Pumpkin Risotto with Bacon
For those who live in/around Toronto and you’re familiar with the local food scene, you’d have to be living under a rock if you haven’t heard of Chef Mark McEwan. He was the youngest executive Chef at the Sutton Place Hotel, his company runs a series of upscale restaurants, a gourmet supermarket, catering services and […]
Whole Roast Cauliflower with Ranch Tzatziki
During the lockdown(s), I missed going out to restaurants to see friends and of course to try out new dishes or order my favourite dishes. One dish I enjoy ordering from Mediterranean and Levantine restaurants is whole roasted cauliflower. It’s a dish where you eat with your eyes first (ain’t she pretty) and then to […]
Fillet Mignon with Mushroom & Metaxa Cream Sauce
In today’s recipe I take a classic; beef with a brandy and cream sauce and give it a little Greek twist, using Metaxa brandy. I add some mushrooms and simmer the beef in this rich sauce. A showstopper dish that’s easy to prepare. Metaxa can be found at most liquor stores and it adds a […]
Recap – Autumn Flavours of Greece Supper Club
I just completed two sold out Supper Clubs featuring Greek inspired Autumn dishes. I usually hold one supper club a month but this time guests are socially distanced and space is limited. For those that have been to my supper clubs before, you know that the seating set-up was “communal” long table seating. For now, […]
Smashed Bougatsa Dessert
Recently, I’ve served up a deconstructed Bougatsa as a dessert for my past two Supper Clubs and for friends at home. This dessert is a big hit as it tastes just like a traditional bougatsa but it’s fun for your guests to smash the phyllo and mix it up with the pastry cream. I first […]
Reverse Sear Steak
Many of you have heard about it (reverse sear) but most of you do not know what it refers to. I’ve got your backs! Steaks are usually cooked in a pan, grill or oven with browning occurring via direct contact with high heat. That golden/brown deep crust on the outside of a steak contrasted with […]
Rooster Braised in Wine with Trahana
The French have “Coq au Vin” and us Greeks have “Kokkoros Krasato”. Both dishes are are alike as a rooster gets braised in wine (among other things) but the flavour profile is different. It’s best to not confuse the two dishes. So how does a rooster end up in the kitchen pot and ultimately on […]
Grilled Soutzoukakia
One of my earliest fond food memories (1974) was noticing how Greeks (in the summer) were always eating outside. Of note were the tavernas that would come alive for the evening service: tables and chairs being arranged outside of the premise, tablecloths, plates, glassware laid out. Greeks eat dinner late (say 10ish) and menu items […]
Kalofagas Lamb Ribs
Ontario has always had high quality lamb and it’s a good thing. Greeks eat lamb for Sunday dinners, weekdays on occasion and of course, for Easter. Not everyone likes lamb but year by year more people are discovering this delicious meat that is versatile (oven or grill), not gamey at all and above all, delicious! […]
Pork With Mushrooms and Dried Figs
We’re into September and cooler evenings are here. Summer dishes give away to Fall comfort dishes and this dish can be made on a weeknight or weekend. I usually like fattier pork cuts but this one works with pork tenderloin or the equivalent of pork loin. Fruit complements pork well and this recipe includes dried […]