DANIELLE'S FOOD BLOG

Sunday brunch at Chien Fumant, a winter treat.

2011-01-24T10:02:00.000-08:00

Just another beautiful, balmy -40C Montreal morning. Eric and I decided to head out to brunch. We went about our Sunday ritual of trying to pick a brunch place even as we get into the car and start driving. We headed out over sun streaked, Mont-Royal with no particular destination, then Le Chien Fumant popped into my head.

I had been resistant to try Chien Fumant since their opening a year or so ago. Reviews (from press & friends alike) had been good, to so-so, and the place is not inexpensive (I'm not risking a pricey night out, on a place I hear might be so-so, feel me?)... And then recently my friend Lev uploaded a facebook pic of his delicious brunch at Chien Fumant. Only it didnt look delicious. It told a story of someone who couldn't keep down their late night eats. Nothing sunny or inviting about this one. In Lev's defence, he realized (after a few comments under his upload) that the photo didn't quite do justice to the experience. But it was too late for me. That photo (shown below), had done me in, and brunch at Chien Fumant fell off my radar.

Make you wanna go mmm? Didn't think so.

Until today. -40 degrees with an extreme hunger front coming in. Chien Fumant was the obvious choice I thought, because I did want to try it out eventually, and brunch is perfect for first time try outs. I said I'd only blog about the truly delightful or the downright degolasse and I'm pleased to report this experience fell into the former category. I definitely let too many Sundays slip by without visiting this place.

We walk into Chien Fumant, and yes! it's cozy (only 35 seats), and busy. And it made me instantly wish I had brought my good camera. The place is well styled, from the decor (bottles of booze, hanging at different lengths over the bar, cool lighting), to the odd not antique-ish china plates, and the personal styles of the staff. All funky, but with polished class. The 16 year old-looking busboy/waiter/barista/ barman, who offered us coffees and refilled our waters with a smile, turned out not to be any of the above, but the unassuming, hard working, owner of the place, Dave. He was working his well oiled machine, and working it hard. Beautiful coffee, slurp-worthy bloody marys, all him. All while checking in on the kitchen and the customers.

The very sweet waitress, with a vintagey blue dress to match her eyes, and an awesome 40's hairdo, told us that the menu was behind us on a chalk board, always Southern style, and changed weekly. Southern style breakfast means two things: 1. It's going to be tasty delicious, and 2. There is no healthy option. Don't even think about it. The only fruit in the joint was the wedge of orange on the glass of my fresh sqeezed OJ (which was a sweet citrus explosion), and the caramelized apples served in a heap over sausage stuffed french toast. And as for veggies: Fried potato patties, and chives....That's pretty much where they draw the line on those vital food groups. Who can blame them...it's brunch in the south at Chien Fumant, and it works.

The menu was small but we still had a hard time choosing only 2 items to share. We sat at the bar facing the kitchen watching all the food prep, so after 15 minutes we knew exactly what we wanted to eat. Too bad we ordered 12 minutes ago. We had settled on southern style breakfast (2 eggs & the works), and now I knew I wanted (and needed) the cheddar & chive waffle, with pulled pork & pickled onions topped with a fried egg. When we pulled the last minute order swap, the staff was happy to oblige. I can say that with confidence because I watched as the message got passed along, and our french toast order got cancelled (and pulled from the stove mid-cuisson), and no one looked even a smidge annoyed. Classy.

The kitchen is an open air, small space. We watched as each plate was tenderly prepared with care. Everything looked amazing. The huevos divorcados (great name), and french toast orders that went by looked mint, and I watched the happy patrons devouring their plates, and swapping bites with one another.

A look down the bar, provided an exciting preview of good things to come.

The food arrived, and it was glorious. The southern eggs breakfast was really a perfect standard breakfast, without being standard at all. Eric could not get over the perfectly fried eggs- while I moaned and groaned in potato, cake & sour cream bliss. soft, salty, crispy & delicious (Eric and I had a minor fork fight for the last bite of potato, thankfully no forks or humans were injured. he won). WOW. My only comment would be that the bacon could have been crispier for my taste (given that I saw them drop it into a deep fryer).

The cheddar & chive waffle was perfectly cooked, soft and doughy, with a crispy exterior. The tasty pulled pork was a very generous portion- they could get away with serving half the amount they do- but I'm glad they don't. It was juicy and delicious, smokey & just right on. Add a fried egg, perfectly executed CF style, a drop of pickled onion, and it's complete. I could think of 100 things to put on that waffle, and apparently so can they- the waffle is a regular on the CF brunch menu.

Chien Fumant is a special Sunday brunch spot. It's no egg white omelette with a side of berries and granola, but it also wasn't as greasy or heavy as expected. I didn't feel like I had to take a long lie down after, or even unbutton my skinny jeans. I plan on returning for dinner (for a full breakdown), hopefully soon- with Lev, and he won't be handling any cameras.

Chien Fumant

4710 Rue de Lanaudiere

514. 524.2444

Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner, and for drinks until 2am

Sunday Brunch

Closed Monday

Howdy. I'm back from space.

2011-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:00

So, I've been missing in action...again. Sorry for that friends & followers. First thing is first- Happy New Year. I want to say THANK YOU- to all of my wonderful supporters. I got a lot of messages asking about the sudden blog disappearance, and I appreciate all the feedback and encouragement. So here I am. Back. I have so much stuff I want to blog about, and I definitely don't want to lose you, dear readers. I'm going to try to keep it on the regular around here.

In my absence, there's been some travel, some cooking, a few season changes, and of course tons of eating and hard work. I want to wipe the slate clean for 2011. New year, new beginnings, lotsa blogging. So, shall we begin? The garden. Sort of ironic to be giving the final garden update as I sip tea, my feet are literally frozen on my kitchen floor and I gaze out to a sunny, biting cold, -22, snowcovered backyard.

Here's how it all shook down in Eden. It was a great summer- and there was an impressive show of veg out there. The squirrels were the real winners this summer. See, we got a new puppy right around harvest time (more about him in a bit)- and the little guy loved to cool down, shaded between plants, in the earth, by the tomatoes - so I had to cool it with the super power cayenne dustings as a form of critter protection... Because nothing says "welcome home puppy" like a flaming hot dose of cayenne in his baby face.

I'm also worn down, and exhausted, by all the energy I had to spend hating on, and plotting against, my rodent fence dwellers. I need to find a way for us to all co exist, & it's time to bring peace to the battle of the backyard that I had so doggedly declared. I figured out that if I plant a ton of tomatoes (which I did)- there will be more than enough to go around for both myself and the squirrels. If you can't beat 'em, feed 'em...right? Next years plan? Lots of tomatoes (again), and a new (peaceful) plan to protect the (very few) raspberries & other high value crops (I even saw the beggnings of strawberries but they were plucked by the little rodent burglars before even turning red). That's not too much to ask for. Raspberries should multiply exponentially by next summer, as raspberries do, but those suckers are 6 bucks a carton at the market, and since Im a berry addict, I need to salvage as many as I can from the backyard wildlife.

Enough to share

The zucchini flowers a.k.a squash blossoms a.k.a little morsels of heaven were just amazing and plentiful. They are, without a doubt- one my absolute favourite vegetables. I dream about making my stuffed zucchini blossom pasta. First, remove the little pollen bud in the center. A little chevre mixed with herbs (from the garden), a pinch of salt & pepper- stuff the flowers, twist them shut...batter those babies up tempura style, and fry (I like to fry them in Canola or peanut oil). Serve them with spaghetti & fresh tomato sauce, throw in a little sauteed zucchini (use zucchini that has been clipped from the flower, female flowers grow right at the tip of a zucchini, and male grow as independent flowers with stems right from the base of the plant- both are equally delicious & edible). This summer, an italian guest at one of my events, came into the kitchen to tell me my dish reminded me of how his mom used to make it for him in Italy- just the same, and perfectly authentic. A true & touching compliment for an italophile like myself. I'll post this recipe on my website soon. When these beautiful wonders are in season- I love to make them for my clients, and I do it almost every day. On pasta, on pizza, or as a crispy appetizer treat, I am in love, and it's serious.

Eggplants (of every shape and size), zucchinis, squash blossoms, herbs, tomatoes & lettuces all fared extremely well. we even had a iny weeny little watermelon sprout up, amazing & cute (which then got half eaten by a critter, obviously). The only thing that failed completely were the artichokes- didn't see a single one, nor did we see grapes or blueberries, but because the plants are only only due to fruit next year

Watermelon!! (and look at the microscopic ones to the right!!!)

Sidebar about our puppy: Meet Roman. He's delicious & growing fast. Poor guy got his man parts snipped this week- and he isn't enjoying the lampshade as a fashion accessory.

What does the boychick eat? An important question in our house, since what and when we'll be eating next always seems to be on the brain. I cook Urban Wolf for him (more like I cook chicken, an egg, and add the Urban Wolf mix). It's pretty simple, and amazing stuff. I did a ton of research before deciding to do that, making sure it was legitimately the right choice (it is more work than pouring kibble out of a bag, so you need to be sure of the decision) and I don't regret it one bit. When I'm between UW batches, or if we're on the go with no refrigeration, NOW! puppy kibble is the next best thing I could find. Here are some pics- I tried to pick just a few...but it's hard to narrow it down when you have 25000 to choose from. I don't know if I'm more camera or puppy obsessed- but it's a dangerous combination. So, instead enjoy a mini album ;)

How we found him at the breeder (cooling off in a brick)

...And we became a family.

growing....

Veggies gone wild, summer break.

2010-07-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

I was standing at my kitchen counter yesterday morning, making a pot of coffee, and that's when I saw him.

A squirrel. My furry little enemy was walking across the fence above our garden, only this time he was carrying a big, juicy tomato. It doesn't take a forensics team to figure out where he got it. A quick glance at the emptied vine I'd been waiting to pick confirmed the culprit. A wave of heat ran through my body, and I wasn't sure whether to scream or burst into tears. The nervy little F-er even sat himself down on the fence for a full on tomato salad feast. The rain the past few days had clearly wiped out my cayenne job, and I wasnt quick enough on the re-apply to avoid these eager critters from descending on my bounty.

Since it was too late to do anything about it, I ran to grab my camera, quietly went out into the back (not unnoticed by the little guy) and took a few pics of him - caught red handed (literally).

He's looking right at me.

Then I went out and got myself a five pound box of the fierce cayenne recommended by Erica at Les Douceurs de Marche. This is a full on war of the fruits, and I'm going to win it. I came home and created my very own artillery: a super sized "Cayenne Shaker". I took a large mason jar, poked holes in the top, and 65 sneezes later, my shaker was loaded and ready to go, and a fresh and heavy cayenne crop dusting was carried out immediately.

I am noticing however, that the cayenne may not really be the answer to my problems. Unless I have endless amounts of time to re-apply (and shower every leaf of every plant with the stuff), these fluffy SOB's find a way around the hot spots. Upon closer inspection, I also found that the squirrels had taken the entire branch of 10 or so large tomatoes that were growing. How was one little squirrel was able to get away with that many tomatoes at once!?!? Do thy work as a team? It's not as though the branch was broken and some were left in the earth- they are all G-O-N-E. Even as I write this and peer out the window I see the bogies multiplying... three in the fruit section, two on the fence... I can't handle this.

The tomatoes that no longer exist

A friend has offered her scarecrow. I'm going to get it tomorrow and we'll see how that works out. I also had a friend wih her dog here yesterday afternoon... the dog spent much of the day actually lying in the earth protecting my garden. If a squirrel even came near my yard - the dog went completely bananas, barking until it left. I may need to rent her out for the summer (anyone have a schnauzer that needs a place to laze around?).

In other (better) news, things are cropping up like crazy back here. Cherry tomato trees have just about exploded, tons of tomatoes are hiding all over the place, and the height of the trees has tripled in size. The Roma tomato plants (not even sure I realized I planted Romas) are sprouting beautiful, bean-like tomatoes, that I cannot wait to harvest in a couple of weeks- the thought of them being robbed just hurts. The larger plants are looking a little bare, should be just a few days until some new big guys start to sprout up again.

The surprise Romas

Look how big those plants are getting! They were 1/4 that height!

In the veg section, things are getting so wild and crazy I can barely believe my eyes. I had to trim back some of the zucchini plant leaves, because they were shading the neighbouring purple onion, arugula & eggplants. Micro basil looks like a little fro of perfection, and every time I clip some, it seems to replenish overnight. The thyme seems to be growing a little slower... taking its sweet ass thyme (had to insert that cheesy joke). Everything else in the veggie section is doing really awesome, the arugula, spinach & herbs are growing faster than I can consume if you can believe it. Steady watering, good water flow (since the garden is on a slant) and great sunshine- Thank you (so far) mother nature! Let's see what happens when the actual vegetables start to come in (if they every do). The only problem so far with all the extreme growth, is that it comes with an onslaught of weeds. Not sure my legs could handle the man-hours of all the weeding in squat position that needs to take place. Thinking Ric & I need to blast some tunes and hit the weed for a few hours one of these days. Ya mon.

Week 1

same shot, week 5

My friend, the micro basil

Oregano ground cover action

Eastward in the fruit patch, ground cherries are growing steadily (and being eaten by the animals at about the same rate as they come in), & raspberry season is about to be in full swing. July is Raspberry season, and I'd better get on track with the rodent control, or I won't see a single red-berry in my hands. There are only a few berries coming from the plants this year, and I plan to harvest and enjoy each one.

Click here to read week 1 of my garden adventures!

A divine encounter with Lotus Root Chips

2010-06-26T13:10:00.000-07:00

The lotus root is the stem of the lotus flower. Growing under the water, the stem is peculiar in that it's shaped like bulbs that are attached one on top of the other, forming a long stem (sometimes 3 or 4 feet long). Imagine fat sausage links or perfectly smooth sweet potatoes connected end-to-end. The lotus flower sits above water like a lillypad with a flower on it, looking like it floats with no support- while the thick stem that is the lotus root, is actually attached below, extending from the bottom of the pond up to the top. You may have seen lotus flowers before.... they're commonly used in depictions of Buddhist and Hindu cultures as a symbol of purity, peace, & divinity, and they're pretty trendy across the board (think all things home decor related, often used in the famous artworks of Shepard Fairey, a popular choice for that classic lower back tattoo, and the list goes on and on). From the outside, the bulbous lotus root looks pretty unsuspecting, but when you slice that puppy open, you'll find pure epicurean beauty. I seriously love being in the kitchen with one of these.

Making lotus root chips have become my favourite garnish and addition to really any meal. You can find them at most asian grocers - I always pick up a few when I'm in, or passing through Chinatown. When lightly fried, these starchy roots turn into orange flower-like crispy chips that are dry, crunchy but not crumbly, and not greasy at all.Tuna tartare is the reason I first made them, & is still my number one complimentary dish, since eating thin and crispy chips with tartare is so necessary. Recently, I've been experimenting this root for almost everything (stir fry, salad, soup, you name it). It's very healthy - high in fiber, vitamin c, potassium - and low in saturated fat. Awesome. Here's how to prepare them.

Lotus Root Chips:

1. Separate the Lotus root bulbs. Peel each bulb, and set aside. Using a mandoline (Benriner being my mandoline of choice), slice the lotus root into thin rounds. Sprinkle with kosher salt.

2. Heat 1/4 inch peanut oil in high-sided skillet- and place 8 or so rounds in at a time. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet. The oil will bubble slightly at first, and the rounds will begin to darken quickly. When they begin to change colour, flip at immediately. When the chips have turned a light-medium orange, remove from skillet and place on a plate with paper towel (they will continue to darken slightly as they cool)- move quickly, they burn fast!

3. Enjoy! These chips are so beautiful and amazing- you will be hooked after one try at making them.

Click here for my tuna tartare recipe & if you decide to try out the chip recipe, let me know how it works out!

Happenings in the vegetable patch.

2010-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

So there's been a nice steady few weeks of serious sun, and then big rains- which has really been great for my farming experiment 2.0. There has been some significant growth since planting day.

The tomatoes are doing wonderfully. The three larger plants are actually producing beautiful looking fruit. the cherry tomto plant has already given me about 16 large (organic) cherry tomatoes, the large "pink lady" tomatoes are huge, and slowly turning pink, and the third (which I thought was a pink lady, but was marked wrong at the nursery) has about 12 shapely looking medium size tomatoes, and I'm excited to see how long it takes them to ripen. They are gorgeous.

Over in the herbs & veg section, the herbs and lettuces are all growing nicely, with the exception of one spinach plant that seems to be struggling and looking pretty weak (I have no clue why!). The 4 arugula bushels have doubled in size, and the herbs are starting to look more full. The artichoke, eggplant, and zucchini plants look healthy and great- but I honestly have no clue what's happening under the ground or what to expect from those bad boys.

As for the fruits, all the plants look great- and some of the rasberry bushes (especially the heritage ones) are starting to have tiny greenish buds that I hope will turn into fruit near the end of the summer and save me from my uncontrollable need to spend 5.99 on raspberries on a weekly basis. Squirrels and birds be warned: I will defend my berries with force.

Heritage berries, almost turning pinkish!

The other plants seem to be budding as well, Im hoping that my 2 year old bluberry plant will actually produce some fruit this year- and I should see some strawberries too. The ground cherry plants are already showing the delicate paper-like green shells, that will soon house some pretty little yellow guys. I'm watching all of it, and feeling pretty positive. Watermelons dont look like they've made to much progress, and I'm not holding my breath.

Ground cherries

Animals seem to be staying away from the massive amounts of Cayenne that I have been putting down. I caught one squirrel actually jump from a vertical postion on the fence, right onto the tomato cage - a few foot drop. I ran out like a raving loon and scared it away. Besides that, they are still running back and forth on the fence all day but not daring to come down into the cayenne den of fire. It takes a lot of upkeep to sprinkle cayenne after each big rain, and it's going to get more and more intense as the summer gets on, and more fruit starts to blossom. I'm ready. Stay tuned.

Pardon my Garden

2010-06-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

My house has a big, big, big, backyard. When we moved in 2 summers ago. I'd stare into the backyard and imagine a world where it was transformed into a farm, with rows and rows of vegetables and lanes i could drive down, overall-clad on my mini John Deere...

(exit dream sequence)

Back to reality: Last summer I planted a pretty elaborate tomato & herb garden taking up only 30 percent of the available space in the earthy soil / designated planting space in our yard. The herb garden went really well - healthy, beautiful and smelled absolutely divine - mint, basil, sage, parsley & rosemary fragrance wafting into the house every time the back door opened. Flowers, I've got down, no problem. The tomato plants, to make a long story short, were a disaster. The plants grew large and intertwined, creating a tangled jungle of vine, fruit and massive spider webs complete with big spiders. Sounds like a blast right? Everything was planted wayyyyyyyyy too close together. Who'd have known when they were tiny tomato plants how huge they would be 8 weeks later!? Also, I didn't support the large tomato trees properly, so as the tomatoes grew heavy and plump on the vines, they would snap and fall onto the ground. Where they'd get scooped up by an animal or left alone to never fully ripen. The experience was all in all very disappointing for a gal who loves her do-it-yourself tomatoes. There were however, hundreds and hundreds of cherry tomatoes - most very difficult to access due to my poor landscaping job. This past winter I even kept up my farming practice with a brief two week obsession with farmville (sorry to those I dragged down with me), my virtual cows constantly moo-ing at me, & checking my watch when out for dinner (had to get back to water my rice on time!).

Last years jungle disaster

Which brings us to...... 2010. One year of experience under my belt. I'm ready to say good riddance to failed gardening attempts. I'm going to chronicle the growth of what is my baby garden right now, as it blossoms into the tomato/raspberry/herb/arugula garden of eden. I've learned my lessons; plant with distance. These plants need their personal space to grow & flourish. Never "play" and prune in the garden at dusk (this will result in 87 mosquito bites and two benadryls). Lastly, be prepared to defend against the wildlife invasion. More on that later.

My ideal plan was to have a full herb garden (obviously, in order to create all the Bistecca Florentine a person can handle), tons of tomatoes, other micro greens, heirloom raspberry plants that were transplanted from my grandmother's old house, to my aunt's house, and now finally to mine (think... picking from the same raspberry plants my mom picked from as a little girl). That was the rough idea, with some new fruits and veggies to try out too.

Early the last Saturday morning of May, with coffees in hand, we headed to Jardin Jasmin. What a place. A huge and sprawling nursery with every species of fruit, vegetable, herb, rose & trees one could imagine- with helpful staff ready to answer your questions and help you find the best fruit and vegetables for your soil and yard conditions. We packed an entire 2 trolleys with plants, and our friend Alty (who came along to help out) even bought his own pile of crops to plant and harvest for himself in our yard.

After a hearty lunch, we threw on our billy boots and hit the yard with rakes and hoes in hand, ipod blaring out of speakers on the patio in the 28 degree sunshine. The work was physical, turning the soil, adding fertilizer, mixing it in, & watering (repeat, repeat, repeat)

And then came the planning & planting. We split the garden into three sections, with rustic stone tiles we chose as a walkway to access the plants. From left to right: a new rose bush and a flower bush, the tomato section, herbs & vegetables, fruit.

Planning

The tomato section:

3 large tomato plants in the back (2 pink lady plants, and one with large cherry tomatoes)

the second row, beefsteak tomatoes, yellow cherry tomatoes. The large plants are in cages, in order to support the stems and fruit as they ripen and get heavy. As soon as the beefsteak tomato plants grow to a substantial size (if they ever do, I cant imagine a big tomato plant growing from the puny little guys that claim to be beefsteaks now), I'll put cages on them too. All of the tomato plants are planted verrrrrrrrrry far apart, to give them maximum space for growth, while keeping them separate.

Really, you're going to be a Beefsteak?

Herbs & Small vegetables:

Rosemary, basil, micro basil plants (my favourite new plant already), mint and sage (from last year), arugula, spinach, chives, purple onion, thyme, parsley, eggplant, zucchini, artichoke (artichoke was one of Alty's choices). Herbs are pretty easy to grow, and I'm not worried about my leafy greens. But the artichokes, zucchini (which I'm really hoping to have some blossoms with), and eggplant... really not sure how they are going to fare or if I planted them far enough apart. I didn't let anyone come into that section. I had to plant perfectly aligned rows (like a proper farm), and had to have complete control to be sure I got it right.

My mom must be a geometry teacher right?

My predicted mvp of the summer, micro basil

Fruit:

I transplanted 5 raspberry bushels from my aunt's house, which should fruit this year (at least a few of them should - Raspberry plants fruit every other year). The Blueberries that I planted last year should fruit this year.

Then we got extreme. These are are mega-longshots to grow in but I'm hopeful: Watermelons, Cherries, ground berries, grapes (would be cool if they grow and cover the entire fence one day), and yellow rasperries that I dont expect fruit from this year.

After a long day

The issues:

Animals. Montreal squirrels, racoons, and groundhogs are nervy little bastards - they come right in, even de-rooted my home made chicken wire fence last year and devoured everything just as its ready to be picked. The dividing wood fence above our vegetable garden serves as a squirrel freeway. There is tons of furry action on that thing - they run back and forth all day long, and climb down into my garden for breakfast, lunch & dinner. I caught myself a few times banging on the kitchen window like a crazy old lady yelling at squirrels who can't hear me from inside my house, and don't care anyway. Let's not forget the groundhogs & occasional raccoons. Awesome. Eric has visions of finding me on the back patio in a rocking chair, shotgun in hand, muttering to myself, protecting my lawn from critters, like a total whacko. I've officially waged war, scouring the internet, buying books, joining chat forums. So far the general consensus on defense weapons is Cayenne pepper. Animals dislike the smell (no kidding). I went outside with some of the strongest cayenne pepper I could find at Douceurs (yes, these squirrels are getting a nose-full of the strong, fresh, high end stuff, because that's how I roll), and sprinkled in all over the garden. Makes me sneeze just dusting the crops with it (which isnt saying much), but it sure did a number on my poor poodle dylan, he was squinting for hours after a romp in the yard inspecting the veg. So... we'll see how that goes.

Minute 4 of what would be hours & hours of him squinting at me

Maintenance: I have to make sure I know how to clip each species, prune, fertilize & constant watering.

Finally, sunshine. All I can do is pray.

I'm learning as I go. Reading about bugs, animals, soil & gardening. Carefully caring for each tender vegetable, I head out after every rain and re-up the cayenne, snip away the dead leaves, and cut back the herbs where I have to. I already harvested 4 gorgeous tomatoes.

A dose of fresh at Miami Juice.

2010-04-21T09:39:00.000-07:00

When the pilot announces that we are making our final descent into Miami International, I can already taste the first few bites of my MJ salad and green tea with mint leaves soon TBD (to be devoured). My mind takes me right to Miami Juice... and my body soon follows. To know Miami Juice is to love it I think. But to the uninformed, Miami Juice looks like an everyday, run of the mill, strip mall lunch joint. You know the kind that dot Ocean Drive or Collins, from Hollywood to South Beach. It's non-descript, no frills, casual, and is in Sunny Isles, just a 10 minute drive north of Bal Harbor on Collins. But thanks to its super-fresh and healthy middle-eastern inspired cuisine, it's so much more than that. In fact, it looks like someone opened a grocery store and then tried to squeeze a restaurant into it. Some of the seating will actually nuzzle you right up (or in) to an aisle, where you can practically shop for granola bars and salad dressings while you eat.

From 11 to 3, the place is packed with produce and eager lunching customers, the soundtrack is the beat of whirring of blenders making juice & smoothies, and I'm always digging it. As I approach the door from the overcrowded parking lot, I walk by crates of oranges outside, and once inside I navigate around boxes of avocados, bananas, and other fruits to get to my seat. My mouth begins to water, the food being dropped at tables around me looks like the purest slice of the garden of eden. A look behind the counter reveals every variety of fresh vegetable and fruit, waiting to be transformed - but just barely changed from its off the tree natural state - into something special. The old school (slightly more heavy duty than mine) manual Orange-X juicers pump out fresh juice all day long. They seem to be standing the test of time.

The (daily) eating experience at Miami Juice is reason enough for a springtime Florida getaway. The menu can seem long and complex at first. But it's basically the same 15 ingredients, creatively switched around to create big variety. The portions are huge, and great for sharing, I like to order as a team and sample a few things at the table in order not to miss out on something delicious. The ingredients are all ripened to absolute perfection. How many melt in your mouth ripe avocadoes can one place churn out every day? It's mad. Don't let your initial look through the notebook-style menu deter you, because anything you order will be delicious and fresh. Here are the specials of the house that rock my world:

Falafel platter with Tuna scoop and salad. The falafel balls are piping hot, little and crispy, and perfectly moist inside. Mix that up with some homemade hummus, house salad, and a scoop of tuna - and there you have it. delicious.

Fruit Salad- a variety of every fruit you can imagine (no melon bowl with soft grapes and sweet syrup here). These fruits taste like they were picked off the tree 30 seconds ago, but actually were cut 15 seconds before being delivered to your table. Topped with nuts, coconut & honey- it's too good to be called just fruit. It’s heaven.

MJ's salad. A chopped salad with purple cabbage, lettuce, avocado, tomato, carrot, and feta, with your choice of topping - grilled chicken, tuna, "Bonitas" (amazing) salmon, grilled snapper- and a few (hundred) more. All amazing and healthy choices, this salad was the first thing that brought me back to Miami Juice begging for more.

And finally, last but not least, my absolute favourite discovery, that I made only on my most recent trip to Florida (after a few years of eating the MJ goodness!). "Issac's Special". Named after one of the owners (as most of the specialty dishes are), Issac's special is essentially a greek salad with avocado, served over a flat bread spiced with za'atar, sumac and other mediterranean spices. I add rosemary grilled chicken on top. The taste of the chicken, feta, spices, avocado, olives, tomato, and onion... all spread over the spiced crispy toasted flatbread is an explosion for my senses. Tastes and textures too good to be true. Soft avocado, wet and juicy tomato, crunchy onion, salty feta- and then throw the thin and spicy crunch of the bread into the mix- You get it. I am in a state of euphoria every bite of the way.

Who is responsible for this gift to mankind? Miami Juice was opened by Issac & Bonita, an Israeli couple who moved to Florida, and dreamt of providing the local residents with fresh and healthy foods. And do they ever. Issac (a big Israeli dude with salt and pepper hair) is one of the most hands on owners of any establishment I have ever seen. He's there everyday, walking around, wiping tables, moving chairs, tending to his army of staff who are working hard to pump out fresh and amazing plates and juices every moment of the day. The rush never seems to fully quiet down there. Issac sometimes works the blenders, carries the boxes of produce, and once in a while has a 30 second chat with a customer. He is welcoming and real, and gives off a calm and steady energy. I have never been there when the tall, muscular Issac isn't towering over the tables, keeping a watchful eye on every movement in the restaurant, and making sure the experience is consistent and right.

After a physically tough week of cooking, I had arrived in Florida with my back feeling broken - and when I was catching up with Issac, telling him about my pain, he replied "you think it's easy what you do?", sympathizing with me. He directed me to get a pair of MBTs, the orthopedic-moon-shoe looking footwear he always wears in the restaurant. If you've never seen MBTs, let me tell you right now, they won't look good with your outfit. But I was desperate because my old school Connie All Stars were not doing the trick supporting my body over long hours in the kitchen. So Issac gave me directions to the nearest retailer and sent me on my way. As Jon, Eric and I were discussing this new footwear discovery and how it would help my back, a customer sitting right next to me whipped around and told me abut his physiotherapist. "The best in Florida" he said. Then he got on his cell phone and made me an appointment on the spot. He even made me take his number, to call him and tell him how good the therapy was afterwards. That's the kind of community vibe that is happening at Miami Juice, love it!

The man behind the miracle, Issac

My new MBT's

The crowd at Miami Juice is all kinds of casual. If you're lucky to find a spot in the lot out front, it will likely be between a luxury SUV and convertible sports car. People are double parked and jockeying their cars around mid-way through lunch, and it's not rare to see someone come hollering that they are blocked in the lot. It's yoga moms, Florida blondes, business lunches, families, locals, tourists, lovers and haters - Miami Juice can be a very potent drama cocktail. Tables turning over, some are placed just inches next to one another, which can make for great eavesdropping (my specialty).

My table was once 2 inches next to a couple working out the details of their messy divorce, dividing homes (share weeks at the home in Telluride, or just buy another one, toughie), working out custody schedules, him begging for her back - heartbreaking stuff all happening as I had to lean in periodically to borrow their salt, and use their coffee condiments. After watching this guy spill his heart out all over his eggwhite omelette, I joked to my mom and aunt as he paid his bill- "someone's gotta tell this guy not to sweat it, he'll be getting laid by a super hot, young thing pretty soon"- and my aunt look up at me and said "do it". And in the true Miami Juice spirit of community, I popped out of my seat (heart slightly pounding out of my chest), followed the thirty something soon-to-be-divorcé into the parking lot, and told him straight up, that he's a cutie, and that I see hot sweethearts all over him in his horizon, and to forget about all this sh*t. Turned that frown right upside down, oh yeah. Awesome.

And about the physiotherapy recommendation... let me just say that it was the best physio experience I ever had anywhere. This guy rocks. I am a new person: Stretching the Dr. Yoav way, and wearing my new MBT's (that I ordered online and had shipped right to my hotel in Florida) and feeling better than ever. So thanks Miami Juice!

Miami Juice

16210 Collins Ave (Near Poinciana Dr)

(305) 945-0444

Open Monday through Saturday, 8am-8:30pm

(great for a quick evening bite too)

Take-out available

**Stay tuned, Miami Juice is moving to a new location up the street in the coming months. I drove by the new spot last week, and it looks virtually ready to go, so MJ fans shouldn't have to miss out on their daily fix for more then a day or two when the move actually happens. Can't wait to see the new digs.

Brunching & Lunching it in Montreal Part 4: Le Cartet

2010-04-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Le Cartet is an all around great sunday morning brunch spot. The place is beautiful in an old montreal industrial style kind of way. It's well lit by natural light pouring through windows on both ends of its long corridor shape. It's got high ceilings, white painted brick walls, and several long communal tables, with Edison bulbs hanging in a straight line at different heights all along the interior... their wires artistically knotted in line with the design style. It's a very warm and welcoming, montreal style decor that I love... especially on a sunny Sunday morning.

The waiting area is a small gourmet grocery corner of the restaurant, with plenty of interesting chocolates, teas, biscuits, olive oils, and ready to eat takeout items in an open fridge (fun to pop in and grab a little cheese platter with grapes and crackers). As soon as I walk in I fill up an Illy coffee at the self serve coffee counter in a to-go cup, to have while I wait. I'm pretty sure that counter is meant for people actually coming in to buy coffee and pastries to go, but I always help myself to a cup of Java, and nurse it until we sit down. No one has ever seemed to mind. I can handle a weekend morning wait for food... but that first coffee feels like life or death. The wait for a table is never more than 15 minutes, and the time passes quickly because of all the local and imported gourmet products to check out.

Le Cartet serves all the usual breakfast fare, but the highlight of the breakfast experience at Le Cartet are the different "complete breakfast" choices for $14.95. 5 or 6 interesting and different breakfast platters, all including a small fresh-squeezed oj, coffee & toast. To name a few: "Les Cantons", an egg, bacon, sausage, and potatoes served in a cast iron skillet with fruit and cheese on the side. "L'Atlantique", lox, a baked salmon cake, and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, and a dill/yogurt dipping sauce in a shot glass... fruit and cheese on the side. My personal favorite is "Le Sante", two poached eggs served on multigrain toast with a chevre spread and arugula, a small yogurt parfait with blueberry and granola, figs, fruit, and organic cheddar cheese. I love it. Also, for an extra four dollars you can add a Mimosa to the party and make it a real breakfast with friends to remember! Sometimes it's just what the hangover calls for, or the just another way to celebrate a beautiful morning in our great city.

The service is quick and professional. The credit card processing is done at your table for a quick exit when you're ready to go out and enjoy the day. I'd probably rank Le Cartet last of the four spots I've covered. Not because it isn't a great spot, it's just not as consistent as Olive & Gourmando, Mckiernan, & Beautys. Everyone I have sent there gives the place rave reviews, but I do feel that the quality has gone down since they've opened: not as much attention to detail, a little less home made feeling (they used to have amazing jam) and sometimes, just sometimes, my "repas complet" choice feels like it was pre assembled before I ordered it and sat waiting on the kitchen ledge until my order came in. That being said, I still keep Le Cartet near the top of my list for brunch spots. It's just got the right sunday morning energy, and great food too. If you've never been there, try it out - it's also a great Montreal spot to take out of towners, who would enjoy a stroll by the old port after a deliciously gourmet breakfast.

Le Cartet
106 Rue McGill
Hours:
Monday- Friday 7am- 8pm
Saturday-Sunday 9am-5pm

Brunching & Lunching it in Montreal Part 3: Beautys

2010-04-05T07:50:00.000-07:00

To be perfectly honest I have probably eaten at Beautys for brunch or lunch 6 times in the last 14 days. I wake up dreaming of Beautys waffles & blintzes. Beautys is a true Montreal establishment that most savvy tourists and every a-list celeb hits while passing through Montreal. I met up there with someone who had never heard of Beautys for a business lunch last week, and let me just say that if you are local and you have never even heard of Beautys, it better be because someone's kept you locked up in their basement for the last 25 years.

Now, Beautys. Everytime I slide my tush into a booth and navigate it around those big, worn down dips in the stuffed vinyl upholstery, and look down at that paper placemat, I know I'm home. What a place. Clean, bright, stylish, and just right. People describe it as one of Montreals great"diners", but its not a diner. Its an amazing restaurant with top quality gourmet recipes and foods, disguised as a cool looking retro diner. There is no other diner experience like it in the world.

If you go during normal eating hours, and there's no line when you get there, have a peek in the window because the place is probably closed. I was even there mid-week a few days ago and the place was packed to the brim with a small lineup out the door.
I don't mind the wait. It's kind of part of the charm. Lots of chatter... 20-somethings recounting their nights out on the town, families trying to wrangle their hungry children, excited tourists reading the articles on the wall and getting helpful travel info from fellow diners-in-line. But Hymie is the start of the show. The 80-something founder mans the door and handles line-up himself.

Find him in the small waiting hallway (between the exterior and interior door of the restaurant) checking on the line, reminding us that "everyone is welcome", working the crowd with old time one-liners about the place. "Someone has been here since yesterday...we don't rush you at Beautys". He makes you want to experience Beautys, and even if you feel like he might not be absorbing that you want a table for four, that he may seem a little too old for the fast paced lunch scene- he's got more marbles than I do on a sunday morning, let alone any regular day. Hymie's also there every day of the week. In fact not only him - his son Larry and his grand daughter Alana. Three generations working together (and working their butts off to boot). Unbelievable to see, and pretty awesome in my opinion.

Hymie runs a tight operation

3 generations, Beautyful.

The menu is something else. Some of the best red lentil, split pea, & vegetable soup around. For me, every meal - whether breakfast or lunch - begins with a soup. The coffee is also first-rate. Just when I think I have discovered the perfect item and have settled into a comfortable "regular order" zone, Boom! Something amazing goes whizzing by that I just have to try. I have been eating at Beautys regularly for over 9 years now, and I have gone through many phases of different "favourites" and I am glad that I can proudly report that I have now had almost everything on the menu. I have reviewed the intel, and put it into a "Beautys Top Ten" list that I think is varied enough to cater to everyone, with some classic and some original (but all incredible) choices. Here she is, in no particular order (*Please note I have left out very obvious things like soup, challah with Jam, and other sides in order to keep the list at ten and not twenty five):

1. Greek Salad with chicken (either chicken salad or grilled)

(not the greek salad, but a scoop of amazing chicken salad)

2. Superbeautys 2

The fulll enchilada, this is the true hangover remedy of the ages. Eggs, sausage, bacon, potatoes and two pancakes.

3. Beautys Bonjour

Fried egg sandwich on a bagel, with cheese and bacon, breakfast in the perfect package. I always throw in a little tomato and lettuce.

4. Beautys Special
Bagel, lox and cream cheese, is a Montreal classic, and Beautys is the place that makes the original of this classic. The assembly and ingredients has been passed down through the generations at Beautys, and every time one is dropped at a table, it's a little piece of Montreal bagel art that's a treat for the eyes.

5. Waffles with frozen "yogurt", mini chocolate chipits and fruit - (it's ice cream, but I like to pretend its frozen yogurt). I went through a serious phase of being obsessed with this menu item. I have recently replaced it with blintzes, but it's a great alternative to a "sweet" style pancake breakfast, and I will always consider it as I walk through the door at Beautys. This waffle wonder is also a great way to get your niece or nephew to love you forever.

6. Blintzes with sour cream & strawberries
I can't even explain it. I had never even tried blintzes before having them at Beautys, and I dont like them anywhere else. Ask for them well done, and experience something euphoric.

7. Club Salad
Like a club sandwich, in a salad. Bacon, chicken, cheese, tomato, and lettuce piled into one amazing chopped salad.

8. Fried Banana bread
Even though I like my recipe better, they butter it up and fry it on the griddle so perfectly- it's the only way to end a meal with a cup of coffee.

9. Rice pudding
The only place I will eat rice pudding. In fact, even if you think you hate rice pudding, you'll love it at Beautys.

1o. Mocchachino royale & all the smoothies

The good food doesn't end there - in fact it's just the tip of the iceberg. (You better get eating now). The service is great. The staff are friendly and efficient, they bring crayons to the table to keep the youngens entertained (and yes, you will find me with a cup of crayons dumped out on the table colouring in my placemat too). But don't be upset if when you order your bacon well done the waiter seems to be scribbling with his pen 3 mm above the paper and pretending to actually write this request. It's air-guitar special requests only at Beautys. They won't ask the kitchen for it, but they'll nod their heads as if they are doing it. But no worries, your bacon is still going to arrive well done & crispy.

Another happy bacon eating customer- she likes it crispy

The takeout is great. I go all the time in the summer for a takeout picnic and head up the street to Mont Royal for a gourmet picnic - and I really feel it's the best way to celebrate the city we live in. It could be added to a list of tourist "must-do" activities. The takeout counter at Beautys is full of great stuff: mini bottles of maple syrup, banana breads, salad dressings, soup & crouton bags (croutons are made from Montreal bagels). You can pick up iconic Beautys T-shirts, hats, or coffee mugs too - a perfect gift to bring home to someone if you are visiting Montreal.

It's probably obvious by now, but I really love this place. It's not cheap, but again, it's not a diner. If you want straight up eggs and bacon and don't care about the particulars, you can eat elsewhere and save a few bucks on breakfast. Then again an egg breakfast with bacon, potatoes and toast will only run you $8.00 or so. I think you can handle it.

**Special mention of the BLT on Challah, because my man will kill me if I don't- It's delicious!

Beautys
93 Mont- Royal West
Open Weekdays 7am-3:30pm
Sat 7am-4:30pm
Sun 8am-4:30pm

Brunching & Lunching it in Montreal Part 2: McKeirnan

2010-03-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

McKiernan, the new-ish addition to the Joe Beef, Liverpool House, McMillan-Morin family on Notre Dame West is an incredible Montreal gem. This tiny lunch and-sometimes-supper spot has but 18 indoor seats in the winter, and a lively jamming terrace out-back when the spring-summer-fall weather permits. The vibe is sunny and cozy (love the four seater tables in the window banquettes), with a menu that boasts a wide range of items that are made with the restaurant's home-grown vegetables (from their patch out-back!). The more affordable McMillan owned spot brings the sud-ouest hipster crowd, Westmount lunching mommies & artsy business lunch crowd together for some of the best food the city has to offer. The decor is in theme with JB & LH, what seems to be a collection of mason jars, crates, collectibles, funky wall art and other rustic furnishings. The place is hopping at lunchtime but no matter how busy it is, chef Marc-Andre Leclerc, Curtis Vargo and his crew are bustling about, humming to the (great) music, and making it all look easy. It's casual, and it's styling.

Let's start with lunch. Everything on the menu is sublime. Everything. I have been hitting McKiernan for lunch for some time now - and it's the perfect lunch experience every time. Some of my favourites include: the Mckiernan Salad: beets, goat cheese, pine nuts, greens, radish & tomato. A mixed salad that's just filling enough. The pear and pecorino salad is perfectly executed, thinly sliced pear and coarsely grated pecorino cheese, pine nuts, arugula, and onion. Pear and pecorino have always been a favourite combo of mine, and I'm so glad it's there for the taking. The Chicken tikka sandwich was great too. And then there's the Cobb salad. Let's face it. Cobb salad is just the bomb - and that much better when it's done the McKiernan way. The club roll was good (served overflowing out of a toasted hot dog bun), but not exceptional, so maybe skip it when dining in a place with so many exceptional choices. The gnocchi special I had this past visit (today), was totally mind blowing. I didn't initially order it, but added it at the last second when I saw one being delivered to another table. Wow. Perfectly tender, with soft sun-dried tomatoes, greens, and lightly cheesed- it was rich but light. The pulled pork tacos were also amazing, and the turtle brownie made with pistachios was so good, I was still taking the last bites as I put my coat on and swearing I was too full for more. The menu is diverse and changes often, so you really have to go and see what makes your mouth water. It will definitely be an outstanding Montreal eating experience that will keep you coming back time and time again.

Pulled pork taco

Two girls, one brownie

In the summer they also make an amazing fruit lemonade. I can't wait for its return, but in the meantime, a lunchtime glass of vino will do fine.

About brunch... 3 important things: 1) it's only available Saturday; 2) it's heavy; and 3) it rocks. The lineup is about 30 minutes or so, but the hostess will call you when your table is ready, so you can peruse the antique stores nearby while you wait. If you can't handle the monster that is brunch at McKiernan, they always have the lunch menu (with salads) to fall back on. But the brunch is a not to be missed experience. The last time I ate there at 1pm, and I was not hungry again until about 9. The menu often changes, and is always imaginative and makes for a difficult ordering decision. The breakfast sandwich is colossal: it comes on a thin toasted (homemade) bun, with egg fritatta, lettuce, tomato, cheese, sausage, ham and of course bacon. 1 sandwich, 3 meats, no biggie right? wrong. I thought my friend (who can normally handle his breakfast meats) would have a heart attack just looking at the thing when it arrived at the table. But he polished it off an proceeded to move in on my grilled cheese (4 cheese & bacon grilled cheese= amazing). Lots of items on the McKiernan menu feature or include bacon in some way, and since everything in life is better with bacon, they get big points for that. Oh ya, the coffee is really awesome- my americano was first-rate.

Just like Olive & Gourmando, Mckiernan is tragically closed on Sundays & Mondays, but again, everyone needs time to relax and recharge. If you are visiting Montreal- I must reiterate, you cannot miss lunch at McKiernan (or dinner at Liverpool House for that matter) for a real authentic, original, and memorable Montreal meal.

McKiernan, 2485 Notre-Dame Ouest

Go to Lunching & Brunching it in Montreal: Part 1

Brunching & Lunching it in Montreal Part 1: Olive & Gourmando

2010-03-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Montrealers know what it's like when the sun starts shining, the ski equipment gets stored until next year, and the first few warm weekends arrive... we just want to get together with friends on a sunday morning, head out into our beautiful city and eat with reckless abandon (well I do anyway).

Over the next few days, I want to talk about 4 places I love for brunch & lunch. Because hell, even though it's snowing (lightly) as I write this - it's spring! Time to whip out your shades & leather jackets and go wait in line for some great brunch food!

These four places are some of my favorite of all time, anywhere, and we're lucky to have them right here at home. If you are coming to visit our great city, you simply cannot miss eating at these legend-status-worthy local spots. Not all of them serve brunch all week (who's brunching mid week anyway?), but they all have an excellent weekend brunch, and some of the most amazing weekday lunch around, spots I hit for a midday bite on an almost weekly basis. So here goes.... first stop; Olive & Gourmando.

As you approach the lineup pouring out the door of Olive & Gourmando in Old Montreal, you may want to turn on your heels and run in the other direction. If you do, you clearly have never eaten at O+G. Otherwise, you'd excitedly be placing your name on the list at the door, and waiting patiently outside on the bench like a good little puppy - soon to be rewarded by a world class eating experience.

O+G has always been one of my favorite places to be in Montreal. On a sunny day, with the open windows and breeze blowing through, or, as a cozy refuge of warmth from the rain and snow. O+G seriously serves up some of the best brunch & lunch I have ever come across. The cool design & the vibe hits you as soon as you walk through the door. Dark reds and purples, wooden counters, good lighting, nice fixtures, great music. At the back where you make your order, the food is beautifully styled and displayed on dishes inside the glass counter. There are pots of spices and tomatoes growing in all the windowsills. Beautiful. From the style of the words and graphics on the walls to the perfect placement of each bag of potato chips, (that seem as though they were tossed into a basket)... the place is right on.

The restaurant was opened and is owned by couple Eric and Dyan (and now another partner, the wonderfully sweet Shelley Garinther), and the fact that they are never too far from the shop really shines through in the quality of food and service. These owners are hands on, and passionate about their establishment. Eric checks each plate as it leaves the kitchen area before hitting the table (I mean EVERY plate), and Dyan works the front making sure clients are happy and the customer flow is running smoothly. I have rarely been in there when both of them weren't present. Strangely, their staff lack some warmth - it's not always service with a smile, but it is fast and professional. The rest of the sweet O+G package more than makes up for it.

Owner Eric Girard checking each plate for perfection.

Breakfast here is really all about the pastries. One more delicious than the next. The rustic and consistently incredible quality of the baked goods is like a magic trick happening to your senses. It all looks, feels and tastes completely unreal. The "Egg on your face" sandwich is a bite into something special: oven roasted tomato, chopped poached egg salad and proscuito. A treat for your taste buds. They also have an excellent yogurt and granola dish if you are on the healthy plan (a plan you will soon throw away as you walk by the pastry counter), and as though that's not enough, they also serve a way-better-than-average coffee.

A few of my favourites from the pastry counter include; personal banana bread loaf (a great companion for a morning coffee and Gazette in hand), valrhona chocolate brioche (Eric's fave), Jami's Bar (named after the former pastry chef at O+G), Apple turnover, and I can't seem to leave the premises without a chocolate chip pecan cookie.

Can't wait to see where in Montreal Jami & his sweets will turn up next...

Mandatory cookie to-go

For lunch Olive has 2 soups a day, always amazing, so original, healthy, and hearty. Salads change daily, and the very original signature dishes (baked mac & cheese that will make your mouth water) change seasonally. The sandwich board has 6 choices, one of which rotates seasonally and the rest are O&G staples. 3 hot paninis, 3 cold sandwiches. They are imaginative, varied enough to suit all eating preferences (an amazing "Viva Las Vegan" sandwich with tofu can even turn my meat eating self into a temporary herbivore), and perfect every time. My favorite has always been the cajun chicken, avocado & mango sandwich on char-grilled bread, but the more new stuff I try, the more addicted I become to it all. And I have been a die-hard fan for close to 7 years.

I don't think I can hold your attention long enough to describe it all, because honestly the menu at O+G is like stepping into another galaxy of pastry and sandwich eating. I'll just say you'd be hard pressed to find other places churning out this kind of heavenly goodness anywhere in the world. So go.

Unfortunately Olive & Gourmando is closed on Sunday and Monday (yes, it is completely insane for them to be closed on Sunday, but it's all in the name of a day of rest, thus giving you 110% quality the rest of the time).

Olive & Gourmando
351 Rue Saint-Paul West

On tap for this week's brunch/lunch blog bonanza: Mckiernan, Beautys, & Le Cartet.

OrangeX Jupiter: an extreme orange experience.

2010-03-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

I went to visit my bro in New York two weekends ago. As soon as his apartment door swung open, I instantly noticed a bag of 24 oranges sitting on his counter next to a tall, lean, shapely, gorgeous new friend. Unfortunately for him, that beauty was... a juicer. I hadn't even taken my jacket off, and I was already slicing, juicing, and freaking. "I need one of these IMMEDIATELY!!!!....IMMEDIATELY!" I exclaimed (kind of screeched), with my weekend bags all around me on his kitchen floor. He went into his room, pulled out a massive Williams Sonoma bag, with a huge, extremely heavy box inside of it, and said "How immediate do you mean?", and right then and there, presented me with my very own OrangeX (Jupitor model) juice press, the Greek God of citrus juicers: It's tall, curvy, tough, all muscle, yet simple, and classic. A ruler of it's universe, it will extract all available juice from any citrus fruit with ease. The whole gift exchange moment was so perfect it could have been scripted, as I danced around celebrating the new addition to my kitchen.

I had done some research on juicers, as I've had my eye on one for a while, and I can report that the Jupiter OrangeX Professional Juice Press is really in a class of its own. They even have the exact same one at a favorite Miami juice bar/eatery: Miami Juice. If it's good enough for Miami Juice... it's going to kick butt in my kitchen forever.

What's the big deal about this juicer? Here's a few of the many things I love about it:

1. It doesn't slip and slide around the counter, like some of the more residential style ones (even the OrangeX juicers in those categories aren't great). It's heavy iron and has great suction cups on the base. We're talking heavy duty business here.

2. It's beautiful in its industrial simplicity. So easy to use (except for the fact that when Eric first saw it and tried to use it, he attempted to jam a full orange inside it instead of cutting the orange in half. I guess it's not completely idiot proof). It's so simple, and well built, with few moving parts, all iron and steel... which means you don't have to worry about a malfunction, an electronic problem, or replacing cheap or hard to find parts. The handle is long, ergonomic, rubber, and quality. This press should be with you a long long time.

Nice try Eric

3. It's green. No plug, no motor, no electronics, no noise, and no power required (except for the power of your bicep and a touch of tricep action to finish it off). A simple, functional, machine that delivers a universally loved, healthy, all natural, ready to eat product... quickly and deliciously.

4. It actually looks great. And it doesn't take up much space. I couldn't wait to find a permanent spot for it on the counter. It's a classic design: white, traditional, almost rustic looking, slim, and plain cool.

5. Kids love this thing. I finally have something in the house that I could entertain a child with for more than 35 seconds. We had two toddlers visit (separately) in the last few days, and both were captivated by it. Save for slicing the oranges and the power required to press it all the way down - they can basically do it themselves. My niece offered everyone in the room a glass (praying they'd say yes), and then asked us 14 times during dinner if we could make more juice.

6. It's easy to clean. Just grab the two stainless steel round parts, both easy to remove, rinse off, and put back. No nooks and crannies where pulp might get stuck, no delicate pieces to worry about.

7. It's great for making delicious cocktails. We tested it out this weekend with a good old fashioned cocktail showdown. My brother Jonathan was in town staying with us, and we had some friends over for drinks before heading out for my birthday. Jonathan made a brazilian drink called "Caipirinha", using lime that he pressed, and Eric made the "Little Devil Cocktail" using pressed lemon (and rum and gin - by the way, not a winning combo); both recipes out of the cute Bartender's Pocket Guide book. I made my very own, original, "Bluma Bellini" with Champagne, fresh pressed blood orange & grapefruit, and smashed raspberry. I definitely won over the ladies in the house, and got points for using the press in the most unique way (which reminds me - you can also press pomegranates in the OrangeX. Pretty awesome right?). But a special mention of Jonathan's drink; that although no one actually liked- someone in the room who had travelled to Brazil said it tasted very authentic- so he would have placed high in the "replicating a traditional drink" cocktail-off. Better luck next time brohan. The only (negative-ish) comment I would make is that I love a nice amount of pulp in my juice, and although trace amounts of pulp do escape into the glass, I like to scoop some out of the top strainer and stir it into the juice.

8. It's great for cooking. If you cook with lemon like I do, it's amazing. No seeds, fast, and right there next to my cutting board. It may be a bit large for the size of a lemon, so it may extract a little less than a traditional wooden reamer. But again, fast, clean, no seeds = awesome. I've already used it more times than I can remember this week. Caeser salad dressing, roasted brocolli, piccata limone, and this list goes on. And this thing is going to make whipping up an Arnold Palmer in the summer a breeze. I can't wait.

9. Who doesn't love fresh juice? Get yourself one of these, and enjoy.

Please note; Williams Sonoma's website does not feature this model (not sure why).

A Juicy follow up! After a dinner party at our house this past weekend, the tail end of party moved into the kitchen (that's just where we hang in my house), and of course- we had to do a little OrangeX demo for our friends. Here's how it went down.

Hamburger Hoedown Throwdown

2010-03-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have never been one to crave a burger. As a kid I was always into chicken nuggets - and to be perfectly real with you, besides my introduction to (and subsequent love affair with) In-n-Out Burger 8 years ago, I have never eaten a fast food burger in my life. No Big Mac, no Quarter Pounder, no Big Bacon Classic, nada. However, I do like me some junk food. Like every true Quebec native, I enjoy a good poutine with steaming hot gravy and melting cheese curds... and chicken fingers with french fries will always put a smile on my face. But I don't hang with the Hamburgler and don't bow to the Burger King. That stuff just smells like garbage to me.

Eight years ago I tried the in-n-out burger, and it was amazing. Still, I didn't venture far into burger eating world, figuring that In-n-Out just happened to be one amazing item, and I would enjoy it whenever I got the chance. Cut to two years later. I meet my now husband, and the burger was forced right back into my life. He's a burger freak, and now I find myself eating more burgers and seeking out great burgers everywhere we go.

After Eric and I got married, we drove up to the Laurentians and stayed at the very beautiful Quintessence for a few nights. Of course, we had no interest in eating resort food every day - we needed some authentic post- nuptials casse- croute action. But with so many options in the area, and only one meal to spare on junk food (OK... maybe 2 meals), I needed to investigate. So one morning while we were having breakfast in the Q dining room, I poked my head into the kitchen and asked the staff where the best burger in town was.

"Benvenue" was the unanimous response.

I reported this news to Eric.

"Bull****" he said. "100% Boeuf is definitely the best burger in the area."

Now let me just preface this by saying that Eric and his snowboard buddies go to Mont-Tremblant every weekend and ALWAYS stop for burgers at a place called "Le P'tit Stop" on hwy 117 southbound near St-Jovite. They all call it "Cent Pourcent Boeuf" (which means one hundred percent beef, in french) because of the huge sign on the roof of the restaurant that says, well... 100% Boeuf. I'm going to say based on how much they talk about it that it's at least 25% of the reason they snowboard, and for some of them, much higher.

Anyways, this time we tried Benvenue. And I loved it. And so did he, except he's too biased to admit it's better than 100% Boeuf, and he actually made us stop at 100% ALSO that day. I haven't been back to Benvenue since, until this past weekend where we made our second double casse-croute pilgrimage together. The order was going to be a simple Cheeseburger and fries - we didn't want to muddy up the test scores by adding poutine or other Quebec delicacies to the mix.

The scene at Benvenue was as I remember it. In fact, it probably hasn't changed in 20 years. Benvenue's unimpressive on the decor front. I don't mind the green chairs attached to tables MacDonald’s style, but Eric says the discomfort doesn’t invite hanging with friends or taking your time while eating. So Benvenue loses points there. It does however, make up for it ten fold with the Pepsi menu board with velcro lettering - bienvenue a Quebec! The place is spotlessly clean, and the kitchen is open air, and as I watch them whizz around assembling burgers, toastees (a hotdog in a toasted bun) and poutines, I felt great about the hygiene and food care in that kitchen. Seriously.

There’s a constant flow of people lined up at the counter making orders, and then a mess of people waiting to pay and waiting for food. I ordered fries a cheeseburger, with tomato, lettuce, and ketchup, Ric had the same with the addition of “chou”. The googley eyed old man at the cash took my order, turned to the cook and translated it from French to Laurentian Quebecois French.

The burger came in a tightly wrapped wax paper bundle, and I smiled as I looked down- the burger stork had just dropped a little tightly wrapped bundle of cheeseburger love right into my lap.

The burger from Benvenue is the perfect package I remembered it to be. Let’s start in the center and work outward. The beef: By no means is this a thick and heavy duty patty. But it smells great, and it’s just thick enough to be cooked all the way through and still be juicy. It’s the perfect size to complement its neighbours, the cheese and crispy bun. The lettuce and tomato are pretty standard - shredded iceberg and a slice of tomato - both perfectly good, the right amount & not slimy. The cheese: light orange in colour, the cheese is somewhere between velveeta and a melted kraft single. It’s warm and spreadable and dolloped on with a spoon - but not quite “spread” on. I am really not sure what they are using or how they assemble the cheesy mixture, but it’s cheesy, sticky but not runny, and tasty. And they don’t use too much. If I caught a glimpse of the stuff in any other setting I would never go near it - but it truly makes the Benvenue burger special. Again, if the burger patty itself was any meatier and thicker, the taste and delicate balance of the cheese would be lost. Finally, the bun. The bun has been pressed on a griddle to toasted perfection. The entire top and bottom of the bun have a light crunch all the way across, and the bread itself is moist and fresh all the way through, so when you bite through the delicious toasted exterior, the moist inside is no let down. I may have enjoyed it even more sitting at a table and chairs, but I wolfed it down on the way to our next burger stop, and snuck in the remainder of my fries for comparison. My moxie only goes so far.... I polished off the burger in the Cent Pourcent parking lot. Bringing in beef from another casse-croute would be the ultimate insult to a proud burger joint like this place.

It was an 11 minute trip to 100% Boeuf, and the parking lot is full when we arrive. And apparently... I’m with a VIP. Ric chit chatted with the staff and introduced me to the proprietor, who offered us a complimentary home made fried dough / “beaver tail” with the toppings of our choice in celebration of Ric bringing the miss'. The place looks like a no frills log cabin on the inside and is much brighter and more vibrant than Benvenue - which feels more like the Seventies inside (or so I’m told). In terms of decor and ambiance, 100% is superior. The kitchen is again open, spotless and staffed with 5 friendly people in all whites and hairnets. Definitely a more professional looking ("looking") operation. Here, you order at the cash, give them your name, and sit down. When the food’s ready, one of the kitchen staff walks out with your tray in hand, and shouts out the name associated with the order. You raise your hand to claim your meal.

The burger arrived in a tight wax paper package - dressed the same as Benvenu’s (for the sake of science). It’s slightly larger (a 4oz patty - they also offer an 8oz version) then the Benvenu burger. The patty is a bit thicker and I found it slightly less juicy/greasy, even spongy. The cheese is a basic square of processed cheddar, not put on the griddle and left for enough time to melt. Two thumbs down in the cheese department. The vegetables on the burger are the same standard stuff, but with an entire slice of onion, which requires some work to separate, unless you really like raw onion (which I do, but not everyone does). The bun is toasted - they fry both sides on a separate griddle top in the kitchen only they don't get enough surface area of the bun actually toasted and crispy (only the very top gets a spot on crispiness due to the curvature of the bun), and not soft and fresh enough to make up for the lack of toasted-ness. As for the fries, there’s no question. 100% Boeuf has the advantage. Crispy, hot, not greasy, but not dry - excellent. Even though I was asked not to mention it, 100% got our burger topping order wrong, after having written it down, while Mr. Potato Head at the Benvenue counter listened to my order, just once, and got it bang on. Just sayin'.

A female employee came by to ask what we decided on for desert - this is very unorthodox at 100% as orders are never taken at the table, but like I said... VIP treatment. My man really knows how to impress a lady. We opted to share a chocolate covered “delice d’anna” named after the owner’s mother. The boys loved it but I was too stuffed after 2 cheeseburgers and fries, and thought it was just OK (no disrespect to the man's mother).

I was warned about the food coma that sets in after you eat 100%, and sure enough, an hour later I was in bed fast asleep... tough sunday of burgers and fries.

The verdict: The burger at 100% had a distinct flavor, and I enjoyed the few bites I had, but it was a little too dry and not as tasty as Benvenue’s. For the post ski experience, maybe 100% is a touch cosier, and delivers service with a special smile. It certainly does the trick & then some (they have chicken nuggets and Benvenue does not) but Benvenue slams it out of the park in the burger category. No competition. Mmmmmm... now that's a tasty burger!

I give Benvenue a huge, hearty gold medal. But hey - if you live for 100% burgers and have never tried the heavenly goodness of the Benvenue burger, I'll bet 100% Boeuf seems pretty awesome. So rock on Eric & friends, rock on.

Here's some other burgers I tried recently and loved:

Burger Joint at the Parker Meridian (NYC)
Step into the lavish lobby of the parker meridian, and just behind the velvet red curtain awaits a lineup to a burger to behold in the hole in the wall right there in what seems to be the crawl space of the luxury hotel's lobby. Best. fries. ever. (Please note I have also had some of the best fries of my life at Fred's in Barney's)

Taverne on the square

Big, juicy, delicious burger cooked medium and served rightfully without all the fancy accoutrements. Famous Tavern fries on the side. Bite into this sucker too aggressively and watch the burger juice spray all over your friends like a slasher movie kill scene.

Patati Patata

A little perfect package. Excellent fries. Everyone I know loves this place, it's no secret how incredible it is.

Beauty's

Amazing burger, and amazing to see such an amazing burger in an restaurant where so many other menu items rank at the top of their categories. If you've never tried it, as Hymie says, "you're always welcome".

La Paryse
It's different, and delicious- but may not be worth the long lines- I find recently there's a slight decline in quality. A montreal classic.

**Also to note, I think Mr. Steer Burger smells like dirty mop water (a major, red, hygiene siren should now be ringing in your brain), and eating a burger in the shape of a tennis ball is not cool, anywhere, anytime.

February foods.

2010-02-15T07:31:00.000-08:00

Who's excited about February!? Dark, cold and dreary with no signs of springtime in sight, awesome. But really, at least we've got the Superbowl and Valentines Day. Two good reasons to eat well.

I love the Superbowl. It is always a fun time to get together with friends, test out great finger foods, and the audience of boys I provide for are always game. BLT's with avocado aioli, nachos grande, lamb chop lollipops, puled pork sliders and risotto spoons are just a small bite of the Superbowl repertoire that grows over the years.

My MVR (Most Valuable Recipe) award this year goes to the very simple & delicious parmesan crusted chicken fingers with marinara sauce. I make them quite often for casual parties and get togethers, and everyone always loves them. Here's the recipe, as promised!

Lately I've been experimenting with mind altering kettle corn. You can pop homestyle popcorn in a pot on your stovetop as fast as you can make it in the microwave - and it's actually pretty exciting when the kernels start bouncing around the pot. I have finally perfected the amount of sugar per cup of kernels to create a sweet but fluffy popcorn, that I then drizzle melted valrhona chocolate over, with touch of fine salt. It's an instant hit. I made it for the Superbowl and then again as Valentines Day drop offs for some clients & friends. Check out the recipe and instructions here.

While I'm not much of a Valentine's Day gal, this year I did have a low key but very memorable day. Usually, we do Chrysantheme chinese take out, some good wine, and chocolate fondu for dessert - but since they closed their doors a year and half or so ago, casual at home Vday plans have never been as easy. The general idea is that I don't cook, we avoid being out with the masses (living room couch is way more romantic), but still eat something delicious. We decided to cook together this year, since no takeout we could think of could top a good home cooked meal. On the way to the market, we worked out the menu: A pasta duo of Cappeletti pasta with olive oil, "burnt" broccoli, garlic, a few sauteed cherry tomatoes, spicy sausage & bread crumbs, and fettucini with sauteed mini portobello mushroom and a light cream and parmesan sauce. Dessert was going to be an apple filo tart (a recipe that I was trying for the first time).

We popped a bottle of Tuscan wine, put on some tunes, and we were off. Eric did most of the actual cooking for the sausage and broccoli pasta, and I stayed close with my wine in hand, giving pointers and explanations, and prepping his next ingredient. The fettucini sauce only needed to be thrown together at the last second, so I prepped Eric for what he was going to have to do to complete the pasta. I took care of the cream sauce, I needed it to be barely creamy and have the perfect consistency, so I kept that job for me. He opened and cooked the sausage perfectly, then handled the broccoli frying with ease, and impressed me with sauteeing the cherry tomatoes and putting it all together to finish the job. wow ,wow, wow. He only briefly smoked up the kitchen, and melted less than three spatulas.

Dessert was fun to make. The apple filling cooks on the stovetop for a quick ten minutes, and set aside to cool. Then begins a delicate assembly of filo sheets brushed and lightly coated with sugar, gently lowered into a spring form to eventually form a pie-like shape complete with a crust and top. A very simple but delicate job, that requires complete yogi frame of mind to take on.

The meal was completely outstanding. Perfect in every way, neither of those pastas have ever been better in our house - a real labour of love. Sounds so cheesy, but it was.

Some outtakes of the most delicious pasta throwdown in the history of our kitchen (that's a serious statement coming from a pasta freak like me). Poor Eric didn't always know when my camera was on video mode.

Masala here & there.

2010-02-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

I just love a good Indian meal. I don't even care when my winter coat smells like Punjab fare for 3 months after. I always find people who are turned off by Indian food and are quick to associate the cuisine only with curry (which is in fact one of my favourite spices), which it so is not. I have waited a while to write this blog, because I wanted to do a fresh and current test run of some of Montreal's “best” Indian spots, and I needed time to do the field research (...can't be eating the stuff every night).

A few years back after a string of disappointing meals in Montreal, I sort of gave up on Indian. Because as good as a delicious Indian meal can be - little is more disgusting than a bad one. Then this past September while in London, the Punjab flame was re-ignited by a meal at the unlikeliest of places.

As Eric and I sat in a cafe in London, trying to map out our eating over two days (which reservations to keep, which to forgo, how to maximize the quality without letting the Sterling Pound break the travel bank), we asked my cousin, a local, for a recommendation. We had heard of a bunch of trendy Indian spots (trendy and Indian! who knew?) that sounded good. I should explain that my cousin is blessed with a business expense account that’s allowed him to eat in virtually every upscale restaurant in London. And as an international business traveler, he's tried a variety of foreign food that would make Anthony Bourdain envious. Anyway, cuz said that if we wanted to truly experience the best Indian food in London - we had to make the trek to "Lahore House" on Umberston Street in White Chapel. It was a 30 pound taxi ride in each direction, but the meal would be dirt cheap and well worth the trip. (Also note he was off to Mumbai, real deal, in the morning on business). We were sold.

We decided to behave like we live there, save the thirty quid and hit the tube to White Chapel. This tube stop was way off at the end of the line, definitely on the outside edge of our tourist comfort zone. We stepped out of the station and into sketchville. It was dark; there were a few homeless people, fewer streetlights and no retail stores to speak of. Cars whipped by the 4 lane main road at highway speeds. Nothing around seemed to be open save for a few sparse depanneurs that looked like they'd be right at home in the seedier parts of my old neighborhood St-Henri. Strange characters looked at me like I was completely wacked out when I asked them if they knew where Lahore House or Umberston Street was. Finally, we ducked into the most suspect Pizza Hut I have ever seen, and I proceeded to ask all of the patrons if they knew where we were headed. One family actually told me they didn't know how to direct me there, but they knew it was far. Sounded like we were off to a great start.

We stepped back out onto the street and kept walking for 15 minutes until a taxi drove past, which we called for like Tom Hanks waving down a distant ship in Cast Away.

Turns out Umberston Street is the tiniest alleyway of a street – you’d have to live on it to locate it. Doesn’t always pay to be a hero and try to travel like a local - locals would have clearly had the brains to take a taxi the whole way to Lahore.

We arrived at the restaurant, and stepped into an epic lineup of Londoners. Indian families, students, young couples, groups of dudes, and businessmen rolling up in Range Rovers illegally parking with their hazards blinking. No worries about the lineup, this place worked fast and efficiently (hosts and head waiters wearing walkie talkies with headsets, need I say more?). The place was a big and very simple, melamine tables and banquet chairs, linoleum floors, fluorescent lighting... but it was clean and there was a good energy coming from the clientele, who all seemed to be happy to be there. The kitchen was fully exposed on two sides by big glass windows - no secrets here. Fourteen or so guys working with intensity - working four dishes over four flames at once, while turning back to check on a sauce, lowering the naan dough into the fire pit with a poker, moving with amazing precision and speed. We ended up sitting in front of that window and I spent most of the meal staring into the kitchen in excited wonderment. I spotted the guy who seemed in charge (everyone who walked in knew this guy on a first name basis). As he greeted us, I told him I was on my honeymoon - all the way from Canada, and needed his advice on the menu.

He came over to our table and actually sat down with us. He was in fact the owner, and he was awesome. We went through the menu in detail, and he was extremely patient and helpful as I pointed to all the tables around me asking what they were having. We discussed and he arbitrated, and the order was settled. I wasn’t really sure what exactly I had just agreed to eat, but I felt good about it.

Lahore House is a byob (in our case bring your own beer) and is actually a mix of northern Indian but primarily Pakistani food (hence the name Lahore). These two cuisines have a lot of crossover, and a lot of the food is what we see in Indian restaurants here in North America, so I call it indian, but it's really Pakistani, or to cover all the bases and make things really easy; Punjabi.

First the chicken and lamb kebab arrived at the table. Unbelievably tasty. The flavours exploded in my mouth - it was tikka style with a splash of citrus, but better than any other kebab I've tried. AMAZING.

Next up was naan bread, raita, rice, lamb sag (lamb stewed with spices, tomato, and spinach; sag means spinach), and a spicy chicken dish that the owner told us he would "arrange".

Both of these dishes blew my mind (and the chicken almost tore my taste buds out). My lips were red and irritated and I swear there are very few times in my life I have ever been so happy eating one single meal. The lamb was perfectly seasoned, the spinach still resembled spinach - it was fragrant and salty with a hint of sweet and perfect. The chicken dish was unreal. Oily (with just the right amount of oil), tomato based and so red hot spicy - but the kind of spice where you can still taste the complex layers of flavor, which is really what Indian cooking is all about for me.

Lahore house was one of my favourite meals of all time, and I would recommend anyone headed to London check out this spot - even if your time there is limited, and even if you are thinking you want reservations at one of London’s renowned restaurants like River Café or Moro (which we did, but hit Lahore instead).

When we got back from our trip, I was set on rediscovering Indian eating in Montreal. The first thing I did was buy a fresh Indian spice kit from Epices de Cru. Epices de Cru is a spice company started by Chef and travel enthusiast Philippe Devienne and his wife Ethne. He is a great, interesting guy who I used to take cooking classes from back when I was 13 and discovering my love for the kitchen. Phillip and his wife import all kinds of high quality and obscure spices in their freshest form from all over the world. They sell them out of their store La Depense at the Jean Talon Market (where you can also get fresh hot bhajis and with mango chutney in the summer - mmm mmm good!) and The Fromagerie at the Atwater Market carries the line too - The themed sets come in a beautiful box and make for great gifts.

I ended up making made my own Garam Masala (way different than store bought), and spent hours over the next few days putting together a couple of Indian meals. It was fun, but if you dare to cook Indian, be prepared to spend a lot of time and have everything in your house smell intense for a week.

As for the restaurant search, I scoured internet chat rooms dating back to 2005, making my "hit list" of places including some very close to home, some a little further, mostly dives, and a few on the "higher" price scale. I am going to continue on this Punjabi journey, and add to this post as I go. Do you have a favourite Indian spot I should hit? Please share your comments and suggestions below!

I took a few photos here and there, but the lighting and general ambiance of the places don’t produce very exciting photojournalism. So please believe me when I say its a go.

My faves so far:

Pushap 5195 Pare, Montreal. Cash only

Pushap has always been a consistently good and delicious spot for Indian. It is vegetarian, but as much as I love a good Chicken Jalfrezi, Pushaps dishes are one better than the next and more than makes up for the lack of meat on the menu. Don’t be deterred by the metal tableware (that may make you feel like you are eating on a prison tray): The metal tray with various compartments is called a “thali” and is simply the traditional way to eat Indian food, and how the people of India have been eating their food for centuries.

The food is amazing and not oily or greasy. We both started with samosas, they are flavourful and fresh. Eric’s meal: Some fiercely hot and green peas with paneer (which he loved, too bluntly hot for me), lentil curry, and a sweet eggplant and tomato dish that we both had and loved. I had my Pushap favourites: cauliflower and potato curry (so aromatic and even more tasty), the eggplant dish, and raita for us to share. You can also get naan to ways- fried or not fried (my head says go not fried, but my heart says fried). I used to stop here sometimes to pick up a box of their well-known and very scrumptious sweets to give as cool hostess gifts. They package them in a beautiful & colourful patterned box, and it's always been a great and different gift I love to bring along to any dinner party. Our meal was top quality. We walked out of there satisfied and stuffed. $17.50 for the two of us.

Mysore 4216 St Laurent, Montreal

This was the first stop on my journey to rediscover Indian in our fine city. Everything we tried was delicious. Delicious Tandoor chicken, The sag lamb was the favourite of the table and I liked the chicken Jalfrezi in particular, it was well seasoned and the chicken itself was very good quality. The onion bhajis arrived hot and crisp. It was on the higher price scale for Indian, but it gets my #1 vote for all around (not vegetarian) quality and taste. The only thing I didn’t LOVE was the raita, which is perfect if you want to take out, you can make your own with some plain yogurt, cucumber, and a box grater.

Maison Golden Cari

On St Laurent and Laurier, if you don't look carefully, you will miss this place. The doorway is so narrow it looks like you are going to be led upstairs to a larger space, but this place is in fact the size of a small narrow hallway. It gets rave reviews online from Montréal foodies, and was jamming when we got there (which I guess isn't too hard when the entire restaurant is made up of 7 tables). Anyways, it didn't live up to my high expectations. It was solid, nice and fiery. The food was all good, and I'd head back to try more. Points for two kinds of Indian beer on tap for a little extra authenticity - but I may have been happier if I hadn't felt all hyped up from "Montréal Indian restaurant" chat forums where fellow foodies seemed to be going bonkers over this place.

Masala

I haven’t been here is a very long time- over 5 years. But I really loved it when I did eat there. They still seem to be up and running, and if nothing drastic has changed in ownership- I suspect they should be churning out the same delicious food. They are open daily for lunch, but only certain days of the week for dinner. Again, a little more of a "dining" experience, not a hole-in-the-wall type of place, and the menu is quite limited so call or check it out online. They also offer cooking classes.

The just "okay"

Taj Mahal 5026 Sherbrooke West

On Sherbrooke and Claremont, this place is good when you are looking for a bite in the neighbourhood (if NDG or Westmount is your hood). Food was clean, the tikka was tasty enough and the prices were reasonable. Nothing blew my mind away but I'd eat here again and continue to explore the menu.

The Bad

Ganges 6079 Sherbrooke West, Montreal

Another reason not to trust what you read in chat forums. Every one rants and raves about Ganges on Sherbrooke in NDG. I ate there about a year ago and I can honestly say it was a reminder to me as to why I thought one could never find good Indian in Montreal. I will go back soon (just in case the 5 dishes we ordered were all miss-orders and the food really is good), but the place was disgusting and the food was greasy and tasted pre made and reheated. Bad news.

Places I’d like to hit soon: Bombay Choupati, Star of India, Indian Curry house.

To be continued & please share below! Jai ho!

Coffee Hugs.

2010-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

I want to start by saying happy new year to all of my readers! I'm also sorry for being missing in action the past few weeks, I was fortunate enough to have been on vacation, but now I am back, and ready to crush it in 2010. My blog posts (starting right now) will be much more frequent.

I also put up my cooking class schedule on my website yesterday, so if you are local, and wanting to cook with friends, learn technique and have fun, come join me- spaces are filling up fast!

I woke up this morning, greeted with a weak drip coffee, wishing I could click my heels and teleport to New York, and grab my coffee and morning bite at Abraço - my absolute favorite coffee joint, maybe on the planet.

I found this place while wandering the streets of new york with my mother and brother, after having just stopped at a gardening store and purchased 25 glass jars in different sizes, and a collection of other odd and useless objects. Our pace as a collective group holding heavy parcels had slowed down significantly, we arrived in front of Abraço, with it's lineup pouring out the door and onto the street and decided to stop for a recharge.

As I stepped into line, and looked around- I was surrounded by all types of people, old, young, hippies and hipsters (I even spotted my first 8 year old hipster, what is going on in manhattan and brooklyn?!?). There is no sign at Abraço, the only way you know you have arrived is because the street is full of people sipping, talking, or waiting their turn to get inside and order.

The interior is the size of a powder room. It is welcoming and sunny, with great jazzy brazilian tunes playing in the background. There is one slim, small counter along the tiny window, and outside there is standing-height counter and a bench. I looked up and noticed the bag of Tazza D'oro on the shelf (possibly just for display), and I instantly felt right at home. Here's why: Eric and I randomly discovered this coffee place Tazza d'oro during a trip to Rome, and we were both freaking out over how good the coffee was. I had an iced granita coffee topped with whipped cream and he had an espresso straight up. Within 5 minutes we were buying 4 vacuum packed bags of beans to take home. We found out afterwards that they're a well known, world famous coffee roaster and cafe, and we hadn't made a discovery of Columbus proportions. We still venture back when fortunate to be in Italia- I'm not sure if the coffee is as amazing as I think it is, or if I love it because I am in Rome (which is essentially heaven for me), and then I love the beans again at home because it reminds me of when I was in Rome.

Iced Granita at Tazza d'oro in Rome

Anyways, back to Abraço: the two dudes working the counter are classic: both in plaid shirts, one with an australian accent, (obviously), and Jamie Scott McCormick (the owner) working the espresso machine. They are whizzing around with an air of calm, cool, friendliness (not too friendly), making coffee and serving up some of the best pastries and slim panini style sandwiches around (pistachio cookies, ricotta brioche fritter, aged cheddar and carmelized shallots on focaccia). The food menu is always changing and always amazing.

I had an iced latte and a cappuccino (must sample it all!), my brother and mother had cappuccinos, and we shared a few goodies. When we got outside my mother was watching two dogs while their owner got coffee, the lineup was still out the door, and there was a happening east village scene to take in.

Another time we were there, I met a 50-something hippy dippy couple who forced me to actually have a bite of the panini they were eating, and told me that "abraço" means to embrace or hug in portugese. Clearly, they felt the energy and vibe of the place embracing them... and I've never had such an enlightening panini experience before. It's possible the sandwich was laced with lsd.

The cappuccino I had that day was a life changing experience. These are probably the best beans I have ever tasted in my life. Creamy, dark, and full, they smell like coffee heaven. The drip coffee is also incredible, individually brewed to order. Since then I have been back countless times, either to have a drip, cappuccino or an iced latte (always a hard decision and always amazing) and always a bite of lunch or something sweet. Eric loves the cortado (an espresso with more milk than a macchiatto, and less than a cappuccino), and we never leave without 2 bags o'beans - and regularly send my brother to pick up beans when he's coming into town.

If you love coffee and it loves you, do not miss a quick stop at Abraço in NYC. Seriously.

Boombastic banana bread

2009-12-29T07:58:00.001-08:00

I often find myself baking at 10pm. Dinner goes as planned; some protein, veggies, and I'm feeling healthy and pretty satisfied. But around 9pm, my sweet tooth sends me into the kitchen searching for a little something.. I find nothing. I give up, only to return 45 minutes later, but there are still no goodies in the pantry.

At that point my imagination kicks in as I take stock of the inventory. Chocolate chips, apples, raspberries, a tiny amount of ice cream, granola and nuts are assembled into a giant chocolate chip cookie; chocolate dipped raspberries; an apple crisp and ice cream; chocolate and almond bark... are all among the creations that are great to devour at 10:45 with limited ingredients. When I'm really desperate and out of groceries, I melt chocolate and pour it over popcorn.

Two nights ago it was bananas. 4 very black, over-ripe bananas. I always get excited at the first signs of an aging banana. The freckles and bruises that mean I'm just days away from being forced to bake something delicious. So I had to make banana bread before a fruit-fly family flew home from wintering in florida and moved in on my bunch.

I looked around in some cookbooks and online, and this was the final product, a combination of a few recipes, and quantities that sounded right. It was the most amazing banana bread of all time. I'm sharing it, because what's worse than a great recipe hoarder. Not much. A great idea to make in smaller loaf pans and give as gifts for the holiday season, and in my opinion a great hostess gift (who wouldn't want a moist and delicious banana bread?). I made 6 large loaves and gave them to friends & family.

Please note that I put “1/2 teaspoon of vanilla” in the recipe, but I only used 1/4 teaspoon because I was using pure bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, and it's some very concentrated stuff. I really recommend the stuff for baking, but you need to be careful to adjust the amounts accordingly. Good luck!

Banana Bread Recipe

T'estimo, Barcelona.

2009-12-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

Barcelona was an awesome city to visit, explore and eat in. The food in itself was an adventure, so many different styles and tastes to be had in one city, I could have eaten my way through Barcelona for another 6 months.

While planning our trip to Barcelona this fall, I was so excited to truly experience spanish tapas, and of course, did as much research as possible to ensure only the best eating experiences during our short visit.

My eating plan included doing everything in my power to get reservations at El Bulli (often called "the greatest restaurant in the world"). I decided to go in strong. I sent them an email, begging and pleading, complete with a photo of me holding "a day at el bulli"- the restaurants coffee table book that right now holds the top spot on the ottoman in my sun room.

They kindly responded no. (actually, they kindly responded in broken english, explaining they are currently "living a big problem" with the amount of requests that they can't fill, but that they "will take care full time to see if there are changes that permit us to find some solutions more", which I found very authentic and cute for a restaurant with such an international following).

In order to keep it in the family (literally), I planned for us to have lunch at inopia, opened by Albert Adria, the brother of the esteemed owner and chef of El Bulli, Ferran Adria. The restaurant also came recommended by a friend who lived in Barcelona and worked in the kitchen at El Bulli a couple of years back - I'd say that’s a pretty strong source for a recommendation. I also made us a resi at the well-known and critically acclaimed Commerc 24, and since the chef used to be the sous chef /kitchen manager at el bulli, I felt like we were keeping it close to the mothership with this call too. It was going to be our fanciest, most expensive meal there, and also the most anticipated of our trip to 3 cities.

Those two restaurants delivered extremely opposite impressions and each deserves a full review below, If you only have time to read one, scroll down to the inopia review, don't miss it. I’ll list some of the other worthwhile places we visited at the end.

Lets Start with Comerc 24.

Giddy with excitement, we pulled back the big glass and metal doors and were greeted by a guy who was all business, decked in black, with perfect hair and trimmed stubble. The place was subdued, dark and modern. We were led to our velvety seats by Senior Eurostyles, past the waiters (dressed like ninjas) and the empty front section of the restaurant.

Our waiter arrived, and we ordered a couple of cocktails and were presented with menus. The host stopped by to go over the menu and encouraged us to order the taster’s menu as most customers do. There were 2 options and we ordered the basic “festival” tasting menu, which is designed to be customized to your individual tastes and preferences, and served tapas style… in 12 or 13 separate courses including dessert. Sounds yummy.

A short conversation with the host ensued about what type of food we would each prefer to see and things we’d like omitted. We’re told the chef will use this information to prepare items from the menu (or off of it) to that most suits our tastes. How delightful. I was excited for the meal but tense from the cold, uptight vibe in the place. There was a lot of buildup to this meal so I had high expectations, and I was trying to take in everything I was seeing, smelling and hearing.

The bread service arrived and it was top notch. Safe to say that when the only part of the meal that even comes close to being top-notch is the bread, you're in trouble. Light, fresh, country style breads with 3 choices of olive oil. Amazing. Unfortunately, it was all downhill from there.

I cannot recall every serving that followed, because around the time that I realized I was actually feeling nauseous from the food, I stopped taking photos, and have been blocking the experience out of my memory since. I will only go through my menu, but I can tell you that Eric was equally (if not more) disappointed.

First course was an avocado and vegetable roll. Tasteless, textureless. literally plain avocado. I went with it and figured maybe they were giving us very bland and natural ingredients to prepare us for some very interesting tastes on the way? Wrong.

Next came a cold cauliflower vichicoise soup with truffle infusion. I like a cold soup, but this was starchy and thick, and the truffle taste was overpowering and not balanced. Gross.

Third course: gold dust covered hazelnuts. Again, tasteless. Well, they tasted like nuts. I appreciated how beautiful they were so I tried not to complain. I looked over at Eric and faked a "how are you liking the meal?" I thought maybe he was having an entirely different experience than me so far, and I think I was faking it to myself too. "it's goooood" he said, unconvincingy, and I just said "ya". Neither of us wanted to ruin the other’s Comerc fantasy meal, yet.

Then, the meal turned from plain bad, to terrible. A cold "ramen soup" broth arrived to be poured over flowers. Again beautiful to look at, but no taste. There was a vague ginger taste to the broth, other than that it was tasteless. One of the exotic flowers makes your entire mouth go numb and tingle for 3 minutes... interesting, but I was sure I was going into allergic / anaphylactic shock, which is really, really not cool. It scared the shit out of me. I said "Ric! My lips, they are swelling! my tongue!", and when I called the waitress over to ask her if there was perhaps some lobster in the soup I might be dying from, she explained the whole "electric flower" thing. I made Eric try it to show him how not nuts I am, he did not like the sensation about as much as me. How about a little, “here is your soup, enjoy the sensations from the wild flower". Or “here's your soup and, oh ya, you may feel near death while your tongue seizes up for 3 minutes.”

Little hairy wildflower- eating the entire thing could cause days of tingling & numbness

Next up, another soup (again – if you’re keeping score that’s 3 soups in 4 courses)... it was a broth with three types of "yolks" floating in it. One was a quail egg, one was a truffle yolk, the last a parmesan yolk. I’m not yolking. The waiter told me to put them in my mouth and essentially let them explode. Interesting, because eating them one at a time does not blend the tastes, but rather overpowers you with one strong flavor at a time. Also, there was nothing interesting about the texture. It was slimy and the liquid had no pulp or texture. The yolks were also way too large. When they opened up in my mouth I wanted to gag. It was too much liquid, and an unpleasant taste. Eric claims I sprayed one back into the bowl by accident – just by purge reflex. The thought of getting through this soup made me ill.

Next course was called a "kinder surprise", like the chocolate egg with the helicopter toy you have to assemble inside. Only this was an egg in brown shell that had been laser cut at the top and refilled. The bottom was egg white pieces, cooked in small slivers in raw yolk, with black truffle, and potato mousse on top. The mousse fell after 10 seconds, and this quickly became a slimy cold, sludgy, yolky substance - what's the DEAL with the eggs and soup consistency and overpowering truffle in every dish? I am into egg, and truffle of course, but this was done like a bad joke.

After that I cant remember anything. A tiny serving of salty chicken arrived (finally – solid food), but Eric and I were too busy figuring out the least embarrassing way to escape this meal. The plan was all about approaching the waiter because everyone in the place spoke in a whisper and we didn't want to make a scene or insult anyone, or have the tables near us overhear. I was feeling nausous from the amount of slimy and raw egg that I had consumed, I had yet to eat one solid thing the entire night. Erics food was partly different but equally horrible. It deserves a column to itself – it really does, but this has run on long enough I think. We called over the ultra chic maitre D and explained in hush tones that the food was making us nauseous and we wished to end our adventure now please. We took the cheque and left before the final few courses. The ambiance was lame, the food was a disaster and I couldn’t sit there any longer. In the restaurant’s defense, the service was excellent and we got the impression they were more embarrassed by the situation than we were upset by the food. They refused to charge us for all but the wine. Classy, considering we were prepared to pay for the whole "festival" in order to bust out of there asap.

Altogether, a major disappointment. No taste, basically one texture, one big catalan flop. We could not believe it. I have met, spoken to and read about handfuls of people who were just as disappointed.

Inopia

We rented bikes at the bottom of las ramblas (where I contemplated buying a pet bunny for ten euros 15 times in 3 days, seriously) on a beautiful sunny day, and mapped out our journey through some local neighbourhoods in search of Inopia. It is definitely a “drive-to” destination, off the tourist path. After (luckily) not getting killed on our bicycles on some fairly busy Barcelona streets, we arrived just before the lunch rush and were seated immediately.

The menu was all spanish, and the waiter was very helpful in explaining each dish, and making some recommendations. Everything is delivered to the table with just the right amount of style and attention to detail, without taking away from the real amazing part - the food.

The place is awesome. Casual, unpretentious and so styling. The very cool and easy going Albert Adria whizzing past us every two minutes, adjusting the volume of the music, reworking his playlist, bopping his head to the vibe, and hugging and kissing and welcoming every patron that walked in. It was like Cheers, times ten thousand. He smiled over at us, picked up one of our empty plates, and said thank you (the only english word the guy speaks). We shared a no-english moment with him, acknowledging the food and the great scene unfolding at his ultra happening spot. This guy was beyond cool (I sat watching him greet his friends and work the restaurant and sort of fell in love on the spot).

Albert Adria, you're cool.

First up came our beers and fried eggplant with sugar cane molasses. Seriously, unbelievably, amazing. Perfectly cooked. Crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

Then came Russian Salad: I didnt take part (tuna), but Eric says it was potato salad, tuna, and "other stuff". Very descriptive so thanks Ric. He said it was good, not his favorite, but here is a pic in case you happen to love Russian Salad.

Next (as per the waiters suggestion), was the inopia croque monsieur. A very basic, but tasty dish, I would give it a thumbs up, but relative to the rest of our meal, it was just OK.

Next up, The bomb. A delicious little ball of deep fried sheperds pie (basically), sitting in tomato sauce with a dollop of sour cream on top. The meat was well spiced & out of this world hot and amazing. Truly the bomb.

Chicken fingers, with spanish potato chip batter and mustard sauce (the chips are sold in bags behind the cash), were the highlight for me. They were so mind blowing that in looking at the photos I see that I became slightly cross-eyed with shock and excitement. My favorite junk food has always been chicken fingers - but this dish was from another galaxy.

Dessert was figs and yogurt. Perfectly ripe and juicy figs (figs like that could only grow in the mediterranean sun), and a light and fresh way to end the meal (and head out drunk and full on our bikes). By the time we left there was a lineup to get in, and as I saw a couple deciding to leave, I told them to wait it out, big big mistake to pass up that kind of food.

Inopia was one of the best meals of our trip, and one of the most delicious and fun spots of all time (I wish we had gone for every meal)

Other great spots & stuff

Cerveceria Catalana: We hit this spot the first night we arrived at 1:15am- perfect for your first pitcher of sangria. It was jamming with people, a great fun vibe and bar scene, and very decent tapas. We loved it! Be sure to eat Padrones peppers at every meal while in Barcelona!

La Bodegueta: very authentic and local dive - great padrones peppers and other classic catalan bites. A good, cheaper option.

Mercat de la boqueria: the famous market just off of las ramblas is a must do. One of the most impressive food markets I've ever been to- A great choice for breakfast, they have prepared fruit cups, coffee bars & eating Jamón ibérico off the pig leg is good any time of day.

Chiringuitos: are restaurants on the beach, a fun way to relax and spend the afternoon.

Also be on the lookout for some amazing looking paella at nicer restaurants along the beach.

Montjuic: A great place way out of the busy bustling streets to relax in the afternoon, take some sun, have a glass of wine while a catalan artist plays music on the steps, and enjoy the fabulous view.

Vinoteca Torres: We had classic tomato bread app, apple tart, and then chocolate on toast with sea salt. one of the best desserts that has ever hit my mouth. A+++ for a late night glass of wine and snack, and the dinner food looked incredible too.

Cal Pep: Packed tapas bar is a Barcelona favourite. Beware the long waits!

Bunny rabbit I almost bought 15 times.

You're going to love these nuts, Ottolenghi, & other stuff at home.

2009-12-13T17:34:00.000-08:00

Ventured out to Amira headquarters this weekend. The company that makes nuts, dried fruit, olives & spices has an open to the public "cash & carry" near L'acadie and chabanel.

We went there to buy an assortment of nuts to assemble some pretty jars for chanukka presents. Also because we really love going to the freaky place with fresher-than-average nuts, and getting to the cash with a basket full of stuff for $6. Makes me wanna say Boo-ya!

We loaded up on 2 kinds of pistachios (sea salt & lemon, and good old "REGULAR IRANIAN"), large (but not jumbo) cashews, some dark chocolate covered peanuts, and almonds RNS (roasted, no salt - who knew there was a whole nut lingo I had to learn?).

We kept this visit pretty focused, I tried not to get lost in the olives & cheese. We grabbed some hot bread that looked like a whole wheat helium balloon, right out of the oven and off the "poker", to eat as we browsed. The place is crazy - they have all kinds of obscure middle eastern foods and knick-knacks with classic foreign packaging. They sell syrian drums and morrocan trays, small furniture and really ornate shesh b'esh boards (I had to hold back from buying one), and weird figurines of Egyptian pharaohs and sphinx. It's a trip (...somewhere stinky).

I headed to the back to pick up some spices. I needed falafel flour mix (the real deal homemade stuff, I'm going to try to emulate Taim's falafel balls), Za'atar, and some tea that I love. Of course I ended up picking up an extra 8 spices, none of which are labeled, so that should be a fun mystery to solve now that they are all sitting in my pantry in plastic bags. I have been trying to find some good Za'atar, to make a chicken recipe out of the Ottolenghi Restaurant cookbook. I rarely follow a recipe exactly, but I like to flip through nice cook books for inspiration to keep things fresh and changing. We visited Ottelenghi in London when we were there in September and I loved it. Beautiful spot and great food. I picked up this book from Bon Apetit Cookbooks. The recipes are original, and some feature ingredients and spices that aren't very common (at least not around here). But it's fun because it gives you an opportunity to try some new flavors, and then understand them for future use. Or something.

Anyways, there were 5 types of Za'atar: Algerian, Banini, Palestinian and Jordanian and another I cannot remember but I'm guessing Syrian. The recipe in the Ottelenghi book never specified which type and here I was very confused (and hung over - bad combo). I went with the smell test and picked 2 varieties that smelled the best to me. (They both had hints of armpit... but I know that'll just make a better end product.)

I tried out one recipe tonight with some friends and a good bottle of wine. Unanimously delicious.

Menu:

Proscuito de Parma, endive, raddichio (tossed in a vinaigrette), parmesan & pear with tuscan bread.

Spicy Mediterranean soup with kale, cannelleni bean, vegetables and lemon.

Herb crusted Rack of lamb, mini cauliflower, roasted red potato.

Zaatar and Sumac chicken, with red onion & lemon.

The boys appreciated the carnivore's delight. The appetizer was excellent, the rack of lamb was perfectly done and the Chicken Za'atar recipe was delicious. It was tangy, juicy, and flavorful. I'm looking forward to having fun with this book. I will post the recipe tomorrow.

Monica & Jonathan: brunch in Brooklyn.

2009-12-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

Egg. This jamming "#1" Brooklyn brunch joint was spot on. The only downside (and it's a biggie, possibly a deal-breaker), is the wait. Jon and I fell upon it while exploring Brooklyn one Sunday when I was last in NY .I plopped down on the bench outside next to a couple from Toronto who announced to me that they were "foodies" that come to New York "alllllllllll the time" (mazel tov guys), and that they did their brunch research, and that finding myself at this little joint by chance was my lucky day. Then they told me they had been waiting for an hour and a half (not angrily I might add). What? No caps lock, no bold and no font size could ever explain how outrageous I find that. I did however, store that little snippit of info to use as ammo for the next time Eric complained about a 15 minute lineup at Beautys. Let me just say, I would never wait for 1.5 hours to eat brunch.

Anyways, Jon put our names down, and within 30 seconds, the lovely (but insane) Torontonians said "ta-ta" and strutted in for their long awaited table. Two minutes pass. Next up, the hostess calls out "Monica, for 4?".... no reply. Again, "Monica for 4?".... Silence. I looked around, and then something came over me. I stood up, without thinking, and said "yes, that's me - but now we're two". The hostess grabbed two menus and told me to follow her in. Look out Toronto, I'm doing the strutting now. If you're keeping score - that's 6 minutes from approach to seated. As we breezed past TO's table, I literally (I mean it), lowered my sunglasses and winked at them. It was an out of body experience. I don't think I have ever lowered my sunglasses, or winked at anyone, ever.

After a few solid minutes of nervous excitement, waiting and imagining the hostess walking up with the real Monica in tow, to boot my sorry ass out onto the curb, my hip-hopping stomach calmed down, and brunch happened.

First up, personal french-press coffee units arrive at the table along with 2 mini warm, light and delicious munchkin/timbit puffs: A great start. 500 points for Egg.

I ordered Eggs Rothko. What you're looking at is two eggs, easy-cooked in two slices of homemade multigrain bread (supposed to be brioche, but I asked for a healthy choice), topped with melted vermont cheddar. Perfectly cooked egg (loose yolk, and tight whites), soft amazing grainy bread, and melted oozing cheese. Wow. The broiled tomato on the plate was bold and flavourful, a nice change from the usual cold, fresh tomato slices, and the well done bacon....well done! A hash brown tater totter went whizzing by, and I knew I needed to have one. Salty, crunchy fried exterior and fresh, soft, hot interior... another 500 points right there.

Egg gets an A+ in my books. No complaints, really. But would I wait an hour and a half for that meal? Absolutely not. 20 minutes would be where I time-out. Or if it was summer, as long as it takes to have a coffee and read the paper in the sun.

Stanton Social in the lower east side is about 1000 times better and the food more creative, and they take resi's ( I am going to blog about them soon, as soon as I can get there and take some proper photos). Anyways, if you happen to be in hipster happening Brooklyn and there's no insane lineup, Egg is a great call. Check out these photos of the hipster nerd types waiting in line.

Golden State Trilogy: Part III

2009-12-06T19:28:00.000-08:00

My "best of" Los Angeles restaurant list (in no particular order). As for hotels, shopping, beaches, and activities - if I get into that I will go on forever and ever. Email me for any info if you are heading to the west coast. Enjoy.

Brunch & Coffee

Fred 62's

I used to hit this spot for breakfast all the time- in Los Feliz where I spent the summer... amazing amazing french toast.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

I loved the iced blendeds...And a 95 % chance of a celeb spotting at every single location

Sweet Lady Jane

Delicious desserts & amazing red velvet cake

Lunch

Mauros at Fred Segal

Great place to have a solid pasta, sandwich or salad, but really more for people watching and taking in the FS scene (think girls who wear ugg knee high sheepskin boots with jean skirts in 95 degree weather). Wonderful Arnold Palmers too!

Malibu Kitchen & Gourmet Country Market

When you imagine shopping for the picture perfect picnic basket, you are imagining hitting the Malibu Kitchen & Gourmet Country Market. It rocks. Then head next door to the wine shop for a great local selection.

BBQ King

Side of the road bbq in downtown LA. We ate this BBQ exclusively en route to LAX at 10am- my judgement may have been off at that hour but it was mm mmm good. The downtown location is apparently now closed.

Urth Caffe

Go. This place was good even before Vinny Chase & the gang. I even got into bringing home tea for a while.

Dinner

Koi

Kobe beef that literally melts in your mouth

Il Campanile

Thursday night grilled cheese night....mmmm...

AOC

One of my favorite restaurants. A seasonal menu, cheese bar (complete with a french dude in a beret creating masterful fromage and charcuterie platters) , wine bar & truly great food and vibes. (Lucques, also a classic LA spot).

Sasabune

Traditional sushi, no fancy rolls here - also recently opened in NYC

Good any time and all the time

In-n- out

No trip to Cali or Nevada should even be allowed with out multiple stops at in-n-out. The only fast food burger I'll eat, it's a pure slice of heaven. The soft bun, crunchy raw onion (or fried onions, not on the menu so you have to ask - the decision is daunting every time, so just have two), and a quality patty. Undercooked fries has always been the mystery I cannot solve, but go for it and ask for them well done. Eric and I even took the city bus in vegas last summer to hit up this favorite spot (The casual stroll we decided to take ended up being too much in the 112 degree steamy weather....so we hopped on the bus).

I even hit the gift shop in the parking lot to buy all kind of cheesy accessories (mug, burger post-its), and I'm not ashamed.

Chipotle

This fast food-ish chain has now opened locations in nyc. The burritos are no joke - it's a dense brick of mexican madness, good if you need to be held over for 12 hours until your next meal.

Swingers

Post going out on the late night plan - this place is great for a milkshake and a snack if your drunken state calls for it.

Mels Drive through

Even better than swingers for a late night feast. I could drink Arnold Palmers by the litre at Mel's. The best deli food around, for every meal and every mood.

Skybar at the Mondrian

Call me a cheeseball, but I will never stop loving sitting by the pool with drinks and food at the Mondrian in LA. Lunch, afternoon, or evening.

I feel the need to give a shout out to the grocery stores in Cali. They inspire eating well, and make cooking and creating meals the most exciting activity on earth (even though it kind of already is). Just another reason to move somewhere warm and sunny - never having to approach a wilted head of Metro lettuce, or sift sadly through indoor grown, green inside, savoura tomatoes. Let's hear it for Heirloom!

Bristol Farms

Trader Joes

Whole foods

Malibu Kitchen & Gourmet Country Market