While one could easily assume that lasagna was the pasta that inspired my foray into the culinary world - after all, Garfield and I seem to have a lot in common when it comes to that - it was actually a slightly different pasta that intrigued me. A pasta that is easier, healthier, and to this day remains my favorite. It was a day like any other back in 1997. I was finished college and looking to start my journey into the world of journalism and radio broadcasting. As luck would have it, I …
Have Food, Will Travel
One of the perks of being a chef is getting to travel to different cities and try local food. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. Over the years, I've noticed that most major cities and states have a signature food on the 'must-try' list, even if it appears to be slightly touristy. It can be a slice of pie in New York City, oranges in Florida, peaches in Georgia, or a croissant in Paris, there's something built into my wiring that quietly says, "If you're here, you must try …
Ribs! We’re Bringing Sexy (Baby) Back
"I had a barbeque stain on my white t-shirt, you were killin' me in that mini-skirt" - Tim McGraw Father's Day is just around the corner and Capital Ribfest is about to take over Ottawa, so why not take a look at one of the things dads love most: ribs. Growing up in Montreal, ribs were often an overlooked side-dish at "barbecue" restaurants, which typically consisted of boring rotisserie-style chicken. It wasn't until later in life that I experienced true barbecue flavour. Naturally, …
Happy Anniversary, McDLT – Recreate the Legend At Home
As National Burger Month draws to a close, it's time to fondly remember a classic; the McDLT. If you think back far enough, you may recall that in 1985, fast-food giant McDonald’s was looking for new ways to get you to buy their products. Throughout the Decade of Decadence, we were treated to “innovative” menu offerings such as McNuggets, Chef Salads, the McRib, Mc Hotdog (sold at Toronto’s SkyDome) McPizza and the infamous McDLT. The purpose, for lack …
How to Make a Muffuletta: Mastering the Massive Sandwich
Given my love for enormous food items, it’s hard to believe I had never heard of a Muffuletta until a fateful stop-over in Syracuse. Upon checking in to the hotel, the girl at the desk asked if I needed any restaurant recommendations. It was late in the evening, so my choices were limited to a popular national bar and grill chain restaurant or Tonini’s Pizzeria. “It’s the Home of the Muffuletta!” I was excitedly told. Naturally I was intrigued. It turns out the sandwich traces its North …
