faijay's Profile
sitting around talking about our favourite subject.
Today at lunch with two very dear friends we got to talking over dim sum about our favourite topic--food in Paris. Every November my buddies go to Paris for a month and one of the places the always go to is L'Enoteca in the fourth arr. I have eaten there once. The reason for going to this place is white truffles, but in order to get the devine food you must suffer very rude service; and God forbid your alone the smallest table in captivity. Going to the toilet is quite a production which involves getting the waiters eye to come and move the table. Anyway, the upshot of this conversation is suggestions for great white truffles in Paris in a more pleasant atmosphere. In other words, less abuse.
Two-week vacation in Paris; self-catering apartment; meal/food/cooking tips invited.
Worse, they wanted to take my antique christophe silver rellish fork (dull,dull). So the woman at the ticket counter who was just engaged got a very nice wedding gift.
Looking for a big brisket
Just re read my post. Nortown is not inexpensive, but honestly it's worth the extra money to get a properly butchered roast, with the right amount of fat. They sell single and double brisket.
Looking for a big brisket
There is no better place for brisket than Nortown (Eglinton is their main store, but they have branches--check on line) It is essential that you order ahead. They make very good gefulte fish, either sweet or salt and good horse raddish is available there. It is a kosher style butcher, but the meat is not kosher.
Paris report from a failed Chowhound - longish
I know that dreaded room. I was detruffled one very bad night. Played dumb but my suitcase had a big aroma.
Which recipes (and ingredients) are, in your opinion, over hyped?
I've never used it but I have had it at restaurants--no idea of its taste: wait for it.....Fennel pollen.
where oh where have my g==nts gone?
All of a sudden (well the last 6 months) my cereal of choice (the only one, I'll eat) Grape Nuts has gradually disappeared from the grocery shelves. I have tried many stores and contacted Post and a few Grocery chains and got back unsatisfactory answers. Post just brought out some kind of flakes as the GN slowly became extinct. They suck with excessive sweetness and sogginess. The lack of sogginess is why I love Grape Nuts. Anyone, seen my cereal in the GTA and what can I do to get it back near me? Am I a victim of the Great, Grape Nuts conspiracy, by Post?
"Only in Canada" food items: add to the list
I always take my teabags with me on any trip to the US. My father used to say that in the US they put the floor sweeping in the tea bags. But, of course, I love the loose tea my Aunt Shirley always made from loose Red Rose. I don't know if it is still available.
"Only in Canada" food items: add to the list
It's available in Toronto at Brunos and perhaps other stores.
"Only in Canada" food items: add to the list
I think Vernors is or was invented in the US. When I was a child and we visited family in Detroit we had two stops there, the Vernors factory where we stocked up for home and the potato chip factory where we bought large tin tubs of the yummiest chips (in memory) ever.
Back in thoses days you could not get Vernors in Toronto.
SAN MARZANO (DOP) TOMATOES. What's the big deal?
I just went to check my pantry, which always contains san marzano tomatoes. Right now I have Paese Mio which lists the ingredients as:sanmarzano tomatoes, sanmarzano tomato juice and basil and is DOP. There are many places here in Toronto that sell theses kinds of canned tomatoes. I get these and other DOP from Grande Cheese on Orfus Rd. The brands vary but I have never gotten a below standard product. The are around $3
the search
I was leaning to the Victorianox ==perhaps getting both models. I love Wusthof and have had my Wusthof chef's knife and boning for many (25) years.
Thanks for the help.
the search
It's funny that you mention sharpening, because that is my main reason for disappointment in regard to bread knives. I was going to ask if anyone knew how to sharpen a bread knife?
the search
I sort of agree with you, and have almost decided on the V., but my heart goes out to the pleasing to the eye knives. I want a bread knife that doesn't squash the bread, if such a product exists. I am going to buy my knives from the Health Butcher here in Toronto that sells at a slight discount and has terrific lessons in Kife Skills, making sausage etc. They do have a web site if anyone is interested in their very good essays on knives etc.
the search
Over the years I have purchased many styles, makes and prices of bread knives. The best one was purchased in Paris, but I dropped it on the floor and the blade broke cleanly in half. I even bought one in the shape of a bow from an artisan at a crafts fair, but it is difficult to use and has lost its sharpness.
So does anyone have a recommendation? I am leaning toward the Wustof (my favourite knives) or Victorianox (?) which has two styles: the regular and an offset handle that looks interesting. V are very well priced and have won many of the testings at Cook's Illustrated.
Thanks in advance.
help needed
I know this is not a new question by far, but I need an editor for all the suggestions. My friend and I are driving upto Vaughan Mills from Toronto to have girls day out at Holt Renfrew Last Call and need the best dim sum places in that neighbourhood. Please help.
What edibles or food related items do you bring home from a visit to Paris?
I buy my fleur d'sel de camaruge from Costco for $7.
smoked bacon
I need applewood smoked bacon in a slab for a salmon recipe I am planning for tomorrow. Does anyone know somewhere in the Eglinton and Bathurst area--nothing south of davenport.
Fresh Vanilla beans in Toronto/Mississauga?
I get them at my Costco on Billy Bishop Road at Wilson and Bathurst. I also get Fleur de Sel for around $7
Favourite time to be in Paris
If I were going for a sports event it would be in July for the end of the Tour de France. I waited a whole day in the French Alps in 1999 for Lance and company to whish by in about 15 seconds/
Favourite time to be in Paris
It's funny that May and June were sort of nosing their way to the top, mostly for the good weather and the lovely produce.
Favourite time to be in Paris
I have been in September, October, November, December, January and May. I think I like the winter months because I love winter food, but there is nothing wrong with picniques and out door dining in the lovely weather. I probably like Nov-Jan for the truffles and game.
The reason I am asking is I am planning my longest trip to Paris in about a year--3-4 weeks, depending on what I pay for a suitable apartment--district to be determined.
good, not great
Sorry, I'm not clear--was the service off at P.G. or Taillevant. Off service at Taillevant would be a big surprise to me and I hope that has not happened. Taillevant always had supreme service and it would be a disservice to M. Vrnat's memory if service is no longer excellent.
Is it truffle season in France?
I have had some wonderful dishes with white truffles at L'Enoteca in the 4th arr. It was in December. They have an incredible wine list and a very diverse group of patrons. Try to get a table upstairs.
Paris "wedding" dinner
I immediately thought of Dominique Bouchet--exquisite food and presentation and just about right in your price range. I also thought that Jean in the 9th might be good, although the food might be a little too modern--the service and decor a top notch. Enjoy.
Steakhouse
The family is being taken out to Morton's Steakhouse on Saturday. I have not been--what to expect and any recs for ordering?
Help! Place to send my parents to dinner in Paris for Mom's 60th B-day
They might enjoy Le Doyen, set in the park on the Champs Elysee. The food and ambience are lovely. I think lunch is wonderful at this place.
If you could have one meal in Paris, Where would you go?
Actually, Tour d'Argent is my favourite for Sunday brunch--especially for honeymooners as the beautiful restaurant has one of the most beautiful views in Paris. Across the road is the comptoir for the restaurant and you could purchase a souvenir of your meal. Have a great time.
Bouchet, Cagna, Table de Joel Robuchon, Violon d'Ingres
I think you mean Dominique Bouchet. I had a delightful meal there a couple of years ago and would highly recommend it. I would have to dig up my notes, and since I just moved, it's not in the cards. It is very pleasant in decor and the food is lovely. Dominique is another chef out of the kitchen of L'Ambassador.
The restaurant, although in the eighth arr. is sort of in the hinterlands of this district and no where near the fancy places. I believe they have been awarded one Michelin star.
