DINING out
review of the coolest and delicious restaurants, caterers
With my injury, I must lie down on my sofa most of the time. Therefore, I watch more TV than I used to.
While eating lunch today, I watched Curieux Bégin at Télé-Québec. The show was dedicated to Latino cuisine. I included a tasty Lamb Shank recipe in French at the end of the post. This is how I discovered an amazing and likable Chef here in Montreal.
Born in Lima, Peru Mario Navarate Jr. operated two restaurants in the city. He is a rising star in Montreal. Raza opened in 2005. En Route magazine voted Mario Navarate Jr. one of the top 10 new Canadian Chefs in November 2005.
Two restaurants for this Peruvian Chef
Madre, meaning mother, opened last year (I think) on Masson Street. You will not be surprised to learn that the menu is inspired by his mother’s recipes.
Madre is about stylish simple food, a down-to-earth version of the upscale Raza, his first restaurant. Raza scored 28 out of 30 for its food in the 2006 Zagat guide.
The pencil drawings were inspired by pictures of him with his mother. Theses canvas drawings are hung on the walls of the restaurant. The décor is simple, like a family restaurant should be. The next picture showed Mario with his mother. The bottom pictures illustrates the typical dish styles at Raza.
I am planning to try his two restaurants this summer. I read excellent reviews on the Web from bloggers. What people are complaining about his restaurants is the short wine lists. I can live with that since most people were looking for bottles less than $40. But both restaurants propose food and wine bundles to save money.
The table d’hote at Madre proposes a three-course menu for $35 that becomes $58 with wine pairings. The tasting menu at Raza costs $59 for a 5 courses ($99 with wine pairings) or $70 for a 7-course meal ($120 with wine pairings).
What others are saying?
If you wish to read about an experienced meal at theses restaurants, read the reviews of Madre and Raza by MontrealFoodie. It is the first time that I visited MontrealFoodie so I cannot pledge for their taste but their reviews seem fair.
You can also read what the reviewer of Montreal Mirror had to say about his meal at Madre. Read what EnRoute (OnAir) said about Raza when it made their Top Ten restaurant list.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Menu at Madre Restaurant – a weird navigation since you must press English on every page
Learn more: Menu at Raza Restaurant – same weird navigation
Recipe: Jarrets d’agneau braisés à la coriandre et à la bière by Mario Navarate Jr. [Curieux Bégin]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Monday, May 05, 2008 4:34 PM | Feedback (1)
It has been a week since I spoke at the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner, an offshoot of the London Girl Geek Dinners started by Sarah Blow. These monthly events provide a welcoming atmosphere and a platform for learning in an informal environment, typically a local restaurant.
If there is a Girl Geek Dinner chapter in your town, I invite you to join. These meetings are not about hard core geek stuff. The proof, I was invited to speak for what I am doing right now.
That is one of the marvelous things about blogging: you do not need to be technologically savvy to succeed. But knowing about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), statistical tools, online advertising and social networks can grow your brand faster.
My personal story
For me, the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner talks are about sharing experiences. As a blogger I aim to inspire my readers. It is now possible to earn a living as a professional blogger. I am not there yet but every month I am closer of my goal.
For the past 5 years, I dreamed of building my own home living and shopping magazine. Because I was stuck in the old media business model, I failed until last year to see that I could do it with a blog. A chain of events led me to take the steps for realizing my dream.
To make a story short, this is my third career. I am finally working by passion. Because I believed in following our dreams, I decided to discuss how I am building my online brand. I gave tricks on how to generate traffic through simple SEO techniques that take a few seconds per post, how real-time statistics can sometimes shape your editorial plan and I demonstrate the power of social media. I talked about design issues and the need to be active in and out of your own blog.
I encourage you to read the report of Tanya McGinnity, the organizer of the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner on the MGGD blog. You can see on the blog what the other girls talked about at previous events. If you want to talk, do not hesitate to contact Tanya. Most of the communications are done through Facebook, so join the Montreal Girl Geek Dinner group or your local chapter (Toronto, Bay Area, international listing).
I am grateful
I want to say thank to Tibetan Om Restaurant for accepting that we do a presentation at their restaurant. It is special experience because they were other customers. If you never tasted Tibetan cuisine before, it is really good. It was my first time. I ate a lentil soup, a sampling of dumplings and a beef stew served with vapor bread (that is white the bread is still white). My husband, my official event photographer, ordered a plate of shrimp dumplings that were delicious.
I also wanted to thank all the participants for listening, asking good questions and giving me many sound advices. Finally, thank you Tanya for asking me to talk. Preparing and doing the speech allowed me to put my goals and my achievements into perspective which give me a chance to move further. The Girl Geek Dinner event is really a two-way street.
More Marketing Tips
I want to share two blogs that gives excellent, down to earth advices on generating traffic and blog monetarization. If you are serious about blogging, make sure to add those to your RSS daily feed.
- Problogger – do not miss his Best of Problogger
- ReadWriteWeb – useful tips on how to write an online publication
I also suggest you follow a couple of blogs from specialists in communications or marketing. I do not give you any names because it is a matter of personal style.
I will go back to my regular editorial on my next post.
Categories:
DINING out
OFF topics
posted @ Thursday, April 03, 2008 1:28 PM | Feedback (1)
As I visited Toronto for the IDS 2008, I booked the Sunday brunch at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar. I heard the buzz about this place so I was excited.
Jamie Kennedy has earned a great reputation in Toronto for his upscale restaurants. With the Wine Bar, he proposes an affordable option executed by the Chef of cuisine Tobey Nemeth.
My opinion
Sadly I liked the décor more than the food. In all fairness, I should have sat at the kitchen bar. Usually it is a treat to see what is going on.
That Sunday, we were speaking about Status Competition, our Facebook application, at PodCamp Toronto. So I opted to sit at a quiet table. I imagined that Jerome and I may refine our presentation during the brunch.
Basically, Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar serves small portion seasonal dishes either for lunch, dinner or at brunch. I was told that the menu slightly changes on a daily basis. As you may suspect by the name of the restaurant, wine pairing plays a big role on the menu. Next to each dish on the menu you have the wine recommendation of the sommelier. Due to our speaking engagement, we did not taste any wine.
About the Sunday Brunch menu
The Sunday Brunch Prix Fixe menu lets you select 2 dishes from the menu for $20. Side dishes are extra. I found that the mix of flavors on the Cheese and Dried Fruit Grilled Sandwich was not really successful. The caramelization of the dried fruit with the cheese (I do not remember which one) did not work for me. Since we were pressed by time, I did not say anything to our server. My egg dish was good. Jerome ate a warm tartelette and an omelet. His selections were more interesting than mine.
We had the House-Made Berkshire Pork Bacon which I enjoyed since I ate the lean parts. I was surprised that there was that much thick fat on our pieces. The white fat was easy to remove with a knife but I would expect the kitchen to do it before serving.
About the Décor
As you can see from the pictures I took, the restaurant decor is warm, cool and creative. The Mason jars wall looks amazing. That is my favorite thing in the place. It is an idea to steal for your own kitchen. The school dining table ambiance in the larger room is charming.
The night before, I lived through a delightful dinner at Kultura. I was still under that spell so maybe I asked too much from my brunch. I suspect the dinner at the Wine Bar must be a different experience. If you ever ate at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, how did you like the food? Should I try it again?
Sourcing:
Learn more: Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar
Photo credit: Jamie Kennedy with his sous-chef at the Gardiner Museum taken by Mary Elizabeth Armstrong - Rights reserved picture
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DINING out
TRAVEL
posted @ Tuesday, March 25, 2008 1:49 PM | Feedback (0)
Ever since I first heard of them, I wished to stay at Hotel Vitale. The hotel opened March 9, 2005.
I imagined myself taking the complimentary yoga class, available daily, at the penthouse level yoga studio. Unfortunately I was unable to fit a class into my tight schedule. Oh well, one more reason to go back.
To understand the concept of this hotel and its appeal to me, let's go back to their root. Their goal was to create an urbane oasis. In a press release published before their opening, you can read that
Hotel Vitale represents not only a new frontier for the highly successful boutique hotel company, but an entirely ground-breaking concept in the arena of luxury hospitality.
This luxury hotel cleverly mixes old and new modern furniture for their decor. The old appears through the use of materials and finishes. But the shapes always stay modern. The architects and designers managed to create spaces that are soothing, hip and friendly at the same time.
The Service
It is a trendy place but the service is not snobbish. You feel good in their surroundings.
A lot of high-end car owners stopped by the restaurant for a drink or to eat a meal. It tells something about the excellence of a place when the locals go there.
The Guestrooms
You will not be surprised that I booked a Deluxe Waterfront room at Hotel Vitale for our first night in San Francisco, before we hit the roads of the Wine Country. When we arrived at the front desk, I was offered the marvelous Panoramic Suite for a little extra. What a treat that room is. I adore it!
The particularity of this room is that it fits within the circular tower. From the 5th floor, the hotel has 8, we got an amazing dramatic 180 degree "infinity" views of the water and Bay Bridge. At night, you close the blinds with a remote control. My husband loves that feature.
The Amenities
Many details in the room make your stay more enjoyable. One touch that I appreciated for writing my posts was the excellent lounge music CDs on our room. On top of the CD player, there is also an iPod dock station. You can browse their CD library and request our CDs instead. I wanted to buy the 4 Krystal elemental compilations but I forgot to ask for it when I checked out.
There are several mirrors in the room, the bathroom is compartmented: a powder room on one side, the rain shower and washbasin on a second closed space. Then, a soaking bath sits on the room. Very romantic!
Attention to details is omnipresent so I find it strange that Hotel Vitale forgoes the most basic functionality for style reason. What I am talking about is that there is no handle for your hand towels in neither of the bathroom space. A simple hook, like the ones they used for the robes, will do.
The Location
Hotel Vitale is located directly across from the historic Ferry Building Marketplace; the place to go if you are a foodie. I will tell you all about it soon on my Farmer’s Market report. It is busy during the day but at night, the street is quieter so you can sleep very well. The bed was really comfortable.
We also went for a drink and some appetizers at Americano Restaurant & Bar, the hotel bar and restaurant that I recommend. I will show you the pictures later. The lounge area of the Americano is the same size and shape than the panoramic suite.
I am pleased because sometimes when you wish for something for a long time, you are disappointed. Not this time since I am thrilled by my stay. I am not alone since I checked what other travelers have to say about Hotel Vitale. I only find 5/5 as a rating. This proves that you really experiment the Joie de Vivre at Hotel Vitale.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Hotel Vitale San Francisco
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DINING out
TRAVEL
posted @ Tuesday, March 04, 2008 11:22 AM | Feedback (1)
I saw the Blue Bottle Coffee kiosk with its long line of customers while visiting the Farmer’s Market. At their kiosk, they prepare coffee with the beehouse ceramic drippers. You can tell that people love the coffee of this artisan micro-roasting company.
But I resisted the temptations because I wanted to try their famous individually made brewed coffee made with a $20,000 machine. So I went to the Blue Bottle Café located at 66 Mint Street, San Francisco (at Jessie Street).
What is the siphon bar?
Each coffee is brewed using two stacked glass globes resting on top of a heater. The technique involves creating a deep whirlpool with a wooden paddle in no more than four turns without touching the glass.
Basically, vapors and variations in temperatures force the coffee up and down. The principle behind the siphon bar share similarities with the stovetop espresso maker except that the siphon bar requires human assistance several times in the process as you can see by watching my video.
As our coffee maker Vien told us, you can learn the basics on how to operate the siphon bar quickly. But mastering the different settings is a long learning process. Only through the hands of a master that the siphon bar produces the most memorable coffee.
Tasting a siphon coffee
A cup of siphon coffee is very delicate, with no after taste, and you get none of the residues typical of French pot coffee. The taste is much smoother than regular coffee. You can taste the subtlety of the coffee beans.
For that reason, the siphon coffee is never made with blend. You want to be able to taste the specificities of single-origin beans. As I understand, you cannot taste that with an espresso because the espresso is brewed too quickly. To taste the different flavor levels, the coffee needs to be brewed slowly. And slowly it is since making one siphon coffee pot of 2 cups takes 5 minutes.
Blue Bottle Café serves only certified organic coffee beans that they roasted themselves. I tasted the Gololcha, a dry-processed Ethiopian coffee with two distinct flavor layers: fruity on top, with a beautiful thick rustic body. I enjoyed it! I sipped it without and with milk to see if we could still taste the subtlety of the coffee. I did.
I am telling you, I drank the best coffee of my life last Saturday. My husband wanted to go back 2 hours later.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Blue Bottle Coffee Co.
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Monday, March 03, 2008 1:47 AM | Feedback (4)
It is fun to go at a trendy restaurant with a young, well-dressed crowd, beautiful décor and most important with incredible food. That was on my agenda last Saturday night. I elected Kultura as the place to review.
My husband and I went to dinner with three of friends that were participating in PodCamp Toronto. Earlier that day, I tried to reserve a table for 2 but Kultura was already fully booked. They told us that we could eat sitting at the counter of the Lounge. That is what we did with our friends.
Everybody enjoyed the meals. Since we were sitting at the lounge, it was noisier but we could still have a conversation. Executive Chef Roger Mooking brings a new twist on multi-ethnic cuisine. The dishes surprise us with an unexpected mix of flavors. The food presentation was imaginative.
What did we eat?
The dinner menu is composed of small portion dishes. The idea is to explore and share a meal. Our friendly server recommended two to three dishes per person. For two girls and three guys, I ordered the following:
- 2 x Duelling Tartare
- 1 x Mediterranean Salad
- 1 x Foie Gras Trio
- 1 x Mushroom Orecchiette
- 1 x Green Beans Plate
- 2 x Filet Mignon with truffle potatoes
- 1 x Jamaican Chicken Risotto
The amount of food was right. Kultura delivered on my expectation of great food, décor and ambiance. I wish to dine at the restaurant next time I visit Toronto. The signature drinks we tried pleased me except that the Cosmopolitan was apparently too sweet.
The third floor of Kultura is available for private party of up to 30 sitting guests. I visited it and the space creates a really nice atmosphere. Kultura is located at 169 King Street East, downtown Toronto.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Kultura
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FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Friday, February 29, 2008 4:43 AM | Feedback (7)
To conclude my series on Valentine’s Day this year, I thought of leaving you with inspirational shots. I will also share with my plans to celebrate Valentine's Day.
Food
The food is from the La Porte restaurant on Saint-Laurent Street in Montreal. I took these pictures last October. The oysters tasting plate was amazing.
Restaurant La Porte is a story of love. First of all this is a small French restaurant run by a couple. Thierry et Pascale Rouyé had a restaurant in France before they moved to Canada. These long-time restaurateurs have transmitted their love affairs to their son who is a sous-cook under his Chef father.
The restaurant is named La Porte because they imported a stunning wooden door that they saw while visiting Morocco. It is the focal point of their restaurant.
Finally the attention to details and simply hearing them talking about their dishes indicate that food is a true passion for them. I recommend you try La Porte the next time you fancy upscale French cooking.
Champagne
As a truly glamorous girl, I am fond of Champagne. What happens with Champagne is that there are a lot of smaller producers. The average consumer does not realize it because the government regulated liquor stores typically carry the big names. When we went to Los Angeles, we bought a bottle from a brand that is not available here. It is really interesting to experience the differences in bubbles and taste.
I did not know at the time that a select a champagne from a champagne house that was born out of the wedding of Nicolas François Billecart and Elizabeth Salmon.
Tonight, we will drink a 1998 Cuvée Elizabeth Salmon Brut Rosé from the Billecart-Salmon champagne house. Just reading this poetry from Billecart-Salmon built up my expectations for tonight:
This vintage stands out for its amazing coppery-pink glints underscored by an outstanding string of pearls and a lasting but fine and delicate mousse.
How do I plan to celebrate Valentine Day with my prince?
Our vintage champagne bottle can accompany a huge array of superb dishes from poultry to a delicate red fruits dessert. I will stop by the French bakery this afternoon to pick up a red fruit mousse cake. My husband and I will pick up sushi on our way back from work. I will lay down large cushions around the coffee table and we will eat in front of the fireplace.
Talking on my prince charming, I saw this cute Frog Prince at Red Envelop. My husband has never been an ugly frog but I never imagined when I first met him that he would be The Love of My Life. A long story so it would be for another time.
I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Valentine's Day! Share the love. It is free and it makes the world a better place to live.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Restaurant La Porte
Learn more: Billecart-Salmon
Buy online: Frog Prince at red Envelop – price: $58 USD
Categories:
HOLIDAY
DINING out
posted @ Thursday, February 14, 2008 12:48 PM | Feedback (0)
Yesterday, my husband brought me to a sold-out concert. It was a classical orchestra playing scores from video games.
Hosted by Tommy Tallarico with Jack Wall as the conductor, Video Games Lives is a multimedia concert. We looked at excerpts of the game while the music was playing. What surprised me the most what that the assistance recognized instantly the music and they cheered when it was one their favorite games.
If you are not familiar with video games, many scores they played were from franchises. A video game franchise is a series of game around a character. You got Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda, Warcraft, Final Fantasy. Some franchises started twenty years ago and they include 10-12 games each.
From my point of view, you need to be hardcore gamers to know the music. I recognized none, except for the beginning of Halo because it sounds like Tibet monks and my husband plays that game very often.
I am talking about it because I was amazed. Assisting to the concert made me think that it is probably how the rest of world feels when I am talking about the design world. After all, you need to be a hardcore design fan to know about Lekker, Mud Australia, Marcel Wanders or to read the latest edition of Haüser if you live in America. Everybody has its passion.
By the way, Martin Leung, the young pianist has become a legend on the Internet after publishing a video where he was playing songs from Super Mario blindfolded. He did it yesterday in front of us. Impressive!
Sourcing:
Learn more: Video Games Live
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DINING out
OFF topics
posted @ Saturday, February 09, 2008 3:34 PM | Feedback (0)
I am sure several of you are a fan of Beatrice Peltre, the extraordinary food stylist behind the popular La Tartine Gourmande. Many of you will envy me since I got the chance to eat brunch with Bea while I was in Boston.
She chose Upstairs on the Square, an exciting restaurant in Cambridge. The type of restaurants that only the locals know about. The front door is on a tiny pedestrian street called Winthrop.
Unusual decor, delicious food
The décor is out of this world. It is not my cup of tea but at least the decor has the advantage of being stimulating for the customers. The ambiance and the menu bring you back.
We had a little performance by a singing chorale from Harvard. Unfortunately, I do not recall the name of the group. On the video, you can have a look at what the restaurant look like. You can also see our friendly waiter.
The conversation was delightful. We are both married to an IT developer. Therefore, our husbands had plenty to talk about. We had a wonderful afternoon.
Directions
Upstairs in the Square
91 Winthrop Street Cambridge, MA 02138
facing Winthrop Park in the heart of Harvard Square, corner of JFK Street and Winthrop Street
p 617.864.1933
You can reserve online via OpenTable.com but if you cannot get the time or date you want, do not hesitate to give the restaurant a call to make sure they cannot accommodate you at that time/date. Bea used OpenTable.com and I taught it was handy because I got link to the map and the Web site.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Upstairs on the Square
Recipes and food photo: La Tartine Gourmande
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DINING out
TRAVEL
posted @ Tuesday, February 05, 2008 10:35 PM | Feedback (1)
If you live in a Northern country, you know that winter does not stop us from having fun outside. Why not tame the cold with a huge chilly dancing party?
For two week-ends in a row, Piknic Electronik organized a Wild Winter Piknic Fun at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal. A large crowd danced to the beats of DJs from Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Germany.
Ice sculptures, igloos, tree silhouettes and multimedia effects bring vibes to a beautiful location. Suitable clothing, fire pits, dancing and bar stations with mulled wine, caribou and fortified coffee keep us warm.
A Bad Taste Contest
When you will watch the video, you will see bright one piece ski suits and weird clothes. Do not worry; Montreal is still a fashionable city. It is just that Igloofest run a contest.
We were all invited to wear our tackiest, wackiest clothes. Let say that some used sport equipment stores in the city were able to sell their ugliest ski suits. But you have to admit that in a chill party like this, the costumed participants look pretty cool.
The Music
Igloofest played electronic music from 6 p.m. to midnight. Exceptionally, yesterday it was until 1 a.m. We arrived after 9 o'clock and danced to the rhythms of Mateo Murphy from Canada. He was followed by a German DJ. Frankly, Thomas Schumacher was electrifying.
Having an Accomplice
I am glad we stayed in Montreal this week-end for the finale because the party was amazing. But more importantly, it gave me the occasion to see several friends all in once.
In an ambiance like this,I did not feel being alone in the video. Apart from the crowd, my friend Katheline Jean-Pierre joined me as I explored the several locations of Igloofest. A Product Lead for Flickr at YAHOO! Canada, Katheline is used to be in the spotlight. In fact, Katheline was recently voted the Sexiest Geek in Montreal. Congratulations Katz!
As you watch the video, you will notice that we did not take ourselves seriously. We have fun at the end playing girlie roles. To see more photos, visit the official Igloofest 2008 Flickr group.
Lastly, I want to thank my husband Jerome for being such a great cameraman. Watch the video of the January 26, 2008 Igloofest event as I experienced it.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Piknic Electronik
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OUTDOOR
DINING out
posted @ Sunday, January 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Feedback (2)
The Internet connection is on and off at the Westin Casuarina, so I will condense what I want to share with you about my trip to Las Vegas.
Yesterday, we rode on the monorail to see to eat at Quarks and live the Star Trek Experience. My husband is a geek, what can I say. On our way back, we stop at The Venetian to see this out of this world Venice man made universe.
We had dinner at a Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican cooking, as much as you can get in America. It was a good choice. The food is delicious at Taqueria Canonita.
Taqueria Canonita is located next to the canal of The Grand Canal Shoppes. On my picture, you see their terrace in the background next to the gondola. We were seated at the most entertaining spot in the house. Watch the video as I am telling you all about my margarita.
This morning, we booked a tour of the Grand Canyon on helicopter. I will tell you all about it as soon as I can.
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
posted @ Monday, January 21, 2008 12:50 PM | Feedback (2)
While we were at Father’s Office, the guy next to us put his half-full plate inside the plate of my husband because he did not like having his plate in front of him.
He did not ask if my husband has finished his plate, he just assumed. Frankly, he acted like a thoughtless guy who just thinks about his small person. Let's make it clear. In no circumstances whatsoever can that behavior be acceptable. Even with your close friend or a relative, it is not tasteful to act that way.
What did I do?
I was astonished by his behavior; I never seen that before. I did not want to start an argument but I want to send him the message that it bothered me. So I pushed back the two plates on his side a few times until his girlfriend took the plates away from us. She put the plates against the barman’s bar this time. They did not even talk to us to say they were sorry and it was their mistake.
Reviewing the applicable table manners
Always remember that etiquette is based on the principle that your behavior should not disturb the well-being of others. Having said that, the etiquette rules when you are eating at a restaurant counter are:
- You do not invade someone else’s space. Depending on the design, you are usually allowed about 18-20 inches of counter space.
- Ask the waiter to take your plate away
- If you see that you seem to have offended someone or touched them inadvertently, say I’m sorry. It does not cost anytime and you acknowledged the other person’s concern. If you do not understand why the other person was upset, simply ask them politely what you did wrong? Do not forget that etiquette changes between regions and cultures.
- If you need something from someone, always ask permission first. Acknowledge that the other person has the right to refuse. So wait for the answer and make sure to say thanks before you act. If the person refuses, you should not look offended. Just answer that it is OK.
That is all for today's lesson.
Categories:
DINING out
MANNERS
posted @ Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:17 PM | Feedback (3)
For our last night in LA, we wanted to eat some comfort food. So we went on a hunt for the best burger in town. And a local pub from the list of 101 reasons why to live in Los Angeles grabbed my attention.
Father’s Office is not your typical place. It is a neighborhood meeting place like we find in Europe. Founded 50 years ago, it is very popular with the locals today.
In fact, I heard the doorman saying to a man ordering some take-outs outside that a second pub twice the size of the original is scheduled to open soon. The fact that a man has to order his take out outside is a definite proof that they observed a strict policy on capacity. Since he did not want to wait in line, a waiter met him outside to take his order. With a maximum capacity of 76 persons, we waited in line 10 or 15 minutes on a Monday night at 8 o’clock.
The local customs
We heard while waiting in line some comments than suggested the place works differently. So we asked our friendly doorman for tips on how it works. He told us that the first thing to do once we get in is to find a free table. It usually means spotting the ones that are almost finished. The first person who arrived at a table gets it. There were many people on the hunt but my husband luckily found us a space for 2 at the five minutes later. He is the best!
Then, you go to the bar and order your food and drinks. You get your beer right away and a number for your food. Make your number visible so the servers can bring your food to the table. Most of their beers are from micro-brewers. We enjoy the taste of our AleSmith Brewisng beer.
What differentiate Father’s Office burgers from the rest?
In three words: their unique recipe. And when I say unique it has double meaning. They only make one burger served with the same condiments. They have an absolute No Alterations or Substitutions policy. Their $12 burger is made of a plump of dry, aged beef stacked high with Gruyere, Maytag blue cheese, caramelized onions, applewood bacon compote, and arugula. Your burger is no served either with the usual burger bread. It was absolutely delicious.
Since the mad cow disease, everyone is ordering their burgers well-done in Canada. With such premium ground beef, it would be a crime. We ordered ours medium and the meat showed the right pink red center. We later saw locals ordering bloody burger, so you do not have to be afraid.
Not just burger
On the whimsical side, their fries “A la cart” may be served in a double serving-size shopping cart. Our fries were served in our basket, like half the room. You can order regular fries (long tiny ones with herbs, served with an aioli sauce) or sweet potatoes.
Beside the famous burger, their daily specials and the anything else on the menu look very tempting. The night we were there, an inviting French Seabass was on the chalkboard menu. If you are two girls, there is plenty to share a burger and fries.
We enjoyed our time at Father’s Office because of the food and the atmosphere. My only complaint, which is not their fault, is an incident with a clueless guy on table manner. Find out the details by reading my next post.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Father’s Office on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Wednesday, January 16, 2008 1:12 PM | Feedback (0)
We were told by a friend of a celebrity that Toast Bakery Café on 3rd was a great place to eat breakfast. So yesterday we gave it a try. And I am glad we did.
The food was excellent. It is a trendy popular place. If you go, unless you are lucky like us and found a parking spot right in front across the street, go for the valet parking. It is only 5 dollars.
In less than 15 minutes, we sit at our table. This gave my husband time to take some outside shots. As he was taking a picture, a car stopped with three cute girls. They asked him: Who’s there? As he was talking to them, I called him. They thought he was a paparazzi! It is true that we do not see a lot of amateur Nikon cameras around here, especially with someone wearing a hat.
The food
I ordered a twist on the Egg Benedict called The Open Face. Strangely, their real Egg Benedict is served on an English muffin instead of a croissant. To make an Open Face, you layer smoked salmon, scallions and scrambled eggs topped with hollandaise sauce an opened face croissant. Pass it in the oven just enough for the hollandaise sauce to stop being liquid. It was delicious. If you are planning a brunch, that recipe should be a hit.
My husband Jerome ordered The Favorite omelet. It was filled with goat cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, avocado, mushroom and basil. Next time you take a trip for leisure, take the extra time to eat breakfast where the locals instead of the hotel restaurant. The experience is worth it and you never know who you might see. In Los Angeles, Toast Bakery Café is a trendy place that delivers on taste.
We did not spot any actor or actress although I got the impression that the guy besides us was an agent or something like that. With so many new celebrities, it is hard to tell. Then on our way out, we saw the groupie girls eating on the terrace and we shared a few laughers.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Toast Bakery Café in Los Angeles
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
posted @ Monday, January 14, 2008 12:37 PM | Feedback (2)
Last night we went for sushi. I first spot a sushi restaurant designed by Philip Starck team but we were unable to get a reservation for 8 o’clock.
So the hotel concierge suggested Gonpachi on North La Cienega Boulevard. Watch the video to get a glimpse of the wonderful time we had at Gonpachi. I take about the food when we came back.
Learn more : Gonpachi Beverly Hills
Categories:
DINING out
TRAVEL
posted @ Sunday, January 13, 2008 1:15 PM | Feedback (2)
I got the pleasures to meet Jennifer of Design Hole while she came in Montreal to celebrate her birthday with her husband.
We read each other blogs and we communicate through Facebook. It was fun meeting face to face. A lot of fabulous restaurants are closed on Sunday. Since she and her husband are foodies, I suggest that we eat at Laloux, a French Bistro in Montreal.
The first course
We all enjoyed a delicious meal. Everything was plated. We like it so much that we forgot to take pictures until the desserts. For the appetizers, our table selected:
- Scallop Carpaccio, lime and avocado vinaigrette, fennel, radish and mujjol caviar
- Smoked squash soup, maquerel, oven dried tomato, glazed onions, marinated mushrooms
- Tomato broth soup with fresh basilic.
The main course
For the main dishes, it looked like a girl menu versus a boy menu. Jennifer and I opted for the delicious Roasted monkfish, white beans, chorizo, crunchy fennel and green olives. I would like to prepare my own version of this recipe when I am having friends over.
Our husband were happily seduced by the Beef short rib from Eumatimie farm served on top of aligot potatoes, roots vegetables stew and horseradish milk foam. Both dishes satisfied us.
The dessert course
Take notes on how the Chocolate pot-de-crème, caramel and Maldon salt is served in a Mason jar. This is something you can do for any types of verrines.
Jennifer had the Pear sorbet, Araguani chocolate cream, chocolate crunch and caramelized pear purée with single malt whisky. The presentation was artistic. Honestly, visually it was not what you expect when you read the description.
I wanted to try something new. So I picked the Litchee granité, white chocolate and yogurt cream, grapefruit, Campari and hibiscus. It was divine with a green tea.
In conclusion
I was a while since I ate at Laloux restaurant before last Sunday. Since everyone was happy with their meal, you can put it on your list for the next time you visit Montreal.
Appetizers average at $9 CAD (from $5 to $19 for foie gras), the main courses cost about $25 and all desserts are at $8.
You can read Jennifer's husband review of Hotel Gault where they stayed on his blog Hotel Hallways. Arthur gave an excellence award to Hotel Gault. You can see a picture of Jennifer, who did not want to be photographed and the huge snowfall that we got on Monday. Jennifer is also having Montreal design review on her blog.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Laloux restaurant
Via: Weekend in Montreal Part 1: The Hotel Gault by Design Hole
Categories:
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Wednesday, December 05, 2007 6:50 PM | Feedback (3)
I had the chance to try out the Winter Bar before its official opening.
Set under an illuminated canopy, the Winter Bar is a cool bar steps away from The Quays Skating Rink. This year, the design is even better than in the previous years.
For the first time, the Winter Bar will be open all winter (December 1, 2007 to March 9, 2008). Electronic music DJs will perform every Thursday night. The formula is a paying bar with no cover charge.
What's to drink?
From the bar menu, I recommend a hot chocolate with a tiny shot of alcohol; I tried mine with whiskey. It was good and non whiskey fan like me are delighted that we do not really taste the whiskey.
One innovative drink is a brand new beer by Unibroue. It is a cherry beer served warmed. The warmed beer are served in an adorable small specialty glass. The bar design is pretty cool as you can see. On total, 186 people fit inside and 367 can enjoy the exterior terrace heated with wood fireplaces. Pretty cool!
I want to thank the cheerful Josianne (I hope I remembered her name correctly) for the smoke effects and for taking the time to explain to me the principle. The beer is served pretty warmed; you insert the bottles in boiling water. You served it in a small glass so you can drink it warm.
Planning an event at Winter Bar
If you are planning an event, it is good to know that you can rent the Winter Bar for an event. The event creators are Avec Brio and the official caterer is Bernard & Fils Traiteur. The bison was a hit with everyone. I enjoy their salmon tartar. Food presentation was appealing. But there were a few items that my girlfriends and I were not fond of. To be fair to the caterer, our taste buds are used to extraordinary finger food.
The Winter Bar is normally open on:
Thursday & Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm
Saturday from 2 pm to 10 pm
Sunday from 2 pm to 8 pm
Going to a VIP party always feels different. I plan to return some Thursday nights, if the weather is nice. The idea would be to exercise a bit, taking some fresh air and having a drink with friends at the sound of electronic DJs. If you come to visit Montreal this winter do not miss the Winter Bar. You can rent skates at the Skating Rink.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Winter Bar at the Quays of the Old Montreal Port
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 1:54 PM | Feedback (3)
To make your dinner party more special, think about adding a little field trip.
Tips on how to entertain your guests
Visiting a small art exhibition in a private gallery forms an ideal activity because it does not take too long. They occur all the time so you get no problem finding one at the last minute.
You can invite your friends for a casual dinner at your place or if it is still early, stop for a drink at a cool bar before dining.
The secret of a great event is to have several activities and moving around. When you do that, you always feel that the night was more exciting. Plan for activities that are nearby and that are easily accessible by everyone.
If you invite people who do not know each other, the opening activity acts as an ice breaker. The conversation will be livelier at dinner.
About the Double-Take exposition
Bettina Forget is an adorable talented artist. We went to her latest vernissage last Wednesday. I mixed pictures taken by my husband with some of her own to give you an idea. If you are looking for more significant Christmas gifts, consider paintings. For collectors and home décor fans, paintings can be at the top of their wish lists.
For this retrospective of her work, Bettina Forget has selected pairs of paintings from her various series dating from 2000 - 2007. Featured are paintings from her Weather Diaries, Helios Series, We are Stardust Series, and the Neutron Star Series. The exposition is held until Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at Visual Voice Art Gallery.
Visual Voice Art Gallery
372 Sainte-Catherine Street West, Suite 421
Montreal, QC
View maps
Bettina rents the front section of her studio to other artists so they can expose their art works. If you want to easily keep track of the vernissages at her gallery, Bettina has a group on Facebook.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Visual Voice Art Gallery
Blog: Inside the Artist's Studio - blog of Bettina Forget
Categories:
GIFT ideas
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 12:26 PM | Feedback (1)
This in-flight magazine for Air Canada always brings significant views on restaurants and the dining experience.
It is clear that classics making a comeback are growing in importance. From the November 2007 issue, I am listing enRoute latest trends in dining:
- Tap Water
- Feist
- Tiny Restaurants with Tiny Menu
- Blackboard Menus - I am a big fan of them even at home
- Champagne Cocktails
- House-Marinated Olives
- House-Made Chorizo
- Mom’s Cooking
- Spaetzle - the new gnocchi
- Pannacotta - the new crème brûlée – I see them everywhere
- Single Varietal Honey
- Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Tongue, cheek
- Duck Confit in Risotto
- Rosé
- Salt Cod
- Cheesecake
- Mostarda
- Fernet-Branca and Cynar - two herb-based bitter Italian digestifs
- House Ketchup with unexpected flavors
- Ratatouille
Recipes on Tastespotting
The recipes that I selected from Tastespotting represent well the new dining trends. Rhubarb is popular lately. It is so easy to grow your own rhubarb that you can enjoy them for many weeks. Brandade, a salt cod tapenade is a classic French appetizer. Almost every French bistro will serve them. The provencale ratatouille is one of all time favorite vegetable dishes.
The worst trend according to enRoute is square plate. Personally, I like them. My everyday tableware are square plates and bowls. I received lots of compliment for my dinnerware set. So it is fair to say that I am not the only one that appreciates them. You need a little time at the beginning to get used to plating the food. I have this set for a year now. I do not regret my purchase.
Their dislike has not deter enRoute from recommending several restaurants that used square dinnerware. I feel that the plate from Vella Restaurant seems a little bit to full to look truly stylish. From my point of view, the green salad should rest in another plate or bowl.
Sourcing:
Recipe: Ratatouille by Fanny on Tastespotting
Recipe: Panna cotta with hibiscus and rhubarb jelles by Lincoln on Tastespotting
Restaurant: Vella in Montreal - picture from enRoute
Recipe: Brandade by Sarah on Tastespotting
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Friday, November 30, 2007 12:52 AM | Feedback (2)
This is a nightmare for the stylish party girl. You go out to a nice restaurant all dressed up. Then it hit you. Where to put the spectacular handbag that you wear for the first time?
The dilemma
Etiquette is strong about that. If you want to show good manner, you never put a purse on the table.
Leaving your purse on the floor is not a viable option. You will feel uncomfortable if you lay your purse on your lap out of fear of sliding down. You cannot hang it in good conscience on the back of the chair; people can bump to it or you check every minute to see that nobody took it.
What can you do? This impossible question is solved with the purse hook.
What is the purse caddy?
Think of it as a hanger or a hook for your purse. It keeps your handbag clean and out of harm's way. It can also hold your umbrella. The Purse Caddy fits nicely into your tiniest going out handbag. Apparently, this was popular in the 1930s.
I am glad that it made a comeback. I found several stores on the Web that sell purse hangers. But frankly many models screamed old ladies or tacky for my taste.
That was until I came across Martha in Pink with its trendy girl illustration. I finally made the plunge and bought it online at Gone Shopping this afternoon. I will tell you more about it once I properly tested mine. Gone Shopping ships in Canada and the continental United States.
Support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
For the month of October, for each Purse Caddy - Martha in Pink sold, Gone Shopping will donate $5.00 from each sale to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, an non profit organization continually looking for a cure to breast cancer.
The mirror with crystals is also cute but you will not support the CBCF if you opt for that one.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Purse Caddy - Martha in Pink at Gone Shopping – price: $25 CAD
Learn more: Web site of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Categories:
GIFT ideas
DINING out
MANNERS
posted @ Wednesday, October 03, 2007 12:04 AM | Feedback (1)
Adding to the fact that many bloggers visited Montreal lately, Holly from decor*8 requested suggestions on where to eat and to shop in Montreal. So this is the right time to publish my list of favorite restaurants in town.
Most of them are fine restaurants. They are reasonably priced for a night out. I added a few suggestions for lunches and breakfasts. My list is ordered by neighborhood. I select three neighborhoods that are popular and fun to explore for travelers.
Old Montreal
Olive & Gourmando - 351 Saint-Paul West 514.350.1083
This bakery shop is the spot for a quick breakfast, a lunch or to simply enjoy an excellent coffee with baked goodies while you are visiting Old Montreal. Everybody raved about their soups and sandwiches. Do not forget to get one of their delicious breads. Olive and Gourmando is open from 8 am to 6 pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Le Club Chasse et Peche - 423 Saint Claude 514.861.1112
I ate there a few times since their opening. I am always delighted by my entire meal. This is a fine dining restaurant with a more masculine, rustic décor. The menu is inspired by the name of the restaurant which means Hunting and Fishing Club.
Expect $110 per person at night but it is money well spent. The wine list is impressive. We were invited last month for a dinner party by one of our clients and let say that we got a feast of cocktails, food and fine wines. It was a long night to remember. The staff was professional but friendly.
Notice that the restaurant is closed for lunches from July 14 to until August 13, 2007. Because the restaurant wants to operate only one kitchen team to insure the same quality level all the times, they are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Version Laurent Godbout – 295 Saint-Paul East 514.871.9135
Opened in 2005 by the chef of the popular and excellent restaurant Chez L’Epicier (311 Saint-Paul East 514.878.2232), Version Laurent Godbout proposes an interesting Iberian-based cuisine. The terrace is absolutely stunning. It is no secret that Laurent Godbout is a well viewed and loved chef in Montreal.
The décor, the way the dishes are plated and the recipes themselves are quite imaginative. Each dish is based on a theme. You are encouraged to share plates between guests at the table, like you see in the Iberian culture. If you are a group of 12, there is a charming private room at the front where you can watch the pedestrian crowd of Old Montreal.
Plateau Mont-Royal
Cafe Melies - 3536 Saint Laurent 514.847.9218
This is the bar and restaurant of Ex-Centris, the most stylish Cinema and New Media Complex in Montreal. Just from an architectural and design point of view, the place is worth a trip. Just look at the street lights in front of the building. They depart from the rest of the street because Daniel Langlois wanted something more design than the basic city lights in front of his building.
I suggest you go for breakfast or lunch at Café Melies. The décor is quite special. This is a mix of art deco, futuristic and last century steamships integrated with references of movie gears.
Jano - 3883 Saint Laurent 514.849.0646
This is an inexpensive family own restaurant where you eat succulent Portuguese Grill food. If you go on the week-end, expect a huge line. I suggest you make a reservation. The restaurant Coco Rico also belongs to the Castanheiro family. You do not go at Jano for the décor, you go there to eat good simple food.
Primadonna Ristorante & Bar Sushi - 3479 Saint Laurent 514.282.6644
The Primadonna is on my top 3 list. In a cool stylish décor, you eat exceptional Italian cuisine and great sushi. The food quality is the same whether I am going on a Tuesday night or during the week-end. One thing I appreciate is that they try to assign their regular guests to one waitress. The wine list is pricier.
If you are looking for large dishes and a more crowded lively place, you may prefer the Buona Notte across the street.
Pullman - 3424 Avenue Du Parc 514.288.7779
This wine bar carries mostly special importations. The selection is always in movement. On the menu, you get innovative and nicely plated tapas. So you can go to get a bite or for a full meal. I suggest you get wine by the glass to match it to the food. You can order them in 2 or 4 ounces wine glass.
Tri Express – 1650 Laurier East 514.528.5641
Formerly of Kaizen and Le Petit Treehouse (now closed), Tri Du is a sushi chef of the highest quality. You will discover that Tri is an adorable guy. Go there for lunch to eat his amazing sushi. He is a creative chef that does not always stick to traditional Japanese recipes. The place is small and you can order for take-out.
CLOSED : Zumaia - 3712 Saint Laurent 514.288.8729
This Spain-Portugal small restaurant is a wonderful addition to our town. I suggest you try the Degustation menu. You will get the full meal except the dessert for $29 CAD. And leave room for dessert. The molten chocolate cake with a dash of olive oil, fleur de sel and espelette pepper (if I am not mistaken) is a divine pleasure. Honestly, it is to die for. You get many wines around $30 a bottle.
If you are looking for a great bar after dinner, try the groovy GoGo Lounge. But be sure to dress cool if you want to get in on weekends; the place is packed. 3682 Saint Laurent 514.286.0882
Outremont
Restaurant Alloro - 160 Laurier West 514.270.6003
This restaurant was designed by one of Montreal’s most prolific restaurant designers, Jean-Pierre Viau. You go there for the eating at the beautiful terrace. Alloro proposes simple Italian cooking. You just have to cross the street for drinks before or after the dinner at Barmacie Baldwin 115 Laurier W., 514.276.4282
Chez Leveque - 1030 Laurier West 514.279.7355
You go Chez Leveque to eat authentic, traditional French cuisine. With the current trend for French cuisine that I see in English Canada and the USA, I thought you will appreciate this restaurant. Their wine list is reasonably priced.
I got more of my list. But I will let you enjoy my first compilation of the best restaurants right now in Montreal. Have fun visiting us.
Via: Tips for Montreal and Quebec? published on decor*8
Photo credits:
Cafe Melies (1st row of middle montage): from their Web site
Alloro (bottom): Andre Pichette, La Presse
Club Chasse et Peche (top pictures) + Pullman: Kim Vallee
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DINING out
posted @ Wednesday, July 11, 2007 3:12 PM | Feedback (4)
While looking at the fabulous culinary creations of French chef Jean-Luc Rabanel, I came across a stylish way to serve white or rose wine. I have never been a fan of the O Riedel wine glasses until I saw this picture.
O Riedel wine tumbler collection was all the rages a few years ago. But O Riedel defied the first rule of wine tasting. You must never touch the wine. That is why you got a stem.
I know, Italians defied it all the time by drinking wines in everyday glasses when they have a casual family gathering. At least, the O Riedel looks stylish. So why do I never use them before? I am something a purist.
But the way L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel used the O Riedel wine glass charms my design sense. I see the practicality of this method when the temperature rises. Put the O Riedel wine tumblers on your table Set your table with each O Riedel wine tumbler in a bowl filled with crushed ice at your next outdoor parties. Your guests will be impressed by this fresh table setting.
You do not need to buy the O Riedel wine glasses either. You can rent them with the vase underneath; most good rental party companies carry them. Just know that the Riedel glasses cost more to rent than an average wine glass.
One good reason to buy them is that the lead-free O Riedel wine tumblers are dishwasher safe. Since they will fit in any dishwasher, it will take you less time to clean up once the party is over. For a casual gathering, they still look hip and they are fun.
The price range for the non lead machine-blown glass series is half the price of Riedel Vinum glasses. Wine Enthusiast and Cooking.com both sell the set of 2 Riedel "O" Chardonnay Wine Tumblers for $16 USD. Other models are sold for $20 USD.
About French chef Jean-Luc Rabanel
He owns a restaurant and a cooking school in Arles in France. Dedicated to organic ingredients, a local farmer cultivates especially for him 100 varieties of each vegetable to obtain an infinite palette of textures and flavors. His latest restaurant L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel made the Condé Nast Travelever Hot List Table 2007.
More info: O Riedel glass series on Riedel Web site
Restaurant: L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel
Link : Condé Nast Travelever Hot List Table 2007
Photo credit: shot was taken for April-May issue of Cote Sud magazine
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Sunday, June 24, 2007 2:43 PM | Feedback (3)
Miniature dishes always look more sophisticated. They have a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them more appealing.
By nicely organizing your individual dessert servings on a tray or a plate you get more impact.
For easy at home entertaining, you do not need to bake everything. Your best local pastry can provide a few things. Just cut them into small pieces.
I suggest you make your own tiny crème brûlée; it is too hard to do. Here individual butter dishes were used instead of the usual ramekins.
Pannacotta served in shooter glasses garnished with a piece of peach is another great presentation trick. Just put some attention to details to replicate this look.
This dessert plate, la grande finale, is from one of my favorite restaurants in Montreal, Primadonna on Saint-Laurent Street. This is a popular place during the Formula1 week-end. Make sure to reserve in advance, you can do it online.
I am sorry about the photo quality of the dessert plate but I took a quick shot with my Motorola Razor phone.
Link: Web site of primadonna ristorante & sushi bar in Montreal
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
DISHING tips
DINING out
posted @ Monday, June 04, 2007 11:46 PM | Feedback (1)