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| Jini's Ethnic Gourmet Summer Travels eNewsletter 2007 | |||||||||
Visit my website at Upcoming Events
Fruit Art baskets for all occasions custom made for your special occasion! Delta School Board Classes
There will be no Delta School Board courses during the summer. Regular Monday Night cooking classes will resume 2nd week in September. |
Bits & Bites from JiniDear friends, It is nice to be back home in Vancouver after a flurry of summer travels. Landing in Vancouver, always feels like coming back to a peaceful haven! We experienced the serenity of the Okanagan, and the leisurely wine-tasting tours at Mission Hills winery with its beautiful architecture and the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from Tofino. Soon after, we plunged into the hustle and bustle of Toronto and Calgary. In addition to the scenery, and local events, a visit to a city is incomplete for me without a dining experience! I love to check out the local food scene with a genuine desire to appreciate the work of restaurant chefs who come up with innovative food ideas. They spend long hours cooped up in kitchens. The biggest reward for a cook is to feel appreciated, and it is a shame that their efforts often go unnoticed. If I taste something wonderful and unusual, I make it a point to convey my appreciation to the chef...whether it be an interesting salad dressing, a sauce or a particular flavour that I like. We eat with our eyes, and to me, the most impressive part of the meal is the presentation. Often I walk around with a hidden camera in my handbag much to the embarrassment of my husband, to take pictures of the plates before I eat! I love to check out what is hot and what is not... and I love to dine out in new places just to pick out what is unique in each city. So here are some of my impressions.
 Calgary ---Jini (not a big fan of the rodeo but has a cool time with friends!) In Tofino, the dining experience at the Wickenenish Inn was definitely impressive. Not only does the Wickenenish Inn boast of a gourmet selection of dishes from deliciously prepared seafood, fresh out of the ocean, meats and the most delicately prepared salads with fresh organic greens and dressings... but imagine all that in a dining room surrounded by glass windows giving you a breath-taking view of the surrounding ocean. On a clear day you could even be lucky to watch the whales! I was also amazed at the number of bed & breakfast places in Tofino along the water with beautiful ocean views, but it is hard to get a reservation during the summer. Toronto has always offered an interesting mix of trendy as well as ethnic cuisine restaurants offering flavours from around the world. I was thrilled to discover a small Mediterranean place on Danforth Avenue called DJERRBALA Douce is unique --as it incorporates French, North African, Italian and Arabic cuisines all under one roof! The food is amazing - but very affordable! The lamb chops, vegetarian crepes and seafood we ordered were all so flavourful and inexpensive. Recipe of the MonthLight summer meals... Summer meals could be light and flavourful. It is a great time to enjoy outdoor-cooking on your barbecue. Many women consider the barbecue too intimidating, and leave it to the men to show off their skills flipping steaks and burgers! With a little help from the Food TV experts on the barbecue techniques, you too can become a barbecue king or Queen! Leave aside your fears and fire up the grill! Whatever you cook on a skillet or oven, including a turkey, chicken, fish or veggies can be cooked on a barbecue with ten times the flavour, half the time and no washing pots and pans! It is a great way to entertain friends. All you need is an interesting salad on the side. Barbecue ideas for vegetarians:Vegetarians can also enjoy the ease and flavour of barbecues with a little planning. Most squashes, potatoes, beets are delicious on the barbecue. Wrap them in foil or place them in a wire basket. Veggies such onions, peppers, zucchini, eggplant and tomato can be strung on a skewer making shish kebobs with pieces of hard tofu, veggie hot dogs interspersed. Brush them with barbecue sauce or olive oil and herbs for flavour. Family and friends or Girls' Night Out - Cooking Classes
Don't forget that I am available for that special event you need catered or to have some friends over for a special cooking class! Until next month... happy cooking! |
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Copyright © 2007 Jini's Ethnic Gourmet |
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I am available for in-home cooking classes with family and friends. This is a fun way to get together with friends and also learn to cook and enjoy a great meal! I bring all the ingredients and help you cook and enjoy the evening!