"TheTorontoStar" news and stories

Woes, Wine and Wrecks - The Toronto Star in 60 Seconds

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Sep 25th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Young green strawberry.
Photo: tanakawho, Flickr.

Ontario farmers beat the heat challenge and find a way to grow fresh, sweet strawberries until first frost.
"Mud to Mouth" takes 6 acres of donated farm land and shows students where food comes from.
After financial woes, Jamie Kennedy sells the Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar.
Toronto's Recipe for Community hopes to bring generations together and rebuild the community of Alexandra Park.
A talk with Jen Yates of Cake Wrecks, and how her blog has become a book.
September 24th marked the 250th anniversary of Guinness.
Wine critic Gord Stimmel's global values cover Italy, California, South Africa, Spain and Australia.
Recipes: Coconut Curry, Chicken and Corn Chowder, Grilled Tomato Vinaigrette Chicken, Turkish Beet Salad.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Aug 21st 2009 @ 12:00PM

Niagara's Lailey Vineyard. Photo: Monika Bartyzel

Trekking across the Niagara Region for seasonal comfort food, pies and wines, and traveling through Muskoka for honey, coffee and family farming.
"Mad Men," their love of cocktails, and a recipe for a Betty Draper-inspired gimlet.
Sumac's sour, fruit-like flavor makes it a great substitute for a splash of lemon.
Open's 2008 Riesling-Gewürtztraminer is a fine summer wine, plus the run-down on Beringer's 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ("a steal") and Prospect's Pinot Noir.
The porcine pleasures of prosciutto pioneers.
Recipe: Wild Blueberry Lemon Jam

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jul 17th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Grapefruit. Photo: Zanastardust, Flickr

A new University of Western Ontario study suggests that eating grapefruit can help fend off fast-food fat.
Toronto-based chef Susur Lee has his own vacation package up and running.
As the "Julie & Julia" release date moves closer, a chat with author Julie Powell and Judith Jones, Child's Knopf editor.
Visit a specialty hot sauce store or make your own tongue-zingers.
Carrots can be orange, yellow or purple!
From farm to fork: A look at duck farming at King Cole Ducks.
Weekly wine picks: Strewn 2008 Cabernet Rosé, Ravenswood Vintners Blend 2007 Chardonnay, Torri Riserva Chianti Colli Senesi 2005, Quinta Da Carregosa Tinto 2007, Lan Reserva 2004.
Recipe: Eggplant Börek.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Jun 12th 2009 @ 12:00PM

Sommelier Charles Baker takes the singleton approach to winemaking, using a single vineyard, grower, and varietal to produce his distinct Riesling.
Toronto bakers and sweets experts put their love of bacon on the line and whip up porcine cupcakes, chocolate, mints and even crème brûlée.
Quebec is home to Canada's most flexible and creative beer brewers, such as the divine Unibroue and St. Ambroise.
In beer-fixated Toronto, cocktail lovers are trying to get some respect for their creative libations.
Recipe: Pasta with Kale, Chickpeas, and Parmesan
You don't have to buy pre-made pretzels anymore: Auntie Anne's now offers pretzel kits so that you can reproduce that addictive aroma at home.

by Monika Bartyzel, Posted May 8th 2009 @ 12:00PM

What signals spring to foodies and locavores in Toronto? Ramps, which are also known as wild leeks.
The keys to a good rice and peas unlock a classic Jamaican tradition.
How do you get lunch at work while helping the environment? Bike Deli has the answer.
Chef Lynn Crawford cooks for the Salute Wine Festival to raise money for one of Toronto's hospitals.
Five great wine bargains, including four for under $20. Standouts include a 2006 Niagara College Teaching Winery Unoaked Chardonnay and the 2007 Domaine Saint Prix Bourgogne Aligoté.
Recipes: Carne Asada, Chocolate Mayo Cake, Tuscan Beans with Tomatoes, Garlic and Sage and Ginger Pork Lettuce Wraps.