One Hungry Mama

February 22nd, 2010

Oh, Canada! In Honor of Regional Foods

Photo: Nanaimo Bars / iVillage Made in Canada slideshow

Warning: This is not a healthy post, but I won’t take responsibility for that. Blame Canada. (Heh heh.)

No, I’m not in Canada this week. Truth be told, I haven’t even been bitten by Olympic fever. I’ve been too busy to watch and now, the last week of the games, I’m hanging in New Orleans, one of the most exciting places in this country for regional food. But, who knew—Canada has amazing regional food, too! And if there’s one thing that will finally cause me Olympic fever, it’s good eats.

I don’t much think about regional Canadian food. And I bet you don’t either. (Save for my Canadian readers, why would we?) But three fortuitously timed things happened since the start of the Olympics that have got me thinking about the foods of our friends up North.

First, the ChowPapa and I talked about making sure that we get to new Brooklyn foodie hot spot, Mile End, ASAP. Mile End is a “Montreal Jewish Delicatessen” that has brought Montreal-style cured brisket stateside. New York Magazine describes the meat as “more aggressively peppery than pastrami, and a little hotter thanks to the paprika in the dry rub.” I can’t remember where I read this, but I believe they are encouraging folks to call before showing up, to make sure that there’s still meat left to serve. Oh. Man.

Talking about our new local deli reminded the ChowPapa of a discovery he made several years ago of real canadian bacon called Canadian peameal bacon, an unsmoked, brined back bacon rolled in cornmeal. It was delicious and he was thinking that it’s about time to order some more. You know, for in between our visits to Mile End. Yes, please.

Then, I discovered this mouthwatering slideshow on iVillage of Canadian national treats in honor of the Olympics. I couldn’t believe how much amazingly yummy food I spied. Hello, poutine. Nice to meet ya!

So, while I sample local New Orleans specialties to recreate and share with you in the future, enjoy these Canadian treats. And, in honor of the Olympians and their kind, northern hosts, chime in: Ever tried any of these delicious foods? Have a regional Canadian recipe to share? Or how about a healthy take on one of these decadent foods? C’mon people. Game on.