CSL Favourites | Natures Catch
FOOD | By SHIVANA MAHARAJ | 2010/2011
PHOTOGRAPHY K&S Media

NATURE’S CATCH SMOKED SALMON JERKY (ORIGINAL AND TERIYAKI)

We were struck by the modern, sleek packaging of Nature’s Catch smoked salmon jerky. Thin slices of marinated wild Alaskan salmon (an eco-best fish) smoked with Alderwood, then dried and encased in a bold black matte resealable pouch. Established in 1966, in Blaine Washington, the folks at Nature’s catch know what they’re doing. The jerky is a perfect balance of soft, sweet meat with a hint of smoke and light salt that make the snack our new fall hike go-to product. As a bonus, the fish is rich in protein, omega 3’s and is absent of nitrates, preservatives, MSG, trans fats or GMO’s.

(2 oz package, approximately $5.00 per package, naturescatchjerky.com, amazon.com)

VALRHONA (VINTAGE ESTATE- Gran couva (64%), EQUINOXE sun dried FIGS, BALLOTIN ASSORTMENT)

Valrhona has come a long way since pastry chef Albéric Guironnet first founded Tain L’Hermitage in 1922 (later trademarked as Valrhona in 1947). Long the choice chocolate for pastry chefs the world over, it is renowned for its bean to bar production reflecting a commitment to the particular flavour characteristics of each terroir of origin. The Gran Couva made from cocoa beans from Trinidad is a perfect example of an elegantly balanced chocolate, rich with notes of hazelnut and almond. The chocolate covered figs with a slight chew are a great alternative to chocolate covered raisins, and the variety box of 10 chocolates ranges from perfumed jasmine to praline and caramel. These sophisticated chocolates won’t have the time to melt in your hands.

(Valrhona’s Classic Bonbon Ballotin Collection, 10 pieces,100 gram; $16.99; Equinoxe Mini , sun dried figs, 75g, $9.99; 2009 Vintage Estate Grown Domaine: Gran Couva (64% cocoa) Trinidad, Plantation Gran Couva, 75 g, $5.99; www.valrhona.com)

CREPE DELICIOUS AT CROSSIRON MILLS

The wrap has taken an elevated twist. Often associated with the sweet versions like a crepe Suzette, Crepe Delicious offers savoury breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert versions. CSL tried the Chicken caesar crepe at Crepe Delicious – the warm crepe created before our eyes has a silkiness that lends itself very well to being accompanied by tangy caesar salad, tomatoes, onion and chunks of chicken breast. Fresh and light, the crepe wrap is on its way to becoming the next big thing.

(Various flavours from $5.99, www.crepedelicious.com)

SAHALE SNACKS

(sing buri cashews, cashews with pomegranate and vanilla, ALMonds with cranberries, honey and sea salt and valdosta Pecans) Named for a Northwest Native American word for a ‘high lofty place’, Sahale founders Josh Schroeter and Edmond Sanctis, created the snacks after an intense hike on Mount Rainier in Washington in 2003 that left the pair craving a healthy, and nourishing trail mix- like nibble. Sahale uses whole nuts (cashews, pecans, almonds hazelnuts, peanuts), combined with natural (and preservative free) fruits and to make the experience even more gourmet, ingredients like lemongrass, balsamic vinegar, Moroccan harissa, and Madagascar vanilla beans. The result? Protein rich luxurious bites that walk a fine balance between sweet and savoury and make you want to go back for more.

(142 g, $4.99, sahalesnacks.com)