SMALL, NOBLE GRAPE. SMALL, NOBLE HEN.
NOVEMBER 13TH, 2008
Tonight the two marched forward, arm-in-arm, to face a dinner table populated with visiting foreign dignitaries. In an ironic twist of narrative, my cooking that left THEM speechless.
Find out how I cooked the bird here.
Find out how I cooked the bird here.
BLOGGING ON THE ROAD.
NOVEMBER 10TH, 2008
Fall in Ontario is the perfect time for weekend getaways in the country where the blazing autumn colours take my breath away. But this weekend, while luxuriating at Fergus’ Breadalbane Inn, the highlight was Chef Peter Egger’s miniature veal burgers: down-home cooking that gets two very gourmet thumbs up. Try them with a balanced Bordeaux like Calvet Château St Germain.
SOUR GRAPES FOR GUESTS? CRANBERRY BRIE PUFFS TO THE RESCUE.
NOVEMBER 6TH, 2008
I had come to the end of my imaginary rope regarding what to possibly serve a finicky group of French horn players when I came across these cranberry brie puffs. Success! And even better with Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais.
NEVER MIND CARROTS. IN FRANCE, OUR RABBITS CHASE TAGLIATELLE WITH SHRIMP AND ARUGULA.
NOVEMBER 5TH, 2008
What do you do with a wine named French Rabbit? While the name may sound silly, FR’s chardonnay-sauvignon blanc has some serious chops. I cracked open a carton with dinner tonight…these delicious tagliatelle.
INVITE A "FUNGI" TO DINNER.
OCTOBER 30TH, 2008
Get it? A “fun guy”? Mon dieu, I’ll stick to miming. Anyway, last night was my French Lit book club. I served up Lucy Waverman’s Mushroom Tarts, which really impressed the literaries. Even Balzac would approve.
And what does one serve with mushroom tarts? Cue Robin Leach impersonation: perennial pairing partner Patriarche Pinot Noir.
MY OWN LITTLE MARCEL!
OCTOBER 29TH, 2008Say hello to my cute and lovable dog, Marcel. I wish he would wear more black and white but he seems to be a big fan of The British Fashion Invasion.
SOME OYSTERS MAKE PEARLS. OTHERS MAKE A GREAT REASON TO BREAK OUT THE BUBBLY.
OCTOBER 28TH, 2008
Today I overcame a major life hurdle. That is to say - I’d been feeling trapped in an invisible box, and finally escaped. To celebrate, mes amis and I broke out the Champagne and devoured Malpeque oysters.
MAKES ANY PIG LOOK GOOD AND TASTE
EVEN BETTER.
OCTOBER 27TH, 2008
It goes by the name Latour Chardonnay. And after a hard day entertaining the crowds playing tug-of-war with invisible men, I like to serve it with something like this ginger-crusted pork tenderloin.
LITTLE SHRIMP NETS BIG COMPLIMENTS.
OCTOBER 24TH, 2008
Today I performed an interpretive dance called “Mime Descends Escalator”. You’ve never experienced anything like it, although the shrimp and asparagus nibbles that followed really came alive with a glass of Petit Chablis.
PINK CHAMPAGNE? OOH LA LA!
OCTOBER 23RD, 2008
I can’t emphasize enough what a refreshing change of bubbly pink Champagne is, especially with the holidays approaching. My neighbours - the ballerinas - loved it with veal scaloppini in a mushroom Champagne sauce.
I'D LIKE TO LIVE HERE!
OCTOBER 20TH, 2008I love this place. Great colour. So chic!
http://wish.ca/decor/slideshowarticle/510/
TRADE YOUR FRENCH FRIES FOR ITALIAN
SAUSAGE POTATOES.
OCTOBER 19TH, 2008
As much as I defend Brie, croissants, Dijon and the other sublime fruits of Motherland, Italians have taken a big leap forward with the ever-humble potato.
Potatoes aside, I still served French wine. Like there was any ever question! Rodet Côtes du Rhône to be specific.
Potatoes aside, I still served French wine. Like there was any ever question! Rodet Côtes du Rhône to be specific.
TODAY IS WRAP YOUR TROUT WITH BACON DAY.
OCTOBER 18TH, 2008I do not joke. Here’s the recipe, with Pfaffenheim Pinot Blanc Cuveé Chevalier along for the ride. Delicious.
THROW PILLOWS FOR EVERYBODY WHO WANTS TO BE JUST LIKE ME.
OCTOBER 17TH, 2008Miming isn’t for everybody. But if it’s something you dream of and you need somewhere to lay your head, have I found the perfect accessory!
http://homedecor.cafepress.com/item/aspiring-mime-throw-pillow/230689486
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
OCTOBER 14TH, 2008One of my favourite Canadian holidays is Thanksgiving. And I love cooking up a turkey. But this bird had an Italian accent, and the sausage stuffing to match.
La Vieille Ferme’s Côtes Du Ventoux has generous spicy fruit and soft tannins that pair well with roasted poultry and complement this turkey’s Italian sausage stuffing wonderfully.
La Vieille Ferme’s Côtes Du Ventoux has generous spicy fruit and soft tannins that pair well with roasted poultry and complement this turkey’s Italian sausage stuffing wonderfully.
SHE COULDN'T DECIDE BETWEEN SWEET POTATOES OR YAMS...OBVIOUSLY YAMS!
OCTOBER 7TH, 2008
Tonight was my date with Mary. You know – the ‘medium and balanced’ girl. Together we cooked a roast beef tenderloin, which she pulled – among other things – from her bottomless handbag. Never mind miming – Mary has a future in magic tricks!
Mary miming the Trevi Fountain. Not bad for her first lesson, non?
Magic tricks aside, I really enjoyed Mary’s company. So easy-going and versatile. Whether I wanted to ski the Alps, tour Bordeaux or visit Le Moulin Rouge I’m sure she’d be keen to savour the moment as though it were a fine merlot.
Speaking of Merlot, we enjoyed our tenderloin with that beau vin with the naughty apellation for dinner.
A LITTLE SUNDAY READING!
OCTOBER 5TH, 2008Guess where I turn for fashion and lifestyle inspiration?
