Beautiful bitters from Bittered Sling Vancouver, BC – In the midst of a dine around last night during the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, I had a preview of the next phase in bitters. As you probably know, the cocktail culture in 2014 is all about fresh juices, esoteric (some would say terroir) spirits and … Continued
The perfect soup dumpling at SuHang in Richmond, BC Richmond, BC – Say all you want about the San Gabriel Valley outside of L.A. and Flushing, Queens; for my money, I’m heading back to Vancouver (well, the suburb of Richmond, actually) the next time I’m jones-ing for some xiao long bao. These prized soup dumplings, … Continued
Click here to read my story about the origins of the fish taco in Baja, California, and how they’ve taken over the food scene in San Diego.
Pickled or fresh…tons of mushrooms at River Valley to choose from You’ve probably seen the River Valley Ranch stand at a number of Farmer’s Markets in the area. You might have even seen their main store and growing facility, if you ever take Highway 50 west toward Lake Geneva. What I had thought to be … Continued
This unassuming Montreal joint is known for its pastries and Portuguese specialties, but the star of the show is their rotisserie chicken (also Portuguese style), which claims to be Montreal’s best. It’s darn good; the fries? Not so much. Rotisserie Romados 115 Rue Rachel Est, Montreal, QC H2J 2J3; (+1) 514-849-1803
This Montreal gastropub serves up market fresh dishes and drinks in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. Daily specials are all written on the chalkboard, and if you sit at the bar, you can chat with the chefs or well-informed bar keeps. Heavy on the offal, by the way. A perennial top 5 resto in Montreal for food … Continued
Family owned La Banquise serves up inventive poutines, an extensive selection of microbrews, and outstanding breakfasts in a vibrant but laid-back atmosphere. Open 24 hours, it’s stoner heaven late at night, but also good hangover material late in the morning. They use red potatoes, by the way, and those ubiquitous white Québecois cheese curds, extra … Continued
SuWu brings trendy comfort food, a large drink menu, and a hip, urban atmosphere to Montreal’s bar scene. If there was a hipster bar along Blvd. Saint-Laurent, this would be it. Check out their poutine; it’s pretty rad. SuWu 3581 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC H2X 2T6; (+1) 514-564-5074
The aptly named Brisket serves up Montreal-style smoked meat dishes including, naturally, brisket that knocks out the competition. I dare say it tops Schwartz’s, which, technically, doesn’t even smoke its meat. If you’re more adventurous, they’re also famous for their marinated pig knuckles. Brisket 1093 Cote du Beaver Hall, Montreal, QC H2Z 1W7; (+1) 514-878-3641
We’re off to Morocco this week, sort of. At least on West Irving Park Road. I guarantee you’ve probably whizzed by Shokran on the way to Smoque BBQ or at the very least, were probably focusing more on the exit/on ramp for the Kennedy Expressway than you were on the storefront here. It’s easy to … Continued
The 21c is a chic, boutique hotel and contemporary art museum, nestled into historic downtown Louisville. The galleries are open 24-7 to the public, and the restaurant, Proof on Main, is a must-stop even if you’re not staying at the hotel (but you should). 21c Hotel 700 W Main St., Louisville, KY 40202; (502) 217-6300