TicTac

Have you tried putting the duck skin side down in a cold pan and starting from that point to render - only keeping it on medium till the end, then high to crisp?

I detest social media and believe it to be one of the bane's of our society. That being said, every now and then a proverbial diamond from said rough appears. How I did not know about this documentary before, is beyond me (hangs head in shame)! I searched but could not find anything on these boards...so I wanted to share. I am half way though; the cinematography is stunning, characters so enjoyable and ultimately it just takes one away to another world. Enjoy.

Not sure why, but when I see this pic (great shot) - I hear: Cheese: "Quickly, everyone to the center, the crust is upon us!" lol...oh boy, I need a drink.

Save some to drink as well P.S. - thank you as always for taking the time to share @Shelby - especially with everything on your plate, taking us along for the ride - c'est très gentil!

Skilled bird (and so helpful).

foraged 'elm oyster' mushrooms with fresh garden herbs.

there was also a baguette and some wine might have been consumed.

Someone got a room upgrade!!!

Thanks for sharing, Duvel. Interesting combo - Viet/Sushi - dare I say, the sushi offerings looked better than the Viet stuff...!

Grilled squid Thai noodle salad

Us Canucks and our crazy accents, eh!? It's alright, when in doubt, we just apologize our way out of anything

Interesting. Admittedly I do not eat much catfish. Thanks for taking the time to share all of this with us; Mother Nature never ceases to amaze!

One of the tastiest fish out there! Our local Chinese fish market often has these, sometimes fresher than others...

What's all the yellow? Bile? I hate when my fishmonger accidentally nicks it open and that uber-bitter yellow stuff taints a bit of the flesh (typically around the collar, my favourite bit!) Straight to the bin that part goes.

Freezer dive dinner - Asian duck cold rolls

Just to show I am not going crazy....found the video! Great recipe, btw;

I watched a video with a (I believe 1* Michelin) chef from India doing his home made daal recipe. He toasted whole spices at the beginning of the cook, but added the garam masala (which is ground and pre-toasted) towards the end. Finishing touch was ground and sieved fenugreek leaves.

Also interesting to note, recently I learned that as the spices are toasted for the mixture, garam masala should be added towards the end of the cooking process.

Awesome! Maitake's are delicious and are still on my bucket list to find in the wild! Base of Oak tree's, from what those in the know have to say...

Sometimes you make something that even you impress yourself with. Last night was such an occasion… foraged some boletes first ever attempt at pork belly Picked lobster served with a orange/lime/Serrano gastrique Playing skills suck, taste made up for it!

That sabre you carry around on your hip!?

@btbyrd with the knife flex!

I was going to comment on the stupidity of our culture when it comes to 'celebrities', glad someone else did! Most of them are not worth their weight and certainly should not warrant any attention more than a Doctor or Teacher should (the true 'celebrities' of our society) - we certainly have some things bass ackwards. Back on topic - over the years I have formed the belief that "Hallmark holidays" are not when one should be limited celebrating with important people in their lives (Valentines day, Fathers day, etc) but rather any and every day is one to enjoy. It's amazing how food (for most of us here) is the central factor when celebrations occur (perhaps a bit of booze as well!). Being together with loved ones and friends should always be sufficient justification for enjoyment and celebration. Perhaps going above and beyond and cracking into the 'special' dried chili's from Mexico to boost your salsa up a notch, or dipping into the extra fine tequila for your margarita mix (can you tell we are having tacos tonight!?). In other words, don't save the good stuff for 'special occasions'!

Probably easier to go hungry, but certainly not as enjoyable 😛

Few recent dishes from dinners - Bonito soy/blue fin octopus wild salmon/sorrel sauce soon to be dinner - recent find - boletes!