western sweep at the canadian culinary championships
There was delicious food and wine, chef camaraderie and short sleeps at the Canadian Culinary Championships (CCC) in Ottawa last weekend. The annual event brings 10 chefs (all winners at regional Kitchen Parties) together in a gruelling three-day competition—Mystery Wine Challenge, the Black Box and finally, the Grande Finale on Saturday night where a sold-out audience of Ottawa food lovers danced to Steven Page and Kevin Fox at the Shaw Centre. Three chefs came to the podium—Edmonton chef JP Dublado (Red Deer Resort and Casino) grabbed bronze; Rupert Garcia (Hawthorne at the Fairmont Palliser Calgary) took silver and Jasper Cruikshank (Wild Blue Restaurant, Whistler) nabbed the gold. Not only does the CCC raise money for three worthy organizations, it provides an opportunity for chefs to come together and make lasting friendships, building Canadian cuisine from coast to coast. Bravo chefs! And brava Great Kitchen Party for a tremendous event that looked seamless from this vantage point. More on the weekend in the March/April issue.
bibo strathcona is open!
Chef Brad Lazarenko and general manager Aya Shiga have just opened a new spot, Bibo Strathcona, in the Strathcona Hotel (10302-82 Avenue). Expect an array of Japanese-influenced tapas, specialty cocktails, a sake menu and wine list by somm Valerie Walker. Open Tuesday-Friday and Sunday from 4 pm, Saturday from 11am. Enter off the hotel lobby on Whyte Avenue, or the alley. Check it out!
order art of charcuterie’s valentine special for your valentines
An attractive black box adorned with fresh flowers cradles French-themed treasures (Bayonne ham and Brie de Meaux) a classic baguette and ARC’s hand-dipped chocolate strawberries. Add-ons (crackers, Jacek bars, walnut board) are also available. Pick-up (7345 104 Street, 11-6pm) or delivery (11am-4pm) on February 14 only, $149+.
sweet treats and latte festival starts this saturday!
Support local Old Strathcona-area businesses and enjoy feature treats and beverages at over 20 coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants including Community Natural Foods and the Overflow Café. Budget-friendly, with most items between $5 and $10, from February 10-25. Doggies get to enjoy it too, visit Bone & Biscuit Garneau and Global Pet Foods. Find all participating businesses and chances to win prizes here.
chartier’s has you (chocolate) covered for valentine’s day
Enjoy a Valentine’s lunch or dinner at Chartier (5012 50 Street, Beaumont). The menu starts with pissaladière, made with a cocoa-infused dough, followed by four main course choices featuring chocolate in savoury form and a shared platter of goodies. Lunch February 14, $50/p++, or dinner on February 14 and February 15, $85/p++ (includes welcome cocktail). And, the luscious Mon Amour strawberry cheesecake (pictured) can be pre-ordered from Mother Bakery for pick-up on February 13, 14 or 16. Visit here for all the deets.
blind enthusiasm + biera means a terrific dinner
Join Greg Zeschuk, the owner of Blind Enthusiasm and head brewers Doug Checknita and Rob Monk for a delicious dinner. Enjoy five beers (from both the Market’s barrel-aged and Monolith’s mixed and spontaneous fermentation programs) with five courses by head chef Davina Moraiko, 6:30pm, Wednesday, February 21. Tix: $100/p++.
taste cookies and agave at sherbrooke
Compare and contrast the agave spirits—tequila, mezcal, raicilla and sotol—and pair with cookies from Bloom Cookie Co and the King of Tarts during Cookies & Agave at the Sherbrooke Tasting Room (11819 St Albert Trail), 6:30 Friday, February 16. Tix: $43.93/p+.
northern chicken is closing
The beloved fried chicken joint closed the 124 Street location earlier this year and plan to close the 104 Street location February 15. Thank you for the delicious food! More on this in the March/April issue.
recipe of the week: chef liana robberecht’s love connection
Chef Liana Robberecht explores the connection between certain foods and love and offers an easy, no-fail recipe for honey cheese buttermilk biscuits.
