:: The Zen Gourmand ::

So you think you know about food?
Today marks the day FoodologyGames.com officially launches it’s new site and challenges you with it’s FREE on-line food trivia games.
Conceived by Toronto’s Evelyn Chau, author of “Have Some Dim Sum” and skillfully programmed and implemented by Bruno Cantieni, web application guru, Wine Expert and aka “The Zen Gourmand”, the “games” consist of a series of simple multiple choice quizzes testing your knowledge of all things food ranging from history to international food, health, terms, equipment and just plain fun-stuff questions.
Join Celebrity Chef “Pepe” in the game and see if you can make it to “Celebrity Chef” yourself!

Go get cookin’ at FoodologyGames.com

The Auxiliary to RVAP Health Centre is having a wine tasting fundraiser Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Ajax Seniors Friendship Club. 46 Exeter Road, Ajax, Ontario.

Join me as I lead this fun afternoon of tasting a selection of 6 delicious wines including a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Cabarnet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz.

There will be refreshments of Coffee, Tea, Cheese, Crackers, Breads and Fruits.

The event also includes draws for Gift Baskets and Door Prize.

General Admission is $20.00

Proceeds go to support new Woman’s Imaging Center, part of the redevelopment of the RVHC Ajax site.

Tickets must be purchased in advance.

CLICK HERE for complete information and Ticket Contacts.

I’m launching a new feature called “Zen Gourmand Approved”.

This is where I review food related products, condiments, beverages, kitchen utensils and gadgets, cook books, services etc. etc.

If my review of the item or service in question results in getting me exited and exclaim a unequivocal “WOW!!!”, the item or service will receive the “Zen Gourmand Approved” stamp of approval.

What does that mean to you?
Depends.
If you know me, you also know that I’m ruthless when it comes to things of taste, quality, usability, style and function. Getting labeled “Not another piece of crap from [company|country|supplier|store|]…!!!” is a lot more likely than receiving a “Zen Gourmand Approved”.

So there.
Keep watching.
And if you’ve got something that you think might get “Zen Gourmand Approved”, send it over and I’ll check it out.

This was one tasting I did not want to miss. It’s a fabulous opportunity to taste a vast array (some 42 producers) of Burgundy all under one roof. The event was held on St. Patrick’s Day at the St. Andrew’s Club.

With limited time at my disposal, I still ended up tastin a good 25 wines, mostly reds but about 8 whites as well. I’ll be posting tasting notes as time permits on BrunoCantieni.com as that is my wine specific blog.

Well, every Saturday night for the month of February, yours truly will be performing as resident Sommelier at the Nice Bistro in Whitby. That should be fun!

If you live in the area, be sure to make reservations at the Bistro ASAP and tell Manon I sent you!

Get more details on this “can’t miss event” at BrunoCantieni.com.

See you there!

After a lengthy hiatus in maintaining this blog due to lack of time resulting from other commitments, I’m happy to announce that I’m back and you will begin to see the entertainment gradually continue, so bear with me.

On June 20th, 21st and 22nd as well as June 27th, 28th and 29th Julie Moore of Julie Moore Spa and renowned Zen Massage Therapist will be at HighFields Country Inn and Spa, In Zephyr just outside of Uxbridge, Ontario. This beautiful 175 acre private country landscape is yours to enjoy and is ripe with activities including; Golf, Tennis, Hiking, Outdoor pool, Spa suites and so much more. There are also Spa therapies and a restaurant all on the same property.

On these special dates Julie Moore will be at HighFields Country Inn and Spa teaching classes. She will be teaching Qi Gong, Zen meditation and Meridian stretching. Qi gong is a form of Tai chi, a martial art, and focuses on breathing and muscle relaxation and the centring of your energy (or Qi). It is meant to balance the yin and yang of your Qi to allow you to feel refreshed and most importantly relaxed. Zen meditation is primarily a breathing exercise to allow you get in touch with your inner thoughts and become one with yourself. Meridian stretching focuses on the lines of energy situated in your body.

For the full story please visit http://www.juliemoorespa.com/ 

The June issue of SNAP Whitby is now out and the premiere wine tasting event of The Zen Gourmand’s Wine Club is prominently featured on page 5!

SNAP is a free publication covering local events, life and entertainment.
You can pick it up at various locations around Whitby such as retailers, banks, newsstands, GO train, Library etc.

To help us promote the wine club, go pick up a bunch of them and distribute them to your friends. Then send them to the ZenGourmand.com website to sign up for the club!

:)

On Thursday, May 22nd, the Zen Gourmand made his first televison appearance on “Daytime Durham”. This show is produced by Rogers TV and hosted by Kasia Bodurka and Jim Bamboulis.

The invitation to make an appearance came as a result of contacting Rogers TV regarding the Zen Gourmand’s Wine Club and the club’s premiere wine tasting event held May 10th.

On the show I talked about the Zen Gourmand and the various services provided, the upcomiing product launch and, of course, about the wine club. While chating with the hosts, I prepared one of the Zen Gourmand signature desserts, the “Vanilla Sunshine”. Clients of the Julie Moore Spa for whch it was originally developed should be well familiar with it.

	If you missed the show on May 22nd, do not despair! You can check it out by clicking here.
The Zen Gourmand on Daytime Durham with Kasia Bodurka and Jim Bamboulis

The Zen Gourmand has been messing around in the Kitchen developing some of the popular items usually exclusively produced for Spa clients of Julie Moore Spa and is now making them available to the general public under the Zen Gourmand label.

I’m offering you a preview of two of the products and I am taking orders for these at this time. Just call or email me for the time being. The on-line store will go live in approximately 2 weeks.

These items make excellent gifts both personal and corporate. For corporate gifting, lables and tags can be customized with your business logo and special message!

This is a truly Super Premium Gourmet Food item. Top quality Sun Dried Tomatoes and a secret blend of fresh herbs are simmered in Red Wine and subsequently aged for a minimum of 2 weeks with additional herbs, spices and garlick in Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

These marinated sun dried tomatoes are exquisite on their own, as a finishing touch on a variety of pastas or salads, on tapas and appetizers or in marinades to suggest just a few uses.

250 ml jar as shown, $15

These incredibly delicious biscotti will leave you craving for more and belive me if I say “One is never enough”! Availble in a wide variety, options and packaging choices.

• Cherry – Hazelnut
• Vanilla Tradizione
• Chocolate – Espresso
• Chocolate – Almond
• Rosemary – Pecan
• Romano – Sesame – Pine Nuts

Where appropriate, specify white or dark chocolate dipped as an option.

Six Biscotti, elegantly Cello wrapped, from $12

Biscotti Tin, 240g approx., from $20

Individually wrapped Biscotti, from $2, exclusively available at Julie Moore Spa