December 21, 2004

Holiday List: B.C. Books
This year on Pacific Palate I decided to feature books all written by British Columbia authors. Here is the list, and a request. If you would like to purchase any of these books please do so by clicking through this website to amazon.ca. I receive a small percentage of the sale, which helps me support this website.

Click here for the list >>

December 14, 2004

Holiday List: Gadgets
The gadget parade is prepared by Fontaine Wong of Ming Wo Cookware, 23 East Pender Street in Vancouver.

(604) 683-7268
www.mingwo.com

All of the following regular prices and sale prices apply specifically to Ming Wo on East Pender Street. Prices may vary elsewhere.

Click here for the list >>

December 7, 2004

Fruitcake Panel
Here are some notes from the Fruitcake Tasting panel.

Best:
Nu:tenfru, comes in 3 sizes, we tasted the 1 kg size, MSRP: $39.99
Moist, rich, refreshing, high content of natural fruits and nuts
Available at Urban Fare and Caban stores, among others. www.nutenfru.com

Runners-Up:
Weston Light Festive Cake, 800 grams $5.29
Moist, withnot that much fruit and no nuts. That's why it's Festive Cake, instead of fruit cake. Still tasty, but not in the heavy, fruit and nut laden tradition.

Weston Deluxe Light Fruitcake, 900 grams $10.99
Ring-shaped with top studded with fruit and nuts. Moist, dense.

Not-So-Great:
Mrs. Wright's Light Festive Cake, 675 grams $6.49

Safeway's Lucerne Brand, this one underwhelmed everyone.

Safeway Kitchen's Deluxe with Marzipan, 680 grams $8.99
The marzipan was sickly sweet and the texture of the cake was overwhelmed by raisins.

Least Value For Money:
Walker's Glenfiddich Whisky Cake, 400 grams $15.99
Resembles an oversized muffin. Dry, tasteless, not a hint of whisky detectable to the palate.