Food for Thought with Alex Bielak - Sips Between the Lines, Curbside Bites and Tastebuds Edition

Sips Between the Lines, Curbside Bites and Tastebuds Edition

Just published this week, Curbside: Modern street food from a vagabond chef (Whitecap Books), is a terrific book by Chef Adam Hynam-Smith: he and his partner own the gourmet food truck – El Gastrónomo Vagabundo (know simply as El Gastro to his many mates) that ranges throughout the Niagara Region up to Hamilton.

I just received my review copy a few days ago, and was totally blown away by the quality of the nearly-300 page book. Hynam-Smith, Aussie by birth and now Niagara-based, is one of the bright lights on the culinary scene, and in the book he shares his own innovative recipes, along with

From the Lens of Ron Ogulin

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Ron Ogulin is a talented local photographer. From time to time, The Hamiltonian features local artists and photographers. 

If you are a photographer who would like to submit a picture for consideration, please send to admin@thehamiltonian.info

Food for Thought with Alex Bielak- The this just in Edition – Knitted Meat, and Films on Food

The this just in Edition – Knitted Meat, and Films on Food

Every so often an email pops up via the email address at the end of the column informing me of a food-related event. This week I got a doozy featuring “knitted meat”, and it is so out there I had to share it and the photos that came with it.

But before I do, and since we now have easier access to the Great Metropolis down the Go, readers might appreciate knowing TIFF’s “Food on Film” is underway until June 24th. Hosted by CBC’s Matt Galloway, the series features films related to food, followed by discussion on a variety of related topics.

For full details and ticket info click here. Three films remain to be screened and if I had to pick just one to see it would probably be the one on May 13th featuring innovative America Chef, Wylie Dufresne. He will discuss his inventive approach to cooking and introduce the 1991 French “post-

Food for Thought with Alex Bielak - The top 4 ingredients for judging food fests

The top 4 ingredients for judging food fests (Judging Soupfest - Part 2)

A few weeks back I had the privilege to adjudicate a new award at Soupfest 13. Joining me in deciding who would win the “Foodie Choice” award were the Spec’s GoCooking Co-ordinator, Karen Aquino, Dave Hanley of Pop-up Hamilton, Food Blogger Amanda Kinnaird of Inspire Hamilton, and another busy Food Blogger around town, Chanry Thatch.

While largely informal, such competitions can be hotly-contested. As Nina Ruelens, Executive Chef of the 4th Course Bistro at Copetown Woods alluded to in the first part of this article, the results of being judged by peers, and others in the industry, matter.

We were there as individuals with both knowledge of, and great passion for food, rather than as “celebrity” judges or participants. (The latter often generously appear at such functions for publicity/promotional reasons, but might not have much relevant expertise beyond liking good food.) I’ve been personally involved in judging several such competitions now (ChilliFest, Battledish,

Our Own Alex Bielak to be a SoupFest Judge

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The Hamiltonian’s own Food for Thought Columnist has been asked to be a judge at this major event taking place next Tues, February 24th. More than 25 area restaurants will compete for Best Soup, Most Creative Soup, Best Display and the Best Grow Local category. Local celebrities and politicians come out to serve soup and help with the event. There is a Toonie Auction & live entertainment.

There is still time to get Soupfest 2015 Tickets.  Tickets are available via the Living Rock website or by calling 905-528-7625 ext 250. All funds raised will support the Ministries’ efforts in responding to youth-at-risk. The event will be held at the Hamilton Convention Centre.

Congrats Alex. And congrats to SoupFest for rallying in favour of a great cause!

Food for Thought with Alex Bielak - Unsung Tastes

Sue Hofman of
Lakeshore Coffee House

Unsung Tastes

Before I get to the main platter in this edition of Food for Thought, here’s an appetizer for readers, a “meat Valentine,” if you will, particularly those who love a great steak. The next column will feature Stoney Creek’s VG Meats: they held a super event recently, launching their “MeatMentor” mobile app to an audience of hungry bloggers (it is also available for your Android or Blackberry, as well as your Iphone.). A Canadian – and perhaps world-first, it allows shoppers to ascertain how tender a cut of beef is before buying it. Details, interviews with the forward-thinking folk who developed it, and pictures from the launch, in a fortnight.

Last time around I mentioned Feb 22nd to March 15th is the prix-fix Taste of Burlington and promised an update on the January launch event. Click at the end of the column to see pictures of some of the mouth-watering dishes served up by participating restaurants.

The standout dish was the People’s Choice winner (and Judges’ runner up) served up by Chef Mitchell Lamb of Stone House Restaurant. Lamb’s dish of Maple & Bourbon Glazed Beef Ribs