Chef Israel Alvarez Molina is an evangelist for the nixtamal process. You can taste why—deeper flavours, better texture, a beautiful fresh aroma—the difference between tortillas made in an industrial process and those made by nixtamalization. What is it? Dried corn kernels (chef uses organic corn from Armstrong, B.C.) are boiled with pickling lime (also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide) then ground into masa. If you are in Victoria for the long weekend, check it out! MAiiZ Nixtamal 540 Fisgard Street, Victoria, B.C., 778-433-1544, maiiz.ca).
