ho ho ho said babbo natale
Italian ceramic artist Alessandro Taddei based this whimsical design for Vietri on the childhood memories of stories his mother read to him about Father Christmas. Bella Casa (9646 142 Street, 780-437-4190, bellacasadcl.com) stocks the Old St Nic plates and platters. They are open this Sunday, December 22 from 1-4pm and open until 7pm from Friday, December 20. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
a wee dram for the holidays?
Here are two bottlings Scotch lovers would be happy to find under the tree: The Bowmore Vault Edition Atlantic Sea Salt is the first release in a four-part limited-edition series, each highlighting one characteristic of the distillery’s style. All Bowmore has a maritime character, it is an Islay whisky after all, but this expression is precise in its minerality and elegance. Think salt and seashells, subtle smoke, sweet berry fruit, a hint of basil leaf and a generous finish. Gorgeous.
The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old. Macallan has some of the smallest copper stills on Speyside. They say this accounts for the whisky’s full-body, rich texture and fruity flavours. The Double Cask spends time in Oloroso sherry-seasoned casks, some made from American oak, others from fine European oak. The unique aging creates a bold whisky with spicy ginger and nutmeg, sweet orange marmalade, vanilla and brown sugar flavours. A spirit for a cold winter’s night.
last chance for holiday off sales at rge rd
Pick up terrines, rilletes, sausages, smoked meats and breads made in the wood-burning oven for your holiday festivities at RGE RD (10643 123 street, 780-447-4577, rgerd.ca) last off-sale of the year. This Friday and Saturday from noon-4pm.
european christmas market downtown
Tucked into the ATB Plaza (100 Street and Jasper) find the new Edmonton Christmas Market. Inspired by the sights and sounds of Europe’s fabled outdoor markets, there are light shows, photos with Santa, a Christmas Spirit Garden featuring Bent Stick Brewing and four market huts. In one you’ll find Meuwly’s serving hot bratwurst. Find SYC brewing, Troubled Monk, Strathcona Spirits, High Horse Coffee and a variety of other vendors both indoors and out. Find all the deets at wearewildheart.com Check it out!
a french-inspired holiday menu with chefs christine sandford and roger letourneau
These extraordinary local chefs put together a casual and delicious holiday menu for the Tomato last year. Oysters, cheesy aligot, a special roast chicken, yum, thetomato.ca
fireworks at butternut tree
The Butternut Tree (9707 110 Street, 780-760-2271, thebutternuttree.ca) might have a table for two still available for NYE. But, if not keep in mind they are open for dinner on Canada Day, July 1, with an equally amazing view of the fireworks. Never a bad idea to think ahead.
