Gourmet Sunday

Thrown together somewhat last minute, but still very delicious. A heads up: Don't go to Metro for your groceries on a Sunday because the shelves are always empty and the line ups are always long.

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guests: Joelle and Tami.
Starter: Joelle made some delicious Thai Cold Rolls.
Soup: Another fine Coconut soup from the Soup King.
Main: Vegetable stir fry with Peanut Satay sauce.
Drink: I had water. Tami had Cranberry Juice. Joelle and Spark had a bottle of some kind of wine.
Music: Give 'em Enough Rope, The Clash.

Gourmet Sundays

Just because I don't blog it doesn't mean Gourmet Sunday doesn't happen. For instance:


Mexico.
Tortilla Soup.
Rice and Beans.
Fajita.


I imported an authentic Japanese sushi chef to help with this one. Thanks Maki.
Udon noodle soup.
Avocado, Sweet Potato, and Cucumber Roll.
Vegetable Tempura.
Inari.


Italy
Bread Soup.
Grilled Polenta with Mushroom Ragout.

Holy Crap!

Remember when this was a shark blog? Check this out

Gourmet Sunday

Tami and I were eating sushi last night and I told her that I wanted to take another stab at ravioli for Gourmet Sunday. It wasn't much more than thirty seconds later that Ledger called and said he'd be in town to partake in the festivities (regular readers will remember that he was a key ingredient in the success of the last ravioli dinner in August). However, given that I'd already made ravioli once already for Gourmet Sunday (and once for an unofficial Gourmet Friday), I knew I had to include an added bonus.

Hosts: Rob and Spark.
Guests: Joelle, Kathy, Keith, Ledger, and Tami.
Salad: Mixed greens with avocado and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Soup: Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato, and Pear.
Main: Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato, and Pear Ravioli with a Butter and Sage sauce.
Desert: Apple Crisp.
Wine: Peller Estates 2008 Baco Noir, Finca Flichman 2008 Malbec, and Masi 2006 Campofiorin.
Music: Smiths "the Queen is Dead," and Springsteen "Nebraska."

So, the added bonus was the soup, with complimentary ingredients. And by complementary I mean the exact same. It was delish. But again, I can't stress enough how much time ravioli takes. I wouldn't recommend doing it from scratch. Instead, go buy a sheet of fresh lasagna noodles.

Avoid: Bestbuyglasses.com, UPS, and Quiznos Subs

We'll start with Quiznos:

They make a delicious sub, though they've always been over-priced. I like that they offer guacamole as a dressing, unlike any of the other sub chains. They have a new promotion where you can get large sized subs for $5. Being hungry, and a sucker for a good sandwich, I went in. Apparently you can only get specific subs for $5. Fine. But, the veggie sub isn't one of them. In other words, I can get a LARGE sub with all sorts of meat on it for less than a MEDIUM sub with no meat. WTF! When I inquired, the manager had no explanation for the ridiculous logic. "Okay", I said, "can I get a large meat sub without meat?" He said, yes, but I couldn't have guacamole because it only comes on veggie subs. huh? "I can't swap out a bunch of meat for some guacamole?" Apparently not.

I contacted the head office and spent 25 minutes inputting data onto their automated complaint system and was promised, by a machine, that a person would call me back. Never heard back. In solidarity with vegetarians, logic, and reason, I urge you to take Quiznos Subs off your possible lunch options.

Moving onto bestbuyglasses.com:

I was amazed at the competitive prices listed on their website. I ordered a pair of specs. They were $98 (US), plus $16.95 shipping. Fine. A week later I received one of those "attempt to delivery" notices from UPS stating I owed them $47 for brokerage fees. At no point in the online ordering procedure did it mention anything about additional fees.

When I called Best Buy Glasses they monkey who answered the phone politely stated to me that their website clearly states that residents of Canada may be charged additional duties and/or taxes. When I protested she instructed that if I had clicked on the icon saying FREE DELIVERY IN THE US I would have encountered their Canadian shipping information. Like I said, she was a monkey, and though primates share up to 98% of our genetic material, sometimes they can't comprehend simple concepts like national borders. I inquired why I would ever click on an icon about FREE DELIVERY IN THE US, if I live in Canada. Her response: "Because if I was ordering something online, I would want to know if their were any additional shipping fees." How does one even respond to that?

UPS:

Forty-seven dollars in brokerage fees for an item that costs $100? I asked how they calculate their fees, assuming it was a percentage of the value. Apparently they have a scale where a product between $100 and $200 pays the same brokerage. Again, doesn't make sense because clearly the duty at customs isn't the same for two unequally valued goods. After trying to understand their rationale, I left the conversation even more confused.

The next day they messed up the delivery and I had to call them again, and, of course, I got back into the brokerage fees issue. I guess, I won this particular customer service rep over because he called me 20 minutes later saying he's going to cut the brokerage fees to $20.

As happy as I am about that, it just proves the point that UPSs brokerage fees are unfair and arbitrary. There is no way they're eating a dime, even after reducing the fees by $27.

In conclusion F UPS. F Best Buy Glasses. And F Quiznos.

Gourmet Sunday

Gourmet Sunday finally returned to Joelle's. If you recall an earlier old post you'll remember that what an amazing meal she put together in the spring. Being a regular at Gourmet Sunday, it's no surprise she can cook, but each time she's hosted, she's really taken it to the next level. Oh, and hey, you know those people who claim to be vegetarian, but eat fish, like you're supposed to believe fish grown from the ground? I can't stand that. Anyways, I might slowly be becoming one of them, as my fish consumption has advanced from "experimenting" to "not so regular but sometimes."

Host: Joelle.
Guests: Alex, Neil, Rob, and Spark.
Starter: Vegetable Soup and Mixed Greens Salad.
Main: Rice and Salmon.
Desert: Pumpkin Tarts.
Wine: Not sure, but white.

Joelle has an actual dining table to sit at. She's serious about being serious.

Beers of the World

Last night we visited eleven countries and three continents, sampling the finest brews each has to offer. Rating each beer was difficult when considering there were four judges and no real criteria to base such judgment on. It seems as though Rennick was the only one with any sort of rationale, declaring "If I like it, I'll give it a 5." Comparisons are made even more complicated because the more samples you get through, the drunker you become.

After several hours of tasting, discussing, debating, and arguing, we came very near to throwing fists but managed to narrow down a top three:

3) Fischer Blonde - est. 1821, France.

2) Golden Pheasant Lager - Slovakia. Brewed according to an original recipe, using only natural ingredients: clearest water from our own wells, finest hops and malted barley.

1) Affligem Abbey Blonde - est. 1074, Belgium. A smooth-bodied, golden abbey beer with a light, hoppy character and a surprisingly clean finish. Secondary fermentation in the bottle. Contains barley malt.

Gourmet Sunday

While Tami and I were moving boxes up and down stairs, Spark and Joelle got a sack full of peppers for $3 from a farmers market across from the St. Lawrence market. This is what happened:

Hosts: Rob and Spark.
Guests: Amy, Joelle, and Tami.
Soup: Butternut squash and Sweet Potato.
Salad: Garden with some kind of tangy dressing Tami whipped up.
Main: Stuffed Peppers.
Dessert: Apple Pie.
Wine: 2007 Promised Land Shiraz Cabernet.

Music: Sensefield and Smalltown.

We now have a new feature at the house: a bar-height "dining" table. It's too small to dine at, but last night during the prep portion of the evening we sure enjoyed sitting at it, leaning on it, and conversing around it. It was just like being at the pub.

Gourmet Sunday

The Regulators finished another unsuccessful season with no wins. A club record! Despite the disappointment of baseball season, and more importantly summer coming to an end, it does open up for a more consistent Sunday evening program. We decided to mark the first dinner of the season, and what could very well be the one year anniversary of Gourmet Sunday, with one of our finest meals yet.

Hosts: Spark and Rob
Guests: Allie, Joelle, and Tami
Starter: Garlic Bread
Salad: Mixed Greens
Main: Eggplant Rollatini with a ricotta, spinach, and flame roasted red pepper filling, and a side of Breaded Zucchini sticks.
Wine: I don't know because I didn't drink any, but it was a red.
Dessert: Banana Loaf with Chocolate Chips and Almond Chunks.

Music: Falling Forward

Perhaps the most exciting part of last night's meal was not the meal at all, but Joelle's refound love for a 90s hardcore classic, Falling Forward's Hand Me Down. In all seriousness though, there were a handful people who had the opportunity to come last night and didn't. They missed out, big time.

Sorry, I couldn't find any Falling Forward, but this is pretty good, too.

For my balding friends.

Gourmet Friday

A few months ago we made a variety of ravioli from scratch. It took forever to make. I didn't think I would be up for the task again. I reconsidered, however, changed a few things and went ahead with it. Not making three types of ravioli for six people made things a lot easier. Oh, and if somebody tries to tell you a wine bottle works as well as a rolling pin, they're either lying or stupid. Get a rolling pin.

Host: Me
Guests: Amy and Ledger. Tami would have made it, but was interviewing SGs for potential roommates.
Starter: Garlic Bread
Salad: Check. I may have put too much Balsamic in the dressing, however.
Main: Roasted Butternut Squash and Pear Ravioli with a butter and Rosemary dressing, with grilled Aspargus on the side.
Wine: 2008 Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc.

Music: Probably Leatherface, I forget.

Gourmet Sunday mainstays weren't in attendance, so I think this is a dish that will be made again. My confidence in fresh pasta-making has been rejuvenated.

New Boat.

It's a few months old, but I've just come across this new Leatherface jam. Stoked for a new album, should it ever see the light of day.



And an old one



One more

Gourmet Wednesday

With baseball being Sunday night, we've found it hard to keep up with Gourmet Sunday. We're still cooking, just not blogging about it as much. We've been talking about a Gourmet Sunday with Chris and Danielle for a while and they took advantage of a cool and rainy summer evening to invite us over for some delicious eats.

Hosts: Chris and Danielle.
Guests: Tami and Rob
Starter: Chris made the best guacamole I've ever tasted.
Main: Fresh Cut Sweet Potato fries; Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Cream Cheese, Brie, and tomato; Grilled Eggplant; BBQ Tofu.
Desert: Fruit Salad.
Beverage: Chilled Toronto tap water.

Whenever somebody else does Gourmet Sunday (or Wednesday), I think they show us up. Hats off to Chris and Danielle for putting together an awesome mid-week feast. And just so you know, sweet potatoes are still the best food in the world.

Good Jam.

I remember taping this when it aired on tv and watching it religiously for a month. Can anybody explain the X on Jeff Ament's hand?

FBI conversations with Saddam

Between his capture in December 2003 and his eventual execution three years later, Saddam Hussein spent 18 months in US custody. During this time, FBI agents recorded both formal interviews and casual conversations with him. Transcripts of these engagements were recently released. I've, so far, only read the casual conversations and found them quite interesting. check them out here:

http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB279/index.htm

Woah.

I'd like to share with you the wet dream I had last night:

the 59 sound - bruce springsteen & gaslight anthem( glasto )
Uploaded by runawaydream. - See the latest featured music videos.

Springsteen joins the Gaslight Anthem on stage at Glastonbury.

Culture Shock.

This pretty much sums up what's wrong with youth culture. Be sure to watch the entire thing as there's some next level shit in the last minute.

Rape Epidemic in South Africa.

A South African study has revealed that 1/4 men have raped women and half of those have attacked more than once. Check it out.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8107039.stm

Rock Shoes

I've noticed in the past couple of years an increase in the number of fashion accessories being "designed" by pop-cultural "icons." I want to make public my complete and utter disdain for this practice. Just because somebody can write a song doesn't mean they have any business designing footwear. The above shoe, designed by Green Day drummer, is the latest example of this lamentable practice.

Gourmet... er... Monday!

We've been dropping the ball on Gourmet Sunday lately and Sunday we went to T&T and bought some new soup spoons. This is the result:

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guest: Joelle.
Soup: Hot and Sour.
Main: Vegetable Stir Fry and Sweet and Sour Gluten on rice.
Wine: 2007 Reisling.
Dessert: Cookies.
Music: Trojan Ska box set.

Let me say right off the start that I had little to do with this meal. I threw some stuff into a pan and poured some sweet and sour sauce over it. Spark and Joelle were the real troopers. Spark did his hot and sour soup, which is delicious, but REALLY spicy. Joelle did a stir fry, which was all delicious. We ate too much and fell into food comas. The end.

Gourment Sunday

There's nothing like celebrating another Regulators loss like a delicious meal on a Sunday evening.

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guest: the Rennick.
Salad: We didn't actually have salad, but Tami and I made this awesome one earlier in the week. It had marinated grilled tempeh, steamed asparagus, and a bunch of other stuff that goes in salads. Delicious.
Main: Veggie Chicken Curry with Tofu, Sweet Potato and Broccoli. Maybe we eat this meal too much, but you would too if you had just a little taste. Best curry this side of the Atlantic (until the Bo finally reopens... if it reopens).
Wine: That new shitty Fuzion white. Whatevs.

Music: Chuck Ragan.

We're always pushing the envelope at Gourmet Sunday, and this week, clearly, was no different. How was this week different? Two ways: I bought a sweet antique grain scale that has replaced our Ikea coffee table/dinner table, and the Rennick got a sweet haircut, thanks to Toronto's finest barber/stylist/life coach, Jon Roth. Oh, and just a heads up, Spark and I bought some planters and some herbs today. The results will be some next level shit. Guaranteed.

Gourmet Sunday

It's been a few weeks since we had a proper Gourmet Sunday, and though tonight wasn't proper, I guess it's blog-worthy anyways.

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guest: Rennick and Tami.
Appetizer: Chips and Guacamole.
Main: "Chicken" Curry on Rice with Steamed Broccoli.
Wine: None (not before a big Regs game!)

Music: Ramones.
Post Dinner Entertainment: Student evaluations of me.

There will be no Gourmet Sunday for at least the next three weeks, as the Regulators are playing 5 o'clock games. Maybe we'll win one.

Gourment Sunday

The mailbag has been full lately. Thousands of loyal readers have inquired about the lack of updates. Many have even hypothesized that, perhaps, Gourmet Sunday had come to an end. This is not the case. Again, this is NOT the case. The fact is, the Regulators are making a valiant effort at winning a game on Sunday evenings. Go Regs!

Gourmet Sunday

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guests: Amy and Joelle.
Starter: Bruschetta.
Main: Fresh Garden Salad and 3 Mushroom Risotto.
Dessert: Tami's Chocolate and Banana Cake Birthday Cake.
Wine: 2007 Masi Soave.

Music: Oasis, Standing on the Shoulders of Giants.
Boardgame: Balderdash.

It's been a month since the last Gourmet Sunday and we therefore thought it would be appropriate to ease our way back into it by keeping things light. Plus, it's summer and we gotta get our beach bodies in order.

Tramps Like Us...

So Gourmet Sunday has been on the back burner as of late. It's football season for the hooligan and my cooking career has been put on hold to make time for my new career in art. As you may or may not know, I was to appear at the Disposable Art Show this past Saturday. Unfortunately a number of things prevented this from happening. Though I am delighted to report that the best boards showing sold. Well done to those artists, and to Joey for an awesome night.
I like to think a lot of people went home bummed (or didn't even bother to show) once it was announced my deck would not be on the wall. I've posted a picture above to appease all of my fans. It's truly a historical piece, given that it is the first painting I have ever done in my life. Bidding starts at $10,000. Bid quick and with confidence; it'll go quick.

Check out my art debut.

Joey's been working overtime as of late. One of his artists fell through at the last minute and he came to me. Why? Well, he needed somebody who could throw something together, last minute, that would be of a certain standard and calibre; not unlike other artists who will be showing work that night. Come check it out. Donate some money. And take home an original piece of art- mine if you're lucky.






*This may not be exactly how I ended up being in Joey's art show.

Snakes On A Plane

A Qantas flight en route to Melbourne from Alice Springs was grounded once employees noticed that four baby pythons had escaped from their hold during the flight. Amazing.

Gourmet Sunday

One year ago a few dudes went to Italy and brought back a package of pasta. Last night they cooked up that pasta.

Hosts: Spark and Rob
Guests: Amy, Joelle, Rennick, Steph, Tami.
Salad: The kind with lettuce and stuff.
Soup: Tuscan bread soup.
Main: Year old Italian pasta with "veggie bolognese" sauce.
Wine: 2006 Peppoli Chianti Classico.
Music: Van Morrison.

As mentioned, exactly one year ago, Spark, Rennick, and I were riding our bikes around in the rain in Spain and Italy. A lot has changed in one year: Spark became a soccer hooligan, Rennick found a new interest in fixed-gear bicycles, and I had a kid. To commemorate the occasion we will be eating a lot of pasta and drinking too much wine every day for the next 16 days.

Gourmet Sunday

It's still kind of cold out, but, indeed, spring has sprung. And spring is just a few months away from summer, and summer means barbecue season! I love barbecues and love cooking on the barbecue, but who doesn't, right? We decided to blow our load a little early and fill up the propane tank in honour of spring. It was also discussed that from here on out Gourmet Sunday must implement the barbecue each week, weather permitting.

Hosts: Rob and Spark
Guests: Amy, Joelle, Momma Clark, and Tami.
Starter: Spinach pie
Salad: Greek
Main: Kababs on grilled pita with tzatziki and roasted potatoes.
Wine: 2008 Storm Bay Cabernet Sauvignon.

Music: Bob Dylan "Street Legal."

Apart from being our first Greek theme (go Beta Kappa Delta!) we had the honour of hosting Mrs. Leslie Clark. We learned a lot about Spark; including why he hates cheese, but loves pizza and nachos. Actually we didn't learn anything of the sorts because it doesn't make sense. Regardless, as always, Les was a real hoot. The kebabs were great and we've really taken a liking to the new President's Choice fake "chicken breasts."

One bowl of Shark Fin Soup please.

School sanctions steel cage match.

South Cliff High School, in Dallas, Texas, is accused of holding principal and teacher sanctioned steel cage fights between students between 2003-2005. Though the now retired principal denies such incidents occurred, students, parents and school board administrators are suggesting that several fights took place inside of a steel mesh equipment locker. Mind you, this is in a state where some teachers are required to carry concealed hand guns in their classroom. Mixed messages?

Dangerous Minds.

So I pretty much have the best job ever. This is why:

"Nick Nack Patty Wack
Still rolling cadi-lacks
I Role wit big Macks
So you call Abel
Burn down your house
Now you sleep in a stable
My flow is electric
So you can call me cable
Flows like the Ocean
So you can me sea sick
I am the god of Rap
So you can call me Jesus
So Fresh, Juss came out
the Fetus. I'm Hard
So you can call me stiff
penis."

This little gem was found in a desk after one of my classes. The words appear as they were written on the page in order to maintain it's artistic integrity. The artist is unknown, but I am sure you'll be hearing this rhyme on BET shortly.

Gourmet Sunday

Gourmet Sunday is really catching on in 2009. Last night marked the second time in less than a month that Gourmet Sunday was hosted by somebody other than Spark and myself. Joelle is starting to make quite a name for herself amongst the ranks of Sunday regulars.

Host: Joelle
Guests: Alex, Brian, Rennick, Rob, Spark, Steph and Tami.
Appetizer: Baked vegetable Wontons with Mango sauce and Peanut sauce.
Salad: Field Green and Mango.
Main: Fish or Tofu en Papillote (lime/ginger) w/spinach and oyster mushrooms, and Black and Mahogany Rice.
Wine:wine: 2006 Jackson Triggs Gewurztraminer; 2006 Rosemblum Zinfandel.
Dessert:- Dufflet Butter Tarts.

Music: Cult Cargo Eccentric Soul compilation; Bo Diddley.

The food was incredible, no doubt, but what really brought the meal together was the addition of a dining room table! Who knew what an affect such might have on the overall dining experience? Apparently, Spark and I have to pick up our game, as coffee table and milk crates can't cut it for much longer. Again, thanks Joelle for hosting an wonderful meal.

Speaking of China...

My new found love interest, Oasis, had planned to visit China on their Dig Out Your Soul tour. The shows were recently canceled because, apparently, Chinese authorities don't like that Noel played a Tibetan Freedom Festival concert 12 years ago.

Mind you I guess this dude didn't think Oasis was an appropriate act for V Fest in Toronto last summer.

Chinese Democracy... No Thank You

So our neighbours think it's cool to blast music at all hours. Usually it's really bad, but on occasion we'll be treated to the sounds of Pearl Jam or something 90s grunge band. I'm not exactly sure how their music selection works, but it's as if they have a database of all (mostly bad) music available on-line and then have their itunes set to shuffle. I can't even give an example because the musical transitions defy logic.

Tonight is no different. They were just playing some sort of horrible nu rock band when I realized I recognized the song. It was none other than one of the fine gems found on the latest "Guns N Roses" disc. Yeah, those quotation marks are there on purpose. I love Appetite as much as the next guy. I love Lies, and a lot of the Illusions records, too. However, if their latest is representative of the sounds to come out of a future liberated Chinese democracy, then, I'm sorry I'm quite content with the current state of human rights violations and digitally manufactured Olympic opening ceremonies.

I will now spend the remainder of my evening banging on our shared walls in hopes that they will turn down their music, or at least put something decent on. Gorilla Biscuits anyone?



Or how about this little treat I was also lucky enough to witness in person:

Gourmet Sandwich Club

What started out many years ago as a way for a broke ass Chris Slorach to find nutrients on the numerous occasions he found himself crashing on a couch at 148 turned into a legitimate weekly meeting that persists to this day. By weekly meetings I mean we have met a few times over the past several years. But the number of meetings is not important; a shared love for one of the finest foods ever is. And so "Sandwich Club" was born. We've had sandwiches at Gourmet Sunday before, but not like this. Last night each attending guest had to bring their own best sandwich to share with others. In total we had 5 sandwich varieties.

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guests: Amy, Joelle, Sarah (First Timer), Slorach, and Tami.
Starter: Sweet Potato Fries; Corn "Chowda" Soup.
Main: "Fauxtopia" Grilled Veggie Chicken Wrap, BLT made with Tempeh (AKA TLT), Grilled Portobello, Veggie, Dill, and Cream Cheese, Veggie Sloppy Joe, and Gigantic Pizza.
Refreshments: Clove Water.
Dessert: Amy's Chocolate Birthday Cake.

* So there are other things that play important parts at Gourmet Sunday and help make it the wonderful experience that it continues to be week in and week out:

Music: Buzzcocks "Singles Going Steady;" Leatherface "Dog Disco."
After Dinner Entertainment: Scattergories.

Tami didn't like the idea of a "sandwich sampling party" because she thinks sandwiches should be eaten as a whole. Fair enough, I understand the argument. However, I certainly enjoyed tasting what each sandwich artist came up with. It was shocking that such a contrast of sandwich-types was present, especially when one considers the likelihood of conflicting Pizza, BLT, or Grilled Veggie sandwiches. I definitely considered each. All of the sandwiches were unique, as well as uniquely delicious. Though my "Fauxtopia" Grilled Veggie Chicken Wraps weren't technically sandwiches, they, too, were enjoyed. Spark continued his tradition of preparing a soup and continues to win over the hearts and minds of those who taste these wonderful bowls. One last important note: If anybody is into the sweet potato fries served at Clinton's, it became quite obvious last night that they can be purchased in the frozen foods section at Fiesta Farms. That's not a dis on Clinton's because they'll serve them to you as a side for $1.50! Also, yeah, we accept that serving frozen foods is a blatant infringement of Gourmet Sunday rules. Whatever, we write the rules. Blyth, out.

Gourmet Sunday

Last Sunday marked a turning point in Gourmet Sunday history. For the first time ever it was hosted by somebody other than Spark and me. Amy, Damien, and Emily did a fine job hosting an Italian-themed feast for 16. Yeah, SIXTEEN! Bananas. Tons of delicious food, including homemade bread, and even more wine was consumed. Thanks again dudes, you really stepped up to the plate and raised the bar.

Tonight was a unique Gourmet Sunday. Overall, it was quite understated, but agreed that it was also one of the best in terms of food. Not bad considering we didn't know what were doing until about 5pm (dinner was served at 7).

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guests: Amy and Katie.
Started: Hot and Sour Soup.
Main: Buddha's Delight (look it up).
Dessert: Butterpeacan and Brownie Sunday!
Wine: 2006 Inniskillin Chardonnay

As you know Spark has really become a soup guru. I haven't had a really good Hot and Sour Soup since Bo De Duyen closed... until tonight! The Buddha's Delight I whipped up also impressed guests. A vast array of vegetables and flavours, but not as greasy as some of the dishes you'd get at some Toronto's favourite Vegetarian/Chinese spots. Tons of leftovers, too. What made tonight stand out though was dessert. How fitting is it we had Sundays for dessert on Sunday? Answer: Fitting. Incredible.

What's longer than a bus and weighs more than a car?

A giant snake, of course! A University of Toronto scientist recently discovered a 60 million year old fossilized reptile. Found in an open-pit mine in Northern Colombia the Titanoboa was roughly 40 feet long and weighed as much as 1.25 tonnes.

Jonathan Bloch, one of the scientists who worked on the project, commented, “Truly enormous snakes really spark people's imagination, but reality has exceeded the fantasies of Hollywood. The snake that tried to eat Jennifer Lopez in the movie Anaconda is not as big as the one we found.”

I'm sure you've seen Anaconda, it is a classic afterall, but you haven't, the snake that kills J-Lo and Ice Cube is pretty big. So far 28 specimens have been found. Apart from being pretty rad, the finding also gives a us a look into the future, as the size of cold-blooded species is likely to grow as the global climate warms.

Gourmet Sunday

Holy shit! For one night only Thorburn Ave. has been renamed Brick Lane.

Hosts: Spark and Rob.
Guests: Joelle, The Rennick, and Tami.
Salad: Mixed Greens, Avocado and stuff, and Amazing Salad Dressing.
Soup: Spinach and Lentil.
Main: Brinjal Rice, Spicy Chickpea and Vegetable Casserole, and Sweet Vegetable Curry, with Naan Bread.
Wine: 2007 Red Knot Shiraz.
Desert: Banana Bread.

We've been talking about having an Indian night for a while. But we knew if we were going to do it, we had to do it right. Things were looking a little dodgy for a minute as my timing wasn't really thought out. Things were a little heated in the kitchen for a minute as Spark, Matt, and Tami were getting all up in my grill about poor planning. I taught them a valuable lesson, however, about cooking: To make things cook faster, just turn up the heat. BOOM!



*Some have commented the blog has been lacking shark content.

Gourmet Sunday

You know what kind of sucks? Spending your entire Sunday night cooking. In recent weeks we've made a concerted effort to cut back the prep time of our meals, without sacrificing quality. Spark was feeling creative yesterday, and thank goodness for that.

Hosts: Spark and Rob
Guests: Amy, Bettie, and Matias (welcome back lil' buddy!).
Salad: Organic Greens and Garden Veggies with a Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Main: Breaded Eggplant cutlets with Steamed Broccoli and Basmati Rice (the rice was more complicated than this, but I have no idea how to describe it).
Wine: 2008 Fuzion.

So maybe "breaded" isn't a completely accurate description for the Eggplant cutlets. They were roasted and then dipped into an egg/crumbled soda cracker concoction, then flash fried in oil. The inspiration was veal, I think. Having never tasted veal, I have no basis for comparison. This was good though. Real good.

Freedom Haters Voted #1 Chili*

Saturday was the Second Annual Left Feet Vegan Chili Cook Off. There were 18 chilis in total. But only one winner. Spark, Matt, and I reserved one night a week for the last four to perfect our recipe. There were a lot of arguments, a lot of messes, some full tummies, and even a few tears. All the hard work paid off, however. We may not have won the official contest (though we definitely should have), we did make an amazing chili. It was thick. It was roasted. It had Sweet Potato. It was hearty. And most importantly it was delicious. High five to everyone who cooked, came, tasted, and voted. $1600 was raised for the Out In The Cold organization. Well done to Steve at Left Feet and everyone else who help make the day a success.




* Voted #1 best chili amongst Freedom Hater Bicycle Club members.

Gourmet Sunday

I think Spark and I have been feeling a little disillusioned with Gourmet Sunday as of late, even with the success of last week. It's tough work planning these meals, I tell you. Deciding on a theme. finding people willing to give up their Sunday evenings. Finding decent recipes. Grocery shopping. Cooking. And then, of course, cleaning. Motivation can be especially hard to come by knowing you have to wake up to Monday the following day. Regardless, we had (and will continue to have) enough PMA to whip up some delicious Mexican influenced treats.

Hosts: Take a guess.
Guests: Angela, Joelle, the Rennick.
Starter: Tortilla soup with avocado and soya pieces.
Main: Black Bean Burrito with sweet potato and veggie chicken.
Wine: 2007 Masi Modello Delle Venezie.
Other: Rennick's flask filled with Jack.

A quick run down would read something like this: Spark has taken on the role of master soup chef. He's good at it. I've made a few burritos in my. I'm good at it. Angela's guacamole never ceases to impress. Joelle brought over a bottle of green hot sauce picked up in Belize. She's good like that. Rennick is always on top of his game. Overall, a casual yet delicious dining experience. Peace.

Gourmet Sunday

Tonight was an important night in the history of Gourmet Sunday. A night we've been waiting for for some time now. Spark and I have been validated by a real life chef who has done time at Susr and some other swank restaurant in New York City. It's true, we are that good!

Hosts: Spark and Rob
Guests: Amy, Olivia, Slorach
Starter: Bruschetta
Salad: Cesar
Main: Home made Spaghetti with vegetables and tomato sauce
Dessert: Olivia made some ridiculous Banana Cake with Caramel and Whiskey Sauce.
Wine: 2005 Penfolds Shiraz

I borrowed a pasta machine from my mom and finally broke it out tonight. It takes forever to get the right consistency and takes just as long for the pasta to be pressed. I know why she never uses it. I think I may have broken the motor, too. However, I managed to make enough thick spaghetti noodles (thick Udon noodle size) to fill us all up. Spark took care of the sauce: a hearty vegetable sauce. I was hoping for a little constructive criticism from the chef, but all she could say was how good it all was. Boom! We are now open to the public.

Gourmet Sunday

Left Feet is the place to go in Toronto for all your ethical footwear needs. It's also the place to go once a year for some delicious chili. The annual chili competition falls on January 31st, which means Matt, Spark, and I have less than a month to come up with a winning recipe.

Hosts: Spark and me.
Guests: Amy and Tami
Starter: Vegetarian Quesadillas.
Main: Vegetarian Chili with a fresh Ciabbatta Roll on the side. (I wish I could disclose more information, but for obvious reasons the ingredients are temporarily classified)
Beverage: Corona.

The quesadillas were good, but I do need to work on my refried beans. If anybody has a good recipe, hit me up. The chili started out a little stewy, but once it thickened up, it was quite delicious. It's no secret that chili is often better the next day; Spark has just confirmed that this is in fact the case with our batch, too. The recipe will continue to evolve over the next few weeks, but to get a taste of this winter classic stop by Left Feet on the 31st.


* Photo is of my new grill. George has been retired.

Shark Fin Superstore.

Well, the holidays are over and it's back to work for most; shark finners included, I'd expect. Over the holidays I got to do some pretty cool things, but one that stands out is visiting the Pacific Mall in Markham. If you've never been, imagine Chinatown in a box. On top of having some amazing deals on bootleg dvds, it has a store devoted entirely to the sales of shark fins and their by-products. Shark fins by the thousands! And they come in all sorts or different sizes and varieties. It's a real testament to the hard work of the fishermen around the globe who work rigorously to make our waters safer to swim in.