wine tastings happening and events
Taste of Edmonton, Thursday, July 18-Sunday, July 28 features 45 new vendors (vegetarian, vegan, gluten friendly, dairy free) and the Wholly Handmade Market. Early bird tix are on sale now until July 17, tasteofedm.ca.
Expect to be moved by Brad Smoliak’s story; expect to be wowed by the amazing garden (grown for Edmonton’s Food Bank) and expect to enjoy some great food at Brad’s Journey Picnic and Party, Sunday, July 28, at the P3 Farm in Sturgeon County. Delicious food, fun entertainment in support of the VAD Program at the Maz. VIP at 3pm, picnic at 4pm. Tix: $90-$120/p, on Eventbrite.
Don’t miss Feast on the Field 5:30 pm, Wednesday, August 14, the down-home picnic extravaganza by chefs Serge Belair, Steve Buzak, Peter Keith, Dave Omen, Vikram Redgaonkar and colleagues in Commonwealth Stadium. Funds raised support seniors in care. Tix available at capitalcarefoundation.net.
Alberta Open Farm Days happens August 17 and 18. Enjoy some fresh air at a local farm or a long table dinner, like this one in Cold Lake. Meet your Roots takes a novel approach in three chapters. New Beginnings symbolizes fresh starts using newcomer flavours. Origins is by indigenous chefs inspired by the ancestral roots of the land. Looking Forward is about the future of rural sustainability. All the deets at albertaopenfarmdays.ca.
Explore YEG’s bustling food scene at the new YEG Foodies Festival, October 4-6 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. Want to be a part of it? Visit yegfoodiesfest.com for exhibitor deets and tix.
restaurant buzz
The stellar lineup for Edmonton’s Kitchen Party: Eric Hanson, The Marc; Jason Greene, Braven; Doreen Prei, Riverview at Glenora Park; Naga Singh, Belgravia Hub; Tamara Solon, Chartier Restaurant and Mother Bakery, Beaumont; Max Straczek, Pyro Wood-Fired Grill & Kitchen; Greg Sweeney, Arbour and Joseph Vuong, Café Bicyclette. The deliciously action-packed competition happens Thursday, October 10, at the Edmonton Convention Centre. For sponsors, partnerships, donations and tix, visit greatkitchenparty.com.
Attention spice lovers: Check out the Lucho Taco at Luna Mexican—pastor meat, onion, cilantro, roasted pineapple, melted spicy cheese, everything folded into a flour tortilla. with a side of cremosita (jalapeño) salsa. Enjoy with the Piña-habanero margarita made with real habanero peppers. Bring on the heat!
More ways to enjoy Rose Saffron Pistachio or (we hope) the Hot Honey Haskap ice creams. Twice Cream has opened a second location at 75 Salisbury Way, Sherwood Park. Check it out!
Want to get in the food business? Meuwly’s has a program for budding entrepreneurs. Access flexible kitchen space rental and be mentored on product development, marketing and business strategy, with the goal of retail shelf exposure in the Meuwly’s store as the launch pad. Learn more at meuwlys.com.
A whole lotta birthdays on the YEG food scene—Meat turned 10, Kind Ice Cream, Toast Culture and the Bountiful Farmers’ Market achieved five years in business, and Nowhere Wine Bar and Marlo Tacos reached one year old. Congratulations!
Backstairs Burger’s Holland Plaza location, 11998 109A Avenue is not only the spot for a tasty burger, they now have pizza too. Woo hoo!
Product news
Don’t miss the discounts, prizes and treats all weekend long at the Heart of the Home (12539 102 Avenue, 780-705-4928) 8th Birthday Party, July 6. Gourmet du Village drink mixes, brie toppings and dips are 15 per cent off all of July. August brings Emile Henry at 20-30 per cent off; the Summer Sidewalk Sale August 9-17 and the Back to School Sale, August 19-25. Open daily all summer.
The Summer Sale at Bella Casa (9646 142 Street, 780-437-4190, bellacasadcl.com) offers up to 50 per cent off kitchen gadgets and cookware, linens and bedding at the end of July into August.