Tasting Together

Andre Proulx and Miroki Tong

Tasting Together invites you to explore Canada's food and drink scene. Join André Proulx and Miroki Tong in meeting some of the country's best chefs, mixologists and restauranteurs. Along the way, you’ll learn about pairing food and beverages, the history of some of the city’s classic dishes and trends that you’ll start to see on menus around the city.

André Proulx, aka @andrewinereview is the co-founder of the 80x wine company, creating high-quality small batch wines. He also loves food so much he married a chef! Miroki Tong, aka @9ouncesplease, has tasted her way all around the world and is eager to prove that that wine can be paired with almost any dish, from wagyu to hákarl!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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S4 · E3
Yesterday · 52 min
We ask a 4th gen farmer about GMOs, pesticides and organic labels
"I think more people die worrying about how safe our food is, then actually how safe the food is." - Dennis Bulani Saskatchewan farmer Dennis Bulani is on a mission to demystify everything that there is to do with farming in North America. Discussing where our food comes from is like opening a Pandora's box, where words like GMO, pesticides, monofarming, local, and organic fly out and about. But how much do we as consumers actually understand what all these terms mean? And do we realize how a humble commodity like canola oil could, in fact, humble us? André and Miroki had their minds blown with the complexities of growing and manufacturing canola oil, which is one of Denni's staple crops. In his newest book, Trust Your Plate, Dennis frankly shares all that he knows about large scale farming, giving people first hand access to the answers they have been seeking. This was a conversation that could have gone for hours! You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E2
October 14 · 32 min
Bagel vs Bagel - André Takes On Montreal
When Miroki asked André what he did during his weekend Montreal trip, he said, "not much"...until he started jotting down some notes. Planning a family trip with a toddler means not everything can be wholly centered around food and drink, so a trip to the Biodome had to happen to see the penguins. And although André has been known to enjoy his fine plates, this trip focused on great bites that were not only wallet friendly, but also lived up to the hype. Bonus points when wife Anja is a pastry chef and knows where to get some killer baked goods. Finally, Miroki and André come to blows when discussing Montreal vs New York bagels. Which bagel reigns supreme? The recap list: Schwartz's Deli Pâtisserie Au Kouing Amann Rhubarbe Pub BreWskey Bistrot La Fabrique St-Viateur Bagel Jean Talon Market La Banquise You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S4 · E1
September 30 · 1 hr 5 min
Down the Rabbit Hole with Rioja Wine
Season 4 of Tasting Together launches with a wine episode! Rioja was one of Miroki's first glimpses into what terroir meant in winemaking. After speaking with Clément Gallois, the Canadian Rioja DOCa representative, both her and André learn that the meaning of terroir has taken on a whole new meaning in recent years as the DOCa gave permission to list specific villages. This has provided wine enthusiasts the opportunity to really explore Rioja's granularities. André was hoping to get a Rioja 101 and head out of the episode with newfound knowledge to grab some choice bottles - but it turns out the surface was barely scratched. This episode drills down everything that makes up the world of Rioja wines. Get extra nerdy as they explore Rioja's versatility as red wine (A Tempranillo blend vs 100% Graciano? So different!), understand how to read the labels when buying a Crianza or Reserva, and taste the full range of wines the region produces, including the beautiful and elusive whites that they wish were more readily available on the international market. The lineup of wines tasted were definitelly in the upper tier of quality from anywhere - but it has left both André and Miroki thirsty for more. Learn more about rioja wine - https://riojawine.com/en-us/ You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E25
September 16 · 56 min
Tequila is way more than college shots
Most of us have had some sort of adversial relationship with tequila, but both Miroki and André have discovered its magic over the years. Far from the bad stuff pounded back in university, tequila, like all fine spirits, can be the complex result of terroir, distillation, and small batch practices. They may be aficionados of the drink, but Katy O'Donnell, VP, Brand Development at Tequila Tromba, along with Grayce Yuen, VP, Finance, blow Miroki and André's minds through a tasting of Tromba's tequilas, from the terroir driven blancos and elegantly barrel aged reposados and añejos, to the all-Mexican Cafeto coffee liqueur. And just what is that green drink being paired with the blanco? Founded by a Canadian, with Master Distiller Lilia Quintero at the helm, they dig into Tromba's story to make pure, additive free tequila, paying respect to the people, heritage, land and quality distilling. You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E24
September 4 · 39 min
From Frog Legs at the CNE to Steak at Barberian’s
Miroki is away, so André is joined by guest host Guillaume Frénéhard — his business partner at 80x Wine Company, local foodie and snobby Frenchman. Guillaume recently made an annual pilgrimage to the CNE, and armed with blogTO’s rundown of the wildest new foods, made it his mission to eat his way through the Ex. From a foot-long butter chicken taquito to lobster on a stick has CNE food finally moved past “gross for the sake of gross” and back toward being genuinely creative — and delicious? Then, from carnival food to decidedly finer dining. André and Guillaume recently celebrated their birthdays at Barberian’s, the Toronto steakhouse institution that has been serving the city since 1959. With 80x’s Ruff Pinot Noir currently being poured by the glass, they headed in expecting great steak and ended up blown away by the service, the cavernous wine cellar and one of Toronto’s most formidable wine lists. A request for Côte de Nuits Burgundy also led André back to an old favourite: Domaine Pavelot’s Savigny-lès-Beaune 1er Cru Aux Guettes — a wine that somehow keeps finding its way back into his glass. Has Guillaume managed to convince André that the CNE is worth another visit? You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E23
August 19 · 40 min
Miroki unleashes her inner Han Solo
She didn't necessarily traverse many galaxies to smuggle in goods, but when Miroki spotted a bottle of one of André's beloved bourbons during a trip in the states, she agreed to cart it back for him. But perhaps her efforts mean little, as rumours are circulating that US alcohol may find their way back on Canadian shelves soon. Is this the move we want though? A recent Nanos survey says otherwise. Miroki and André discuss the rise of local wine over the last year, and whether it has made enough of an impact to stay. Speaking of the local wine world, Tawse Winery has just won WineAlign's Winery of the Year Award. What do recognitions such as this mean for a wine business? Are awards simply marketing collateral, or titles worth pursuing as a reflection of their excellence? You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E22
July 29 · 47 min
What happens when a picky 10 year old meets escargot in France?
André and Miroki are joined by André’s younger brother Gilbert - and his two young sons Tristan and Kylin - to talk about the challenges and surprises of travelling through Europe with a self-described picky eater. Gilbert explains how his family balances adventurous eating with food aversions, texture sensitivities and the reality that sometimes not everyone wants to eat at the same restaurant. They also dig into how childhood food experiences shape our tastes, why “picky eater” can mean very different things to different people, and how a little flexibility can help families create great travel memories without turning every meal into a battle. One family member loved escargot so much he ordered it for dessert - and a unanimous family verdict on which country had the best food. You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E21
July 17 · 47 min
Go to Dartmouth where you can get treated like a "Dear Friend"
André joins Miroki diving into his recent trip to Halifax and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he put Canada's 100 Best Bars list to the test. He visited two spots on the list - The Narrows Public House (#12) and Dear Friend (#15) - and while The Narrows delivered a great, cozy meal, it was Dear Friend that truly blew him away. They take a look at what it takes to get on these lists - and how it feels when you find that restaurant that delivers a near flawless experience. Places visited/mentioned - Canada's 100 Best Bars The Narrows Public House Dear Friend Fortune Oysters The Canteen on Portland Mystic Nova Scotia Art Gallery of Nova Scotia - not food... or drink... but worth the visit You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E20
July 1 · 40 min
Happy Canada Day (from 2023!)
Happy Canada Day from Tasting Together! We’re reaching into the way-back machine for one of our favourite episodes from our radio days: a Canada Day special that unpacks a hard to define question — What is Canadian food? André and Miroki dig into a deeper conversation about Canadian identity, multiculturalism, reconciliation, and the way food carries history, culture, and politics whether we like it or not. They’re joined by Chef Tawnya Brant, a Mohawk Nation chef helping revive the traditional foods of the Haudenosaunee, for a thoughtful and delicious conversation about Indigenous cuisine. They takes the episode coast to coast with a look at Canadian wine beyond Ontario, heading to the east coast with Nova Scotia’s Tidal Bay and sparkling wines, to Quebec - the next emerging Canadian wine region, and out west to find out what is happening in British Columbia. You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E19
June 18 · 38 min
What do Playa Bowls, Brisket, and Nomad Culture have in common?
This episode is a litteral roller coaster - starting on a high note as Miroki got the opportunity to check out Playa Bowls a new restaurant that opens in Toronto on June 18. They then reflect on nomad culture - and proper etiquette when camping out in a coffee shop - especially given that so many restaurants are in a tough financial spot these days. And move to entertaining - André has been itching to get out the smoker - but the price of beef is ... well insane. You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E18
June 3 · 45 min
Miroki was right ... André was wrong... About Hybrid grapes...
André joins Miroki fresh from a short trip to the east coast. He had a chance to visit two wineries in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia. He had a chance to visit Benjamin Bridge, and Lightfoot and Wolfville. There were many surprising moments he experienced while visiting the wineries - but none were more surprising than when he tasted a sparkling Rosé from Benjamin Bridge that gave him goosebumps. He was further moved tasting the still hybrid wines from Lightfoot and Wolfville. These delicious wines got him thinking about the way we look at hybrid grapes - and how Miroki may have been right all along about how we vinify these often maligned varieties. You can hear our interview with Haley Brown from Wines of Nova Scotia from when we were on the radio here - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vaQDchypZpFwbCTx2FGGP?si=T9e2EXSHRvmc7y2c1RZVWQ You can listen to us taste through Tidal Bay with Danny Longo here - https://open.spotify.com/episode/5izo88iwfp4tuUQNJexmQ6?si=qgP8C_9SQeGQLiVGVDWpEQ Wineries visited - Benjamin Bridge - https://benjaminbridge.com/ Lightfoot and Wolfville - https://lightfootandwolfville.com/ You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E17
May 21 · 31 min
How Suite 115 Became One of Canada’s Best Cocktail Bars
The cocktail scene has come a long way since Strawberry Daiquiris and Sex on the Beaches. Toronto has become especially rich with innovative cocktail spots, a number of which recently made it into's Canada's Best 100. Miroki was particularly thrilled to learn that Suite 115, the place that currently makes her favourite cocktail (what is it?), is among the other prestigious locations on the list. She and André catch up with Suite 115 co-founder Oliver Leung to see if they can figure out the secret sauce behind their delicious beverages, how they stand out in a sea of talented mixologists, and how they pair cocktails with their menu. Oliver also drops some deep philosophy on the difference between hospitality and service, something all folks in the industry should take notice of. You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E16
May 6 · 48 min
Going crazy for Crozes-Hermitage
As wine aficionados, Miroki and André are always asked what is their favourite wine? If you don't know André's, you may have been sleeping on previous Tasting Together episodes. Miroki, however, has often said her favourite depends on her mood...until you see how her eyes light up when Syrah is mentioned. When folks talk about Rhône wines, it's often in reference to Southern Rhône, with its very warm climate yielding wines of jammy and stewed fruit ripeness. Northern Rhône is made of different stuff. At a recent media event, André connects with several producers to learn about this underrated gem of a region, the terroir and winemaking style. Back to Syrah. It is the only red grape in any Crozes-Hermitage bottle. While tasting a few bottles live on air, the two dig into what makes this particular Syrah so interesting, and even get the opportunity to taste a bottle of the even lesser available Crozes-Hermitage white. With a very limited selection available in Ontario, will they convince you to go hunt down an elusive bottle to enjoy? Producers Interviewed: Marc Romak from Domaine Melody Sandra Combat from Domaine des Combat Yann Chave from Domaine Yann Chave Wines tasted: Domaine Laurent Veyrat 1600 (not represented in Ontario) 2024 Domaine des Combat Bacchus Crozes-Hermitage (not represented in Ontario) 2023 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E15
April 22 · 57 min
Did you celebrate Malbec World Day?
Argentinian Malbec is, without a doubt, a cornerstone for Canadian wine drinkers...Canada is Argentina's 4th largest global export market! With Malbec World Day having recently passed on April 17th, Miroki and André are reminded about the quality that Argentine wines present for the dollar. But there is so much more to the story of Argentine Malbec. It has a rich history from when the grapes first arrived in the 1850s, evolving over the years to embrace a large range of styles from fresh and unoaked to big and powerful. More importantly, there is a cultural and social philosophy to how Argentinian folk drink wine together, something that Liz Luzza gives us a glimpse of during our podcast interview in partnership with Wines of Argentina. Whether you consider yourself a Malbec veteran, or someone who is newly curious, there is something to be learned in this lively conversation that bisects agricultural exploration of Argentina's unique high-altitude terroir, winemaking innovation, the country's dynamic cultural fabric, and food pairings, all with some live tasting notes of wines currently available at the LCBO. Wines tasted: Bodega Toro Centenario Malbec ($10.95, #12452) La Linda Malbec ($15.00 - $2.00 LTO, #11927) Luigi Bosca Insignia Malbec ($19.95, #452672) Alamos Malbec ($17.95 - $2.00 LTO, #295139) Trapiche Reserve Malbec ($14.95 – 80 Bonus Aeroplan, #614651) Kaiken Estate Malbec ($18.95 - $2.00 LTO, #58339) Doña Paula Estate Malbec ($18.35 - $3.00 LTO, #394783) Crios Torrontés ($16.95, #1834) You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E14
April 8 · 45 min
Why do we hate the foods we hate?
If you look at all of André's favourite dishes, you would think that chili would naturally be a part of his regular menu. Surprisingly, it's not! Not for the combination of ingredients, but from a lingering, unpleasant childhood memory. Meanwhile, why did Miroki polish off every, single grain of rice from all her plates as a child, while her sister would stubbornly sit at the table with half-eaten meals until the cows came home? There is some science behind all of it. André and Miroki unpack the flavours and textures that make them tick, and the ones that leave a pit in their guts, with Danielle Sheahan is a Registered Psychotherapist. She sat down with Tasting Together to unpack what's going on our brains around food we don't like. There may be far more to food adversions than what meets the eye. André finds himself in the hot seat as layers are peeled back around his psyche. You can contact Danielle here - https://www.daniellesheahanpsychotherapy.com/ You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E13
March 25 · 49 min
Rene Redzepi - "You may be a fantastic cook - but you're a shit chef"
Trigger and content warning: In this episode, we discuss violence, which includes sexual assault. Hot kitchens. Sharp Knives. Loud voices. Cuss words. Those are the hallmarks of the back of house in a restaurant. And while there has been a level of glorification to being able to survive being toughened up the kitchens, the lines have too often crossed into abuse. A major shortcuming in the hospitality industry is its inability to take care of victims of abuse, many who remain silent for fear of being blacklisted. Such is the story of the world famous Three Michelin star restaurant Noma, and its chef René Redzepi. Already having come under fire in the past for its expoitative use of stages (unpaid work by interns), Redzepi remains in the limelight for the extreme verbal and physical abuse of his staff. Behind meticulous plates, terror reigned, leaving behind broken hospitality workers who could not speak out. Is this behaviour normal? Or are these outlier tales that get highlighted in mainstream media? André and Miroki tear off the veneer with industry veteran Chef Deron Engbers, discuss his experiences coming up as a young chef, if he's noticed improvements, and whether it is possible for real change? How will this affect diners - and do diners care? Further reading: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/07/dining/rene-redzepi-noma-abuse-allegations.html https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadian-winemaker-norman-hardie-accused-of-sexual-misconduct/ You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E12
March 11 · 49 min
A 100% Canadian restaurant means no lemons, chocolate or black pepper
Do you think you shop and eat local? What if we told you that to eat food sourced solely in Canada, that you would be giving up staples like olive oil, lemons, vanilla, and even black pepper? That's exactly the mission that Chef Hunter Guindon of The Table Culinary Studio has undertaken. Nestled in rural PEI, his restaurant stimulates the senses with an intimate 7 course dinner featuring not only 100% Canadian ingredients, but also a 100% Canadian wine list. Open for only 5 months of the year, diners book months in advance for an opportunity to taste dishes that are never repeated. Andre and Miroki peel back the layers behind Hunter's ethos, witness some questionable practices he experienced coming up as a chef, and what took him from Ontario to Prince Edward Island. Will he and Andre will engage in fisticuffs over PEI vs Prairies as the superior beef? Book a limited spot at The Table Culinary Studio: thetablepei.ca You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E11
February 25 · 51 min
What to eat during Lunar New Year for luck and riches
As comedian Ronny Chieng says, "Gong Hay Fat Choy" isn't "Happy New Year"...it's "Hope you get rich!" Whether it's Miroki's Cantonese Lunar New Year celebrations, Vietnamese Tết, or Korean Seollal, festivities are in full swing during this period. As a first generation Chinese-Canadian, it's wonderful that Baker Joe of Wai Tack Kee is keeping Miroki's shelves full of delicious traditional Cantonese snacks. His daughter Audrey Tam joins us on Tasting Together to speak about Joe's journey from Hong Kong to Canada, and how their family business brings prosperity into homes all across the GTA through nut filled dumpling pastries, pineapple cakes and lotus flower cookies. André and friends join Miroki's celebrations at Jumbo Lobster in Markham, partaking in a banquet that included sweet, succulent king crab and a lobster tower stir fried with a salted egg yolk. Corkage at this famed seafood spot only starts at $15, but Andre did ogle at their insanely high end wine list presented on a deceptively humble laminated menu. The question to always ask is...order more dim sum or try their dry aged steaks? It has been nearly 7 years since Miroki has enjoyed a family style New Year dinner. Towards the end of Lunar New Year, she will finally have the opportunity to enjoy whole steamed fish (symbolizing wealth), noodles (prosperity) and barbecue pork (riches and strength) through delicious homecooking. Will this finally inspire her to take to the kitchen and learn to cook up some dishes that connect with her roots? Wai Tack Kee: https://www.waitackkee.com/ Jumbo Lobster: https://jumbolobster.ca/ You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E10
February 11 · 32 min
February is exciting in Toronto and nearby areas!
Temperatures are frigid, but the month is hot with events and activities galore. Miroki and André give you a rundown of what’s exciting in February in Toronto and the surrounding region. Winterlicious will be just wrapping up, so now is the time to enjoy a great prix fixe in Toronto. André has found a new appreciation for spending a night out with Anja for Valentine’s Day, though he isn’t dining at the local institution in Hamilton. Why is that? Meanwhile, Miroki has found a way to stay warm in Waterdown. Less than an hour from Toronto, Terra Greenhouses is making the most of their slow season by hosting a bustling market of local vendors, welcoming visitors to spend a day shopping for plants, food, and crafts. At the end of the month, the smashing event Black Grapes returns to Toronto at Waterworks Food Hall. Will you get an elusive ticket before it’s sold out? Winterlicious: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/winterlicious/restaurants-menus/ Terra Greenhouses Winter Market: https://terragreenhouses.com/waterdown-winter-market/ West Avenue Cider House: https://www.westavenue.ca/ Black Grapes: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-black-grapes-wine-tasting-tickets-1978391844263 You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
S3 · E9
January 28 · 55 min
What’s the real reason why 4000 restaurants will close in Canada?
January is generally a pretty blue kind of month, especially when the bombshell is dropped that 4000 restaurants will close by the end of the year. Emotions run high as customers and industry workers alike debate the reasons, trying to find one major factor to point the finger at. But sometimes the reasons lie in places we never consider. This is why we wanted to ask the best expert in the field. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, aka The Food Professor, brings his research based expertise to this episode to help us answer some burning questions, and peel back some layers to reveal just what is cutting into the deep web of the food industry. https://agrifoodanalyticslab.substack.com/p/canada-is-poised-to-lose-4000-restaurants Sylvain Charlebois - Faculty of Management - Dalhousie University The Food Professor You can follow Miroki on Instagram @9ouncesplease You can follow André on Instagram @andrewinereview Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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