VanEats

MSNBC's Weblog Central linked to VanEats after I emailed them when they failed to include us in a previous article on food weblogs. Thanks!

This weekend the organizers of the East Van Farmer's Market are hosting the Winter Market on December 14 and 15 at the Heritage Hall at Main and 15th Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. As in previous years, the market will feature local artisans and food producers.

Hopefully we'll find some of our favourite food producers like Moonstruck Cheese.

We tried the fish and chips today at Dave's Fish and Chips in Steveston (3460 Moncton Street, Richmond, 604 271-7555) based on our friend Lisa's recomendation!

For about $9 you get two pieces of cod and chips or for about $11 you get two piece of halibut and chips. The batter was the traditional thicker batter which we enjoy.

Like all of Mark Bittman's recipes, his chicken with fresh curry paste (free membership required) is delicious and easy! As he says, For Tasty Curry, Ban the Can!

I made this curry last night and found the last minute addition of the juice from one lime adds a delightful sour flavour that nicely cuts the richness of the coconut milk.

Our friend Lisa makes these delicious yogurt scones. I think they're better than many of the scones I've eaten at specialty tea rooms! Be sure to serve them warm with jam and devon cream!

In response to our news item about cooking classes, Ryan wrote to tell us about the upcoming holiday serious amateur classes this Saturday December 7, 2002 at Dubrulle.

The first class is with Chef Caarleegh Voght from 9a.m.-1p.m.

Pasta Where It Came From and How It Got Here is an amazing article from Corby Kummer from 1986! An oldie but goodie! Read it to find more about everybody's favourite carb such as why Italian pasta is better than others, which brands are best and how spaghetti with meatballs, an Italian American dish, became so popular.

A chocolate rugelach from Siegel's Bagels is a $1.50 piece of dessert heaven! We tried one out tonight on a whim after we picked up a dozen of their awesome bagels for the special Tuesday-only price of $5.95.

Flaky, not overly sweet and not overly chocolatey, a chocolate rugelach is a great winter comfort dessert. Snap 'em up while you can because Siegel's seems to change its dessert selection a lot!

We just came back from a week in Cancun, Mexico and already we miss the sunshine and real Mexican food!

So it was nice to see Anne Garber's Evalu8 review of El Gitano in Burlington, Washington. It sounds like an excellent way to get our Mexican food fix.

We will check it out as soon as we can.