Tradition is such an integral part of our lives. It gives it structure; it gives us place; it gives us identity. I remember hearing an interview with a Jewish Canadian cookbook author who was talking about the importance of the Shabbat in developing her love and reverence of cooking – because she cooked for her…
“Brown Ale Americaine” (Brown IPA), Pit Caribou
As relatively disappointing as my last few tastings have been, and with a bizarre spring storm brewing that has sucked the light out of the air last weekend, it felt right to return to Quebec and a darker brew. This is also a nuanced type of beer I haven’t hitherto tasted: Brown American Ale. I’ve…
“Twice as Mad Tom” (Double IPA), Muskoka Brewery
So here’s a lesson on the perils of impulse shopping whilst in a beer store – ok, I grant, it’s not a lesson I’ve learned nor am I likely to learn anytime soon, but in theory, there is a lesson to be learned here. A few weeks ago I went to return the empty shells of my…
“Mad Tom” (IPA), Muskoka Brewery
It is remarkable coming back to beers I know so well – I thought I knew – after starting this blog 6 months ago. In that time, I’ve sampled and really paid attention to nearly 4 dozen beers, of which 30 have been individually reviewed here. Muskoka’s Mad Tom is an IPA that I delightfully…
What Makes a Good Cookbook?
Ah, the “cookbook review.” Perhaps not the height of the literary review food chain, but it was inevitable that I would one day mount this bunny hill. So, “hello world,” here I am…. The first question to ask before I take a fateful plunge off this culinary precipice is “What makes a good cookbook?” After…