Tag Archive for: Food

New York Restaurant Guide – Winter 2018

One of the best things about going on holiday is enjoying the chance to indulge in great food and drink.  This trip we mixed long-time favourites with the new and happening, as always the city didn’t disappoint.  


La Mercerie – French

53 Howard St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: +1 212-852-9097
www.lamerceriecafe.com

Profiteroles Au Chocolat

L’Amico – Italian

849 6th Ave, New York, NY 10001, USA
Phone: +1 212-201-4065
www.lamico.nyc

White Mushroom Pizza
Mushroom Triangoli

Buvette – French

42 Grove St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Phone: +1 212-255-3590
ilovebuvette.com

Croque Monsieur

Veselka – Ukrainian

144 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: +1 212-228-9682
www.veselka.com

Ukrainian Borscht

Balthazar – French

80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012, USA
Phone: +1 212-965-1414
balthazarny.com

The Beekman Hotel – Lounge

123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038, USA
Phone: +1 212-233-2300
www.thebeekman.com

Getting Ready for Summer 2016!

Sharing some of our favourite recipes – enjoy!

Cold Curried Carrot and Coconut Milk Soup
Delicious! Cold Curried Carrot and Coconut Milk Soup from Epicurious.

Cold Curried Carrot and Coconut Milk Soup

 


Delightfully sweet with the right amount of tartness.
Key Lime Pie in a Jar

 


Pea and Tomato Crostini – Easy PEAsy!
Pea Crostini

 


After finally getting around to seasoning our molcajete, we’re gearing up for summer by making bowls full of our favourite guacamole – Recipe from Rosa Mexicano.
Guacamole

 

Caponata and Almost No-Knead Bread

Caponata and Almost No-Knead Bread – a great combination! Recipes from America’s Test Kitchen.

Spaghetti Quattro

 

We have mastered one of our favorites – Spaghetti Quattro. It all comes down to a perfect balance of simple ingredients. The recipe comes from Quattro Restaurant in North Vancouver. Simply delicious!

Pot au Chocolat with Fleur de Sel

 

Yesterday, I made this delicious Pot au Chocolat with Fleur de Sel. It was the perfect amount of luxurious sweetness to end a meal. So happy to finally use these beautiful porcelain cups from Soizick de la Bruguiere that we bought in Paris years ago.  Bon Appetit!

Don

Recipe: http://bit.ly/1KpNFt7

 

Our Favorite Lemon Tart

 

I made this French Lemon Tart last weekend, when our good friends were visiting from Nevada.  It’s a trusted recipe from one of my favorite pastry chefs David Lebovitz.  The French would never consider putting berries on top of their Tarte Au Citron.  I however, wanted to combine it with something local.  The result, although less European, was heavenly.  Bon Appetit!

Don

 

Recipe: http://bit.ly/1ogImpn

Cucumber Mint Martini by Jean-Georges

 

We were first introduced into the world of Jean-Geroges Vongerichten a number of years ago, when we stopped in at the Market Restaurant Bar in the Shangri-la Hotel Vancouver for a drink. The ginger margaritas we ordered transported us to a place that we had never been before. It may also have had something to do with the fact that we ordered a few. Followed by the shrimp salad, truffle pizza and a great bottle of wine, we became devoted fans.

Years later he continues to surprise us with his menu creations and amazing cocktails. Jean-Georges is noted as being one of the most prolific chef-restaurateurs in existence. Our latest find from his website, the Cucumber Mint Martini is a favourite and is sure to be a hit on the patio this summer. The cocktail uses Hendricks Gin which is infused with cucumber and rose, and is also wonderful on its own topped with tonic water and a few cucumber slices. Enjoy!

 

 

CUCUMBER MINT MARTINI

2 ½ oz Hendricks Gin
¾ oz lemon Juice
¾ oz Simple Syrup
4 Mint Leaves
3 Slices of Cucumber

In a mixing glass, Muddle the mint and slices of cucumber with Lemon Juice and Simple Syrup then add ice and Gin. Cover and Shake. Strain contents into a chilled Martini Glass. Add one ice cube and cucumber stick for garnish.

 

Purebread – New Bakery in Gastown

What an amazing selection of goodies! We tried the Lavender and Earl Grey as well as the Buckwheat and Sour Cherry Scone. Both put a smile on our faces. Rave reviews from everyone who we’ve introduced to this wonderful addition to the neighbourhood.

 

Purebread – Vancouver Store
Address: 159 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1H5
Phone: (604) 563-8060

 

ZWADA home’s Favorite – SAKURA Cherry Blossom Green Tea

While living in Tokyo, one of our good friends introduced us to this beautiful green tea from France and we immediately fell in love.  SAKURA, the legendary tea from MARIAGE FRÈRES flavoured with tender cherry blossom, has a delicately sweet and floral note.  A tea your guests are sure to remember.

 

 

茶柱が立つ (Chabashira ga tatsu) – In Japan it is a sign of good luck to have a tea stalk floating upright in your tea.

 

 

▶ MARIAGE FRÈRES – SAKURA Cherry Blossom Green Tea

 

Exploring BC Local Vineyards – Campbell Valley Wine Festival

We spent last Sunday with friends taking part in the Campbell Valley Summer Wine Festival in Langley.  Our friends, who had just returned from a trip to France and Italy the week prior, were very impressed by the wonderful local vineyards scattered throughout the valley.  Each was unique and charming in its own way.

Township 7 Vineyards & Winery

http://www.township7.com

We loved the hospitality and wonderful award winning wines of this vineyard and winery.  Our guests were delighted with the handcrafted wines, that they joined the wine club and had a case of the Provence-style Rosé shipped home for an upcoming dinner party.

 

 

 

Our Pick:
Rosé 2013

 

 

Backyard Vineyards

http://www.backyardvineyards.ca

We felt like we were with friends at a country BBQ – wonderful music by Canadian country girls Robyn & Ryleigh.  Great quality varietal, blended and bubbly wines that are made from 100% BC Grapes.

 

 

 

Our Pick:
2011 Syrah

 

 

Chaberton Estate Winery

http://www.chabertonwinery.com

We were here just a week earlier for Sunday lunch at the Zagat-rated Bacchus Bistro.  The delicious French cuisine paired with their award-winning wines certainly makes for an enjoyable afternoon.  The beautiful 55-acre property is the oldest winery in the Fraser Valley and the third largest estate winery in BC.

 

 

Our Pick:
2004 Reserve Syrah

 

 

Vista D’oro Farms & Winery

 

We fell in love with Vista D’oro – a farm and winery established by the husband and wife team of Patrick and Lee .  Lee, otherwise known as ‘The Jam Master’, does an amazing job creating and producing preserves.  She truly has a broad knowledge of flavour pairings – very creative.  Patrick who started out making wine as a hobby, now shares his passion with others.  The winery’s flagship is their D’oro – a fortified walnut wine that is to die for.

 

 

 

 

From the Preservatory :
Raspberry & Merlot with Peppercorns
http://www.vistadoro.com/season/spring