offtario rips off

While in Austin a couple of weeks ago, it didn't look like the cost of living was cheaper than what it is in boring Offtario. However, it was shocking to see how a bottle of Sammy Hagar's tequila costs basically a half of what the LCBO charges.

Earlier today I found a few bottles of Cabo Wabo Reposado at the local LCBO, and the price was $79.95. Considering the current dollar exchange, this would be about $71.95 US dollars, which compared with the $38.83 they charge in Texas, suggest a shameless exercise of ripping off Ontario consumers happens to be the sad reality of what seems to be a nation in decay. 

intriguing winter beverages

The winter is over in the Northern hemisphere, at least according to the calendar. The past cold months were ideal to stay at home, or travel somewhere warmer, so we did a little of both. 

Being exposed to the real world of wine, instead of the vulgar caricature built by the dated LCBO, can be really exciting. Whenever I have a chance to do so, away from dull Offtario, I always take advantage of it.

In Nashville I found four bottles, and three of them were satisfactory discoveries. Owen Roe from Washington state was perhaps our favourite, but the two from Napa Valley, Ladera in particular (2009 Howell Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon) and Scaggs (2009 Mt. Veeder Montage, a blend of classic Southern Rhone Varietals: Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah and Counoise), were options I'd happily bring to the table again.

The first visit to Russian River was a total blast, and Phoebe at Ceritas was simply a wonderful host. The Pinot Noir focus, by definition, has more of an excitement factor. Since our first road trips around Victoria during the last decade, this grape has won my heart. Of course, some talented wine makers like William Downie or Phillip Jones had something to do with this. However, the Chardonnays from Ceritas are also fascinating.

Last week in Texas we had a tight schedule, but fortunately there was time to socore three stops in real wine shops, unlike the ugly temple of governmental mediocrity known as the LCBO, which Ontarians have to suffer with religious resignation. I got a bottle from Joseph Swan Vineyards, a 2005 Trenton State-Russian River Valley Pinot Noir (14.3%). We had it last night with a beautiful steak from Carsons Farm in Perth County, and we liked it. Earlier this week we had another Pinot Noir by Williams Selyem, a 2011 Russian River-Sonoma County (13.6%), which was fine, over the average, but perhaps lacking a little personality.

Being so close to Mexico it was hard to avoid the temptation of bringing a little flavour from such a generous culture. 

trio of skulls

Every year SXSW seems to become bigger and crappier; I guess it's unavoidable. However there's always a few exceptions. 

It was shocking to see Rich Robinson Band trying to play in what he politely described as "a very chaotic night". I'd probably have described it as the most unprofessional event imaginable. So, perhaps he should have said a very chaotic festival, both for musicians and music fans.

The lights and propaganda were without a question on full display, in a very  American way.

texan charmers

After a mere 48 hour stop in the snowy North, the warmer Texan capital has become an ideal place to visualize the winter-spring transition. Our first meal, under the enjoyable guidance of Floyd from Mississippi, was a great start.

The liquid component was a pretty phenomenal part of our first evening back in Austin, but the absolute favourite was the "Kinilaw", and amberjack Filipino ceviche with coconut vinegar; I loved it.

The second dish was pretty good, "Sawara": Spanish mackerel, sofrito, ponzu, daikon and chapulines (Mexican toasted grasshoppers, very popular in Oaxaca).

A selection of vegetables from Austin farmers made a really colourful presentation, presented as an "Ode to Michel Bras".

The rabbit dish was simply brilliant: hen egg, rillette, nahm, kale, rabbit jus and collard greens.

The beef rice was a phenomenal step forward. Even if it had nothing to do with Lynn's paella, its deep flavour reminded me of it. It was made with Koshihikari, a popular variety of rice cultivated in Japan as well as Australia and the US. Apparently it was first produced in 1956 at the Fukui prefectural agricultural research facility. Wild mushrooms and salmorra were part of this stimulating  equation.

The end was also brilliant: Cheddar cheese ice cream, including crispy waffle, goat milk cajeta, peanut praline and a glorious aged cheddar ice cream. After so many years visiting Austin, I believe this was the first serious dinner I had in the Texan capital.

warming up

Nothing like shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) to empower a simple soup. I never was a big fan of soup, but when the average temperature is under -10C, soup becomes a very useful choice.