Breaking a Parmigiano-Reggiano record

Last Saturday, Loblaw Companies Ltd. broke the record for the most number of Parmigiano-Reggiano wheels to be cracked open simultaneously. 305 wheels were cracked open at more than 250 stores across Canada. The previous record was set in 2008 at 176 wheels.

I was at the Loblaws in the former Maple Leaf Gardens at 60 Carlton for a preview. A representative from Guinness World Records was on hand, as well as a couple of cheese-makers and a representative from the Consorzio Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano to tell us all about what makes Parmigiano-Reggiano so special, and why cracking instead of cutting it is crucial to appreciating its wonderful flavour and texture.










Parmigiano-Reggiano 101



What to look for in Parmigiano-Reggiano



Cracking Parmigiano-Reggiano




Parmigiano-Reggiano tuile salad



Popcorn with basil oil and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano



Cheese Tortellini










Posted by: Mark Rodas

Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival 2010

Last weekend we went to the historic Distillery District for the 2010 Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival.

This was a beautiful venue to host the event, featuring North America's largest collection of Victorian buildings. It proved to be a fun-filled night with a wine appreciation class, food, drink, and some song & dance.





a cappella, acoustic, and electronic



photo slideshow




We had some yummy crepes from Crepe Delicious for dinner. Though we're used to having sweet crepes as a snack or for dessert, we found that we rather liked savoury crepes.



Also on hand were some tasty cheeses from Quebec.

Fondue Feastivul at the Esplanade Bier Markt

Here's a great date idea: "Me, Yu, Und Fondue" at the Bier Markt for their Fondue Feastivul.

I love how the Bier Markt runs these themed festivals throughout the year. At other times there's an Asparagus Feastivul and a Gamey Meat Feastivul. I also love how the Bier Markt makes my spellcheck go awry, haha Feastivuuuul...

The Bier Markt has 2 restaurants, but I always find myself at the Esplanade location. It's in the funky yet peaceful St. Lawrence neighbourhood, and it represents my idea of Toronto's original gastropub. The Bier Markt, along with another favourite, Beer Bistro, have an astounding selection of brews from all over the world. They also have the high-calibre food to match.

We started off with some Paulaner Dunkel, a smooth, malty Bavarian beer. It was dark, crisp, and fragrant, a great way to wake up the palate.

For apps we had the Cheese and Lager Fondue: appenzeller, emmental and raclette cheese, Stella Artois lager, asparagus, grape tomatoes, cornichons, and fresh baguette.


That was a big appetizer. I'm glad we shared. Needless to say we mopped up all the cheese with the baguette.

For our main, we shared the Surf and Turf: Atlantic lobster, AAA center cut striploin, asparagus, rosti potato, peppercorn demi-glace, with a Leffe Brune Ale broth.

The lobster looked pre-cooked, and was a little tough. A side of salted, melted butter would also have been nice, but was sadly missing.

The striploin on the other hand was amazing! It was so soft. We were also warned earlier by the couple sitting next to us who just had the same fondue that the green peppercorn sauce was to die for, and we should try not to fight over it. She was right. The sauce complemented the meat perfectly.

For dessert, Stacey had the Caramel and Toffee Fondue: ladyfingers, French macaroons, biscotti, bananas, strawberries, and housemade marshmallows.

I had the Belgian Chocolate Fondue: Valrhona dark Manjari chocolate, French macaroons, biscotti, ladyfingers, bananas, and strawberries.


The housemade marshmallows were great with the caramel, and the French macaroons were heavenly with the chocolate. That's gotta be one of the best chocolate sauces I've ever had.

Get thee to the Bier Markt.


Click here for more mouthwatering pics.


The Fondue Feastivul runs from Jan 13 - Feb 28, 2010.

www.thebiermarkt.com


Posted by: Mark Rodas