Spicy Thai Basil Pork Stir Fry: Pad Kra Pao (ผัดกะเพรา)

25 Sunday Oct 2015

Posted by notanotherfoodblogca in easy, pork, pork belly, slow cooking, stir fry, thai, toronto

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I first had this dish way back at Khao San Road, one of the popular Thai restaurants here in Toronto. Stir fried pork, rice, egg – oh so reminiscent of some of the Filipino dishes that I grew up eating back in the Philippines (aka a diet of meat, rice and no veggies).

But… I fell in love with this dish a bit more recently at Pai, which really is the better of the two and one of my favourite restaurants, no lie (I think I’m there once a month). Their pad kra pao has PORK BELLY in it.

PORK BELLY!!!!

(cue doves flying as the clouds part and sun rays break through the sky)

I decided to try and make this glorious dish since I crave it all the time. And the results were INSANE. I looove the combination of tart and spice. Have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with a few slices of cucumber if you’re feeling really guilty.

Get the Recipe!

Japanese Braised Pork Belly (Buta No Kakuni)

13 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by notanotherfoodblogca in comfort food, dinner, japanese, pork, pork belly, recipe, slow cooking, winter

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dinner, japanese, lunch, pork, pork belly, recipe, stew

Ahhhh pork belly, my second favourite meat of all time. It’s probably pork belly’s rich flavour and soft texture that’s got me so hooked. This time, I attempted to cook it braised, Japanese style. In other words, Buta No Kakuni – Japanese braised pork belly, simmered on low heat with soy sauce and dashi until it’s so tender that it melts in your mouth.

SOO GOOD. Simmering on low turns the meat to a texture almost buttery soft, complimented with the sauce’s salty and sweet flavours.

This recipe is super easy!! Top it off with a dash of shichimi togarashi for extra flavour.

You’re welcome.

Get the recipe here (and hit translate)!

Roberta’s Pizza, Gone Too Soon

07 Wednesday Oct 2015

Posted by notanotherfoodblogca in pizza, review, Roberta's Pizza, toronto, Toronto restaurant

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pizza, Pizza Libretto, review, Roberta's

So… I had the best pizza in Toronto.

We’re talking angels cried slow tears in heaven level of greatness.

But the thing is, this pizza actually was not from Toronto.

Roberta’s pizza from Brooklyn New York held a one night only pop up shop at Citta. For those that know, Roberta’s is an essential NYC pizzeria that specializes in Neapolitan inspired style pizza. (READ: similar to Pizza Libretto or Queen Margherita in Toronto)

I didn’t get to try Roberta’s in my last NYC trip, so naturally I made resos as soon as I heard.

Well, let me tell you the pizza was AMAZING. From the chewy, crispy crust, down to the fresh mozzarella and spicy sopressata… there are no words. I actually went through a bit of pizza withdrawal and had Pizza Libretto two days after I ate Roberta’s. And I can say Roberta’s wins on EVERY level. I’m not a fan of how the Pizza Libretto crust is a bit wet in the centre. Further, the tomato sauce of Libretto seemed bland in comparison. Perhaps they didn’t use San Marzano tomatoes… or the sauce needed to be cooked longer. It also lacked in flavor so that didn’t help at all.

Lots of room for improvement in the Toronto pizza scene, which makes me realize that if I lived in New York I’d have to be rolled down the street because I’d be constantly eating!!!