RBNevents: FREE event that you don't want to miss.

 Happy Wednesday folks!  

I don't always share events the evening before but I'm too excited not to share this one!  It fuses my love of cook books, community, chefs and The Hudson Bay!

Taste Canada is know for showcasing outstanding chefs and cookbooks every year..  

Thursday, May 26, 2016 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Featuring Derek Dammann & Chris Johns, authors of “True North”

WHERE:

Hudson’s Bay Queen Street
176 Yonge St., 7th floor

Thank you for your interest in this event.

Unfortunately, we’re all booked up. We apologize for any inconvenience. 

  

The highlights: The men behind the evening...

DEREK DAMMANN

Chef

Derek Dammann was born in Campbell River, B.C., the salmon capital of the world. After studying cooking in Nanaimo, chef Dammann worked in one of Canada’s great Italian restaurants, Zambri’s, in Victoria before making his way to the UK to work with world-renowned chef, Jamie Oliver. There, he helped develop the concept behind Fifteen, Oliver’s British cocktail bar and restaurant, and later, Dammann became the corporate chef of Sweet Candy, Oliver’s private production company. He subsequently returned to Canada and settled in Montreal, where he opened DNA, one of the most exciting nose-to-tail dining establishments in North America. He partnered with Jamie Oliver once again to open Maison Publique, a hugely popular and highly regarded gastro pub.

CHRIS JOHNS

Food writer

Chris Johns is one of Canada’s most respected food writers. He spent his early years in the Northwest Territories before moving south and eventually finding his way to Toronto. He has written extensively for en Route, The Globe and Mail, Wallpaper, Toronto Life and various international publications. His work has been translated into three languages and has appeared in the Best Food Writing compilation.


What does this all mean?  If you RSVP here http://www2.thebay.com/giftregistry/tastecanada/ then you have the opportunity to come with us tomorrow night! 

PLUS: Enter for the chance to WIN one of five great prizes:

An ALL-CLAD 10-piece stainless steel cookware set, valued at $850

Two tickets to the Taste Canada Awards night in November, valued at $200

Dinner for two at Derek Dammann and Jaimie Oliver’s restaurant, Maison Publique, in Montreal!

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?  Not at all!

Thanks to our amazing sponsors:

 

THANKS TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS:

Enjoy the night and make sure to follow us and all of the sponsors before you join us in the festivities!

rbn
xxox

RBN - Holiday Gift Guide for EVERYONE in your Life (Bonus: 20% discount off a fav too)

In line with our RBN 12 Days of Giveaway WE figured that sharing our favourite gift giving items would be an awesome idea!  Don't fret we have you covered for everyone in your life; The Gourmand, The Health Nut, Fitness Fanatic and More...

The Gourmand:

Walter All-Natural Caesar Mix : 
If YOU love #caesars and Canadian made products, this is your jam (juice).  The brain child of Zack & Aaron - who were tired of mixing beautiful spirits and accompaniments into neon and synthetic "tomato" cocktail.  Canada's first all-natural Caesar was born and has so many great characteristics: gluten-free, no high fructose corn syrup, Ocean-wise certified (amazing), small batch and made in glass bottles (no gross plastics).  I suggest bringing to your next party or setting up a Caesar bar at your holiday open house.  Pairs well with all spirits and we also cook with it at home! (and today's giveaway!)

Handsome, local, gluten-free and natural.  What a hunk, bring Walter home this season!

 Three Farmers Camelina Oil: 

We wanna road trip here and try everything!

Colin, Dan and Ron are second and third generation farmers who have grown up on this land and are committed to its preservation, proudly numbering the prairies among the best places in the agricultural world. Farming, they are proud to say, is not simply a job, but a way of life, and one they are all too happy to share.  Their Camelina oil has a super high smoke point and is great for cooking, bbq season, sauteing and all your healthy oil needs!

We like to dip everything in here.

 Neal Brothers:
Okay so WE adore Peter & Neil so technically we love all of their products BUT this one we just discovered & are sort of addicted.  We love it on our sammies, roasted potatoes and sweet potato frites - its all about balance people.  Oh and if you haven't bought their new Goodness book - this also makes a fab gift idea!

Blue Goose Pure Foods:

Another mainstay in our house is Blue Goose - I'm their brand ambassador and absolutely love using all their products for fun, nutritious and inventive meals.  As a believer in local and organic living - BG make its super easy and affordable.  Check their link and give the gift of clean proteins for the home chef!

 

Health Nut:

 

Genuine Health:

As their newest Brand Ambassador & caterer I obviously adore them, they will have your covered for Greens+ (so many options), fermented vegan protein bars, sleeping aids (natural) and whole body needs.  Check out the link (in name) and start adding them into your everyday life!

Nud Fud:  Created by a fellow IHN alumni, these snacks are healthy and delicious.  Great for travel, road trips and for even the pickiest of eaters - make these your stocking stuffers.  Gluten free and vegan!

Fitness Fanatic:

 

 Barre Works:
Prep for the holidays or offset the holiday cheer and indulgences with one of our favourite studio's in the city.  Located Queen West, BW offers great classes to work on your bod, flexibility and is a great group class.  Woot!

Wellness Lover:

Skin Essence Organics: This company is the best.  Offering clean, natural plant based skin products, gluten-free, vegan and stored in dark glass bottles is only some of their upsides. They are also offering a 20% discount code: RBNholiday at your checkout.  Check them out asap and add into your routine to prevent dry and dull winter skin!

Don't waste the discount - order now!

We're also offering a 15% discount on RachelBies Nutrition  services including food deliveries,food line, meal plans, skincare and wellness protocols too!  Follow us as we also have some exciting plans for 2016!

 WE hope this helps you find some peace whilst holiday shopping and as always email us: rachelbiesnutrition@gmail.com  for more options!  Also give the gift of RBN too.

Happy Friday,
xoxo 
rbn 

WE feasted at a wonderful U-FEAST event!

I feast. We feast. 

U-FEAST!

What is this I speak of? Well U-Feast is a great new Toronto membership opportunity (and FREE!) that binds community, food lovers, wine admirers and local restaurants in a pop-up dinner format.   

Members than have access to an exclusive series of one-of-a-kind dining experiences ranging from adventurous outdoor BBQs to black tie seven course meals and everything in between. You’ll also be the first to experience new menu ideas or experimental dishes served up by some of your city’s top chefs. When you join - you get a $10 voucher towards your first event.

Very excited to begin dinner!

Team U-Feast was kind enough to invite me as RBNmedia to test out MADE IN A BRAZIL at Mata (Great restaurant in West Queen West that offers amazing South American fusion that is majority gluen-free!)..

Here's a sneak peak into what an event with this community is like (be prepared - images will cause you to salivate!)

Mata co-owner Steve Fernandes making our opening cocktail Caipirinha - made with pitu cachaça & lime!

Pretty little things....

We were so fortunate to have an opening cocktail, 6 amazing courses & all the wine courtesy of Sibling Rivalry Wine - here's what we had...

Feijoada Shooters (Brazilian Stew): Smoked Meats & Black Bean Broth. 

.

Swordfish Ceviche: Pickled Pineapple Salsa & Housemade Cassava Chips.

Linguiça: House Smoked Pork Sausage, Chimichurri & Potato Sticks.

Encondidinho de Camarão: Mashed Cassava (potato like), Shrimp Cream & Prawns. *FAV!

Cassava Gnocchi: Jamón Crudo, Brussel Sprouts & Reggianito.

MMM.. Caramilized Banana Panna Cotta! (I'm not a sweets person yet this stole my heart).

Thanks Sibling Rivalry for making Joey S. of Articulate Eat's even more entertaining...

Everything was so delicious and well thought out, I would easily recommend this for a great date night, family outing (check for kid friendly options) or a fun group night out.  I cannot wait to join the U-Feast team again (hint hint Yvonne) for another evening filled with great conversation, impeccable food & the ease of just being able to enjoy it all one course at a time...

Thanks again to Steve, Mata, U-Feast & my dining companions for all the laughs...

xox
rbn.

Two fresh new recipes & a super great country media trip!

Happy Monday World!  Today's post is all about one of my favourite vegetables in the world! Its great for you, super versatile and is currently in season...
 
Can you guess...


Is related to onions & garlic (Lily family)..
Aside from North America - China, Peru & Mexico are some of the top suppliers...
Present day is still harvested by hand...

Anyone?  Anyone?

Last hint:  It makes your pee smell (roughly 20-40% of population cannot smell it)...

Asparagus people! 

A couple weeks ago I was invited by our friends (Toronto) Foodies on Foot to join the #Asparabus tour.  This included a media bus which brought us to Norfolk County to enjoy a day of asparagus farms, lavender farms & a lunch prepared by future chefs that was oh so good!  As if this wasn't enough we were sent home with 11lbs of fresh Ontario asparagus to create some tasty culinary inventions!  I decided to do something raw & something cooked to highlight the ingredient without losing its delicate flavour!  Super simple & nutritious for you to recreate at home!

Here's a recap of our day & my new recipes! Mmmmm.

 Mission: 

 Learn all about #asparagus.

Where: 

Welsh Brothers Farm, Simcoe ON

Where the magic happens: trimming, bunching and packaging.

The star of the day: ASPARAGUS

Shared selfie with Asparagus!

Asparagus grow in individual little rows.  Can be harvested every 2-4 days and will harvest for up to 15 years!

The bluest of skies!

 

Ready to take home or ship to stores!  We went home with a box each!  Eleven pounds of goodness!

Next up:  

Bonnieheath Lavender & Winery

Where: 

Norfolk, ON

 Mission: 

Eat & Network with all the Lovely People

Oh so pretty - last years lavender (doesn't harvest until late summer)

Lunch is served: Mixed local pork bbq, variety of asparagus dishes & rhubarb desserts!

Mmmm so much beautiful & local food!

My plate:  YES I eat a lot!

All natural lavender shop: I bought bug repellent, soaps & body lotion!

Obviously I had to bring some lavender & cider home for Josh & I!

The smell! Oh so delicate and fragrant!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now for some new & delicious (modest right) recipes!!

Spring Goddess Salad
(Gf, Vegan)
Yeilds 2 mains or 4 sides.

What you need:

1 cup chickpeas, (cooked)

1 cup fresh peas,

1 small handful fresh mint

1/2 English cucumber, julienned

1 bunch of asparagus (steamed gently and trimmed)

1 handful of basil

1 lemon, juiced

1 fennel, julienned

3 tbsp of olive oil

 sea salt and pepper

What to do:

Gently steam asparagus.  Mix all ingredients minus the asparagus.  Taste and season accordingly.  Arrange asparagus on plate and then place the mixed salad atop.  Finish with fresh mint and lemon wedges.  Perfect accompaniment to shrimp, chicken or great with goat cheese!

 

Asparagus & Jalapenos Cornbread Muffins

(GF, Vegetarian)

What you need:

3 tbsp coconut oil

1/3 cup apple sauce or reduced/cooked peaches

1 large egg 
1/4 cup of pure maple syrup

1 cup coconut milk 

1 cup cornmeal 

1 cup gf flour (Bobs Red Mill) 

1/2 tsp baking soda 

Sea salt & pepper

1 red chili/ jalapenos, diced

1 bunch of asparagus, chopped BUT save tops for garnish.

What to do:

Preheat oven to 350 and coat muffin tin with coconut oil.  Mix all wet ingredients together with peppers and asparagus.  Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly & slowly incorporate into wet batter.  Pour into muffin tins approx. 1/4 full.  Finish with aspara-tops. Bake for 15/20 minutes until golden.  Good for up to 4 days fresh OR freeze for a couple weeks.  Great with a fried egg, with preserves or what we did at home is use for shhhhmancy #sloppy Joe's using Walter All-Natural Caesar Mix as our sauce!

Shhhhmancy Sloppy Joe's with Walter All-Natural Craft Caesar BBQ sauce!

Pretty little things ready for the oven!

Yummers.

Updated cornbread without all the bad stuff!!  Feel good about feeding your family these!

As always, send us a tweet when you replicate any of these!  Yay.

Until next post lovelies,

rbn

xoxox

THE TROUBLEMAKERS!

Anna & moi!

The one and only Steven Hellman!