Recent Episodes

 

Dwight Furrow, the author of American Foodie: Taste, Art, and the Cultural Revolution, talks about the philosophy of food. We discuss everything the impact of everything from automobile to Alice Waters to the Slow Food movement have shaped the way Americans think about food.
 
 
 
 

 

Inbal Baum, the Founder of Delicious Israel, joins us to talk about where foodies should eat when they travel to her country.

• Shakshouka is a popular dish in Israel
• Israeli Breakfast is a distinct and important meal
• The modern cherry tomato has roots in Israel
• Tel Aviv and Jerusalem top the list of cities you should visit
• Beach season runs from April to October
• Rosh Hashana is a great time to visit Israel
• When you visit Tel Aviv, go to the Carmel Market, the Levinsky Market
• Try the date syrup, Silan

 

 

Food for Thought

• Q: After pita bread, what is the most common food used to “wipe” humus?
• A: Raw onion.

 
 

Out of the Frying Pan

• Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining: Milgo & Milbar
• Favorite Place to Buy Spices: Cafe Arma in Levinsky Market
• Herbs to Try: Za’atar and Hawaij (in Yemenite Coffee)
• Favorite Winery: Sphera
• Favorite Place for Dessert: The Malabia
• Favorite Food Experience for Kids: Max Brenner
• Chef to Watch: Eyal Shani
• Dish to Try at Different Places: Shakshouka and sabich

Bennet Jacobstein, author of The Joy of Ballpark Food: From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine, talks to us about what foodies can find at different baseball stadiums around the country.

• Hot dogs and sausages are not the same thing.
• The quality of ballpark food was elevated in the 90s as new stadiums were built and food television shows took off.
• Stadiums have highlighted regional foods.
• Gordon Biersch‘s founder Dan Gordon introduced garlic fries at Candlestick Park in 1994.
• The song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was written in 1908.
• The Yankees replaced Cracker Jacks at one point, but brought it back after a public outcry.
• 

  San Francisco Giant Gordon Biersch Garlic Fries

  Veggie Happy spearheaded the movement to get veggie dogs sold at ballpark stadiums.

• Andrew Zimmern has a stand in the Minnesota ballpark.
• Rocky Mountain Oysters are bull testicles.
• “The Big Six” are the food companies that service the major ballparks.
• As you go from ballpark to ballpark, try the hot dogs at each to see how they’re done differently.
• Proceeds from Bennett’s book go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

 

Food for Thought

• Q: In what year were Cracker Jacks first served at a baseball game?
• A: 1896 in Atlantic City.

 

Out of the Frying Pan

Here’s what Bennet recommends you try at each ballpark:

• Yankees Stadium in New York City: Chicken and Waffles.
• Fenway Park in Boston: Lobster Roll and a cuban sandwich.
• Wrigley Field in Chicago: Chicago-style hot dog with Vienna beef.
• Turner Field in Atlanta: Boiled peanuts.
• Marlins Park in Miami: Cuban dishes.
• Safeco Field in Seattle: The Ivar’s hot dog (with fish) and cream cheese hot dog.
• Nationals Park in Washington D.C.: A cauliflower hot dog and presidential cupcakes.
• 

  Chicago White Sox Chicago-Style Hot Dog

  Busch Stadium in St. Louis: The BBQ.

• Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles: Tommy Lasorda Spumoni ice cream.
• AT&T Park in San Francisco: Crab salad, lamb sausages, and Gordon Biersch garlic fries.

Try a Food Tour

Top 5 Lists

If you’re a foodie headed to Nashville, you’ll definitely want to try some Shrimp and Grits. Check out these great restaurants to get it.
 

1. Urban Grub Fish Pit and Southern Cantina. (12th Avenue South Neighborhood)

 

The culinary talent at the Urban Grub is exceeded only by their dedication. They drive to Kentucky to get the corn and grind their own grits. The shrimp are large gulf shrimp. The flavors are complex; the dish is creamy perfection. In addition to their commitment to seafood, the Urban Grub chefs are masters at charcuterie, curing their own meats. The Urban Grub may be the only restaurant in Nashville that offers shrimp and grits and pit smoked pork carnitas. Located in the 12th Avenue South neighborhood, Urban Grub features indoor and outdoor dining in stunning decor and design.
 

2506 12th Avenue S. Nashville

615.679.9342 

 

 

2. The Mad Platter (Germantown)

 

A small, locally owned restaurant open for over twenty years, has masterfully and consistently plated shrimp and grits to locals and tourists lucky enough to know about this neighborhood place. Small, quaint, charming in a European fashion, this is where I had my first shrimp and grits and probably will always have my heart.
 
Just the right amount of heat, making each bite as tasty as the last, and surprisingly, a bit of crunchy celery that added a flavor that made me think that celery might be a very overlooked vegetable. Creamy, but not overly creamy and the smoked gouda grits are perfection. The Mad Platter adjusts their menu daily to meet the season and do something unique. If you want a long, leisurely meal, you can choose the five-course option for an additional $20 in which you receive soup, salad, appetizer, entree and dessert.
 

1239 Sixth Avenue North Nashville

615.242.2563

 

 

3. Gray’s on Main (Historic Franklin)

 

A chic casual triple story brandy centric restaurant repurposed from a 1930’s drug store, known as Gray’s. They make a tasting platter of grits cakes with collard greens and shrimp. It’s as unique as their vintage cocktails and when you find yourself on Franklin’s Main street, a twenty minute ride south of Nashville’s downtown, you’ll be enamored with the town’s charm, history, shops and dining. A stop in at Gray’s on Main is a must for modern day, casual Southern charm.
 

332 Main St, Franklin

615.435.3603

 

 

4. M Restaurant and Bar at Cummins Station

 

Not far from the new Music City Center, M is part of a local Southern Culinary dynasty, at least here in Nashville where they started making shrimp and grits 14 years ago at their Franklin restaurant Mack & Kates. M is a favorite because it’s glamorous, chic, contemporary and comfortable, with Southern hospitality and an elegant fine dining atmosphere. Save room for blackberry cobbler, and you’ve just had the perfect Southern experience. The shrimp and grits is a staple on the menu, served in a bowl with creamy grits.
 

209 Tenth Avenue, South, Ste 223, Cummins Station, Nashville

615.678.1591

 

 

 

5. Saffire

 

Located in the historic Factory in Franklin serves outstanding Creole Style Shrimp and Grits. Aside from serving upscale comfort food like their legendary Chicken Fried Chicken with Vermont Cheddar Cheese Sauce, you will swoon over the shrimp and grits. Order the oyster appetizer first, perhaps a Saffire cocktail and then close your eyes when you take that first bite of a grits cake that is surprisingly creamy inside.
 
Owned by Tom Morales of the TomKats Group, who also owns the downtown very successful Southern Steak and Oyster, this is veteran cooking and one of the guys who helped elevate Nashville as a true dining destination.
 

230 Franklin Road, Franklin

615.599.4995

 

 
It would be so unfriendly and unfair of us if we didn’t tell you about two more places, the locals will jump up and down about when it comes to shrimp and grits. For casual fine dining, it’s the Midtown Cafe and for a more family friendly setting, it’s Puckett’s (a Southern meat and three) with several locations in Nashville and Franklin, where you might hear some music, drink lots of sweet tea and get a big fat “welcome y’all.”
 
When is the last time you’ve eaten shrimp and grits or do you need to plan a trip here?

 

 

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Angela Roberts, publishes, Spinach Tiger. She expresses her love for all things food in writing about Nashville local food scene, and any other cities she happens to travel to, featuring locally owned restaurants and shops. Dining out is what inspires her to develop recipes which are also included at Spinach Tiger, where she shares personal stories and food photography. From fine dining to casual food trucks, Angela searches out the places that put their heart into the menu, sourcing locally and emphasizing quality ingredients over flair. You can follow her on Twitter.

As travelers will discover when they first get in the city, Montrealers are real breakfast lovers. Starting with institution as Beauty’s Luncheonette, opened since 1942 on Mont-Royal Avenue, brunch has become a real source of inspiration for chefs and cooks: national meals are being reinvented, cultures are mixed and seasonal products are valued. Need a bite of Montreal’s morning taste? You will find here five excellent addresses to start your day in front of flavorful dishes, surrounded by a great atmosphere. Bon appétit!
 
 

1. Chez Régine

Located in Montreal’s beautiful area Rosemont Petite-Patrie, Chez Régine’s restaurant will charm you at first sight while you will admire its elegant retro-chic style. Even the chairs are pieces of art! What we love most though is the original and creative menu. Everything is more than delicious and also, homemade, from the pastries to its bacon. Cooks don’t hesitate to mix salty and sweet flavors from local Quebec’s products. They use for their recipes one of best cheeses from Quebec’s producers, as “Cheddar Île-aux-Grues” and “Le Mamirolle”. For mushroom’s lovers, you must order the dish named “Champi”, amazingly good and healthy. Perfect culinary presentation in a sophisticated and eclectic atmosphere… Result: definitely a must for real breakfast lovers! Not surprisingly, Chez Régine’s won an “Excellence Certificate” from Trip Advisor team.
 

1840 Beaubien East Street, Montreal, Canada
(514) 903-0676
http://reginecafe.ca/fr/

 

 
 

2. The Sparrow

The Sparrow is the cutest place on Saint-Laurent’s street to start your day, with the million little sparrows that will surround you on the wallpaper while you will sit at your table. The atmosphere is vintage and more than welcoming; the meals, full of flavors and affordable. The menu is short and precise. You won’t get lost in pages of food options while you are still half asleep. The “House-smoked trout”’ dish is definitely a must if you like a bit of sea taste when you’re sipping a latte. You also need to try the freshness of their Turkish breakfast, with feta, tomatoes, olives and soft boiled eggs. A delight! If you get the chance, also get those Scottish eggs, perfectly cooked and not so heavy. Best place if you want to pimp your breakfast with a tasty Mimosa or a Bloody Caesar, just spicy enough!
 

5322 Boul. St-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 507-1642

https://www.facebook.com/TheSparrowBar

 

 

RELATED: Check Out These Top 5 Asian Restaurants in Monreal

 
 

3. Vieux Vélo

Vieux Vélo’s restaurant, two steps away from the Petite-Italie’s dynamic neighborhood, is a small, cozy and hipster place that could be called, for the cheap price and tasty dishes, “benedict’s king”. This lovely address won the first place in best breakfast’s categories, according to “Best of Mtl 2013: Food and Drinks” of CultMontreal. Veggie-pesto, smoked Atlantic’s salmon, brie-bacon-avocado… The variety of eggs benedict are simple but, oh so tasty! Just got there and no room for you? No problem! The cute and comfy coffee next door Odessa, from the same owner, will offer you to taste a comforting latte or cappuccino while you wait. When your table is ready, you cross next door to Vieux Vélo and get ready for an amazing (and low price) dish of benedicts!
 

59 Rue Beaubien East, Montreal, Quebec

http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/67/1599108/restaurant/Saint-douard/Le-Vieux-Velo-Montreal

 

 
 

4. Le Fabergé

Have you ever taste a classic Montreal’s poutine? Here’s an opportunity to rediscover this special dish in a morning way, cup of coffee in hand. Le Fabergé, located in the heart beat of Mile-End’s lovely neighborhood, is offering, surrounded by a relaxing and trendy atmosphere, a perfect occasion to taste brand new culinary tendencies. Forget the eternal toast with peanut butter and jam; time for you to explore something new. Breakfast poutine with eggs, caramelized peppers and onions, Quebec’s cheese curds and hollandaise sauce, or chicken wings on waffles bathed with maple syrup? Who says yes? For eggs lover, you will feel at home while you will explore the million ways on the menu to taste your favorite ingredient. Not a coincidence this address is named “Le Fabergé”, in honor of “Faberge eggs” treasuries of tsarist Russian empire. Here your chance to provoke your taste buds in a total Montreal morning’s way, with flavorful food and friendly staff.
 

25 Avenue Fairmount West, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 903-6649
http://faberge514.com/

 

 
 

RELATED: Round Table Food Tours in Montreal

5. Prohibition

Located in the beautiful and not too touristic Notre-Dame de Grace’s neighborhood, on Monkland Avenue, Prohibition is definitely an excellent brunch spot! The space is well decorated, with a beautiful piano in a corner, and the atmosphere is cozy. The menu presents unique ingredients combinations and the result tastes amazing. Prices are very affordable, around 15$ coffee included. Prohibition is specially known for their delicious Bulgarian benedict’s (poached eggs with garlic yogurt, sheep’s feta and paprika oil… you can call that a must!), fried chicken with challah french toast and their lemon ricotta pancakes served with blueberry compote and sugar bacon. The portions are generous and the staff, very attentive. Lovely recommended experience!
 

5674 Monkland, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 481-8466
http://www.prohibitionmontreal.com/contact.html

 

 
 

 
 

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About Valérie Trudel

Valerie Trudel is a writer from Montreal that combines two passions: by day she explores different levels of Montreal’s restaurant scene and by night, she writes about it. She is the creator and editor of Montreal’s culinary blog “La Poule ou l’Oeuf”

 

To be a barista in Montreal’s independent coffee shops, without a doubt, is no longer merely for students: it is a serious profession demanding specific knowledge and training. As this city has become an Eldorado of delicious addresses to taste authentic and creamy espresso, the independent coffee shop’s third-wave has taken hold. Third-wave? Yes, we are already there in North American’s coffee history. The first wave was characterised by distribution of filter coffee and the second one, by a massive popularization of espresso machines (Starbucks, Second Cup). Third wave, concerning independent coffee shops, has let place to way higher quality standards, placing “barista” status at a very professional level, including yearly national championships. It is all about quality and precise techniques of coffee making, regarding the fair trade, organic, and origin of every single bean resulting your espresso “allongé” with heavenly crema on top. Here’s five outstanding independent coffee shops of Montreal that will charm you at first sight… and at first sip!
 
 

1. Falco

Beautiful and original, the Japanese coffee shop “Falco” is an extremely well designed place, where you can sip your latte with a delicious onigiri (those popular little triangle rice balls in Japan surrounded by nori seaweed filled with salty ingredients) instead of a traditional croissant. Located in a secret industrial area of Mile-End’s neighborhood, Falco is a must-go, first of all because of the amazing coffee brewed in Japanese fashion, which is to make coffee in a special syphon of two glass globes. It is seriously impressive to see these baristas working behind their counter, the delicious Japanese menu, and thirdly, the luminous and spacious uncluttered space. Coffee is from “Kickapoo”, an excellent micro-roaster based in Wisconsin that won Roast of the Year in 2010. Yuko, the owner, has decorated Falco with her husband and it is probably why the space has such a personal and atypical atmosphere.
 

$
5605, rue de Gaspé, Mile-End, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 272-7766
http://www.cafefalco.ca/

 
 
 

2. Caffè Italia

Espresso lovers, Caffè Italia, opened since 1956, will definitely please you with its authentic Italian atmosphere and low prices! The unpretentious place, an institution within the Italian community, is located in Montreal’s Little Italy. Walls are decorated with souvenirs of the past decades and in early mornings, old Italian men are often discussing serious things around a cup of coffee. People say that it is the first coffee shop in Montreal to offer the Italian classic espresso. Crema, which is the hazelnut color cream on top of espresso, has become an increasingly important quality factor regarding its color and texture. At Caffè Italia, you won’t be disappointed by yours, heavenly executed by those experienced Italian baristas. A short but tasteful selection of sandwiches are available, with capicollo, proscuito and marinated artichokes. Fun fact: Caffè Italia was featured in a movie, “Caffè Italia Montreal”, in 1985, about the Italian community’s integration in the city.
 

$
6840 Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montréal, Quebec
(514) 495-0059

 
 

The Top 5 Brunch Spots in Montreal 

 
 

3. Pikolo Espresso Bar

In downtown Montreal’s “Quartier des spectacles”, Pikolo is an inspirational “rendez-vous” for students, walking lovers or just for those who enjoy reading their novel with a delicious coffee. The owner, Marie-Eve Laroche, acquired her knowledge of coffee on a plantation in Australia, and has made her dream come true when she opened Pikolo Espresso Bar, in honor of Australia’s very popular “piccolo latte”, which is a tiny latte served in glass. This independent coffee shop is cozy and adorable. Tables and chairs are high, the industrial lamps, stylish. There’s also a cozy counter in front of a big window, where you can comfortably observe Montreal’s lively atmosphere. Beans are from two specific roaster houses: Heart Roasters, from Portland, and Phil & Sebastian, from Calgary. Also good to know, their pastries are homemade and the staff, super friendly. Pikolo has won the number 1 place in “Journal Metro” in 2014 over 33 jurists from the independent coffee shop scene.
 

$
3418B Parc Avenue, Montreal, Quebec
http://pikoloespresso.com/

 
 

4. Saint-Henri Microtorréfacteur

When you get into Saint-Henri Microtorréfacteur’s coffee shop, you realise coffee isn’t just a tasteful drink for a difficult morning or foam art on top of a latte. It also has a touch of science. Located in Montreal’s beautiful and post-industrial Saint-Henry’s neighborhood, this “coffee laboratory” is known and proud of offering one of the best coffees in town. Burundi, Rwanda or Nicaragua: certified taster for “Cooperative Coffees” owner Jean-François has travelled a lot to choose his favorite coffee beans, and roasts his coffee with the spectacular “Marzocco Strada” machine, one of the top in the market. The space is full of light, very warm and cozy, with church benches as seats. Also good to know, Saint-Henri Microtorréfacteur also offers coffee classes and coffee tasting.
 

$
3632, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 507-9696
http://www.sainthenri.ca/

 
 

5. Myriade

Myriade, owned by “Canadian National Barista Championship” finalist Anthony Benda and his business partner Scott Rao, is one of the first independent coffee shops of Montreal. It is definitely an excellent spot to grab a delicious espresso on the road or to take time to sit down and relax. The space is small, full of light with its giant window, and cozy wood furniture surrounded by brick walls. Baristas are offering coffee of the 49th Parallel roaster house from Vancouver and are using the splendid and reputable coffee machine «Spirit», from Kees Van der Westen. Whole milk used is from “Société Orignal”, completely pure, nothing else in it except milk, with 3.8% of fat. Greasy, but oh so tasty! Pastries are from the excellent bakery “Première Moisson”. Good to know: If your are curious to get advice on how to make your coffee, Scott Rao has published two books on the subject, “The Professional Barista’s Handbook” and “Everything But Espresso”.
 

$
1432 Rue Mackay, Montreal, Quebec
(514) 939-1717
http://www.cafemyriade.com/wp/

 
The Top 5 Asian Restaurants in Montreal

 

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About Valérie Trudel

Valerie Trudel is a writer from Montreal that combines two passions: by day she explores different levels of Montreal’s restaurant scene and by night, she writes about it. She is the creator and editor of Montreal’s culinary blog “La Poule ou l’Oeuf”.