bravissimo bella!
Teresa Spinelli’s Order of Italy
Teresa Spinelli, president of the Italian Centre Shops, has become a member of the Ordine della Stella d’Italia Onorificenza di Cavaliere. Teresa was presented with the honour (the Order of the Star of Italy is similar to the Order of Canada) for her work in promoting Italian foodstuffs and gastronomy by H.E. Andrea Ferrari, Ambassador of Italy to Canada, on his first official visit to Alberta. “It’s a lengthy process,” she said. “First it has to be approved by the Embassy of Italy to Canada in Ottawa, then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome and finally by the Presidency of the Republic in Rome. It’s a big deal!” Mr. Luigi Zorzetto was also presented with the honour. Congratulations!
stocking stuffers for food people
A collection of tasty stocking stuffers: Caramunchies, Coco Chocolatier bars, Cocoba Hot Chocolate Bombs, Zinter Brown Taste Treats and an elegant box of chocs from Wim Tas.
Caramunchies, the Edmonton-made cornflake snack, is just a little addictive. Find the seasonal Gingerbread flavour at Cloud Cakes by Auntie Lou, Confetti Sweets, Culina to Go, all Italian Centre Shops, Meuwly’s, some Sobey’s and at the Nosh Fest and Wholly Handmade holiday markets.
Cocoba Hot Chocolate Bombs are a rich, milk chocolate shell filled with a shower of tiny marshmallows. Every kid under 80 will want this in their stocking. Just add hot milk. Find at the Italian Centre Shops (not every size in each shop).
Zinter Brown Taste Treats have a new look. We love the Pomegranate Pepper Pot on a cheeseboard, the handy Mulling Spice makes aromatic mulled cider or wine in a pinch and the all-vegetable Antipasto is a terrific snack. Find at Andy’s IGA, Italian Centre Shops, Lendrum Sunterra, Popowich Meats, most Save On Foods, and zinterbrown.net.
Find Coco Chocolatier bars in Christmassy flavours like Frankincense & Myrrh or Christmas Spice (or Salted Caramel Milk or Passion Fruit Dark). Made in Scotland and available at Bella Casa.
have your (alternative) gin and tonic too
Tasty non-gins from Ceder’s
Curious how to serve Ceder’s the no-alcohol gin from Sweden? Taste for yourself at demonstrations from 11am-3pm at the Italian Centre South on Friday, December 2; the Italian Centre Little Italy Friday, December 9; Italian Centre Sherwood Park Saturday, December 10 and at the west end store on Saturday, December 17. Also at Sunterra Lendrum on Friday, December 16, from 3-6pm. The Crisp (cucumber, chamomile), Classic (notes of juniper, citrus and coriander), Wild (rooibos and clove) and the bewitching Rose flavour—which tastes like looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses—are on offer.
new rigoletto’s just like the old rigoletto’s, only better
Sergio Turlione in his relocated restaurant
Rigoletto’s is moving to the CKUA Building, across the street from the Convention Centre. But chef/owner Sergio Turlione will be on
his own. His business partner for the past 37 years, Jack Flisiak, is retiring. “We met at Bistro Praha,” says Sergio, “and built Rigoletto’s together.”
Sergio doesn’t expect too many changes to the menu. “I’m from Basilicata and we make heart food, it’s peasant-style food and it’s all about how you combine the few ingredients. I use my mom’s recipe for the lasagna. I looked at so many recipes, but I realized hers was the best. We do run out, but I make it every day, so I say come back tomorrow.”
The bar, including the original Alberta Hotel bar has become the cozy dining room; the larger room to the west will be for private parties. “The Italians always want to book birthdays and christenings and graduations. Now we don’t have to shut down the dining room, we will have somewhere for our regulars.” Expect the new location to be open mid-November. 9802 Jasper Avenue, 780-429-0701, rigolettos.com.
fine chocolatas at chocolandia
An elegant box of chocs from Wim Tas
ChocolaTas, the high-quality, award-winning chocolate made by Vancouver chocolatier Wim Tas is now at Chocolandia (11004 51 Avenue, formerly Bernard Callebaut). Choose boxes, bags or tins of luscious bon bons in unusual flavours for a special treat or gift this season.