Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Food Truck Eats
What a way to kick off the summer! I couldn't ask for more for May 24. Thank you Peller Estates for hosting the first Niagara-on-the-lake Food Truck Eats extravaganza. I am a frequent Niagara winery visitor and a Food Network Street Eats Fan so when I got this email from Peller Estates I was needless to say right on board. This event consisted of 16 Food trucks from Canada and the US all in one place, in the fabulous back yard of Peller Estates Winery which is one of the most beautiful and of my favorite wineries in Niagara.
The weather was absolutely perfect for this experience and it all took place in a picture perfect setting. I showed up with my family on Sunday right at 12:00, I like to be the first one in so to speak, and upon arrival we were greeted, given our souvenir Govino glass then guided into the backyard by smiling, friendly and courteous staff. The food trucks were all fired up and lined up just waiting to serve us. However First things first, 1 glass of wine was included in the ticket price so I chose my favorite from the Peller list "Cabernet Franc" and then proceeded to tour all of the trucks a choose my eats.
So many choices but only one stomach, how do I do this I thought, I wanted to try everything but that was impossible so I had to come up with a strategy. There was 4 of us so I had everyone buy 1-2 different things each and we shared, I needed to taste as many things as I could.
These trucks aren't just your ordinary street food trucks, they are food artisan eateries on wheels. Its so wonderful that there are chefs, cooks and foodies that have a passion for creating something new and different that offer so many more choices for us to eat.
I had a hard time deciding but I narrowed it down to these with hopes that there will be a next time to try the rest.
Toasted Tangerine--- The pulled chicken slider was very good, however I would have like the bun toasted and warm.
Smoked Salmon BLT slider was fresh tasting and an interesting combination.
Hank Daddy's BBQ--- Pulled Pork was very tender, juicy and good, wished it was bigger for the price.
El Gastronomo Vagabundo--- Pescado Picante Taco was a WOW for me, a great combination of flavors,colours and textures.
Beaver Tails Toronto--- Now that's Canadian EH! I gave up deep fried doughnuts a long time ago but these are
Whole wheat/cracked wheat pastry and NOT deep fried but float cooked on 100% canola oil so I had to try it. I thought it was so much better than the traditional take that I first tried in Ottawa.
Gourmet Bitches--- I love this new age take on street food and I would like to see more of this kind of choice for fast food choices.
Portobello Burger--- Very tasty but lacking portobello, it really needed more mushroom. a great vegetarian take on the burger if there were more mushroom meat.
Bonfire Catering--- Ontario's first fully mobile Muginani Italian pizza with real wood burning in the oven, a great concept to put on wheels, and the Bacon Jam Rocks, sweet and savoury treat and YES they make it themselves. I'm Italian and one who truly loves pizza and I am known to put almost anything on a pizza dough even leftovers so I really love trying new and different pizza creations. Great job!
I can't forget The highlight of my day and that was my meeting Chef Jason Parsons "Executive Chef of Peller Estates. I have been watching Chef Parsons for years on Cityline and I spotted him checking things out that day so I boldly introduced myself and requested a photo with him. I have to say he's was every bit the nice guy you see on the show, sweet, pleasant and ever so kind to grant my wish for a picture and kind words. So I say Thank you Chef and Peller Estates for this wonderful day!
My only regret is I could not try it all but I look forward to the next time to solve this dilemma that's for sure.
The one complaint I had was the dust in the event parking lot area, when we returned all the cars were coated in dust, we had to search for a car wash before heading to our next destination. I'm pretty sure it was unexpected and there will be a better solution next time.
List all Food Eats Trucks There. If you see one somewhere give them a try and support your local food trucks. They work hard and are really making a difference in the way we eat on the streets.
Toasted Tangerine
Cupcake Diner
Caplansky's
Bonfire Catering
El Gastronomo Vagabundo
Portobello Burger
Gorilla Cheese
Blue Donkey Streatery
Dobro Jesti
Shriner's Creek
Beaver Tails Toronto
Roaming Buffalo
Tide and Vine
Hank Daddy's BBQ
Busters Sea Cove
Gourmet Bitches
The weather was absolutely perfect for this experience and it all took place in a picture perfect setting. I showed up with my family on Sunday right at 12:00, I like to be the first one in so to speak, and upon arrival we were greeted, given our souvenir Govino glass then guided into the backyard by smiling, friendly and courteous staff. The food trucks were all fired up and lined up just waiting to serve us. However First things first, 1 glass of wine was included in the ticket price so I chose my favorite from the Peller list "Cabernet Franc" and then proceeded to tour all of the trucks a choose my eats.
So many choices but only one stomach, how do I do this I thought, I wanted to try everything but that was impossible so I had to come up with a strategy. There was 4 of us so I had everyone buy 1-2 different things each and we shared, I needed to taste as many things as I could.
These trucks aren't just your ordinary street food trucks, they are food artisan eateries on wheels. Its so wonderful that there are chefs, cooks and foodies that have a passion for creating something new and different that offer so many more choices for us to eat.
I had a hard time deciding but I narrowed it down to these with hopes that there will be a next time to try the rest.
Toasted Tangerine--- The pulled chicken slider was very good, however I would have like the bun toasted and warm.
Smoked Salmon BLT slider was fresh tasting and an interesting combination.
Hank Daddy's BBQ--- Pulled Pork was very tender, juicy and good, wished it was bigger for the price.
El Gastronomo Vagabundo--- Pescado Picante Taco was a WOW for me, a great combination of flavors,colours and textures.
Beaver Tails Toronto--- Now that's Canadian EH! I gave up deep fried doughnuts a long time ago but these are
Whole wheat/cracked wheat pastry and NOT deep fried but float cooked on 100% canola oil so I had to try it. I thought it was so much better than the traditional take that I first tried in Ottawa.
Gourmet Bitches--- I love this new age take on street food and I would like to see more of this kind of choice for fast food choices.
Portobello Burger--- Very tasty but lacking portobello, it really needed more mushroom. a great vegetarian take on the burger if there were more mushroom meat.
Bonfire Catering--- Ontario's first fully mobile Muginani Italian pizza with real wood burning in the oven, a great concept to put on wheels, and the Bacon Jam Rocks, sweet and savoury treat and YES they make it themselves. I'm Italian and one who truly loves pizza and I am known to put almost anything on a pizza dough even leftovers so I really love trying new and different pizza creations. Great job!
I can't forget The highlight of my day and that was my meeting Chef Jason Parsons "Executive Chef of Peller Estates. I have been watching Chef Parsons for years on Cityline and I spotted him checking things out that day so I boldly introduced myself and requested a photo with him. I have to say he's was every bit the nice guy you see on the show, sweet, pleasant and ever so kind to grant my wish for a picture and kind words. So I say Thank you Chef and Peller Estates for this wonderful day!
My only regret is I could not try it all but I look forward to the next time to solve this dilemma that's for sure.
The one complaint I had was the dust in the event parking lot area, when we returned all the cars were coated in dust, we had to search for a car wash before heading to our next destination. I'm pretty sure it was unexpected and there will be a better solution next time.
List all Food Eats Trucks There. If you see one somewhere give them a try and support your local food trucks. They work hard and are really making a difference in the way we eat on the streets.
Toasted Tangerine
Cupcake Diner
Caplansky's
Bonfire Catering
El Gastronomo Vagabundo
Portobello Burger
Gorilla Cheese
Blue Donkey Streatery
Dobro Jesti
Shriner's Creek
Beaver Tails Toronto
Roaming Buffalo
Tide and Vine
Hank Daddy's BBQ
Busters Sea Cove
Gourmet Bitches
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Drab to Fab
Recycling and giving new life and purpose to old furniture is something of a rewarding pastime for me. I was looking for a "new" dining room table so I put the word out to family and friends that if they knew anyone selling a French Provincial Style table that I would be interested. One day my mom called from up north where she lives claiming she had seen a table thrown for garbage at the end of someones driveway and if I wanted it to come and get it. I jumped at the chance and went to get it. It was in pretty bad shape bit I took it anyways because it had the sexy shape I was looking for and I knew with a little TLC it would be a star once again.
I had my son do all the sanding because he likes doing that kind of stuff lucky me and he really did a great job sanding right down to the bare wood removing all the old dilapidated finish and making as soft as a babies bum. The top was totally ruined so I had other plans for that. After days of sanding and filling gaps I cleaned and primed the entire thing (even the bottom) then applied 4 coats of a glossy black paint to give it a shiny black piano finish. For the top I reused the smoked glass I had on my old previous table it just happened to be the right size lucky me, again.
The smoky glass covered the fact that the wood laminate was missing. I would have purchase a sheet of oak or pine if I didn't have the glass but I saved that money.
Well it only cost time, sweat and about $10 in paint. I think it looks great and I feel like I saved its life and gave it a new family to live with.
Finished Table
Sanding
Primed
Ready to receive guests for dinner OR....
I use it as my office during the day. Double function room.
I had my son do all the sanding because he likes doing that kind of stuff lucky me and he really did a great job sanding right down to the bare wood removing all the old dilapidated finish and making as soft as a babies bum. The top was totally ruined so I had other plans for that. After days of sanding and filling gaps I cleaned and primed the entire thing (even the bottom) then applied 4 coats of a glossy black paint to give it a shiny black piano finish. For the top I reused the smoked glass I had on my old previous table it just happened to be the right size lucky me, again.
The smoky glass covered the fact that the wood laminate was missing. I would have purchase a sheet of oak or pine if I didn't have the glass but I saved that money.
Well it only cost time, sweat and about $10 in paint. I think it looks great and I feel like I saved its life and gave it a new family to live with.
I use it as my office during the day. Double function room.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Mothers Day Special Treat
Treat your mother with a special table setting that will make her feel like a queen. If you dont have any cooking skills even a simple boiled with toast and tea will look like an amazing deal served this way. If you do have some culinary flair then make this recipe that will surely please.
Quinoa Pancakes
Ingredients
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg white
• 1/4 cup butter milk
• Butter or vegetable spray for griddle
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
• Fresh fruit for serving
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another medium bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, butter, milk, and syrup until smooth. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and whisk to combine.
2. Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet or griddle with butter or vegetable spray and heat over medium-high. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on top, 2 minutes. Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside, 2 minutes (lower heat if browning too fast). Wipe skillet clean and repeat with more melted butter or spray and remaining batter. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit or dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa if desired.
Yield Makes about 12
Quinoa Pancakes
Ingredients
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1 large egg, plus 1 large egg white
• 1/4 cup butter milk
• Butter or vegetable spray for griddle
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
• Fresh fruit for serving
Directions
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together quinoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. In another medium bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, butter, milk, and syrup until smooth. Add egg mixture to flour mixture and whisk to combine.
2. Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet or griddle with butter or vegetable spray and heat over medium-high. Drop batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into skillet. Cook until bubbles appear on top, 2 minutes. Flip cakes and cook until golden brown on underside, 2 minutes (lower heat if browning too fast). Wipe skillet clean and repeat with more melted butter or spray and remaining batter. Serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit or dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa if desired.
Yield Makes about 12
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Passion for Food and Decor
I love to eat I guess that's where my passion for cooking comes from. The eyes and nose play a very important part in how you respond to what you see and smell. I truly believe that so first of all make it taste great then plate it so it looks delicious even if its just for you. Often times I am alone for lunch and I do cook for just myself but I never just throw it on the plate I always treat myself with the same elegance I give to my family or guests. like with Decor and staging your eyes judge everything you see and your nose judges how you expect it to taste.
Table settings whether its casual or fancy, set the stage for your meals and the food is the icing on the cake just as the accessories such as Art, rugs, pillow and throws are to your room scape. Combining food and decor is done all the time, they work hand in hand.
Have fun with it and use your hidden talents to give your meals flair, it really does taste better when it looks great!
Eggplant Supreme
Baked Artichokes
Chickpea fritters
Skinless Breaded Baked Chicken Dinner W/Baked Potato's and Slaw
Quinoa Pancakes
Corn Muffins
Lentil salad
Veggie Fritters
Roast Chicken and Potato's
Quiche
Cod and potato fritters
Lemon Chicken
Fried Artichokes
Chicken Chili
Sausage and Potato pie
Proscuitto & Bocconcini
Linguine con Gamberi
Mango Arugula Strawberry Salad
Parsley in Oil
Mushroom Risotto
Some Simple Ideas for Setting The Stage
Mothers Day Special Breakfast
Casual setting
Pizza Night
Simple buffet luncheon
Table settings whether its casual or fancy, set the stage for your meals and the food is the icing on the cake just as the accessories such as Art, rugs, pillow and throws are to your room scape. Combining food and decor is done all the time, they work hand in hand.
Have fun with it and use your hidden talents to give your meals flair, it really does taste better when it looks great!
Some Simple Ideas for Setting The Stage
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Eggplant Supreme
There is no question about my love for eggplants. Eggplant is the meat of all vegetables and although I am not a vegetarian I often replace my meat intake with this lovely vegetable. Baked, fried, sauteed, breaded, floured or naked this lovely dark purple creature is an amazing versatile flavor sucking sponge and is adaptable to so many recipes.
Today was one of those grey rainy days and I wanted some healthy comfort food so I came up with this recipe along with a bowl of home made chicken soup made from some left over roasted chicken I had.
Ingredients:
1 Eggplant, sliced thick and peeled in stripes leaving some skin
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, diced
1 red pepper, small cubed
2 zucchini, small cubed
5 mushrooms, small cubed
2 big handfuls of baby spinach, washed,dried and chopped
1/2 cup of crumbled Greek Feta cheese
parsley, finely chopped
EVOO
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of marinara sauce, optional you can use a good quality store bought ready made like Marinellis
Directions:
-oven temp 400
-placed eggplant on lightly greased tray and season to taste and put in oven for about 15 minutes then turn and bake about 10 min.
-meanwhile eggplant is baking heat a saute pan add about 2 turns of olive oil, add onions and garlic and cook until translucent.
-add the rest of vegetables except for spinach and cook on medium low heat for about 15 minutes. Add spinach the last minute.
Assembly time:
-remove eggplant from oven when cooked and keep on baking sheet, first layer half of the crumbled feta then a heaping spoonful of the veggie mix and rest of the feta. Top with 1-2 tbsp of Marinara and back in oven to heat through about 10 minutes.
-Remove from oven top with parsley and serve.
This is one of those healthy,delicious and easy to make 30 minute meals.
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