Beef Fundamentals

Beef, beef, beef.

I think we pretty much did it all. Beef overload.

Shortribs two ways, tartare, tenderloin, striploin, tongue, liver, oxtail, bones for stock, kabobs, skewers, brisket, prime rib, hanger steak, bones for stock, tasting marrow, stews, shin beef... the list goes on.

Kyle from Aubrey's and Piggy Market really charmed us all and will be back for other classes. Here he is with Candice showing off the beautiful roast.

Lovely tartare.

Yorkshire puddings!!!

The roast, cooked to perfection.

A surprise for the evening, tongue!

...and last but not least, asparagus. We need at least one veggie portion right?

-marysol

Sustainable Seafood

Whalesbone Oyster House definitely has changed the fish and seafood scene in Ottawa. Before their arrival, it was possible to make a smart and sustainable choice, but you had to ask a bit more questions to your fishmonger (given that there was one and that you were not speaking to a frozen package...)

Whalesbone has taken all the guess work out of the equation. All sustainable, all the time.

Chef Jenna Durling came over last Tuesday. The catch of the day? Many.



To start, fresh oysters. East Coast please.




Pacific cod for fish tacos.


4 lovely mackerel to be maple smoked.
Arctic char gets a crispy coating to eat with a Celery Root Remoulade.
Tuna melts anyone?



How else would you eat your lobster than butter poached?


Clams and mussels for a bouillabaisse.

And we had more. Halibut. Striped bass. Scallops.


Learning about many spices...

...and reconnecting, finally, with spring vegetables.

-marysol

Life Without Plastic

Last evening was a wonderful class about portable summer meals. I don't know about you, but picnics are a must for me in summer!

Chef Tanya Skeates from Soupcon restaurant in Wakefield gave tricks and tips on creating lovely lunches to go with Thai and Vietnamese flair. One thing I noticed as soon as she stepped in the Kitchen Studio was a little lunchbox - stainless steel, stackable, easy to wash... I have to get my hands on some!!!

You can purchase these lovelies at Life Without Plastic.

If you cannot drive up to Wakefield to buy some, you can always order online, yay!

-marysol