Une Piscine!

Upon my return from France, I had the pleasure of sitting next to Claire, a delightful young woman from Lyon. In between our complaints regarding the rudeness of cabin crew, we managed to exchange some tidbits and facts from our native lands. This was Claire’s first trip to Montreal and she was wondering what, other than maple syrup, she should be eating that was traditionally Québécois. I obviously and somewhat begrudgingly mentioned poutine but prefaced it with instructions to drink some locally brewed beers. In return Claire shared with me a recipe for a very typical hot weather thirst quencher from Lyon – Une piscine.

Literally translated, une piscine is a pool. Once she detailed the recipe, I could think of no better name for such a concoction and no better beverage on a sweltering August weekend afternoon. It is simple to prepare and sounds deliciously refreshing. Take one part freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (this is key, don’t be lazy and buy instead of pressing your own), and mix with one part rosé wine. Add loads of ice to the glass, stir, and enjoy!

Now I really can’t wait until the weekend…

L’Occasion Gourmande

I have a soft spot for cookbooks. Essentially, they have replaced the story books of my childhood and I love to lose myself in the cookery tales and images. It’s not uncommon to find me seated in the aisles of bookstores perusing the latest publication or the classic tome. But what I really love are old cookbooks. I see them as snapshots on the culture that was and the traditions people used to covet at the table. For example, looking at an old Jehane Benoit you’ll note a section on different dishware patterns and when to use them: for casual affairs, for family, for formal shindig, etc.

The good news for those of you who enjoy these old culinary works as much as I do is that there is a place dedicated to just these items. La Librairie Gourmande’s Anne Fortin (the cookbook store at the Jean-Talon Market) has opened L’Occasion Gourmande nearby. Filled with all sorts of treasures, it is also the home of the first formal collection of Quebec cookbooks and reference books. Here one can purchase as well as sell their books and the prices are more than reasonable. Not to mention that the stock changes all the time, so the reasons to go back are numerous. Expect to find me seated somewhere in the store, deeply engrossed...

L’Occasion Gourmande

366 de Castelnau East (corner St-Denis)

514.759.9143

Fair Trade Coffee

It is no secret that Vancouver is a Mecca for coffee lovers and there are many places to buy a fresh brewed cup of your personal poison. However, there are also a few establishments that not only brew but roast their own and I had the luck of stumbling across such a place while perusing the Granville Island Public Market. Tucked amidst artisanal jewelers and other crafty tradesmen is a place called Origins Organic Coffee. Here, not only do they import and roast organic coffee but they also take care to purchase farmer friendly coffee. This means that those who grow the coffee are actually involved and taught how to ensure that their best interests are considered while being encourage to cultivate the best beans possible. When all parties benefit from trade, the product automatically increases in quality.

After a discussion with Drew, the coffee specialist, I not only had better insight on what happens before coffee makes it to my cup but also a better appreciation for the hard work it takes to get me a decent cup of joe. With two samples in my bag, I carted them home and only yesterday had a chance to finally brew a batch of the Ethiopian blend Drew suggested.

I don't pretend to be a coffee connoisseur and certainly have a lot to learn, but I do have the capacity to know when something fantastic is present around me.  I use this term because the aromas that filled my home and then my nose and then my mouth and then my soul were unlike anything I've ever tasted. There were subtle sweet strawberry notes with a touch of peppercorn spice to this phenomenal coffee and not a trace of dustiness or earthiness. Whoa and wow - now I get it.  We easily justify the purchase of organic eggs and milk and since we probably have more coffee everyday than both those combined, I can now certainly justify buying more of these beans.

For more information, please check out: www.originscoffee.com

And the picture above is of the roasting machine the use at Origins - a beautiful beast, almost a century old...

Eating the World

As part of the activities surrounding the free museum day in Montreal (Sunday May 25th), the Pointe-à-Callière museum is hosting a showcase of cultures. In addition to music, dance and theater, there will be many foods to sample. This is truly the epitome of multi-culti.

Chefs Franck Le-Cunff from the ITHQ, Olivier de Volpi from Aix Cuisine du Terroir Restaurant, Gaëlle Touchard from Narcisse Bistro, cook and presenter Jean-Louis Thémis,  Arturo Rodriguez from caterer Los Remedios, Pierre Lavallée from L’Arrivage Restaurant and Albert Simon will all be concocting a variety of items representing a multitude of countries. And they are free for you to nibble...

I'm a big believer that we learn a lot not just from how people eat but what people eat. Doing so in an environment filled with positive energy that comes from mixing ingredients and cultural perspectives surely makes it extra tasty.

For more information, consult the press release by clicking here: A Cultural Feast

The event takes place Saturday May 24th and Sunday May 25th starting at 11am and is free admission.

Bad Seeds: a movie to see

Starting today is a movie that everyone should see. “Le Monde selon Monsanto” is a French documentary that divulges the full extent of influence allotted to Monsanto – the giant agricultural empire responsible for much of the worlds’ grain output. For those who are not well versed in the ins and outs of just how bread makes it to the table, this 108 minute lesson is sure to shaken up a few motions and modify a few diets.

Think Fast Food Nation, Supersize Me, King of Corn and all those other documentaries that make us rethink farming and the products it “creates”. However, since this one showcases the victims that mass agriculture and genetically modified organisms leave behind, I don’t think many will find humour – and they shouldn’t. Food is serious business and we should all take a few hours to realize the impact of our dollar and how it can change the world.

One more dollar, one better plate of pasta, one seed at a time…

“Le Monde selon Monsanto” is playing at Ex-Centris three times a day (1pm, 5pm and 8:30pm) from May 23^rd to May 29^th inclusively. It is in French and English with French English subtitles. It will also be playing at AMC with English subtitles.

www.ex-centris.com