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SPOT LIGHT: LIBATIO N S • COVER STORY
LIQU OR•WIN E• -
Meet the
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By Diane Lilli
Blesses Great Food Just like any other deity, Foodgōd Jonathan Cheban never asked for his gifted palate, but instead was born with it. Today, his disciples number in the millions, as this famous foodie travels far and wide to discover, taste and post about the magical foods he encounters along the way. Growing up, Cheban shared a love of food with his mom, who encouraged his visionary tastes. But the Foodgōd grew to become passionate about eating the most heavenly foods found on Earth. “My mom loves food like I do,” he said. “But with my intense taste, whenever we go out to eat anywhere I tend to order for everyone.” Turns out Cheban’s obsession with food is more a lifestyle and career than a hobby. “My whole life is about the food,” he explained. “Even years ago, when every day always revolved around school, I would plan my schedule in college so I could enjoy incredible meals. My mom knew I get “hangry” and that sometimes I would circle an hour in the car before I knew what I wanted to eat. It was almost like cracking a safe – to go in search of the perfect tasting food.”
Surprisingly, Cheban’s taste in foods doesn’t just run the gamut of delicious, but also of meals prepared in roadhouse stops as well as modern American high end cuisine.
“I don’t just do high and low,” he said. “I am a fair-weather eater of buffalo wings in a bar but also at a table in Nobu. My passion takes me to both higher end spots or to a long drive to Westchester for pizza. I just love everything to be special, and want to share that.” Asked for his favorite spots, the Foodgōd demurred but then agreed to note some of his top picks, such as JG Mellon for best burger; Di Fara NY for best pizza in New York (in Brooklyn) and the bagel he made famous, the Rainbow Bagel (NYC). Recently Cheban launched his “Foodgōd 24 Karat Wings” at Ainsworth Restaurant Group. The wings are soaked in a coconut butter, chipotle & honey batter for 24-hours and then dusted with real gold flakes. They’re complimented with a side of gourmet bleu cheese to dip. As to how he finds that next delectable Godworthy bite, Cheban chalks it up to good luck, an intensely tuned in food curiosity, and his willingness to travel to his newest food haunt. As per his own creations, one new desert causing lines to form is “Foodgōd Desert”, a collaboration with Komodo in Miami. The fusion is a shockingly delicious Cotton Candy Rice Crispies treat – and not to be missed. Look for your next out-of-this world dish courtesy of the Foodgōd, which can be found on his upcoming YouTube site along with his robust social media sites. www.foodgod.com
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LI SPOT BATIONS• LIGHT:LIQ LIBATIO U O R•WIN N S • E•B LIQU EER OR•WIN E• -
Whiskey ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
whiskey translates to “water of life”
In meaning, meaning, whiskey to “water of life”. whiskey translatestranslates to “water of life”. Whiskey originated from Scotland during the early 1400’s, and is very popular around the world today. Even today, whiskey tastes much like it did when it first began. Manufacturers of whiskey are strong on heritage, and therefore do all they can to capture the flavor that whiskey has always been known for.
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“Whiskey on the rocks is also refreshing, as the ce cubes help to take some of the “bite” away”
Scottish whiskey is very popular in different parts of the world, while Jack Daniels is the preferred brand of whiskey in the United States. Jack is served at many bars and restaurants, and provides a great mixed drink if you pair it with Coke.
For any occasion, whiskey is truly great. Whiskey is commonly used during weddings and ceremonies, and both the bride and groom will drink it to signify a relationship that will stand the test of time. The drink isn’t only served with weddings, as it is also popular in bars and restaurants as well. Those wishing to signify friendship can also serve whisky as a gesture of wanting to be friends. Whiskey also makes a great gift for friends, employees, and even executives. Around the office, whiskey is very popular. When someone has had a tough day at work, few things bring out the best like whiskey. It can help someone relax, and make them feel at ease. Drink enough of it however - and you will feel as if you are king of the world! Although it has many uses, one of the best is ice cubes. If you combine whiskey with ice cubes, the combination is truly inspiring. People often refer to it as whiskey on the rocks, as it is very commonly served in bars and restaurants. Whiskey on the rocks is also refreshing, as the ice cubes help to take some of the “bite” away from the otherwise strong and potent drink.
If you’re looking to buy some whiskey for your home, you’ll never have to worry about having trouble finding it. ABC stores are the best source, although if you live in a state such as California you can find it at your local grocery or department store. Whiskey is one of the best selling forms of hard liquor, with thousands of people around the world drinking it quite frequently. Easy to find and easy to use, whiskey is easily one of the best types of alcohol that you can buy. You can use it at parties or socials, or just keep it for yourself. Whiskey is also great the body , if you drink a shot of it a day. With various ways to be used and a bold crisp flavor - whiskey is something that you can never go wrong with.
There are several variations of whiskey as well. Scottish whiskey, Jack Daniels, and Wild Turkey are among the most popular. W W W. FO O D BEVMAG .CO M
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CA SPOT R PIO’ LIGHT: S CORNER LIBATIO N S • LIQU OR•WIN E• -
B Y C R ISTIN A CARPIO
Celebrating Canada’s Great Culinary Minds The list of the highly anticipated Canada’s 100 Best is now released. At a recent launch party held in Toronto, some of the top culinary talents and industry leaders from all over the country have gathered and packed the room to celebrate the occasion. Many repeat restaurants from previous years are back on the list again, and 26 restaurants joined for the very first time. Canada’s 100 Best is a list compiled annually reviewing restaurants all across Canada. There are 97 judges that range from top chefs, culinary experts and food writers who participate in the voting and results are tabulated by KPMG. This comprehensive list is meant to be a cross-national representation of culture and food. “The list last year was dominated by the bigger cities. The 2018 rankings, however, have restaurants from Halifax, St’ John’s Newfoundland. Montreal had the most restaurants followed by Toronto” according to Rock-It Promotions, the organizations public relations firm.
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In addition to the restaurant rankings, Canada’s 100 Best also recognizes excellence in the industry. This years winners are: •Lifetime Achievement Award-Chef Lynn Crawford •Most Innovative Chef-Chef Marc Lepine (Atelier) •Outstanding Chef-Chef Patrick Kriss (Alo) •Best Farm to Table- Chef Michael Smith (FireWorks Feast at the Inn at Bay Fortune) •Best New Restaurant- La Banane (Chef Brandon Olsen) •Best Pastry Chef-Chef Daniel Mongraw (Toqué!) •Best New Restaurant Design- Maya Gohill (Calcutta Cricket Club) •Best Sommelier-Vanya Filipovic (Joe Beef) •Most Eco-Friendly Restaurant-Actinolite (Chef Justin Cournoyer) CANADA’S 100 BEST NAMED THE FOLLOWING TOP 10 RESTAURANTS FOR 2018: 1. Alo – Toronto 2. Toqué! – Montreal 3. Joe Beef – Montreal 4. Buca Osteria & Bar (Yorkville) – Toronto 5. Langdon Hall – Cambridge 6. Montréal Plaza – Montreal 7. Raymonds – St. John’s 8. Le Vin Papillon – Montreal 9. Edulis – Toronto 10. Kissa Tanto – Vancouver CANADA’S 50 BEST BARS NAMED THE FOLLOWING TOP 10 BARS FOR 2018: 1. Bar Raval – Toronto 2. The Keefer Bar – Vancouver 3. Coldroom – Montreal 4. Proof – Calgary 5. The Bar at Alo – Toronto 6. Lot Six Bar & Restaurant – Halifax 7. Bar Von Der Fels – Calgary 8. Pretty Ugly – Toronto 9. Clementine – Edmonton 10. The Woodcutter’s Blanket – Whitehorse
Editor in Chief Jacob Richler says Canada’s 100 Best continues to expand and fine-tune the judging panel and is always on the lookout for informed voices to add to the judging roster. “The list is compiled by judges who assess restaurants exclusively by the quality of food. And in any case, judges all across the country are obliged to vote for restaurants all across the country.” He also adds that all the judges travel, vote for restaurants they visit all across Canada. Richler says they aim to have local judges in every string of culinary community.
To qualify for Best New Restaurant category, the restaurant must be new in preceding calendar year. For example, to be considered for 2018, the restaurant must have opened for business sometime between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017. Dining experiences as rated in ballots must have occurred sometime over 16 months before the ballot was cast. For the 2018 Canada’s 100 Best, voting opened at the end of December 2017, and the final deadline was January 12, 2018.
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SPOT LIGHT: LIBATIO N S • LIQU OR•WIN E• -
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