Moments of Being

You consider yourself somewhat of a master in the kitchen and rush home after a delicious meal and attempt to reproduce the meal you just devoured. But wait, that reduction just does not hold up on the plate or the duck confis is too runny. For your culinary adventures, we have provided some of our favourite recipes from a few of our best loved restaurants.

Auld Spot Pub

347 Danforth Ave

Toronto, Ontario

Broadview and Chester

www.auldspotpub.ca

416 406 4688

Twelve beers on tap, an extensive Scotch list and an ever changing poutine is what brings regulars back to this popular hang out. Try this Auld Spot specialty.

Asian potato salad

3 potatoes

3/4 cup mayo

2 tsp sesame oil

1 tsp rice vinegar

2 green onions

Juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp chopped cilantro

1 tsp ginger paste

2 tsp salt

1 tbsp black sesame seeds

* Finely slice the green onions and set aside.

* Cut the potatoes into roughly one inch cubes. Place them in a pot and cover with cold salted water. Turn the heat on to medium high and bring the potatoes to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until tender.

* Let potatoes cool until they are just warm to the touch.

* While they are cooling you can make the dressing by mixing the rest of the ingredients (except the sesame seeds) together.

* When the potatoes are ready mix them with the dressing and place in the fridge for two hours.

* To serve pile the potatoes in a tall stack and sprinkle the sesame seeds on top.

Mambo Lounge

120 Danforth Ave

Toronto, Ontario

Broadview and Danforth

www.mambolounge.ca

416 778 7004

Maracas are shaking. The guitar is strumming. And the candlelight hits the tiled bar ever so slightly. Whether its the idea of a group activity like tapas or making the difficult decision of choosing an entree, the Mambo Lounge is the place to get authentic Cuban fare in Toronto. Try their famous Lamb Shanks to bring the Cuban heat into your own kitchen. Mui Caliente!

Feeling like tender lamb shanks or an authentic Cuban Mojito? Click here http://www.mambolounge.ca to find 2 great recipes supplied by Mambo Lounge’s executive chef.

Pan on the Danforth

516 Danforth Ave

Toronto, Ontario

Danforth and Carlaw

www.pannthedanforth.com

416 466 8158

So you are faced with the challenge of creating an authentic Greek meal in the comfort of your own home. Have no fear. We are bringing Greek-town to you. Pan on the Danforth focuses on creative food using quality ingredients that ensure a divine meal. Break out the ouzo, its OPA time.

Moussaka

4 to 5 Eggplants

1/2 Kilo minced meat

2 to 3 tomatoes

1 teacup olive oil

2 onions finely chopped

1 bay leaf

1 garlic clove

Oil for frying

1/2 teacup grated parmesan cheese

Some flour3 teacups

Béchamel sauce

* Heat the cup of oil in a pot and saute the chopped onions in it. Add the minced meat and continue to saute for another 10 minutes. Next add the tomatoes, the garlic the bay leaf and the salt and pepper and allow the mixture to boil for approximately one hour.

* In the meantime, wash the eggplants and trim off their stems. Then cut them in round slices and let them soak in salted water for about an hour to remove their bitter juices.

* Drain the eggplant slices, coat them with flour and fry them in very hot oil in a pan place a layer of eggplant slices salt and pepper and a layer of the minced meat mixture also drained to remove excess liquid.

* Add another layer of eggplant and minced meat mixture.Finally pour the béchamel sauce of medium consistency over the last layer.

* Sprinkle with the grated cheese and bake at a high temperature for approximately 20 to 25 minutes

Embrujo Flamenco

If traditional Tapas is your thing than dance your way over to their website. Click here http://www.embrujoflamenco.com to view real Spanish Flamenco dancers at work.

Plan to dine globally in your own home. Each course will be inspired by a different country. It is fun and tantalizing.

Once you have experienced the gastronomic globetrotting in your own home, how did it work out? What other recipes would you like me to provide?