Allium Cepa… we can’t quit you!

Ah the simple, yet magical, onion.  Love cooking them, eating them… they have so much deliciousness, yet they don’t pack a bunch of calories.  They go with lots of different dishes and come in so many varieties! Who doesn’t already know all that!? We are definitely big fans of something so basic. I could provide countless recipes and suggestions for how to make them part of your meals, but for now, just one recipe for an incredible topping that if you make it yourself, saves you a very high price tag at Williams-Sonoma.

While browsing there for a sauce they used to carry years ago (of course it’s not there anymore, what could I have possibly been thinking!) I decided to grab a couple of new tastes to try out.  Didn’t look closely, just paid the bill and went home. Finally opened the one they call Balsamic Onion Marmalade by WichCraft.

Looks like an unassuming jar of brown goo.  Warmed it up a bit and put some on top of our filet mignon. WOW. The flavour was just brilliant! We finished the small jar quite quickly and it was then that I noticed the price: $22!!!!! For onions! and vinegar!!! Not to mention having to travel to Williams-Sonoma to replenish.  This of course prompted an immediate search for a recipe and lo and behold, it is on the web, and it is the recipe of the actual product. It did not take long to test it out.

It was just as fabulous, and NOT $22.  I used 5 yellow onions and President’s Choice Balsamic Vinegar ($4 a bottle and this brand of vinegar also has no gluten, so your gluten intolerant friends can enjoy it as well… or any brand that doesn’t contain gluten ingredients will do.) and followed the recipe quite exactly. Easy! So if you are looking for something to kick up your steaks, sandwiches, uh, rice? frozen pizza? You could put this stuff on so much! Whip up a batch and enjoy!

K&L 😀

What happens at Rama stays at Rama

…mostly…except for this post! So we said we gotta get out more and that’s what we did.  After seeing Seinfeld on Friday night in Toronto (he was GREAT, hilarious from start to finish, see his show if you get a chance) we stumbled across a vodka bar, downtown while searching for a quick post show drink.  If you are a fan of the product, check out Pravda. Interesting decor, and the knowledgeable servers will set you up with something interesting to try if you feel adventurous.  I particularly enjoyed the Reyka and will likely pick some up as a change from Ketel One.

Now onto Casino Rama times! The next night we had tickets to see Amanda Marshall. As is becoming tradition, we booked to go to St. Germain’s restaurant in the casino. We usually like to book early, but could only get a table for 7:30 with the show starting at 9.  I thought it would be cutting it close and it turns out I was unfortunately right. Anyway, we were seated at our now favourite table: 46, which is in a corner and provides a bit more privacy than the other tables seem to.  When our waiter arrived, we realized it was Michael, who had served us the last time we were there. He assures us that next time, he will remember us!

We mostly had our choices planned out, as we are always watching what we eat now, but that doesn’t mean it has to be plain and uninteresting! We ordered the scallops and lobster bisque to start.  Scallop dish was different than last time, but WOW still just as delicious and surprisingly, they were sitting on a thick slab of double smoked bacon.  They were just as soft and perfectly cooked as the last time.  The bisque was also a treat. So rich tasting and not something we have often, so another rewarding choice.  We were also enjoying a bottle of Amarone wine… always an excellent selection to compliment fabulous food. After that we had ordered prime rib (with just vegetables, no starch), but as I mentioned, time was getting tight and the food arrived about 10 minutes before show time, so we wolfed it! Not the most comfortable way to eat a full dinner, but superfoodies persevered. I was however wearing a new white blazer and well, splashing meat is not your friend in such times.

We raced off to the show, she did start slightly late luckily for us, and she was spectacular! One of the best shows I have seen and her voice is beyond compare… I can’t do it justice, you will just have to go and see her if you ever get the chance! After the show we had some beverages with friends and after they left, I saw the mane of hair that gives her away instantly… Amanda Marshall was just relaxing in the lounge, and stayed there the whole evening.  We were lucky to get a pic with her (I was very excited to be able to say hello and how much we enjoyed the show!) Also enjoyed “a few” beverages and an interesting chat with drummer Al and pal Gary. What a fantastic night! And of course the rest of the night stays between superfoodies and Rama!

K&L 😀