Bloody Tsipouro
Here in Canada, a drink similar to a Bloody Mary was created and called “Bloody Caesar”. It’s like the Bloody Mary but with a Tomato/Clam juice cocktail. Although earlier versions appeared in New York, the official creation/credit goes to Water Chell, creating it for a new Italian restaurant in the Calgary Inn (today Westin Hotel). […]
Classic Macaroni & Cheese
People love to eat food that evokes memories (good ones) and I loved Macaroni & Cheese as a child. We’ve all opened a box of Kraft Dinner (KD) and some still do. During the first Covid wave, one of the items to vanish from supermarket shelves was boxed mac n’ cheese. Fast forward to “adult […]
15 Canada Day Menu Ideas
Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st, when we went from British North America to the Confederation of Canada. We’re a young country, celebrating 153 years. Below I have some ideas to entertain family and friends. Happy Birthday Canada! 15. The grill is on so you may as well make a smoky Melitzanosalata. 14. […]
Baklava French Toast
Well, almost. Baklava is a rich dessert of nuts and spices, sandwiched by thin sheets of phyllo and finished off with a lemony syrup. Here in Ontario, it’s a long weekend and we’re celebrating Family Day and some you others may be celebrating another tiny day (insert sarcasm emoji here)…Valentine’s Day. Make a decadent […]
Borealia Restaurant
Borealia http://borealiato.com/ the name of this restaurant was one of the possible names considered by the Fathers of Confederation. Its origions are Latin, meaning northern. Where: 59 Ossington Avenue Owners: Evelyn Wu and Chef Wayne Morris The Food: If you’re wondering what Canadian food is, Borealia delivers. The menu draws on inspiration from the historic […]
Lobster Thermidor
If you’ve been to a seafood tavern or even a steak house that offers some fish and seafood on the side, then you may have had lobster thermidor. It’s a French classic where you boil the lobster, cut in half, remove the lobster meat, chop up and mix into an herbed bechamel with a hint […]
Tapas Night at Uxbridge’s Urban Pantry
North-east of the city, in Durham region is the quaint old town of Uxbridge, proud to remain a traditional town that’s close to Toronto yet far away. Smack in the middle of town is Urban Pantry, a relatively new restaurant owned and operated by restaurateur and friend, Niki Pagidas. Urban Pantry prides itself on sourcing […]
Road Trip – St. Jacobs Market
Last year Toronto’s St. Lawrence got a lot of publicity from a “list” that named our central market among some of the “world’ best”. While I am proud that St. Lawrence Market some long-waited recognition I think the spotlight should be shared with another nearby market that you should consider visiting. Located just over 90 […]
Artisinale – French Country Dining in Guelph
There’s a lot going on in Toronto these days, so much that sometimes you just want to get out of the city, away from the traffic, the phone calls, kids and any of life’s daily pressures. A trip out of the city can recharge your batteries and despite Toronto’s growing problems we have the countryside […]
Best Beer Battered Fish Ever!
Last week I was given the opportunity to set-up a pop-up/vending stand for Father’s Day apres-bike ride along Toronto’s scenic Don Valley. The event was held at the Evergreen Brickworks and the challenge for me was to step-in last minute to fill the shoes of another chef who couldn’t keep their commitment to cook for […]
