Can you identify any of the fish on display in the photo above? I found recent articles in The Atlantic and investigative reports from the Boston Globe covering the topic of “bait & switch” when it comes to restaurants and fish mongers advertising one fish when in fact through genetic tests conducted (in Guelph, Ontario) [...]

When I head into Thessaloniki (from Halkidiki) it’s to grab a bite with some family and friends and each and every time – a culinary surprise waits for me – guaranteed! A conversation with my friend Yianni goes like this: Me: I’m coming in to the city, what’s new, what’s hot – where shall we [...]

This past summer in Greece I cemented my affections for pork butt, a particular cut of pork that’s diverse, very forgiving to cook with and it always come out juicy and delicious. The pork butt comes from the front end of the pig (nowhere near its rear), located near the shoulder. It’s not as pretty [...]

During the past week I’ve been vacationing on the island of Lefkada, located on the Ionian side of Greece. Lefkada is one of the few islands where a ferry boat is not used to reach it. Mainland Greece can be seen from the east side of the island and the other side faces the west, [...]

Love fish? You’re going to adore the amberjack fish. Love swordfish? You may ditch it after you’ve tried amberjack. The amberjack is a fish that’s found in the Caribbean and the eastern seaboard of both North and South America and thankfully here in the Mediterranean. Us Greeks call this fish “magiatiko” as it’s in season [...]

Toronto’s been having some of the hottest weather in years and today we’re expected to reach the hottest temperature EVER for the city. We complain it’s too cold to grill or eat outside and now the flipside…it’s too hot! The A/C is on, I have the stovetop at my disposal and one must eat. Chalk [...]

This past weekend I went back in time and grilled some lamb with this marinade I first discovered in the late 90′s, when I began cooking with passion. I would try different combinations, attempt any cuisine and sample new and exciting ingredients. One of my favourite recipes EVER has to be this grilled lamb dish, [...]

You know I love fish and seafood and one of the tastiest fish has to be salmon. Canada boasts some of the best salmon in the world (both Atlantic and Pacific). Much of what we eat is farm-raised but wild salmon is also still sold and frankly, preferred. Salmon is sold whole, in steaks (with [...]

One of my favourite cuts from the pig is the pork butt. This cut is NOT from the rear but it’s connected to the shoulder. It’s got some marbling in the meat and I’ve made my pork souvlaki from this cut, Gyro, a similar pork steakette. Pork butt is the preferred cut when making pulled [...]

Just last month I was in Greece and even though I was there for a a mere 12 days, I squeezed in all the activities I could: seeing family and friends, visiting markets, trying out new eateries and…making new friends. One of the new friends I made was Vefa Alexiadou – the Julia Child of [...]