Weekly Tips: September Edition

Graffiti eggplant

Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto reports from the Ontario Food Terminal that Ontario summer produce has started to be phased out by fall crops. In some cases, like nectarines, the fruit is no longer as sweet as it was at the beginning of summer. The Chef continued to buy superior beefsteak and cherry heirloom tomatoes from Bosco Farms.

One Ontario farmer is selling Ontario fennel which the Chef says is nice and consistent. Lots of good Ontario peppers, zucchini, zucchini flowers, eggplants, lettuces, beans and artichokes are available at steady prices. The Chef notices lots of different chilies and heirloom chillies are on offer.

The Chef avoided the US part of the Terminal and did not know whether transport costs are pushing up US prices for similar produce.

The Ontario fall crop is beginning to arrive. The Chef spotted Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard and kale. Giffard pears look good and apples are starting.

The Chef bought Saskatchewan wild chanterelles and substituted them for the Ontario chanterelles he had been trying. He concluded that not only was the Saskatchewan product considerably cheaper, but it was better tasting.

Japanese wagyu beef has been popular lately. Also, Ontario wild boar, which comes with potato pirogues and Ontario artichokes, has been well received. To eliminate toughness, the Chef cooks the boar sous vide before searing it.

By request, the Chef has brought back his delicious mascarpone mousse with roasted cherries. It is outstanding.

Le Patron