Food Musings

A Winnipeg blog about the joy of preparing food for loved ones and the shared joy that travel & dining brings to life.

Victoria’s Tavern Regina

November4

In my early twenties, Sister #2 and I shared an apartment. It was a busy time for both of us but every Sunday we shared a meal together. All through those dinners and as we lingered over wine or cups of tea, we would talk about our past week, our upcoming week and…food! I think that was when I knew that I was and would always be, a foodie. My most precious evenings are surrounded by friends, old and new, talking about restaurants, communities, chefs and recipes. Surprisingly, that is how I spent my time last evening. I had accompanied D on a business trip to Regina this week and we met up with a couple of his work associates at Victoria’s Tavern. I expected a quick bite and a return to the hotel.

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Sean the photo-bomber.

The unanticipated delight of the evening was noshing with the Tavern’s partner/corporate chef Sean Hale, his wife and brother-in-law. The food passion of this trio was evident with every story and anecdote.

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Located in the heart of Regina’s restaurant and bar scene, the renovated red brick building was warm and inviting, reminiscent of the pubs that we adored when we visited Ireland. Of particular delight was the memorabilia that adorned the walls: scenes of Saskatchewan, vintage movie stars, old LP covers and local members of the military all took their place in the montage.

But, to the food.

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We had been drawn by the promise of freshly-shucked PEI oysters and were not disappointed. A lovely briny liquid was cupped in the oyster shell, along with the morsels themselves. Sean enhanced the taste with a clear broth of shallots and red wine vinegar.

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We have been long-time fans of chicken and waffles. The latter were light and fluffy with the crispy edges that I love. The chicken breasts had been marinated in buttermilk for two days and then tossed in corn starch which created a extra crunchy coating. The marriage of these textures and tastes were further bonded by maple syrup and (just for good measure) a delectable gravy of crumbled sausages from Regina’s beloved Italian Star Deli.

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Guffawing at the recent processed and red meat concerns (we stick to our mantra of everything in moderation), we shared a bacon-wrapped meatloaf sandwich. I could barely get my mouth around the monster for a bite. A friend from Winnipeg declared that it was the best meat loaf he had ever tasted. The sweetish bun that it came on was the recipe of the Sean’s mother-in-law and the premise made kettle chips that accompanied it were the piece de résistance (for this potato aficionado).

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As I tie this up, I haven’t even touched on the craft beer variety that the tavern boasts or the that we enjoyed these oyster shooters!

Victoria's Tavern Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Kath’s quote: “Cooking is like love it should be entered in with abandon or not at all”. -Harriet van Horne

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Live simply, laugh often, love deeply.

Food Bloggers Canada 2015 Recap – Last of Three Parts

November2

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For breakfast the last morning of the conference we were in for a treat of St. Viateur bagels, lox, capers, onions and cream cheese. Presented by Half Your Plate, I accompanied mine with a delicious fruit smoothie.

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The surprise treats of Cacao Barry chocolates were provided at our morning break. Chocolate always gets me going. These were exquisitely crafted.

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Another Montreal icon provided our lunch. Schwartz’s brought in a mini deli for our pleasure and we noshed on cole slaw, pickles, just sliced Montreal smoked meat and potato chips.

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The mini tastes of sugar pie were a lovely touch. Around this table I connected with Maria of She Loves Biscotti.

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And then before you knew it, the conference was over but since I was not departing for a couple of days, I still had more eating to do. Montrealer Evelyne was available to be our tour guide again and Joann, Michelle of The Tiffin Box and I hopped the metro for Marche Jean Talon where we tasted fine local wines, ciders and vermouths and took photos of the colourful produce  which was displayed so beautifully.

That evening Marlene, Joann and I pressed Montrealer Kimberlie to suggest her favourite local spot for dinner. Bouillon Bilk was an amazing way to crown the weekend with its sleek decor, personable staff and exquisite food. I am told that only locals frequent the place and this maybe because it is located in the most inconspicuous spot. After much indecision and deliberation, I chose carpaccio beef as my appetizer and a second starter of tortellini as my entree. Both provided perfection with each bite. These women were so generous in sharing their life stories and friendships were cemented. My photos could never do justice to the beauty of our plates.

Bouillon Bilk Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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We walked back to the Westin through Chinatown and detoured to the bar before all going up to perch on my roomie’s bed for additional chatter. We clearly were not ready for the weekend to end. In fact, before I clicked off the light that evening, I registered for the 2016 conference edition in Toronto where Food Bloggers Canada was born. And for me time in Montreal did not end. The next morning, before the Ontario entourage left for the train station, Charmian and I had one last treat together: Portuguese Custard Tarts that she had acquired on the walking food tour of Old Montreal and had stashed in our room fridge.

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Moving from the Westin to nearby Zero 1 Hotel, I was smack in the middle of Chinatown. Hearing from other bloggers that Pho Bang New York was the place try, I ordered a shrimp pho to go. I slowly dished it out in my hotel room, not wanting the fragrant broth, crunchy veggies and silky noodles to disappear too quickly.

Pho Bang New York Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Soon after, Kimberlie, who had become more and more of a dear friend by the minute, arrived to the lobby for one last rendezvous. We each sipped a drink at Brasserie T and ordered a Parmesan Fondue to be considerate of the sleek little restaurant and its lovely staff and to tie us over until dinner.

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Parmesan Fondue was the very first Quebec dish I sampled on the first night on my honeymoon, thirty-one years prior. Good food has the power to produce a life long memory.

Brasserie T! Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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We made our way by Metro to the illuminated lantern display at the Botanical Gardens before sharing an “old school” dinner of shrimp noodles, watercress and sizzling beef in Chinatown at Le Maison VIP before we finally said good-bye with embraces and commitments to keep in close touch.

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And still my Montreal indulgences continued with my last chocolate croissant at the hotel and an order of poutine at the airport.

FBC 2015 in Montreal, where new friends were made over tables laden with food.

Kath’s quote: “Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.” ― Ruth Reichl

dreamcookieheart

Live simply, laugh often, love deeply.

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