Jake

Lucy, I too took a magret de canard out of the freezer today. I was going to go with the usual sear/sauce technique as I found some lovely dried sour cherrys recently, but now you've got me thinking of something different. But what???? Do let us know what you come up with!

I visit Cheese Boutique over Pusateri's any day. While some of the oils and preserves are indeed more abundant at Pusateri's, the provisions as a whole at Cheese Boutique are more varied, better quality for better price. The service at CB is always exemplary, and I think they have a better selection of cheese and meat. Not as much prepared food, but I admit I don't go to either for that.

Take away pizza! You deserve a break!

How was it different than expected, Lesley/ I haven't been lately, but I'll remember not to order satay. Bad flavour, or quality of meat?

Was there a couple months ago. Very loud room, food was good, one or two standouts, but not enough to rush back. Encountered a few major service issues.

The Cheese Boutique in the west end or Alex Farms at SLM would be your best bets. ← I find that Global cheese has a larger selection, and better prices than Alex farms in SLM... ← I haven't had my best experiences at Global, although I know some people rave about it. I'll have to try it again next time I'm in the area and see...... Do you have any fave products at Global you don't see anywhere else?

The Cheese Boutique in the west end or Alex Farms at SLM would be your best bets.

Sadistick, not necessarily, but if it is to be a wine night, then yes, Opus. Gordon, shall I assume your question is for Sadistick? I have not eaten at two of the 3 lately, therefore any comparison I would make would be lacking. That being said, while Splendido is excellent, if someone were coming to Toronto for only one night and it was all about food, I would recommend Perigee hands down. Caveat: I have personal connections with Opus, and still feel completely comfortable recommending it, in particular for the wine cellar and the hidden gems.

I would seriously recommend Opus, for all the reason's Enid did, and more.

Excellent. I actually have to go to Sherway Gardens likely this weekend, so I'll try that LCBO. thanks! ← Interesting. I contacted the LCBO and they confirmed that they do not have stock anywhere in the province now.

The LCBO has not stocked it since 2001. They will, however, special order for anyone wanting to purchase a case.

I really don't like the Maison du Japon at all for either quality or service. I have been there a couple times with others. That being said, I don't usually go to AYCE places when I want sushi. However, Yang's Kitchen at #7 west of Kennedy is very good, although the rolls are a bit heavy on the rice. The rice is not gummy and cold like so many places, and the fish is decent. The cooked items are varied and well done.

Do humitas count? They're a fairly close relative?

Hotel-wise I've always had exceptional service at the Prince George, but haven't stayed there for a couple years. Halifax is a really nice, casual city. You should have no problem dining with a little one wherever you go. I've always found the people, the service and the province as a whole to be filled with the nicest, most accomodating people. (6 visits per year for 10 years!)

Marlene's butt problem is solved. 4 butts will arrive on her doorstep next week, ready for the smoker!

I'm sure the party will be exactly as it should be, a celebration of life. To echo Marlene's statement earlier, the food the caterer provided at the reception was far above the usual quality one would find. It was also artfully displayed and visually inviting. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and far more was consumed than one would expect considering the circumstances. Jaymes, my condolences on the loss of your mother. That book does look hilarious, I'll have to pick up a copy.

Joy Thai in that area has good food, but I'm not sure if they deliver. Indian food is an option as it holds up to delivery well.

Yes, definitely pictures! Please! I am in awe of not only the speed of you master shuckers, but how perfectly pristine the finished product is. Any chance of bringing me out to help eat all the shucked material??????

Definitely Bymark over Jump as Gordon says. but there are better in the vicinity

Crap, that sucks! Glad to hear you're all okay though, being in the house at the time this happened.

I use roasted tomatos in composed salads, salsas etc. For a quick and easy lunch/hors d'eouvre take some puff pastry (storebought is okay, too) and roll out. Spread with good dijon mustard then a layer of goat cheese. Place the roasted tomatos on the sheet, sprinkle with fresh thyme and/or basil and some parmigiana reggiano. Bake until pastry is puffed, slice into squares and serve warm.

Walking distance, not off the top of my head. You are, however, within a five minute cab ride of Splendido, Opus, Susur. 10 minutes for Perigee and Chiado. Walking distance to Canoe or Bymark now that I think of it. What type of food/wine list are you looking for?

Not only very ambitious, but decadent to say the least. I look forward to drooling over your photos and wishing I was in Texas!

Yum. Where would this chip shop be located? I'd like to try their haggis. Do they make their own, or do they get it from the butcher who sells black puddin' and square sausage? ← Shop is in Toronto. I believe they have it made specially for them. I must make a trip for some this week.

Oh wonderful, a cheese thread! One of my very favourite things. Here in Canada we get some wonderful artisinal cheeses from Quebec that I'm very partial too. I'll be sure and photograph them next time!