LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Winter Issue 2014

So what's the skinny on the Winter issue of the latest LCBO Food & Drink magazine?  First off, the cover is gorgeous.  If blue is the new grey, which was the old beige, then I want some of that. Maybe it caught my eye because I am currently surrounded by paint chips. Or maybe it's because I love apples and oatmeal.

Rob Fiocca took the picture for the cover. Janice Poon designed the dish called Caramel Cran-Apple Stir Fry. Check out all her recipes in Food Entertaining's Stir Crazy!

The magazine this time is stuffed full of straightforward classics with the author's own personality shining through.  In fact, I have made some similar dishes already this winter.  But I am keen to try Jennifer Mackenzie's Coq au Vin.  She uses red wine. I use white.  Also, the Gratin of Potatoes by Julia Aitken uses Reblochon cheese. I used Gruyère. It's probably time I made an authentic tartiflette, rich as it is.

Brenda Morrison's Must Haves focused on grown-in-Ontario preserves. I was already familiar with Bumpercrop, Stasis Preserves, Pyramid Farm and Ferments, Rootham Gourmet Preserves and Hall's Kitchen.  But Manning Canning is new to me.  I hope Brenda will have a chance soon to try out Top Shelf Preserves from here in Ottawa.  They are worthy of keeping company with her fine list.  I currently have a thing for their pickled beets and their Sour Cherry Bourbon Jam.

Signe Langford takes us on a trip around the world in Games On! as preparation for the Winter Olympics viewing.  Now it's easy to host a party with Canada's Mini Lobster Rolls, USA's Southern-Style Chicken Nibbles with Simple Winter Slaw & Bourbon Dipping Sauce, Norway's Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Lingonberry-Port Compote, Germany's Mini Wiener Schnitzel with Sauerkraut & Creamy Roasted Beet Mustard, and Russia's Mini Lazy Cabbage Rolls with Vodka-Spiked Tomato Sauce. Who will take home the Gold?

I am getting quite a list of Must Try's. Here are the other page corners that have been turned down:

• Boudin and Mushroom Sauce with Celeriac Crème (From Nouvelle Once More by Lucy Waverman)
• Grilled Beets & Peppercorn-Beef Roast with Gorgonzola Sauce (From Fire and Ice by Victoria Walsh)
• Valentine's Chocolate Cake (From Piece of Cake by Joanne Yolles)

Plan ahead: The Spring issue hits the stores in seven weeks on Wednesday, March 5th.

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Holiday Issue 2013

My Holiday holiday is Christmas and I loved all the gold and red glitter of last year's LCBO Food & Drink's festive season issue.  I am always hopeful for a cover that gets me in the Christmas party spirit. A warmth that draws me in. 

I have to say that wasn't my reaction when my eyes made contact with magazine in the store. I wondered about the casual setting, as the holidays are a time to put on the Ritz, get out the finery and fuss over the littlest of details.  Having now read the magazine cover to cover, I love so much of it.  The fancy and the bling is there.

I do love the look of those smørrebrød-like bites - Horseradish and Smoked Trout Paté on Rye Croutons.

It wasn't until I read editor Jody Dunn's welcome that I found out Emerald Green is the 'IT' colour for 2013 says Pantone. I glanced back at the cover and noticed the colour of the logo. The masthead. The skin on the cucumber. The feathering of microgreens.  All Pantone's Emerald Green. There is more of that beautiful green inside.

Tradition is that I weigh the holiday issue of LCBO's Food and Drink. 890 grams. 1190 grams with all the inserts. Heftiest ever!

We were having big talk at the dinner table recently about horseradish.  We all love it and love it strong.  Clean your nose out strong.  The Food Trends article by Lucy Waverman is called Horseradish. Lucy says, "Horseradish is the ingredient of the moment." Happily I am dialed in to what's the latest for once. I agree with Lucy that the best result comes from using fresh root, peeling it and microplaning on the spot.  Jars of horseradish can be handy, but their kick dissipates over time.

A hometown shout out for Steve Robinson.  He is chef Marc Lepine's sommelier at critically acclaimed Atelier restaurant here in Ottawa and he is featured in Sommelier Selections by Nancy Won.

 This issue is loaded.  Why I love it maybe more than other Holiday issues is that it revisits a lot of the classics. A few twists to make them new.  But nothing really wild.  The holiday season is steeped in food tradition for many of us.  Those coming to our table expect some specific once-a-year favourite dishes. The recipes here are not meant to make them so different.  Just better.

Did you know that in 2005 Forbes.com selected the knife as the single most important tool in human history? I learned that from Robert Hercz in his in-depth article called Knives. Thankfully my dining partners have dispensed with the "stuff-and-cut" method of eating meat. Read every word of it. And apparently it "remained acceptable to carry food to the mouth with a knife until the early 20th century." Believe it or not, I still see people do it today.  Stop please! Having an excellent knife is a wonderful gift but consider a gift certificate to a quality cutlery and cookware shop and let them pick their own.

I have parties to attend and food to plan and so I am appreciative of the suggestions in this issue.  Here is what is on my food play list:

• Butter-Roasted Pear & Apple Compote with Mascarpone Cheese and Deep-Fried Eggs with Asiago, Spinach & Tomato (From Before The Feast by Marilyn Bentz-Crowley)
  
• Roasted Vegetables with Horseradish Vinaigrette (From Horseradish by Lucy Waverman) 
• Key Lime Shooters (From Drink Matchmaker - Sensational Sippers by Julia Aitken)
• Garganelli with Ricotta & Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Abalone Mushrooms with 6-Minute Egg and Romesco Sauce ( From Small Plates by Lucy Waverman and James Chatto)
•  Sparkling Elderflower Ice (From White Wonders by Victoria Walsh)
• Lobster Diavolo (From Deep Sea Dining by Emily Richards)
• Herb-Roasted Rutabaga Batons & Cipollini Onions (From Tried & New by Jennifer MacKenzie)
• Salmon Rillettes (From Late Night Supper by Lucy Waverman)
• Gruyère & Cranberry Risotto (From Finding Favour with Flavour by Tonia Wilson-Vuksanovic)

I heard there were printing and distribution issues that meant some stores did not receive the magazine on time for Wednesday opening.  I hope you have yours.

Plan ahead: The Winter issue hits the stores in ten weeks on Wednesday, January 15th.

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Autumn Issue 2013 [20th Anniversary Edition]

The 20th Anniversary edition of the LCBO Food & Drink magazine hit the stores last Wednesday.  I am just getting to reading mine now.   I wish I could say there are still some copies out there, but that might be a lie.

If you haven't started reading it yet, go straight to page 187 and work your way through Origins: Food & Drink by Robert Hercz.  Although it is right at the back of the issue, it really feels like the setting for the story that unfolds as the Food & Drink team chronicles their view of, well, food and drink, in this province over the past 20 years.

First off, I have to tell you that one of my loyal followers of the blog's Facebook page has told me that he is a big fan of Food & Drink and figures he has every issue printed except eight from the earlier years. So if you are also a collector but considering a purge, I want to make a plea on Ken's behalf that you give him first crack at your stash.

The issue will have you reminiscing of recipes past that have now moved into your regular repertoire.  Editor Jody Dunn shares her all-time favourites on page 22 in Editor's Choice. A few that come to mind for me that we have made time and time again are:

• Curried Squash and Apple Soup (by Lucy Waverman in Holiday 2000 issue)
• Key Lime Pineapple Squares (by Anna Olsen in Holiday 2006 issue)
• Roasted Halibut in Tomato Cream Sauce (Summer 2002 issue)
• Malaysian Chicken Curry (Autumn 2006 issue)

I too am a long time reader of the magazine and one thing that I have come to appreciate is the ability to search Food & Drink's recipes on-line.  Although they aren't all up there, many favourites are.  I was forever ripping recipes out of magazines and now I have given that up.  Thank you Food & Drink for making so many recipes available on-line.  My clutterless husband thanks you too.

Thanks to social media, many of the Food & Drink personalities are accessible to us through Facebook and Twitter.  Lucy Waverman and Ruth Gangbar of Foodography PEC are two that come to mind.  I like hearing their voices regularly and seeing what they are up to.  That connection helps, I think, to keep me brand loyal.

But LCBO Food & Drink themselves seem a bit late to the social media parade.  There is no identity for the magazine itself, that I have found.  Just LCBO proper.  And their Facebook page is only 9 months old.  The LCBO Twitter account has 14 tweets.  I am hopeful that this soon will change.  We would love to see and hear more of you, Food & Drink, in our everyday conversations.

I know it is hard to pick when making the many lists for this issue.  No surprise, I suppose, that it is Toronto-centric.  With each turn of the page I anticipated a mention of Ottawa, or anything at all from eastern Ontario.  The Ottawa Byward Market was listed in Farmers' Markets, though I wish the nod had been to the Ottawa Farmers' Market.  Being a producer only (no resellers) market, it feels more authentic to me.  Jamie Stunt, actually now formerly of Oz Kafé (by maybe 4 months now) is mentioned by Julia Aitken in Chefs On The Rise. A natural pick, considering his performance in last year's Gold Medal Plates competition.  Because of Jamie, I had Oz Kafé as one of my top 5 favourite places to eat in Ottawa.

Overall, I really enjoyed the magazine.  Congratulations on 20 years.  You have created something that causes frenzy in LCBO stores every 8 weeks.

So fellow readers, have you had a chance to go through the Autumn edition yet?  If I asked you to tell me your all-time favourite Food & Drink recipes, which ones would they be?

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Spring Issue 2013

As the snow flurries danced Fantasia-style this afternoon, I was more than ready to find warmth between the pages of the latest LCBO Food & Drink magazine - their Spring issue. It actually came out March 6, but me with my globetrotting life missed being in the province that day. Home a week later, I went right from the airport to the liquor store and came up empty-handed.  Not surprised, really. They go like hotcakes.

My game plan was to raid an issue from any old friend's powder room.  That's your trick too when you miss one, isn't it? But as good fortune would have it, Easter Bunnies galore had magazines to offer me the last few days. I accepted only one.

How sweet to see Ruth Gangbar as Kat Tancock's Trendspotting highlight on page 32.  Ruth Gangbar, well-known food stylist, is branching out with her new endeavour FoodographyPEC - workshops being presented in The County for those wanting to learn learn about food styling and food photography.  Ruth's team has conducted two workshops so far and the third is planned for mid-July. 

Watching Ruth work, you see how intuitively she approaches the set, mixing textures, colour and light.  She pushes for authentic.  No mashed potatoes subbing in for ice cream. It has to be the real deal.  She uses extra tricks though to keep the food looking fresh and sizzling. The magic tools in her massive traveling kit are eclectic. I'm sure airport security would have a fit if she ever took that bag as carry-on. Congrats Ruth and all the best with FoodographyPEC!

You should see how deep the snow is still on my front lawn. I am having a bit of a hard time imagining morels, spring onions and rhubarb springing from the ground before the next Food & Drink issue crosses my threshold. But a girl can dream, can't she?

My Spring-y tastes:

• Cantonese Lemon Chicken (From Perfect Pairings by Heather Trim and James Chatto) 
• Goat Cheese, Garlic & Morel Quiche and Warm Morel, Leek & New Potato Salad and Crab & Chorizo-Stuffed Morels With Garlic Butter (From Morels by Christopher St. Onge)
• Piri Piri Crab Cakes with Lime Mayonnaise (From Riesling Rising by Tonia Wilson-Vuksanovic and Michael Fagan)
• Tortello alla Trattoria Monti (From Roman Holiday by Lucy Waverman)
• Buttermilk Pancakes with Salted Maple Cream (From Morning Glories by Jennifer MacKenzie) 
• Shrimp Dumplings in Herbed Broth and Yellow Pepper Minestrone with White Beans & Asparagus and Spring Onion Soup with Blue Cheese Toasts (From Soups For Spring by Tonia Wilson-Vuksanovic) 
• Chilorio Taco (From Lucy's California Restaurant Tour by Lucy Waverman)
• Lobster-filled Arepas (From Top 5 To Taste by Julia Aitken)

Plan ahead: The Early Summer issue hits the stores in four weeks and two days on Wednesday, May 1st. 

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Holiday Issue 2012

Confused? The Holiday issue of LCBO Food & Drink Magazine came out at the beginning of November after all. I picked it up on release date and never really cracked the cover.  Did that happen to anyone else? The last of the Christmas decorations are being boxed up today. In and among the piles to be tidied, I found my old friend.

Although the party season has passed, shouldn't I look anyway? Often the Holiday issue has gems that suit just any old cold frosty day.  No need for tinsel to make it complete.  So for those of you early readers that may have forgotten about it's hidden treasures, consider a re-read to pull out some of the winter's bests.

My page corners are turned down at:

• Chèvre & Pistachio Polenta Soufflé (From Pistachios by Victoria Walsh)
• Rich Oxtail and Orzo Soup with Madeira (From Strong Marriages by Michael Fagen and Julia Aitken)
• Coconut-Spiked Squash Soup (From Spicing Up Christmas by Victoria Walsh)
• Creole Seafood Gumbo and Thai Seafood Cakes (From Twelve Nights by Marilyn Bentz-Crowley)
• Lemon Grass & Lime Lobster Noodle Bowl (From Naughty or Nice by Jennifer MacKenzie)
• Salad with Confit of Pears (From What's Fresh for dinner by Lucy Waverman)

I also enjoyed Flour Power by Robert Hercz. I did not know that the Romans produced the world's first white flour using fine sieves made of linen. Hercz's piece also includes a primer on a number of the types of flours.

And for those that like to know, the hefty Holiday issue, the biggest of the year, weighed in at only 855 grams.

Plan ahead: The Winter issue hits the stores in TWO DAYS on Wednesday, January 16th. 

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Winter Issue 2012

Thin is in. As usual, the Winter issue of the LCBO's Food & Drink magazine sends the subliminal message in its January issue, that like us, they too are slimming down this month. Although almost a third of the size of the Holiday issue, it still packs a punch with great comfort recipes to see us through the remaining dark days of winter.

Here is what gave me tummy rumbles this issue:

• Spicy Chilean Shrimp (From Value Added by James Chatto & Lucy Waverman)
• Dumplings with Crispy Sage & Sherry Brown Butter (From Hot Potato by Leeanne Wright)
• Seared Chicken with Mexican Mole Sauce & Lamb Shanks Braised with Cinnamon and Honey (From Sweet on Savoury by Michael Fagan & Julia Aitken)
• Fig and Roasted Walnut Salad (From Enlightened Entertaining by Leslie Beck)
• Microwave Rosemary & Black Pepper Chips & Caramelized Onion Dip (From Champion Chips by Heather Trim)
• Steamed Grouper Japanese Style (From Cooking Clinic by Lucy Waverman)
  

What's New by Julia Aitken caught my eye. Everybody seems to be talking about Rioja. I think I'll be doing a 'me too' and check out the Beronia Tempranillo Rioja. I like the price, coming in under $12. Also the Nøgne Ø Imperial Stout just might be my secret weapon in the annual chili cook off I now enter each March.

Did you know that the Niagara-on-the-Lake Icewine Festival is on from January 13 to 29? Neither did I. Here is more info.

A fan of the LCBO Playlist? Rick Shurman and Earl Torno's Winter Playlist will keep you warm. In fact, downright hot and bothered. Whether warming up a winter night and or priming for Valentine's Day, you might want to load up your tunes with the likes of Sometimes When We Touch by Dan Hill, Let's Get It On by Marvin Gaye and Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton. Check it out on iTunes.

Last but not least, a big WOW for Ottawa's own Claudio Fracassi in Cynthia David's Spotlight segment. Who in the Capital doesn't know The Soup Guy. Claudio spreads soup love in the bowl AND with song. Congrats Claudio!

Plan ahead: The Spring issue hits the stores 8 weeks from today on Wednesday, March 7th.

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Autumn Issue 2011

As I sit outside on this brisk, cool day dashing through the pages of the Autumn issue of the latest LCBO Food & Drink magazine, I have to agree with Jody Dunn in her Editor's Notes, "Comfort food starts to beckon...".

This particular issue is stuffed full of comfort food. But it does hang on, like we are doing, to summer day menus too. After all, the markets are probably at their prime, overflowing with baskets of colourful produce.

Lucy Waverman's Market Menu plays on the idea of making your meal based on what your trip to the market presents. I myself compete 'black box' style every other Thursday when my CSA basket arrives. It can be daunting but the outcome is worth it. You are constantly eating what is best of season. Consider the challenge for yourself.

Thanks to James Chatto for showcasing 4 power women in the Ontario wine industry in Keepers of The Vine. This summer, we had the opportunity to check out Caroline Granger's place of work, The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyards & Estate Winery, Prince Edward County. We are definitely fond of her 'bubbles'. The sparkling rosé was featured at the Cooks & Curds Cheese Gala at the 1st Great Canadian Cheese Festival in Picton in June.

My page markers this issue are eclectic:

• Pumpkin 'Ravioli' Tossed with Bacon & Parsley (From Pumpkin Made Easy by Heather Trim)
• Deep Fried Olives (From Olive Cuisine by Lucy Waverman)
• Tomato & Fresh Cheese Salad with Basil & Olive Salsa Verde (From Market Menu by Lucy Waverman) **
  
• Southern -Style Pulled Pork Pies with Buttermilk Biscuits (From Savoury Pies by Julia Aitken)
• Toasted Almond & Quinoa Pilaf and Cashew Chicken Curry (From Nutty Delights by Nicole Young)
• Pan-Roasted Ontario Pickerel (From Inn Style by Anita Draycott & Monda Rosenberg)
• Sesame Ginger Meatball Soup and Individual Caramel Fondues with Ladyfingers and Fruit (From Soup & Sweaters by Jennifer MacKenzie)

Do try those Pumpkin 'Ravioli'. Using wonton wrappers is a cheat I employ all the time when in a hurry. Many won't even notice the difference. All the focus will be on 'homemade'.

** Those beautiful tomatoes featured in the Tomato & Fresh Cheese Salad with Basil & Olive Salsa Verde on page 104 come from Vicki's Veggies Farm, located in Prince Edward County. I can vouch for their fabulous taste. This summer we grew one of her plants. Yellow Perfection. We are rolling in beautiful, flavour-packed sunny yellow tomatoes. We used some of our early ripeners in an heirloom salad that was a true kaleidoscope of colours. Vicki's Veggies Farm sells their produce at the farm but also at farmers' markets in Toronto.

In Inspired Ideas by Brenda Morrison, two things caught my eye:

• The Savoury Bouquet showcases the talents of Michael Pellegrino, florist designer and co-owner of Teatro Verde in Toronto. They are beautiful organic centerpieces that are functional as well as good looking.
• Flavours & Flair shares the good news that Montreal's Olive & Olives in now in Riverdale in Toronto. We picked up some of the Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Lemon on a recent trip to Montreal's Jean-Talon Market.
  

I always seem to be in love with the playlist. This time Rick Shurman and Earl Torno 'set the mood' with The Autumn Playlist. It's working for me with such numbers as Someday by Harry Connick, Jr., The Way You Look Tonight by Maroon 5 and I've Got You Under My Skin - a Rod Stewart rendition. Have to have it? Check it out on iTunes.

Plan ahead: The Holiday issue hits the stores 9 weeks from today on Wednesday, November 9th.

LCBO Food & Drink Magazine - Winter Issue 2011

The Winter issue of the LCBO's Food & Drink Magazine was released today. As always, I made my pilgrimage to be there for the 10 am opening of my local outlet. With all household vehicles occupied already, it meant going by bus! Now that is dedication! As it turns out, it was a beautiful winter's day for being outdoors and walking around.

My test for what is hot in the Food & Drink magazine is to dance through the pages just before Noon and see which ones make my mouth well up. Not a bad test actually. Consider giving it a try.

What got me salivating this time?

• Vindaloo Meatballs (From Retro Revival by Heather Trim)
  
• Wild Mushrooms, Pear and Gruyère in Walnut Crêpes (From A Craving For Crêpes by James Chatto and Nicole Young)
  
• Warm Fruit Spice Cake with Brûléed Topping (From Dinners on a Dime by Monda Rosenberg)
  
• Sticky Oven Ribs with Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes (From Sweet & Savoury Molasses by Marilyn Bentz-Crowley)
  
• Port-Dressed Fig & Arugula Salad with Prosciutto Chips (From Table For Two by Michael Fagan and Julia Aitken)

Of course there are so many other delicious recipes full of temptations.

I always have a soft spot too for the music playlist. The Sunday Morning Playlist by Rick Shurman and Earl Torno is available for purchase. It features some of my favourite heartache songs like So Far Away by Carole King and Cry Me a River by Diana Krall.

The issues are scooped up in no time. You need to get yours fast and find out what is going to get you through the winter blahs.