Recipe: White Bean Dip

Posted on June 13, 2012 | Leave a comment

This is a recipe that has stayed with me for many years after trying it at a good friend’s summer dinner. The original recipe was from Gourmet magazine and used canned beans, but as I have mentioned before, I prefer to slow cook them myself for better flavour and minimal gas. The simple blend of fresh mint, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil with the pureed white beans makes for a clean and refreshing summer dip. Serve with raw veggies (ie. endive, celery, cucumber slices) or whole grain crackers. Makes a tasty, healthy snack anytime.

2 cups cooked white beans (or one can)
1 clove garlic, cut into slivers (more if you like the taste of garlic)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2-1 cup mint and parsley, minced (depending on how much herb taste you prefer)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

In a food processor, puree white beans, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add mint and parsley, pulse until just blended through. Enjoy!

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Posted in healthy recipe, Healthy snack, Vegan, Vivian Law

Grand Electric, Toronto-A Convivial New Dining Experience

Posted on June 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

A friend and I braved the lineup to try Grand Electric for dinner last night. I had read a rave review by Joanne Kates in the winter and have meant to try it for some time. A beautiful warm night certainly made it easier, as the capacity of the restaurant doubled with their patio full of picnic benches crammed with people in every possible seat.

I must admit I have been on a taco tasting mission this month. One of the motivating factors has been missing out on Rick Bayless Mexican food, at Tortas Frontera at Chicago O’Hare airport. I have had my heart set on eating there since January this year. I knew nothing of Rick Bayless when I passed by the restaurant at the crack of dawn on my way back from Hawaii in early January. I just knew the menu looked amazingly appetizing and I had to try it another time. I passed through Chicago again in May and due to many circumstances at the airport, I missed out on eating at Tortas Fronteras again!!!

Tacos have been on my mind to say the least, so first stop was Tacos el Asador on Bloor. Very simple, well done, authentic tacos with their fish tacos being most exceptional. Next stop was going to be Playa Cabana, but the line was too long for the friend I was with, so we went to an old standby, Dos Amigos. After so many years, Dos Amigos does not disappoint with their blackberry margarita, cactus salad, and tacos al pastor complete with 3 sauces and pickled jalapeno.

Third on the taco tour was Grand Electric. After a wait of over an hour, we were shown 2 seats at a picnic table on the patio of Grand Electric. Our tablemates were friendly, we asked for recommendations and scoped out what they were eating. We decided to order one of every taco, in addition to spicy squid, tuna ceviche, and miami ribs.

I wish I could tell you which taco was what type, but that is the fun of eating here. Big, bold, intense flavours and not easily discernible meats…the fresh garnishes of cilantro and thin sliced jalapeno are a sparkling touch. Everything we had was great, although I cannot say I loved the fish taco. The key lime pie is super. So is the bourbonade. Grand Electric is first and foremost about the special, convivial experience and the food is outstanding as well. Otherwise, it isn’t so fun to wait for over an hour, squeeze into a picnic bench by a wall and deal with a ‘queue’ for the washrooms. The whole experience was unique and reminded me of another very different dining experience, Mission Chinese in San Francisco. Dining is a highly social activity and Grand Electric gives Toronto an innovative, new experience.

Another point of curiosity for me was learning of another Mexican restaurant situated in Brooklyn, NY with a similar name, Gran Electrica. I asked one of the owners and Grand Electric in Toronto was open first and both restaurants appear to be inspired by the same painting, Grand Electric Skull. The Brooklyn restaurant has some big names behind it, so it will be most interesting to compare notes. Hopefully some friend will head to New York soon and let me know.

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Posted in Restaurant review, Review, Toronto, Vivian Law

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Workout Program: Hormone Fat Loss

Posted on June 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

I have been working on a workout and lifestyle program-Hormone Fat Loss, with a great trainer I know, Steve Elvins the past 4 weeks. I just want to share my experience, because it has made an huge impact on my body. The program started with an assessment where my body fat stores were measured at 12 sites with calipers. This was not an enjoyable moment for me, as it made me feel fat while I was getting pinched everywhere! The interesting learning experience though, was I learned from those body fat measurements that there were hormones in my body that could be better balanced so I could be closer to optimal health and function. This was very motivating for me, because I truly believe that being in optimal health brings the most enjoyment, effectiveness and happiness to my life.
I was given the most thorough, comprehensive program to achieve the goal of dropping body fat from the specific sites of my body to balance my hormones. Unfortunately, I was simply unwilling to comply with a dietary regime that many consisted of greens and lean protein. I was willing to commit to working out with Steve 2-3 times a week and to make some minor lifestyle changes.
I am pleased to report that in 4 weeks time I can see a big difference in how I feel and look. I will get more technical results through a re-assessment, but I know I have lost an inch from my waistline and there has been general fat loss throughout my body. The best part has been doing a different program has enhanced my performance in my usual activities of running and spinning. I just feel better and have been able to run and spin at a higher intensity with the same amount of effort.
We will share further developments on the Hormone Fat Loss program with you in the coming months. Optimal hormone function is something we could all strive for to feel and look our best. Watch out for it and get ready to bring your health and physical being to your best.

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Posted in Trainer's pick, Workout

Veggie Inspiration: Burdock Root Salad

Posted on May 30, 2012 | Leave a comment

I first tried burdock root salad 7 years when a friend decided to order it at Izakaya restaurant on Front St East (it’s no longer there). I thought the name sounded totally strange and had no idea what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised with the crisp texture that held the strong flavour of the dressing which had hints of sesame, soy, ginger and chili. I purchased prepared burdock root salad at Sanko over the past few years.
On my last trip to Hong Kong, I rediscovered burdock root salad in the prepared foods section of Apita, a Japanese department store that was close to where I stayed.

I so enjoyed the slightly spicy, savoury taste and crisp texture of this salad that I bought it several times for lunch. When I came back to Toronto, I asked Chef Melissa Saunders if she had tried burdock root salad and she had many years ago as well and quite enjoyed it. I’m very excited she has put it on her menu this week. I cannot wait to try her version.

In addition to being a crisp root vegetable that lends itself to tasty flavouring, burdock root is high in fibre and potassium, and has small amounts of iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin C and E. The fibre in burdock root is naturally occurring inulin, a soluble fibre and prebiotic, which is now commonly added to foods to boost nutritional value and fibre content. Try burdock root salad when you get a chance for the interesting taste and nutritional benefits.

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Posted in Healthy food, Vegan

Fresh Restaurant

Posted on May 24, 2012 | Leave a comment

Fresh is a vegetarian restaurant that I have been to on quite a few occasions with friends for a quick, healthy meal. The quinoa onion rings are my absolute favourite and must be ordered every time I go there to share. They have a perfectly crisp coating with a tender onion centre.

A client shared with me recently that the macro greens bowl is an approved Weight Watchers menu item. I am pleased to report that the macro greens bowl with brown rice, crispy tofu and green dressing is very tasty and satisfying as a main course. This is not my best food photography, but this is a tasty meal:

The combination of crispy tofu, bok choy, sweet potato, tomato, brown rice with the green dressing is a satisfying taste and texture combination.

I don’t typically choose smoothies and juices at restaurants, but the Fresh drink menu is very appealing with its large array of smoothies and fresh juices. The latest one I tried had the most appealing name of eternal youth. The eternal youth smoothie tasted great while including kale and E3Live.

Fresh is a great option to try delicious vegan and vegetarian meals with familiar foods like onion rings in the mix. Vegetarian diets have numerous health benefits and trying a vegetarian meal at home or at a restaurant like Fresh is a great place to start. Expanding the variety of foods you eat, especially plant foods is always a great idea as it increases the variety of nutrients you intake.

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Posted in Greens, Restaurant review, Vegan

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Recipe: Red Lentil Pasta Sauce

Posted on May 22, 2012 | Leave a comment

This a recipe I came across and adapted while studying vegetarian nutrition. I enjoy it as a vegan main dish with brown rice pasta, and find I feel satisfied and energized after this meal. Some little people I know love it as well. It is a great way to have a few different vegetables at once. I find this particular mix of veggies the best tasting, but any veggies you have on hand especially ones you need to use up, is good to try.

Red Lentil Pasta Sauce

1 cup red lentils, cooked
(rinse 1 cup of dry lentils, bring to a boil in 2 cups of water, then simmer for 15 minutes until tender)

1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk of celery, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, finely chopped (optional)

1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 small head of cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 bunch of swiss chard or kale, finely chopped

1 can 796ml of diced tomatoes
1 tsp oregano
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, saute onion, garlic, carrots, celery and cauliflower in olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, lentils, and oregano bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Add finely chopped swiss chard or kale and simmer for 5 more minutes. Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. Use an immersion blender if smaller discernible pieces of vegetables are desired.

 

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Posted in healthy recipe, Vegan, Vivian Law

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Veggie Inspiration: Callaloo

Posted on May 16, 2012 | 1 comment

Callaloo was a most delicious green veggie I tried while I was in Jamaica in March. I was told it was like spinach, but a bit milder. I first had it in a mixed vegetable curry, which I quite enjoyed. I had it again for breakfast in a dish of poached eggs and steamed callaloo.

Callaloo provides vitamin C, folic acid, iron and calcium. I found it to be delicious just steamed, so I highly recommend it as a green veggie to have regularly-it tastes good! Having more greens is a tried and true strategy for better health and fat loss. This concept gets much easier when there is a green that is this tasty.

A Jakes employee showed me callaloo growing wild by the side of the road. This is unlikely here in Canada, but be sure to try callaloo if you have the opportunity to do so in the Caribbean. Or at a West Indian restaurant in Toronto. Or try to buy some at a specialty market-I will do so and report back.

June 16, 2012

I got my hands on some callaloo at a Caribbean store in Kensington market. It was imported from Jamaica, but it was definitely a fresh cut plant. I cooked it with the help of a good friend yesterday and it was delicious!

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Posted in antioxidant, Greens, Healthy food, plant food, Recommendation, Vegan, Veggies

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Book Inspiration: Bi Rite Market’s Eat Good Food

Posted on May 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

I came across Bi Rite Market under the most unlikely circumstances. I inadvertently had dinner with two separate groups of 6 people at Mission Chinese in San Francisco. One of my absolute favourite Chinese restaurants ever. Both groups of 6 people highly recommended icecream from Bi-Rite Creamery, which was 2 blocks away.
I made my way over after dinner and lined up for 15 minutes for their salted caramel icecream. When I paid for my icecream, I noticed their book for sale and made a mental note. The icecream was unbelievable. Creamy, rich with just the right balance of sweet to the hint of salt. Well worth the lineup.
As I walked back, I passed by Bi-Rite Market and they had just closed. I had thought it was a flower shop on my previous trip to San Fran on my way to dinner at Delphina, but it is actually a neighbourhood market. I pretty much pressed my nose to the window and got the impression that everything was carefully selected from partnerships with farmers and the prepared foods menu was inspired and changed frequently.

I ordered the book upon my return from San Francisco. I devoured the book upon its delivery. The story that Sam Moggannam tells of his career as a chef and his transition to the family grocery business is genuine and passionate to a point of inspiration. This book is a great food education resource and I would highly recommend to anyone with an interest in good food. Eat Good Food is helpful in gaining a clear understanding of how important it is to prepare and enjoy good food to the fullest, why it might cost more and how it is still a good value. It is admirable that the Moggannam family has built an exceptional business based upon their mission of creating community through food. The details about how to select good food from all sorts of meat, veggies, fruit and dry goods are exceptionally clear and educational.

I have yet to try the recipes included in the book, but they look very appetizing with quite a few ideas to try. The Delphina’s spaghetti being the recipe I most want to try first, as it was exceptional in its simplicity when I ate it at the restaurant. Many of the recipes in the book appear to be simple to execute for some easy delicious meals. I really look forward to trying them. I was really impressed with the icecream, which is another part of their family business and now truly inspired by their book!

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Posted in Review, Vivian Law

Workout Inspiration: Hong Kong

Posted on May 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

I have never thought of Hong Kong as a source of workout inspiration with its urban hustle and bustle. Since my childhood, I have always known my grandparents to get up early to go for long hillside walks, tai chi and dim sum. I finally experienced a hillside walk myself on this trip.

My brother Matt, who is also a physical educator and I brought our family out for a great long walk on Saturday morning in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. A good portion of the walk was uphill complete with lush green scenery all around looking out onto the urban development below.

The latter part of our walk brought us to an area with chinup bars. Friendly competition was in order:

As you can see, Matt was ahead of me in form and number of chinups done. I need to work on this!

The whole experience of a family outdoor activity was an amazing eye opener into healthy, active daily living in a bustling city. The walk was also a great workout. Walking briskly uphill can be pretty strenuous and so are chinup bars! For a dense, super urban place, Hong Kong has many easily accessible and highly scenic trails and parks to walk or run and enjoy great views. In addition, their government seems to have invested in having exercise apparatus such as chinup bars and balance beams complete with instructions easily accessible within parks. What a great way to encourage activity.

We even found some serious workout inspiration on our ride up on the cable cars to see the large Buddha.

Those are some serious stairs, I would like to climb one day.

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Posted in Workout

Another great experience at Buca

Posted on May 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

I introduced a friend to Buca last night after we checked out an ambitious photo fundraiser by Zark Fatah on King W.  We started with roman broccoli, which was perfectly cooked and so deliciously seasoned. The lamb skewers were also excellent. Pizza was absolutely necessary. Octopus and clam was one pizza and I ordered the one with poached tuna, olives, fresh chili and bottarga. Both were an incredible food experience-varied and bold flavours with the unfailingly crisp thin crust. I was just educated on Monday at the Terroir symposium on what bottarga is. As I understood, it is fish roe that has been preserved in wax and it is used to add umami to dishes. My tuna pizza certainly was a taste sensation, with plenty of umami.
Chef Melissa Saunders and I coincidentally have an aversion to tiramisu. However, we were both convinced on separate occasions to try it at Buca, due to their appetizing presentation in a cocktail glass. It was the best tiramisu I have ever had, because I actually liked it! Strawberry was the new version, with house made dried strawberry adding an extra dimension of flavour and texture. Just another outstanding dining experience at Buca.

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Posted in Restaurant review, Toronto