Yes, I ate a foie gras ‘double down’

Last month, I ate dinner for the first time at Joe Beef in Montreal. I’d heard about the restaurant before, but it was the rave tweets from chefs David Chang of Momofuku (at Ko, ate one of my favourite meals of all time) and Anthony Bourdain (I adore this book of his) that got me (eye infection and all) to drag my butt there in February.

I split Joe Beef’s version of the double down with Janine of BeautyGeeks as an appetizer — the Joe Beef double down is two pieces of battered and fried foie gras, with cheese and bacon in the middle.

It was simply too rich. (Yes, there’s such a thing! Think of the richest things you’ve eaten and triple it)

For my main, I had the guinea hen (above) prepared two ways: confit and fried (sort of prepared like a schnitzel). Very tasty, but at that point after the double down plus we’d received a complimentary plate of smoke eel fritters, well, I’d had my fill of fried foods, so I ended up taking most of it back to my hotel minifridge.

This here is Lindsay of Sometimes Fancy‘s meal. I forget what it’s called but it arrived in a Le Creuset-type stockpot large enough to feed a family of SIX. No joke. That’s a lot of sausage, my friends. I’ve dubbed it the sausage fest.

There are only certain types of desserts I am fond of, and this is way up there on my favourites now: hazelnut soft-serve ice cream made on the premises. Incredible.  It was actually a twist type of ice cream, but I forget the other flavour…Ate every last spoonful and then I rolled my very full self back to my hotel room.

Next trip to Montreal, I am so going back to Joe Beef if I can. Very chill atmosphere (I appreciated the 90s hip hop playing when we were there). Next time, I’ll just try to have more than just fried foods. Maybe even a vegetable or two.

Joe Beef, 2491 Notre Dame Ouest, Montreal.

Leave a Comment March 19, 2012

What we wear can be a happiness booster

(Moto Coral Baxter jeans, Topshop)

Jeans are what we wear when we’re feeling down, says new research from the University of Hertfordshire.

The researchers found that what we choose to wear is very much influenced by the mood we’re in. We’re more likely to wear a baggy top when feeling blue, for example–that’s another finding from the study. And we’re more likely to wear our favourite shoes when we’re in a good mood.

“Happy clothes” tend to fit well, enhance our figures and made from bright, gorgeous fabrics.

All of that makes sense to me. The part I disagree with is where jeans are said to be worn by those who are down in the dumps because:

“Jeans don’t look great on everyone. They are often poorly cut and badly fitting. Jeans can signal that the wearer hasn’t bothered with their appearance.”

Um, hello, jeans have come a looooong way.

And  how can these pretty coral jeans not bring about happiness?

Anyhow, since the study also found that wearing “happy clothes” has the power to influence your mood (ie. wear your happy clothes and it may help get you out of a funk), I’m pretty sure we all have a reason to go out and buy a new happy piece to add to our wardrobes, non?

Speaking of bright coloured denim, my Schick Quattro for Women Style Squadmate Niki of A Haute Mess wants to know if you’ll be wearing it this spring — weigh in on the Schick Facebook page!

4 Comments March 12, 2012

Music to your ears

Listening to music that you like for 30 minutes a day can help reduce your stress levels because it helps you feel more positive emotions, says new research from the University of Gothenberg.

So press play on that iPod of yours.

My music prescription? Besides listening to my all-time favourite song (“Tell me why-eeeeee…”), I’ve also got these two albums in heavy rotation.

Leave a Comment March 7, 2012