Grafton Street Dinner Theatre...and food phobias

This past week, I went to the Grafton Street Dinner Theater as for my office Christmas party. This is a great way to relax, have fun and get in the Christmas spirit! It was also a great way for me to get to know my new colleagues in a not so formal setting.


A delightfully creamy, seafood-packed chowda was my choice of appy. For a main, this company provides 6 choices! I, of course was the last to order but finally decided on jam-packed lobster crepes, fresh veg and a lovely creamy sauce. For dessert, a huge - and I mean huge, berry crumble of which I ate the entire thing. Sidebar - My camera died before I could photograph the tasty berry treat.

As much as I loved the food on this particular night out, I was more taken with the way the show set the wheels turning in my slightly (wine induced) cloudy brain. The show was about phobias. I have the "usual" phobias I guess - I'm petrified of sharks, and I'm not too fond of broccoli. However, I recently went for allergy testing, and I realized then and there that a true phobia of mine is the potential discovery of a food allergy.

It makes me sad when people are allergic to food. Allergies like seafood, nuts and berries - no bacon wrapped scallops, peanut M&M's and chocolate dipped strawberries? WHAT. Anyhow, it turns out that the allergies I had as a child remain: dust, dust, cats (sniff) and more dust. I have also determined this Christmas season that I might just be allergic to my Christmas tree as well. However, that is a small price to pay as Christmas comes but once a year, but bacon wrapped scallops are forever.

Lazy Sunday Brunch at The Carleton

After a looooooong morning meeting at a local coffee shop, I met a friend for brunch and a stroll. After much consideration, as well as encountering several closed restaurants in the process, we ended up on the corner of Prince and Argyle. Sidebar- WHY are so many restaurants who have Sunday Brunch on their menus CLOSED for Sunday brunch?!? Anyhow, after a quick browse over the Carleton's brunch menu, we settled in at a table by the window and cozied up to our twin Americanos.

As per usual we went the sharezies route and chose two dishes to halve. We went for the Smoked Salmon Benny and the Fruit and Yogurt cup with Granola. The Eggs Benny were fantastic with a light, lemony Hollandaise and supple smoked salmon. The Carleton also provided some of the best hash browns that I've had in a while. Unfortunately, the Fruit and Yogurt left a little to be desired, as the fruit selection, though fresh, was pretty minimal.

The Carleton's brunch menu has a great selection, and we drooled over the pancakes and french toast for a while before choosing some "lighter" options. I'll definitely try it again though as I can still taste those salty chunks of potato-y goodness.

Soy Beans and Dumplings

This Friday, I invited my friend Maria over to do...well nothing. Between her schedule and mine, we both needed a little RnR, and I thought "why not do it together?" However, even a night in needs a good dinner, so after work on Friday, I headed over to the Asian variety across the street.

I love ethnic food stores. Every trip is different, and you discover so many new flavors and spices. Though I love all the sauces, dips, noodles and rice, my favorite part is the snack foods.

Pork and Veggie Dumplings and Edamame, sans shell. Unfortunately, when I got home, I realized that I had forgotten the chili sauce at the Asian. What good is fresh when there is no bite to contrast it? In a moment of genius, I spied (in my near-empty fridge) a jar of my aunt's hot pepper jelly. I swiftly chucked it in the nuker and added it to my soy.

Fluffy pillows of sweet pork and fresh veg

Edamame...buttery beans

The final product!

For my sweet tooth, I had to get some dessert. I chose some Peanut Mochi. These things come in all kinds of cool and unusual flavors like red bean and brown sugar, and are wrapped in a graham crumb-like coating. What's not to like? Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of these. With an odd, jelly-like texture, it was like tempting me with a bad knock off of Reese peanut butter cups. I don't usually use symbols to express my thoughts, but in this case the sad face " :( " doesn't even come close. On the bright side, at least my dins was fantastic!

Peanut Mochi...aka, heartbreak

Marvelous Muffins

If there was only one thing that I could exist on for the rest of my life, it would be muffins. That might seem a little random as I have fairly gourmet taste buds, but these baked treats are just the thing to cease those growls emerging from my stomach.

Think about it. Muffins can be both savory and sweet, like biscuits or cake and contain fruits, vegetables, even meat! Sidebar- Ham, cheese and jalapeno corn muffin from Whole Foods in NYC....amazing!

This weekend, I tried an apple and bran muffin from Wired Monk. Normally, I'm not all about chain muffins, but here, I make an exception. Wired Monk's baked goods always deliver.

Also of note:

• Cabin Coffee
• The Daily Grind
• Uncommon Grounds-Valid! It's a local chain
• Just Us!-Also a local chain
• Deli Green Bakery & Catering _ I get mine at Atlantic News on Morris St.
  
• Also looking forward to trying mmmmuffins from Ciboulette and Certainly Cinnamon
  

Ah-What a beautiful sight!

Followed by one of the saddest sights in the world...

Opening Night at Bear Restaurant

As you can probably tell by now, I get really excited about food. Yeah, I love good food in itself, but when paired with the buzz about a new restaurant and the excitement of an opening night, I am filled with tremendous anticipation.

The feeling for this particular resto started with a seedling back in June when I first saw the sign for Bear Restaurant on Barrington Street. Now, here's the background on this place. Bear is the flagship resto of Nova Scotian chef Ray Bear. Bear is known for his transformation of the restaurant, Gio, in the Prince George Hotel. Also an asset to Bear is the lead bartender, Tom Rubin who created a fantastic cocktail menu.

I've become accustomed to sharing small plates with friends recently, but on this visit, I wanted a whole meal to myself. When I talk about excitement, nothing can compare to the giddy feeling that touched every nerve in my body when I was handed the brand new menu to the brand new Bear.

Newfs look out. My meal for the evening was spectacular. As I perused the various offerings of lamb, steak and rabbit, my eyes zeroed in on a slightly unusual selection for a Haligonian menu. It goes as follows; (oh, and make sure to wipe the drool off your computer screen when I'm done) Butter poached lobster tail, with salt cod brandade, sweet corn and...wait for it, scruncheons!! The premise might sound a little odd to non-native Newfoundlanders, but there's nothing like a piece of crispy, salty fried pork fat. I was overjoyed when I saw this description and closed my menu immediately, decision made.

The lobster meat was luscious and sweet with a rich tint of butter, while the concept of creamy mashed potatoes were given new life when mixed with herbs and salted cod. The yellow corn added a touch of sweetness and a lovely contrast to the scruncheons's salty bite.

For another little bite at the end of the meal, we shared a cheese plate. Bear does this course a little differently than most restos, allowing you choose from around 20 different cheeses, while paying by he ounce. We went with a pungent St. Benedictine blue, a nutty St. Andre, and a creamy Ash Brie. These were complimented with a variety of sweet and fruity bites!

Bear Restaurant
1241 Barrington St.

425.BEAR (2327)


http://www.bearrestaurant.com/

Titz'n Glitz 2008

Last week, I took part in a spectacular event. I was the Food Chair for Titz'n Glitz, a Breast cancer fundraiser held at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel with proceeds going to "On the Front Line" Breast Cancer Society.

It was not an easy task to coordinate food for 750 ladies on a virtually non-existent budget. I was a busy bee generating sponsorship and donations...not to mention planning a bangin' menu. I could not have achieved these results, however, without the wonderful organizations who came through to give to a great cause.

It ain't called Titz'n Glitz fer nothin'!

Pete's Frootiqe was the logical place to go to get some fresh, and luscious fruit. Yoplait donated some of their creamy Source Yogurt for the health conscious, and the Chefs at Cora's Breakfast and Lunch took on the task of carving up melons for the fruit display.

Chef Jeffrey Wilfong created the fruit and vegetable displays. I gave him some images of what I had in mind, and boy, did he deliver!

Pete's Frootique also worked out an incredible cheese selection. Not only did they provide some scrumptious cheeses, but they supplemented this display with a multitude of additions to create amazing bites. Nuts, grapes, dates and figs shared the stage with pomegranites and papaya to please the palate!

Creamy cheese plate with Brie and Camembert

My favorite cheese plate; the stinky cheeses with THREE Dragon's Breath Blue, Dubliner Cheddar, Stilton and Goat's Cheese.

Hard cheeses plate with Cranberry Cheddar, Old Cheddar,
Gouda and Swiss

To go along with the scrumptious cheese from Pete's Frootique, Julien's Bakery donated a mountain of bread. We're not just talkin' baguettes, though theirs are fantastic. There were chewy and crispy, savory and sweet!

The menu also consisted of a variety of 'bars', but not the ones you have in mind. Nope, these were some 'do-it-yourselfers', and I'm pretty sure they were a hit.

Taco Bar

Chipotle Marinated Steak,
Tequila-Citrus Marinated Chicken
Shrimp and Black Bean,

w/ all the fixins'

Sundae Bar, courtesy of Sobeys:

Chocolate sauce, Caramel sauce, Oreo cookie crumbs, Skor Bites, Hershy's Mint Chocolate Chips Mini M&Ms, Sprinkles, Blueberries and Raspberries to accompany Chocolate and Vanilla Ice Cream, generously donated by Scotsburn.

You can't have a sundae w/out Cookies
and Brownies and Squares- Oh My!

The Party Cake

Shauna Austin of City Girl Cakes put this broad together. I love chocolate cake and I have to say, that I've never tasted anything like this creation. Her cake was moist, and both dense and light all at once!

It was a great night for a greater cause. Slightly stressful, but a valuable experience for me, Titz'n Glitz 2008 was an event I'll never forget.

For more information, or to make a donation, go to: http://www.titiznglitz.com/

http://www.citygirlcakes.com/

http://www.petesfrootique.com/

Mussels at Brussels

One of my absolute favorite meals is mussels, fries and beer. This Friday, I went for dinner with my friend Dori at a resto that caters to that very craving, a mussel and beer Mecca if you will; Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie.

I visited this restaurant in the summer briefly, and was waiting for someone who would appreciate this combo to come along- Thanks D! The resto itself is a lovely venue in which to spend an evening. The friendly, yet luxe atmosphere is created by comfortable seating and wood panelling throughout the space. The Brussels menu has a separate mussel section, making it the most varied crustacean selection the in the city

Not only does the resto offer an extensive mussel menu, but they have a wide variety of domestic beer (great) and imported European beers (even better). I started the night with an Austrian pilsner, Steigle; a light beer which complemented the seafood and cheese nicely.

The resto has many a mouth-watering offering, but this evening, I was there to indulge my mussel craving, and indulge, I did. D and I shared three dishes; mussels and fries, obviously.

Congo Mussels cooked w/ Ginger, Lemongrass & Green Chilies in Coconut Cream
Tender mussels in a rich, spicy broth

Frites w/ Mayonnaise

This element is critical for me, and Brussels delivered with home cut fries, crispy on the outside and soft within, and a creamy, tangy mayonnaise

Adennaise: Mussels topped with Ham, Endive and Gruyere

Ah, mussels and cheese- What a combo. Especially when supplemented with salty ham and a soft, buttery Endive

If you're a mussel lovah, and want to get your fix, Brussels is the place to go. Not only do they have terrific food, and a beautiful aesthetic, but it's way affordable. The meal + a couple more brews, was just over $50.00.

Brussels Restaurant & Brasserie
902. 446.4700

http://www.brusselsrestaurant.com/

Spicy Chickpeas

The current contents of my fridge include these items: BBQ sauce, steak sauce, hot pepper jelly, wasabi, butter, milk and coffee, and... there might be some booze in there too. Shocking, but I have the fridge of a bachelor.

Last week, I had no desire to go out in the rain for groceries, and the sole edible item in my cupboard was a single, lonely can of chickpeas. I have an obsession with chickpeas; they're creamy, almost meaty, and I often eat them as a snack. They also make the best addition to soups, salads and any kind of vegetarian dish.

So, I decided to use what I had, and make spicy toasted chickpeas. The result was one of the best snack-like meals that I've ever made; great for cocktail parties, as a side dish, or as an appetizer. These things are so quick, it's unreal.


Spicy Chickpeas:

1 can of chickpeas, drained (540 mL)
1 tsp. cumin
fresh, cracked black pepper ( as much as you like!)

Method:

Dry the chickpeas on a paper towel and heat pan to medium.

Add the chickpeas to a hot pan and toss with pepper and cumin. Toast for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

That's it- Easy!

Comforting Curry

I love sloppy food. Appetizing hey? Seriously, curry is comfort food for me. The pungent flavors can pair wonderfully with any kind of meat and virtually every vegetable. Even better is the way the sauce seeps into every grain of rice, making almost for a warm, savory rice pudding.

This week I went for lunch with my brand new colleagues at Fan's Restaurant in Dartmouth. We decided on the Curry sauce chicken; perfect for sharing, or for one big appetite. This was a good choice- chunks of juicy chicken within a mild earthy curry , sweet red peppers and tender caramely onions. This was served with fluffy white rice that soaked up the sweet and spicy sauce.

What a way to start off this new adventure; good food and great company. I grabbed a take-out menu on the way out. I have a feeling it'll be dog-eared in no time.

Fan's Restaurant
902.469.1752

http://fansrestaurant.com/

Satisfying snack

Some of the simplest things make me happy...
an overflowing bowl of white cheddar popcorn is one of them

Mike and Joy's Little Europe

Ah, my Saturday morning Farmer's Market baked good, or should I say goods? This week I was so excited because I knew exactly where we was headed; Mike and Joy's Little Europe.

Mike and Joy have a little display of scrumptious treats that get a sweets lover like me salivating. I had seen their booth for a while, but sadly, was always full when I came upon it. This week, I intended to fill mah bellah with their delectable offerings.

Blueberry and Peach Breakfast Strudel Muffin
Moist and cinnamony with a hint of sweet brown sugar

Raspberry and Marscapone Phylo stick
Rich and creamy cheese with sweet raspberry

Happy Halloween!

Last night, my friend Maria and I engaged in the most haphazard baking extravaganza. We decided to bake multiple goodies, and headed to the grocery store-minus a grocery list. Not quite the best plan, but it certainly yielded hysterical laughter throughout the night!

Oh- and did I mention that we bake in style? Maria had been saving a bottle of champagne. With minimal consideration, we popped it open and toasted the baking bonanza that was to come.

We were planning on making a "Host of Ghosts" cake, a recipe that I found on epicurious.com. Well, technically, we intended to buy an angle food cake and decorate it. Unfortunately, there WAS no angel food cake at the grocery store, so instead, we got a deliciously moist and dense marble cake. The icing was supposed to be a light and fluffy vanilla one. However, as I said, very minimal planning went into this endeavor. When we realized that we only had one, for a two egg recipe, I pulled a solution out of my Swedish chef-style hat- literally, it's part of my Halloween costume. Thankfully, Maria had some chocolate chips in her house, and since we had about 18375 lbs. of icing sugar, I decided to use some of that too. I did the classic spider's web motif that 's created by dragging a toothpick through a spiral of colour; in this case chocolaty colour.

Et voila!

We also decided to make the classic Halloween Witch's finger cookies. Again, a recipe that we totally screwed up, and which in fact, turned out to be my favorite sweet of the evening. I made the mistake of allowing M to read out the recipe to me. After asking her three times "Maria, are you SURE there aren't any wet ingredients in this recipe?" I shrugged and put the dough in the fridge to harden. Then came the sinking feeling in my stomach about 15 minutes later when Maria was thrilled to find an 'extra' egg- not so much. We took the dough out, tossed in the egg, and voila: delicious witch's digits. Who knew? It was for this recipe that Maria coined a phrase that will forever be on the tip of my tongue: "Recipe schmecipe!"

so life-like...kinda makes you wonder?


Ah, the sight of fluffy, sugary vanilla frosting, just aching to be morphed into gooey green and pukey pink

Spooky Eyeball Sugar cookies

We also tried to make brain cupcakes. We used vanilla cake batter and coloured it hot pink! Apparently, I'm gonna have to brush up on my anatomy, because they looked more like girly ribbon cupcakes than gruesome brain. After about 2 minutes of sulking and two big gulps of champagne, I had the perfect solution: Colon cupcakes! Much to M's dissatisfaction, that is.

Colon cupcakes

Chocolate mmMummy cupcakes

Needless to say, our "fabulous" baking night turned out to be one of many challenges, supplemented by fits of giggles. We baked our hearts out from 7:30 until midnight, and I can't think of a better way to have spent Halloween eve!