LaurenMote.com

Although the posting to reflect on the entire experience of the competition itself, here is the recipe for my cocktail, the Nolet Pratt, which won second place on Tuesday night in the National Barchef Competition. The Nolet Pratt cocktail was inspired by the deconstructed tasting note for the entire Dutch region. As the cocktail itself [...]

by Lauren Mote Every person really loves that “certain cocktail”, the drink that stimulates their appetite, cleanses their palate, and loosens them up. My favourite feel good bevy used to be the Negroni – an old-school blend of Campari, Gin and Sweet Vermouth, stirred over ice – but alas, as my palate changes, so does [...]

by Lauren Mote Welcome to the winter wonderland. On the West Coast, I was laughed at when I wore my Canada Goose Down Coat as protection at the bus stop on Howe St. from the freezing rain… but, when you jump off the airplane at -25C you’d better wish you had one. Two snow storms, [...]

by Lauren Mote As we awoke on the balmy Thursday morning at 3:30am, I stumbled to find the light, the coffee, and my suitcase. In 2 hours time, Johnny and I would embark on our first trip home to Toronto, the chilly, nostalgic nesting place we left a while ago. We get off the plane [...]

by Lauren Mote How can one have the opportunity to dine at such a world renowned restaurant like The Fifth? My dining partner was in awe as she cordially accepted my invitation to enjoy Chef J.P. Challet’s tasting menu. General Manager and Sommelier Monsieur Christian Huot was on hand to carefully pair each course with [...]

by Lauren Mote Toronto’s Leslieville, located just west of the Beaches on Queen St, East is now home to former Le Sélect Chef Brad Clark & Sommelier Beata Borkowski’s Fare Bistro.  This evening, I have invited a dining partner so we can sample a variety of Chef Clark’s menu and share it with an audience [...]

by Lauren Mote This southern Italian haven of fresh, delicious food can be sampled in three locations across Toronto, and one in the United States, on Beverley Blvd, in Los Angeles. Terroni’s debut location, on Queen St. West at Niagara St. has the most character in my opinion, with the simplest, most inviting back patio, [...]