Canadiana

Kicking-off Spring at Malena

Mar 26th, 2011 | By
Kicking-off Spring at Malena

I recently was invited for a preview/tasting of Malena’s Spring menu. The name Malena was inspired by the movie (starring Monica Belluci) and the cuisine is reflective of the ingredients that surround the Ionian Sea. The Ionian is the body of water that lies between Italy and Greece and hence the concept of the two [...]



Guu SakaBar

Mar 23rd, 2011 | By
Guu SakaBar

Last year I had the pleasure of experiencing Guu Izakaya that their Church Street location, just south of the “gayborhood” here in Toronto. Guu Izakaya is a Vancouver-based chain of bars that offer Japanese-style small plates along with ice-cold draft beer and an eclectic array of cocktails. From the moment you enter Guu to when [...]



Shuck Oysters Like a Guinness World Record Holder

Mar 12th, 2011 | By
Shuck Oysters Like a Guinness World Record Holder

  The first time I met Patrick McMurray was at the original Rodney’s Oyster House here in Toronto (on Adelaide). Patrick was shucking oysters behind the bar at this Toronto food destination spot and if I recall, this was where I first tried raw oysters. Tasting oysters is akin to wine: there are many types [...]



Christine Cushing is Fearless in the Kitchen

Feb 26th, 2011 | By
Christine Cushing is Fearless in the Kitchen

For those here in Canada, Christine Cushing is a household name, having appeared on Food Network Canada (a franchise of the US parent company) from the very beginning. I remember first seeing Christine on her “Dish It Out” show but she went nationwide tackling the vacant early evening slot with her live one-hour cooking show [...]



House on Parliament…Next Door!

Feb 14th, 2011 | By
House on Parliament…Next Door!

One of Toronto’s old standby’s for pub-grub, hang-out for drinks or actually going out for above-average food on a pauper’s budget has just moved on up the street. Well, actually this pub moved one building south of it’s long-time location on Parliament Street in Toronto’s now desirable Cabbagetown neighborhood. I had resisted writing about House [...]



Apple Crumble Pie

Jan 13th, 2011 | By
Apple Crumble Pie

A fruit that’s still available in the Winter, is abundant in Canada and delicious almost all year’ round is the apple. It’s one of my favourite fruits: crispy, crunchy, juicy, sweet and sour and good for ya! Besides the usual “an apple a day will keep the Doctor away”, apples are also versatile as they [...]



Fries, Makalo & Melted Halloumi

Dec 22nd, 2010 | By
Fries, Makalo & Melted Halloumi

This dish came together on a whim using some leftover Halloumi cheese that cleaning out, staring at some naked French Fries and the third component [...]



All-In-One-Pan Squares

Dec 17th, 2010 | By
All-In-One-Pan Squares

All the Christmas baking is done, I have one more recipe to show you but I figure I’d sneak in this super-easy treat that dangerous [...]



Hockley Valley Resort: Weekend Getaway

Nov 22nd, 2010 | By
Hockley Valley Resort: Weekend Getaway

It’s been just over a week since my all-day visit to Hockley Valley Resort, just northwest of Toronto. Located just north of Orangeville, Hockley Valley is the perfect answer for those looking to escape the traffic, fast pace and din that has now become Toronto. Fancy a few holes of golf, a day at the [...]



Lobster Macaroni & Cheese

Nov 1st, 2010 | By
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese

When one works from home (like I do), one can (and will get distracted) by many things: the knock on the door from the courier with another cookbook, responding to emails from readers of my blog, reading and commenting on a delicious, interesting or informative blog post or something (a rare instance) to make me [...]