What’s Cooking in Durham – Eat, Meet & Greet Heritage Lunch Series I live, I create, I enjoy. My passion for food and love of Durham Region inspired me to create a networking lunch event where friends and local business people can gather and enjoy lunch and casual networking at different restaurants in our area […]
Whitbylicious Summer Edition 2017 in Durham Region. Featuring local restaurants offering wonderful prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner between July 12 through to July 23, 2017. Click here for website.
While perusing my daily Facebook posts last Friday, I came across this post about a new Noodle joint opening in our area. Being a devoted noodle (pasta) lover, I immediately clicked on it. I thought hey, this is a pretty good deal; it was calling my name so I registered to get my free voucher for a […]
Last May I had the pleasure of taking out my assistant for her birthday to a quaint little bistro called ‘A Tavola’. A Tavola means ‘to the Table’. This Tavola has many little tables nestled in a small plaza on Garden Street, at the corner of Meadow Glen Drive in Whitby. At the time, A […]
Summer Sizzling with Pete’s Smokey Burger Ingredients: 1.5 lbs of good quality ground beef 1/8 tspn onion salt 1/8 tsp garlic salt 1/8 tsp onion powder 1/8 tsp garlic powder ¾ tsp salt 4 – 6 dashes Worcestershire 1 Tspn Spanish Paprika (smokey) Vera (see photo) 1 egg Oregano 3 – 4 Tbsp – fresh […]
January 13th, 2016 
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This recipe was shared by a dear friend of my mom’s and it has been a favourite for a long time.
In my version, I’ve omitted the crab (did not have any on hand), however, I added diced potato, corn and some bacon flavour. I also did not have enough evap milk so I also used milk. You could also add 5 or 10% cream. My process was a little different since I used onion, so I will note both ways to make it.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
Heat slowly – do not boil
DIRECTIONS:
Melt butter in large pot, saute onions until soft. Add flour and blend. Slowly add your milk and mix well. Do not boil. Simmer on low and keep stirring.
Add 1 Tablespoon of chicken flavour or vegetable broth. Adjust to taste. Do not add salt.
Add spinach for colour.
Add 2 cans of clams, your potatoes and corn.
Add some bacon fat for a bit of bacon flavour .
Stir and let thicken.
Enjoy!
September 10th, 2014 admin Comments Off on Heavenly Lunch Fondly Remembered – A Tavola Experience Last May I had the pleasure of taking out my assistant for her birthday to a quaint little bistro called ‘A Tavola’.
A Tavola means ‘to the Table’. This Tavola has many little tables nestled in a small plaza on Garden Street, at the corner of Meadow Glen Drive in Whitby. At the time, A Tavola was a very recent addition to Whitby and we welcomed it with open arms.
We were greeted by Dylan, a charming young man, whom took pride in his position and of the restaurant itself. Dylan was knowledgeable and very attentive to our needs. Chef Vito also made a point to say hi and welcomed us.
I was excited as there was a buzz about this place and I was looking forward to my meal. You don’t see this type of food fair just anywhere. They pride themselves on choice and quality as all ingredients are fresh from the local farms or produce stores that come to their Tavola.
For our little appetizer treat, we chose what I refer to as ‘heavenly balls’, but they are really rice balls (also referred to as Arancini in Italian), but little delightful rice balls were stuffed with smoked ham, chorizo, manchego cheese, peas & saffron tomato sauce. Although originating from Italy, these little gems had a lovely Spanish influence which did not disappoint.
The menu had an abundance of main choices and all very mouth watering. Usually you like to try two different entrees so you can share and experience two great meals, if you are lucky enough.
What did jump out actually and caught both our attention was the ‘Veal Salto in Boca’ (also known as Saltimboca) which actually means in Italian ‘jump in your mouth’. Well Jump In your Mouth it did just that, my mouth had ‘Food Sommersaults’! Was it was fate that this dish really did speak to the both of us?
Beneath the beautiful veal strip loin wrapped with crispy prosciutto and sage (in white wine sauce), were delicate oyster mushrooms atop a potato flan (like mashed but denser and more intense flavor). This was absolutely the best I’ve ever had and each layer was a delicious bite. It was worth forsaking a second entrée choice. My guest was also overjoyed with her dish but she had big plans for the grand finale – the dessert!
As soon as the word ‘chocolate’ was mentioned, it was decided that her choice for dessert was indeed a chocolate indulgence. She was served a warm flourless chocolate torte with a creamy house made vanilla gelato then drizzled with chocolate ganache. Incredibly rich, it’s the perfect dessert to satisfy any chocolate addiction.
I was pampered with the most amazing pana cotta (which I really wasn’t that big a fan of before), but after savouring each delicate bite of this creamy dessert topped with fresh fruit, I was now converting to a new ‘go to’ dessert.
The images below convey how beautiful our food was and it speaks volumes to your taste buds.
Dear Tavola, (and Chef Vito) it’s been too long, I am coming to the Table this evening and I can’t wait.
Nicole Mooney (food nerd/blogger)
