Dish

Uccellino, the newest member of the Daniel Costa family, is now open. The spare, modern, multi-level design is generations removed from the red-checked tablecloth, yet the gastronomic inspiration is pure and timeless Roman trattoria—the crispy fried artichokes, cacio e pepe, and savoury octopus in red wine would not be out of place in Trastevere. Christopher Hyde is the chef. There are plans for all day service (espresso in the am, yes please!) but right now it’s dinner only 5pm-11pm Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are recommended, especially at peak periods. Exceptional wine list, exceptionally well-priced. Uccellino, 10349 Jasper Avenue, 780-426-0346.

Tricia Bell loves champagne and most of all she loves Ruinart. “It’s now owned by a large luxury brand but it is kind of the indie darling of that group,” she says. “I love its pure elegance and style. We want to let people come to know it and love it.” The iconic wine has been available by the glass (and bottle) at The Cavern for a few months. What’s the best cheese to serve with it? “No question, Prestige de Bourgogne triple crème.” We’ll second that.
The Cavern, 10169 104 Street, 780-455-1336, thecavern.ca.

Enjoy a summer brimming with culinary extravaganzas east of Edmonton: Pysanka Festival in Vegreville, July 1-3; Savour Strathcona County, July 10; Bears & Berries Festival in Ft. George and Buckingham House, July 16; Taste of Wainwright, July 21; the Bison Festival in Elk Island National Park, August 13; the Country Roots Tour in the Flagstaff region, August 19; Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival in Andrew, August 20-21; the Great Alberta Potato Derby (Victoria Settlement), August 21 and the Harvest Food Festival at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village on September 11. Check out the full array at goeastofedmonton.com.

This refreshing blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from Gérard Bertrand in the Languedoc comes in the prettiest bottle—an attractive curvy shape with a base in the shape of a rose, finished off with an elegant glass closure—created by a young designer from the prestigious Ecole Boulle art school in Paris. Côte des Roses Rosé, around $25 in better wine shops, destined to be the wedding wine of the season.

There are only a couple of rules to follow when it comes to enjoying a 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, the spritz is more about a feeling and an attitude than one specific cocktail.

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.

Effing Rob (to his friends) is the hardest working oysterman in the business. Most nights you’ll find him shucking somewhere; during happy hour at x1x Nineteen; at a demo class at Get Cooking; at the Southwest or St. Albert farmers’ markets. Last month he was telling oyster stories at The Cavern. Whether it’s sturgeon roe from the east coast (available by pre-order at the Italian Centre shops) or fresh clams and fish from the west; if it’s seafood, Rob is ready to sell it to you, giant grin on the side, effingseafoods.com.