Delhi Street Bistro

Pronounce it how you want: Dell-ee, Dell-hi, it doesn't change the fact that this relatively new eatery in Guelph is serving up local fare with the experience and passion of a refined palette and a care for seasonal ingredients.

We had admittedly been yearning to eat at the Bistro for some time, but any chance we had seemed thwarted by some external force, causing us to miss the opportunity and salivate even more over the well-reputed reviews coming our way.  Thankfully for us, however, opportunities are something that can often be controlled by the most persistent of cravings. 

Aptly located on Delhi Street, just across from the hospital, this quaint and bright establishment forms itself at the hands of executive chef and co-owner  Luke and his wife, who recently returned to Guelph with an idea, a touch of faith and a whole lot of dedication for what they clearly enjoy the most - good food.

Luke, who spent the past 9-years in Montreal earning stripes and slinging pans, has taken the time to craft their menu from locally sourced ingredients and agriculture.  It is actually a note of interest that when we were there Famalicious was taking place and, while many other restaurants were challenged to create outside the box dishes to meet the criteria of such an event, Delhi Street Bistro simply had to continue what they already practice. 

In regards to their menu, it should be noted here that, while it may seem limited and short, one should not read that as a negative; instead, see it as a positive sign that they aren't willing to over complicate your decision, that they are only going to put on the menu what they can guarantee, and finall, that they have given themselves the opportunity to change with the season, or, for that matter, week to week, even day to day.  I mean, think of it this way: why put apples on a menu if apples aren't in season?

To speak on the dishes we specifically ate, we were both impressed and proud of our choices.  Alison with her portabello and brie sandwich, me with my falafel wrap, with a side of fries and a house salad respectively, our plates were polished by the end of our lunch and, though we couldn't have comfortably forced down another bite, there was no getting around the fact that we would undoubtedly order the baco noir chocolate slice with creme anglaise for desert.  I don't need to tell you how it tasted.

As for the decor - they've kept it charmingly simple, bright, open and comfortable.  It paints itself as the perfect place to go for a cappuccino and light lunch, or brunch on a Sunday.  And, perhaps my affinity for Neko Case puts me on the biased opinion side of the line, but the music was well suited to the personalities of the chef and owners and made our experience a welcoming and somehow familiar one.

Yes folks, it took us a while to get in there, but we did it and we are going to go back.  Right now as a matter of fact; the way they described the savoury French toast demands it.  So, check out the menu, drop in for lunch, bring a friend or the family and enjoy the Bistro experience with Luke and crew. 

Gotta run....
-Phil

http://www.delhistreetbistro.com/Menu.html

A Mountain Is A Mouth

Okay, so there is no refuting the fact that I had the most incredibly delicious, satisfying, satiating, savoury, succulent and otherwise perfect meal a few nights ago at Canoe in Toronto.  And while I wish more than anything to sit here and tell you all about the perfect pairing of foie gras and wine, something pressing this way comes, and so here I must wait, as this next bit simply must be shared, lest it be too late...

Bruce Peninsula:

1) a 400 million year-old landscape of beauty peaking out of the Niagara Escarpment, offering trails and adventure for thousands of visitors every year.

2) a 5-year collaborative effort of musical prowess and bellowing voices, culminating in a gospel-like sound that reminds of us of a soulful talent no amount of studio-based production could possibly reproduce.  These guys are legit.

Well, whichever you choose to see over the next 24-hours, I'm sure you won't be disappointed and for those choosing a pre-fall hike, I tip my hat and bid you safe travels.  For those geared up for a downtown romp in the shadows of greatness, I'll see you there! 

Taking the stage at EBar, with doors at 9:30, a cover of a mere $10, and support from Snowblink, the band will be making its much anticipated return to the stage in celebration of their sophomore album, Open Flames, which will be released October 4 of this year. 

It had certainly been a rough go for the band, with front man Neil Haverty battling through leukemia just before the album finished production; but in full-remission and with renewed ambition, they are back to bring us more of that fabulous brand of vocal dexterity. 

I know I put the all-call out there for many bands passing through our city, and all of them I stand proudly behind, but if you choose to heed the advice of only one recommendation from this site, please, see this show as that opportunity, you will not be disappointed.

\

And so on that note I leave you for the evening.  Many I hope to see tomorrow, but for all others, I will return to follow up on what can only be described as the best meal I've eaten in 4-years.

Cheers

-Phil

http://www.bruce-peninsula.com/

Uh-Oh

There are few things more dangerous in life than a craving. That pesky and delicious little desire that starts out as a thought in the back of your brain and then slowly works its way down to your taste buds, causing them to water and salivate, teasing you with the memory of the last time you satiated every pleasure receptor with the flavours of "whatever".

I like to think of myself as a being of strong will. Put in front of me all you dare and I can stand my ground, laughing in the presence of the sweet, the salty, the savoury; I can walk away a stronger person because of it. Every man, however, has his weakness. Like Kryptonite to my soul, the one thing I cannot turn down or walk away from is that wonderful Montreal invention so savoury and delicious: The Poutine.

If it's in front of me I will eat until it's gone, no matter the consequences on my system; to waste such beauty seems blasphemous to me. If it's on the menu, I will order it. Yes, please, I will have cheese and gravy, I will pay extra, I don't care how much, just give me what I NEED! And it doesn't seem to matter the quality to me either. I mean, don't get me wrong, I know the good from the bad and I know what restaurants use cheese curds and home made gravy and I know the ones that use shredded "cheddar" and package brown sauce, but it doesn't matter; in fact something about the ladder makes it seem even more sinful and somehow forbidden. Well, to such forbidden fruit I say "Cast me out if it means one taste of such sweet desire."

So, where am I going with this you ask? Well, it's labour day today and everything is closed; the perfect day for a nice stroll downtown, without the temptations of shopping and dropping a few coins on something I know I don't need. But I was wrong my friends. Everything wasn't closed. There was one store still neon lit with the devilishly tempting promise of hand-cut fries and Quebec cheese curds. Smoke's Poutinerie has officially opened for business...

Like a shotgun to the knee caps I felt weak and helpless against its aroma and without even thinking my body pulled itself through the doors and up to the counter. I don't even remember speaking, but there it was in front of me: pulled pork poutine. The triple threat. The thing that I know one day will end me but like a fool I dive in.

Those crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside taters; the creamy, gooey, stretchy hoards of cheese; that wonderful hit of fresh brown gravy, all topped with tiny little morsels of slow cooked-to-perfection, chipotle spiced, salty pulled pork, "Praise ye Poutine Gods, crafted in thine image, this thing of beauty!"

As it all came together upon that first fateful fork full of goodness, twirling it around to gather the tail of stringy cheese that seems never-ending, I cursed and praised my craving all in one bite; "Ladies and gentlemen, we're now pulling into Euphoria, please fasten your safety belts and return your trays to their proper, upright positions."

Now, all that being said, there are a few things to be said about Smoke's Poutine.

First: while delicious, the gravy isn't the best I've had; it has an almost "Chalet Sauce" flavour going on, so whether or not that's your thing, I'm not sure.

Second: I'm scared. Why? Because it's so close to my house? Yup. Because they are clearly open on holidays? You betcha. Because they are reasonably priced? That doesn't hurt. Or is it because, aside from the traditional and the pulled pork, they have an entire menu of topping choices? Bingo has been called! I genuinely fear for my health at what may happen as my arteries scream for me to let up. It will be the ultimate test of indulgence vs. will power.

So, perhaps I am biased because of my affliction with all that cheese and gravy goodness, but regardless of what drives you there, Smoke's Poutine is Guelph's newest addition to downtown fare, and I can see no reason for lack of success. Go in, grab a fork, throw a dart at the extensive menu and see what you come up with. Undoubtedly I will see you there; you'll recogize me as being the guy in the corner who hasn't moved in three-weeks. Mmmm, mmmm, cheesey.

Cheers all
-Phil

I Fear For Melting Candles

Well it would certainly appear that we are getting back into the season of the song. With summer slowly winding down (sorry, I don't mean to be a bummer here) the students are rolling back in and with them they bring the downtown scene. Tomorrow night at the EBar is a perfect example of what this city has to offer in terms of venue, talent, and reliability on the stage.

It would almost seem strange to see these two acts apart from each other, despite their names implying otherwise. The Burning Hell and Wax Mannequin are stage performers, song writers, and always guarantee to satisfy the need for a live show. It's been a year since I last had the pleasure of spending an evening with these acts, and so it is with baited breath that I anxiously await that Quebec Street lineup before the curtain lifts and the ukulele takes front and centre.

All that being said, the show starts at 9:00 tomorrow night, and, unless you have some strong objection to things that are fun, I look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers
-Phil

Carolina

"My favourite folkestra – The Gertrudes"
Charles Spearin (Broken Social Scene)

Last Summer I praised the stylings and tones of a Kingston band by the name of The Gertrudes; again in November I brought mention of their presence at Carden Street Cafe - a double whammy if you will. Well folks, once more I excitedly write to you in announcement of their return to our area.

This Friday (August 19) at the Victoria Park Boathouse in Kitchener, 9:00pm, the band will be gathering to showcase their talents and folk-inspired joie de vie as they gear up for the release of their third album 'Til The Morning Shows Her Face To Me. If their previous sets, their website teasers and the memory I have of the live and emotional "Carolina" performance from Carden Street have anything to say as testament to their brand, I can guarantee you this evening out will be more than just a little worth your time.

Hope to see you all there, and don't hesitate to check out their website at

http://thegertrudes.com/

Cheers friends!

The Victoria Park Boathouse:

http://www.boathousevictoriapark.com/