Is a steak just steak, a wine just wine, or a coffee just coffee? Clearly, no. There are intrinsic differences in quality and the way each are prepared. An understanding of the whole process to get those items to our table also gives us a better appreciation of them. Finally, there is our social connection to the producers and servers of food and drink that elevate them beyond the utilitarian.
On my first trip to Mexico for a wedding last spring, I stayed at an all-inclusive mega resort in Playa Del Carmen, the kind of place that cynical people like me tend to mock outwardly but deep inside long to indulge in the seductive credit card tickling excess of it all. Relaxing in a womb of manufactured full-service decadence that uses an army of cheap labour to turn a swamp into a paradise every single day does have its allure, so when duty called in the form of a paid photo gig, I took full advantage of this rare opportunity to indulge my guilty pleasure and do nothing but eat, drink and lay poolside for a solid week away from my wife and kids. It is here, where I first encountered The Don.
Paul Grunberg (former GM of Chambar and Market at Shangri-La) has left his post with Jean-Georges to help out his former Chambar colleague, Tannis Ling, to successfully open Bao Bei in Chinatown.
François makes his mark with the new Teahouse menu; Chinese Restaurant Awards, Diner’s Choice winners announced; Two Chefs Poplar Grove Wine Drinker Dinner set for December 2nd; Naramata Inn’s Heirloom Spa holiday open house; Portfolio gifting ideas from Laughing Stock; Holiday happenings at Hart House; Chef Wayne Martin of Fraîche debuts Heirloom Catering; JoieFarm wines now available for sale online; Holidays at Q4;
Fuel really isn’t closing, it is really just going off-stage for a quick costume change to prepare us for Act Two, which is great news for diners, as Chef Belcham and Tom Doughty and his dedicated staff are just too talented to not be open in some form. Perhaps, it is a sign of the times as the market continues to re-shuffle into a more value-driven environment, but whatever it is, and if it’s as delicious as Gastropod’s culinary warp to Thailand with Maenam next door, it’s got many people in this city excited, myself included.
Fuel will perform its final service on Sunday, November 29th, 2009, and “refuel restaurant & bar” will open Wednesday Dec 2, 2009 at 5:30pm.
Read the full press release and a taste of the new menu inside.
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