love negronis?
Make your love count during Negroni Week. Several restaurants and bars across town are featuring versions of the classic Italian aperitivo from now ‘till June 10— Bar Clementine, London Local, Grandin Fish & Chips and the Common; El Cortez and the Holy Roller; the Chvrch of John and others. A portion of sales goes to support several Canadian and international charities. Details: https://negroniweek.com/
indulge yourself
Indulgence has been putting chefs, farmers and beverage makers together for 18 years. Come taste what’s new and delicious, Monday, June 11, 6:30 pm at the Delta. Tix: $100/p all in, https://www.eventbrite.ca/
the duchess bakes on french tv
Last fall, the folks at Duchess Bakeshop (10718 124 Street, 780-488-4999) fought off jetlag to compete as the only North American team on Le Meilleur pâtissier-Les Professionels. During the competition (similar to the Great British Bake Off) the team baked 150 lemon cakes and revamped pastry classics. See how they fared during the viewing party (with English subtitles) June 11 at the shop. It’s free, but the Duchess would love you to bring along a donation for the Bissell Centre.
gins in june at aligra
Find your perfect gin at the Gin in June tasting, June 12, 7pm at Aligra Wine & Spirits (1423 West Edmonton Mall, 780-483-1083). Sample 10 gins, learn about bathtub gin and how to ration the G&T. Tix.
or, gin at nait for dinner
We love this idea of a gin-focused dinner. Gin’s herbaceous and citrus scents and flavours are complemented by five courses by exec chef Michael Hassal; Ernest’s Dining Room (10701 118 Avenue, 780-471-8676,) is the home for this mouth-watering menu, June 16, 6pm. Tix: $110/p, all in, call Tanya, 780-471-8685, or email twright@nait.ca.
how to spend father’s day
Get yourself over to Northlands for Porkapalooza for all things BBQ, Saturday, June 16 from 11am-11pm and Sunday from 11am-7pm. Free admission, entertainment, cooking demos, kid’s zone, yahoo! Deets: http://porkapalooza.ca/
Or, dinner at the Glass Monkey (5842 111Street, 780-760-2228), slow-roasted baby back pork ribs in a house-made, bourbon-laced BBQ sauce; skirt steak beef chili, or butter chicken with fragrant rice and house-made naan. Make a reservation at The Glass Monkey and the 14 and under set enjoys free cake and ice cream for dessert.
On Sunday, have brunch at the Juniper Bistro (9514 87 Street, 780-490-6799). The special a la carte Father’s Day menu, available from 10am-3pm, Sunday, June 17, includes their delicious chicken and waffles, wild boar porchetta and of course, bourbon. Call to reserve, limited seating.
imagine okuda
Six chefs, six courses, six stories. Michael Maxxis of the Merchant Hospitality Group has an idea for you. Help create an amazing six storey high mural by Madrid-based artist Okuda San Miguel. How? Go to dinner! The Holly Roller (8222 Gateway Boulevard, 780-540-4659, https://www.theholyroller.ca) hosts the Imagine Okuda fundraising dinner. Six chefs—Rafael D’Alcazar (The Holy Roller), Shane Chartrand (SC at the River Cree), Lindsay Porter (London Local), Jason Barton Browne (Hayloft), Eric Hanson (Prairie Noodle), and Medi Tabtoub (Buco), will each create a course inspired by one of San Miguel’s art works. June 27, starting at 7pm, promises to be a magical night. Tix: $250-400/p all in, https://www.eventbrite.ca. For all the info on the project visit https://www.okudayeg.com
recipe of the week
Getting tired of eating grilled asparagus? Make this delish tart.