Spoon Me: Now Spooning Calgary

Better on a hot day, but I can see this place getting packed.

This is the first Canadian location for this frozen yogurt chain (predominantly Utah). I can't compare this to Yogurtland, because that would be mediocre.   

The interior is fantastic, however you are limited to only 3 types of frozen yogurt: plain, acai or green tea. The smallest bowl is rather large and has 3 toppings.  There is an average variety for fruit toppings, 3 choices of chocolate chips, and an assortment of cereal toppings.  (Again, once you've hit Yogurtland, other places can't compare).  

Their advertisements and decor are bright, modern and clever. Nice ice breaker eh? 

Maurya

After bouncing about 3 restaurants, the plinko chip finally landed on Maurya. I believe this is pronounced: More- ee- uh (Yes I have thoughts of The mines of Moria from Lord of the Rings) 
This East Indian restaurant is pretty good but a little pricey.  (At least it was opened on a Monday!)  *A little rant:  Why are restaurants closed on Mondays???  

Our server pointed out the buffet, however it is a vegetarian buffet. I'm not anti vegetarian, I'm just pro meat.  :)  

Paneer Pakoras- deep fried cheese with some sort of chutney sauce.  The green one is a bit spicy, I preferred the brown sauce.

Rustic chafing dishes? They are very cute. 

From top to bottom: Lamb(Gosht Vindaloo), Chicken(Butter Chicken), Beef (curry).  Oh and I did order garlic naan you can only see a tiny corner of it.

I prefer the butter chicken, the lamb was pretty good, the beef was good, but could have been more tender.  I think I might try the lamb masala next time. 

Cheddar and Pepper biscuits via Joy the Baker

I absolutely love recipes from Joy the Baker.  I did sweet before, so now to try something savoury this time. Cheddar and black pepper biscuits.   

It turned out pretty good, but I think next time I will double the cheddar.  I didn't have any cream to top them off so I brushed it with buttermilk instead. 

Breakkie biscuit: bacon, eggs spinach and mozzarella

DinoRosa's Italian Market.

I randomly wandered into this market, where I got a meatball sub for lunch.

It's definitely above average, the bread is absolutely fantastic. But I prefer more herbs and spices in the meatballs.  The staff are very friendly and attentive.  There is actually a restaurant area apart from the shop. 

Lemon cakes via Martha Stewart recipe

I bought a bunch of lemons since they were on sale and had a craving for something lemony.  

Sad to say I failed at assembly on the first cake, then succeeded with the second.  Different cake textures but otherwise successful.  

Link to Cake #1

Link to Cake #2

Coq au Vin

 Now, I said I was going to follow Julia Child's Coq au Vin, but unfortunately: a) I don't have brandy, nor will I fork out the money to buy a whole bottle, only to use a splash of it for one dish and b) No way am I going to flambe in my little kitchen. 

So I did a variation of Julia Child's Coq au Vin and The Pioneer Woman's Coq au Vin  I like the idea of using a tomato instead of tomato paste, addition of carrots and onions, elimination of pearl onions and parsley.   

Here are my alterations but you can click on the links to the full recipes above: 

-  Cut bacon into lardons. Blanche.

-   Cook bacon for 10min.  Remove.  

-  Salt & pepper chicken.  Brown in bacon fat. Remove.

-  Chop up a whole onion, garlic, carrots.  Saute in the remaining fat. 

-  Place bacon and chicken back in pan.  

-  Add 3 cups of red wine, 1 cup of chicken broth.

-  Add chopped tomato, 1/4 tsp thyme, 1 bay leaf.  

-  Cover and cook low to med until sauce reduces to about 3/4.  

-  Melt 2 tbsp of butter and mix in 3 tbsp of flour to make a paste. 

- Remove chicken, whisk in flour butter mixture. Discard bay leaf. 

- Stir in sautéed mushrooms.

I served mine over steamed rice, but you can serve it with pasta if you want.