Bosk at Shangri-La: Creative Asian-Canadian Fusion

Bosk, the signature restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto, takes its name from the French word bosquet: a small wooded area that can lend refreshing reprieve from the elements. The restaurant design draws on a neutral palette of cream travertine, bronze screens and warm oak wood detailing to create an elegant and timeless space, complemented by tones of deep purples in the furniture, with a sea of hand-blown glass pendant lights in varying shades of green and amber, and commissioned large-scale photographs of local forest areas to bring the interior to life. Chef Damon Campbell’s menu hasn’t ventured far from nature either. Originally from Vancouver, Campbell sharpened his knives working at the French Laundry and Lafite before moving to Toronto and focusing on contemporary Canadian cuisine. 

Fruits de mer are bountiful at Bosk, such as Nova Scotia scallops, Pan Roasted Atlantic Halibut, and a decadent Northern Divine “caviar donut” with white sturgeon caviar from BC topped with crème fraiche — a small but sumptuous three-bite experience. Perfect for a light bite before the opera, there's a lovely seasonal Pre-Theatre menu with delicacies such as artfully presented August Harvest Green Garlic Soup with side stripe prawns, burnt pesto, edamame and juniper 'Krispies", Seasonal Gathered Leaves with endive, roasted squash, pecans, dried cranberries, clothbound cheddar and tangy maple vinaigrette, Organic Roasted Chicken with parsnips, lavender, fennel, medjool dates and truffle jus, and perfectly cooked Wild Pacific Salmon with De Puy lentils, salsify, Cincinnati radish with a Hollandaise sauce. To finish the evening, a small plate of sweets arrive to send us off to the opera serenely satisfied and thoroughly impressed with the entire Bosk experience. We can't wait to return.

Executive Chef Damon Campbell

180 hand blown-glass bocci lights hang spectacularly above the bar

The Bar menus feature an impressive selection of cocktails, wines, single malts, 

pure spirits and fortified wines

We began with a cocktail at the bar as we waited for our table, and what better way to launch the evening than with a classic French 75...

...or a Vodka Martini

The bar and sitting area of Bosk flow seamlessly into the lobby space of the Shangri-La 

The elegant and quiet dining area with warm oak panelling and warm taupe hues, 

is ideal for private parties

The impressive wine wall

The tables are well spaced with elegant stemware and pressed linen napkins

for an elegant experience

The succinct but sumptuous Pre-Theatre menu

A perfect orchid graces each table

Loimer Langenlois Grüner Veltliner available by the glass

With hints of pear, this gorgeous wine is refreshing and clean-cut 

A 2015 Luigi Bosca Finca La Linda Malbec from Argentina

Carrot Butter sprinkled with Malden Salt

Lovely fresh warm crunchy bread

August's Harvest Green Garlic Soup with side stripe prawns, burnt pesto, edamame and juniper 'Krispies"

Seasonal Gathered Leaves with endive, roasted squash, pecans, dried cranberries, 

clothbound cheddar and maple vinaigrette

Organic Roasted Chicken with parsnips, lavender, fennel, medjool dates and truffle jus

Wild Pacific Salmon with De Puy lentils, salsify, Cincinnati radish with a Hollandaise sauce

Little chocolates and mango marshmallows

Elegant tea service

www.shangri-la.com/toronto/shangrila/dining/restaurants/bosk

Seared Canadian Salmon with Maple Black Pepper Butter Sauce

Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Chef Damon Campbell 

Maple and black pepper butter sauce:

4 tbsp Canadian maple syrup

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 sprigs fresh thyme herb

8 tbsp butter, chilled

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

2 pinches of salt

Seared Salmon Fillets:

2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

4 5-oz salmon fillets

few pinches salt and black pepper

2 tbsp butter

2 cloves garlic, crushed

For the sauce, place the maple syrup, thyme sprig and black pepper into a small sauce pan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add butter and swirl pan around to melt butter into the syrup evenly. Once butter has melted, remove saucepan from heat and stir sauce. Add lemon juice and a couple pinches of salt. Set aside to keep warm.

Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in frying pan over medium-high heat, and place it in pan and sear for 1 minute, then turn heat down to medium and continue to cook for approximately 4-5 minutes or until crisp golden brown crust forms. Turn the fish over, add butter and garlic clove and baste spooning the butter over the fish with a spoon to promote flavour and moisture. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until just cooked through. Remove the fish from pan and blot onto paper towel. Place the fish onto a warm serving plate, drizzle the maple butter sauce over fish and serve.

French Canadian Split Pea Soup with Ham Hocks

Serves 4

Recipe courtesy of Chef Damon Campbell 

1 lb dry split peas, soaked in water overnight

1 smoked ham hock, split in 2 

1 large onion, chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

5 sprigs fresh thyme herb

8 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp white pepper

Place a soup pot over medium heat and add the butter to melt. Once melted add the onion, celery, carrot, garlic and thyme herb sprigs, and cook over low heat for 10-15 minutes to soften. Add the peas, ham hocks, salt and stock, and turn the heat to medium high. Bring the mixture to a simmer and turn heat back down to low. Cover the pot with lid and cook for 60-90 minutes until the peas are tender.

Remove the pot from the heat and remove the ham hocks, let them cool for 20 minutes and then remove the meat from the bone; discard the bone. Cut the meat into cubes or shredded it with a fork, then set aside. Purée the pea soup with an immersion blender, and reheat the soup to a simmer, then add the ham and white pepper. Stir to blend. Ladle into warm bowls and serve.

The Old Mill: A Woodland Oasis in the Humber Valley

Nestled along the thickly wooded slopes of the Humber River Valley, the historic Old Mill Inn offers a full-service spa and elegant fine dining with Executive Chef Martin Buehner at the helm. The iconic 4-star Tudor-style mill house hotel set amid beautiful gardens and just minutes from downtown Toronto, is famous for its traditional English afternoon tea which has been served since 1914 and features the customary cream, jam and scones. During the week and on Sundays there's a large buffet of roast beef, maple-glazed ham, seafood and salads, as well as regular jazz nights held at the Home Smith Jazz Bar.

Japanese Mountain Rose on each table in the Terrace Dining Room

The Terrace Dining Room

Bloody Mary

The Luncheon buffet

Chilled Mussels

Smoked Salmon with capers

Poached Shrimp

Assorted Cheeses

Lovely fresh fruit

Plum Tart with Streusel Topping

www.oldmilltoronto.com

Shrimp Crêpes with Mushroom, Asparagus & Tarragon Cream Sauce 
Makes 16
Recipe courtesy of The Old Mill

Crêpe Batter:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup plus 2 tbsp chicken or beef broth
3 large eggs
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 tbsp salt
1/3 cup minced fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, coriander or tarragon
melted unsalted butter for brushing the pan

Filling: 
13-15 shrimp, peeled and deviened
1 bunch of asparagus
1/2 lb assorted mushrooms, such as cremini, oyster or Shiitaki, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 pinch of nutmeg
1 oz white wine
2 oz butter
2 oz olive oil
1 lemon juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

Cream Sauce:
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup white wine
3/4 cup 35% cream
1/2 oz olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tsp fresh tarragon 

Garnish:
Fresh chives and sliced orange


To make crêpes, blend the flour, broth, eggs, butter and the salt in a blender or food processor for 5 seconds. Turn off the motor, with a rubber spatula scrape down the sides of the container, and blend the batter for 20 seconds more. Transfer the batter to a bowl, stir in the herbs, and let the batter stand, covered, for 1 hour. The batter may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled. Makes enough batter for about 16 crêpes.

Heat a crêpe pan or non-stick skillet measuring 6 to 7 inches across the bottom over moderate heat until it is hot. Brush the pan lightly with the butter, heat it until it is hot but not smoking, and remove it from the heat. Stir the batter, half fill a 1/4-cup measure with it, and pour the batter into the pan. Tilt and rotate the pan quickly to cover the bottom with a layer of batter and return any excess batter to bowl. Return the pan to the heat, loosen the edge of the crêpe with a spatula, and cook the crêpe for 1 minute, or until the top appears almost dry. Turn the crêpe, cook the other side lightly, and transfer the crêpe to a plate. Make crêpes with the remaining batter in the same manner, brushing the pan lightly with butter as necessary. The crêpes may be made 3 days in advance, kept stacked, wrapped in plastic wrap, and chilled.

For the filling, cut the asparagus into small spears and blanch for 2 minutes in boiling salted water. Add 1 oz of olive oil to a hot pan, add the mushrooms and sauté for 1 minute, then add the garlic, nutmeg, butter and wine. Sauté for another 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.

Put the lemon juice on the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Sauté in a hot pan until the shrimp are cooked through. Add the asparagus and mushrooms to the shrimp, and let the mixture cool. Place the crepes on a cutting board, fill the crepes with the mixture, then roll the crepes and set aside.

For the cream sauce, sauté the garlic in olive oil until translucent, then add the white wine and reduce by half, Add the cream and reduce by 1/3, then add fresh tarragon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Place the crepes in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and pour the cream sauce over top and serve garnished with fresh chives and sliced orange.

Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Bisque 
Serves 4
Recipe courtesy of The Old Mill

28 oz can chopped tomatoes 
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 
3 stalks celery, trimmed and sliced 
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 medium cooking onions, chopped 
4 red bell Peppers, about 1 1/2 lbs
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
1 fl oz olive oil 


Cut the red peppers in half and remove the core and seeds. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and place on a foil lined cookie sheet. Roast in a 400°F oven skin side down until nicely browned, about 10 to 15 minutes. Once roasted, remove from the oven and place in a large zip-lock bag. Seal and set aside and allow to cool. Once cooled remove the skins from the peppers.

In a medium sized sauce pan add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook for another 3 minutes.

Add the canned tomatoes, roasted pepper halves and stock, and bring to a boil. Turn the heat to low, place a lid on the pot and simmer for 10 -12  minutes or until the carrots and celery are softened through.

Remove the pan from the heat and using a hand emersion blender blend the soup until smooth. Adjust the thickness of the soup by boiling it down to your preferred consistency prior to adjusting the seasoning, or add additional water or stock for a looser consistency.

Focaccia Barese: Traditional Pugliese "Fcazz"

A specialty of southern Italy, Focaccia Barese is a typical dish characteristic of the Bari region of Puglia. Its secret is in the dough, which includes boiled potatoes and gives the "fcazz" a unique soft, springy texture and a beautiful aroma. Inspired by the delicious focaccia we enjoyed at our recent Massimo Bruno supper club dinner featuring his Mamma's traditional Pugliese cuisine, we decided to try our hand at this Barese original, with impressive results. 

00-type flour, mashed potato, yeast and water rises after 2-3 hours

The dough is stretched into a greased baking sheet with halved cherry tomatoes, 

dried oregano, sea salt and drizzled with olive oil

Baked at 475°F for 20-25 minutes until the surface has browned 

and the tomatoes have caramelized

Focaccia Barese

Serves 8-10

2 cups 00-type flour

2 large potatoes, boiled and peeled

1 oz brewer's yeast

1 tsp sea salt, plus more to taste

1 cup lukewarm water

10 cherry tomatoes, halved

1 tbsp dried oregano

Extra virgin olive oil

Let the boiled potatoes cool before peeling, and set them aside. Place the flour in a large mixing bowl, and using a ricer, add the potatoes.

Dissolve brewer's yeast in the lukewarm water and add that to the mix as well. Fold in a small pinch of sea salt and begin kneading to obtain a sticky, firm ball.

Wrap in cling film and leave the dough to rise for 2 hours in a warm, dry place.

Preheat the oven at 475°F. Use some olive oil to generously grease a large baking pan and stretch the dough to fill it evenly. Press the halved tomatoes into the dough, cut side down, add a good dusting of oregano and lashings of sea salt. Drizzle the surface with more olive oil and bake in the hot oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the surface appears evenly browned and tomatoes are caramelized.

Tagliatelle al Limone e Parmigiano con Gamberetti

Why is it that the best pasta sauces have the simplest ingredients? This is one of them. It's absolutely delicious and couldn't be easier. Lovely, light, luscious, and creamy, it's an addictive lemony treat. A quintessential summer dish from the Amalfi coast in the Campania region of southern Italy where they grow exquisite lemons, creamy Tagliatelle al Limone with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is like sunshine on a plate. Perfect on it's own, or with grilled or quickly sautéed seafood, this is one of my absolute favourite pastas.



Egg Tagliatelle in Parmigiano & Lemon Buttercream Sauce with Shrimp
Serves 4-6

1 lb Tagliatelle egg pasta
8 tbsp butter, divided
1/4 cup fresh lemon zest plus juice of one lemon
1 cup fresh cream
1/2 cup sour cream or crème fraîche
1 lb wild Florida shrimp, shelled and deveined
1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus extra for sprinkling
Fresh ground white pepper
1 bunch chives, finely chopped for garnish


Bring a large pot of water to boil. In a large sauté pan, bring the butter, cream and sour cream to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the lemon juice, white pepper and lemon zest, and reduce by about half. Then remove from the heat. Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons of butter to a frying pan over medium-high and sauté until almost cooked through, about 3-4 minutes, then turn off the heat and let rest in their natural juices. Add the pasta to the water and cook al dente. Drain the pasta, add to the lemon butter, and toss to coat over medium heat. Add the cheese and toss a few more seconds. Pour into heated bowls, garnish with some lemon curls and a grinding of black pepper and top with the sautéd shrimp and garnish with fresh chives.

Massimo Bruno Special Supper Club with 'Mamma'

A popular Italian chef, teacher and media personality who was raised in the southern Italian region of Puglia before emigrating to Toronto in 2001, Massimo Bruno learned the art of Italian cooking from some its finest practitioners, like his mother, Francesca Bruno, his aunt Rosa and any of the other mothers in his hometown Bitritto who would let him into their kitchens. Each month, Massimo holds a series of 'family style' supper clubs with a particular theme, such as the special supper club we attended recently featuring Bruno's own mamma, with an extensive Pugliese menu of six antipasti, including Massimo's wildly addictive Focaccia Barese, Insalata di Polpo, Riso, Patate e Cozze, a typical Pugliese dish with mussels, rice and potato, platters of Salumi e Pecorino, creamy Cuore di Burrata and Mamma Francesca's delicious Parmigiana di Melanzane. And that's just to start.

All the while, mamma is busy making homemade pasta for the following two courses: Spaghetti con Pomodori al Forno - Massimo's favourite pasta growing up - and Cavatelli colle Rape, one of Puglia’s most famous dish. Cotolette di Vitello con fungi e peperoni, veal cutlet with mushroom, peppers and white wine follow with Asparagi alla griglia e zucchini, lovely platters of grilled asparagus and sliced zucchini. After ten courses, the homemade dolci are served: Pizza di Ricotta, Francesca's flourless Ricotta Lemon Cake and Sporcamuss, warm puff pastry with Chantilly cream dusted with icing sugar - the name means 'dirty chin' because it's impossible to eat it without getting sugar all over! The evening was great fun enjoying Mamma's traditional Pugliese cuisine and chatting with fellow diners, many of whom come to most of Massimo's regionally-inspired dinners which generally sell out as soon as they're posted online.

Massimo's Mamma, Francesca Bruno, rolling out pasta for the evening's Cavatelli con Rape

Mamma rolling out the pasta for cavatelli

Massimo's Focaccia Barese with all the flavours of Puglia

The supper club evenings are BYOB, so we brought a 

Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Mandria 2013 from Puglia

Cuore di burrata, creamy homemade burrata - more like stracciatella - with roasted cherry tomatoes and basil pesto 

Insalata di polio - old-style octopus salad with lemon and olive oil

Riso, patate e cozen, a typical Pugliese dish with mussels, rice and potato

Our end of the table at the dinner with friendly fellow foodies

Salami e Pecorino

Fig Jam to accompany the pecorino 

Francesca Bruno’s outstanding parmigiana di melanzane

Massimo wandered around the table to chat with everyone during the dinner, sharing stories about his mamma and the cuisine of Puglia

Spaghetti con pomodori al forno, Bruno's favourite pasta growing up, simple and rustic

Peperoncini Piccanti

Grated Pecorino

All the dishes are served family-style — one big dish is shared between groups of about four

Francesca Bruno’s Cavatelli with Rapini and Anchovies, her version of Puglia’s most famous dish

Domenic Pede assists in the kitchen

Verdure of grilled Asparagus and Zucchini with Balsamic drizzle

Guests sit together at a long harvest table for 30-40 people and everyone brings a bottle of their favourite vino 

Cotolette di vitello con funghi, pepperoni  - veal cutlet with mushroom, peppers and white wine

Sporcamuss, warm puff pastry with Chantilly cream dusted with icing sugar - the name means 'dirty chin' because it's impossible to eat it without getting sugar all over!

massimobruno.com

Torta di Ricotta (Ricotta Lemon Cake)

Serves 12

Recipe courtesy of Massimo Bruno

2 1/4 lb fresh ricotta cheese
12 large eggs
10 oz of sugar
2 small packs of vanillina, an Italian vanilla powder yeast*
Grated zest of 1 lemon
A pinch of cinnamon
4 tbsp Limoncello


Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a deep, round 12-inch aluminum pan with parchment paper. Add the eggs, vanillina, lemon zest, cinnamon and sugar to a standing mixer and mix well to combine. Add the fresh ricotta and 1 tablespoon or so of limoncello. Keep mixing until you have a creamy consistency. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and lightly sprinkle the top with more sugar. Bake until the top is lightly golden, about 60-75 mins, depending on the oven. Remove from heat and gently sprinkle the limoncello over top of the cake. Let sit and cool completely before serving.


* Massimo uses Pane degli angeli or Bertolini brand, although it can be substituted with 2 tsp baking powder and a  touch of vanilla extract.

Involtini di Melanzane (Eggplant Rolls)

Involtini di melanzane was one of my favourite dishes growing up in southern Italy, we had it at every family occasion. So when I get back from my culinary tour to my home region of Puglia I always include it on the menu of next my supper club – makes be feel like I'm still back home. You can make this dish up to two hours in advance of serving, or fry the eggplant the day before if that’s more convenient. The dish is also very versatile: you can have it hot or at room temperature, and can also make it as rolls or lay it flat in the pan like a classic parmigiana.


Eggplant rolls:
1 large eggplant
1/2 cup of fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese  
15 basil leaves
3 large eggs
Olive oil for frying
Fine sea salt - QB
Flour for dusting

Tomato sauce:
1 bottle of Italian passata
2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
1 handful of  basil leaves 1/4 cup olive oil 
Fine seasalt to taste


Peel and slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1/4” slices, then place in a strainer, set in a large bowl to catch the liquid as it is released, and make them “sweat” by sprinkling generously with sea salt. Allow them to sit for 30 minutes at the very minimum. 

In a medium-sized sauce pot add 1/4 cup of olive oil and lightly pan fry the whole garlic and onion together, cooking until lightly brown. Add the cherry tomatoes and add little salt to help release their juice and flavour, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the tomato passata. Rinse the empty bottle with 1 cup of water and add to the sauce. The sauce should be a little watery so feel free to add more water if it looks dense – it will thicken during the baking process. 
Add the basil, mixing it into the sauce so it’s completely submerged in liquid. Add a good pinch of fine sea salt and give it a quick stir. Allow the sauce to come to a boil with the lid slightly ajar. Once boiling has begun, stir gently and reduce heat to low simmer. It should bubble lightly for an half hour or so. 

Meanwhile, prepare a plate or dish lined with paper towel ready to receive the hot fried eggplant. Beat the eggs in a medium sized bowl. Place flour in a shallow dish and coat each piece of eggplant lightly with flour. Place 2 inches of frying oil in a frying pan and turn on to a high heat so that you will be ready to fry once coating eggplant has been completed. If the oil begins to smoke it is too high; if it sizzles when you sprinkle a little flour into it, it’s just the right temperature. Next, dip the coated eggplant slices into the beaten egg and you are ready to fry. Once oil is ready, begin to fry by gently placing several pieces of your coated eggplant into the frying pan. Do not overlap your pieces – give each its space. Fry until golden brown, turning only once. Normally you will need a couple of minutes for each side. If in doubt, taste to see if it’s cooked to your liking.  

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay the cooled fried eggplant slices on a flat work surface. Dice the mozzarella and place evenly across the middle of each slice
Sprinkle the grated Romano cheese evenly across the middle of each slice
Tear the remaining pieces of basil into little bits and place across the middle of each slice. Prepare a shallow baking dish with 2 scoops of tomato sauce enough to cover the bottom. Roll the slices into “involtini” (rolls) and place in your baking dish next to each other. Cover the rolls with the remaining tomato sauce, don’t drown them, but generously cover and if quantity allows, save some sauce aside if needed. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly roasted on top.