Memories of Belgo 2001

Submitted by Roland on Sat, 10/27/2001 - 23:41

Here's a cool photo from Belgo in London, England that Barb mentioned a couple of days ago. In it you can see the two specials that we ordered for 5 pounds 31 pence each: 1 kilo of mussels with chips and a beer and a bitter lemon type soda with a delicious Belgian version of bangers and mash.

http://downloads.redjupiter.com/users/images/vaneats/belgo2001.jpg" height="225" width="300" border="0" alt="Belgo 2001: Eating at Belgo in Convent Garden in London on September 27, 2001 on our honeymoon.

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Tuscan Bread

Submitted by Barb on Thu, 10/25/2001 - 21:03

One thing I particularly enjoyed in Tuscany is the bread. Unlike most breads, traditional Tuscan bread is made without salt. This makes for what some people describe as bland bread, but I like it because the lack of salt lets the yeast flavour shine through and forms a gentle backdrop for other ingredients that are served along with the bread. The omission of salt in this bread also allows it to go stale or dry out before it gets moldy.

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Tuscan Memories 2001

Submitted by Roland on Wed, 10/24/2001 - 23:49

As Vancouver weather changes to our winter subtropical climate of grey rain punctuated by brief moments of beautiful sunshine, I find myself daydreaming of our recent time in Tuscany.

Here are some of the Tuscan thoughts that fill my daydreams.

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Roland's Toscana 2001

Submitted by Roland on Wed, 10/24/2001 - 23:28

Here are some random observations from our recent nine day trip to Toscana during our honeymoon.

  • Truffles, truffles, truffles! The Truffles of Tuscany are fantastic! I am sure that they are fantastic elsewhere such as in France but this was my first full exposure to them! We had them with pasta, sprinkled on eggs done sunny side up, and with risotto, and it was all good! They have a uniquely satisfying and seductive fragrance and taste.
  • The Italians know how to relax! The Tuscans are well off but somehow less stressed and happier than Canadians.

Doris's Rusian Tea Cakes vs. Mexican Wedding Cakes

Submitted by Roland on Tue, 10/23/2001 - 23:22

Teresa wrote about Doris's Russian Tea Cakes which are very similar to the Mexican Wedding Cakes that we served at our wedding dance:
"Just in case you're wondering what the differences are, here's my recipe (which I got from Doris) for Russian Tea Cakes. The recipes are very similar. I'm going to try your recipe the next time I bake..."

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Chestnuts with Fennel

Submitted by Barb on Mon, 10/22/2001 - 22:32

When we were in Tuscany, we hit the beginning of chestnut season. Castagne, a general term for chestnuts, are harvested from October through December. To harvest chestnuts, the whole ripe chestnut "pod" must fall off the tree. The spiny green pod must then be cracked open to reveal shiny, reddish brown chestnuts.

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Chestnuts with Fennel

Submitted by Barb on Sun, 10/21/2001 - 19:36

Fresh chestnuts
Fennel seeds
Salt

When selecting chestnuts, choose ones that are shiny, and firm when pressed.
Using a sharp knife, cut a slit into each chestnut about 1/4 to 1/2 cm deep.
Place chestnuts into a saucepan and cover with water. Add 1 tsp. fennel seeds and 1 tsp. salt for every 500 grams (1 lb.) of chestnuts.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
Drain and serve warm.

Barb's London 2001 Highlights

Submitted by Barb on Sun, 10/21/2001 - 11:19

There are so many highlights of our honeymoon/culinary adventure to London and Tuscany. Here are some of my London food highlights.

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Barb's London 2001 Highlights

Submitted by Barb on Sun, 10/21/2001 - 10:59

We stayed in London for a few days to de-jetlag and relax. During our stay, we enjoyed some great dining experiences. Here are my highlights.

Greek Food Festival

Submitted by Roland on Sat, 10/20/2001 - 20:11

Tonight we visited the 24th Annual Greek Food Festival held at the Hellenic Center at 4500 Arbutus Street.

It's being held yesterday, today and tomorrow at the Hellenic Community Center at 4500 Arbutus Street. Today and tomorrow the hours are noon to 11p.m.

In addition to featuring inexpensive Greek food and desserts, there are also Greek cookbooks, T-Shirts and other products from Greece on sale as well as music, dancing by Greek dance troups, and activities for young and old.

It's an ideal place to take the family.

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