chef israel’s tortillas are a-maiiz-ing
Chef Israel Alvarez Molina is an evangelist for the nixtamal process. You can taste why—deeper flavours, better texture, a beautiful fresh aroma—the difference between tortillas made in an industrial process and those made by nixtamalization. What is it? Dried corn kernels (chef uses organic corn from Armstrong, B.C.) are boiled with pickling lime (also known as slaked lime or calcium hydroxide) then ground into masa. If you are in Victoria for the long weekend, check it out! MAiiZ Nixtamal 540 Fisgard Street, Victoria, B.C., 778-433-1544, maiiz.ca).
celebrate canada day at biera, proceeds to bent arrow healing society
Enjoy stellar casual food at Beira’s Canada Day bash, and, $2 off pints all day! The menu features some fine Canadian producers—Red Shed Malting and Reclaim Urban Farm in a tempeh-style burger; a cheeseburger (Acme Meats, Lakeside Farmstead cheddar and Van Garderen Ranch) and hot sourdough fried chicken with blue cheese dip (Glengarry Fine Cheese and Busy Bea’s Market Garden). The proceeds from the Canada Day bash go to Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society, an organization that serves Indigenous children, youth and families in Edmonton and area. No resos, first come, first served, 12-6pm. 9570 76 Ave neu, 587-525-8589, biera.ca).
edmonton food bike tours on weekly this summer
The Edmonton Food Bike Tours, are back! The congenial tour stops at several restaurants on the ride—Biera, Ayco Cafe, Juniper Cafe & Bistro and Under the Highwheel in July. Saturdays from 11am-4pm. Tix starting at $152.10+.
party like it’s 1929 at jasper park lodge
Enjoy a sparkling night at Bubbles on Beauvert, July 9 at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (jasper-park-lodge.com). Come dressed as a flapper or silent film star and expect prosecco, prohibition cocktails and fine culinary creations enjoyed with live music while soaking in the majestic mountain views from Beauvert Plateau. Tix: $149/p+.
heart of the home birthday bash
Don’t miss the Birthday Bash, July 6-10, at Heart of the Home (12539 102 Avenue, 780-705-4928, heartofthehomeyeg.ca) with prizes, tasty samples and 10 per cent off your purchases. Kitchen Grips oven mitts are 20 per cent off in July and the Sidewalk Sale is July 23–31.
recipe of the week: rhubarb sangria
Since we won’t see local field strawberries until the summer, we are huge fans of Sunterra’s Acme greenhouse-grown Duchess strawberries right now. Grilling some of the fruit lends extra depth of flavour to the sangria.
tomato top100: mama asha’s samabusa
Mama Asha’s Deli is a treat, with delicious food, warm atmosphere and great value. Also nominated—Mama’s beans, the flatbreads and sweets for tea (asariya).
