François Chartier did a raving review for this rosé, which he said was one of the best he’s had in the last 5 years. As I new that it was being delivered at some SAQ Selection mid-May, I went to the store the day it came out. As there was only a limited quantity available in Quebec, I made sure to buy the 6 bottles I found. I already drank 2…and a glass.

So, my verdict? I was NOT disappointed. I love this slightly pink almost peachy colour rosé, not too sweet which has everything we can dream of in a summer wine. Refreshing with fruity notes on the dry side. The Whispering Angel from Château d’Esclans is a Côtes de Provence that seems to please a lot of wine connoisseurs in North America. It sells for $22.15 at SAQ.com which is a little more expensive than the majority of rosés available. However, it is worth every penny.

Interesting facts:

• The Château d’Esclans also sells the most expensive rosé on the market, the Garrus, which goes for about $100 but is not available in Quebec.
• The owner of the Château Sacha Lichine, loves his 3 variety of rosés so much that he decided to try to convince the Asians to drink rosé, as it is not part of the culture. He must have succeeded which would explain why there are only a small quantity being sold in Quebec…

If you can find a bottle of Whispering Angel at your SAQ.com grab it, as it won’t last long. There are only a couple of bottles left across Quebec and if you are lucky you might be able to taste it at a restaurant, so cross your fingers that you come across a bottle or a glass of that great rosé.

Cheers! I’ll go pour myself a glass, as this post made me thirsty.

Sources and Credits:

• Image: Château d’Esclans.
• SAQ.COM: Whispering Angel,  Code SAQ : 11416984, CUP : 03760167 974190
• François Chartier is an internationally acclaimed sommelier, best-selling author, flavour detective, and instigator of the new aromatic discipline “molecular food harmonies and sommellerie”. He is the author of the award winning book: Taste Buds and Molecules. He has worked as a consultant to famous Chefs, like El Bulli.

The plus:

• It can make 9 popsicles in as little as 7 minutes before needing to be refrozen.
• We can make more natural pops, with additives. Using natural juices, fruits, yogurt and even some real chocolate for our  homemade fudges.
• Faster than going to the Ice cream Parlor or the “Depanneur”
• The cost, sweet price that will be paid within just couple of weeks, if you consider how much quality popsicles cost at the store

The minus:

• Could lead to too many calories ingested if we get carried away…

Here is a sample recipe found on the Zoku Website:

Pineapple Coconut Pops

The heat is on! Make these delicious Pineapple-Coconut Pops and cool yourself off. The combination of these two flavors will be sure to bring to mind the tropics. So transport yourself and enjoy these Quick Pops!

Makes 6 Pops

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE BASE
8 ounces fresh pineapple
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup unsweetened coconut milk
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut

MAKE THE PINEAPPLE-COCONUT BASE

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

ASSEMBLE THE POPS

1. Remove Zoku Quick Pop Maker from the freezer. Insert sticks and pour the Pineapple-Coconut base into each cavity until you reach the fill line. Let freeze completely and remove the pops with the Super Tool. Repeat with remaining pops.

What are your favourite popsicle recipes?

Sources and Credits:

• Images: Zoki Website, also the Pineapple Coconut Pops was also taken from the site.
• Zoku can be purchased online for $49,95 US and also on the William Sonoma Website for $36,95.

SMOOTHIES APP

Lots of great recipes and also ideas that I have been using for years, which is to replace dairy or juice in smoothies with herbal tea. A great idea that cuts down on the calories, lightens them and that add extra benefits to the smoothie. For example if you use camomile’s Tea you get the soothing effect. I love that she puts them in categories like: dairy, alternative milk, fruit + fruit juices, tofu, dairy. That way even people with dairy allergies can enjoy some delicious smoothies. Here are some that inspire me:

• Avocado + Pear
• Chamomile + Banana
• Almond + Date
• Mango + Red Bean
• Sweet Potato _ Apple
• Coconut + Cherry

Here is a video of what you will find: Martha Stewart Smoothies App

COCKTAILS APP

As for the Cocktails app, especially with summer at our doors, we are always looking for new beverage ideas. In the basic application, we find the classics like Campari and orange, but also new takes on classics like the pineapple-Gin “Kir”, the Grapefruit-Mint Mojito ad the Calvados Sidecar. We can also pay an extra $0,99 to get some specific collections which includes 20 drinks recipes with 5 snacks recipes:

• Summer Coolers collection perfect drinks for the warm days of summer
• Regional Favorites, which includes some classic drinks found in some American cities, like the Manhattan our the Chicago Fizz.
• Mocktails for those who prefer not to consume any alcoholic beverages.
• Cutting Edge which features unusual combinations like Pear-Rosemary Cocktail, Lemon-Verbena Infused Vodka, Shiso Martini or Purple Basil Mojito

Lots of interesting ways to quench our thirst this summer. What are YOUR favorites drinks for the summer?

This “cabane” is so popular that reservations take place 3 to 4 months prior to the opening in the spring. Within a couple of hours, all tables are filled. I was lucky enough to secure a reservation for 6 people, so I called some friends  who were more than happy to join me and have a chance to experience Martin Picard’s cooking.

As images speak louder than words, here are some memories of our afternoon at the sugar shack. Most have been taken by the talented Corinne Paquette, a member of our group. ENJOY! It’s a feast for the eyes, minus the calories

Photos: Corinne Paquette

The appetizer was fresh New Brunswick oysters with maple jelly.

Photos: Corinne Paquette

The first course included: A salad with deep fried smoked pork (oreilles de Christ) and buckweat blinis with smoked sturgeon preceded by a foie gras pea soup.

Photos: Corinne Paquette

2nd course : Lobster omelet, roasted chicken with beer gnocchi, baked beans with cottage cheese, and roasted pickled pork with veggies

Photos: Corinne Paquette

Dessert: Best tarte tatin ever tasted with maple ice cream, nougat glacé with maple candy-floss and chocolate sauce, pancakes cooked in duck fat served with maple syrup and some “Tire d’érable” (maple taffy).

Photos: Corinne Paquette & Indigonat

@photos: Corinne Paquette

Sources: Cabane à sucre Au Pied de cochon (Au Pied de cochon Sugar Shack)

Photography: Corinne Paquette and Indigonat

Good news for all the foodies that would like to eat less meat: A new kitchen revolution is starting in your kitchen on March 14, 2011.

The nutritionnist Catherine Lefebvre from L’Ethnogourmande is launching a cookbook for flexitarians like me: Les carnivores infidèles. 60 reasons to be unfaithful to your butcher. 60 recipes by bloggers like me, along with good reasons to eat less meat. I contributed one recipe, an edamame dip with spicy pita chips, and I promise you that all the recipes featured in this cookbook will make you regret you’re not a full-time vegetarian!

The book will be available in bookstores on March 14, 2011, but for a sneak preview, go to the Website or the Facebook page.

It’s not even officially out yet and everybody who got an advance copy is raving about it!

I tell you, it will become your new favourite cookbook!

Flexitarians are IN! So Meatless Mondays might become Meatless Tuesday, Wednesday, etc.

p.s. A special thanks today to fellow flexitarian Josée Blanchette who has mentioned my blog in her post about flexitarians. She also mentions good resources that you might also want to consult if you are thinking about adopting this way of life. I would add to these resources, the fantastic blog from Mariève Savaria: La Brut Alimentation.

You love wine but you’re short of space to install a cellar in your home?

I just discovered Cave St-Jacques a company that can store up to 300 bottles in your own private cellar. It’s the best way to make sure that your wine will be stored at the perfect temperature and humidity for aging, which is often not the case in our houses or apartments.What a brilliant idea!

In addition you can track your collections via a secure Internet access, always knowing what is left in your inventory. You can even have a magnetic card to access your collection 7 days a week. Cave St-Jacques is also a safe way to store your precious treasure as surveillance cameras are operating 24 hours a day, year-round. Can you say the same thing about your house?

© Corto_Maltese_83 - Fotolia.com

Private wine cellar photo credit: Cave St-Jacques

You can also take advantage of their pick-up service. You shop online at SAQ (liquor store) and on request they can send a pick-up truck to bring it to your own cellar at Cave St-Jacques. That’s what I call “Red carpet” treatment!

The fee is calculated on an annual basis. For example, to store 150 bottles it will cost around $325 plus taxes payable in two installments.

Wow! I am really impressed and it makes my wonder if I should start building my own wine collection now that I  know that such a fantastic service exist!

Sources and Credits:

• Cave St-Jacques is located at 3955, rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, Québec H4C 1H9
• SAQ – to order wine online
• Photo credit wine bottles: © Corto_Maltese_83 – Fotolia.com (stock photo purchased)
• Photo credit wine cellar: Cave St-Jacques
  

I discovered them by looking at their window display in Old Montreal.  I was like a child in front of a candy store. I ran into Olive & Gourmando to inquire about their new neighbour and to see when the store would open, but they told me that for the moment, Lunch à Porter only used the windows of a former restaurant to promote their products and website. Sigh! the good news is that they might open a real store in Old Montreal next year!

I have to confess that I have been on a quest for the best bento boxes for ages and apart from finding a couple of models available at Mortimer Snodgrass and one cool bento box at Boutique du Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montreal, I had resorted to order them from Casa Bento, an online store for France. But not anymore as Nobuko Nadeau, the owner of Lunch à Porter, made my dream a reality by launching her online store right in Montreal, saving me a lot of money in custom fees. Nobuko also has an associate Rika Takahashi who lives in Japan and who is on the lookout for the best models, so we can expect to see new models on a regular basis. Both owners are big fans of “Waste-free lunches” and they subscribe to 1% for the planet. As an eco-conscious foodie,  I totally support them in their quest. In addition to bringing your lunch to work, Lunch à Porter bento boxes and lunch gear can also be used for picnics or for carrying tasty treats for outdoor activities.

Here are some of my favourite models:

COLORS Collection, Sky Blue, $29

Men's DELI 2-tiered Lunch Box, $27

PEAR Collection, Sky Blue, $29

MODE LINE Aluminum Lunch Box, $25

Stainless Steel Hygienic Lunch Box by THERMOS, $25

DOT & BORDER Mini Condiment Cups, $4

Sources and Credits:

• Photos: Lunch À Porter
• Other resources for Bento Boxes: Casa Bento, Mortimer Snodgrass, Just Bento

I love wine but I am no real expert. However, I am a keen learner and I take all the opportunities to expand my knowledge of the wine business.

Recently I was invited to the event “Bordeaux sous le même toit” which featured Bordeaux wines  from $8 to $30. A price range that is perfect for my regular consumption! The concept was simple, tables were set up by agents and we could taste all the wines we wanted. Some wines tested are available at Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) and others were private imports only. I have to say that I made some great discoveries that day.

Among my “Coups de coeur”:

Available at SAQ:

• Tutiac (white) 2009, Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux $12.65 at SAQ (#624320)
• Château Petit Bidou Cuvée les Côtes de Bourg (red), Côtes de Bourg $14,95 at SAQ (#912576)
• Châteaul La Papeterie 2003 (red), Montagne St-Émilion $24,55 at SAQ (#866400)
• Château Bujan 2008 (red), Côte de Bourg, $18,60 at SAQ (#862086)
• Château Viramière 2005 (red), St-Émilion Grand Cru, $24,20 at SAQ (#972422)
• Dourthe La Grande Cuvée Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (white), Bordeaux, $14,90 at SAQ (#231654)

Private imports that you can order by contacting the agents:

• Château Lagarde (red), Bordeaux Supérieur, private importation (agent: Vins La Rochelle), $29,02 (IP11332289)
• Domaine Rousset Peyraguey 2002 (white), Sauternes, private importation (agent: Raisonnance Inc.), $30,00 (IP 11367140)
• 3 wines from Planvin private importer: Château Jean Faux (Bordeaux Supérieur, red), Château Majoureau Hyppos 2005 (Bordeaux Supérieur, red) 2009 and Pavillon St-Jacques 2007 (Bordeaux, red)

Credits and Sources:

• Info on Bordeaux Wines on Bordeaux.com
• Info on private importers (Minimum order is usually 12 bottles per wine): Vin Larochelle , Raisonnance Inc., Planvin 514-678-8777 or by  email: planvin@videotron.ca

“Dear Santa,

I have been a really good foodie this year, please make my dream come true and put this Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer Pro under the tree.

I promise if you grant me my wish, I’ll bake you all kinds of delicious cookies for next year when you stop by with Rudolph!”

Copyright Kitchen Aid

I love mixing everything by hand, but honestly sometimes, I could use a little help, especially with egg whites and cake dough that require lots of mixing. The Kithen Aid Professional 5™ Plus Series 5 Qt (4.73 L) 475-Watt Bowl Lift Stand Mixer in Empire Red would be perfect for my kitchen, REALLY!

It sells for $599 and I could buy extra attachments and accessories like:

• Dough hook
• Wire Whip
• Food grinder, to get the meat ready for sausages
• a metal grain mill, to make fresh flour for bread
• Pasta roller to make homemade lasagna
• Ice cream maker (well, maybe not as I already have one!)
• a sausage stuffer, which would be useful to make homemade chorizo
• There is even a roto slicer with shredder to save time getting veggies ready!

Hohoho! I just found out that Amazon.ca has a sale today with savings of 50% (On November 29, 2010)

Sources and Credits:

• photo by Kitchen Aid
• The Professional 5™ Plus Series 5 Qt (4.73 L) 475-Watt Bowl Lift Stand Mixer- Empire Red can be purchased in lots of good foodies store, like Les Touilleurs in Montreal and online at Kitchen Aid. You can also find it on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
  

Copyright Alessi

Just fell in love with this tea strainer designed  Alan Chan from Hong Kong for Alessi.

A little bird that comes in its own birdcage. Couldn’t be cuter than that!

It’s the perfect gift for tea lovers or a foodie that has everything… if such a concept is possible

Sources and Credits

• photo @Alessi
• Tea matter by Alessi for $128 US can be purchased online of in stores that carry Alessi products.