tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58806519862394844542024-03-13T12:13:04.377-07:00locomocodef - foodie musings.....Back in my hometown of Winnipeg, Canada, this blog will capture my ongoing adventures looking for food experiences in Friendly Manitoba and beyond!ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-74637441149036429632018-06-25T11:01:00.000-07:002018-06-25T11:03:47.817-07:00Valentine's Day 2018 - Passero!!!!I have been back in Winnipeg, my hometown, for almost two years now... how time flies! Life, both good and bad, has caused time to be stuck in fast forward... but this doesn't mean that I've sacrificed my foodie tendencies... just haven't written much about it! And now, I am publishing my Valentine's post in the early days of summer.... but no matter! Better late than never!<br />
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<a href="https://www.passerowinnipeg.com/" target="_blank">Passero</a>, chef Scott Bagshaw's latest restaurant, is a refreshing interpretation of bold Italian flavours in a shared plates format. Nestled in the heart of The Forks Marketplace, this cozy, tiny space is a welcome high end sit-down addition to a mishmash of international food court options and (sadly) bland faceless franchise restaurants. <br />
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We called on Valentine's Day and lucked out on a cancellation for that evening... a sign of good things to come! Our super attentive, knowledgeable and friendly waitress, Amanda, made us feel welcome and pampered - and like part of the family (we of course ended up knowing her cousin... Winnipeg is just like that!). <br />
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We started with a beautiful salad - crisp slices of thinly sliced raw beets with a surprise filling of salt roasted beets tossed with smoked cambozola, pistachios, and blood orange... <br />
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The spaghetti carbonara was drool inducing once the silky cured egg yolk was mixed with the pasta, guanciale, parmesan and garbanzo cream.... </div>
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The duck ragout fusilli was less successful - the chevre brought out a nice tang but the sauce was underwhelming.</div>
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Our favorite was the charred octopus with a delicious black romesco sauce - I do have a moral dilemma eating octopus (Where are they getting it from? How sustainable is that fishery?) but I put aside those questions and tried to truly enjoy and appreciate each bite...<br />
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Desserts were fantastic - a chocolate tart and apple cake - note maldon salt sprinkled on both.<br />
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A truly memorable meal - expensive, no doubt, but we had big smiles on our faces as we walked home on the river skateway, under the stars. One funny note - leaving the high end interior of this small restaurant to go to the bathroom in the Commons area reminded me of leaving an exclusive airport lounge to board your flight - back to the rabble of everyday, noisy reality. </div>
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Passero transforms to <a href="https://www.passerowinnipeg.com/corto" target="_blank">Corto</a>, a sandwich counter in the daytime. Their combo (sandwich + side + glass of wine or beer for $19) seems like a great deal. </div>
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-14893853930772595322016-03-17T20:53:00.000-07:002016-03-22T20:24:29.299-07:00A whale of a lunch spot - Whalesbone Sustainable<a href="http://thewhalesbone.com/kent-street" target="_blank">Whalesbone Sustainable Oyster and Fish Supply</a> is one of my favorite Ottawa hidden treasures.<br />
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Located in a nondescript store front at <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BbgWp35SQHJ2" target="_blank">504a Kent Street</a> (just behind the Ottawa Bus Station), the Whalesbone is an amazing provider of sustainably caught/raised fish (both fresh and smoked), oysters, and a variety of other seafood, depending on what is fresh and available. Don't forget to ask what's in the freezer - this is where I get my sustainably caught ahi/maguro for sushi! In this day and age, it's hard to find fish that you can feel good about eating...<br />
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What you may not realize is that they have an amazing brown bag lunch from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 2pm. And FREE PARKING!<br />
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There is always their thick & creamy chowder chock full of bits and bobs of available sea yummies, as well as sandwiches (regular and supersized) - catch of the day, smoked fish of the day, and my personal favorite, oyster po'boys served up in... a brown paper bag!<br />
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The regular size is huge - big soft buns filled with generous portions of fish or fried oysters, slathered in mango hot sauce, mayo, and shredded iceberg lettuce... gotta eat them while they are hot/freshly made (either on one of the handful of stools in the store, out at the picnic tables, or my usual spot - in my car in the parking lot!).<br />
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Today was a new one for me - fresh fried smelts as well as fried calamari and fried potatoes.<br />
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Add a gourmet soft drink, juice or Perrier, pour on the hot sauce, and don't forget to finish off your meal (even if you can't eat another bite!) with a chocolate chunk cookie from <a href="http://www.breadandsons.com/" target="_blank">Bread and Sons</a> - thin and crispy with an impossible amount of chocolate holding them together....<br />
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Don't forget to ask for "The Lure" - their lunchtime loyalty card - buy 8 sandwiches get the 9th one! <br />
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Love the friendly and helpful staff - I'm going to miss this place when we move... (yes, we are moving....!)...<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/ottawa/whalesbone-centretown" target="_blank" title="View Menu, Reviews, Photos & Information about Whalesbone, Centretown and other Restaurants in Ottawa"><img alt="Whalesbone Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16664753/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-77762920678940711082016-02-29T07:51:00.003-08:002018-04-18T08:47:39.497-07:00My Favorite Ottawa Restaurants 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some of my favorite restaurants (* top picks!) to consider during your stay in Ottawa:</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Byward Market</span></u><br />
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<li>*<a href="http://www.labottega.ca/pages/eat-in-take-out" target="_blank">La Bottega </a>- <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rfcyQ8G6jt42" target="_blank">64 George </a>- $ - take out sandwiches and eat in pizza & paninis - hidden gem!
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<li>*<a href="http://www.frenchbaker.ca/reservations/" target="_blank">Benny's Bistro</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/SSGfpzBAvrE2" target="_blank">119 Murray </a>- SS - my favorite breakfast brunch spot, French bakery</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">*<a href="http://www.khaothai.ca/" target="_blank">Khao Thai </a>-<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/rejdE4QR2Fq" target="_blank"> 103 Murray</a> - $$ - modern Thai food, lovely ambience</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">*<a href="http://www.kothurottiottawa.com/" target="_blank">Kothu Rotti</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/TXCKsgRz3482" target="_blank">408 Dalhousie</a> - $ - Sri Lankan take out - unbelievable flavours - excellent value.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">*<a href="http://sidedoorrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Sidedoor</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/vRRPir31jaE2" target="_blank">18 York </a>- $$$ - delicious, finely crafted asian fusion small plates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.daslokalottawa.com/" target="_blank">Das Lokal </a>- <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZqfScahTE4m" target="_blank">190 Dalhousie</a> - $$$ - contemporary European cuisine - free parking!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.zomato.com/ottawa/chez-lucien-byward-market" target="_blank">Chez Lucien</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/stReKR8P3js" target="_blank">137 Murray</a> - $$ - cozy bistro with great ambience, good burgers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.ahora.ca/" target="_blank">Ahora</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tfiatCtUngS2" target="_blank">307 Dalhousie</a> - $$ - casual Mexican restaurant - downstairs</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.social.ca/" target="_blank">Social</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/zcqyfdpF7HU2" target="_blank">537 Sussex </a>- $$$ upscale/elegant cuisine and ambience</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.metropolitainbrasserie.com/" target="_blank">Metropolitain </a>- <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/QxSFU64nwzJ2" target="_blank">700 Sussex </a>- $$ - French bistro - lots of space - great frites</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.playfood.ca/" target="_blank">Play Food Wine</a> - 1 York St - $$$ - small plates from one of Ottawa's premiere restaurateurs</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.beavertails.com/" target="_blank">Beavertails</a> - <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g155004-d1060445-Reviews-Beavertails-Ottawa_Ontario.html#MAPVIEW" target="_blank">William @ George</a> - $ - quintessential Ottawa treat - sugary or savory pastry </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://cacao70.ca/en/" target="_blank">Cacao 70 </a>- <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/QZigb8EyDUK2" target="_blank">51 William</a> - $$ - specializes in decadent choccolate dishes but also serves savoury</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/c7VikxhieF62" target="_blank">Byward Market Square </a>- $ - in the heart of the Byward market, a mix of small restaurants, bakeries for casual day time dining and touristy shopping opps</span></li>
</ul>
<u>A bit of a walk from the Market: - in Sandy Hill</u><br />
<ul>
<li>*<a href="http://www.shawarmapalace.ca/" target="_blank">Shawarma Palace</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/RT9AJuZEVcr" target="_blank">464 Rideau</a> - $ - best shawarma in town - try the chicken shawarma platter!</li>
<li>*<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ottawahabesha" target="_blank">Habesha -</a> <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/ZZD68q23SGL2" target="_blank">574 Rideau</a> - $ - Homey Ethiopean restaurant - a real gem.</li>
</ul>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Elgin Street</span></u></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">*<a href="http://sconewitch.ca/" target="_blank">The Scone Witch </a>- <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/SLkgyb5Z6n92" target="_blank">150 Elgin </a>- $$ - locally famous scones served alone or as sandwiches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">*<a href="http://sidedoorrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">El Camino</a> - <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/BdqHgxEzvuR2" target="_blank">380 Elgin</a> - $$$ - fusion taco / small plates - awesome cocktails and ambience - dark side</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">*<a href="http://manxpub.com/" target="_blank">The Manx Pub </a>- <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/Nms6zR1J4pr" target="_blank">370 Elgin </a>- $$ - cozy pub with good value, inspired menu</span></li>
<li><a href="http://eatdatsun.com/" target="_blank">Datsun </a>- 380 Elgin - $$$ - asian fusion small plates - sister resto to El Camino - light side </li>
</ul>
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-9252301316745414022015-03-22T12:48:00.002-07:002015-03-22T12:48:49.003-07:00Winnipeg Restos Winter 2014-15<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Winnipeg in the winter - all you can do is stay warm and eat good food, right? Diet starts in the spring.... Here are some of my favorite places in Winnipeg right now, including three at the bottom with lots of potential. I've also added one place that disappointed...</div>
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I'm lucky that my job allows me to work from the 'Peg from time to time, in a heritage building in the Exchange District. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L3N6iaqsvyg/VQY9TCPN9II/AAAAAAAAA_k/zzozJRM6wSo/s1600/20150109_113443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L3N6iaqsvyg/VQY9TCPN9II/AAAAAAAAA_k/zzozJRM6wSo/s1600/20150109_113443.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDLdEYuBFGo/VQY9TFfbQpI/AAAAAAAAA_g/A4993OBwlJ8/s1600/20150109_113420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDLdEYuBFGo/VQY9TFfbQpI/AAAAAAAAA_g/A4993OBwlJ8/s1600/20150109_113420.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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My work lunch fav, and what I consider one of the hidden gems in Winnipeg, is <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1768308/restaurant/Downtown/Taste-of-Sri-Lanka-Winnipeg" target="_blank">Taste of Sri Lanka</a> in the food court in Winnipeg Square - the perfect place to go for lunch in this underground maze of shops and restaurants under the famously cold and windy Portage and Main.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iamtX6tjPsA/VQY8-xzh-cI/AAAAAAAAA_I/ieshDjxxR4Q/s1600/20150107_125201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iamtX6tjPsA/VQY8-xzh-cI/AAAAAAAAA_I/ieshDjxxR4Q/s1600/20150107_125201.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Sri Lankan cuisine is amazingly complex - the flavours are so unique. Make sure you order the Kotthu Roti - a mixture of different curries, heated up on the griddle with a rotti chopped and mixed in, scramble an egg to tie it all together and VOILA! Don't forget to get the spicy tamarind sauce. This order will feed you for 2 or three meals - spectacular.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlKaxtdktvs/VQY8-xjVFEI/AAAAAAAAA_M/bKp25BF8Spk/s1600/20150107_131305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JlKaxtdktvs/VQY8-xjVFEI/AAAAAAAAA_M/bKp25BF8Spk/s1600/20150107_131305.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
My other favorite lunch spot that I always try to drop in on when I'm in the city - the teeny <a href="http://www.whitestardiner.ca/" target="_blank">White Star Diner</a>, again in the Exchange District. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLJc8L6AgNw/VQY7-9_LNkI/AAAAAAAAA-8/wwtLEFZfdp0/s1600/20150102_120633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLJc8L6AgNw/VQY7-9_LNkI/AAAAAAAAA-8/wwtLEFZfdp0/s1600/20150102_120633.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
The owner, Bruce, lovingly produces classic burgers and sandwiches that will make your eyes roll back in your head.. my favs are the Double Oink (pulled pork and bacon with awesome coleslaw) and the Reuben (comes with Thousand Island dressing - is that a Winnipeg thing? Love that I don't have to ask for it....). The burgers and fries are delish as well.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iESPvZKOi7k/VQY795YlxoI/AAAAAAAAA-0/wYd2kYv2sLw/s1600/20150102_114411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iESPvZKOi7k/VQY795YlxoI/AAAAAAAAA-0/wYd2kYv2sLw/s1600/20150102_114411.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5q0sXMxk4c/VQY78BFa1KI/AAAAAAAAA-c/OuCcAVZHmV8/s1600/20150102_114206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n5q0sXMxk4c/VQY78BFa1KI/AAAAAAAAA-c/OuCcAVZHmV8/s1600/20150102_114206.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo-xKccNh_g/VQY78m6WwfI/AAAAAAAAA-g/ZuusTiYpBRM/s1600/20150102_114309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo-xKccNh_g/VQY78m6WwfI/AAAAAAAAA-g/ZuusTiYpBRM/s1600/20150102_114309.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
Haven't had the guts to wash it all down with one of their milkshakes. Sound like a meal in itself.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bez7p5uVpFo/VQY78o9KXRI/AAAAAAAAA-o/ugqUjpstOwo/s1600/20150102_113008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bez7p5uVpFo/VQY78o9KXRI/AAAAAAAAA-o/ugqUjpstOwo/s1600/20150102_113008.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.crustybun.com/" target="_blank">The Crusty Bun</a> is another hidden gem - this time in St. Vital. To begin with, it is an amazing European bakery - breads, pastries, the most amazing Christmas stollen, and of course, the crusty buns (my favorites are studded with pumpkin seeds and drizzled with cheese - they are truly crusty with a soft chewy interior). In addition, they serve simple European-style lunch (read - small but perfect portions) of soup and sandwiches - it is always full which speaks to the quality (and not to mention the tastiness of the dessert you know you have to have). Don't forget to take a number when you come in the door! </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_ZitMYDd-k/VQY7y-Uf2TI/AAAAAAAAA9w/pq5EGs_ExZg/s1600/20141231_123552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_ZitMYDd-k/VQY7y-Uf2TI/AAAAAAAAA9w/pq5EGs_ExZg/s1600/20141231_123552.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_iMztYa9K0/VQY72fGovGI/AAAAAAAAA-E/I9OjoLqnIv8/s1600/20141231_123644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_iMztYa9K0/VQY72fGovGI/AAAAAAAAA-E/I9OjoLqnIv8/s1600/20141231_123644.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZRZPG3HJ9E/VQY73K3V0eI/AAAAAAAAA-I/k_q7hPDlWPk/s1600/20141231_123651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hZRZPG3HJ9E/VQY73K3V0eI/AAAAAAAAA-I/k_q7hPDlWPk/s1600/20141231_123651.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02p0jzkfWAY/VQY74Dr0gII/AAAAAAAAA-U/fMaeQYN6Ld0/s1600/20141231_123659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-02p0jzkfWAY/VQY74Dr0gII/AAAAAAAAA-U/fMaeQYN6Ld0/s1600/20141231_123659.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKclC92tJS8/VQY7x7cZNNI/AAAAAAAAA9k/ypJOh9tXmus/s1600/20141231_123622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKclC92tJS8/VQY7x7cZNNI/AAAAAAAAA9k/ypJOh9tXmus/s1600/20141231_123622.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://parlourcoffee.ca/" target="_blank">Parlour</a> - having spent a lot of time in Montreal going to Third Wave coffee shops, Parlour's coffee quality makes me smile. Yes it's trendy, minimalist, and full of lumbersexuals, but it's quaint and heartfelt. Love the location on Main Street in the Exchange District... gives you a feel for this historic city centre - worth the sprint out of the rabbit warren.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2svh7vJiE8/VQY9njcG9bI/AAAAAAAAA_4/DVwf7bx83Jk/s1600/20150112_104138%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X2svh7vJiE8/VQY9njcG9bI/AAAAAAAAA_4/DVwf7bx83Jk/s1600/20150112_104138%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llMC68IdVZI/VQY9oSW1VjI/AAAAAAAABAA/uRVKBRmKSAc/s1600/20150112_103408%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llMC68IdVZI/VQY9oSW1VjI/AAAAAAAABAA/uRVKBRmKSAc/s1600/20150112_103408%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Now for three restaurants I tried for the first time.<br />
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<a href="http://www.verapizzeriabevande.com/" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Vera Pizzeria E Bevande</a><span style="text-align: left;"> is a recently opened pizza joint on South Osborne - remember Woo's Cafe? The space is cozy and warmed by the open kitchen and (natch!) pizza oven. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brNs9imfOow/VQY9qgV1ewI/AAAAAAAABAc/2pFzWg5ivrs/s1600/20150112_204504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brNs9imfOow/VQY9qgV1ewI/AAAAAAAABAc/2pFzWg5ivrs/s1600/20150112_204504.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Small and simple menu...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6RdXxgGpsQ/VQY9mbk92WI/AAAAAAAAA_w/KMJ1rKj5cPs/s1600/20150112_195050%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6RdXxgGpsQ/VQY9mbk92WI/AAAAAAAAA_w/KMJ1rKj5cPs/s1600/20150112_195050%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
The salad was tasty although a little droopy with all of that dressing...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ixGH_DvGes/VQY9o_GteGI/AAAAAAAABAE/UH9YGVm3tn4/s1600/20150112_195807%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6ixGH_DvGes/VQY9o_GteGI/AAAAAAAABAE/UH9YGVm3tn4/s1600/20150112_195807%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
The Napoli style pizzas were delish - high quality toppings (fior de latte, homemade sausage, etc.), not overloaded, chewy crust - pizza reinvented! And anyone who tops off a pizza with Maldon salt gets my vote. Simple but nice wine list. Looking forward to trying everything on the menu. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDgYHVs2woI/VQY9p2lSIUI/AAAAAAAABAQ/_a9cAObtSeU/s1600/20150112_200636%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDgYHVs2woI/VQY9p2lSIUI/AAAAAAAABAQ/_a9cAObtSeU/s1600/20150112_200636%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://boonburger.ca/" target="_blank">Boon Burger</a> - Who would have thought that a prairie town could support a vegan burger chain? Love their cruelty free and enviro groovy vibe. And did I mention the vegan burgers? "Boon" means bean, but also a blessing or something to be thankful for in Afrikaans. And I am thankful to be eating this healthily but also get some real flavour - you choose from the mushroom based Boon patty, the spicy chickpea Buddha patty, the tofu filled White patty, or the beany Black Bean patty. Then the hard part - so many toppings and condiments... including cheez and smokey bacun! I'm excited to try more of their combos on my next visit.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEz0EEshEUQ/VQY9E7a9KNI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/87RY3-CdZBw/s1600/20150108_125648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EEz0EEshEUQ/VQY9E7a9KNI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/87RY3-CdZBw/s1600/20150108_125648.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Had the opportunity to go to the recently opened <a href="https://humanrights.ca/" target="_blank">Canadian Museum for Human Rights</a> - I've <a href="https://humanrights.ca/explore/architecture/building-museum/museum-progress" target="_blank">watched it grow</a> over the years. It was packed, and overwhelming, once you realize that we will probably always have human rights issues to deal with...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnyqeG_DFf4/VQZIVxJ2NDI/AAAAAAAABAw/pDwhGH_5vgw/s1600/P1150484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mnyqeG_DFf4/VQZIVxJ2NDI/AAAAAAAABAw/pDwhGH_5vgw/s1600/P1150484.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The museum restaurant, <a href="http://erabistro.ca/" target="_blank">Era Bistro</a>, has a cozy vibe and an interesting menu, including lots of small plates and local treats (pickerel cheeks, arctic char, bannock, etc.). We only had time for a freshly baked apple tart and coffee.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq89xruzVxk/VQY7a2lNdpI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/owkTtwvB2SI/s1600/20141230_163429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vq89xruzVxk/VQY7a2lNdpI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/owkTtwvB2SI/s1600/20141230_163429.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
One miss this past trip - had heard the buzz about <a href="http://www.thetallestpoppy.com/" target="_blank">The Tallest Poppy</a> in its new home on Sherbrook, nestled in the front of the Sherbrook Inn.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_iMztYa9K0/VQY72fGovGI/AAAAAAAAA-E/I9OjoLqnIv8/s1600/20141231_123644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oKclC92tJS8/VQY7x7cZNNI/AAAAAAAAA9k/ypJOh9tXmus/s1600/20141231_123622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XrGKcmxKt38/VQY7bCsWuGI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/ZYSMaCRZHgY/s1600/20141230_115922.jpg" height="180" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /><br />
Funky decor in a cold and dark space - we froze in the front window (okay, it was -20C!), and the long line of hipsters holding the inner doors open didn't help. Thinking back, neither did the icy, slightly flippant service.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zy6dYWEQypI/VQY7W2JuS3I/AAAAAAAAA84/owipDRiEzVE/s1600/20141230_115337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zy6dYWEQypI/VQY7W2JuS3I/AAAAAAAAA84/owipDRiEzVE/s1600/20141230_115337.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C5cz6tq-x4/VQY7UERh0QI/AAAAAAAAA8k/CKi7KSYAnUI/s1600/20141230_113047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8C5cz6tq-x4/VQY7UERh0QI/AAAAAAAAA8k/CKi7KSYAnUI/s1600/20141230_113047.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyiTcwTXNZc/VQY7UVPyhfI/AAAAAAAAA8g/D-7YMwAr4Xg/s1600/20141230_113208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qyiTcwTXNZc/VQY7UVPyhfI/AAAAAAAAA8g/D-7YMwAr4Xg/s1600/20141230_113208.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>Matzo ball and cabbage soup, pickerel po'boy (not a lot of fish)... in general the food was alright, but we were underwhelmed overall. This doesn't seem to affect their draw - the place was hopping!<br />
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Looking forward to my next trip this spring - to be continued....<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1768308/restaurant/Downtown/Taste-of-Sri-Lanka-Winnipeg"><img alt="Taste of Sri Lanka on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1768308/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1455421/restaurant/Downtown/White-Star-Diner-Winnipeg"><img alt="White Star Diner on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1455421/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1436094/restaurant/St-Vital/The-Crusty-Bun-Winnipeg"><img alt="The Crusty Bun on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1436094/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1617981/restaurant/Downtown/Parlour-Coffee-Winnipeg"><img alt="Parlour Coffee on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1617981/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1925100/restaurant/Osborne-Corydon-Village/Vera-Pizzeria-E-Bevande-Winnipeg"><img alt="Vera Pizzeria E Bevande on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1925100/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1680658/restaurant/Downtown/Boon-Burger-Cafe-Winnipeg"><img alt="Boon Burger Café on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1680658/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1887719/restaurant/Downtown/Era-Bistro-Winnipeg"><img alt="Era Bistro on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1887719/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/332/1451442/restaurant/West-End/The-Tallest-Poppy-Winnipeg"><img alt="The Tallest Poppy on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1451442/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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We find a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise dreary, cold, damp, slushy day... <a href="http://cafesfouf.com/" target="_blank">Cafe Sfouf</a> at 1250 Ontario Est. Super cozy, family and student friendly - our charming hostess seemed to know everyone. A great place to spend the morning or afternoon tucked in away from the cold. They have partnered with vendors at the nearby <a href="http://www.marchesaintjacques.com/" target="_blank">Marché St. Jacques</a> - can only imagine the flavours to come this summer! It must be coming...<br />
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Although the regular menu of tartines and soups looked good, we had to go with the lebanese breakfast. </div>
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Ridiculously thick labneh dusted with zaatar (an herb mix including sesame seeds, oregano, sumac, and mint) with a big glug of olive oil, garlicky olive oil laced chick peas, cukes, tomatoes, radishes and olives, a spinach, sumac and onion stuffed bread, with freshly toasted pita. Dessert was meghle, a lebanese spiced rice pudding with strong cinnamon flavour, topped with coconut, almonds, and pistachios. Top that off with an amazing turkish or allongé coffee and the signature "sfouf" - a golden tumeric semolina cake topped with a pine nut, served with each hot beverage.</div>
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Before leaving town, we had to make a stop at <a href="http://www.maisonduroti.com/fr/" target="_blank">La Maison du R<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">ô</span>ti</a>, 1969 avenue Mont-Royal Est. This gourmand destination is a must-visit on any trip to Montreal, but make sure you have a cooler if it isn't a frigid late winter day! It will get warm, one day, right?</div>
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The store is full of beautifully cut and displayed meats, poultry, and cheeses, as well as gourmet foods from a myriad of cultures. They also provide hot prepared foods as well as fresh and frozen meals that would wow any foodie. There is usually a vendor providing samples - today was no exception - we sampled <a href="http://zelove.it/en/" target="_blank">Feelo</a>, a delightfully complex, chartreuse-colored olive oil from Greece. A taste of summer, fruity with a bitter edge - dreams of summer tomatoes sprinkled with this and sea salt...<br />
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We came specifically to pick up their beautifully prepared duck confit - at $29.95/kg, an amazing deal. <br />
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We picked up their homemade heavenly pat<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">é and terrine, some salty gorgonzola, and two small quiches - the</span> Forestière with wild mushrooms and artichokes, and the Poireaux et escargots - leeks and snails.<br />
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It is probably a good thing that we do not live in Montréal...<br />
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Hoping that Café Sfouf will have an Urbanspoon presence soon!<br />
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<a href="https://www.zomato.com/montreal/caf%C3%A9-sfouf-hochelaga-maisonneuve" target="_blank"><img alt="Click to add a blog post for Café Sfouf on Zomato" src="https://www.zomato.com/logo/16541577/biglink" style="border: none; height: 146px; padding: 0px; width: 200px;" /></a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/1572438/restaurant/Plateau-Mont-Royal/La-maison-du-roti-Montreal"><img alt="La maison du rôti on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1572438/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-54334459881497899722014-12-16T07:54:00.001-08:002014-12-16T08:04:56.234-08:00Benny's... it's been too long...D & I decided we should go for brunch at <a href="http://www.bennysbistro.ca/bennys/index.aspx" target="_blank">Benny's Bistro</a>.... it has been awhile. Benny's has a special place in our hearts.<br />
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We've been going for years, even had one of our first Valentine's dinners there (back when they served in the evenings). Hey, we've even met the original Benny (have YOU?)!<br />
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I love going to Benny's because it always feels like a little hide-away, a secret spot that only the inner Ottawa circle knows about, tucked in behind the French Baker. </div>
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As we entered the cozy, bustling space, it made me smile to see a mother with her new born baby and cooing friends/relatives, a shy young couple with his (or her?) nervous parents, a loud table of older, probably long time friends, several young couples with big goofy grins.... a real cross section of life, everyone in the moment - eyes rolling back after a particularly delicious mouthful, smiles and laughter - enjoying a fine meal with special people. </div>
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Scott Adam's menu is always amazing. As you read each item, it's hard not to start to salivate, and choosing is always tricky. </div>
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D and I threw out our usual "never order the same thing" rule that morning due to this lovely creation that we had yet to try: Confit albacore tuna...<br />
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The tuna (which we later found out was from a sustainable fishery - phew!) was brined and gently poached. The perfectly seasoned, soft & smooth texture of the fish mixed beautifully with the poached egg, spicy, crispy chorizo balls, the smoked tomato water and saffron aioli... and then there was the surprise of the crunchy fennel/radish salad at the bottom of the bowl! I had to ask for a spoon to savour the last drops of these complex flavours.<br />
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The wine list is small, but beautifully selected and very reasonable by Ottawa standards (no glass over $13!). And who doesn't want to start brunch with a mimosa or a Kir royale! <br />
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I'd also like to mention our favourite waitress, Jessica, who seems to always be there when we go, and even though we only come in a few times a year, greets us like we are old friends. Some how she always seems to have our favorite table available for us - she's that good! Her attentive service, pleasant conversation, and obvious passion for her job completes the entire dining experience. <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1344801/restaurant/ByWard-Market-Lower-Town/Bennys-Bistro-Ottawa"><img alt="Benny's Bistro on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1344801/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-29027628842789717512014-12-03T20:06:00.000-08:002014-12-03T20:06:55.227-08:00Girls Night Out - Bistro CoqLicorne & Cacao 70<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A chilly early winter night - getting together with a girlfriend for a delish meal and gab session - where to go? </div>
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We decided to try <a href="http://bistrocoqlicorne.ca/">Bistro CoqLicorne</a> - had heard good things but every time I tried to get a reservation, they were full up. On three separate occasions, calling for a reservation, even before I could ask if they had a spot - "sorry, no availability tonight." To the point that I thought, perhaps if I requested a spot en français? It became the elusive reservation - like the mythical rooster/unicorn immortalized in the name of this cozy little resto. </div>
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We were able to squeak in, and I was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and lovely service. As it turns out, they tend to take reservations on only a small number of tables, to ensure that local drop ins always have a spot! Good to know.....</div>
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Perfect girls night out - funky cocktails and tapas/small plates:</div>
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Les 3 Amigos - yummy pork tacos, and Le Vilain Petit Canard - duck carpaccio with popcorn, arugula, apple, and salted caramel.... oooooohh........</div>
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L'amuse-gueule de dragons - a bright salad of smoked trout, cream cheese, arugula, and lemon.<br />
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La Peché originel - the original sin (!) - crispy crostinis with apples, spiced butter, caramelized onions and melted cheddar cheese....<br />
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Here`s the menu - mains were all under $20, nice and ridiculously reasonable wine list - I`ll be back!<br />
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Thinking that we`d actually not eaten THAT much - we scanned the dessert menu but unfortunately, chocolate-less.... time to move on! We headed into the Byward Market to <a href="http://cacao70.ca/en/">Cacao 70</a> - a Montreal chain restaurant that specializes in all things chocolate (with a savoury menu as well). We shared the dark chocolate fondue for two - very generous and decadent.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8CG4FDXmT4/VH_M_HQfW7I/AAAAAAAAA4I/HukY0h6z_OI/s1600/20141127_195733%2B(1024x576).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8CG4FDXmT4/VH_M_HQfW7I/AAAAAAAAA4I/HukY0h6z_OI/s1600/20141127_195733%2B(1024x576).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are a crepe and waffle plate from a previous visit: <br />
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Definitely recommend both spots - with or without a bestie!</div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1728839/restaurant/Ottawa/Hull/Bistro-CoqLicorne-Gatineau"><img alt="Bistro CoqLicorne on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1728839/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1879800/restaurant/ByWard-Market-Lower-Town/Cacao70-Ottawa"><img alt="Cacao70 on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1879800/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-32299800325982010892014-10-28T19:03:00.001-07:002014-10-28T19:03:21.234-07:00Irrrrashaimaseeee!!!!!!! Welcome to Imadake!Izakayas - those amazing restaurant-bar-communal dining/drinking establishments that only the Japanese could have invented. My favorite type of establishment to eat and drink with friends when I lived in Japan... hard to recreate anywhere else. <br />
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<a href="http://www.imadake.ca/">Imadake</a> ("only for now"), 4006 St-Catherine Ouest in Montreal, does a pretty good job of recreating that vibe. Welcomed by a deafening "Irrashaimase!!" (or "Greetings, welcome to our humble establishment and let us provide our services to you!!" (basically...)), the young and efficient staff get you seated in this cosy but lively, "nigiyaka" restaurant.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ygjJNZ1QXeM/UzIrtF1LuDI/AAAAAAAAAzM/tvsGs9A7vTw/s1600/20140308_181044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ygjJNZ1QXeM/UzIrtF1LuDI/AAAAAAAAAzM/tvsGs9A7vTw/s1600/20140308_181044.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
An izakaya is a bit like a tapas bar in a drunken party atmosphere. Lots of small plates to choose from - a <a href="http://www.imadake.ca/menu/">varied menu </a>that gives you a taste of all sorts of different types of Japanese bar food from okonomiyaki, yakitori and gyoza, to their amazingly succulent grilled black cod (a must!), to fresh and tasty salads and belly filling bowls of ramen. The traditional seating arrangement is at long communal tables that give you the opportunity to get to know your neighbours and share all the tasty treats that keep coming... In Japan you would slip off your shoes to climb over people you didn't know to squeeze next to the rowdy drunks around the table...<br />
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And of course the drinks! Beers! Cocktails! Sake! Wine! You can't go to Imadake without having a Sake Bomb! Trust me, your whole table has to order this drink.... </div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">"IF I SAY "SAKE" YOU SAY "BOMB"!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">"SAKE!!" </span><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">"BOMB!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: purple;">"SAKE!!!"</span><span style="color: red;"> "BOMB!!!"</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/1581250/restaurant/Downtown/Imadake-Montreal"><img alt="Imadake on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1581250/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<br />ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-76467067040721832102014-10-28T18:25:00.000-07:002014-10-28T20:58:33.135-07:00Head north to Wakefield for a real treat - Maison du Village - The Village House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVlD6mY5LbI/VFA5mWjPCHI/AAAAAAAAA2k/Tk920isWPXA/s1600/20141025_173718%2B(800x343).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVlD6mY5LbI/VFA5mWjPCHI/AAAAAAAAA2k/Tk920isWPXA/s1600/20141025_173718%2B(800x343).jpg" height="171" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lovely Wakefield, QC on a chilly fall day.... perfect opportunity to check out the highly rated "<a href="http://www.thevillagehouse759.com/">Maison du Village/The Village House</a>" located at 759 Riverside. Cozy interior - loved having such a great view of the kitchen and our chef at work.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ogqOeN6Ic/VFA5oKabvkI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/YrVbfDy0bCI/s1600/P1150400%2B(600x800).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ogqOeN6Ic/VFA5oKabvkI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/YrVbfDy0bCI/s1600/P1150400%2B(600x800).jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBNIOiIHljU/VFA5mcW2MyI/AAAAAAAAA2o/ikPKL2CuSeI/s1600/20141025_181740%2B(800x450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBNIOiIHljU/VFA5mcW2MyI/AAAAAAAAA2o/ikPKL2CuSeI/s1600/20141025_181740%2B(800x450).jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
Our friendly hostess/server walked us through the menu - we decided to focus on the yummy sounding small plates. Excuse the terrible photos - but just imagine this.... honey roasted beets with candied hazelnuts, micro greens and Montebello Rebellion blue cheese, lamb poutine (with clever "fries" made of slices of rosti and an incredibly rich jus), confit pig cheeks (!) served on an aged cheddar and parsley gnocchi with braised cabbage... all in all very generous serving sizes for reasonable prices. Small but acceptable list of wines by the glass - a perfect light meal. Which allowed us to have a guilt free dessert - an apple walnut tart served with candied lardon and a smooth, not too sweet caramel ice cream...<br />
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We were very impressed with the amazing food - perhaps the best small plates I've had in the Ottawa/Gatineau region. <u>Highly recommended</u> as a destination meal - perhaps before a show at the <a href="http://www.theblacksheepinn.com/">Black Sheep Inn</a>?<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1672991/restaurant/Ottawa/The-Village-House-Wakefield"><img alt="The Village House on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1672991/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
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<br />ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0759 Riverside Drive, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0, Canada45.636144599999987 -75.9300984000000220.114110099999987 -117.23869240000002 71.158179099999984 -34.62150440000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-89427671019436359032014-03-23T21:48:00.004-07:002014-03-26T04:46:26.285-07:00Making muu shu pork - worth the effort?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My old friend Carol came to visit me from Winnipeg and we decided to recreate one of our long standing traditions - starting in 1984, we used to go to the old Szechan Restaurant on Pembina Highway and order the chicken with cashews (with chilis and baby corn) and the muu shuu pork. If you've never had muu shuu, it's a crunchy stirfry that you mound onto sesame oil infused pancakes, slathered in hoisin sauce and a dab of hot sauce, eat like a mini burrito - sweet! <br />
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Rather than simply finding a restaurant that serves this dish, we decided that we should try and make it ourselves. I found this <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/mu_shu_pork.aspx">Fine Cooking recipe </a>which started with a hunt for unusual ingredients in our local chinese grocery store... cloud ears (dried mushrooms), <a href="http://www.templeofthai.com/food/chinese/lilybuds-3400000300.php">golden needles</a> (dried lily buds) and bamboo shoots all added interesting flavours and textures to this complex dish.<br />
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Unfortunately it was a crazily complicated recipe - lots of chopping and soaking and stir frying... We even went as far as handrolling the <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/mandarin_pancakes.aspx">mandarin pancakes</a> and making the <a href="http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/mandarin_pancakes.aspx">mandarin sauce </a>- exhausting! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmYmR8fPtOY/Uy-zH7XEB9I/AAAAAAAAAx8/4N9sUVgJx3o/s1600/P1110002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmYmR8fPtOY/Uy-zH7XEB9I/AAAAAAAAAx8/4N9sUVgJx3o/s1600/P1110002.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making the pancakes...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pile on some of the stir fry</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget the hot sauce!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll it up - like a burrito</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</td></tr>
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I'd suggest looking for an easier recipe....or just eat out!! The pancakes were delicious, but super labour intensive. The crunchy texture was there, but sadly, after all of that effort, the flavour of the stir fry was a bit underwhelming... of course if you slather on enough hoisin sauce, anything tastes good! (Thanks to Donald, the dishwasher....)ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-32140839830529612682014-03-23T18:55:00.000-07:002014-03-23T19:01:28.414-07:00Fantastisch! Lunch at Das LokalDecided to stop by Das Lokal last month for a quick lunch - I used to frequent the Portuguese chicken place that was here before, and even date back to the KFC days of this site! I had heard good things about this place - German inspired menu - I grew up on schnitzel (but also on sushi!) - so why not?!?<br />
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I literally gasped when I walked in the resto. Gone was the dark, dated, European restaurant look of the 60's... and I was suddenly transported into a northern European/Scandinavian space - light wood surfaces, colourful banners, natural light pouring in - it was the perfect winter getaway. Our hostess told me about some of the extras they were working on - cute little fire outside, with fur covered seats to curl up in, even a piano that gets played on the weekends. </div>
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I started with an Edelweiss, a lovely cocktail of sparkling wine and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Germain_(liqueur)">St. Germain liqueur</a> (elderflowers). The perfect mix of sparkly-sweet-floral tones. Perfect to whet the appetite... So good, in fact, that we went straight to LCBO to buy a bottle after lunch!.</div>
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I ordered the Gravlax Tartine, a yummy open face sandwich with burnt orange wild BC coho salmon on top, creme fraiche and pickled onions, served with a side salad and butternut squash soup (sooooo creamy). Memories of open faced sandwiches in Denmark and Sweden. <br />
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Donald ordered the German Burger - a pork sausage burger served on a sweet roll with the requisite mustard, with the same side salad and delish thick cut fries.<br />
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Nice wine list, relaxed service - we'll be back soon! Another huge selling point - Das Lokal has a huge parking lot (thanks to its KFC roots)... love the Lowertown location.<br />
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No web site that I can find, but they are on <a href="https://twitter.com/DasLokal">Twitter</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1784206/restaurant/ByWard-Market-Lower-Town/Das-Lokal-Ottawa"><img alt="Das Lokal on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1784206/biglink.gif" style="border: none; height: 146px; width: 200px;" /></a></div>
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<br />ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-46237250854597244532013-04-21T20:25:00.000-07:002013-04-27T20:38:31.256-07:00Benny's Bistro - my favorite Ottawa brunch spot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKRv1_0CvIY/UXSgMTPARNI/AAAAAAAAAs8/wXa_BtmD67k/s1600/20130405_132946+(800x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKRv1_0CvIY/UXSgMTPARNI/AAAAAAAAAs8/wXa_BtmD67k/s320/20130405_132946+(800x600).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bennysbistro.ca/bennys/index.aspx">Benny's Bistro</a> has been a hidden gem in Ottawa's Byward Market for years. It's a restaurant I recommend to visitors (and many unknowing locals) that want to have REAL food - not the mainly disappointing fare to be found in the Market these days.<br />
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Benny is the name of the original owners' daschund, who was known to show up in the bakery from time to time. Tucked inside The French Baker (119 Murray Street), you follow a long corridor into a cozy room with a black and white checkerboard floor, filled with colourful walls and photos - a perfect spot for an overcast or chilly day. <br />
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Besides the wonderful pastries that you can order from the bakery up front, Benny's has a consistently strong seasonal brunch/lunch menu that always leaves me reading and rereading the list of options (never mind the specials!), agonizing on having to select one lovely meal over another. Chef Scott Adams is a master at complex combinations of flavours that burst onto your taste buds - it's difficult not to savour each mouthful as you sadly get nearer to that last bite... thank goodness for the never ending bread to soak up every last drop!<br />
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Winter menu 2013</div>
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On my most recent visit, I had the roasted quail with parsnip puree, beet and apple salad with crispy brussel sprout leaves and arugula in a duck reduction. A lovely slow food creation!<br />
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My friend had the roasted organic mushrooms served with spinach and ricotta tortellini, baby peas with wild garlic pesto, and lemon creme fraiche... she loved every bite. <br />
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I also love the gravlax and pickerel dishes on this winter's menu - something for everyone! Great wine list, no nonsense service, fantastic food - what more could you ask for?!?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1344801/restaurant/ByWard-Market-Lower-Town/Bennys-Bistro-Ottawa" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Benny's Bistro on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1344801/minilink.gif" style="border: currentColor; height: 36px; padding: 0px; width: 130px;" /></a></div>
ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com2119 Murray Street, Ottawa, ON40.8656557 -75.20569340.865608699999996 -75.205772 40.8657027 -75.205614tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-91850322185358252052013-04-09T08:00:00.002-07:002013-04-09T08:42:22.117-07:00Les 400 Coups - April 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, this is a year late, but wanted to post this review of <a href="http://www.les400coups.ca/home">Les 400 Coups</a>, a fabulous resto in Old Montreal that was one of En Route's <a href="http://enroute.aircanada.com/en/articles/canada-s-best-new-restaurants-2011/page:8">top ten in 2011</a>. A hot ticket in spring 2012 - booked solid - but I scored a cancellation for lunch (it never hurts to inquire!). </div>
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The resto is at 400 Notre-Dame Est.</div>
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Gorgeous interior, great full wall photo of St-Germain-des-Pres</div>
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Lovely 2 or 3 course menu, fine wines, discreet service.</div>
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My appetizer - the cauliflour soup with shrimp & sea asparagus was mind blowing. So simple, yet absolutely delicious. Would have licked the bowl if I could have!</div>
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Donald's appie - tomato and kohlrabi salad with goat cheese. Also delicious.</div>
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Seared walleye with fennel, mushrooms, cippolini onions in a ramp sauce </div>
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Arctic char with jerusalem artichokes, brussel sprouts, mushrooms in a red beet sauce</div>
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The dessert was magnificent - chocolate pot de creme topped with tasty chocolate bits, and a caramel/maldon salt topping... served in this cute mason jar! </div>
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This is me, feeling happier than I had in months - in the midst of my treatment, I had forgotten how important it was to treat myself and be pampered, especially with fine food and service. Looking forward to our next visit!</div>
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0400 Rue Notre-Dame Est, Montreal, QC H2Y, Canada45.5102001 -73.55247259999998745.5101566 -73.552551599999987 45.510243599999995 -73.552393599999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-73570567559772976642013-04-09T07:22:00.001-07:002013-04-09T08:40:39.332-07:00Kazu Izakaya - April 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh my, how time does fly. These are photos from about a year ago from our first visit to <a href="http://kazumontreal.com/">Kazu</a>, hot then, still hot now. </div>
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<a href="http://kazumontreal.com/home.html"><img alt="Restaurant Kazu Montreal" src="http://kazumontreal.com/img/logo.png" /></a></div>
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An izakaya is a traditional Japanese restaurant that serves small plates and alcohol, and often has communal seating so get ready to get cozy! Kind of a Japanese tapas restaurant. </div>
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I think this was the sashimi salad</div>
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Grilled salmon belly.... mmmmm....</div>
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Gyoza!</div>
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48-hour pork!</div>
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Long wait to get in, but worth it. Had the noisy, crowded atmosphere down, yummy food, cold beer... We were twice (and for some of us 3 times!) the age of most of the clientele, but that didn't dampen our enjoyment. Highly recommended and dying to try their ramen.</div>
ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com01862 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Montreal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada45.4929676 -73.58023709999997745.4929241 -73.580316099999976 45.4930111 -73.580158099999977tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-14347534557295959852012-04-09T20:01:00.000-07:002012-04-09T20:01:31.073-07:00Crudessence - rawlicious!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently learned the difference between raw and live food... either way - lots of enzymes and nutrients - and bonus - you never get served food that isn't hot enough! Discovered the restaurant <a href="http://www.crudessence.com/en/mission/about-us/">Crudessence</a> in Montreal (we ate at the one on Rachel, another location on Mackay). They also cater, give workshops & classes, and sell a variety of products from their shops and online.</div>
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Groovy <a href="http://www.crudessence.com/images/stories/pdf/menu%20to%20go%20en%20rachel.pdf">menu </a>with all sorts of unusual combos of vegetables, sprouts, and grains. All organic and vegan.<br />
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Pesto spaghetti </div>
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<span style="font-family: Mrs Eaves Roman,Mrs Eaves Roman; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Mrs Eaves Roman,Mrs Eaves Roman; font-size: x-small;">Fine zucchini noodles, with pistachio pesto, spinach, apple and marinated mushrooms, sprinkled with Crumesan and served with onion bread </span></span></div>
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Sandwich</div>
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Pad thai bowl</div>
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Banan Split (with brownies!)</div>
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Mousse au chocolat</div>
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Brownie with pistachio ice cream</div>
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A grand selection of teas and juices as well.</div>
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I find the textures of raw/live food a bit challenging at times, especially if you are used to eating dairy. Let's just say it's ice "cream" and not ice CREAM. Prices are a bit high, but at the same time, you're getting someone else to chop and grate all those organic veggies.... And you feel so good after you're done! </div>
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</div>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-43807678464761025362011-09-25T08:55:00.000-07:002011-09-30T03:15:32.121-07:00"We want to eat Canada food...."During a recent visit to Ottawa, my Japanese relatives asked to eat "Canadian" food.... other than maple syrup, of course. Coming from a land of a singular, supremely awe-inspiring cuisine, it was interesting trying to explain to them what Canadian food was, having already eaten italian, chinese, korean, japanese, lebanese, greek, german, british, etc. etc. etc. <br />
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However, they had to try poutine, especially being just next door to Quebec! We went to my favorite spot, Jack's, a chip wagon on the south side of Rideau Street between Friel and Chapel. The current owner has improved on Jack's gravy, which was hard to believe, but true (he tells me it is now vegetarian!)! A very generous medium of his excellent fries, topped with squeaky cheese curds and that awesome gravy kept the three of us happy for the rest of the day (okay, they both had to sample a pogo too!).<br />
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ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0414 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7Y2, Canada45.430466 -75.681701645.429073 -75.684169099999991 45.431859 -75.6792341tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-76378818147410645882011-09-13T22:26:00.000-07:002016-03-22T20:27:12.604-07:00Gatineau FavsWhere to eat out when you're visiting National Office? <br />
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See below for my favs....<br />
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1) <a href="http://www.bistrostjacques.ca/">Bistro St. Jacques</a> - Beautifully prepared bistro food, many entrees served with awesome frites & aioli AND salad (no guilt!). - it was selected as one of the <a href="http://www.ottawamagazine.com/restaurants/2010/11/29/best-restaurants-2010/10/">top 10 restos in Ottawa</a><br />
last year.... and not just new restaurants either!<br />
Vincent is the perfect host. Highly recommended!<br />
<br />
2) <a href="http://www.pizzaza.ca/restaurant/bar_a_vin.php">Pizazza</a> - mainly thin crust pizzas, an awesome smoked salmon salad, great wine by the<br />
glass.<br />
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3) <a href="http://www.fleurdesel.ca/">Fleur de Sel / L'Argoat</a> - 2 restos (one a vegetarian, one a crepe (non<br />
vegetarian) that have merged.<br />
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4) <a href="http://www.labellevertegatineau.com/">La Belle Verte</a> - a little vegan/raw vegan resto - delicious and fresh<br />
this time of year. I love the raw pizzas, and the specialty salads. Here are some reviews.<br />
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<a href="http://ottawafoodies.com/vendor/1817" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">http://ottawafoodies.com/vendor/1817</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1513710/restaurant/Ottawa/La-Belle-Verte-Vegan-Restaurant-Gatineau" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/250/1513710/restaurant/Ottawa/La-Belle-Verte-Vegan-Restaurant-Gatineau</span></a><br />
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5) <a href="http://piceriepoukham.foodpages.ca/">Epicerie Poukham</a> - Thai grocery store and restaurant - amazing lunch special - you'll be in and out in 30 minutes - piping hot spring rolls served within minutes of sitting down (included in price of lunch special). If you're ordering the pad thai, ask them to cut back on the sauce..... Say hi to Kia when you go (104 Rue Eddy).<br />
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FYI - #'s 2 and especially 5 are good at getting you in and out quickly (if you have that 1pm teleconference....). You should mention to the others if you need to complete and pay for your meal within an hour.<br />
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Enjoy!ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-89315945466401968542011-06-08T17:32:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:34:17.408-07:00Cajun Country! Partie Deux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdSPJPO4plY/TbjTpyaZcOI/AAAAAAAAAeo/-Cwgyq8Nae8/s1600/P1050685+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LdSPJPO4plY/TbjTpyaZcOI/AAAAAAAAAeo/-Cwgyq8Nae8/s320/P1050685+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We spent a lovely afternoon with amazing southern wildlife watching...</div><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQcZZjiJj-k/TbjTGCRLjCI/AAAAAAAAAeI/WosRZUyEsUE/s1600/P1050646+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iQcZZjiJj-k/TbjTGCRLjCI/AAAAAAAAAeI/WosRZUyEsUE/s320/P1050646+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7SJlFjD1eE/TbjTmn9OhAI/AAAAAAAAAek/zoGru6pDP5A/s1600/P1050683+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7SJlFjD1eE/TbjTmn9OhAI/AAAAAAAAAek/zoGru6pDP5A/s320/P1050683+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk3jjypF5Rc/TbjTNMxlnOI/AAAAAAAAAeM/aPU15d5Ko6Q/s1600/P1050665+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bk3jjypF5Rc/TbjTNMxlnOI/AAAAAAAAAeM/aPU15d5Ko6Q/s320/P1050665+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs9JkTSgaTI/TbjTVfU3bYI/AAAAAAAAAeU/9TKJ0CqOgKY/s1600/P1050672+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hs9JkTSgaTI/TbjTVfU3bYI/AAAAAAAAAeU/9TKJ0CqOgKY/s320/P1050672+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhIr6MI4OA/TbjTQkMhhLI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/m5QQhtHGCEA/s1600/P1050613+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJhIr6MI4OA/TbjTQkMhhLI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/m5QQhtHGCEA/s320/P1050613+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>And enjoyment of the local libations... <a href="http://bayoutechebrewing.com/">Bayou Teche</a> - a great beer company! Had a local comment on "how strong" these beers were... not an issue for us Canadians!<br />
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March is mudbug season - a.k.a. crawfish/crayfish! We wussed out and went for the mild - which was hot enough... <br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVY8hwDjuAI/TbjTtPMronI/AAAAAAAAAes/NZGD4I1qDAw/s1600/P1050687+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SVY8hwDjuAI/TbjTtPMronI/AAAAAAAAAes/NZGD4I1qDAw/s320/P1050687+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8cuKwshp6zc/TbjTwprlVPI/AAAAAAAAAew/58wwl_GPB1s/s1600/P1050688+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8cuKwshp6zc/TbjTwprlVPI/AAAAAAAAAew/58wwl_GPB1s/s320/P1050688+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkUB1YiVnF8/TbjTzYV0o2I/AAAAAAAAAe0/Y_bKbZhAcCo/s1600/P1050689+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkUB1YiVnF8/TbjTzYV0o2I/AAAAAAAAAe0/Y_bKbZhAcCo/s320/P1050689+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the deck at<a href="http://www.mcgeeslanding.com/"> McGee's Landing</a> - try their grilled gator as well... great spot to take it all in!</div>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-87437383925049876842011-06-08T17:19:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:21:55.720-07:00Cajun Country! Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although we were torn, we had to leave New Orleans and head to Cajun country. Between the music and the food, it was a given. We drove west on the I-10 to Breaux Bridge, where we found the <a href="http://www.bayoucabins.com/">Bayou Boudin and Cracklin Cabins</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kLLsec0bmQ/TbjOFYncLuI/AAAAAAAAAdo/hCobrsWe64Q/s1600/P1050635+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5kLLsec0bmQ/TbjOFYncLuI/AAAAAAAAAdo/hCobrsWe64Q/s320/P1050635+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SxOLN5e8j4/TbjOLRpVYHI/AAAAAAAAAds/Y4frULJMy4s/s1600/P1050636+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3SxOLN5e8j4/TbjOLRpVYHI/AAAAAAAAAds/Y4frULJMy4s/s320/P1050636+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This bed and breakfast has a variety of old cabins that sit right on the Bayou Teche (and unfortunately right by the road as well). We got the funky Elvis cabin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLiN1dflkyY/TbjSDj5Y_yI/AAAAAAAAAeE/8B5iBFQc-JA/s1600/P1050621+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLiN1dflkyY/TbjSDj5Y_yI/AAAAAAAAAeE/8B5iBFQc-JA/s320/P1050621+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AseMM5FpJA0/TbjO28K3hKI/AAAAAAAAAeA/e4YKKGm5GvE/s1600/P1050631+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AseMM5FpJA0/TbjO28K3hKI/AAAAAAAAAeA/e4YKKGm5GvE/s320/P1050631+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLBoZBlzmCE/TbjNZ53CSkI/AAAAAAAAAdU/XCJpAcseybQ/s1600/P1050554+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLBoZBlzmCE/TbjNZ53CSkI/AAAAAAAAAdU/XCJpAcseybQ/s320/P1050554+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Your overnight stay includes a Cajun food specialties sampler that included boudin sausage, hog head's cheese, pork cracklins, and homemade root beer! The actual beer helped wash down the grease... yeesh....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYApxYL-D24/TbjN8oViWoI/AAAAAAAAAdg/QWw41y9ODqg/s1600/P1050574+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYApxYL-D24/TbjN8oViWoI/AAAAAAAAAdg/QWw41y9ODqg/s320/P1050574+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Off to Henderson for a tour of the Achafalaya swamp, with a good view of this alligator.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fWFbxHNLFxY/TbjOA0tjWyI/AAAAAAAAAdk/aYuHQFG5jvE/s1600/P1050601+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fWFbxHNLFxY/TbjOA0tjWyI/AAAAAAAAAdk/aYuHQFG5jvE/s320/P1050601+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY3HtFUJ0F8/TbjOy9DahII/AAAAAAAAAd8/oZPAN9MDjws/s1600/P1050645+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY3HtFUJ0F8/TbjOy9DahII/AAAAAAAAAd8/oZPAN9MDjws/s320/P1050645+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div> Unfortunately for them, they are delish-us!!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twgYowJAp2I/TbjOVkYsUPI/AAAAAAAAAd0/etHjI8EP-WU/s1600/P1050659+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-twgYowJAp2I/TbjOVkYsUPI/AAAAAAAAAd0/etHjI8EP-WU/s320/P1050659+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rs4IHC3r_mU/TbjOZ7Air_I/AAAAAAAAAd4/YMKUBMJy2EY/s1600/P1050662+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rs4IHC3r_mU/TbjOZ7Air_I/AAAAAAAAAd4/YMKUBMJy2EY/s320/P1050662+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Love the bayous.... (to be continued...)</div>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-15722976852291592202011-05-05T19:36:00.000-07:002011-09-25T07:03:48.658-07:00Fry Fry Chickie ChickI love "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS_bgv6f2Rk&feature=related">Parks and Recreation</a>" - check out Tom Haverford's food slang....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/FbR7mpX07Uw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<ul>
<li>Desserts – Zerts</li>
<li>Entrées – Trey Treys</li>
<li>Sandwiches – Sammys, sandoozles, or Adam Sandlers</li>
<li>Air Conditioners – Cool Blasterz</li>
<li>Cakes – Big ol’ Cookies</li>
<li>Noodles – Long ass rice</li>
<li>Fried Chicken – Fry Fry Chickie Chick</li>
<li>Chicken Parm – Chickie Chickie Parm Parm</li>
<li>Chicken Cacciatore – Chickie catch</li>
<li>Eggs – pre-birds or future birds</li>
<li>Root Beer – Super water</li>
<li>Tortillas – Bean blankies</li>
<li>Forks – food rakes</li>
</ul>
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And check out this <a href="http://tomhaverfoods.com/">fan site</a> for more creations.....ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-66073945815527829352011-04-24T11:46:00.000-07:002011-04-24T11:46:55.735-07:00The Almighty Muffletta <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5W74-QJ5tk/TbRn5vogLTI/AAAAAAAAAcI/oAUCTTwvhAs/s1600/P1050426+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5W74-QJ5tk/TbRn5vogLTI/AAAAAAAAAcI/oAUCTTwvhAs/s320/P1050426+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The muffletta is said to have been invented at Central Grocery on Decatur - a great old school Italian grocery store that has long line ups every day for a taste of the layered sandwich of genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, topped off with Central Grocery's killer olive salad.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqrqBwFvYw4/TbRoHR8EDqI/AAAAAAAAAcY/g0RduYeXa-0/s1600/P1050498+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JqrqBwFvYw4/TbRoHR8EDqI/AAAAAAAAAcY/g0RduYeXa-0/s320/P1050498+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sHxNoUkUY9I/TbRoKMEL8hI/AAAAAAAAAcc/Z37WImmJzXs/s320/P1050500+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> The muffletta bread is about a foot across, topped with sesame seeds - again, pretty disappointing bread, but useful as a sponge to sop up the oil from the salad... <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWhXQ4InOQM/TbRoM0v9TzI/AAAAAAAAAcg/0eqiJanKddA/s1600/P1050501+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWhXQ4InOQM/TbRoM0v9TzI/AAAAAAAAAcg/0eqiJanKddA/s320/P1050501+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">although not enough to stop it from dripping off your elbow as you bite in! You can buy quarters, halves or wholes, but hard not to want the whole thing.</div><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkY162p0tE4/TbRoPOMGdEI/AAAAAAAAAck/eX3OLlgPugU/s1600/P1050506+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkY162p0tE4/TbRoPOMGdEI/AAAAAAAAAck/eX3OLlgPugU/s200/P1050506+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGuAd6SCglI/TbRoRDQLFlI/AAAAAAAAAco/5H3U6In7M2E/s1600/P1050507+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGuAd6SCglI/TbRoRDQLFlI/AAAAAAAAAco/5H3U6In7M2E/s200/P1050507+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a> <br />
We had some fried pork rinds as a snack, and topped it all with a frozen daiquiri as we made our way out to the Gulf Coast.<br />
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Before we left New Orleans, I went back to Central Grocery to buy a quart bottle of their olive salad to take home.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ncCzbV8w8l0/TbRopYscd1I/AAAAAAAAAc0/ZcWrGaHptUU/s1600/P1050509+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmsKWbn_hEA/TbRpslB7wmI/AAAAAAAAAc4/O4tLRRIEi1g/s1600/P1050886+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmsKWbn_hEA/TbRpslB7wmI/AAAAAAAAAc4/O4tLRRIEi1g/s200/P1050886+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vmy2To5eok/TbRpvZ-ScVI/AAAAAAAAAc8/FT8xOkURvQI/s1600/P1050887+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vmy2To5eok/TbRpvZ-ScVI/AAAAAAAAAc8/FT8xOkURvQI/s200/P1050887+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-671ndbrO4/TbRpzBhaARI/AAAAAAAAAdA/SodCKE9BL6E/s1600/P1050888+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o-671ndbrO4/TbRpzBhaARI/AAAAAAAAAdA/SodCKE9BL6E/s200/P1050888+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M1qo8LwuIA/TbRp1yZc0mI/AAAAAAAAAdE/p9KX69k6744/s1600/P1050889+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--M1qo8LwuIA/TbRp1yZc0mI/AAAAAAAAAdE/p9KX69k6744/s200/P1050889+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br />
We added red onions to our mufflettas, and used <u>real</u> bread - a fennel whole grain baguette from Art-is-In Bakery - with that olive salad? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1z0tiD6Hw8/TbRp5UrJf0I/AAAAAAAAAdI/VE949YiOpcA/s1600/P1050883+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A1z0tiD6Hw8/TbRp5UrJf0I/AAAAAAAAAdI/VE949YiOpcA/s320/P1050883+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkCWD3dzTz0/TbRp8XoRbdI/AAAAAAAAAdM/TxQEvHPKenw/s1600/P1050884+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkCWD3dzTz0/TbRp8XoRbdI/AAAAAAAAAdM/TxQEvHPKenw/s320/P1050884+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Awesome!??!??! <a href="http://www.gumbopages.com/yatspeak.html">YEAH YOU RITE!</a>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-28738433464867794632011-04-24T10:39:00.000-07:002011-04-24T10:39:51.326-07:00Iconic NOLA eats!I'm not sure why I didn't realize the level to which New Orleans is a foodie destination... but as I did my research in advance of our trip, I couldn't help but salivate... and when we got there, I suffered fraom the anxiety of having to chose where to eat on our ever decreasing number of meals before our departure - the pressure! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few iconic eats in NOLA:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: purple;"><strong><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">(1) The po'boy</span>:</span></strong></span> not just a submarine or hero, but THE sandwich of Louisiana. You can get them from fine restaurants to corner stores to gas stations. Thought to originate in the 1920's when French bread was filled with potatoes and gravy to feed striking workers... I'd heard a lot about <a href="http://www.johnnyspoboy.com/">Johnny's Po-boy Restaurant</a> in the French Quarter, so we got there for an early lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VKwoG-0ZbWY/TbRFnaeDYAI/AAAAAAAAAaY/FO75ft_pTs0/s1600/P1050367+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VKwoG-0ZbWY/TbRFnaeDYAI/AAAAAAAAAaY/FO75ft_pTs0/s320/P1050367+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Nothing like ordering in a local restaurant for the first time - it was jam packed, and I had to ask what "all dressed" meant, and missed my number being called (cuz I didn't expect it to be made so quickly!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fki596sFR5U/TbRF0IRdi2I/AAAAAAAAAag/S6KxB5kZYUE/s1600/P1050370+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fki596sFR5U/TbRF0IRdi2I/AAAAAAAAAag/S6KxB5kZYUE/s320/P1050370+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7WFpakgxWU/TbRFxluqRBI/AAAAAAAAAac/hToMLsVDNpo/s1600/P1050368+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w7WFpakgxWU/TbRFxluqRBI/AAAAAAAAAac/hToMLsVDNpo/s320/P1050368+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> We stuck with the classic fried shrimp po-boy (undressed - shredded iceberg, tomatoes, pickles and a little mayo on the side) - I usually deprive myself of it, but freshly-fried, tongue-burning food is mana from heaven... at least at the first moment the flavours burst on your tongue, the crunch of crispy, airy batter, hints of cayenne blended with a shmear of mayo... mmmm! <br />
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We did wonder about the bread though - crispy on the outside, but processed bland air dough in the middle... Probably the only disappointment of the entire trip. Although we heard later of the "bread as vehicle" theory around po'boy bread...<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;"><strong>(2) Beignets and chicory cafe au lait:</strong></span> The iconic spot is <a href="http://www.cafedumonde.com/">Cafe du Monde</a> (first opened in 1862) on Decatur Street past Jackson Square. A super touristy place which I considered waiting in line for until I realized that they were filming Emeril Lagasse inside.... next time!<br />
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We came across Cafe Beignet, a little hole in the wall restaurant with a shaded terrasse that was pumping out these hot square doughnuts with a snowstorm of icing sugar on top. Maybe that layer of sugar is to keep from burning your upper lip, as you've got to inhale them while they are still warm... and remember NOT to wear black if you are going to indulge!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">(3) Fried Chicken:</span></strong> Part of the Creole/soul food experience, which you can get even in a cafe called "Fiorella's" (which I found out later is one of the best places to get fried chicken in town)! And on St. Paddy's Day, I had to indulge in their special - a $2 green apple martini - before lunch!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGkycpYS02E/TbRGB3G-YGI/AAAAAAAAAaw/xCpQYHZndsM/s1600/P1050428+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGkycpYS02E/TbRGB3G-YGI/AAAAAAAAAaw/xCpQYHZndsM/s200/P1050428+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgQFGamXLIE/TbRGIbsDwZI/AAAAAAAAAa4/4Vdtt8xN4Js/s1600/P1050427+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgQFGamXLIE/TbRGIbsDwZI/AAAAAAAAAa4/4Vdtt8xN4Js/s200/P1050427+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cReKlys9Nh0/TbRGFTuoAsI/AAAAAAAAAa0/bd4uo_A68LY/s1600/P1050429+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cReKlys9Nh0/TbRGFTuoAsI/AAAAAAAAAa0/bd4uo_A68LY/s320/P1050429+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This was a dangerous "beginning of trip" experience. The still sizzling, lightly coated skin breaking like glass under my teeth, flavour burst of fat and spices as I sunk into the juiciest chicken I may ever have experienced - the textures and tastes all blending into an eye-rolling mouthful... Whoa! Made me want to eat more and more, and start a pilgrimage to find the holy grail of fried chicken.... and to never ever eat KFC again! Note the red beans and smoked sausage with rice side... nice!<br />
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<strong><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">(4) The Muffletta:</span></strong> But that will have to be a separate post....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvNafqpY_TU/TbRF-dd47XI/AAAAAAAAAas/IDIHSeJ6ckc/s1600/P1050426+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tvNafqpY_TU/TbRF-dd47XI/AAAAAAAAAas/IDIHSeJ6ckc/s320/P1050426+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left"></div>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-74857970426561433112011-04-17T22:02:00.000-07:002011-04-17T22:02:58.606-07:00Airport food - Chicago & New Orleans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't travel as often as I used to, but it is often interesting the types of food you can get en route. Of course there are the ubiquitous Rotten Ronnie's, BKs, and Tim Hortons, but it's the local food I look for. I've seen jamon sandwiches and rum drink boxes (Cuba), awesome burritos (at Andale in San Fran), Korean BBQ (sadly, gone from the local terminal at Honolulu International Airport), ramen (Tokyo), etc. I love that feeling of being able to squeeze one last meal into a trip!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I rtecently passed through O'Hare in Chicago. I checked out a tapas place that the stewardess had mentioned, but passed on the drab menu. I ended up, sadly, at Wolfgang Puck's Express - which was interesting years ago when it first opened but now seems a tired. After eating a rather dull sandwich, I came across this sight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE-WeLerx7M/TaoS2-o3CxI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/q_9yFFA-cns/s1600/P1050322+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE-WeLerx7M/TaoS2-o3CxI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/q_9yFFA-cns/s320/P1050322+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
OMG! Tortas?!?!?! by <a href="http://www.rickbayless.com/">Rick Bayless</a>!?!? I've been a fan of his PBS series and cookbooks as a champion of authentic Mexican cuisine. Frontera just opened in February 2011 and has already been named one of Frommer's <a href="http://www.mideast.beforeitsnews.com/story/452/028/Frommer_s_Top_10_Airport_Restaurants_Includes_Tortas_Frontera_at_Chicago_s_Terminal_1.html">top 10 airport restaurants in the US</a>. The menu for Frontera was mouthwatering, and high point for his ingredients sourcing.<br />
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</div>With a heavy heart, and full stomach - I read the menu... then decided I had to eat SOMEthing. I knew I wasn't flying back through ORD... so I had the tortilla soup... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AO7dcJ-8Lw/TaoS8fXLvWI/AAAAAAAAAZY/_4KFw8AEFzs/s1600/P1050324+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AO7dcJ-8Lw/TaoS8fXLvWI/AAAAAAAAAZY/_4KFw8AEFzs/s320/P1050324+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Pretty challenging flavours - earthy, oily, intense chili flavours. Next time, a torta....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>On our way back from an epic trip to New Orleans, we ended up in the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) and found the Creole Carvery. Great staff and even greater menu.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqEkGA0cV8g/TavB-W46rrI/AAAAAAAAAaI/9fwxCb-L7ow/s1600/P1050822+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tqEkGA0cV8g/TavB-W46rrI/AAAAAAAAAaI/9fwxCb-L7ow/s200/P1050822+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="150" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daR3weo1PzA/TavB6XUKRnI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Vf6p10EMaT4/s200/P1050823+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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A little <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagniappe">lagniappe</a> (a little bonus, New Orleans style): a fun website of airline food! <a href="http://www.airlinemeals.net/">http://www.airlinemeals.net/</a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-daR3weo1PzA/TavB6XUKRnI/AAAAAAAAAaE/Vf6p10EMaT4/s1600/P1050823+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-55748767389985282322011-04-14T19:02:00.000-07:002011-04-14T19:06:15.352-07:00Cochon in New Orleans!<div class="separator" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"></div> <img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB2okPTfPjI/Tad3g2phEtI/AAAAAAAAAY0/dcX-_pqm4g0/s400/P1050333+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="300" /><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of our favorite meals on our trip to New Orleans - <a href="http://www.cochonrestaurant.com/">Cochon</a>, Donald Link's restaurant celebrating cajun food. Great energy, packed to the gills with locals and tourists like most restaurants we visited here. As we entered, we met some friends who warned us we were in for quite a meal...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shAZP5xMWeM/Tad3mRgMsMI/AAAAAAAAAY4/BHdJ9snioLU/s1600/P1050326+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-shAZP5xMWeM/Tad3mRgMsMI/AAAAAAAAAY4/BHdJ9snioLU/s320/P1050326+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Mmmmm.... soft, sweet rolls - brought back childhood memories of the '70s for some reason...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpNzRtaIX_4/Tad3pvLlTVI/AAAAAAAAAY8/BAA3N5o8S-0/s1600/P1050328+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bpNzRtaIX_4/Tad3pvLlTVI/AAAAAAAAAY8/BAA3N5o8S-0/s320/P1050328+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The 4 of us shared three appies - the wood-fired oyster roast (served on a bed of rock salt), crawfish pie with a corn salsa, and the fried alligator with chili garlic aioli. The alligator was particularly delicious - the garlic and spices melded into a salty-savoury-flavour hit... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW4T0mTmqU8/Tad3snhXaBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ymJ_isHd7CE/s1600/P1050329+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ey8F-xM9HSc/Tad3vYjFU6I/AAAAAAAAAZE/1klvCTa_41E/s1600/P1050330+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ey8F-xM9HSc/Tad3vYjFU6I/AAAAAAAAAZE/1klvCTa_41E/s320/P1050330+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Stephen had the grilled <a href="http://www.thejump.net/fishlist/redfish.htm">redfish</a> "fisherman style", and declared it "the best fish I've ever eaten". We all had a taste - perfectly cooked, oozing with flavour... Here's the <a href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/redfish-on-the-half-shell">recipe</a> - so easy, and you will be speechless when you take your first bite. </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ProogcnshBY/Tad31Cz84rI/AAAAAAAAAZI/OlHROGt9WtU/s1600/P1050331+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ProogcnshBY/Tad31Cz84rI/AAAAAAAAAZI/OlHROGt9WtU/s320/P1050331+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Donald had the rabbit stew with dumplings.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW4T0mTmqU8/Tad3snhXaBI/AAAAAAAAAZA/ymJ_isHd7CE/s320/P1050329+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Alison and I had the restaurant's signature dish, Louisiana Cochon. Smoky pulled pork formed into a patty, breaded, fried, served with a lovely jus on top of a bed of turnip and cabbage. Oh, and of course, with a couple of crispy, salty cracklins on top. Oooooooh baby.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqzXve-0RpE/Tad35CLBjII/AAAAAAAAAZM/b63ovnIGcRg/s1600/P1050332+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqzXve-0RpE/Tad35CLBjII/AAAAAAAAAZM/b63ovnIGcRg/s320/P1050332+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We had to have desserts - shared the Black Bottomed Brown Butter Banana Cream Pie and the Upside-down Pineapple Cake with Coconut Lime Sherbet (another '70s throwback). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">All in all a fabulous meal - we rolled out of there happy and full, trying to burn off a few calories walking home down quiet streets in the warm spring air.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB2okPTfPjI/Tad3g2phEtI/AAAAAAAAAY0/dcX-_pqm4g0/s1600/P1050333+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5880651986239484454.post-80917506685299433692011-02-20T19:11:00.000-08:002011-02-20T19:11:43.030-08:00C5 - Dining in the Royal Ontario Museum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiML6zmco1s/TWG6VMmDa2I/AAAAAAAAAX4/oz5zk1cYVps/s1600/P1040723+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiML6zmco1s/TWG6VMmDa2I/AAAAAAAAAX4/oz5zk1cYVps/s320/P1040723+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The Royal Ontario Museum, Canada's largest world culture and natural history museum, was built in 1912. Walking down Bloor street, it is impossible to miss the "Crystal" growing out of the front of the ROM - addition designed by Daniel Libeskind in 2007. <br />
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On the 5th floor, the elevator opens to <a href="http://www.c5restaurant.ca/">C5</a>, a sleek bright restaurant run by executive chef Ted Corrado. We went for Sunday brunch, and started with mimosas as we checked out the great views of Toronto.<br />
<img border="0" height="150" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JE21zzsvGU/TWG7Cvpw4II/AAAAAAAAAYg/ctrzpvFmGV8/s200/P1040736+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /><img border="0" height="150" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fNrD1C3QFLY/TWG7Ez0vwAI/AAAAAAAAAYk/dkKBt6MU0xo/s200/P1040737+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4JE21zzsvGU/TWG7Cvpw4II/AAAAAAAAAYg/ctrzpvFmGV8/s1600/P1040736+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>The menu is drool worthy - hard to decide... so why don't we make it easy and try a bunch of these dishes?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket of patisseries and the charcuterie plate</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9R7T8FS0zac/TWG6nJonj8I/AAAAAAAAAYM/8KBzJPbSwWs/s1600/P1040731+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9R7T8FS0zac/TWG6nJonj8I/AAAAAAAAAYM/8KBzJPbSwWs/s320/P1040731+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deconstructed huevos rancheros - fried eggs with Brezain cheese, a salty chunk of pork belly, chicharrons (pork rinds), black bean taco, a strip of guacamole, and two salsas.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfyxuotfJj0/TWG6ujaWGHI/AAAAAAAAAYU/GKvEdtmSECo/s1600/P1040733+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NfyxuotfJj0/TWG6ujaWGHI/AAAAAAAAAYU/GKvEdtmSECo/s320/P1040733+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobster english muffin: a lobster omelette with pea meal bacon, emmenthal and gruyere cheeses, with cucumber and celery slaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLme2_vANME/TWG61it4XuI/AAAAAAAAAYc/yf44BpBbcxs/s1600/P1040735+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLme2_vANME/TWG61it4XuI/AAAAAAAAAYc/yf44BpBbcxs/s320/P1040735+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cumbrae's fried chicken, Beemster biscuit, perfectly poached egg and kohlrabi slaw</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And don't forget the Bacon Menu! Mmmmmm... bacon...<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKDc4NGuBo/TWG6Zrtk5SI/AAAAAAAAAX8/mWQNitkhye8/s1600/P1040727+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hdKDc4NGuBo/TWG6Zrtk5SI/AAAAAAAAAX8/mWQNitkhye8/s320/P1040727+%2528600x800%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGooAn6sZoU/TWG6yh4kO4I/AAAAAAAAAYY/sBftVMi8mxg/s1600/P1040734+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bGooAn6sZoU/TWG6yh4kO4I/AAAAAAAAAYY/sBftVMi8mxg/s200/P1040734+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Wonderful meal, eye-rollingly tasty, great company, fantastic wrap up to a quick trip to Toronto!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFKnRaOCc7I/TWG7I4Tm1CI/AAAAAAAAAYo/PIZVYRkZKf8/s1600/P1040740+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFKnRaOCc7I/TWG7I4Tm1CI/AAAAAAAAAYo/PIZVYRkZKf8/s400/P1040740+%2528800x600%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks Myrna for a wonderful brunch and visit!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>ohialehuadefhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05990117639038516619noreply@blogger.com0