Cafe Hothouse

Posted onDecember 02, 2011 - 10:14 pm by Admin | 0 Comments

Each dish comes with a whole bulb of roasted garlic cloves. These are exquisite! And simple to make: the tops of the cloves are exposed by cutting their tops, then lathered with olive oil and baked under tin foil for half an hour in a 400 degree oven. Voila! You then simply pop the cloves out of their little skins with a gentle squeeze of the paw and enjoy a truly sensual delight!

So, what is it about garlic that impels poets, philosophers and artists alike to extol its virtues? Gustave Coquiot wrote of garlic: “Garlic all powerful, marvelous seasoning, you impel, you cheer, you are the only condiment, you are the glorious one!” Those are strong sentiments, indeed!

Along with leeks and shallots, Garlic (Allium sativum) is a member of the onion family and one of the world’s most ancient cultivated plants. It was known in China over 6,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians used it for pregnancy tests and to cure headaches and the builders of the ancient pyramids ate garlic daily for enhanced endurance and strength. The Romans considered garlic an antidote to poisons which were very popular in certain political circles of the time. Garlic was used by some as a love potion and by others as the opposite. The god Mercury gave Ulysses wild garlic to keep his men safe from the feminine charms and wiles of Circe. Garlic was used for centuries as protection against evil and was hung in doorways to ward off the demons and the dead. It figures centrally in ghost and vampire mythology. It’s name in Sanskrit means “Slayer of Monsters”.

Fantastic history aside, this powerful herb is now proven as a natural antibiotic. It promotes the well-being of the heart and immune systems with antioxidant properties and helps maintain healthy blood circulation by lowering blood pressure. Garlic can also enhance the body’s immune cell activity. It reduces cholesterol and helps regulate blood sugar levels. And it’s packed with vitamins and nutrients.

Garlic is one of the ten superstars for cancer-prevention, sharing this distinguished position with berries and citrus fruits, cruciferous vegetables, onions, green tea, omega 3 essential fatty acids, olive oil, tomatoes, soy products, red wine and dark chocolate. Meow! I like that list!

For some cool and surprising garlic home remedies go to this site.

Oh by the way … if you are a cat or dog NOT of the stuffed variety, don’t partake: garlic and onions are toxic to cats and dogs.

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This fine dining restaurant is within easy walking distance from the downtown theatres. Its Sunday brunch includes an omelet bar. It is also home to an extensive cocktail list.

Brunch at the Hot House Cafe – $20
Brunch is served on Sunday from 9:30am to 3:00pm

Check brunch menu

35 Church Street
Toronto, ON M5E 1T3  


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