I began my career in food journalism by accident. Before that, I attained B.Ed. in French and English as a Second language. I taught New Canadians for several years and I was a social worker. In the late 1970s, my journalist friend assigned me a few restaurant reviews for Toronto Life. Next, I heard that the Toronto Sun was searching for a food editor – I spent the role from 1983 to 1989. In that year, a Life Editor for The Toronto Star reached out to me – I accepted the offer. I found my calling and my consuming passion – writing about chefs, home cooks and recipes. My role as a food editor/columnist at the Star lasted 18 years. I resigned in 2007 as a freelance Food Sleuth® creating podcasts and blogs on social media. This is a feature, illustrated by the above photo of me, from the Toronto Sun appeared in 1989. Read more…
I Go Ape Over Monkey Bread
I thought one addiction to a Wanda’s Pie in the Sky confection was quite enough. I speak here of the Dulce de Leche Macaroons jokingly dubbed “crack cookies” by the baker-in-chief herself Wanda Beaver. These yummy little creations (dusted with a white powder that is, in fact, icing sugar) consist of a rich brown, delectably chewy exterior that encases an oozy filling of luscious caramel.
Bad enough that I was making regular trips to purchase these at Wanda’s, located mere steps from my house in Kensington Market. Now, I have another reason – even more enticing – to find another toothsome fix at her pie emporium.
Yes, I’m hooked on the indescribably delicious Monkey Bread only baked three or so per day on weekends. Read more…
Anchor Bar’s Chicken Wings were a Culinary Accident
I cannot turn down an opportunity to sleuth the origin of a famous food.
Such sleuthing has taken me to foreign lands – Bakewell Tart in the U.K.’s Peak District, puddin’ ‘n’ souse on the windy side of Barbados and the Waldorf Salad at Manhattan’s hotel by the same name being three examples. On home turf, I’ve cruised the highways and byways in my search for the best butter tart. And, most recently, I shuffled off to Buffalo for chicken wings at the Anchor Bar where this hugely popular bar snack, says the lore, originated.