Whether you call it a hash brown, a boxty or a rösti, many cultures have their own version of a potato pancake. This month, we celebrate the ubiquitous staple as chef Grant van Gameren samples the city’s best latke for Chanukah.
Playa Cabana came first, followed by younger siblings Playa Cabana Cantina, Playa Cabana Hacienda and now, Barrio Coreano (which, thankfully, has dropped the PC prefix). Inside, the casual eatery looks much like the other outposts, however this menu has been peppered with Korean influences.
Paso Robles is making some rich, full-bodied red wines like this well-priced Cab. Wine grapes were introduced here in 1797 by the Spanish conquistadors and Franciscan missionaries. Deep ruby colour; cedary nose, of black fruits with a floral top note; medium- to full-bodied; remarkably elegant for the price with a tannic lift on the finish.
Earlier this year, two icons of the Ottawa area — Beau’s All-Natural Brewing and actor-comedian Tom Green — got together to brew a milk stout. The style was a key plank in the beer-as-health-tonic argument during the early 20th century when prohibition was on the horizon.
By lindsaylow
I am gobsmacked. Utterly confused. Freaked out even. When Bruce Woods was chef at Modus Ristorante (2011–2012), he produced some of the best traditional Italian food in Toronto. There were ethereal gnocchi, deep rich sauces, great hunks of fabulous meat and wonderful pastas. It’s not as if chef Woods arrived on the scene fresh from … Continued
Last night the trendy Fermenting Cellar of the Distillery District played host to a gathering of the chowder-loving masses. Their purpose: to raise funds for Ocean Wise, a national sustainable seafood initiative started by the Vancouver Aquarium.
Bourbon is dead. Well, at least that’s what the folks over at Nota Bene think. The new cocktail menu at the upscale Italian eatery keeps the focus trained on gin, which owner Yannick Bigourdan became smitten with while on a recent tour of Spain. Gin and tonics ($17) are the name of the game but here, the beverages have a bit of a Choose Your Own Adventure lean.
Visiting a farmers’ market may feel like a distant summer memory as the skies over Toronto turn a dismal grey, but don’t go running for the refuge of your local grocery store produce section just yet. Locavores rejoice! Many of the city’s best farmers’ markets stay open year round. Just don’t expect to find Ontario raspberries. Seasonal eating is the name of the game.
Buying local feels good. Whether it’s food, apparel or furniture, knowing the roots of a purchase can make one feel connected to the product in a way that just can’t happen at a supermarket.
Ruby colour with a tawny note; spicy, raspberry and vanilla oak on the nose. Well-made with good length.
As with other examples of the style, Mill Street Brewery’s Weizenbock does not fit our preconceived notions about German beer. It’s dark and strong, brewed with ale yeast and full of sweet, fruity flavours.
Holiday party season is right around the corner and your guests deserve better than a two-four of Molson Canadian and those greasy pig-in-a-blanket things. Let The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo – November 14 through 17 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – serve up some inspiration to be bold at your next function.
