WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT

WESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 19, 2008 – 15What’s Cooking in Westmount?Buffalo – the leaner, richer meatBy Anthea DawsonWhen browsing the meat section at thegrocery store, it’s easy to fall into a rut andreach for the same trusty standbys ofchicken breasts, rib-eye steaks and porktenderloins. All, of course, cook up into deliciousdinners, but if you’re sick of thesame old recipes all the time, there’s agreat alternative – bison – that is becomingmore and more available at localstores. It’s both heart-healthy and full offlavour. Bison is considered the new “it”meat by foodies, and it is well worth all thehype.The theoryBison, or North American buffalo, is aleaner and richer red meat that many peopleconsider similar to a decadent cut ofbeef, only sweeter and more flavourful.Bison are raised naturally on free-rangefarms, grazing liberally in pastures. Theyare not technically considered organic, butthey are free of any growth hormones,stimulants, antibiotics or animal by-products.Health-wise, there is no better substitutefor beef than bison. Containingonly 1/3 of the grams of fat than beef,bison is also packed full of nutrients likeprotein, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids(omega-3 and omega-6). Because it is aricher meat, a little goes a long way – a 4-oz. piece of bison is more likely to fill youup than a 5-oz. steak.The practiceSo now that we know how good bisonmeat is for you, how do you cook it?It seems to be most commonly foundin ground form, but you can also ask yourbutcher to cut you some steaks. The steaksare amazing cooked on the grill or evenquickly seared in a cast-iron pan, but youhave to remember that because they are solean, they cook very quickly and are definitelybest served either medium-rare(145˚F) or rare (135˚).Ground bison is a perfect alternative tobeef or pork in chili or tacos, and makes adelicious bolognese sauce for pasta oreven lasagna – you will be amazed as tohow little fat needs to be drained from thepan compared to even lean ground beef.Bison is also great for forming into succulentburgers, which will cook a lot fasterthan a regular beef patty, so be sure not tooverdo them.Bison has been available for ages atgourmet markets such as Atwater andJean Talon, but it is turning up now morefrequently at local health food stores andgrocery chains.Bison meat is available at the Metro inVictoria Village at $9.99/kg. The butchertold me that, because it is becoming sopopular, it sells out quite quickly. It is bestto call ahead to place your order.It is also sold at the health food store Àvotre santé (corner of Vendôme and Sherbrooke),and at the organic market EcollegeY(www.therealgreengrocer.com) atthe corner of Wilson and Somerled inNDG.Easter and Early Spring wishesto all of our valued customers and friends!Proudly serving Westmounters for 88 years.1377 Greene Avenue, Westmount • 514.935.0946Terry Evans – 514-933-6077GROUPE SUTTON-CENTRE OHAMPSTEAD CHARMER! Huge land surroundsthis unique home. Ideal for intergenerationalfamily, home office, handicapaccess, 4 entrances, fireplace, woodwork,greenhouse. Must see! $1,075,000WESTMOUNT’S BEST VIEWS! 6 bdrm home on dead-end street in fabulous forest-like setting.Elevator access. Spacious rooms make entertaining a pleasure. Call for exclusive visit.$3,550,000WESTMOUNTRENTALSWESTMOUNT: Restore this handsomemansion or keep as 2 homes for revenue.Ideal location on sophisticated street nearprivate schools, Greene Ave., transport.Fabulous woodwork & stain glass. 5fireplaces $2,200,000CND – NEW LISTING! Det. high end duplex.Spacious top of line renos, large garden. 2garages, near schools, shops, metro, bsmtapt. ideal for inlaws or teens. Ground levelwith 4 bdrms available to new owner.$749,000WESTMOUNT: Wonderful stone 3 storey JohnHand on sought-after street near parks &private schools. An opportunity to expressyour taste! 7 bedrooms, garage, garden.$1,295,000Choice of 3 goodWestmount locations pricedbetween $3000 – $7000per month.Call for details!NEW LISTING! DOWNTOWN: Renovated 1bdrm on 10th floor of doorman building. Nearuniversities, hospitals, museums, shops.Wood floors, granite kitchen, huge bathroom,balcony, pool. $275,000