredients
800 grams foie gras, cooked and deveined
250 grams cream cheese
150 ml Signature Series Vidal Icewine 2006
150 ml 35% cream
fleur de sel
white pepper
brioche and butter crust (ratio 3:1)
250 grams Niagara peach preserve
100 grams crème fraîche
40 small basil leaves

Methods
1. Pack the mini spring form pans with the brioche crust and set in the fridge.
2. Using the paddle, whip the cream cheese in the mixer. Add the 35% cream and whip until smooth.
3. Add warm cooked foie gras and again mix until smooth.
4. Add icewine, fleur de sel, and white pepper.
5. Mix and pour into spring form pans.
6. Smooth off the top and chill.
7. Garnish each portion with Niagara peach preserve, crème fraîche and basil leaf.