A group of people sitting at tables in an ornate room.

The Mile End ‘Mission Possible Dinner’ Was Mission Success!

By on September 24, 2015

Since July I’ve been looking forward to The Mile End Community Mission dinner. I couldn’t wait to be part of an extraordinary evening showcasing the talented collaboration of Montreal’s finest chefs and restaurants. Chefs joining forces to raise funds and awareness for The Mile End Community Mission. I knew this fundraising event was going to be one for the books…and it was!

Driving from Ottawa to Montreal during a work day in peak traffic was going to play on my nerves, but my salvation was knowing that I was soon going to ravage…I mean, gracefully taste the creative and original dishes presented before me.

Upon arrival to the beautiful Rialto Theatre (a theatre I must admit, I have never had the opportunity to visit before) had an outdoor sign promoting the event like many theatres do…but this one felt different. It felt as though I was about to immerse myself in an evening like those we now, only see in classical movies. Movies that depict elegant and sophisticated soirées, where going out for dinner was actually the TRUE highlight of the evening. A time where one placed emphasis on what to wear…if anything, to add to the ambiance and feel of that occasion. An evening where the theatre was just as opulent as the guests donning their finest attire…Welcome to the Rialto!

The stunning Rialto Theatre complimented perfectly the evening’s ambiance of great food & drink for a worthwhile cause.

In true form, the evening started to take life of its own as guests made their way into the theatre. The Barr Brothers played their tunes as guests (including myself) headed towards the ever-so inviting oyster bar that Choice Harbour provided, as Cascumpec PEI oysters were waiting to be shucked and slurped by many!

Cascumpec PEI oysters provided by Choice Harbour

The Barr Brothers provided some of the evening’s entertainment.

Listening to the music, guests indulged in a variety of libations at their disposal. Suds from Ghost Farm and Joe Beef were on hand as well as some Prosecco and Cava to imbibe, while the sweet, sweet sounds of the harp was being played. How can you go wrong when you have a good drink, amazing entertainment and what else…Ah yes, the ‘teasers’, to set the tone for the evening and they were about to come out!

(Back) Endive confit with ham & Dijon, poached celery with chicken liver, curry and almonds. (Front) Nordic shrimp with tomatoes, crème fraiche and chives and Inverted Poutine.

The hors d’oeuvres were a hit and did what they accomplished to do…tease our tummies to be ready for the EPIC dinner we were about to be treated too!

First Course provided by: Hôtel Herman

Bourgots (type of sea snail) dill and fennel.

Second Course provided by: Ice House

Fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese and ham vinaigrette.

Third Course provided by: Joe Beef

Pork sausages and clams casino.

Fourth course provided by: Nora Grey

Corn cavatelli, chanterelles and Guanciale (Italian cured meat)

After those delicious courses, a break was needed…so I snuck to the kitchen to get a picture of the man of the hour, Marc Cohen: lead organizer of The Mission Possible Dinner and owner/chef of Lawrence restaurant in action as he was getting ready to plate his dish with his brigade. Capture8

Fifth course provided by: Lawrence

Stewed hare, dumplings, turnips and a red wine vinaigrette.

Sweet course provided by: Pâtisserie Rhubarbe

Tarte aux fruits…mascarpone cheese, prunes and cornflakes in caramelized white chocolate

Chocolates provided by: Les Chocolats de Chloe

Capture11

It must be noted that with every course, it was wonderfully paired by a beautiful wine that accentuated the dish. Guests were truly spoiled by the riches put before them.

And if that wasn’t enough, the desserts were accompanied by a 30year old Armagnac and an iced coffee…both were decadently well paired for the dessert course.

(left to right) The Food Tease with owner/chef David McMillan of Joe Beef and The Food Tease with owner/chef Marc Cohen of Lawrence restaurant.

You can imagine how splendid this affair was, how posh the evening turned out to be and believe me it was…but it goes without saying that the main reason why guests were there, was to support and raise funds for The Mile End Community Mission. AND Mission accomplished!! Donations raised over $30,000 for the Mission, which will help support those members of the community that need it.

Hats off to everyone involved!

Those who know me know I'm weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada
 spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋

Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.

It's the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍

They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.

This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France's L'Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃

This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa. 

Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏
A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨‍🍳👩🏼‍🍳😍

And it wouldn't be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋

And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal. 

At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉

#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees's Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family's Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn't win, but there's always next year 😉
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#foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #easter #eastereggs #easterdecor #familytradition #annualtradition #europeanstyle #potofgold #familytime #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasetravel
Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People's Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!😋
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The winning dish🥇 (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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Amongst the amazing activities:
● High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 🍾🥂
● Pampering at the Scandinave Spa 💆🏼‍♀️and at Le Germain Hotel 
● Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens ⚘️✨️
● Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let's not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!😍😋
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I think it's time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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#travelblogger #foodblogger #travelgram
#mtlmoments #mtl #mtlfoodies #published #presstrip #passportready
#alwaysexploring #travellikealocal #localbusiness #ifwtwa1 #tmactravel #thefoodteasetravel #exploremontreal #touristattractions #solo #solotravel

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