What's a chilcano? It's a Peruvian drink generally made with Pisco (strong booze that wipes the floor with tequila in terms of a hangover), lemon, and ginger ale or sometimes cola or soda, and most places throw in bitters (Note: Peru makes different bitters that we don't get in … [Read more...] about The Week of Chilcanos in Lima, Peru
PIRQA Rockclimbing Gym in Miraflores, Lima, Peru
I've never climbed in a roof-less rockclimbing gym, until now. PIRQA is a fairly new gym in Miraflores with 25-30 metre routes(?), a boulder area and a young, friendly staff. Most routes are leadable, and the setting is different than what I'm used to (long, big moves off good … [Read more...] about PIRQA Rockclimbing Gym in Miraflores, Lima, Peru
La Locanda Mediterranean/Peruvian Restaurant
Lets start from the end and work our way backward. A trio of sorbets for dessert - lemon, watermelon and passionfruit (plus liquid nitrogen smoking rose petals...), so a good balance of acid and sweet. I couldn't eat it because of the dairy, but the layered apple tart that looked … [Read more...] about La Locanda Mediterranean/Peruvian Restaurant
Photos and Recipes from the 5th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza
The Christmas party was South and Central American-themed. That's a lot of ground to cover. Mostly it was Peruvian and Mexican under the thinly veiled charade of a "fiesta." Nobody complained. The margaritas, sangria and rum probably helped, but the ceviche, guacamole, and … [Read more...] about Photos and Recipes from the 5th Annual Volk/Watson Extravaganza
“Cheat the Seasons in Lima” – Article in the Montreal Gazette
I'm back in the Montreal Gazette this week with a travel feature on Lima, Peru. Read all about food markets with walls of dried chilies and exotic fruit, heaps of linens, extreme bus tours up rail-less mountains, spiced potato and shrimp causa and ceviche, plus when to go and … [Read more...] about “Cheat the Seasons in Lima” – Article in the Montreal Gazette
The View From Up Top: Rockclimbing in Las Vinas, Lima, Peru
I didn't know any rockclimbers in Lima when I came here, but the thing about having a climbing gym nearby is that you're bound to meet people. Especially if it's as friendly a place as Peru. So the first day I went to the gym (PIRQA in Miraflores, Lima) I met two people and found … [Read more...] about The View From Up Top: Rockclimbing in Las Vinas, Lima, Peru
Juice and Sandwich Bar Throwdown in Lima, Peru: El Enano vs. La Lucha
To Limenans, nothing goes together better than fresh fruit juice and sandwiches, especially at dinner, or after dinner, or in the afternoon...or in the morning for that matter. In fact, sandwiches don't have to count as a meal in Peru, and juice can. Don't ask me why sandwiches … [Read more...] about Juice and Sandwich Bar Throwdown in Lima, Peru: El Enano vs. La Lucha
Alma Cocina Viva: Criollo Lunch Buffet in Miraflores
The 59 soles Criollo lunch buffet at the Casa Andina Private Collection hotel restaurant, Alma Cocina Viva, is not cheap, but that $25 CAD gets you a pretty amazing lunch. This is not Almazen, the charming organic vegetarian place on the other side of the Arequipa/Avenida Larco. … [Read more...] about Alma Cocina Viva: Criollo Lunch Buffet in Miraflores
Land of Cocktails, Lima, Peru: Astrid y Gaston, Art Deco Lounge and La Emolienteria
Lima, Peru has a cocktail culture all its own. While classic cocktails are seeing a revival in Canada, and I dream of New Orleans when I think about a certain speakeasy in Toronto that made me fall in love with Fernet Branca, Lima couldn't give two figs about Manhattans, and the … [Read more...] about Land of Cocktails, Lima, Peru: Astrid y Gaston, Art Deco Lounge and La Emolienteria
Much More a Missus Than a Mrs.
I was biking in heels and a gold scarf the other day. Maybe not such a common occurence in Montreal. You see a lot of men in suits but women in heels? And it was a Thursday afternoon and I was in NDG - not exactly the financial district of the city. I'm used to not paying … [Read more...] about Much More a Missus Than a Mrs.