Dish: gastronomic happenings around town

The downtown public library has built an amazing teaching kitchen and it opens March 16. The idea? To increase knowledge and interest in food literacy and nutrition and build kitchen skills. The space is  fantastic, with well-equipped stations including induction hobs and food processors. It’s set up for participatory classes and hands-on learning for up to 35 participants. The plan is beginner and intermediate classes taught by local chefs, food people and The Kitchen director Zofia Trebaczkiewicz, an accomplished chef, restaurant owner and baker. It couldn’t be in better hands. For an invite to the virtual launch and to sign up for classes visit epl.ca/the-kitchen.

last chance for savings
Heart of the Home (12539 102 Avenue, 780-705-4928, heartofthehomeyeg.ca) is expecting spring and Easter stock to arrive soon. In the meantime, they have a promo for the four-quart round Staub cocotte in cherry for $200, while quantities last. That’s a very good deal for a family heirloom. They re-open on Mondays starting March 1

downtown dining week is march 30-april 10
A record 55-plus restaurants are participating this year, including Sabor, Dalla Tavola Zenari, May, Filistix and Continental Treat. Brunch and lunch for $20 and dinner has three price options, depending on the restaurant, $35, $50, $65. There are events and other options not quite ready by our press time, but you know they will be fun. Check out menus and plan your strategy at edmontondowntown.com and get downtown.

have a nosh in sherwood park march 19 with nosh food fest
Don’t miss the NOSH Food Fest, 10am-5pm, Saturday, March 19 in the Strathcona County Community Centre in Sherwood Park. Free admission and underground parking. There will be close to 80 vendors of sweet, spicy, saucy, savoury, vegan and gluten free, including El Gringo Mexican Cuisine, Little Bear Gelato, Tukk’s Cukes pickles and Rig Hand Distillery. Check it out!

awn kitchen classes in person
Yes, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Spring is coming and so are in-person Awn classes this month. You can learn about sourdough, make burgers and bake hamburger buns, celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with the Irish Table and learn some new dishes for Easter brunch. Visit awnkitchen.com/cooking-classes to check out the schedule and to book a class.

did you say meuwly’s ham for easter?
Meuwly’s (10706 124 Street, 587-786-3560, meuwlys.com) incredible smoked honey ham is available again for Easter. The Alberta-raised hams are boneless, honey-brined and beechwood-smoked. The smoke enhances rather than overwhelms. In three sizes, for families from two to 12—small ($38) medium ($50) or large ($94) along with a jar of their signature mustard. The hams are fully cooked—all you need to do is heat them up. Also, charcuterie kits with cured and smoked meats, pickles, condiments, cheese and crackers. Two sizes (two to four people) $75, or (three to six) $135. Pre-order on the website and pick-up April 13, 14 and16. Meuwly’s Easter Weekend hours are closed Good Friday, open Saturday, 10am-5pm, closed Sunday/Monday.