Sunday, September 1, 2013

Les Viandes Mc Cormack Meats Montreal's Best Kept Secret For Us Carnivores (by Hera Bell)

We used to purchase our meats from a farm in Eastern Townships. They were all great at the beginning. I guess they have become popular enough that it killed the quality. Like most things in life. Our last order of a half a cow,  everything about this cow tasted fat gone bad. We used to LOVE their low sodium smoked  bacon. Their last batch tasted heavy on the salt and not as tasty.

Anthony and I like consuming  meats from animals without hormone supplements. A meat that is not mass processed and we prefer meats coming from animals raised on real free roaming farm environments.

Then our friends Oliver & Carry introduced us to Les Viandes McCormack Meats  in Verdun. Halleluiah, I say.

If you are looking for the old fashion style small butcher shop with amazing meat cuts, they are it.

We are not talking about this supermarket overly processed meat. We are no longer in Kansas Dorothy... Small shop, personalized attention, fresh cuts designed for your needs. hehehe

We cooked last night their smoked ham. What a delightful experience it was having our first bite into it. A 2.5 kilo coasted under $20.00. A yummy $20.00 I must add.



2.5 kilo was cooked over an hour and a half in the oven at 325 degree covered. I added nothing to this fabulous piece of meat. Just some seasonal colorful carrots from a farmer's market.



I prepared mashed sweet potato as starch part of the meal.

Boil one large sweet potato after cutting them into cubes. Add a pinch of salt as shred a large garlic clove in the boiling water water.  Once boiled and very soft, drain its water, add a bit of milk and butter and crushed pecans and puree them. It serves plenty as a dinner for 2. You will have leftovers.



We live in the West Island. But taking a tiny trip to visit them  in Verdun will be worth  your every minute. They have fabulous aged Kobe beef for the connoisseurs. They specialize in seasonal game meat as well. From yummy wild boar bacon to deer which will hit their store soon. Imagine cooking a  Traditional Lac St Jean Tourtiere  ... Yummm

Go try them. You will not regret.

For the vegetarian customers, they have some frozen porcini mushrooms to die for. We bought some, I will try them later.

Their regular bacon was packaged as generous portions of 6. at $5.40 a package it made to our brunch table this morning. The aroma in the house is intoxicating. This is prime bacon. I must add.

Over the years we did cut our salt consumption to a minimum. Although this bacon has a wonderful flavor, its salt content is a bit much for our own taste.

It can be a great treat to have it once a week on lazy Sunday mornings.



For The Love Of Food, go and take the adventure, get out of your supermarket box once in a while.

Bonne appetite,

Hera




Saturday, August 31, 2013

Wonderful Glass Designs Of Dale Chihuly At Montreal Museum Of Fine Arts (by Hera Bell)


If you haven't paid a visit to  Montreal Museum of Fine Arts   yet to see Dale Chihuly's magical glass exhibit, I suggest you to do so before it leaves our city. It will end October 20th 2013.

You will be instantly transported to the wonderful world of this great artist.

There is an interesting IPhone App  created by the museum to create art like his. I am sure it will please some adults and children.

If you would like to see the montage of the Sun piece which is located outdoors of the museum's building you can watch it on  YouTube.

Renting an audio guide is worth while. It gives many insightful information of his history, thoughts and how certain pieces were created and where.

My husband and I we have museum membership for many years. Attending many wonderful exhibits throughout the year is worth while to become the Museum's friends.

Cameras are allowed, without use of a flash. Photos taken can only be used for your personal pleasure.





 
 
 
 







photos by Montreal photographer Hera Bell.



Greetings Everyone (by Hera Bell)

Although I host few other Blogs for several years now.  Anthony & Hera Adventures Travel Blog   and Lights Camera Action (Photography Blog)  I felt separating certain topics in 2013 and re-creating a new multi faceted brand.

If you have been a part of my Instagram or my private Facebook page circles, you certainly know that I love cooking, I love everything pretty. My husband and I, we love exploring new things and places and special spots  in our own town and sometimes near by.

Therefor I felt the need to start this Blog.

Welcome to My Montreal Secrets And Beyond.

Enjoy your visually pretty and sometimes yummy culinary journeys as I go along and update this Blog. Explore with me what my Montreal & Beyond offers.

Cheers to Art Of Life & Style.

Hera