Feeling Irish

My family like many North American families has been on this continent for hundreds of years. Studies show that the first Conklin's to arrive on this continent arrived sometime between the 1500 and 1600 hundreds. Members of my family have done extensive research about my specific branch of Conklin's and came to the conclusion that we were glass makers in London England before we migrated to North Eastern United States. They also found that the name Conklin came from the word "Conk" which is British slang for big noise. This doesn't seem all that far fetched when looking at my immediate relatives noises and the character that each noise seems to possess. 

Knowing where we come from is something that many humans take pride in. The debate within my family is are the Conklin's Irish, English or Dutch. Evidence points to all three. Something I found doing a Google search as a boy was a Conklin family motto. The motto read "Glory is the reward of valour". This motto was taken off a website that claimed Conklin was originally a Dutch name. I always liked to think that Conklin was an Irish name. However someone pointed out to me recently that Conklin's may in fact have originated in Cornwall England. I have nothing wrong with being from England don't get me wrong, I just always liked the thought of being Irish. Is it possible that Conklin came originally from the Netherlands, moved to Ireland and then ended up in England before crossing the Atlantic to Boston. I guess these are all possibilities. One thing that is certain is that the Conklin's have been on this continent for over 400 years. The Conklin's it is said were loyal to the British crown and fled north when the Americans claimed their independence from the crown, more evidence showing that we were in fact English.

All I know is that it is fun to think about all of this stuff, and not knowing were you come from will always be the case for many who live on the North American continent. I do hope one day to travel back across the atlantic and visit these places where maybe my ancestors once lived hundreds of years ago, but until then, I just have my large noise and Canadian patriotism to satisfy my curiosity.     

Wasabi on Broadway

Wasabi is a popular sushi destination for many Winnipeggers. There are many rolls one can choose from as well as many different sakes. I personally enjoyed the Tortilla Sushi, Spicy Mango Prawns, Spider Roll (soft shell crab),  Veggie Caterpillar and a couple martinis. The atmosphere is very sophisticated and the serving staff is knowledgable and friendly. There are three locations in Winnipeg all offering a different spin on Sushi and drinks. If you want to take your taste buds on an adventure and get silly while doing so, check this place out.

Cheers,

Johnny Eats

Usually I post a recipe about simple home cooked delicious fare however today I'm going to write about a place I like to eat at in Winnipeg. My favourite restaurant in Winnipeg is easily the Bonfire Bistro. You may be asking yourself what is the Bonfire Bistro or more importantly where is the Bonfire Bistro. Well those are both good questions.

First of all the Bonfire Bistro is located in the heart of River Heights on Corydon Ave between Waterloo and Niagara St and across from the also delicious Greek Market. The Bonfire Bistro has a lovely wood burning oven which gives a large portion of their food a wood smoky taste (hence the name). Bonfire Bistro is a sister restaurant to the popular Cafe Carlo Which is located on Lilac St between Corydon and McMillan Ave. Bonfire, is the more casual of the two although it still serves up some real tasty treats.

When at Bonfire make sure to try a pizza and don't hesitate to share one as an appetizer so you can enjoy a dinner entree. Personally,  I love the Paella but everything is good and made fresh here so if you're hungry dive right in. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable, which is perfect for the bargain savvy type. I think this is a must try for anyone interested in deliciousness.  

I think that is all I have to say about the Bonfire Bistro for now but I do want to add that it is locally owned and the service is very pleasant. Everything about the place is easy going so next time you feel like relaxing head down to River Heights and check out this gem of a bistro.   

http://www.bonfirebistro.ca/

     

Munchies on Maryland.

Bella Vista is an Italian restaurant located at the corner of Maryland and Wolseley. Not a flashy joint from the outside, and covered in graffiti, the Bella Vista is exactly what you would expect it to be once you’re inside the front doors. This neighborhood restaurant has a hippy-ish lounge with a vintage bohemian feel.

A relatively small dining room with a lounge filled with what appeared to be regulars; there is something about the place that gives you the feeling like you’re at a family-run establishment. We sat at the bar, this way we could keep an eye on the hockey game and watch the jazz band set up their equipment for their first set. We had to wait for ten minutes before we got stools and the lounge was equally as busy as the dining room. Underneath the one large television showing the Jets game there was a small VLT area hidden from rest of the lounge by a curtain.

We ordered a pitcher of the only beer they carry on tap to drink. A local beer, Fort Garry Pale Ale, was fresh tasting and wet our appetites. The service was casual, as our server seemed to be chatty with all of her tables, giving the impression that Bella Vista is the kind of place that has its loyal patrons.

We sat for a few minutes with the menus closed before the server from the dining room noticed us and in an almost panicky but sincere manner, told us that our server shouldn’t be too much longer, asking if there was something she could get us to start. We decided on a large caesar salad, which we split three ways.

The salad portion was generous, which provided each of us with enough to be satisfied. The dressing is made in-house, and is perfect for anyone who is suffering from a cold; the sharp and tangy house signature is extremely garlicky with a blue cheese undertone. I had a good feeling about the pizza after tasting the salad.

A large Bella Vista was the right amount for three hungry adults. This thick crust traditional style pizza is the type of pizza you eat with a knife and fork. The toppings were piled high and there was no shortage of mozzarella. For dinner we switched to wine, the house red, which is the only wine on the menu that comes by the glass. The house red is an easy-drinking well-balanced wine that complements the spice of the pizza, a smooth finish with a hint of cherry.

The facilities were clean and small. There was lots of parking on the street and the parking lot behind the restaurant fits about ten cars.

The damage on the bill was 60 bucks for three people to eat one large caesar salad, one large house pizza, a pitcher of beer and a glass of house red each. The Jets had won the game and the Jazz band was ready to play. Bella Vista is a relaxing and casual spot where you can enjoy traditional homemade Italian food at a reasonable price.

     

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup comes in handy on a chilly day. I enjoy a bowl when I've got a lot of sports to play or I'm just not feeling all that great. You can taste chicken noodle soup in your bones, especially when it's home made!

Making chicken noodle soup is easy.

You just need to be patient.

A hearty treat that goes
well with cheese and crackers.

I recommend this!

Alfredo Lasagna

This is a fantastic dish, and a home run hit with friends and is also great for pot-lucks.

White Lasagna (use Tofu instead of meat as a substitute if preferred)

Shopping list

3 boxes of oven ready lasagna (it’s just easier this was)

1 lb ground turkey

1 lb ground Italian sausage

1 onion

1 litre cream (35%)

2 cups milk

1200 grams of frozen spinach

2 lb’s of mushroom

½ a head of garlic

1 cup of flour

4 tbl spoon of olive oil

½ lb butter

1 kilogram of ricotta

½ lb of sharp white cheddar

2 lb’s of mozzarella

250 grams of parmesan

2 tbl spoon of basil

Salt and pepper to taste

White sauce

Combine ¼ cup butter with one table spoon of olive oil in a large saucepot and melt together over medium heat. Add the one cup of flour and stir until combined and smooth. To this flour mixture, add all of the milk and cream and stir to combine over a medium heat. Once sauce has thickened slightly, add all of the frozen spinach, season with salt and pepper, and add about one liter of water to extend the sauce and make it thinner; Stir in the Basil.

Meat Mixture

Over high heat, melt some butter and add the onion (fine dice) and sauté till translucent. Add the ground turkey and the ground Italian sausage and cook until the meat is no longer pink and is cooked through; Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Build the Lasagna

This is when the fun begins. Start by putting a bottom layer of lasagna on the bottom of your pan. After this place a little sauce while adding layers of mushroom, meat and the cheeses. Repeat this procedure three times and throw in your preheated oven at 400 degrees. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the noodles are soft enough to poke a hole through. Serve with a baguette and your favourite wine.

Enjoy!    

Remembering and making corn chowder.

Friday November 11, was a day to remember all of those who have fought for our freedoms. It was also a chilly day and a perfect day to make corn chowder. My favorite cooking pal Shaun Ursall, picked me up after I attended a Remembrance day service at Valor Rd. Corn chowder had been the topic of discussion the previous week so we thought we should go ahead and give it a shot. This recipe is extremely easy to prepare and very cost effective, less than 5 dollars per liter. The total of all the ingredients was 50 bucks and we produced 11 liters plus the 2 bowls we ate before dividing up rest of the chowder. 

Ingredients

3 Tbl spoon olive oil

1 Pound of carrots (rough chopped)

2 Onions (rough chopped)

200 Grams of double smoked bacon (rough chopped)

2 pounds of red potatoes (rough chopped)

1 Pound of gound chicken

1 pound of ground turkey

1 Tbl spoon chili powder

1 Tbl spoon Lemon herb season

1 Tbl spoon vegatble seasoning

1 Tbl spoon of driend basil

1 tbl spoon celery salt

1 tbl of onion powder

3 pounds of frozen corn

½ liter of milk

½ liter of whipping cream (35%)

 Believe it or not we just started throwing everything in a big pot and brought it to a boil and waited for the potatoes to cook. Add salt and pepper to taste and you’ve got yourself one tasty chowder. You can enjoy this chowder with some nice bread and butter. Another great thing about this chowder is that it freezes well.

 Next week we’re back to our old tricks again and will be preparing lasagna; however we have chosen to make white lasagna with chicken and mushroom this time. 

Here's a little jingle to get you in the mood for a little Italian.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIJzpdJIdmI&feature=youtu.be