The Gift of Fresh Veggies

Nothing makes a more thoughtful gift, or a more complete meal, than fresh veggies from the garden! Our friend Glen brought these tasty beans, carrots and potatoes for us from his parent's one-acre garden outside Ottawa. Obviously their garden is growing much faster than ours. Potatoes already!?

Last night we paired them with steak sprinkled with smoked paprika and spot prawns. Tonight they're going alongside some maple, bbq salmon. What a treat!!

Oh, I forgot to mention that a full yogurt container of sweet raspberries were also included for dessert! Thanks Glen!

Whalesbone Heaven

Last night my husband and I indulged in a meal straight from heaven – a 5 course meal paying homage to the late Sailor Jerry. Of course, something of this caliber would be what I've come to expect of the Whalesbone – one of my absolute favourite restaurants in the city. But what I love most about this place, is the fact that no matter how often I go, the meals continue to get more and more jaw-droppingly delicious.

We started off with a dish called Norman Collins (aka Sailor Jerry) – red dawn oysters - 3 served fresh on a plank that had been previously used to identify the oysters behind the bar. A shot of house-made tomato juice and Sailor Jerry's sat in the middle of a bed of celery, lovage and horseradish-sprinkled tomatoes. After drizzling the oysters with the shooter, we sipped away at what could easily replace your traditional Bloody Mary.

Next, Tatts Thomas (the man who showed Mr Collins how to use tattoo machines) – my favourite dish of the night. A heart-melting Albacore tuna poke with scallions, dulse, red chilis, soy, lime, sesame cracker and white truffle. My eyes grew wider with each bite as I slowly savoured every morsel on my plate. And just when I thought nothing could possibly get better than this, Evolution, a nine-varietal wine with the most prominent one being Pinot Gris that it was paired with, made the dish even more mouthwatering.

Ed Hardy (a protege of Sailor Jerry), was the dish that came in close second to the Tatts Thomas. Corn leaf wrapped elegantly around perch and cinnamon pork. Sweet corn, garlic scapes, jalapeno, corn cream and zucchini all played a prominent role in this dreamy dish. Ginger beer and Sailor Jerry's were paired beautifully alongside.

And just when you thought you'd had enough, Rollo Banks (aka Mike Malone, another tattoo artist and student of Sailor Jerry) – a dish filled with rich treats of lobster, prawn and yellowfin. Black olive, refreshing watermelon, basil, ricotta, crème fraîche and kale completed this luscious dish, as did the lemonade and Sailor Jerry's.

Last but certainly not least, Sailor Cherry, a velvety Sailor Cherry Ice Cream from Pascale served over chocolate Jerry's ganache, brownie, cherries, and yummy rum caramel.

As usual, service was amazing and atmosphere the best of all.

Whalesbone Oyster House

430 Bank Street, Ottawa

613-231-8569

Summer Steak

One of the things I love most about summer – barbecued steak. My husband is the master when it comes to cooking things on the bbq and this dish shows that all the way around. Thick juicy steak lightly covered in a heart-melting chive, shallot and garlic butter sauce. The perfect carrots grilled barbecue-style. And sweet potato, halved and drizzled with honey, also over a flame grill. These are the kinds of meals you never want to end.

Not the perfect pairing for the dish but nice for sipping on beforehand, Château de nages rosé that I picked up at the SAQ this past weekend.

I'm Not Totally Useless – Really!

It's nights like these where my confidence in the kitchen rises. And so does my love for my husband.

As I'm sure you've seen over the past couple years, I really don't cook. I would like to point out though, that although not perfect, my ability to present a plate or even manage in the kitchen, comes from countless hours of watching my husband. If you're ever wondering how to get your significant other into the kitchen, start them off slow. And make it really easy for them (they can't fail!) – little by little, they will learn.

Tonight my husband left me with a lovely surprise in the fridge. Fresh salmon cakes! Only they weren't quite ready to eat. Follow instructions below. The results were AMAZING!

Best Chicken Ever

I've never been a big fan of chicken. It just seems to be so common, which is probably why I avoid it in restaurants. It wasn't until I met my husband that I actually fell in love with some chicken dishes. He really knew how to take something so boring and turn it into a true delight.

His specialty when it comes to chicken is his beer-up-the-butt recipe. But tonight, I think tonight that recipe had a little competition. The saltiness of the meat, crispness of the skin, and juices that literally squirted on my shirt when I cut into it all formed together to become the best piece of chicken I've ever had. Ok, the beer chicken still stands strong. But this one was amazing.

Fresh from Aubrey's, my husband started off brining a whole chicken in 1.5 cups water and 1 cup of kosher salt. This only needs about an hour but he did it for 3 or 4. Then he cut it into 8 pieces and covered it in oil and pepper.

Soak some wood chips for about half an hour and then put them loosely in some tinfoil, cut slits on the top and place them under the bbq grates. Get the barbecue started on high until it gets really hot and smoking (your backyard will smell like a spa), then turn off all burners except the one with the chips on it. Place the chicken as far away from the fire as you can, making sure the breast is farthest away (it'll get dry if not) and the thighs the closest. Leave on for an hour and a bit at about 300 degrees. Baste it with butter and thyme.

Your heart will melt at the first bite. Make sure to have an equally delicious side. Arugula with some blanched green beans and snow peas drizzled with olive oil, white balsamic, rock salt and chive flowers should do the trick!

A little piece of heaven

Mmmmm. Chocolate ice cream sandwich with chunks of cherries from Edgar.

Looking for something to do this weekend?

As long as the summer gods stay on our side this coming weekend, I can guarantee there won't be a lack of things to do in Ottawa. But if you're at a loss for something a little different from the norm, why not head out to Domaine Perrault? Only 20 minutes outside of Ottawa in Navan, this little gem is the perfect getaway treat.

A few weeks ago, my friend Holly initiated a visit to this neighbouring winery. And she, being a certified sommelier and wine lover, makes going on an adventure like this one that much more exciting because she knows all the right questions to ask. I learned so much in my 2 hours there. Holly's detailed recap on the visit can be found here. Bernard, Denis and Julie are the perfect hosts!

And yes, even though I've been, I want to return again. And again. I'm an avid cyclist who rewards myself with food. And this is the perfect spot to stop for a break. Pack a lunch and they will reward your trip out there with a delectable wine pairing. The perfect picnic! (I'm sure a beautiful summer drive out would be just as glorious.)

Here's a shot of the vines a few weeks ago. I'm excited to see how they've changed.

Must tries while you're there:

- Marilys Rosé - the perfect summer staple. I've gone through 4 bottles since my visit.

- Chardonnay

- Nectar des Neiges - a delicious dessert wine with tropical flavours

- Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sabrevois blend

And their absolute to-die-for Syrah reserve, that I don't think has been bottled yet, but if you get there and it has, it's a must.

Looking forward to the weekend! (yeah-yeah, still a few days away)