Biodegradable beautyThe Swedish dishcloth is ultra-absorbent, ideal for washing up and cleaning up all sorts of messes in a beautiful fashion. Made of cotton and cellulose (that’s why they are so absorbent) they are also biodegradable and go right into the compost heap when you are ready to say buh-bye. Designed and hand printed in Sweden and England, of varying designs and colours, priced from $6.95. Available at Bella Casa, Hillaby’s Tools for Cooks, Oil and Vinegar – Commerce Place, The Wired Cup, Maven and Grace, Provisions by Duchess and other fine retailers.
16 years of indulgence
The 16th edition of Indulgence, a Canadian epic of food and wine, happens Monday, June 8 at the Delta Edmonton South. Indulgence introduces local farmers to local chefs to create long-term business relationships as well as introducing both to fine VQA wines and regional craft beers. In addition to its key role in fostering our unique prairie gastronomy, Indulgence raises funds for children’s programs by The Junior League of Edmonton (over $100,000 to date) and the Slow Food Indulgence Bursary for NAIT Culinary students. Tickets: jledmonton.com
no time like now to get grilling ATCO’s must-have summer cookbook
The From the Grill cookbook has everything you wanted to know about using your gas grill effectively, plus killer recipes, tons of tips and helpful hints. You know the recipes are going to work; the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen trademark is your guarantee that each recipe has been exhaustively tested in their professional kitchens. We can’t wait to try the Korean ribs, spaghetti squash with ras el hanout butter, or the cedar-planked whole trout. The ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen cookbooks really are an Alberta treasure. Now available at Chapters, Indigo and online at atcoblueflamekitchen.com, $20.
calling all bubbleheads
The Cavern (10169 104 Street, 780-455-1336, thecavern.ca) is now pouring the prestigious and delicious R de Ruinart Champagne by the glass. Yes, you deserve it! To celebrate this, enjoy the ‘R’ de Ruinart at Cavern, June 9, featuring a live art event (the result of which you can win in a draw at the end of the evening), three glasses of Ruinart and delicious Cavern fare. Tickets, $80, in advance, call 780-455-1336 to book. The Cavern 10169 104 Street, 780-455-1336, thecavern.ca
buckwheat crepes anyone?
Opening soon, Cafe Linnea, a partnership between the Duchess Bake Shop and chef Kelsey Johnson. The talented Filliep Lament is the sous. Not all the details are ironed out, but we can expect a focus on breakfast and brunch with high tea on Sundays. We can also expect what Garner Beggs of the Duchess calls “classy brunch drinking” with some clever cocktails. The 60-seat café is part of the bigger Duchess footprint (a teaching kitchen, proper office space and an expanded Provisions) at Holland Plaza, 10939 120 Street, home to the Local Omnivore and the not-yet-opened Wine Gallery. Provisions will now have room to stock lots of treasures for the gastronomically obsessed, including a line of enamel ware from England, Mariage Frères teas and Staub cookware.
all in the family Some serious slicing from the Doi family to yours.
“Trying a knife made by the Doi family should be on every person’s bucket list,” says Jordan Fritz of Knifewear Edmonton.
“Perfectly forged and tempered, with the most perfect finish and feel imaginable, they cut beautifully and hold an exceptional edge.” Jordan is talking about the Kengata made by Itsuo Doi, a chef ’s knife with serious attitude (kengata roughly translates to sword tip). “It’s made of hard carbon steel, and will require some care. That being said, if you’re going to invest $991 in a piece of history, you can find the time to take care of it,” says Jordan. Knifewear is very excited to be carrying knives made by the Doi family of Japan. From the age of 16, Itsuo has worked to learn his family’s trade. Now, with more than 40 years of experience, Doi Jr is producing knives that would receive even his father’s approval. Here’s the deal: bring this page down to Knifewear and they will sharpen one of your knives from home for free while you cut a tomato with Itsuo Doi’s masterpiece.
where the buffalo roam
Dine under a starry sky with Kitchen by Brad beside Astotin Lake in Elk Island National Park, an exquisite setting for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience. The adventure begins at 6:30 on June 18, July 9, July 30, August 20 and September 10. The menu? “It’s inspired by early settlers and there will be bison,” says chef Brad Smoliak who has created the dinners to showcase this jewel of a park a half hour from downtown Edmonton.
You could make a weekend of it, golf during the day, then camp overnight. Tickets include admission to the park, an Elk island interpretive experience and a family- style dinner with local craft beer and appropriate wines, $150+GST.
pink is the new navy blue The adorable Bonbon ramekin from Le Creuset.
Le Creuset is pulling out all the stops with new colours in the lineup, in vibrant yet delicate shades of rose and pink. Called Bonbon, the new collection comes in both the enameled cast iron and the stoneware lines, tableware, baking pieces, café collection, even spatulas. Find at Bella Casa, The Pantree or the Le Creuset shop in Southgate.
