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‘Tis the Season to try something different

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‘Tis the Season to try something different

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. Before we nestled the children all snug in their beds,We had to eat and feast, as after all,‘Twas the night before Christmas! Now, we were going away for a few days, so the thought of planning a traditional ‘Réveillon’ was overwhelming. So I suggested we would follow a long-establisehd Jewish tradition and eat Chinese food for Christmas. The kids were confused, so I had to explain. It’s been documented a-plenty that North American Jews have been patrons to Chinese eateries while Christians are celebrating. Historians believe that the tradition began in New York’s Lower East Side, at the tail end of the 19th century, with an early wave of Eastern European immigrants. Chinese immigrants were settling…

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Bahama Breezin’

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Bahama Breezin’

The four of us had landed in the Land of the Free for a few golf rounds and some beach time under the Florida Sun. Upon arrival, however, we were short on supplies, so our first meal would have to be out there in the danger zone. Bahama Breeze Island Grille was thus selected. Bahama Breeze is an Carribean-inspired restaurant chain, owned by Darden (Olive Gargen, Longhorns Steakhouse). Bahama Breeze is specialized in island fare, including seafood, chicken, steaks, and of course, tropical drinks. The Fort Myers location is one of 43 franchise across the United States, with almost half of them being situated in the Sunshine State. We elected to sit on the patio, which seemed a safer bet in these uncertain times. It was also a bit of a condition set by Ms. Waffle to grant me the green light for the trip. The patio was busy but…

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A Toast to our Founding Fathers

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A Toast to our Founding Fathers

For one evening, we were asked to forget about the political negotiations and intrigues that led to the birth of Canada to reflect on a more important question: what did the Fathers of Confederation (and their female guests) eat and drink at the Charlottetown Conference of 1864? Apparently, wine and extravagant meals played a vital role in convincing the Maritime provinces to join Confederation. Well, then. A Toast to our Founding Fathers was the first event in the Canadian Museum of History’s series of tastings inspired by historical events. Thanks to Audrey’s instigation and LP’s organizing skills, 15 of us were set to feast on a four-course dinner inspired by the Conference, prepared by the Museum resident chef Michael Lasalle (formerly at Chez Edgar). To wash everything down, a wine tasting led by renowned sommelier Véronique Rivest, the first woman ever to reach the podium at the World’s Best Sommelier…

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Viva Vitalia

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It was a rainy evening, it was a kidless evening. Ms. Waffle and I were out on a date and we were going to make the most of it. Ms. Waffle was craving Italian, so we ended up making our way towards Bistro Vitalia, on rue Principale in Aylmer.  Opened less than a year ago, Bistro Vitalia replaced the much beloved Bistro Ambrosia, which was quite a popular Italian eatery. It surprised many when Ambrosia shut its doors for good, 10 years after opening. When we got there around 8 PM, the place was packed. Not a single seat was available on the main floor. We were a bit worried, but wisely, they decided to open the upper deck as more people came in behind us. We settled at a table by the railing to admire the spectacle below. Soon enough, half the tables in the upper section were occupied. The…

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On the Shore of the Rideau Canal

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I was invited to a dinner meeting at the Shore Club, located in the Westin Ottawa, right in the heart of downtown Ottawa. The restaurant decor is meant to remind us of an art deco ocean liners with contemporary lines.  5 million dollars were invested by the owners into this space.  It is large and spacious, with a high ceiling and a glassed front on the Rideau Canal. They are going for a very chic and elegant look.. The owners were ambitious about the spot.  “We’re trying to create a night-out atmosphere where people come, have fun and feel invigorated —  laughing and talking … It will be more like a New York restaurant, with a bit of a buzz to it,” principal David Aisenstat told the Ottawa Citizen before the opening. But be warned, this steakhouse is not what you might think: “Our market is upscale, the 30-something-plus age group. This will not be…

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