Insider’s Tips: May 29

Despite the cold weather recently, Chef Loseto was pleased to find the first of the Ontario field crops appearing at the Ontario Food Terminal. He bought Ontario field strawberries, zucchini, red and green leaf lettuces, cipollini onions, radishes and rhubarb. His only disappointment was that it now appears doubtful the Ontario white asparagus crop will appear this year.

There was lots of really good new U.S. produce at the Terminal. Prices were stable except for cherries, which, while wonderfully sweet, were expensive. With the volume of U.S. produce on display, it appears Torontonians are not boycotting U.S. produce. Chef bought and recommends the delicious English peas, fava beans, cherries, honeydew melons and watermelons.

Only one U.S. distributor was selling oranges and lemons. Most other citrus importers were handling South African products. Prices of avocados from Mexico were very high.

Newly arrived this week is B.C. Copper River salmon. Soft shell crabs paused, probably because of the U.S. holiday last weekend, but are expected to return to Canada later this week. B.C. spot prawns are continuing this week.

The superb, buttery Spanish Ibérico pluma pork dish is part of the tasting menu. Please ask for it if you are dining à la carte. We like it a lot.

Chef continues with his light, summery raspberry cheesecake dessert.

This Friday, GEORGE is celebrating the opening of its courtyard with a special Patio Party event. Starting at 6:00 p.m., we will serve a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre on the patio with live entertainment. The patio has been freshly planted, and everything is beginning to bloom. If it rains, we will use our private courtyard next door, which has a covered overhang. Guests will enjoy a two-course dinner with an appetizer and main course, followed by bite sized desserts served on the patio. Price is $99 pp++.