So, I’m fresh off a work retreat at a secluded cottage in Quebec. We were five people and stayed in a chalet that slept 25, or at least that’s what the property listing said. There were in fact only 11 beds so I guess past guests were encouraged to get creative about testing the lumbar…
Bee’s Knees Cocktail
Let me start off by saying, I’m sorry Mom, Mom’s friends, and Dad. This instalment of Taste & Tipple isn’t personal. The Bee’s Knees is a classic gin cocktail with a name that reminds me of the kind of description a boomer would use to characterize a fledgling romance, “Oh, he just thinks you’re the…
Mexican Potato Salad
Labour Day weekend is coming up quick. I’m sure you’re trying to do the mental math on how much potato salad you’ve eaten this summer, the answer: not enough. A little Labour Day barbecue, pool party, or picnic is a great excuse to increase your potato salad intake. Listen, I love potato salad. I’m of…
Pisco, Plum & Sage Cocktail
Hello friends. I’m back in the saddle after an indulgent birthday week. There were so many celebrations, so much food, so much drink. My liver is reeling. But I’m not going to let that slow me down. I have an obligation to give the people what they want. The people want CONTENT and they want…
Apricot, Plum & Almond Tart
Today is my 31st birthday. Please consider this incredibly beautiful and delicious Apricot, Plum and Almond Tart my version of a birthday cake. Before writing this post, I went back to read the post from my 30th birthday, because this blog is actually just a personal diary that I’ve given the entire internet the key…
Thai Beef & Mango Salad on Vermicelli
Let’s get the business of talking up this recipe out of the way up front, it’s story time. This Thai Beef and Mango Salad on Vermicelli is packed with incredible flavour, with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury. I prepared the beef using my sous vide precision cooker to achieve a juicy and…
Cherry Bourbon Sour
In my last post, I talked a bit about my ever-ambitious summer to-do list. One of the items that makes a perennial appearance on that list is making my own brandied cherries for cocktails. Have I ever actually managed to do it? No. Is it hard? No. Is it time-consuming? Only as long as it…
Strawberry Basil Crostini
I put out a poll on Instagram stories over the weekend to let you, my audience, determine what I would make for the blog this week. I gave four options, main, salad, snack, or brunch. Well the people have spoken and “snack” eked out “salad” for the people’s choice award this week. Your wish is…
Best Happy Hours Downtown Ottawa
Listen, we all need to blow off some steam after a long day’s work from time to time, and sometimes we just want a little social lubricant to hear what our colleagues REALLY think about that new hire. Regardless of your motivations, I’ve rounded up the best happy hours in downtown Ottawa, so you can…
Peachy Keen Boulevardier
The classic Boulevardier is quite a spirited cocktail. Cousin to the Negroni, a Boulevardier swaps out the gin for rye or bourbon. Comprised of equal parts, rye/bourbon, Campari, and sweet vermouth, a Boulevardier is not for the faint of heart or weak of liver. Often when I’ve ordered a Boulevardier at a bar or restaurant…
