Montreal Pleases The Palate- Prime Cocktails; Old World Greek Food; Shopping

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Marche Jean Talon
514.277.1518

Dominon Square Tavern
514.564.5056

Marvins
514.277.3625

On a recent day trip to Montreal we are inclined to shake things up, ditch our usual gastronomic hangouts, and daringly diving into the unknown. Yes, this meant no perfectly

Advertisement

Falafels In Burlington

Ahi Baba’s Kabob Shop
163 Main Street
Burlington, Vermont
802-862-5752

Exactly what do you look for in a falafel sandwich? Is it the fresh pita bread, sauce consistency, or is it the chickpea patties themselves that make it a home-run? For me, the chickpeas patties should be fat rounds, tender and hot inside, and caramelized with a consistent crunchy texture on the outside. The sauce should be all about the tahini with notes of cumin and lemon juice, balanced with the right amount of salt. Tahini sauce

Le Taj – Montreal

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Le Taj
2077 Stanley Street
Montreal, QC
514-845-9015

Less than two hours away from Burlington is the big city of Montreal. Prince Charming and I often take the trip up to explore the culinary fair. Most recently after working up an appetite at the Montreal Botanical Gardens we jetted over to Le Taj to make our 8:00 reservation. My love for Indian food goes back to an ashram in New Mexico where I spent

Chase’s Daily – Maine

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Chase’s Daily
96 Maine street
Belfast, Maine 04915
207-338-0555

James Beard nominee Chase’s Daily is filled with a passion for quality local food. This family operation is incredibly dedicated to growing their own food. Not far from the

El Gato

El Gato
169 Church Street
Burlington, Vt
802.540.3095

Both times Prince Charming and I dined at El Gato it was busy and felt alive. It also happens that both times we were seated by the kitchen door with a direct view of the dish washing station. Our first visit was on the week they opened and the restaurant was packed. Once seated, we looked over the menu and it all sounded so good! We placed our order and it arrived in no time. Our menu choices were fresh Elotes Callejeros (grilled corn on the cob smothered with mayo, chili powder, Mexican cheese, and a lime wedge), guacamole and chips, shrimp/carnitas/barbacoa tacos with a side of whole beans and rice. The guacamole was

New Mexican Restaurant Hits Burlington

El Gato
169 Church Street
Burlington, Vt
802.540.3095

My love for Mexican food goes back to my childhood, when my father owned a Mexican restaurant called Mason De Lago. Still

A Royal Birthday Meal In Maine

Primo
2 South Main Street
Rockland, Maine
207-596-0770

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

No doubt this is one of my favorite places to eat because of the delicious food and intense farm to table practices. For two years now I have celebrated my Birthday at Primo. Last trip we sat upstairs at the laid-back bar and then another night enjoyed dinner downstairs in the more formal dining area. Both are great but upstairs has some neat small plate options you can not get downstairs. I had the opportunity to chat with talented Chef Kelly and express my gratitude for her farm to table passions!

Vermont Restaurant Week

Vermont Restaurant Week April 29th-May 5th

Vermont Restaurant week is in its second year and going strong!!! Here’s the deal, you pick a restaurant (so many to choose from), make a reservation, and go have fun. So cool that Vermont Restaurant Week has paired up with Vermont Food Bank and you can make an easy $10.00 through your cell phone. Click here to learn how easy it is to donate.

Perfection

Hen Of The Wood
92 Stowe Street
Waterbury, Vermont
802-244-7300 (advance reservations are a must)

My first dining experience at Hen of the Wood was long before I had ever moved to this beautiful state. I flew in from Chicago to interview with The Essex Resort. Half way through my quick trip I accepted a position to be the chef and culinary director for Cook Academy at The Essex Resort. Between interviewing and touring the area I

Oodles of Noodles

Joyce’s Noodle House
5 Carmichael Street
Essex Junction, Vermont
802-288-9828

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This is your reason to go out for more yummy Asian food. It has been four and a half delicious years of monthly dining at Joyce’s. The restaurant is tucked back in an Essex mall with ample parking. The positive spirited Joyce,