sambell @ oz kafe

DEE-LIC-IOUS.

Monday night’s Oz Kafe chef appreciation was absolutely, perfectly, delightfully … delicious.

And I have Simon Bell and Sam Long to thank.

They created a menu that was finger-licking, lip-smacking good.  It’s true.  There’s no other way to describe it … it wasn’t fancy; but it was exactly perfect: four courses of sheer perfection.

springrolls, deviled eggs & bbq’d quail

We started with a platter of Goi Cuon (springrolls), Trung Cay (deviled eggs) and Chim Cut Roti (bbq’d quail).  I loved it all: fresh springrolls accompanied with a good spoonful of hot sauce; smooth and rich deviled eggs; and the bbq’d quail coated in a sticky sweet hoisin glaze and topped with crunchy salty peanuts.

I admit … I could probably eat my way through a bucket of the bbq’d quail … and still crave more.  Just look at them!

The second course was a delicate Ca Nuong :bbq’d trout paired with a mayo, tamari ponzu, rice crispies, bahn mi pickles and aplhalpha sprouts.

Delightful.  The crispy skin and the moist meat of the trout, combined with the creamy mayo and crunch of the rice crispies; a pleasurable bite of food that lingers in your mouth.

Then I was served one of the greatest bowls of Pho I’ve ever eaten.

Beautiful cuts of raw beef, rice noodles, a few sprouts and herbs, a wedge of lime and a clear broth.  No MSG headache.  Nope.

adding the broth

I will never be able to eat another bowl of Pho and not compare it this one.  I think that Oz Kafe should make it and sell it by the enormous bowl full.  It was the absolute perfect bowl of food.  This is what comfort food is all about.  Simple.  Each bite as delightful as the last.  My only regret was not getting a second bowl of it.

The meal was finished with kem tuoi.  A deconstructed ice cream sandwich; pizzelle (Italian waffle cookies), green tea ice cream, and sweet red bean paste.  I liked to pile a little of the green tea ice cream and red bean paste onto the pizzelle: a mouthful of crunch, smooth, sweet, bitter.  A little bit of everything.

It was just right.  Same as the rest of my meal.  Just. Right.

red and white event

It’s that time of year …

We’ve all celebrated the holidays with our families and loved ones.

We’ve all indulged a little more than we would otherwise deem “acceptable” … plentiful plates of food, second servings, dessert with every meal … perhaps an extra cookie before bed.

Isn’t that what December is all about? Allowing ourselves to embrace our indulgences … knowing that it’s only for a limited time.

Then comes January.

We are full of resolutions. No baked treats. No extra special meals that stuff our tummies and create food memories. Nope. January is all about resolving ourselves to become our very best self.

BOO.

Well … not to the “being the best that I can be” part. That’s a good thing to strive for. But restricting our diets? Limiting the pleasure we get out of our food? WHY do we do this to ourselves?

We shouldn’t.

And I have just the solution.

Come and join me at Harmony House’s Red and White Event. It was my favourite food event of 2012 … and I’m simply beyond excited at what this year will offer.

Not only do you get to eat great food; you can also sample some delicious local wines and beer, AND (here’s the really important part) you get to help support a super important cause.

Harmony House.

It’s a second-stage shelter for women and children fleeing violence and need a place to go. It provides them the support that they need while they get themselves back on their feet. It offers people hope in a safe environment. It’s there to help members of our community.

Doesn’t helping your community sound like a good resolution to make for 2013?

By buying a ticket and attending … you help a great cause. Plus you will eat delicious food, enjoy a drink or two … and get entertained by some pretty incredible Chefs while you’re at it.

Last year it was Chefs Michael Blackie and Lora Kirk. They knocked it out of the park. Not only was their food delicious (the best potato salad of my entire life) …but their engaging and enthusiastic food demonstrations had us all in the palms of their hands.

This year we’ll get to sample dishes from Caroline Ishii of Zen Kitchen (her dish at Clam Jam still makes my mouth water in delight). Katie Brown of Beckta (I haven’t eaten much of her food … but what I have sampled has made me very happy … pizza soup anyone???). Last, but not least, is Sarah Allen of UnionLocal613. Not only a talented chef, Sarah also coordinated nine female chefs (Chefs Ishii & Brown among them) for Clam Jam: End Violence Against Women Charity Dinner In Support of Harmony House.. Nine memorable dishes inspired by childhood memories. It’s only fitting that she participates in the Red & White Event.

Doesn’t that sound like the kind of resolution you want to keep?

Wednesday, January 16th @ 7 pm at Ashbury College (362 Mariposa Ave.).

Tickets are available here. Put your money where your intentions and resolutions are …. it’ll make you feel sooooo good you won’t have to even *think* about restricting your diet this year!

*authors note: chef charlotte langley was supposed to participate as well (as per the poster included in this blog) … but due to unforeseeable circumstances she isn’t able to attend.*

event: songs for a winter’s night

I don’t know if you’re aware of this: but Ottawa has one spectacular Men & Boys Choir.

It’s true.

They are pretty incredible.  And I thought … why not share the love … fill your hearts with seasonal joy and happiness … and invite you all to tomorrow night’s concert.

(Don’t worry … you don’t need to be religious … this is all about the beauty of music).

In case you’re interested … they are also fundraising for their European tour (that’s right – they also get invited to sing in European Cathedrals).  They put together this beautiful CD.

If interested – send an email to nicholas.savage6@gmail.com - he will happily get back to you.  (ps. these also make pretty awesome holiday gifts).