wine tastings, happenings and events
Get ready to go for brunch this May. Find all the lovely restaurants participating in the Meals on Wheels Best of Brunch YEG fundraiser at bestofbrunchyeg.ca.
Fun tastings coming up at Color de Vino: Chillable Reds with Revolution Wines on Wednesday, May 6; a guided wine tasting of the Dao and Bairrada regions with Francisco Gomes, Wednesday, May 20 and a screening of the iconic movie Sideways at the Metro Theatre, Tuesday, May 26. With a tasting of Merlots and Pinot Noirs, of course. Tix for all on Eventbrite.
Enjoy spring on 95 Street during the Festa Primavera in Little Italy, happening Saturday, May 23, from 12pm-4pm. Find out more at vivaitaliaedmonton.com.
The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market holds monthly dinners called Indigenous Taste of the Market with chef Shane Chartrand. Chef, who runs Paperbirch in the Market, explores indigenous flavours via foods from OSFM vendors—expect an intimate dining experience that blends food, culture and storytelling. The next one is Wednesday, May 13. Tix: $120/p+, osfm.ca.
Taste some delicious beers and learn the secrets to a great pierogi from the folks at DON’YA Ukraine’s Kitchen, at the Pierogies & Pints Cooking Class, May 26 and June 23 at Leduc Brewing Company. Tix: $50, leducbrewing.ca.
Celebrate the Joy of Food at this year’s Terroir Symposium May 27-31. It’s been 20 years of creative collaboration with chefs, food artisans and cocktail impresarios from around the globe. The action starts in Edmonton with four signature events at RGE RD, Fu’s Repair Shop and Paperbirch. The action moves to Calgary for more master classes, workshops, dinners, and the final symposium on Sunday, terroirsymposium.com. More on the dinners in DISH, pg 5.
The Taste of Place agritourism summit happens June 14-15. “It’s an immersive learning experience for destination marketers and economic developers to showcase unique destinations,” says Rebecca Mackenzie, Culinary Tourism Alliance founder. “The idea is to see best in practise solutions from those who are leading in the space, to network and to develop new business opportunities.” Taste of Place moves around the country to help operators become ready to meet the expectations of the traveller. For those ready to dip a toe into agritourism or culinary tourism, or for seasoned businesses, Taste of Place will inspire. For tix and schedule visit: tasteofplace.ca.
Winston Churchill Square comes alive with the Taste of Edmonton. July 16-26, from 11am daily. What’s new? Along with more depth in the food offerings the bar will now stock Alberta beers and RTDs from local heroes such as Polyrhythm, Manual Labour, Blind Man Brewing, Brewsters and Clink Beverage. Buy your Taste tix in advance and save $10 per sheet of 40. Presales end July 14 at 11:59pm, Tasteofedm.ca.
product news
Just in time for planting season, Zocalo (10826 95 Street, zocalo.ca) is offering a series of free Thursday evening community workshops called Growing Your Own Food starting May 14 with Talking Tomato Growing; May 21, Vegetable Gardens in Small Spaces; May 28, Culinary Herbs; June 4, Edible Fruits and Flowers. Not a drop-in, you must sign up at zocalo.ca.
Catch of the Week (5036 106 Avenue, catchoftheweekedmonton.com) debuts a VIP Discount Card that the whole family can use—generous too, $20 off every $50 purchase with no expiry. Don’t forget, the Tuesday lunch menu (11am-3pm) is just $12.99, changes weekly.
Love the beef at Sabor, RGE RD, Riverbank Bistro, Tzin, Woodwork, Hayloft, Workshop, Woodvale and Braven? Want that same quality on your barbecue at home? Find Nonay beef at Effing Seafoods, The Butchery, The Side Door and Acme Meat Market. Lakeside Dairy cheeses are available at the south and west Italian Centre Shops, Tiny’s Cheese Shop, Breadlove and Bon Ton Bakery. Or visit the farm store, open Wednesday-Saturday, 10:30am-3:30 pm, https://www.lakesidedairy.com.
Lots of activities at the Bountiful Farmers’ Market (3696 97 Street) this spring: EPL Sing, Laugh & Learn sessions, 2:30-3:15 every Friday in May; Mother’s Day and Father’s Day photo booth, and vendor experience baskets each month. Bountiful’s 7th Anniversary is in June, woo hoo! Details at bountifulmarkets.com.
The May promo at Heart of the Home (12539 102 Avenue, heartofthehomeyeg.ca) is 15 per cent off spa and pamper favourites. In June, grilling accessories are 15 per cent off. For Father’s Day, 15 per cent off in-stock Miyabi knives. Promos are on in-st0ck items only. Remember, closed Victoria Day.
Multicook (17204 95 Avenue, multicookedmonton.ca) is opening a second location at 370 Broadmoor Blvd in Sherwood Park in May. Check it out for delicious hand-made Ukrainian food ready to pop into your freezer.
restaurant buzz
YEG’s The Columbian ranked #15 out of 4,600 in the Americas category on the The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops. Congratulations! Well done! More on this on the summer issue
Va (12024 Jasper Avenue, va-yeg.ca) our fave Roman-style caffe is open during the construction on Jasper Avenue. Pop in for coffee, the award-winning cotto filone, a slice of pizza al taglio, a glass of wine or a spritz, 8am-3pm every day.
Barako Bistro (310-1115 St. Albert Trail, barakobistro.ca) in the Erin Ridge Shopping Centre is now open. Curious? Visit the DISH, page 5, for more info.
Woodwork (10132 100 Street, woodworkyeg.com) is now open on Sundays, from 4-11pm. Don’t miss the tartare or the chaga cheeseburger featuring the delicious beef from Sturgeon County producer Lakeside Farms, or share a charcuterie board.
The Public Exchange is now open at 10909 Jasper Avenue (formerly Central Social Hall). Expect delicious cocktails, local beers on tap, a casual menu including Don’ya perogies plus dancing after 11pm on weekends. Check it out!
