wine tastings, happenings and events
Check out the Culinary Adventures at Taste of Edmonton (Churchill Square, July 16-25, tasteofedm.ca) for delectable, hands-on experiences led by some of Edmonton’s most interesting culinary personalities. On July 18 and 25, join Get Cooking’s Kathryn Joel for a Taste of the Market walking tour of the City Market, followed by a market cooking workshop, $65/person. Taste of the Cantina July 19 and 25 with chef Lindsay Porter, El Cortez Cantina, for a truly Mexican gastronomic experience, $90/person. Taste of Beef July 19 and 25 with chef Matt Phillips at Lux Steakhouse + Bar, $49/person. Taste of Chocolate July 19 and 25 with Jacqueline Jacek, Jacek Chocolate Couture, $60/person. Adventures include an all-inclusive ticket to the evening’s Sip ’n Savour Pop Up event. A special Taste edition of Get Cooking’s Edmonton Food Fight, Sunday July 19, tasteofedm.ca.
The HOST Hospitality Hub debuts at Taste of Edmonton with a welcome reception on Sunday, July 19, 5pm-11pm. Take part in the seminars at The Westin Monday, July 20 to discover the latest and the greatest in wine, hospitality, and innovation. Host provides a central place for hospitality professionals to learn, share, and grow, tasteofedm.ca.
Get ready for a really long table dinner—outdoor and on the field at Commonwealth Stadium. The CapitalCare Foundation’s Feast on the Field, August 12, features a classic picnic-style menu by chefs Steve Buzak (Royal Glenora Club), David Omar (Zinc) and Brad Smoliak (Kitchen by Brad)—potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, baked beans, smoked brisket and barbecue chicken along with a pie bar for dessert. Tickets are $150/person at feastonthefield.com and include free parking in the northwest lot (or take the LRT). Funds raised go to support seniors in long-term care at CapitalCare facilities.
Aligra Wine & Spirits (1423 West Edmonton Mall, entrance 58, 780-483-1083, aligrawineandpsirits.com) is holding a Great Canadian Wine Sale June 27-July 4 to celebrate their eighth anniversary and Canada Day. Purchase any Canadian wine and save up to 15 per cent. On July 22 enjoy a taste of Mucho Moscatos from 7-9 pm, $30/person. For all information on weekly informal tastings, visit aligrawineandpsirits.com.
The Sip ’n Savour pop-ups are where the action is during Taste of Edmonton. Two not to miss; Alberta Pork’s Pork and Pinot Wednesday, July 22, with chefs David Omar, Eric Hanson, Steve Buzak, Mike Nguyen of Canteen, and Alberta Canola’s Chefs’ Favourite Family Recipes, Friday, July 24 with chefs Eric Hanson, Paul Shufelt, Doreen Prei, Evert Maris and Sheridan McLaren. See the full schedule and book tickets at tasteofedm.ca/sip-n-savour/evening-pop-ups
Chef Brad Smoliak (Kitchen by Brad 10130 105 Street, 780 757-7704 kitchenbybrad.ca) creates two lovely outdoor dinners at Elk Island National Park (yes, there is a rain plan) just 35 minutes from downtown Edmonton on August 22 and September 12. Tix $135/ person, includes park admission, at kitchenbybrad.ca.
July 15 is the last day for early-bird pricing for the Okanagan Food & Wine Writers Workshop September 11-13 in Kelowna. The workshop, which includes writing seminars and incredible food and wine experiences, is open to writers of all levels. Visit foodwinewriters.com for all the info.
The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) Edmonton chapter annual gluten-free pancake breakfast is at Kinnikinnick Foods (10940-120 street, 780-424- 2900, getitfresh.ca) 9-11am, July 18, cash only, $6/ adult, $4/children eight and under. All proceeds go to the Edmonton chapter for educational initiatives.
Here’s the line up for Gold Medal Plates (Thursday October 22) Steve Buzak, Royal Glenora Club; Nathin Bye, Ampersand 27; Andrew Cowan, Pack Rat Louie; Bryan Cruz, The Marc Restaurant; Anthony Krause, The Salt Room; Corey McGuire, Tzin; Lindsay Porter, El Cortez; Paul Shufelt, Century Hospitality Group; Joe Srahulek, Chateau Lacombe Hotel; Jan Trittenbach, Solstice. Three past champs are returning to compete, Nathin Bye, Paul Shufelt, and Jan Trittenbach plus newbies Andrew Cowan, Bryan Cruz, Anthony Krause, Corey McGuire and Joe Srahulek. Gold Medal Plates has generated over $9.4 million for amateur Olympic athletes since 2004. Visit goldmedalplates.com for tix soon; Edmonton always sells out early.
Sunset Soirée Sunday, July 5, 8pm, French Quarter Grand Marché, La Cité Francophone and Relish Food on Film Festival present an outdoor screening of the adorable Amélie. Make it a romantic date night; bring a blanket to enjoy a magical evening en plein air. There will be Café Bicyclette’s delicious food, French beverages from Color de Vino and live music. Tickets are $22, include a glass of wine and canapés, available at 124grandmarket.com, the 124 Grand Market, the French Quarter Grand Marché and Color de Vino. Doors open at 8pm, film at 10pm.
people
Stanley Townsend, program chair of NAIT Culinary Arts, has retired. Chef Townsend was passionate about his students’ culinary education both at NAIT and through organizations as diverse as Skills Canada, the Canadian Culinary Federation’s (CCFCC) High School Culinary competition and the Toque Demagny Culinary scholarship. Stanley was inducted into the CCFCC honour society at a ceremony in St. John’s followed by a celebratory dinner prepared by chef/ owner Jeremy Charles at the excellent Raymond’s.
restaurant buzz
Cibo Bistro (11244 104 Avenue, 780-757-2426, cibobistro.com) is closed for holidays June 28-July 14. It’s not just any holiday, owners Lisa and Rosario will be married in Jasper on July 4. Cibo reopens for regular lunch and dinner service July 15.
The Hardware Grill (9698 Jasper Avenue, 780-423-0969, hardwaregrill.com) is closed for their annual summer holiday until July 7, reopening for dinner July 8 at 5pm.
Normand’s (11639 Jasper Avenue, 780-482-2600, normands.com) is now serving breakfast seven days a week from 8am-3pm. Hooray!
Culina Mill Creek (9914 89 Avenue, 780-466-1181, culinafamily.com) is having some fun with their menu this summer, adding several daily and weekly dishes as the spirit moves them based on what comes to their door from their local suppliers. The new menu also features the house-cured meats chef Steven Furgieule has been developing into a line of charcuterie called FUGE Fine Meats. There is a new slate of cocktails to enjoy as well along with cocktail, wine, and beer specials offered Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm-7 p.m. Let’s not forget that Culina Mill Creek has one of the sweetest patios in town. Giddy-up!
The lovely secluded patio at The Glass Monkey (5842 111 Street, 780-760-2228, theglassmonkey.ca) is now open, all the better to enjoy their Monday wine specials, half-price wings on Wednesday and beer and pizza specials on Thirsty Thursday. Check it out!
Check out the Wildflower Grill (10009 107 Street, 780-990-1938, wildfloweredmonton.com) new summer menu of lighter fare to enjoy on their lovely patio. We are big fans of the green goddess salad with quinoa on Boston bibb and the Atlantic lobster rolls.
You will now be able to use the convenient Open Table system to book dinner reservations at La Ronde in the Chateau Lacombe Hotel (10111 Bellamy Hill, 780-420-8357, chateaulacombe.com/laronde-restaurant).
Expect camera crews and gaffer tape around Battista’s Calzone Company (11745-84 Street, 780 458-1808, battistacalzone.com) on July 6, when the Food Network Canada’s You Gotta Eat Here tapes an episode. Co-owners Liv Vors and Battista Vecchio’s excellent calzones are now available frozen at Italian Centre Shops.
Urbano Pizza (in the Boardwalk, 10220 103 Street) the new concept from Sabor owners Christian Mena and chef Lino Oliviera is now open. The menu has six pizzas made in four super-fast TurboChef Fire pizza ovens to take away or to eat there (there is seating for about 20). Check out the Piri-piri chicken with chorizo, the vegan Garden Fire with peppers, portobello, eggplant, artichokes, or experiment with your own combo; $10-$12 per pie.
It’s Veuve Clicquot rosé by the glass all summer long at Cavern (10169-104 Street, 780-455-1336, thecavern.ca) as well as new and delicious tapas such as foie gras with triple crème brie or smoked salmon, or pequillo peppers filled with chèvre, as well as new charcuterie boards for those with lactose sensitivities. Watch for 104 Street Pairing Pop-Ups on Saturdays at Cavern with neighbouring merchants Jacek Chocolate and Evoolution.
cooking classes
Taste of Edmonton (Churchill Square, July 16-25, tasteofedm.ca) offers several cooking classes and demonstrations called Culinary Workshops: Backyard Grilling with chef Brad Smoliak, July 19; Butchery with Allison Thacker of Sunworks Farm Organic Meats, July 19; Fresh Pasta with chef Wendy Mah, July18. Tickets, $25/person, tasteofedm.ca.
Love Brazilian barbecue? Learn how at a class in the delights of Brazilian at Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse (9929 109 Street, 780-756-7030, pampasteakhouse.com), 10am Saturday, August 1. The class will explain how to prepare the meats, make marinades and prepare their delicious salads. Classes are intimate with eight people only, $100/person, 780-756-7030 to reserve.
Gail Hall of Seasoned Solutions offers a Market Fresh Cooking class on July 18. Find more details and the full schedule at seasonedsolutions.ca.
ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen (main floor, 10035-105 Street, 780-420-1010, atcoblueflamekitchen.com) offers Baking on the Barbecue, Thursday, July 23, 11:45am, $15/person. Have a craving for pie but don’t want to heat up the house? Why not bake it on the barbecue? Join the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen for a Learn at Lunch session to learn how. Samples are provided but not lunch. To reserve you spot email lisa.vogel@atcogas.com.
product news
The Italian Centre introduces Alberta- raised Piemontese beef to their deli counters. The DenOudstons of Peony Farm near Lacombe started breeding Piemontese in the 1980s. The white cattle from northeast Italy carry a gene that creates a higher lean-to-fat ratio, with less connective tissue, but also less marbling. Body builders like the Piemontese not only because of its mild yet beefy flavour, it is also lower in calories, higher in protein, and contains a higher percentage of omega-3 fat. The Italian Centre is working with Messinger Meats in Red Deer to supply all four stores with this unique beef.
Who doesn’t love bacon? The ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen has launched a free digital bacon cookbook with 10 of the Best Bacon Recipes Ever! Mmmmm Bacon. 10 of our best bacon recipes ever bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with chorizo and bacon cheddar brioche. Download the cookbook for free from the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen website, atcoblueflamekitchen.com.
The Pan Tree (550, 220 Lakeland Drive, Sherwood Park, 780-464-4631, thepantree.ca) now has the Gefu Spiralfix in stock. Make zucchini ribbons for salads and pasta or spiral cut just about any sized and shaped vegetable. Clever design, the handle and bottom piece fit inside to save cupboard space, $56.
K&K Foodliner (9944 – 82 Avenue, 780-439-6913 kandkfoodliner.com) offers a variety of fresh, house-made soups, salads and casseroles such as Shepard’s pie, lasagna and pot pies. Some are gluten-free and available in both individual portions and larger sizes, from $5-20.
The Italian Centre’s new Calgary store (9919 Fairmount Drive, SE, Willow Park) opens July 2. We can’t wait to see it, especially the cathedral of cheese, a 13 foot high x 40 foot wide temperature- controlled glass showcase chock full of wheels of Parmigiano Reggiano, Piave Vecchio and the like. The new 12,000 square feet store features western Canada’s largest deli with more than 600 types of meat, cheese and antipasti, including that delicious truffled Pecorino from Sardinia. Store manger is Gino Marghella, who many will remember as a tyke working the deli counter at the Little Italy store.
culinary travel
Gail Hall offers several upcoming tours—A Taste of Alberta from Camrose to Provost, September 12-13 includes a visit to the Bodo bison hunting archeological site. Portugal, October 26- November 6 explores Lisbon, Obidos, Porto the Douro Valley and Evora. South India, February 25 – March 9, 2016, explores the culinary traditions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Find the details for all tours at seasonedsolutions.ca.
August 22-23 is Alberta Open Farm Days, an opportunity to get out in the country, visit some farms and eat some great local food. Find the full gamut of open houses, dinners and events along with maps and directions at albertafarmdays.com. A few highlights to help you plan your weekend:
The Farm Box Dinner at Ellis Bird Farm in Lacombe County features local pasture-raised meats and exceptionally fresh produce prepared by chef Blake Anderson of Terre it Up Catering 6pm, Saturday August 22, $75/person, 403-586-4547, terreitup.com.
The Multicultural Heritage Centre in Stony Plain presents Tomatoganza! Everything Tomato, Saturday, August 22, 10:30 am-2pm with a tomato plot tour, salsa competition (register at multicentre.org) along with bruschetta and gazpacho tastings.
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Barr Estate Fruit Winery yet, think of going during their open house on August 23, from 10am-5pm for tours of the sheep farm and orchards. Tour of the winery and wine tasting for adults, a small fee applies, barr.ca.
Rootstock a fresh field experience at Fisher Farms, Didsbury, Saturday, August 22, 5 pm, $150/person. Start the night with a mini-market, cocktails, intimate farm tour with Nolan Miller, followed by dinner. As the stars fill the sky, enjoy a high-energy performance by Cowpuncher. Proceeds raised help support We All Grow: an online agriculture learning portal initiative, fisherfarms.net.
Enjoy an afternoon tea party with teas grown or foraged on the farm, along with farm-made sweet and savoury treats at the Vesta Gardens Farmed and Foraged Tea, 3pm, Sunday, August 23. Dress is garden party. Early bird tickets $35, 780-901-9506, vestagardens.castivals.com.
The Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm (Bon Accord, PrairieGardens.org) annual RgeRd Gourmet Field to Fork Harvest Dinner starts at 5pm, Sunday, August 23, $135/person.
The Morinville Country Fair Farm to Table Dinner, Saturday, August 22, 5:30pm. The day starts with a free pancake breakfast and ends with the dinner and street dance.
Northlands Urban Farm Dinner (northlands.com) is Sunday, August 23.
The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association (306-825-5571, lloydexh.com) has theirs in a secret location, Saturday, August 22, $100/person.
Send new and/or interesting food and drink related news for The Kitchen Sink to hello@thetomato.ca.