soupnancy

Bits & Bites

A random compilation of interesting food-related articles for a rainy confinement day..

Our quest for deliciousness driving evolution https://amp.theguardian.com/science/2021/mar/07/how-early-humans-quest-for-food-stoked-the-flames-of-evolution? 

Suite à ‘Buttergate’, un cri du cœur légitime d’un producteur de lait… ‘Vous vous indignez du monde que vous avez créé, pièce par pièce, achat après achat. À chacun de vos achats de bouteille de Nutella, de vos petits gâteaux Vachon, de Kinder et Ferrero Rocher, de Skittle, de biscuits Oréo. Mais encore une fois, c’est vers moi que vous tournez votre indignation. Comme vous l’avez fait lorsque vous avez découvert que nous utilisions des pesticides, alors qu’encore là, c’est votre création, à vous qui en voulez toujours plus pour moins cher.’  https://www.laterre.ca/actualites/elevages/opinion-lettre-sur-la-palmite

Great article! On plant based protein from the perspective of a farmer. https://www.bonappetit.com/story/will-plant-based-protein-save-world

The Science of Sourdough https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/may/23/the-science-of-making-sourdough-bread?

Easy & Delicious Cracker recipe using Sourdough discard https://littlespoonfarm.com/wprm_print/585

A compilation of interesting recent food related articles and snippets to peruse/catch up on on a stormy day.

In English and 'en Français'..

Bits & Bites 2020

Noma reopens temporarily as a burger joint https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2020-05-15/noma-copenhagen-reopening-plan-coronavirus

Gabrielle Hamilton on what the last month has been like for a New York restaurant owner and her reflections on the future – a wonderful spot-on piece https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/23/magazine/closing-prune-restaurant-covid.html

A look ahead to post Covid restaurant life? https://www.eater.com/2020/4/21/21229650/what-eating-out-might-look-like-when-restaurants-reopen-coronavirus-impact

Easy Recipes to Cook with your Kids https://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692-nyt-cooking/930565-53-recipes-to-cook-with-your-kids

Cheap Cupboard Recipe Ideas https://amp.theguardian.com/food/2020/apr/18/lockdown-larder-the-best-store-cupboard-recipes-for-cheap-easy-meals?

What Restaurants Have to do to Survive post Covid https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-restaurants-have-do-survive-succeed-covid19-world-somerville

The Science of Cooking simplified – This is one of a series of articles https://www.finedininglovers.com/article/science-cooking-vegetables

Wild boar populations exploding They make ‘pigloos’ with cattails! https://api.nationalgeographic.com/distribution/public/amp/animals/2020/03/huge-feral-hogs-swine-spreading-through-north-canada?

Autonomie Alimentaire, les pas à prendre https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/202004/07/01-5268319-autonomie-alimentaire-du-quebec-tres-illusoire-a-court-terme.php

Un potager sous-terrain – solutions! https://www.laterre.ca/actualites/cultures/un-potager-souterrain-quatre-saisons

Culture en serre au Québec https://www.lapresse.ca/affaires/202004/20/01-5270191-le-forum-des-affaires-la-culture-en-serre-au-quebec-un-vrai-projet-de-societe.php

With restaurants closed, the Farm to Table connection undone; hopefully more stores, institutions and consumers will wake up to buying directly from small farms ordering CSA baskets https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/dining/farm-to-table-coronavirus.html?smid

We need to change how we grow our food and ditch the industrial system https://heated.medium.com/we-need-to-change-how-we-grow-our-food-ac75fc494130

Faire ses semi en temps Coronavirus https://cariboumag.com/2020/04/faire-ses-semis-en-mode-coronavirus/

Batch cooking for the Freezer – some ideas https://food52.com/blog/23691-freezer-friendly-meal-ideas-for-weeknight-dinners? Maybe this Covid crisis will convince people to get a little freezer and put up! Not only does is it time and cost efficient, allows you to eat local year round, and comes in handy at a time like this – food shopping in one’s freezer/pantry when in confinement..

Pâques à la Maison, recettes https://foodlavie.com/dossiers/recettes-paques

Restauranteurs hit hard, fear for future https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-restaurateurs-terrified-of-losing-their-livelihoods-are-turning-to/

Takes a tragedy for local farm vegetable box deliveries to flourish https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/dining/csa-farm-food-delivery-coronavirus.html

Un guide d’achat local dans le Protégez-vous https://www.protegez-vous.ca/sante-et-alimentation/acheter-aliments-quebec

Balado à Catherine et Bernard : L’alimentation en confinement https://ici.radio-canada.ca/premiere/balados/7112/nutritionniste-urbain-bernard-lavallee-catherine-lefebre/episodes/459668/habitude-restriction-peur-manger

It’s time to make your own face mask https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/opinion/coronavirus-n95-mask.html

A how to with detailed pattern : https://www.nytimes.com/article/how-to-make-face-mask-coronavirus.html

Une caisse de vin pour la quarantaine – Suggestions vin https://www.ledevoir.com/vivre/vin/575826/vin-une-caisse-pour-la-quarantaine

Will Restaurants survive the COVID19 ? David Chang : https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/27/magazine/david-chang-restaurants-covid19.html ; Amanda Cohen: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/26/opinion/restaurants-covid-amanda-cohen.html#click=https://t.co/SrAGvD3m2g

Covid panic food buying reveals the fragility of our food system - to keep prices low, a modern city has a 3 day fresh food supply.. Maybe this should be reviewed? https://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/covid-19-food-system/

L’histoire du sirop d’érable https://www.ledevoir.com/societe/574935/une-breve-histoire-du-sirop-d-erable

Michael Pollan on the pros and cons of coffee and how our world is hooked https://www.theglobeandmail.com/amp/life/food-and-wine/article-michael-pollan-gave-up-coffee-for-three-months-then-he-wrote-the-book/

RIP Michel Roux, a legendary French (London) chef of the old school http://www.montrealgazette.com/life/Michel+Roux+outspoken+French+chef/6479010/story.html

Everything you should know about Chocolate https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/11/dining/chocolate-bar.html

Fun film food scenes https://eatnorth.com/eat-north/notable-canadians-share-their-favourite-iconic-food-scenes-film

This disgusting Atlantic salmon farming business in the Pacific has to stop https://thenarwhal.ca/highly-contagious-virus-found-in-majority-of-clayoquot-sound-salmon-farms-report/

Black truffle success in BC https://www.universityaffairs.ca/news/news-article/ubc-is-growing-some-of-the-worlds-most-sought-after-truffles-right-here-in-canada/

Regenerative agriculture is win-win  And yes profitable if you look at less inputs for stronger plants/soil/more markets.. So maybe more complicated/long term, but not for anyone who cares, so normal! And that’s what really good food (even things) and sustainability is all about..  https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2020/01/30/is-regenerative-agriculture-profitable/amp/?

Rewilding food and farming -Forget fake food!   ‘The problem is not farming, but industrial agriculture. This commodity-based, fossil fuel intensive and chemical intensive industrial food system has contributed 50 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate havoc and threatening agriculture.’ 

‘Real farming is farming with nature, in nature’s ways, which are the laws of ecology. Real food is a by-product of the economy of care for the land. It protects the life of all beings on earth and also nourishes our health and wellbeing.’  

‘“Sensible farm policies” not only exist but are today being practiced around the globe.  Agroecology, which encompasses common ecological principles - organic farming, permaculture, biodynamic farming, natural farming regenerative agriculture, among many others - has been recognized as the most effective sustainable and equitable method of farming which also addresses the challenges of feeding the world in an era of climate crises.’

https://theecologist.org/2020/jan/24/rewilding-food-rewilding-farming

Mycofoam (Mushroom foam) to replace Styrofoam https://returntonow.net/2019/11/04/ikea-is-replacing-styrofoam-packaging-with-compostable-mushroom-foam/

A comprehensive GMO (Mosanto) product list- Not easy to boycott at the supermarket, but easy enough when buying local & organic from small producers at the farmer’s market..

La Liste de produits Mosanto à éviter https://www.comment-economiser.fr/liste-complete-des-produits-monsanto-a-eviter-france.html

Complètement d’accord pour une souveraineté alimentaire de base - plus de agriculture locale et de 'DYI' https://cariboumag.com/2020/01/manifeste-pour-cultiver-et-elever-ce-que-nous-mangeons/

Trees and shrubs key to a permanent agriculture https://heated.medium.com/what-if-were-thinking-about-agriculture-all-wrong-dc8cd1df32c8

How Jean Georges VonRichten went from ‘no good’ kid to top chef https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/14/dining/jean-georges-vongerichten.html#click=https://t.co/pMqqWjWNEi

Circumvent Newfoundland with Anita Stewart and Aventure Canada aboard the Ocean Endeavor https://www.everettpotter.com/2020/01/anita-stewarts-canada-circumnavigating-newfoundland/

Montreal’s favourite bistro L’Express going strong 40 years later https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/23/dining/restaurant-lexpress-montreal.html

Favourite recipes from Food52 https://food52.com/blog/24579-our-favorite-genius-recipes

10 nouveaux restos qui font vibrer à Québec https://quebec.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/10-nouveaux-restaurants-quebec_qc_5cccb52be4b089f526c67c4d?

Growing Heirloom Tomatoes https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/dec/15/the-real-jewels-of-the-plant-kingdom-growing-heirloom-tomatoes

Histoire de tomates (les semences) https://www.ecoumene.com/2020/01/08/la-tomate-que-choisir%E2%80%89/

Fake meat vs real meat https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/03/well/eat/fake-meat-vs-real-meat.html?

How natural wine became such a thing https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/11/25/how-natural-wine-became-a-symbol-of-virtuous-consumption

A broad tour of Canada’s regional cuisine(s) https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/29/world/canada/tour-regional-cuisine.html

The Rise and Fall of French Cuisine https://www.theguardian.com/food/2019/jul/16/the-rise-and-fall-of-french-cuisine

A Cookbook List of Greats https://www.newyorker.com/culture/annals-of-gastronomy/the-best-cookbooks-of-the-century-so-far

Beyond Fish, now (Sigh).  Following in the footsteps of ‘ Beyond meat’, carrots that are ‘meat protein’, this seems to be a thing.. Something for everyone who doesn’t want to eat real food. .. I’m all for innovation and sustainable food, but lab food, not so much. I believe in REAL Food, done better, but whatever. Where is this world going? https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/10/business/fake-fish-impossible-foods.html

Why Veganism is not the answer if you want to save the planet! Important reading, especially now that so many people are going vegan and all and high and mighty about it – so off base! It’s not meat persay that is the problem but how we produce most of our meat -the industrial system.  Why ditch local wholesome cheese and eggs in favour of imported coconut and cashews and sketchy mass-produced tofu and gums? Going back to small traditional diversified organic farms, eating less but better meat is what makes most sense, not to metion tastier! https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/25/veganism-intensively-farmed-meat-dairy-soya-maize?

Bits & Bites 2019

Plants can smell! After showing how plants hear, now science is uncovering the biochemistry of how they process odors.. Plant intelligence is so neat! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/01/190123105827.htm

How to Feed the World, on CBC’s Ideas, which is always a stimulating hour even when it’s not about food! https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/utopian-dinner-table-how-to-feed-the-world-in-100-years-1.4971915

Mushroom Magic – How the fad could be onto something... Surely! https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/jan/16/mud-wtr-mushroom-water-coffee-health-benefits

Lesley Chesterman on her restaurant critic retirement : Good interview with her on her 20 yr run as a food critic, understandably tired of all the eating and ‘being the enemy’.. https://eatnorth.com/mallory-frayn/lesley-chesterman-her-restaurant-critic-retirement-and-road-ahead

 ‘Is Sunscreen the new Margarine?’ Looks like we are better off soaking up a few rays not just for the vitamin D but other health benefits that outweigh skin cancer risks for most. Great article with nuance. https://www.outsideonline.com/2380751/sunscreen-sun-exposure-skin-cancer-science

Food trends for 2019 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/21/dining/food-trends-predictions-2019.html

Skiing (and Eating) in Quebec  city: I sell my hometown in this New York Times article https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/travel/quebec-skiing.html

Le Mycélium, un champignon avec de l’avenir en matières écologiques https://lapiece.ca/fr/magazine/5be05dd85794b50eec7bb27a?mc_cid=70a9179583&mc_eid=7e45d90737

Sci-fi food: A new technology making food out of solar energy and bacteria.. Ugh! https://amp.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/31/electric-food-sci-fi-diet-planet-food-animals-environment?

Ten top books from 2018  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/ten-best-books-about-food-2018-180970846/

Dietary fat, from foe to friend? http://science.sciencemag.org/content/362/6416/764/tab-pdf

Bits and Bites 2018

The 30 Most Influential Restaurants of the last 30 years - Great article! Perspective! https://robbreport.com/food-drink/dining/top-restaurants-influential-important-food-best-of-the-best-2803666/

Bread has been with with us longer than thought, predating agriculture (well of course! With the wild stuff..)  https://phys.org/news/2018-07-archaeologists-bread-predates-agriculture-years.html

Remembering Ruth Reichl’s Gourmet magazine, much missed.. https://popula.com/2018/07/15/gourmet-rip/

Are Instagram and the latest hottest trends killing the food part of the food scene? I agree with this to a certain degree, even in Montreal.. Although there is a lot of good cooking going  on with heart & soul and fresh ingredients, there is also a ton of hype, marketing BS and phoniness – often more show than substance.  As long as it sounds and looks ‘cool’, who cares if it’s really organic, artisanal,  local, wild or sustainable or whatever the claim or suggestion is.. Or even all that delicious (like lichen or a bad natural wine), or edible without making a mess (like whole heads of cauliflower, lettuce, pig or unshucked seafood in sauce) . Or this stands out in my mind: how about  a swish big budget rotisserie chicken restaurant that opens to much fanfare with a fancy Italian oven and designer decor, woohoohoo - but with cheap poor quality industrial chicken (because they can’t afford organic or local?) and no one finds this abnormal – that the chicken is an afterthought/ at the bottom of the budget list for a chicken restaurant? https://www.theglobeandmail.com/amp/opinion/article-as-a-society-weve-ruined-the-concept-of-food/

Shortlist for Taste Canada Canadian Cookbook Awards : http://tastecanada.org/2018-shortlist-revealed/

Connaissez vous le ‘Blob’? Ni plante, ni animal, ni champignon mais un peu de tout!? https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=tZ4TYZA1yeU

Deleting a Species by  Genetic Engineering, Should  We? Science & Technology speeds forward, can get scary. Food for thought! In our quest to kill pests, we could really wreak havoc.. https://psmag.com/.amp/magazine/deleting-a-species-genetically-engineering-an-extinction

Donabe, Cooking with smoke at home https://amp.foodandwine.com/cooking-techniques/ibushi-gin-donabe

Les plantes sont plus intelligentes que les animaux  https://www.letemps.ch/sciences/plantes-beaucoup-plus-intelligentes-animaux

Interview with Eric Ripert  and being kind  in the kitchen https://www.foodnewsfeed.com/fsr/chef-profiles/eric-ripert-being-kind-kitchen

A long read / perspective on the ubiquitous ‘Clean Eating’ trend https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/aug/11/why-we-fell-for-clean-eating

The Impossible Burger a product of genetic engineering https://grist.org/article/the-impossible-burger-wouldnt-be-possible-without-genetic-engineering/

Great article on Anita Stewart’s Food Day Canada, local cooking across Canada in Forbes magazine (and Jardins Sauvages gets a mention!).. https://www.forbes.com/sites/everettpotter/2018/06/03/anita-stewart-food-day-canada/amp/

An oyster vending machine in France! http://amp.foodandwine.com/news/france-has-oyster-vending-machine

Personality salads – I’m all for salad in all forms, but the premise of this Mtl restaurant is ridiculous! https://montreal.eater.com/platform/amp/2018/1/19/16910280/hillarys-salads-plateau-montreal-enneagram-personality

A series of articles about Canadian Food in the New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/01/16/dining/canadian-food.html

The Great Molasses Flood A funny not so funny natural food disaster https://newengland.com/today/living/new-england-history/great-molasses-flood/

Baking bread at home More tips, never enough.. https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-make-bread-package

La Poule Chanteclair About our special bird that almost disappeared, still hard to find (Fr) http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/853c93cb-5aec-4a1b-a93d-953b17ea4d80%7C_0.html

Poutine is Quebecois, not Canadian, period. And it’s more/NOT a bad decision at 4am. https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/12/19/world/canada/quebec-poutine.html

More of the original Joe Beef story thanks to the new Joe Beef http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/mckiernan_charles_11E.html

The best food books of 2017 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/best-books-food-2017-review-memoir-history-travel-a8110931.html

The five mother sauces every cook should know https://food52.com/blog/12209-the-five-mother-sauces-every-cook-should-know?

Bits & Bites 2017

Squeaky cheese – a bonus of living in rural Quebec I don’t have access to highspeed internet but the freshest local cheese daily at the dep. FYI the best curds come from Fromagerie Champêtre in Repentigny. http://nationalpost.com/news/toronto/why-the-cheese-curds-in-toronto-dont-squeak-a-national-post-investigation

José Andrés, a U.S. chef and his non-profit World Central Kitchen serving 25000 meals a day in Puerto Rico - An inspiring story of disaster relief https://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/news/food/wp/2017/10/18/post-maria-jose-andres-and-his-team-have-served-more-meals-in-puerto-rico-than-the-red-cross/

Seal meat is sustainable and humane, a Canadian industry to be supported. I just don’t like the taste personally. https://munchies.vice.com/en_us/article/8qky73/seals-are-delicious-so-lets-kill-and-eat-them

L’Avocat le Maudit de Mexique – the downside to the avocado trend at the source: deforestation, crime etc. (Fr). http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1060574/avocat-fruit-plantations-illegales-production-mexique-michoacan-deforestation

A sharp article on the state of our food system and what needs to be done to fix it  (in French) A key problem is that no one wants to pay for food. http://www.ledevoir.com/societe/actualites-en-societe/509181/le-blues-de-l-agrobusiness

50 Old school cookie recipes that can’t be beat http://www.saveur.com/article/-/The-Best-Classic-Cookie-Recipes

Its time for a food/agriculture revolution; soil health=human health. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/23/farmer-wants-a-revolution-how-is-this-not-genocide

Restaurants outside Montreal worth the detour: https://montreal.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-near-montreal-laurentians-eastern-townships Happy to be on the list, however misleading the mention of wild edibles without added fat or sugar?? I do ‘cook’ after all; its forest gastronomy, as in foremost about delicious, not stranded in the woods eating weeds.

Know your Avocado varieties http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/10/18/know-your-avocado-varieties-and-when-theyre-in-season/amp/

Grow food instead of coal mine. Good idea, duh! http://civileats.com/2017/09/20/from-coal-to-kale-saving-rural-economies-with-local-food/

How big business got Brazil hooked on junk  Sad! Nestle is evil. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/09/16/health/brazil-obesity-nestle.html

The Great Nutrient Collapse Fascinating read, Scary stuff.. http://www.politico.com/agenda/story/2017/09/13/food-nutrients-carbon-dioxide-000511?lo=ap_a1

Agricultural innovation in the Netherlands: Holland shows us how it can be done, productive AND sustainable farming http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2017/09/holland-agriculture-sustainable-farming/

The ethics of foie gras I’ve said enough on this over the years, no worse than chicken but basically we have bigger food issues to deal with. Someone else sums up this old debate.. http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/01/foie-gras-new-fire-for-an-old-debate.html

Michael Pollan on how screwed up the idea of NA lawns is  I agree, always loved a wild lawn. François just mows paths, and the birds and the bees love it too! https://films.radiowest.org/film/lawn

Looking for a new muffin recipe? https://food52.com/blog/18900-meet-the-three-ingredients-that-ll-improve-your-muffins/amp

Recuperating food at Jean Talon Market - it’s about time! http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1055191/recuperation-fruits-legumes-invendus-marche-jean-talon-montreal-depannage-alimentation-paniers

Everyone has got their own meatball: Meatballs from around the world: http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/01/meatball-style-guide-varieties-around-the-world.html

Revamping our food system becoming more important than ever: How to feed ourselves in a time of climate crisis http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/just-transition/how-to-feed-ourselves-in-a-time-of-climate-crisis-20170908

Celery, the avocado toast of the Victorian era I love this. Makes you think about trends, and how celery is under-rated these days.. https://www.tastecooking.com/celery-was-the-avocado-toast-of-the-victorian-era/

Kernza A promising new crop? https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/urban-farming/2017/08/08/kernza-is-a-unique-grain-crop-to-really-root-for-the-new-farm.html

Alice Waters Respect. I look forward to reading it, although I know the story; have been inspired by her for over 20 years. https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/08/22/dining/alice-waters-chef-author-book.html?referer=https://t.co/8vqeeO1GsP?amp=1

A personalized diet based on DNA However theoretically interesting, I’m out on any diet based on food as fuel/sustenance without the pleasures of the table https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/i-sent-in-my-dna-to-get-a-personalized-diet-plan-what-i-discovered-disturbs-me/2017/08/17/

Cava, the Catalan answer to champagne I love it! https://t.co/3VenvapENK
(https://twitter.com/guardianfood/status/899134917287698435?s=03)

Trees talking No surprise to anyone in tune with nature, but I love that science is catching up, so fascinating.. (In French) but with link to English articles and Ted talk.. http://www.epochtimes.fr/les-arbres-parlent-comme-les-humains-26841.html

Wine irreverence à la Bill I agree, I hate snobbism when it comes to food and wine. If it takes an ice cube, well so be it. I don’t need fancy stemware, as long as the rim is fine enough and I can fit my nose in. Whatever works for you, follow your palette.. http://montrealgazette.com/life/food/bill-zacharkiw-when-it-comes-to-wine-irreverence-is-in-good-taste

An almost edible fruitcake and 100 yrs old! Fruitcake jokes aside, my mom makes a good dark one, but this is pretty cool.. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/08/antarctica-fruitcake-scott-terra-nova/

Charlie Trotter’s legacy  No doubt he made a mark. He was certainly influential and inspirational when I was a young cook, pre-internet, back when we shared cookbooks..  http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/August-2017/Charlie-Trotter/

Do restaurant critics really matter? https://www.tastingtable.com/dine/national/restaurant-critics-pete-wells-adam-platt?

Always kind of sad when a restaurant’s time is up http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/farewell-to-frannys-a-perfect-brooklyn-restaurant

Substituting beans for beef to soothe eco-anxiety and reach climate change goals. I think it’s a good idea at least in part. https://www.theatlantic.com/amp/article/535536/

Butter shortage in France! Funny not so funny stuff, the price of croissants will have to go up. It appears to be due to lower milk yields and the hog cheese industry. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/14/sacre-beurre-fears-croissant-price-france-butter-shortage?

Handy Recipes for using left-over egg whites http://www.seriouseats.com/2017/02/what-to-do-with-leftover-egg-whites.html

Making socks and more with Mushrooms! (FR) http://www.huffingtonpost.fr/2017/06/01/le-designer-qui-cree-des-chaussons-a-partir-de-champignons-pour_a_22120765/

Profile of Kenji Lopez-Alt of the Food Lab, ‘the man who conquered pie crust with science’ http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/kenji-lopez-alt-profile-100-greatest-home-cooks-article?

A farmer’s wake-up call to stop developing fertile land (FR) http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/opinions/points-de-vue/201412/15/01-4828561-cri-du-coeur-dun-agriculteur.php

Chefs share their crazy customer requests – funny stuff! And I have a couple to add: Our annual special mushroom event menu without mushrooms! And my all-time favourite: ‘I’m not really a vegetarian; I just don’t eat anything cute!’ So beef, chicken and fish are fine, but not deer or rabbit. I had to ask her if she found mussels , shrimp and mushrooms etc. cute; no, yes, depends.. https://www.finedininglovers.com/blog/points-of-view/stupid-food-orders-list/

The real cost of ‘avocado toast’ Many good points. There is much more than people behind the price of a restaurant meal. https://sf.eater.com/2017/5/23/15677684/avocado-toast-prices-menu-costs-san-francisco

Queen Victoria’s appetites To think that it was frowned upon for a woman to have a hearty appetite http://www.historyextra.com/article/bbc-history-magazine/queen-victoria%E2%80%99s-appetites

Rethinking dessert on the menu Interesting! It’s true, why should a menu always finish sweet? Especially when you consider that before sugar became sweet, we didn’t eat dessert persay, just touches of sweet throughout the day or meal. Not being a sweet tooth, I wouldn’t miss it, but I know many who would revolt if you took their traditional desserts away. And if you’re going to put a sugar laden course on the menu, it only makes sense to put it at the end. http://www.mugaritzak.com/stories-without-a-sweet-ending/

Tomato paste: A scary fact of the global food industry I didn’t know about – almost all tomato paste (as in Heinz and co., what you find at the supermarket) comes from China, slave labour and a pesticide laden genetically engineered pulpy variety – ugh. Another reason to make your own in season with local tomatoes. http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/planete/20170516.OBS9479/concentre-de-tomate-made-in-china-bienvenue-dans-la-mondialisation-degueu.html#

Morels are spore shooters (you can see it clearly in the sunlight), but they remain a prize And yes they need to be cooked throughout. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/04/secretive-spore-shooter-prized-by-gourmets?

Historic food disasters https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2017/may/04/explosive-cheese-lethal-beer-and-poisonous-orange-juice-when-food-causes-natural-disasters?

Try Okonomiyaki, a Japanese comfort food that sounds so good right now http://www.seriouseats.com/2016/05/okonomiyaki-japanese-pancake-cabbage-soul-food-osaka-comfort.html

Fun article about Mtl Chefs’ Signature dishes http://montrealgazette.com/life/food/local-food-reviews/lesley-chesterman-12-signature-dishes-from-top-montreal-restaurants

Cheap meat over Vegetables We don’t need to become vegetarians! Why can’t we all just eat less better meat, offal too? It comes down to cost and people disconnected from where their food comes from; progress is slow. Truth: https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/admit-it-if-price-is-an-issue-youll-choose-cheap-meat-over-vegetables/article34796062/

Food, Sex and Silence: On James Beard’s missing story I loved him. https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/04/22/opinion/sunday/food-sex-and-silence.html

How Expo 67 helped shape Canadian cuisine https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/contemporary-canadian-cuisine-can-trace-its-roots-back-to-expo-67-in-montreal/article34769872/

Caterpillars that eat plastic  Promising. But we first need to stop our plastic thing. (Fr) Fr) http://www.courrierinternational.com/article/environnement-des-vers-mangeurs-de-sac-plastique-reperes

Indigenous food scene in TO https://www.thestar.com/life/food_wine/2017/04/19/despite-new-offerings-indigenous-food-still-hard-to-come-by-in-toronto.html

The Patent that could kill Mosanto and change the world I don’t know but there’s no doubt he’s onto something with his mushrooms, very promising.  But like with pesticides, it won’t be one mega solution, just a lot of small changes. All but Mosanto. http://www.ecosnippets.com/environmental/patent-that-could-destroy-monsanto/

David Chang on the reality of the restaurant industry and challenges ahead, spot on.. http://www.businessinsider.com/david-chang-on-the-restaurant-apocalypse-2016-3

Go University of Guelph, key to our agri-future! I've visited and been a witness over the years to how much UofG does for food in Canada, impressive. They deserve it. http://www.goodfoodrevolution.com/university-of-guelph-gets-a-20-million-dollar-gift-for-its-agri-food-program-from-the-arrell-family/

‘The 50 Best Restaurants in the world’ for 2017, for whatever it's worth: http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners  They are all no doubt worth visiting.

What's wrong with this list http://www.eater.com/worlds-50-best-restaurants-awards/2017/4/6/15197286/worlds-50-best-snubs-restaurants-analysis

The ‘granola’ trend is stronger than ever Looking back to Moosewood which was one of my first cookbooks! https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/04/dining/health-food-hippies-restaurants-vegetarian.html I’m all for vegetable based cuisine but that remains hedonistically deliciousness, so not vegan.. ideally with a natural meat garnish/sauce, and never! eliminating cheese, eggs etc. I think it is much more important to eschew industrial food and factory food, especially meat, rather than draw the lines at animal products (Less but better).

The true cost of seafood It’s been 15+ years that I have been awakened to sustainable quality fish and seafood in general, and careful about shrimp in particular, opting for local seasonal nordic shrimp only at the restaurant. But its crazy how this is still largely not on many average eaters’ radar, as in most of what is in supermarkets and mainstream restos is cheap and crap. Not to mention terrible for the environment and workers. We need to make informed choices and pay the price. https://www.foodism.to/guest-column-true-cost-seafood/

Cabane à sucre/ Sugar shack ideas (and maple themed menus like ours) in Lanaudière where there is a shack every clic https://lanaudiere.ca/fr/blogue-lanaudiere/ou-aller-et-quoi-faire-pour-le-temps/

Ten Organic Wines under 20$ http://montrealgazette.com/life/bill-zacharkiw-10-great-organic-wines-under-20

A wine primer - kind of like a ‘Wine for Dummies’ that covers all the bases https://cooking.nytimes.com/guides/41-how-to-drink-wine

Is eating fruit responsible for our bigger brains?  Fruit eating seems to at least in part be linked to a cognitive leap in our evolution http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/03/eating-fruit-fuels-bigger-brains-primates

Anti-bacterial-Biodegradable chitosan based food wrap made from crustacean shells – very promising! Emballage de demain fait à base de carapaces de crevettes http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1022852/emballage-alimentaire-bioplastique-bacterie-conservation-biodegradable-udem-polytechnique-chimie-gaspillage

The evolution of chickens http://luckypeach.com/the-evolution-of-chickens/ An interesting article from Lucky Peach, which sadly is rumoured to be folding..

Quebec’s Cider industry has come along way http://montrealgazette.com/life/quebecs-cider-industry-needs-to-realize-that-it-could-be-the-next-cool-thing I love the Domaine du Minot’s products to sip but especially to cook with..

Canadian food history in a few dishes https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/canada-150/we-are-what-we-ate-canadas-history-incuisines/article34289538/

Where so called ‘natural flavours’ come from: ‘Grapefruit’ does not come from grapefruit; the line between natural and artificial is blurry.. http://www.popsci.com/what-are-natural-flavors#page-4

Hang-over cures: Yuck! But whatever works for you, I guess. http://luckypeach.com/recipes/collections/15-recipes-cure-hangover/

On Fine-dining, a conversation with top chefs:  http://luckypeach.com/state-fine-dining/

How about vegetarian being the default, and meat the add on or exception? I hate strict food rules and diets, but this general approach makes sense. Without being a vegetarian, this is pretty much how we roll with lots of veg, fruit and grains with natural meat and sustainable fish as garnishes. (French) http://fr.chatelaine.com/sante/nutrition/et-si-les-plats-veges-devenaient-loption-par-defaut/

The Reverse Sear – best way to cook a big steak?! http://www.seriouseats.com/2017/03/how-to-reverse-sear-best-way-to-cook-steak.html

Lichen – It doesn’t taste like much but potentially loaded with medicinal properties and we have lots of it! (French) http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1020157/grand-nord-amazonie-lichen-mousse-compose-medecine-therapeutique-medecine-changement-climatique

The forgotten story of a historic French chef of Michelin starred La Mère Brazier http://www.eater.com/2016/8/12/12382076/eugenie-brazier

Podcast with Normand Laprise of Toqué: A good listen; His story with perspective on Quebec’s cuisine du terroir https://thegrilledproject.com/2017/02/16/toques-normand-laprise-on-changing-the-face-of-quebec-cuisine/

Hawaiin food – a profile in 6 dishes http://firstwefeast.com/features/hawaii-food-history/cake-noodle

Wine and Sex – How wine is an aphrodisiac http://winefolly.com/update/wine-sex-drive-match/

Sometimes fussing and writing over Food & Wine seem silly or a luxury. But no, it is ok, if not essential. For comfort and happiness, togetherness, the celebration, expression and exchange of terroir, art and culture. Why Wine Matters http://winefolly.com/update/wine-sex-drive-match/

B&B August 2016

THE MOST EXCLUSIVE RESTAURANT IN AMERICA Damon Baehrel’s methods are a marvel, and his tables are all booked until 2025. Or are they? By Nick Paumgarten  http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/08/29/damon-baehrel-the-most-exclusive-restaurant-in-america Ridiculous! Unlikely that he’s alone (and why would that be a good thing?) His concoctions sound gross anyway, even dangerous! If he really lived so completely off the land, there would be more mention of real wild vegetables, more than bark, sap, goldenrod and powders. And a 10yr waiting list, c’mon. It all sounds so incredibly exaggerated. Hardly surprising with all the BS out there these days. If  Baehrel didn’t exist, foodies would have to invent him.’ 

Where to eat in Montreal according to another:  Covers most of the tops, including newbies, looks like a good list.. http://www.foodrepublic.com/2016/08/24/where-to-eat-in-montreal-quebec/

Gluten probably not to blame Unless You Have Celiac Disease says another study http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/body/unless-you-have-celiac-disease-gluten-sensitivity-is-probably-just-in-your-head/

The Colonel Sanders recipe of 11 herbs& spices revealed ! In case you want to make KFC at home.. http://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a39634/kfc-chicken-secret-recipe-revealed/

The Secret to a long and healthy life: A plant based diet with more beans than meat and Weeds, Community, Walking, Wine, Sex and Naps http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/04/150412-longevity-health-blue-zones-obesity-diet-ngbooktalk/

Indigenous foods that are underrated. Move over kale! And we at Les Jardins Sauvages have a hundred more! http://civileats.com/2016/08/23/the-native-foods-we-should-be-eating/

About the person not the gender – I agree fully with her, my experience being similar as a woman in the kitchen http://luckypeach.com/its-about-the-person-not-the-gender/

The rise of the Hipster sommelier not always Delicious https://grapecollective.com/articles/how-the-hipster-somms-could-get-away-with-murder-and-how-we-can-stop-them

How Plants get such wierd names I love the common names and the weirder the better (although the latin names do come in handy once and a while) http://luckypeach.com/a-plant-by-any-other-name/

57 things to eat/drink before you die in Montreal according to someone http://dailyhive.com/montreal/things-to-eat-in-montreal

On Michel Richard, legendary French-American chef, after his passing http://articles.latimes.com/2006/nov/01/food/fo-calcook1

SlowMeat: Eat less better quality meat http://www.slowfood.com/what-we-do/themes/slow-meat/

A Name You Should Know: Eugénie Brazier,  a great (and underappreciated) Michelin starred French Chef from the 1930’s. Love this quote of hers and signature dish: ‘Of cooking, she would write that it’s "not complicated… you have to be well organized, to remember things, and to have a bit of taste." Among the many dishes she became famous for, volaille demi-deuilis a rich and aromatic masterpiece. An abundance of black truffle slices are slid between the flesh and the skin of a Bresse chicken, to perfume the meat while it poaches in bouillon. It’s finished with a cream-enriched sauce made from the reduced cooking liquid.’ http://www.eater.com/2016/8/12/12382076/eugenie-brazier

Review your oyster knowledge with Rowan Jacobson’s twenty (new) rules for Oyster eating http://luckypeach.com/guides/the-new-rules-of-oyster-eating/

Huel – the food of the future? Yuck, I hope not. “If I had to eat this, I’d lose the will to live pretty quickly.” https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/jul/31/huel-human-fuel-hi-tech-food-powder?CMP=twt_a-lifeandstyle_b-gdnfood

I love the idea of a community oven.. https://food52.com/blog/17568-the-centuries-old-form-of-public-cooking-that-s-making-a-comeback?

Bio et Rentable: Promising future for organic farming with work towards a sustainable/profitable business model (in French) http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/2171e9ca-ba61-4b25-a359-6c8b33cd6aa3%7CpuEIeZ1h_e0g.html

Mushroom Leather - Neat! http://grist.org/living/your-next-leather-accessory-might-be-made-from-mushrooms/

The Science of Baking Cookies http://luckypeach.com/the-science-of-baking-cookies/

Food fraud and misleading marketing  You have to be on your toes when shopping at the supermarket. Frustrating. Yes even Oasis juice has at its base that apple/pear concoction that likely contains apples grown in China with pesticides that are banned here.  http://firstwefeast.com/features/2016/08/food-fraud-at-supermarkets/

How food became pop culture: Mario Batali sums up the last 40 years or so of the North American food scene. Good read, especially for younger cooks and foodies for a bit of perspective. http://luckypeach.com/how-food-became-pop-culture-mario-batali/

The Globe & Mail’s Food 53 - Influential people in Canadian food http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/the-food-53-thegatekeepers/article31118114/#index?cmpid=mktg16

A Map of where your food comes from may surprise you http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/06/13/481586649/a-map-of-where-your-food-originated-may-surprise-you?

Dinner theatre at Alinea I don’t know man - kinda cool, kinda seems like a little much.. http://ruthreichl.com/2016/06/dinner-theater.html/

Perception is reality when it comes to taste http://luckypeach.com/perception-vs-reality/

Harold McGee debunks MSG myth  MSG is NOT bad for you!http://luckypeach.com/on-msg-and-chinese-restaurant-syndrome/

Our gigantic problem with portions http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/apr/25/problem-portions-eating-too-much-food-control-cutting-down?

I love Dorie Greenspan! Her books just make you want to bake.http://luckypeach.com/what-would-dorie-greenspan-do/

A Naked restaurant, C’mon! http://www.theguardian.com/global/commentisfree/2016/apr/22/naked-restaurant-london-the-bunyadi-horror

Ken Oringer on Kitchen Culture Then and Now - Less brunoise, More XO sauce http://luckypeach.com/culture-of-the-kitchen-ken-oringer/

Anthony Bourdain on his documentary about Jeremiah Tower, a US food icon – It’s important to remember/get to know the pioneers! http://www.grubstreet.com/2016/04/bourdain-jeremiah-tower-interview.html?

Des ouvertures de resto à Montreal attendues ce printemps http://journalmetro.com/opinions/bouffe-et-compagnie/951268/5-restos-qui-feront-le-printemps/

Great article by Mario Batali on the evolution of food, cooking and dining and the impact of food TV http://luckypeach.com/how-food-became-pop-culture-mario-batali/

Funny this trend of more food savvy people who don’t know how to cook http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/apr/17/too-many-cookbooks-not-enough-broth-gwyneth-paltrow?

Carbonaragate http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/carbonara-purists-cant-stop-the-pasta-revolution? I think we should respect and celebrate traditional recipes and know what the original recipe is, without being afraid of riffing on it and making it our own. But then it should be referred to as ‘our take on Carbonara’ or ‘Carbonara inspired..’  And when it no longer resembles the original(s) at all, then it should be called something else.

Kale is not ‘healthy’. Our food is not healthy; we will be healthy if we eat nutritious food, which means more cheese than cheese product, more pig’s ears than mechanically separated meat, more grains than white flour.. alongside that kale salad. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/no-food-is-healthy-not-even-kale/2016/01/15/4a5c2d24-ba52-11e5-829c-26ffb874a18d_story.html

My favourite kind of wine is white and fresh – with some novel recommendations via Bill http://montrealgazette.com/life/more-lessons-in-white-the-refreshing-quality-of-acidic-grapes

Perspective on Molecular Gastronomy: Tricks vs Taste and Nutrition Exactly! I went to NY to do a class on Hydrocolloids ten years ago because it was new and fascinating.  But back in my kitchen, I realized how stupid it was for me here at Les Jardins Sauvages, working with the freshest terroir product to be over-manipulating with all these industrial powders. Yes, I gleaned a few techniques and a deeper understanding of gels but most of it went into the trash. It just didn't make sense if I listened to my taste buds and a conscience. Around the same time I rediscovered béchamel, traditional mayonnaise and creme anglaise for ice cream. No going back. https://munchies.vice.com/en/articles/molecular-gastronomy-still-needs-to-taste-good

The Earthquake that’s about to Hit Restaurants  No doubt prices have to go up no matter how crafty and smart we get in managing, even if people find it crazy to pay 18$ for a dish.. With super slim/non-existent profit margins, while trying to pay better wages, alongside exorbitant taxes etc, not to mention food and all other ‘fixed costs’ that have also increased. We’ve all been holding our breath for too long. One step would be axing the tip as an essential revenue/salary, but that’s only a part of the solution. No matter how the cookie crumbles, we have to charge more period.  People will hate it, they won’t understand, but c’est comme ça.  Inevitable, especially with the new generation of labour with benefits. http://www.gq.com/story/david-chang-resturant-business-challenges

Sourdough starter, a wonderful pet   I lovingly kept one (Leonard) for almost a year, going from taking precious care of it with regular feeding to negligent spontaneous feeding when I wasn’t making enough bread.. Eventually he turned and I ditched the idea which I love in theory, but realistically, I only make bread once a week and I’m not into pets.  Now, I just start my bread a day or two in advance for a complex flavour without the daily doting. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/03/23/dining/sourdough-starter-bread-baking.html?

Butcher, Baker or Scientist - Find your suitable career via a survey  Great in theory, Bullshit in practice.  The food industry is more nuanced than that. Apparently here, my strength is in marketing/business administration which is the opposite of the truth. Reminds me of a survey in high school that told me I should be in marketing, business administration or pure science, very different from cooking.  Good thing I never paid too much attention! http://tasteyourfuture.ca/butcher-baker-or-scientist-where-do-you-fit/

Best Montreal Pho I love ‘Tonkinese soup’ and living in the country, I miss it even if I can cook something similar that pretty much hits the spot. Because I’m no longer a city girl, I’ll take his word on these recommendations..  http://www.shutupandeat.ca/2016/03/29/montreals-best-pho-2016/

Bits and Bites March 2016

Both sides of the truth wrt Modern food: Tragic due to industrialization, loss of biodiversity and nutrients in our food system, and meanwhile, more efficiency, more accessibility.. http://grist.org/food/modern-food-is-a-triumph-modern-food-is-a-disaster/

Dessert is more complicated than you think in the restaurant biz A pain for most chefs unless you can afford a pastry chef, and either way, not necessarily profitable.. But, although I’m not a sweet tooth, I enjoy making desserts – ultimately because with experience, I know how important the sweet course is when you are in the business of making people happy and treating them extra special! https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/02/10/why-restaurants-dont-always-want-you-to-order-dessert/

Reassessing tipping culture – the debate continues http://www.goodfoodrevolution.com/just-the-tip/ One day, hopefully we can overhaul the current nonsensical system. The only thing holding me back personally is the legal complexity and the economic climate including sticker shock for the customer.

The secret to Indian food is contrasting flavours as opposed to overlap of similar molecules as in Western cuisine https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/03/03/a-scientific-explanation-of-what-makes-indian-food-so-delicious/

About that Persay NYTimes review – chefs weigh in on the changing times http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/restaurants/news/a41981/per-se-new-york-times-chef-reactions/

Nestle admits to slave labour on coffee plantations, no way!? After decades of ‘unfair trade’ and an empire more than partially built on the backs of ‘slaves’.. http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/mar/02/nestle-admits-slave-labour-risk-on-brazil-coffee-plantations

Bits and Bites February 2016

Help! I’m the only foodie in the family, Diana Henry  https://t.co/V1eKVBAhJF  A Good read..

No, it's not all about food, food is dinner. But since dinner happens every day, I need my partner to appreciate food and wine, otherwise it's just passing up on so much easy pleasure. When we have so many other battles in life, I want my dinner table free of squabbles. I have dated guys who weren't so into food, but at least they had good appetites, open minded good eaters who I used as guinea pigs. I ditched a few dates for ordering Pepsi or being picky eaters, I knew there was no way it would work. 

Luckily I found a guy who values food as much as me, if not swish restaurants or the latest trends, he knows who grows the best tomatoes and how to pick out a melon, willing to pay for primo produce (not to mention the foraging!). At the market, people saw us shopping and exchanging wondering what the occasion was, to find out it was just dinner! We are not rich, it is a choice to spend your time and energy on food, which could only work for some people and not others, I can see the conflicts in another life.  With my François des Bois, every meal is a celebration and I can't imagine living life otherwise.  So, I sympathize. I can deal with a Dad or a few (old) friends who aren’t so into food, and kids for a certain time of course because well that’s more complicated, but my partner, no and never..

Top skills in the restaurant biz I agree that these are key, a genuine warmth and aim to please and work ethic more than impressive credentials on a cv. I would just add ‘being quick’ as in on your feet and mentally. The rest can be learned and comes naturally if someone likes the place and believes in what they offer, ie. wants to be there.  http://www.businessinsider.com/skills-danny-meyer-looks-for-in-job-candidates-2016-2

Efforts to reduce slave labour via US imports  A start.. It’s about time we start paying more attention to this reality, from shrimp to cell phone components.  http://firstwefeast.com/eat/slave-labor-products-banned-congress/?

Ten of the world’s most expensive restaurants  Even as a chef obsessed with food, I find it crazy to spend the equivalent of a mortgage payment on a meal, but maybe just one, just once in my life..  Not because it is expensive but tops, like Pic say. http://www.wisebread.com/10-of-the-worlds-most-expensive-restaurants?

Important people in the food world, according to Roman Cho http://food52.com/blog/15760-13-people-to-know-in-the-food-world-right-now

Restaurants and recipes for Valentine's Day http://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/lesley-chestermans-valentines-day-survival-guide-10-delicious-ways-to-woo-your-lover

Cilantro, fresh coriander - Why some people love and others hate it Although a big factor is exposure/culture (I have seen so many acquire the taste), on a chemical level, apparently the haters don’t detect the delicious aldehydes in the bouquet, only the ‘soapy’ ones http://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/the-right-chemistry

How the brain perceives taste – Neurogastronomy shows how crucial texture and the other senses are in our taste experience, providing tools and applications for changing diets and cancer treatment http://grist.org/science/neuroscience-comes-to-dinner-how-brain-tweaks-could-change-our-diet/

Food Media going soft?! The problems no one wants to talk about Good article on point! http://firstwefeast.com/eat/problems-with-food-media/

Cheap food has hidden costs to society; ‘True Cost Accounting’ reveals the real cost of Industrial food production http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/feb/03/cheap-easy-food-easyjet-stelios-haji-iannou?

The case for organic agriculture strengthens in how to feed the world http://blog.ucsusa.org/science-blogger/organic-agriculture-is-key-to-helping-feed-the-world-sustainably

Natural Home uses for Hydrogen Peroxide – handy! http://wisemindhealthybody.com/tracey-black/hydrogen-peroxide-facts/

Slowfood biodiversity monitor of animal breeds – how industrial methods have impoverished the genetic diversity and the the security of our food supply  (a short French video with English subtitles) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdw3DmDTCfs&feature=youtu.be&a

A new primo coffee using bacteria from the lab as opposed to civet or elephant poop http://grist.org/food/move-over-civet-cats-this-coffee-company-tries-a-fresh-approach-with-bacteria/

Les chefs se suicident toujours http://www.parismatch.com/Actu/Societe/Le-dernier-adieu-a-Benoit-Violier-908677

La vie des chefs sans glamour, un rappel  http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2015/02/07/le-visage-obscur-des-chefs-cuisiniers

Primo pay to prep your own food – the cost of ready-made food at the supermarket in a smart chart: All for fresher, more wholesome food, think about it – 30$/h to cube melon, 200$/h to slice your own cheese! http://nutritionnisteurbain.ca/infographiques/le-cout-de-la-transformation-des-aliments-frais/

Mushroom burial suit/coffin turns dead bodies into compost - a cleaner end of life option than traditional burial or cremation https://m.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://grist.org/living/mushroom-burial-suit-turns-dead-bodies-into-clean-compost/

Chaga, the miracle mushroom (tonic) catches on (in French) http://ici.radio-canada.ca/emissions/bien_dans_son_assiette/2015-2016/chronique.asp?idChronique=395201

Food allergy fakers wrecking it for the truly afflicted https://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2015/10/14/why-food-allergy-fakers-need-stop/PB6uN8NF3eLWFjXnKF5A9K/story.html

The Gut is key to health, emerging nutritional and medical science increasingly demonstrates the importance of our microbes https://t.co/y8hza7d0oA

Persay two star takedown shows that even Thomas Keller is not untouchable at the top.. I find it kind of sad to see people who aim so high and pay so much attention to detail get knocked, especially Keller who has inspired a generation of cooks. The skyhigh prices and bordering on ridiculous preciousness and pretension of Persay was bound to rub a few too many diners the wrong way sooner or later. I’m sure/ I hope this critic did not take it lightly however how catchy the headline.  http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/13/dining/pete-wells-per-se-review.html

Anticipated Montreal Restaurant openings for Winter 2016 http://montreal.eater.com/2016/1/12/10750170/larrys-atelier-robuchon-agrikol-diplomate-new-restaurants-2016

Food day Canada 2015 Winners Circle  Chefs across Canada promoting local food -I’m proud to be a gold award winner for 2015  http://fooddaycanada.ca/events/the-2015-winners-circle/

America’s national eating disorder http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/whats-wrong-americas-approach-food.html

Diets don’t work! https://medium.com/@davidludwigmd/why-calorie-restricted-diets-don-t-work-532f151a939#.weojm9qpf

Kitchen Advice This is basic, but on point – tips for beginner cooks and success in the pro kitchen (or any kitchen), actually generally useful in life.. http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/2015/12/30/life-lessons-professional-kitchen

The year in fungi – new species discovered, and new powers, mushrooms as mystical and powerful than ever – capable of curing cancer, changing weather, wiping out bananas and creating everything from flavours to pharmaceuticals..  http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/the-year-in-fungi-2015

Lucky Peach – Mostly always refreshing good reading, when they’re not trying to be too cool..  http://luckypeach.com/the-top-10-stories-of-2015/

The Restaurant Lists for the Year are coming out, mostly about what’s new and hot and successful in Montreal, apparently promising..

Lesley Chesterman, Montreal Gazette http://montrealgazette.com/life/food/best-restaurants-of-2015-lesley-chestermans-picks

Tastet, Le Devoir   http://m.ledevoir.com/#article-458243

Primo boozy gifts  We all have someone we love who likes a stiff drink albeit with finesse! I’m a wine girl, not into cocktails and spirits so often find myself confused and at a loss when trying to buy something like scotch for a guy I love.  A guide like this might help.. http://montrealgazette.com/life/food/just-in-time-bill-zacharkiws-annual-last-minute-booze-buying-guide

Top ten documentaries to change the world?! http://www.filmsforaction.org/articles/the-top-100-films-for-action/

Montreal Pizza List http://montreal.eater.com/maps/25-epic-montreal-pizzas-to-eat-before-you-die I love pizza as a snack more than a meal, but I live in the country so make my own mostly.. BUT if I were in Montreal, I would be slowly knocking off this list.

Top Cookbooks (of all time?!) Cookbook lists are my favourite of the lists I used to like but less now, but when it comes to old ones; this one is pretty classic/good. So a definite thumbs up for a Christmas gift for a younger foodie/chef.  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/25-greatest-cookbooks-of-all-time/

Must Read – A fascinating overview of the science of taste, which I’m happy to see is a burgeoning field, finally! (very general, for everyone; leaving me hungry for more detail because I am crazy for this stuff!) http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2015/12/food-science-of-taste-text

The Cook’s Cook - an online food magazine to explore http://www.thecookscook-digital.com/thecookscook/dec_jan_2016?pg=1#pg1

Another top NYC restaurant eliminates tipping  With a proportional plus price hike of course.. Hopefully, eventually this will be feasible across the board because it just makes sense. http://ny.eater.com/2015/12/1/9816186/eleven-madison-park-no-tipping-nomad

Watch a good chef’s knife being made,  beautiful https://www.finedininglovers.com/blog/news-trends/bob-kramer-knives/

A crackdown on Pesticides in Quebec – about time! Not enough, but a start.. (in French)  http://www.equiterre.org/actualite/quebec-reglemente-lusage-des-pesticides-les-plus-dangereux-une-victoire-dequiterre-et-de-s?

Hotel (Restaurant) Menus circa 1860 – love it! Lots of meat and wine (even breakfast wines!), not enough veg ever though. I can't imagine eating like that, course after course of meat, but probably wouldn't want to be a pauper either eating only potatoes..  http://imgur.com/a/APcB7

Michael Pollan on the Big Screen – A documentary version of his In Defense of Food  - this will be GREAT! In getting people to think about their food with a touch of science, history, politics, common sense and CULTURE..  He’s the best!  http://grist.org/food/michael-pollans-food-advice-hits-the-big-screen/

Old ‘cookbook’ find, very neat! The Johnson Family Treasury republished, thanks to our dear Canadian food history geeks (in Guelph and Montreal) http://m.guelphmercury.com/news-story/6124838-unexpected-find-in-u-of-guelph-cookbook-archive-creates-stir-among-foodies-historians

An ode to Elizabeth David – good old school (quality! In depth) food writing by The Art of Eating about an important culinary figure, the English food writer of the last century. Her books were essential reading for a cook or ‘ foodie’ of my generation. I didn’t love her like MFK Fisher or after Ruth Reichl say, but I did admire her (imagine writing that during/post-war?!), and I like reading her concise paragragh recipes, I hate those of today with ml and pan sizes instead of pinches and common sense. https://artofeating.com/the-pleasures-and-challenge-of-elizabeth-david/

How the burgeoning field of Neurogastronomy is Helping Bring Taste Back  http://civileats.com/2015/11/19/how-the-science-of-neurogastronomy-is-helping-bring-taste-back/#sthash.rPUHvQIw.Vob7j3b4.dpuf

De L’Espoir avec les abeilles (en Français)  http://www.nationalgeographic.fr/22770-labeille-miracle-va-t-elle-sauver-le-monde/

Sommeliers in the limelight – a glimpse into the new world of wine and trends..  http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/the-rise-and-rise-of-the-somms

Best Food Docs to view http://firstwefeast.com/eat/best-food-documentaries-that-you-should-watch-right-now/

Bits & Bites September 2015

Évènement pour la Tablée des Chefs avec Jardins Sauvages et autres artisans samedi le 12 septembre au Marché Jean Talon http://www.debeur.com/site/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=1073&cntnt01returnid=58

Alice Waters granted highest recognition from Obama; she deserves it! Inspired by her and the chefs who followed her, I sought out ‘our Alice Waters’ in Quebec, the local food pioneer Anne Desjardins, to go work at L’Eau à la Bouche in Ste-Adele in 2015. A life changing experience –in food & cooking, and in meeting my François des Bois, a pioneer in his own right with the wild stuff.. To think of all we have done since, the cooks and customers who have been inspired and learnt from us, and all the parallel stories everywhere.. Talk about ripple effect!  http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-alice-waters-20150909-story.html

New Montreal Restaurant Openings this fall/ Nouveaux restos (FR) http://plus.lapresse.ca/screens/9c2d802f-d046-4487-b22b-b1a0091ef877%7C_0.html

Encourager les poissons de Pêche durable! http://www.zeste.tv/blogue/vezina/17-la-peche-durable-un-choix-de-conscience

Montreal Gazette dining critic explores the ROQ (rest of Quebec) http://montrealgazette.com/life/food/local-food-reviews/dining-lesley-chesterman-goes-off-the-beaten-track

Bits and Bites August 2015

No more tipping I believe in this, and have been working towards this for years with a sharing scheme like in most labour intensive restaurants that I would like to ditch for something simpler. But it’s  a tough transition in Quebec since we are taxed heavily and in the economic climate, always scared to ‘raise prices’. Everyone should just be paid a secure living wage according to their skill and experience determined by the employer, the service included in the check, since anyway it always depends equally on a team of others behind the scenes, and management. Every restaurant is different, but the customer shouldn't have to guess, the employees either. http://civileats.com/2015/07/16/goodbye-tipping-hello-living-wage-the-changing-face-of-progressive-restaurants/

The most anticipated new Montreal restaurants http://montreal.eater.com/2015/8/26/9205959/montreal-restaurants-new-openings-fall

Oregano for antibiotic free chickens, c’mon already! http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/12/28/oregano-fed-chicken-healthy-antibiotic-free-birds?cmpid=tp-ptnr-eatlocalgrown

Hurray for hybrids! Noteworthy wine in Vermont by courageous winemakers, which means hope for here with our set of courageous artisans, more local quality wine inevitably on the horizon.. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/02/dining/vermont-wine-la-garagista-hybrid-grapes.html

Eggplant – to salt or not? http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-eggplant-salting-20150825-story.html

Foodie gripes Small plates, vegan vs vegetarian, single stall washrooms, mini water glasses etc., the things bothering NYC food writers at the moment..http://ny.eater.com/2015/8/17/9166993/the-airing-of-grievances

Lists! I can’t say enough about lists for practical day to day efficiency, for inspiration etc.. Love my lists. http://www.brainpickings.org/2013/10/18/ray-bradbury-on-lists/

Eat the right meat (in small quantities) http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/04/24/401965111/these-animals-might-go-extinct-because-no-one-wants-to-eat-them

Yes, quality staff is a problem in the restaurant business - and getting worse every year despite the interest with foodies, tv shows and full culinary school programs.. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonkblog/wp/2015/08/12/the-crippling-problem-people-who-eat-at-restaurants-havent-noticed-but-chefs-are-freaking-out-about/

Haute cuisine shit show A food journalist brutally recounts her visits to a few NYC top restaurants, with a huge dose of cynicism and vile for the ridiculous tones of our haute foodie culture.. Very compelling food writing, if harsh and true. I cringe at any restaurant bashing, but I get it. I am not into fancy, manipulated food at all anymore, never snobbism, but quality ingredients with a story, yes.. Acidulous , smart work in the kitchen and/or floor will impress me though, as long as the soul and hospitality come first.. I'm so annoyed with over the top marketing and bogus menu descriptions; it used to and should mean something to speak of the purveyor/source but now it’s all marketing bullshit and no one can know the difference. It’s sad really. That Keller could be so dissed after all his hard work, experience and meticulousness, while a new green bistro with a good vibe and PR team could win the day is not fair, all measured on the same scale.  Different beasts. Both should be MORE REAL. Anyway. From day one, I always knew that no matter how top-notch precious the food and professional the experience I liked, it had to be fun, convivial, warm and delicious, be it on the giving or receiving end. Hence the spots I chose to work at in my career. http://t.co/5F5QxbpStP

Eat the right meat (in small quantities) http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/04/24/401965111/these-animals-might-go-extinct-because-no-one-wants-to-eat-them

Amazing Documentary Le Nez (on our amazing primal sense of smell from different points of view), now on TV or on the web! http://tv5.ca/le-nez

Overdone food stories – True! Although I have to say, I wouldn’t mind reading some of these themes again with a new twist, good journalism/writing, more so than ‘New’ fluff.. http://www.eater.com/forums/general-food-and-cooking/2015/8/12/9138063/27-food-stories-nobody-needs-to-write-again

Quebec City creativity Always happy to cheer on my home town! http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/travel/quebec-city-st-roch-restaurants-museums.html?

A real Paleo diet should include ‘some’ carbs http://nymag.com/thecut/2015/08/paleo-truther-scandal-carbs-were-in-the-caves.html?mid=twitter-share-thecut

The truth about marinades As a cook twenty + years in, I have noticed.. Better to focus on the seasoning when cooking and sauce.. But twenty minutes or 1-2 hours of pre-seasoning does make a difference even if its just the crust.. http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-marinade-20150810-story.html

Proud organic potato producer holding on to his passion and coveted land near Tremblant  http://ici.radio-canada.ca/emissions/bien_dans_son_assiette/2014-2015/chronique.asp?idChronique=379810

The life of a modern day cook to chef  http://firstwefeast.com/eat/the-life-cycle-of-a-modern-day-chef/

Bits and Bites June/July 2015

Canadian Fleur de Sel If you're going to get fancy about salt, might as well go Canadian for your finishing touch! http://www.goodfoodrevolution.com/vancouver-island-sea-salt/ I have some in my kitchen!

The Lost Art of the Salad  It’s true I love my composed salads with a variety of textures and flavours, some protein and flare at La Table, but that’s what people are coming for. Meanwhile I love a simple green salad, eat one at home every night,  and constantly gripe that it doesn’t exist on restaurant menus anymore. http://www.wsj.com/article_email/the-lost-art-of-the-salad-how-to-keep-it-simple-and-classic-1436553251-lMyQjAxMTA1NTM5MTczMDE2Wj

The Pickle Man And the art of fermentation http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/07/28/opinion/sandorkraut-a-pickle-maker.html?

Harsh Truths about opening a restaurant http://www.eater.com/2015/7/24/8964099/amanda-cohen-dirt-candy-new-location-column#4666138

Just Eat it! A food waste story (Trailer) https://vimeo.com/88023628

How Ugly Food can change the world http://blog.ideasinfood.com/ideas_in_food/2015/07/july-24-2015/

We’ve been eating chicken since at least 200 BC http://grist.org/news/this-is-likely-when-people-started-eating-chicken/

Ocean farms to feed the millions! Great innovation, but please let’s not forget about SOIL!? Hydroponics are a plus, but not the same. How about we stop developing/destroying arable land and start taking care of the farmland we have instead of building farms in the ocean? http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/06/02/floating-solar-farm_n_7455034.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000010

Joe Beef on top world restaurant list! A humble reply: http://news.nationalpost.com/life/food-drink/theres-a-mistake-joe-beefs-david-mcmillan-on-being-named-one-of-the-worlds-best-restaurants  Maybe not the end of the world gastronomy but always so good and ahead of the curve, authentic.. And I like them even better with age, say when they shrug off this award. For sure, they are happy and they should be, but they know it only means so much, they say it like it is; it’s the day to day work that never stops in kitchens everywhere..

25 Food Documentaries to watch http://firstwefeast.com/eat/best-food-documentaries-that-you-should-watch-right-now/

Illegal to throw out food in France http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/france-makes-it-illegal-for-supermarkets-to-destroy-edible-food-in-effort-to-cut-waste-10268849.html

Nut footprints  http://grist.org/food/what-are-the-most-eco-friendly-nuts/

Hot Food trends: Seaweed, Bread &Butter, Charcuterie, Cauliflower, Food tickets..  http://www.mrporter.com/journal/the-read/the-next-six-big-food-trends/334

Wine trucks! http://www.narcity.com/montreal/apres-food-trucks-de-montreal-wine-truck/

Scientists working on ‘Super Rice’ to save the world’s food supply http://grist.org/food/these-scientists-are-trying-to-change-rice-as-we-know-it/

Profile of a great chef sans tattoos – Jonathan Benno Great piece re-diffused thanks to the unfortunate passing of the food writer Josh Ozersky who was well respected too http://observer.com/2013/10/jonathan-benno-profile/ 

Chickens aren’t supposed to be grain-fed vegetarians http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2015/04/29/consumers-love-chickens-that-are-vegetarian-fed-never-mind-what-the-birds-want-to-eat/

Slowfish – Know your Fisherman https://vimeo.com/122111944

Bits & Bites April 2015

Les meilleurs fromages Canadiens 2015 – Laliberté (Fromagerie Presbytère) takes the top Canadian prize http://lynnefaubert.com/fr/2015/04/26/the-best-canadian-cheeses-2015/

The list of 35 Food Trucks on the Montreal circuit this summer http://tvanouvelles.ca/lcn/infos/regional/montreal/archives/2015/04/20150424-180331.html

Yes! Forget the nutritionists, follow flavour http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-flavor-drives-nutrition-1428596326?KEYWORDS=Flavor+drives+nutrition

Jackfruit, an exotic fruit/veg that is gaining favour (especially with vegans) I only tried it once and was not impressed.. I’d definitely give it another go if I was on spot, preferably not out of a can, but I’m in search of a pulled pork replacement either. http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2015/apr/12/green-jackfruit-vegetable-pulled-pork

Two Farmers’ stories – The big guys control the market, the small farms get the foodie love, here’s why we should care about the mid-sized farm http://grist.org/food/2-farmers-stories-the-fall-and-rise-of-the-mid-size-farm/

Freeze-Fry Steak  If you feel like fiddling with your steak for supposed great results.. http://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/clap-steak-ideas-in-food

Rene Redzepi meets a Japanese master https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/14cbaaae5353c03c

Thomas Jefferson, a real original NA foodie Inspiring. I remember falling in love with him through a few of his food quotes, reading about his food ventures and musings, my kind of politician. http://www.brainpickings.org/2012/11/16/thomas-jeffersons-creme-brulee/

A new Montreal delivery service for fine foods http://montrealfrais.com/landing-page/

Montreal food critics discuss what makes the perfect restaurant following up on the article in Caribou magazine http://ici.radio-canada.ca/emissions/medium_large/2014-2015/chronique.asp?idChronique=368979

More reason to consume less plastic http://gizmodo.com/why-the-plastic-recycling-market-just-crashed-1694804237

Classic French food hits the spot  Especially today, the classic French restaurant experience is refreshing amidst the hip scene of creative n’importe quoi and accompanying pretension.  Funny how what seemed fancy and snobby 20+ years ago now feels comforting.  Maybe its just for people my age?  Like L’Express, how we all love it and return for good food, solid classics no flafla, professional service that remains warm and knowledgeable, perfectly satisfying!  when you think it would be staid. Reminding us how it should be.  Love. http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2015-02-13/classic-french-restaurant-paris-food-allard-la-fregate

Fred Morin (of Joe Beef) talks celiac,  and calls for more empathy towards customers   I agree, it seems that many chefs today are in performance mode with their tricks and hip factor, almost forgetting about the customer.  You need to want to please. And if you have lived a little, you know and love several people who would be 'complicated customers', who like their meat well done or the music not too loud, etc and you want them to be happy. I can get annoyed with the anti-gluten/allergy trend, but I take each one seriously out of principle, my mother's face helps, I have a family of celiacs.  http://luckypeach.com/the-art-of-gluten-free-living-according-to-joe-beef/

Normand Laprise’s Toqué cracks a top world restaurant list, a first for Montreal/ Canada   http://ottawacitizen.com/life/food/and-the-only-canadian-restaurant-to-crack-this-list-of-the-worlds-top-100-is

Terra Madre St.Lawrence, a Slowfood Event held April 22-26, 2015 in Montreal,  is the first regional meeting of food communities ever organized in Canada. The event aims to gather powerful organizations that share our mission for a good, clean and fair food system.  For the occasion, Slow Food Montréal will also be host of the Salon du Goût de Montréal – an event showcasing the products of the farmers, fishers and other producers of the communities we support, as well as the 10^th National Meeting of Canadian Convivia. With all these celebrations, we wish to highlight the food communities of Quebec and the rest of Canada and offer the participants and other organizations that share our goals a place to meet and debate. See programming: www.terramadre.ca.

What is Slowfood? A video of some of the people across Canada (including us cameo): https://vimeo.com/110986872

Bits & Bites March 2015

Good piece on Crayfish by Adam Gollner  - The river here used to be teaming with them, François grew up eating them cooking them in a pot on spot over a fire. I was only introduced to them fresh at L’Eau à la Bouche circa 2000-2004 where we served them (from Lac St-Pierre area), neat but what a load of trouble they were. http://luckypeach.com/that-fish-cray/

James Beard award finalists http://www.eater.com/2015/3/24/8282707/james-beard-award-finalists-2015-restaurant-chef-book-journalism

We could all benefit from being a little more vegan by eating more fruit, veg, nuts and legumes, less but better meat http://grist.org/food/what-i-learned-from-a-month-of-eating-vegan/

Mushroom farming – a crazy business, like Foraging! http://grist.org/food/what-i-learned-from-a-month-of-eating-vegan/

Recipe plagiarism common in the food world but what can you do http://montrealgazette.com/life/food/critics-notebook-plagiarism-a-common-ingredient-in-the-wide-world-of-recipes

Canada’s most exciting chefs via The Guardian (UK) http://www.theguardian.com/explore-canada/2015/mar/09/canadas-most-exciting-chefs

Chef harassment Another case of old school meets new school  – somewhere in between the traditional hierarchical rough&tough work ethic and the lazy, whiney entitled baby democratic circus would be optimal http://www.eater.com/2015/3/12/8204983/yannick-alleno-french-paris-chef-harassment-violence-accusations

Mushroom Medicinal teas the rage  http://www.eater.com/2015/3/11/8181107/why-people-are-shrooming-out-on-medicinal-mushroom-tea

An extravagant Careme style banquet from 1817 – just insane! http://www.theoldfoodie.com/2007/01/extraordinary-banquet.html?m=1

Montreal Poutine picks http://notable.ca/montreal/yp-life/13-Classic-Montreal-Poutines-You-Need-To-Indulge-In-Right-Now/

New compilation of Canada’s best restaurants http://www.canadas100best.com/category/canadas-100-best-restaurants-2015/

February 2015

Great article on a great French chef, Anne Sophie Pic http://www.eater.com/2015/2/11/8015169/anne-sophie-pic-michelin-chef-new-york

Chablis http://www.saveur.com/article/travels/chablis-burgundy-france

Breakfasts around the world – see how others start their day http://matadornetwork.com/pulse/18-breakfasts-around-world/

The dark side of the chef world (in French) http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2015/02/07/le-visage-obscur-des-chefs-cuisiniers

On the flipside, The Rise of the Sober Chef http://firstwefeast.com/eat/sober-chefs/

Influential women in the food world – a slideshow http://www.elle.com/culture/travel-food/g25575/goddesses-of-food/?slide=2

A chef who is growing his salt http://www.foodandwine.com/blogs/2015/2/3/heres-how-one-chef-is-growing-his-own-salt?

Is Fat the 6^th Primary taste? http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2015/feb/09/australian-scientists-say-fat-should-be-recognised-as-sixth-primary-taste

Death to the Chicken Finger; how we created a generation of unsophisticated picky eaters  ‘Don’t give them a choice.’ ‘ Teach them to taste like to read’, they will thank you later.. http://news.nationalpost.com/the-kids-menu/

The decline of food journalism True. Driven by social media and the short attention spans of gen Y, it’s a new brutal reality of abundance of clips and n’importe quoi to wade through. I sometimes long for a simpler time of quality over quantity, when credentials and years of experience mattered more than marketing. I however, have pity for the ‘real’ journalists and I find it sad that there are fewer of them. Same goes for chefs and restaurants. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marc-vetri/how-food-journalism-got-a_b_6551682.html

Ethical foie gras  I have tasted a similar Que product and I loved the natural, less fatty, more meaty aspect of it, but it’s not what the clientele expects/wants when they treat themselves to foie gras.. I don’t even think said artisan survived because it’s great but not foie gras as we know it with less fat and more liver taste, your seared foie gras is more like a deluxe blond liver sauté, the makings for a rich terrine for sure, expensive though for that, so not attractive to most chefs and consumers, anyone who isn’t in it for the principles.. I’m all for this product, even prefer it, but customers aren’t there yet. And anyway in the meantime, traditional foie gras the way it is mostly produced in Quebec is not so bad or ‘unethical’ especially given that it is a treat, a micro blip in the market line of less ethical industrial food people consume without a thought on a daily basis at the cafeteria, supermarket, neighbourhood bistro or fast-food chain.. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/18/the-farmer-who-makes-ethical-foie-gras?

Essential oils to replace antibiotics in factory farming? Wow, there's hope. We could start with just feeding them the nutritional plants, but for sure essential oils provide natural medicine, many antibiotics, I'm all for it. At worst your chicken will taste like oregano?! http://grist.org/food/why-essential-oils-could-change-factory-farming/

MSG and the Chinese Restaurant Syndrome a whole lot of fluff that endures.. I thought this was over, with numerous studies and the notion of umami mainstream.. But no, we need Harold McGee to chime in again.. http://luckypeach.com/on-msg-and-chinese-restaurant-syndrome/

A French resume of what the English think will be hot food trends haha - like more kale and bugs, bitter things like grapefruit and brussel sprouts, kolache, and an African fruit baobab, birch sap.. http://m.slate.fr/story/96747/tendance-alimentation-2015

David McMillan talks Montreal food, always interesting and true http://www.afar.com/magazine/montreals-food-scene-is-better-than-your-citys

Broth is hot! No kidding. I kind of like this trend though, if only to see people waking up to the good things in life, not about me feeling trendy as a duck/rabbit/partridge broth fiend.. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/01/07/dining/bone-broth-evolves-from-prehistoric-food-to-paleo-drink.html

Foie gras ban is lifted in California http://four-magazine.com/articles/2453/fournews-foie-gras-back-on-the-menu-in-california?

Olive oil shortage will mean higher prices due to poor harvest in 2014 http://www.goodfoodrevolution.com/olive-oil-crisis/

Thieves take off with 300000$ of wine from French Laundry on X-mas day http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-french-stolen-wine-20141230-story.html#page=1

Bravo! Normand Laprise, chef owner of Toque, is named to Order of Canada for his contribution to Quebec  gastronomy http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=15922&lan=eng