Umu, London

While in London, I got a chance to meet up with my friend, J, who I can always count on to find a great restaurant to eat at. This time, he picked Umu, an uppity Japanese restaurant serving Kyoto influenced dishes. They are known for their traditional Kaiseki tasting menus, but at 100£ a person, we decided to order off the a la carte menu instead. Our meal started with an aji (Japanese jack mackerel) and mushroom amuse bouche. This set the...

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Bear Fruit Nibbles

While waiting for a train in Maidenhead UK recently, I came across a great healthy snack with super cute packaging. I had no idea what I was buying when I first grabbed these fruit nibbles. I wanted a snack. I loved the packaging. So I bought them. For those who don't think marketing works, I have to disagree because it does! Bear Fruit Nibbles are a tasty all natural, no nonsense snack option that is free of added sugar and preservatives. They...

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Siam Bistro, Ottawa

One of my favorite Thai restaurants in Ottawa is Siam Bistro. I like the variety of dishes they offer on their menu and they also make great Pad Thai. I have yet to be wowed by a Thai restaurant in Ottawa but Siam Bistro is a solid restaurant and I've never been disappointed. The space at Siam Bistro is nicer than most Thai places in Ottawa. The seating area is long, narrow, and very intimate. I've been here multiple times, and here is a sample...

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Persian Yellow Plum Stew (Khoresh Aloo)

This dish is one of my favorite Persian dishes, and is best enjoyed in the summer time. It is a stew made of fresh herbs and yellow plums, all of which taste the best in the summer months. Persians love their food sour, which is why I call for semi-ripe plums and why I don't have an exact measurement in the recipe. If you prefer your food sweeter, I would suggest either using ripe plums or more sugar. For me, 2 Tablespoons of sugar was good...

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Le Lapin Saute, Quebec City

Le Lapin Saute is a cozy little restaurant on the charming rue du Petit-Champlain. If the weather is nice enough, try to snag a seat on the terrace overlooking the cobblestone courtyard and garden right beside it. In the evenings, if it gets a little bit chilly, the wait staff will offer blankets to the ladies. How charming! Le Lapin Saute, as the name implies, specializes in rabbit. If you are like some, and can't stand the idea of eating those...

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