Miss Gourmet

Bobby Flay's Chicken Pot Pie

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:51:57 GMT

Friday night's dinner was a sweet potato chicken pot pie (from Bobby Flay for Chatelaine). Words can't describe how excited I was to make it. I love smokey flavour, so it had me at 'chipotle'.

It was overall a great dish, even though I'd substituted half of the milk for chicken broth because I was feeding someone who's a little lactose-intolerant. I also used cute and colorful purple and yellow carrots for color and added corn to the recipe. The filling was definitely creamy, tasty and well-balanced.

The crust, on the other hand, wasn't so successful. When we tried to roll it out, the texture was like modelling clay mixed with glue. We finally covered it and cooked the pie, but it ended up just hardening without becoming flakey. No idea what went wrong -- maybe we should've cooked the bottom layer before adding the filling even though Bobby Flay didn't say so. Maybe it's a sneaky effort to remind everyone of his iron chef status. "On my watch, even sweet potato glue bakes and flakes."

Next time, I'll just stick to a regular crust recipe, or a pre-made one (don't judge me, I'm a student -- I barely have time to shower nowadays).

My recipe rating for this one is 7/10.

Dinner at Darbar

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:19 GMT

I often crave Indian food in the winter. Warm, exotic and spicy dishes just make me feel cozy inside. I rarely opt for fancier restaurants when it comes to Indian, and for a good reason: when I'm eating large portions of delicious, smelly food, I like to be as laid-back as possible (read: sweat pants and no makeup). Well, a year ago I found the perfect hole-in-the-wall Indian restaurant on St-Laurent street just below Sherbrooke: Darbar. Somewhere in between a vintage boutique and an Anarchist book store, the friendliest Indian family in the city will feed you for less than it would cost to make it at home.

The main thing I love about this place? The corners of the restaurant are raised platforms with colourful pillows and short tables for those who like to eat sitting down. Try it with a close friend or even on a date; It's intimate and cozy to eat with your hands while you're sitting cross-legged. It's a novelty, kinda like breakfast in bed.

If you're not sure what to order, don't be shy to ask someone - just be specific with how spicy you like it. As a general rule, the Korma dishes are mild, the Madras are medium, and the Vindaloos are fire-hot. Try the

Thali, a plate with small portions of different dishes. You'll get some curried vegetables, lentils, salad and a main dish of your choice. Try ordering one each of chicken Tikka and lamb Korma for a taste of two completely different dishes.

If you'd like to try an authentic Indian drink, try a Lassi -- a yogurt-based drink that's slightly tangy and sweet. It's definitely an acquired taste, but it's worth trying.

Toi, Moi et Cafe

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:53:59 GMT

Toi, moi et café is famous for serving some of the best coffee you can buy without a passport, but their tasty breakfast menu is sometimes overlooked. It’s not dirt cheap, but the café’s fresh and decadent plates are definitely worth the little splurge.

Before anything, order the latte bowl. It’s a frothy, luxurious coffee experience that’s worth every cent.

As for the plates, the options are straight-forward: delicious meaty and cheesy omelets (choices with chorizo, ham and bacon are plenty). If you’re a vegetarian, try La Forestiere with wild mushrooms and asparagus. For something that you might not find elsewhere in Montreal, order Le Parisien. It doesn’t sound like anything special on the menu, but you’ll be pleased when it arrives in front of you and your neighbor will be envious. Crispy baguette slices made for dipping in two soft boiled eggs, with the perfect mild and creamy cheese slices to add to each bite. Finger food for breakfast? Oui, oui!

Must-try: The exotic brews of java – become a coffee connoisseur and have everyone at the table order something different. They’re also available for sale!

Think twice if: You’re on a strict budget. Don’t expect any $6 breakfast plates, and the coffee isn’t bottomless, so you’ll be paying if you want more.

Expect to pay: Between $20 and $25 dollars per person.

Toi, Moi et Cafe

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:28:08 GMT

Before anything, order the latte bowl. It’s a frothy, luxurious coffee experience that’s worth every cent.

Must-try: The exotic brews of java – become a coffee connoisseur and have everyone at the table order something different. They’re also available for sale!

Think twice if: You’re on a strict budget. Don’t expect any $6 breakfast plates, and the coffee isn’t bottomless, so you’ll be paying if you want more.

Expect to pay: Between $20 and $25 dollars per person.

Figaro Croissanterie

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:18:10 GMT

A hip little establishment settled in the Plateau on Hutchison Street, Figaro is actually a “croissanterie” and not strictly a breakfast joint. A vintage portable oven is installed around the counter and adds a historic touch to Figaro, which has been open since the early 80’s. It might be nestled in a quiet corner of the Plateau, but you won’t get lost trying to find this place - The smell of fresh croissants is intoxicating and occupies most of the block. The best part? The food is as good as it smells.

Breakfast sandwiches are the star attraction at Figaro; ham, egg and cheese are melted onto a fresh, buttery croissant.

Various other croissants offer vegetarian or cheese-filled options. For something sweet and decadent, try the sweet almond paste croissant – you’ll want to order more than one, though, because it’s inevitably something that will be passed around the table.

Tables are nice and cozy inside, and the Paris-inspired terrace is a great spot in the summer.

Must-try: Any of the homemade croissants – flakey, soft and mouthwatering.

Think twice if: You’re looking for something more substantial (okay, greasy and artery-clogging).

Expect to pay between $10-$15 per person.

Seafood Society

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 20:48:28 GMT

Summer is the perfect season for seafood, isn’t it? It’s light, tasty and very much a social food. There’s nothing like sharing oyster toppings, double-dipping shrimp cocktails, prying open crustaceans for meat, accidentally sending that meat flying onto neighbouring diners…

One of my favourite seafood experiences this summer was at Ice House, a trendy Plateau shack that opened earlier this year. Imagine a Mexican outback corner bar that was relocated and filled with stylish city folk. We sipped on some hard lemonade, cozied-up on the small terrace and ordered a Tex-Mex feast: fish tacos, chilli fries, burritos, jalapeno poppers and the popular bucket o’ crawfish.

Our waiter dumped the crawfish onto the table (as is customary at Ice House) and we got to work. Our table was a crawfish massacre by the end. “I wouldn’t have pegged you guys as the type,” said our waiter, impressed. There wasn’t a whole lot of meat to be eaten, but it gets an A+ for experience.

As far as taste goes, sometimes simple is best – check out the lobster roll from MUVBOX in the Old Port. Local Quebec lobster from a street cart overlooking the quays of the old port? I’m going to be missing this in the winter.

The most decadent (and pricey) seafood soirée was at Chuck Hughes’s Garde Manger. Lobster poutine, lobster risotto and a platter of oysters, scallops, crab and shrimp had us feeling like we almost overdid it. Almost.

My advice: hurry and enjoy some underwater grub before...

Peking Poutine @ Mac Bar

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 20:28:41 GMT

I'm a big fan of Sergio Mattoscio at Macaroni Bar. Dainty portions of mediocre food at high prices? Nowhere to be seen in his kitchen.

I saw this on their Twitter page and I'm already craving it. Peking Duck Poutine - special on the menu. Who knew Asia and Quebec could bear such a delicious-looking culinary lovechild?

Casa Del Popolo

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:16:43 GMT

Vegetarians, rejoice! Frustrated and hungry when you hang out at bars that only serve greasy, meaty options? Try Casa Del Popolo in the Plateau (which means house of the people in Italian), best described as a shabby-chick watering hole for the artsy and music-loving. La Sala Rossa, a small concert venue where local bands play almost every night, is their attached neighbour. The scene is vintage-meets-rock star; sitting at the bar, I couldn’t help but notice a Ringo Starr doppelgänger being served by a bartender who could’ve been Dita Von Teese’s double.

Don’t be worried if you’re more of a carnivore, you won’t even notice the lack of meat– the Tex-Mex inspired menu is anything but rabbit food. Share a plate of nachos piled high with tangy guacamole, cheese, sour cream and black beans, or opt for one of the three different vegetarian burritos. Just as I was thinking “where do they have room for a kitchen?”, I noticed one of the bartenders expertly folding up a burrito and using a microwave behind the bar to heat things up. Talk about energy conservation.

If you’re not craving Southern, try one of their sandwiches (goat cheese, Swiss, bocconcini , veggies or tofu) offered on different breads. The Boccolicious lives up to its name, but be sure to order it on baguette – my pumpernickel bread was soggy when I took a first bite after some quality time with the nachos.

If you’re drinking, try one of the six local beers on draft (including St-Ambroise, Cidre Mystique and Griffon). Yes, university tuition is due at the end of the month, but you can get some bang for your buck at $5 pints and $6 wine or cocktails. The prices beat most other drinkeries in town and perfectly cater to the mix of starving students and musicians.

Just as I was leaving, a band called The Mannequin Brides came in before their performance. Surprise, surprise – one of the...

Satay Brothers

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 20:48:28 GMT

Here’s some food for thought; if the weather is nice enough for outdoor eating, why spend lunch hour in a food court or overpriced bistro? Head over to the outdoor eating space at the Atwater Market, where the Satay brothers are serving up authentic cuisine with street-food convenience.

The market’s tent-covered area of food stalls has a bustling vibe that will make you feel like it’s the weekend. Don't expect anything fancy - just step right up and order, pick a picnic...

Jane Restaurant

Fri, 9 Sep 2011 20:47:52 GMT

Have you ever sat down at a classy restaurant with a craving for something big and greasy instead of a bird-sized entree? Well, the days of choosing between trendy ambience and tasty takeout food are over. Chic meets cheesy at Jane, a cozy new spot that serves gourmet comfort food and pizza that you wouldn’t believe could exist in such a stylish setting.

The atmosphere can be described as warm and minimalist. The menu, on the other hand, is anything but boring with dishes that change nightly and appear on the back wall’s chalkboard. Italian meatballs (which can be had as appetizers or added to the pizzas) and pizzas that range from Greek souvlaki to Jewish smoked meat and French chicken pot pie are just a few of the multicultural dishes that chef Ryan Dixon has brought together.

The appetizers are decent portions, so don’t be afraid to share. While the beets and goat cheese salad is good, it’s nothing out of the ordinary. But, the octopus salad is to die for – crispy, spicy and completely different from how the dish is usually prepared at other restaurants. The drinks are just as unique; their cucumber Bloody Caesar definitely has a kick (be wary of ordering it extra spicy) and the grape-cucumber martini is refreshing and not too sweet.

I had the Bianca pizza, smothered with all of my favourite Italian exports: mozzarella di bufala, parmesan, pesto and truffle oil, all on a perfectly cooked crust.Then, just as I was thinking that the Bianca was Jane’s shining star, I saw the Schwart-za pizza arrive at the table next to mine. Covered in smoked meat and pickles, it begged me to return for it. It smelled so good, I know that I will.

While the food is not cheap, the gourmet pizzas and intimate vibe are worth the splurge. If you are looking for a spot...

Griffintown Cafe

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:53:45 GMT

Nestled among antique shops on Notre Dame Street, this vintage-style café is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. While the front of the restaurant may go unnoticed, Griffintown Café is hiding a charming little terrace out back that will make you want to eat your meal a little slower just to stick around. Live Jazz and Blues play during dinner from Thursday to Saturday; bring someone special and they’ll ask “how did you know about this place?”

The menu has a touch of Southern inspiration, with Mexican egg dishes meeting classic Canadian breakfast in the am. If you’re unsure what to get, try the Mac n’ cheese; this dish is so popular, it’s served from morning until evening (except the breakfast version is served with bacon and poached eggs). I know what you’re thinking – why didn’t I think of that?

Dinner has some solid options, including an organic salmon tartare, gourmet burgers and lobster salad. The menu is short, but there’s a main dish to please almost everyone – except vegetarians. The cocktail menu is constantly changing but always makes use of their extensive Bourbon collection. Try the Wild Turkey Lemon cocktail; yes, it sounds like Thanksgiving dinner, but vegetarians can enjoy this one - Wild Turkey is a brand of Bourbon.

Quoi de N'Oeuf

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:07:15 GMT

There’s nothing better than a cozy breakfast joint where the staff never changes and your coffee cup is never empty. Quoi de N’Oeuf’s shabby-chic décor and changing local art displays give it an artsy, down-to-earth vibe.

The waiters are friendly and the service is quick – hey, nothing is worse than waiting around for eggs and toast. The breakfast is more than just the basics, though, and the home fries are a top pick; crispy, spiced and not too greasy, they’re some of the best I’ve found in the city. My only wish is that the coffee was more than just an average cup o’ Joe; I think a bolder signature blend would make Quoi de N’Oeuf absolutely perfect.

Must-try: the skillet omelets – loaded with lots of cheese, veggie and meat combinations, I always want to try a bite when the table next to mine orders one!

Think twice if: You’re craving breakfast that’s more like dessert. Quoi de N’oeuf has more salty options and not many sweet, whipped or chocolate-stuffed.

Bonus: Pick up a funky art piece if you’re in the market for an oversize caricature painting or an abstract. In warmer months, fresh Quebec blueberry crepes are the star attraction for fruit-lovers.

Price: $10-$20

Atwater Market Creperie

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:04:26 GMT

If you’re looking to make the most of your Sunday morning (or afternoon, depending on what kind of weekend it was), consider heading over to the Atwater/Little Burgundy area of town. Take a walk along the Lachine Canal or pass by the Atwater market to pick up some of the freshest fruits and veggies you can find in the city. While the neighborhood isn’t as busy as the plateau, you’ll find yourself among a pleasantly laid-back pack of locals.

Atwater market Creperie

If you’re at the market in the summer, The Creperie is a quick and delicious morning bite. The flour in these crepes is Gluten-free, and I’ll admit, they don’t look so appetizing – picture a darker, moister version of your everyday crepe – but the end result is surprisingly good. Pick a salty crepe with cheese, meats and veggies, or give in to your sweet tooth and have it smothered in chocolate and fruit. The ingredients are so fresh that you just know they were loaded off a farmer’s truck in the early morning.

Must-try: Any crepe with cheese and fresh tomatoes. An older woman sitting next to us was so passionate about hers, she interrupted us to mention that it was better than any crepe she’d ever had – in all her 80 years.

Think twice if: You’re looking for air conditioning, or somewhere quieter to carry on a conversation – the market atmosphere is comparable to an outdoor cafeteria. The hustle and bustle isn’t aggravating, but be prepared for dogs on leashes or the occasional crying baby.

Bonus: On weekends, professional chefs prepare different dishes shoppers observe cooking techniques. Cheese farms...