aaaaaROMA

I've been bad! Real bad. I haven't grocery shopped in over two weeks. I've been working like mad, and lucky enough to be invited up to cottages the last two weekends. Today was the big day. The day I finally fill my fridge back up. I just love my new grocery store. Lady York on Dufferin st. just north of Lawrence is great. Inexpensive, lots of local produce and filled with awesome Italian treats. I love going to the cheese or meat counter "eh bella what can I get for you today" says an old Italian mama. It's definitely an experience since almost everyone is Italian and they just assume I'm one of them as well.  Jews and Italians go together like spaghetti and matzo balls, same European family values, and a great love of food.  Anyways back to my post. At the end of the vegetable isle where these amazing baskets of roma tomatoes for 1.99, they also had a jumbo basket for 6.99 half the price of Fortinos - another Italian grocery store near by.  I just had to buy a  bunch. Roma tomatoes are the perfect choice for canning or sauce as they have a thick flesh and very few seeds. They are also know as Italian plum tomatoes and can come in red or yellow. I know it's the perfect weekend to make a huge batch of "red sauce" (tomato sauce). Something most Italian families do at the end of every harvest. They make batches of the stuff and freeze it for the winter.  If  only I had a nona (Italian grandma) she would be so proud. I also scored a huge bunch of fresh basil for my sauce now all I need is a bottle of vino - Salute! 

Cumbraes Farm

I'm totally obsessed with Cumbraes another great Toronto butchery. Locally raised antibiotic free meats. Their cowboy cut rib steak is like 5 inches thick - heaven!

Birthday Pie?

Why is cake always the center of every festivity? Who died and made cake the boss at birthdays, wedding and anniversaries. Why is there no birthday pie? Pondering all these fine questions as I plan my best friends birthday dessert. He's a pie kinda guy so I figure a birthday pie would be just perfect. I've also decided to use nectarines instead of the ever popular peach. This year nectarine and blueberry pie will take the cake at Loone Lake in Muskoka for Mr. Bills birthday cottage extravaganza. I'll let y'all know how it goes.
- chow for now
UPDATE: Pie turned into hung over birthday crumble but was no less delicious!

Tomake over

Yes I have yet again been neglecting you Tomato Snobs and Snobettes, but for good reason. I've been planing a big overhaul - a new look for The Tomato Snob. I've also been super busy working on decorating my apartment coordinating three advertising campaigns and planning an engagement party as well as wedding, not to mention my new business The Fooding co. I'm sure you're all as excited as I am. All  said things are going well. Once I find my camera cable that connects my digi cam to my computer i'll be back with pics and recipes and tales of delicious delights. For now i'll leave you to enjoy the new look. Comments and criticisms welcome of course. Ps. i'll need you all to cross your fingers for me there may be a chance for The Original Tomato Snob to be on tv ;)
- chow for now