
Still channelling peaches, Nigel investigates the differences between three popular toppings, especially good for those who are intimidated by making pastry for a pie.
Continue reading “COBBLER VS CRUMBLE VS CRISP”Still channelling peaches, Nigel investigates the differences between three popular toppings, especially good for those who are intimidated by making pastry for a pie.
Continue reading “COBBLER VS CRUMBLE VS CRISP”Our wine scribe Jim Walker and his wife Hélène have been visiting Provence and other areas of southern France at least annually (except for the last two plague-infested anni horribiles) for more than 30 years. To absolutely no-one’s surprise, they have spent a considerable amount of time during those sojourns sampling the local fare and vinous offerings. Jim comments on his gustatory observations and experiences in his latest contribution to Gentleman’s Portion.
Continue reading “WINING AND DINING GRACEFULLY IN SOUTHERN FRANCE”Not only have I discovered that there is a sub-genre of detective stories devoted to the culinary exploits of the protagonist, but I’ve been served a wonderful helping of murder mixed with the cuisine of Périgord in the Dordogne.
Continue reading “MIXING MYSTERY WITH FOOD”I’m channeling peaches as they ripen in the orchards of the Niagara Peninsula, which I hope to call home soon.
Continue reading “FEELING PEACHY”It all started with the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau – the third Thursday of November.
Continue reading “LE VRAI COQ AU VIN”Following a Covid-induced shut down in March of 2020, most cruise lines returned to service last year with varying health and safety protocols for passengers that seem to change by the month. The results have been mixed.
Continue reading “CRUISING AGAIN: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY”It was with great fanfare that the LCBO announced the opening of its French wine boutique in Ottawa. Our wine scribe Jim Walker saw an opportunity to forge a mutually beneficial working relationship with the staff at the fledgling purveyor of French tipples. So, he and his wife Hélène decided to pay them a visit. To say it was an interesting experience would be an understatement.
Continue reading “A WEE MEASURE OF FRANCE IN OTTAWA”When you have a birthday with a zero at the end, it’s time to take stock and look back at life … and forward to the future.
Continue reading “HITTING A BIG ZERO”They did it! It took 16 years, but they finally did it. Our wine scribe Jim Walker relates in bone-chilling detail how the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, after inflicting many near-mortal wounds over the years, delivered the death blow to his once thriving Arthur’s Cellar Wine Club.
Continue reading “THE SUN SETS ON ARTHUR’S CELLAR”At a quirky boutique hotel in London’s Soho, I finally taste eggs Benny that live up to the name, with a surprise tarragon twist.
Continue reading “LONDON CALLS”