July 6 2016

Join KITCHEN and chef Brad Smoliak for a long table dinner at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Friday, July 15. The evening, which starts promptly at 5pm, includes a Ukrainian-inspired dinner prepared on site and a cooking demonstration with chef Brad; wine with dinner; an interactive, after-hours tour of the Ukrainian Village, one of Canada’s best living history museums; horse-drawn wagon ride; music and a bag of Red Fife flour (which makes delicious pancakes). Tickets are $170 /p + GST, info@kitchenbybrad.ca or call 780-757-7704. Keep in mind you will be outside — wear good walking shoes and bring sun protection, bug spray and a jacket or sweater for later. For directions visit: http://www.history.alberta.ca/ukrainianvillage/location/location

pyrohy

kitchen fight!

Ready for some lively kitchen competition? Knifewear throws down the knives in a Black Box competition with the Local Ominvore, July 16, at the Local Omnivore (10933 120 Street, 780-660-1051). Tickets, $35 + GST, include two appetizers from each team and features beer from Blindman Brewery. The black box includes three secret items chosen by Corey Meyer, Acme Meats. The action starts at 7:30 PM. Judges are Mary Bailey, The Tomato, Liane Faulder, Edmonton Journal and Jason Gregor, Team 1260 Radio.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/so-knifewear-thinks-they-can-cook-tickets-26335507211

knifewear-cookoff-poster-v1

feeling spritzy?

There are only a couple of rules to follow when it comes to enjoying Italy’s favourite aperitivo, the spritz— it has to have bubbles, it should be low in alcohol and the time to drink it is between the end of the work day and dinner. While the Aperol Spritz has become the standard bearer for the category, you’ll learn that the spritz is more a feeling and an attitude than one specific drink. You’ll learn this and many other fascinating things about northern Italy’s liquid contribution to convivial relaxation in the new book Spritz: Italy’s Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail, with Recipes by Talia Baiocchi, Leslie Pariseau, Ten Speed Press.

Even if you knew all that already, find 50 recipes for regional specialties and delicious nibbles to have with them, all to turn your aperitivo hour into a slice of Italy you can enjoy right here, right now.

Aperol Spritz

1½ oz Aperol
2 oz Ruggieri Prosecco (or any good-quality, dryer Prosecco)
splash sparkling water

In a rocks glass or wine glass filled with ice, slowly pour the Prosecco followed by the Aperol and sparkling water. Carve a large piece of orange rind over and twist while dropping into the glass to release the flavourful oil. Follow with a slice of orange, if desired. Makes one drink.

Spritz: Italy’s Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail
Spritz: Italy’s Most Iconic Aperitivo Cocktail

bargain hunters love unwined’s worldwide wine sale

Unwined’s worldwide wine sale continues with New Zealand and Australian wines at 20 per cent off until July 9. From July 10-July 16, French wines are 20 per cent off, which makes it a great time to pick up rosé for summer drinking, but no Whispering Angel gummi bears are available. Sorry. Check for bargains at both locations, downtown (#203, 10205 101 Street, Edmonton City Centre) and in St Albert (2, 512 St Albert Trail).

Overlooking Rippon Vineyards, south island, NZ
Overlooking Rippon Vineyards, south island, NZ

culmina + joy road = perfection

Here’s a reason to go to the south Okanagan at the end of July (as if you needed another reason), a multi-course dinner at Culmina Winery featuring the Okanagan’s magnificent Joy Road Catering, Sunday, July 31. Dana Ewart and Cam Smith’s food sense and style are second to none; can’t wait to taste their food with Culmina’s impeccable wines. Call the winery directly 250-498-0789 for tickets, $160/p, includes tax, gratuity, and transportation to and from the winery.

culima1

mark the date

For Christmas in November (CIN) at the Fairmont’s Jasper Park Lodge, November 4-13, with host Nik Manojlovich. Celebrity chefs and presenters include perennial favourites Elizabeth Baird and Anna and Michael Olson; floral designer Cory Christopher;Vancouver’s Vikram Vij; Edmonton’s Giselle Courteau (Duchess Bakeshop), Paul Shufelt (Workshop Eatery); Calgary’s Jan Hansen (Hotel Arts) and Liana Robberecht (Winsport). New this year is the Man Cabin hosted by Beam Suntory, Charton Hobbs and Alberta Pork. That sounds like a fab spot to spend some time. Packages start at $999 and include a welcome gift and reception, lunches, gala dinner, demonstrations, classes, entertainment and gratuities.

Visit www.christmasinnovember.com for schedules and to book.

Ken Hall, general manager Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge announces CIN lineup.
Ken Hall, general manager Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge announces CIN lineup.

 

Save