Pan-Fried Cajun Rainbow Trout
For those familiar with Toronto, you might remember the Whistling Oyster. Although I’m not a fan of basement establishments, this once used to be innovative, had an open kitchen, one could sit at a table or eat casually at the bar. I’ve been told it has since closed but I hold dear memories of eating […]
Grilled Grey Mullet
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) […]
An Evening at Modus With Margrit Mondavi
A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending an evening with Margrit Mondavi and the just one-month young Modus Ristorante. Margrit Mondavi is the widow of Napa Valley wine pioneer Robert Mondavi. Modus Ristorante is owned by Sam Genkov who you may remember from Restaurant Makeover (“I’m watching you”) where his Bravi […]
Spaghettini With Tarama & Greek Yogurt
Growing in a Greek household, yogurt has been part of our diet since as early as I can recall. My mom would make homemade yogurt starting with a large pot of milk on the stovetop that she would bring to just scalding then take off the heat and add reserved batch/starter of yogurt and allow […]
Patates Plaki
Some of you may be still salivating at the steak dish I posted just a couple of days ago but the side dish served with the meat is no slouch either and it’s one of family’s favourite during the cold months. Potatoes are big around here and when we agreed to cook-up some steaks for […]
Cheese-Stuffed Souvlaki
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 […]
Chicken Ballotine With Kasseri
According to Larousse Gastronomique, a Ballotine is made of a piece of meat, fowl or game (or fish) which is boned, stuffed and rolled into a bundle. Don’t let the fancy French term nor the appearance of the dish intimidate you – this is easy to prepare and you’ll impress yourself as well as your […]
Lobster Saganaki (Αστακος Σαγανακι)
It’s time for another saganaki dish. There are a lot of “saganaki” dishes on this blog but this one is the tastiest. REALLY! Most of you are familiar with the flaming cheese saganaki (a taverna favourite) but there are many types of saganaki dishes. Saganaki is the two-handled dish that it’s served in – so […]
The BLT – Bacon-Lobster-Tomato Sandwich
Shortly after returning to Canada (from Greece) I had to go and re-stock my fridge (and pantry) after being absent for almost 7 weeks. A shopping we went and I found myself on Lawrence Avenue East and near Diana’s Seafood. Diana’s Seafood has been selling the freshest seafood in the east end of Toronto and […]
Gavros Saganaki (Γαύρος Σαγανάκι)
There are some things that just MUST be eaten when in Greece: vine-ripe tomatoes, freshly pressed olive oil, tree-ripened figs, watermelon and cantaloupe and the fresh fish – anchovies in particular. Erase whatever preconceived notion you have of the anchovy. Forget about the salty tinned or jarred variety or that pizza with the dreaded anchovies […]