I know Christmas is around the corner and I could have easily posted an amazing turkey recipe or any other seasonal dish for this weeks food and wine feature; I figured though that since there are several (probably more reliable sites for these types of recipes), I decided against posting any Christmas recipes and instead, I’ve decided to post a good comfort soup for the soul…and good wine to match.

It’s hectic, people are doing their last minute shopping and stressing out in the process. Even though the season is supposed to be about joy, peace and happiness…try going through traffic towards any mall and find yourself a parking spot within a decent walking distance to the entrance…exactly!

Well if you’re reading this then kudos to you for taking the time to relax! I tried this recipe a few years ago and fell in love with it! Thanks to my buddy James for this OBG of a recipe…umm that’s ‘oldie but a goodie’ by the way.

Don’t let the length of this recipe intimidate you! It’s a synch…doesn’t taste too bad either if I may say so myself. The citrus give a surprisingly nice twist and there are various ways to serve it.

Enjoy!

Butternut Squash & Acorn Soup

1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
1 onion, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, trimmed and diced
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 tsp (5 ml) ground ginger
3-4 cups (750 ml to 1 l) chicken broth
2 cups (500 ml) cubed butternut squash
1 cup (250 ml) cubed acorn squash
1/2 potato, peeled and sliced
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt, or to taste
1/4 tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
1 tsp (5 ml) julienned orange zest

Heat butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic; saute, stirring frequently, until onion is tender and translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Add ginger and saute for another minute. Add broth, squashes and potato. Bring broth to a full boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to a low and simmer until squashes are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork, about 20 minutes.

Remove soup from heat and allow it to cool briefly. Puree soup with a hand-held immersion blender, or in a food processor or blender, or by
pushing it through a sieve or food mill. Return soup to pot and bring to a simmer. Adjust consistency if necessary by adding more broth or water. Taste soup and add salt, pepper and orange zest.

Serve soup in a heated tureen or individual bowls. This soup can be served chilled.

After cooling, refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Garnish each portion with a thin slice of orange or pumpkin seeds and parsley.

Additional serving suggestion:

To give the soup a more pronounced orange taste, add 1 tbsp (15 ml) of frozen orange juice concentrate with the final flavour adjustment. A few
drops of lemon or lime juice can brighten the flavour.  When ready to serve, whip a little heavy cream to soft peaks, fold in an equal amount of
sour cream and add freshly grated gingerroot to taste. Place a dollop on each portion of the soup.

Wine of the week: Naked Grape Sauvignon Blanc

I’m not a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc wines, but this particular wine is citrusy and will pair well with the orange hints in the soup. Just the right amount of acidity and hey…It’s Canadian!

Sante!

One of the things I like about living in Trinidad is the exposure to art in all forms. I have been to several art exhibitions, shows galleries and events in Montreal, Edmonton and Toronto, but not nearly as many as I have experienced during my last 2 and a half years of living here in Trinidad.

This Thursday I look forward to checking out our friend Che Lovelace’s showcase of his latest work. Here’s the ‘deets’:

Opening Reception

Thursday 08 December 2011
6.30 – 9.00pm
at 37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain
RSVP 740 7597 / medullaartgallery@gmail.com
Exhibition continues until 22 December 2011

ABOUT THE SHOW
Conceived as an open studio event that takes place outside of Lovelace’s studio, Studio Swap will showcase many new, large-scale paintings, smaller works, and a projected piece. Lovelace’s new, large-scale paintings demonstrate the artist’s increased focus on the human body in various environments and situations. He has been using performance as part of his work process, executing and photographing specific actions, out of which he then develops his paintings. Short stop-motion films are also produced from these performances.

Parallel to his work with the body and movement, Lovelace has continued his long-standing series of Carnival and ‘Mas’ oriented paintings. A selection of the most recent of these works will also be presented. The artist has also been a fervent documenter of his works in progress as well as day-to-day life and moods in the studio, and a selection of these and other images will form part of the projected piece.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Che Lovelace has had one-person exhibitions at Half Gallery, New York; the National Museum of Trinidad & Tobago; along with other Trinidad galleries. He recently showed at the 2011 Volta Art Fair in New York, represented by the Fine Arts Society Gallery, London. A selection of his portraits was recently exhibited at the Pertwee Anderson & Gold Gallery, London, UK. He has been included in exhibitions in Spain, Ecuador, Paris, Santo Domingo, and Curaçao, among other locations. In 1999 he was awarded the UNESCO-Aschberg Artist Bursary and he worked in London for several months under the auspices of INIVA (Institute of International Visual Arts), after which he completed artist’s residencies in Uganda and Venezuela. He studied painting at L’Ecole Regionale des Beaux Arts de la Martinique, (Regional School of Fine Art, Martinique).

ABOUT THE GALLERY
Medulla Art Gallery has been established to carry on and develop the traditions of Aquarela Galleries. Medulla, as the name implies, will provide a core space for art education with public participation through exhibitions, forums and seminars. Isabel Brash, Martin Mouttet and Geoffrey MacLean hope to use Medulla to demonstrate art, not only as a social expression, but also as a medium for therapy and growth. Workshops will form part of all exhibitions and include introductions not only to painting, but sculpture, print-making and media.

We’re already fascinated by how the Internet has become the single most important tool for information gathering, networking, social interaction, and virtually every aspect of our personal activities.

Over the last 7 years, our ability to connect with virtually anyone from across the globe has been simplified thanks to Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and several other social networking mediums.

While the progression of these tools are creating opportunities, it is important to understand how these tools have shaped, improved or shifted our interpersonal relationships, and more importantly our ability to communicate effectively:

A couple of questions I think need to be taken into consideration:

1) Are we communicating more because of the increased capacity to contact anyone from a distance? If so, how are we communicating with them?

2) Are we getting involved in networking and community activities?

3) What sense of ‘belonging’ to communities do networked people have?

4) Are we sending the right messages to the right people?

5) How sure are we that the receiver of your intended message(s) understands your message?

Our increased ease and ability to send and receive messages in real time can become a double-edged sword.

We are inundated with information, messages, calls to action, ads, products…and the list goes on. It’s easy to blast out a broadcast message to everyone on your contact list to get your message across; however, the responses are less likely to be favourable from someone who has no interest whatsoever. Wouldn’t it be better to personally contact the people you know would have a vested interest or who would benefit from your message? I mean are we becoming that lazy?

Another important element of any form of communication is ensuring that your intended messages are clear and understood by the intended receiver.
Ask yourself this: are we following up with them, or are we merely assuming that because they received your e-mail, text, bbm or phone call, your intended message was delivered? Failure to clarify this could be detrimental.

Are We Connecting?

The Internet has provided us with the ability to expand our reach and connect with anyone at anytime. As a result, we are witnessing a movement towards ‘networked individualism’.

“The social network revolution has provided the opportunities — and stresses — for people to reach beyond the world of tight groups…People function more as networked individuals and less as group members.” - Prof. Barry Wellman, S.D. Clark professor of sociology at the University of Toronto

We’re moving towards a networked society where people are adapting to new forms of interacting (online chatting, IM, online communities) mainly from indoors rather than the visible outdoors…another facilitator towards the privitisation of community.

Are we effectively leveraging our communication tools and more importantly, are we really functioning better as networked individuals?

It’s SOOOOOOOUL TRAIN!

Soul Train has been the longest running syndicated show in history. Founded by Don Cornelious, Soul Train aired from 1971 to 2006 and it featured some of the world’s greatest entertainers (Soul Train is also responsible for the successful careers of many artists). Since the final live show in late 2006, fans like myself can continue to enjoy the reruns of  ”The hippest train in America” series on BET.

I’m not sure about you, but watching a group of people in the 70′s and 80′s sporting the coolest…most unique fashion and hair styles…grooving to the latest dance moves at that time…does something to me. It brings nothing but positive vibes and a reminder of how great things were way back when.

Last night I caught the 40th annual Soul Train Music Awards with an emotional tribute to Gladys Knight, Earth Wind & Fiire, and the late great Heavy D.

I made a mix several months ago in tribute to the soul and funk music I grew up listening to. In addition, there’s some amazing new music to be discovered. I felt it necessary to share it with you all.

Soul Train On Speed vol.1 is a mix of old and new funk, featuring: Stevie Wonder, SOS Band, George Benson, Janelle Monaé and Lisa Shaw to name a few.

Hope you enjoy this one:

Realising that I have some mushrooms, a 3/4 bottle of pinot grigio, some pasta, and all the necessities for a good dinner, I decided to whip up one of my favourite quick and easy dishes inspired by Donna Hay with my  little twist. I wanted to save money, enjoy more wine and have leftovers for this week on a fraction of what I would have spent by going out.

1) Did I save money? Yes…Mission accomplished.

2) …More servings of wine? Check!

3) …Leftovers for a few days?…Ummm…Well that was my ideal initial plan.

This weeks ‘Recipe & Wine of the Week? Mushroom and lemon linguine with basil and thyme. Here goes:

2 tablespoons butter
1 or 2 pimento peppers, seeded and chopped
400g (14 oz) sliced mushrooms, such as field, shiitake or button
3/4 cup (6 fl oz) vegetable stock
3/4 cup (6 fl oz) cream
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon rind

400g (14 oz) fettuccine or linguine
1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped basil and thyme
cracked black pepper and sea salt

Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter, pimento pepper and mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes or until the mushrooms are brown. Add the stock, cream and lemon juice and simmer for 5 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, place the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain. Toss the pasta with the mushroom sauce, parmesan, basil, lemon rind, pepper and salt. Drizzle with some good olive oil and voila!

Wine of the Week:

I like Pinot Grigios…it’s the perfect wine after a long day in the heat. Slightly citrusy, the Cavit Pinot Grigio is crisp, light and just dry enough to compliment the rich creamy pasta with the citrus accents.

*Please note: Let’s be real here…I’m no sommelier! This is simply an observation from someone who loves a good glass paired with a good meal. If you’re not a Pinot Grig/Grigio fan, I suggest a Chardonnay. If you want something a bit less dry go for a Riesling or Gewurztraminer but I personally think they pair better with grilled or spicy foods.

Wine rule #1: There are no rules…go with what you like!

Santé

On November 8, 2011, around 6pm I was getting ready to leave the office and my coworker told me that there was a rumor on Twitter that Heavy D had passed. In complete disbelief, I went on to Twitter and saw several ‘#R.I.P Heavy D’ tweets…still not convinced, I immediately ‘Googled’ Heavy D and checked out every possible news source…I still remained skeptical. This seemed like déjà vu circa June 25, 2009.

There was a sense of emptiness upon hearing confirmation that ‘The Heavster’ passed away. Heavy D was one of my favorite artists for several reasons:

1)    He was an artist who never felt the need to curse and degrade women. Heavy D encouraged us to treat a lady right and showed us how cool it was to do so.

2)    He showed us that it’s okay to share your emotions. “Somebody For Me” still remains the soundtrack of my relationship status.

3)   Heavy D showed the world that being large is sexy. His presence and energy on stage put many people (even a tiny dude like myself) to shame. The brotha could dance!

4)   Heavy D represented his birthplace (Jamaica). Unlike many artists who migrate to the U.S, Heavy D always made it clear that he was proud of his country of birth.

I must say I have fond memories of growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. This was an era when music (in particular rap and hip-hop), had character, finesse, and optimism. As such, I feel the need to share an experience from my youthful days:

The year was 1989. Heavy D & The Boyz came out with their second album “Big Tyme”. I was 12 years old in Junior High School with my hair shaved on the sides rocking the ‘box cut’, African medallions around my neck, baggy pants and over sized glasses. #Noregrets

After watching the Arsenio Hall episode with Heavy D & The Boyz performing “Somebody For Me”, I remember wishing to impress the girls in my classroom with these neck-breaking, acrobatic dance moves.

The crew and myself decided that for the upcoming talent show, we’d replicate the dance routine from The Arsenio Hall show with Heavy D. Since most of us taped the show, we all carefully watched the VHS tape (pause…slow-motion…repeat…repeat…repeat…until we perfected most of it). We spent many days hanging out in the hallways practicing the dance routines creating a circle of on-lookers.

I almost wish we had a video of our performance, but when I think back of the size of my glasses, the colourful combination of our outfits and the hairstyles…I think some things are best left as a memory.

Back then I was in an environment where the majority of classmates were into Metallica and Guns & Roses most of them telling me that this “Rap crap” is just a fad. I never took them on; I always thought that this musical movement was too good to be a fad.

Heavy D was one of the many artists who kept this movement going while remaining positive. His time on Earth was short lived, but the memories he left us with are everlasting.

Heavy D’s last tweet was “Be inspired” and thanks to his contribution to the entertainment and hip-hop industry, many people are!

Thanks for the memories Heavster! We wish you a peaceful journey!

Check out my tribute mix here:

http://www.mixcloud.com/djshy_guy/peaceful-journey-a-heavy-d-tribute-mix/

Coffee or tea?

Those who know me quite well would understand my appreciation of good coffee.  Nothing beats a good cup of Joe; from the aroma of grinding beans to the freshly brewed and steaming coffee that make you wanna shout ‘good morning world!” after the first sip.

Yes coffee…It’s how I begin my mornings and end my lunch breaks.  Tea on the other hand, I prefer drinking in the evenings or right before bedtime. It puts me at ease and settles the stomach. Like my coffee, I prefer my tea strong with lots of cream and a teaspoon of brown sugar.

Which is better for you? Well in my opinion, it depends on what you’re seeking to gain from drinking coffee or tea. For many coffee drinkers like myself, the caffeine fix in the morning seems to be the general case.  But more importantly it’s the morning ritual…a psychological thing I guess.

While we (regular coffee drinkers) do not experience the buzz we did when we sipped our first cup of coffee or espresso, we become disturbed, in fact physically dependant on this substance when we do not indulge in our morning beverage ritual. Try quitting coffee for a week if you disagree with me.

“Tea is better for you and contains more caffiene than coffee”

Sound familiar?

Well…the debate continues over the risks vs. benefits of caffeine consumption. As with any food or beverage, my philosophy is simple: Everything in moderation.

While sipping my morning cup of joe and surfing the net, I ran into this really insightful infographic. This outlines in a clear legible manner, the benefits of coffee and tea. It should clear up some of the myths and misconceptions about these two highly consumed beverages.

Enjoy!

Santé

Click to Enlarge
By Policy Expert
View Other Infographics

Today is Father’s Day and to celebrate, I’m giving you one of the many things my father gave me….MUSIC!

I was surrounded by music growing up. My father had a record collection and he certainly had an eclectic taste in music. From Taj Mahal, to the O’Jays, Marvin Gaye, almost every Motown album, Hugh Masekela, and rare groove 70′s boogie…you name it we had it!

I instantly gravitated towards soul, funk, jazz and R&B. These genres shaped me even as I expanded my musical tastes to include hip-hop and house music among many others.

During my youthful days of discovering acid jazz in the early 90′s (little did I know what I thought was a new discovery was simply a reinvention of jazz funk), my dad pulled out a record and told me I need to listen to it…not just hear it but LISTEN to this man…his lyrics, the arrangement…his voice.

The artist was Gil Scott-Heron. I fell in love instantly. My immediate response was “This is kinda like acid jazz but with some serious grass roots consciousness.”

On May 27, Gil Scott-Heron sadly passed away. He will certainly be missed by many but his soul will live on.

I am grateful towards my father for introducing me to several artists such as Gil Scott-Heron. Here is a tribute mix from Cooking Soul:

http://www.cookinsoul.com/2011/05/30/%E2%80%9Cthe-revolution-is-being-televised%E2%80%9D-gil-scott-heron-tribute-mixtape/

Enjoy!

Happy Father’s Day!

In timing for Mother’s Day, there is a new boutique studio and on line store called Mingi Wants. Located in Fernandes Business Centre (same building I work in), they specialise in hand made jewelry, accessories, books and well…just a whole lotta cool gift ideas and awesome stuff!

mingiwants.com

On Saturday May 7, 2011, the studio will be opening its doors to the public for a special shopping experience.

In addition, Bella Treats will be providing some yum yums! Being the food lover I am, I couldn’t help but add this to my list of cool things to check out. Bella Treats is a new catering company specialising in baked goods.

The baker is Trini by birth but has lived and worked in Toronto (Boom)! as well as N.Y! See good things do come out of Canada! Not to be biased but their red velvet cupcakes are simply the best I’ve had so far!

Check out their site:

bellatreats.com

We are all aware of the unfortunate events in Japan as of late. We’ve seen several footages of the destruction and complete chaos left by mother nature. Very sad indeed.

I thought it would be refreshing to share some positive “feel good” material from Japan. I’m sure we can all agree that many great things come out of that nation…culture, cuisine, fashion, music…the list goes on!

I became exposed to the Nu-Jazz/Broken Beat scene in the early 2000′s and the majority of the artists that resinated with me were Japanese. Since then I was quite intrigued by the heavy jazz influence and appreciation of jazz music in Japan…only to realise that the history stemmed from the 1920′s. Here’s a very brief summary:

In the 1920′s several local jazz musicians emerged from the districts of Osaka and Kobe. They were heavily influenced by the presence of Filipino and American bands.

During World War II, jazz was considered “enemy music” and was banned in Japan. Fortunately, the genre was far too popular to successfully be banned and by the end of the war, native jazz artists flourished…traveling to the US where the troops were eager to listen to the music they listened to back home. The Allied Occupation of Japan (1945-1952) provided incentives for Japanese artists to emerge.

Jazz music in Japan (Japanese Jazz) has been criticised for being a cheap imitation of US jazz and in response to the ridicule and belittling of their music, several artists began to add a “national flavour” to their work by adding traditional instruments such as the Japanese drum (tsuzumi).

Jazz, like any other genre of music, has evolved. Thanks to the innovative jazz fusion movement of the 70′s and the electronica movement in the late 80′s, 90′s and today, we are exposed to such wider categories of music. We are exposed to several DJs/producers from across the world and new genres of music will continue to develop.

Here are just a few of my favourite Japanese artists:

1) Kyoto Jazz Massive:

2) Yukihiro Fukutomi (One of my favourite nu-jazz/broken beat tracks of all time)

3) Monday Michiru

4) Soil & Pimp Sessions

Now there’s so much more…maybe I will do a part 2. I tried covering the different styles of Jazz music.

Enjoy and stay tuned!