The Hungry Nomad - Food, Travel, Lifestyle

Les Faux Bourgeois (Vancouver, Canada)

July 18, 2011 No Comments

Last night I finally got to try Les Faux Bourgeouis– the french restaurant that everyone has been raving about. I’ve actually tried to go a few times however they are always full and I can’t get reservations. So last night we decided to just show up and hope for the best. The time estimate for a table at the bar was 45 minutes…and so we walked over to the Japamaican restaurant next door: the Lion’s Den to wait.

Within 20 minutes we were called to our bar space. The restaurant is not really in an area known for its food yet the restaurant has managed to get the crowds flocking to this corner of Kingsway st.

The inside is very chic and simple. I felt like I was back in Paris- especially as soon as the bartender welcomed us in his lovely french accident. Almost all of the staff were speaking french which added to the french ambiance.

Like all french experiences we started out our night with a bottle of red wine. For starters I ordered the onion soup and my friend, the goat cheese salad. The goat cheese salad looked and tasted amazing- and was on par with most salad de chevres I’ve had in France. However, I can’t say I was overly impressed with the onion soup. It was average- the broth was lacking in flavor and it was served warm. I was also not very happy with the chunks of bacon- however the melted cheese was perfect.

Onion Soup

For our entrees we both ordered the steak/frites– which was cooked to perfection and served with a side of delicious crispy fries.

Steak Frites

For dessert we ordered the chocolate mousse which was very chocolaty and made me very happy.

Chocolate Mousse

Midway through the evening…after a few glasses of red wine and french food and the buzzing of the francophone bartenders and waiters… I felt that I was dining in a local Parisian bistro. It was a great way to spend the evening and I will definitely be going back to this treasure of a restaurant again.

France, Paris, Travel

Through the Looking Glass (Paris, France)

July 10, 2011 3 Comments

The Nomads share many loves; sweets, cheese, travel and many more. Paris is another one of our loves. The Hungry Nomad has recently written an amazing and thorough guide to the city of light for all of us lucky to visit this vibrant city. I was happy to also spend some time in Paris a bit before and ooh, the food, the wine, the style, the culture, the vintage shopping! Since we never seem to get enough of this city, here a few impressions of my recent trip.

Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sweets

Poffertjes (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

July 2, 2011 2 Comments

Every time I come across my favorite local foods, well, sweets I get a bit nostalgic and I just have to have them. No different this time around. Poffertjes, loosely translated as little puffs, are tiny pancakes which you pair with icing sugar, butter and preferably a splash of liqueur (I chose one creatively called ‘brides tears’, a liqueur with aniseed and orange zest). You can find poffertjes at fancy fairs, festivals and basically any outdoor event in summer and winter. Yum!

Here a few bites to get a taste of what ‘home’ is to me. Let’s start and finish with lots of mini pancake goodness.

Athens, Bar, Greece

Six D.O.G.S (Athens, Greece)

June 30, 2011 3 Comments

Summer in the city. It sounds simply lovely, but here in Athens sometimes the heat, the crowds and the noise can all just get to you. This summer particularly, young and old Athenians are looking for some place positive and relaxed to forget and discuss what’s going on in their city. Luckily we can find refuge in some amazing hidden bars and cafés.

One of them is Six D.O.G.S in the city centre, just of Monasteraki Square. Six D.O.G.S calls itself a ‘day & night cultural entertainment centre’ and that description definitely covers all they have to offer. You’ll find a café, a bar, a visual arts’ project space, and a space for live gigs. My favorite by far though is their garden. First off is the surprise factor to find a place so serene and earthly just off one of the busiest parts of town. Completely hidden from the street you enter through a little tunnel to find yourself in another, peaceful, world. Also, they just serve about anything from coffee, cocktails to sandwiches and other seasonal & local mezes.. All the ingredients one needs to refuel after another day in the city, I should think!

Six D.O.G.S also often hosts one of my favorite monthly events in town: The Meet Market. If ever you’re in Athens, do check out if there’s one going on if you want to stock up on original art pieces, jewelry, (new & vintage) clothes from local artistsand craftspeople.

recipes

Ground Turkey & Chives Dumplings

June 28, 2011 No Comments

This recipe came from the very own master chef in my family- my uncle. If you don’t like pork but love dumplings like me then you will love this recipe.

Ingredients:

1- wonton wrappers
2- 1 cup ground turkey
3- sliced prawns (optional)
4- 1/2 green onion finely chopped
5- 2 slices fresh ginger
6- 1 garlic glove
7- 1 tbs Chinese rice wine
8– 1 tbs sesame oil
9- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Set the wonton wrappers on a large plate.
Mix the meat with all the other ingredients.
Place a small portion (about 1 tablespoon) of the filling into the middle of each wrapper.
Wet the edges of the dumplings with water. Fold the dough over the filling into a half moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. Continue with the remainder of the dumplings.
To cook, bring a large pot of water (or chicken broth) to a boil. Add half the dumplings, giving them a gentle stir so they don’t stick together. Bring the water to a boil and add 1/2 cup of cold water. Cover and repeat. When the dumplings come to a boil for a third time they are ready. Drain and remove. If desired, they can be pan-fried at this point.

Food Truck, Gourmand, Vancouver

Kaboom Box Burger Truck (Vancouver, Canada)

June 27, 2011 No Comments

So as you know food trucks are popping up all over Vancouver (and other metropolitan cities around the world). As a foodaholic- my mission for the summer has become to try each and every one and report back to my followers.

First on the list is the Kaboom Box located at the corner of Granville and Robson. Delicious gourmet burgers are to be had at this food truck plus friendly service. You can choose between the salmon, venison, oyster po-boy, and the veggie. PLUS you can choose between a side salad or fries… to top it off they also have poutine on the menu. Ever since I tasted my first real poutine in Quebec back country… it has become a weakness. Completely unhealthy but oh so delicious! I didn’t get a chance to try the poutine but I’ll definitely go back for more.

I ordered the Venison- and was very happy with it. The burgers are served on a ciabatta style bun with green leaves and fries. The venison patty was moist and perfectly charred. There is nothing like a good burger and this was definitely VERY good. I pretty much inhaled the entire thing in less than 5 minutes (not so proud of it really).

I am so far impressed with this whole food truck business. The burger man himself also spent a few years in New Orleans (given that oyster po-boy was on the menu)- that added to the whole experience- as I anxiously waited for my burger and fries we reminisced about the delicious spots in Nola.

Could not resist taking a bite before taking a photo

Gourmand, Vancouver

Lunch at the Hawksworth (Vancouver, Canada)

June 18, 2011 1 Comment

I have been very eager to try one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Vancouver- the Hawksworth. I finally went there for lunch this past week (apparently its practically impossible to get a dinner reservation these days) and was very pleased with both the food and service.

The decor is very smart, chic and elegant. Single while calla lilies are placed at each white-marble topped table. A dark-wooden wall with two tall arches separates the dining area into two spaces: the art room with abstract paintings covering the wall and black spider like ceiling lights, and the pearl room with its stunning and massive chandelier.

For me it was a true fine dining experience and yet there was no air or pretense to the place. Every table gets a visit from a member of the ‘wine team’- a great idea considering the wine list is over 17 pages long including dessert wine, sake and sherry.

The menu is very well thought out. Every single dish looked absolutely delightful. As an appetizer we went with prociutto wrapped around delicious bread drizzled with olive oil. I don’t know what exactly the bread was but it was absolutely delicious…crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The fries were a mix between baked potatoes and deep fried fries and I learnt from the server that in fact the fries are first baked and then lightly fried to perfection. They were absolutely DELICIOUS.

Tuna Salad

For my main dish I opted for the roasted hanger steak served with thrice cooked frites, arugula, and chimmichurri sauce. First of all, I have to say that I love chimichurri sauce so as soon as I saw that the steak was served with chimmichurri my mind was made up. Chimmichurri sauce is originally from Argentna and Uruguay and is served with meat.

Hanger steak served with chimichurri sauce and mouth-watering fries

The entire meal was fabulous and I am now planning to take another trip to Hawksworth. This time for dinner. Keep your eye out for my next post on dinner at the Hawksworth.

Greece, Travel

Quick Getaway (Salamina, Greece)

June 13, 2011 No Comments

We just had a long lovely weekend here in Greece. For most Athenians this means finding a way to escape the city. While not as popular with tourists as Hydra, Spetses or Aegina, Salamina does draw its fair amount of locals in search for a quick day trip, clean beaches and the famous Greek blue seas.

And understandably so: getting there is a breeze and dirt cheap (a ticket for the ferry boat is only 0,80 cents as a lot of commuters leave the island daily to work in the city). What I also liked about the island is that it’s unlike the southern suburbs of Athens where most beaches are ‘organized’ and fully packed, meaning you pay a hefty entrance fee to get to the sea. So while Salamina lacks the charm and infrastructure of the more popular getaways, it makes up for it with its proximity, affordability and relaxed atmosphere. All in all, I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon there of sun, sea and a little crochet.

Greece, recipes

Loukoumades (Honey Puffs)

June 10, 2011 2 Comments

Loukoumades, one of my favourite Greek pastries, are sweet fritters (similar to doughnuts) that are deep fried till golden brown and served warm with a honey syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts. Just be prepared to get deliciously messy when eating these purely yummy puffs.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 kilo flour

2 teaspoons yeast

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

oil for frying

SYRUP:

2 teacups honey

1 teacup sugar

stick of cinnamon

2 teacups water

METHOD:

1. Dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water.

2. Put the flour and the salt in a bowl and gradually add the dissolved yeast mixing by hand.

3. Gradually add some lukewarm water until you have a paste that is neither too fluid nor too thick.

4. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it stand in warm water for about an hour.

5. When the batter doubles in size and forms “bubbles”, heat plenty of oil in a pot, until it is scalding hot.

6. Drop teaspoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and allow the loukoumades to turn golden brown.

7. Remove the loukoumades (honey puffs) from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them onto a plate.

8. In the meantime prepare the syrup : in a pot boil the honey, the sugar , the water and the cinnamon stick for about 10 minutes.

9. Pour the syrup over the loukoumades and sprinkle with cinnamon.

10. Serve hot

Greece, Travel

Live the Myth in Greece-Part I (Mykonos & Paros, Greece)

June 9, 2011 No Comments

Yiassou Readers,

Todays post is dedicated to Greece (Ελλάδα). I hope you enjoy.

In a different life I found myself spending endless summer nights and hot summer days in Greece. Oh greece (sigh)s’aga po. When I lived in Switzerland, there was a tourism commercial advertising travel to Greece. Its motto was “Live the myth in Greece“…and I am happy that I got to live my myth in Greece. For as soon as I stepped into this land of the gods everything about it seemed magical and mythical. It felt like a really great dream…the ones you don’t want to wake up from. From the beauty and history of Athens to the charm and mouth-dropping scenery of the islands…Greece really offers it all.

This blog post is dedicated to Mykonos and Paros. Better known as the cosmopolitan party island, Mykonos has everything to offer from amazing beaches to great night life and lets not mention the food which also deserves its own post. Mykonos is a great example of unique Cycladic architecture set around a picturesque fishing-village bay. Totally whitewashed organic cube-like buildings fit closely together to form a kind of haphazard maze of narrow alley ways and streets. The earth colors of the bare hills which surround the town’s whiteness is set between the aura of an incredibly blue sky and even deeper blue sparkling sea. Its many well preserved windmills and hundreds of tiny red-roofed churches adds a flavor of culture and custom to the scene, enhanced even further by many museums and the historical ancient site of Delos. Together with being friendly and open people, the locals have a healthy understanding of what it means to have a good time. Put this together with all the island’s other qualities and it is no wonder Mykonos has been often named “the jewel” of the Aegean Sea.

As summer approaches I can’t stop thinking of Greece, greek food, greek music and the magic of the greek islands. And I secretly pray to the greek gods to return me to the land of magic…but for now I can only dream as I sit behind my computer. If you haven’t already make sure you live your own myth in Greece.