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Chowing down during Olympics can be your choice: Canadian or Chinese |
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Written by Judy Creighton, THE CANADIAN PRESS
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Thursday, 07 August 2008 |
Ottawa Executive chef Michael Blackie of Brookstreet Hotel's poses for a photo in his restaurant at the hotel in Ottawa Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2008. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Tom Hanson
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As the Summer Olympic Games get underway in Beijing, one leading chef is suggesting it's an opportunity for Canadians to display their patriotism by choosing homegrown produce prepared simply on the grill.
"Let's be cocky and Canadian and stick with our regional roots and eat local and be proud," says Michael Blackie, executive chef of Perspectives Restaurant at the Brookstreet Hotel in Ottawa. "I for one am going for some great Alberta beef, which I'll slap on the grill."
Meanwhile, others in the food industry suggest that Canadians may want to prepare or order in Chinese-style dishes in honour of the Games' locale.
Blackie, like many of Canada's eminent chefs, has competed in the Gold Medal Plates events that have raised $2.3 million to help support Olympic and Paralympic athletes over the last four years.
Previous Canadian Culinary Champions were also closely tied to the Beijing Games, which open Friday. Makoto Ono, the 2007 winner, has opened the first Makoto restaurant in Beijing in time for the Games, and current winner Melissa Craig of Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler, B.C., will cook with him.
Before settling down in front of their television sets to catch highlights of the day's action, Blackie suggests Canadians utilize their barbecues to prepare dinner "because, like the Olympics, the barbecue is ritualistic and it's summer."
He suggests grilling pork, baby back ribs, T-bone or rib-eye steaks, potatoes and seasonal veggies like peppers, corn, zucchini and mushrooms.
"'What a chowdown!"
Another ritual of summer for Canadians is the opportunity to consume fresh-picked bounty.
"Depending on where you are in Canada you should go to a farmers market and grab local fresh produce at the height of its season. There is nothing better than that."
Blackie says the difference in time zones between Canada and China "means if you want to watch the Games live you'll have to get up at 5 a.m."
He suggests organizing a breakfast party and inviting six to 12 friends.
"Whip up white truffle eggs Benedict and basil hollandaise and wash them down with mangosteen lassi (Indian yogurt smoothie with mint and crushed ice)."
Since the Games are taking place in China, Ernest Lam, a chef and vice-president with the fast-food chain Manchu Wok, believes some Canadians will want to sample Asian cuisine.
He suggests that hot and spicy Mandarin cuisine would be ideal for Chinese food lovers.
"It is known for its use of dark soy paste, sesame paste, sesame oil, scallions and tofu," he explains.
If you plan to entertain friends during the evening reruns of the Games, you could serve hot and sour soup, black mushroom tofu and Hunan beef, which consists of stir-fried marinated beef in a spicy sauce.
"We carry a lot of snack foods, such as egg rolls and chicken balls," says Lam. "And because the number 8 is considered lucky and prosperous, guests should taste at least eight appetizers, including chicken wings."
Finally, the Chinese believe drinking green tea brings purity of the mind and tranquility of the soul.
"Lift your tea cups and make a toast to the spirit of the Games and to our Canadian athletes," says Lam.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 07 August 2008 )
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