Loving The Cavern, a recent addition to 104 street in the Phillips Lofts. The focus is cheese, espresso and wine (with a 16 bottle Enovin) — how civilized. Find them at  #2, 10169 104 Street, 780-455-1336. Our newest   fave place for breakfast opens at 7am from Monday to Saturday; is open until 8pm Monday to Thursday, and until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights. Closed Sundays.
There may be a few seats left for the Tuscan-inspired three-course table d’hote menu at Massimo’s Italian Kitchen (5012 104A Street, 780-439-4869), Wednesday, April 17 featuring antipasti with polenta crostini; Alberta beef ragout on pappardelle; pork tenderloin with guanciale (pork cheek) followed by dolci with vin santo. Dinner, prepared by Koema Francheschi, is $35/person, not including wine, tip, or tax. Reservations: 780-439-4869.
Enjoy Fine Wines by Liquor Select (8924 149 Street, 780-481-6868) annual Spring Fling, Saturday May 25 from 2-5pm. Sample over 50 wines, beers and spirits, absolutely free!
Don’t miss a very special lunch at The Hardware Grill (9698 Jasper Avenue, 780-423-0969) Monday, April 29, featuring the wines of Chateau Giscours, Chateau du Tertre and Chateau Guiraud. The Margaux estates will be represented by their managing director Alexander Van Beek and Guiraud by its sales director Augustin Lacaille. Four courses will be paired with eight wines of various vintages coming directly from France. It’s a rare and wonderful opportunity to taste some of Bordeaux and Sauterne’s most interesting wines. Seats are $124 including GST and gratuity. Reservations, 780-423-0969. Don’t delay, there are 25 seats only.
The Royal Glenora Club is having an Australian Wine Dinner, April 20.¬†Delight in four courses paired with top-notch OZ wines including Mollydooker and¬†D’Arenberg. Chef Steve Buzak‚Äôs menu, starting with roasted beetroot salad with¬†cardamom-scented horseradish, goat cheese and aurgula, and ending with a caramel¬†banana with mango pavlova, looks delicious. Tickets are $80 plus gratituity and tax, 780-482-2371.
There are still a few tix available for the Sorrentino‚Äôs Garlic Stomp, Saturday, April 20.¬†The fun night of dinner (including garlic and non-garlic dishes) and dancing supports the¬†expansion of the Sorrentino‚Äôs Compassion House. To book: 780-474-6466. Visit Sorrentino’s¬†for the full schedule of garlic events until May 11.
Edmonton’s French culture hub, Centre d’arts visual d’Alberta (9103-95 Avenue) is home to the Textures exhibit, featuring the marvelous works of woodturner Clayton Sauvé. Sauvé creates useful art — all are food safe and require only the occasional oiling to keep looking pristine. Other Textures artists: Ute Reider (acrylics, watercolours, pastels) Zoong Nguyun (acrylics), and mixed media artists Barbara Mitchell, Doris Charest and Janet Brown. The Textures’ Exhibit is on until April 30.
Enjoy Festa della Mamma at Sorrentino’s on Sunday May 12. Book Mother’s Day dinner at any location, and Sunday brunch at Downtown Sorrentino’s, St Albert and Bistecca Italian Steakhouse.
Mark your calendars for Cookies and Beer: the pairings edition, 6pm, Friday, May 17 at 6pm at The Edmonton Petroleum Club featuring Cookie Love cookies, Alley Kat Beer, Pinocchio Ice Cream, Rock Ridge milk, local music, and décor by Elegant Touches. There are only 200 tickets, $50 each with proceeds to The Ronald McDonald House.
Enjoy a four course (not a buffet) Mother’s Day Brunch at Madison’s Grill (10053 Jasper Avenue, 780-401-2222) with seatings available at 10:30 and 12:30pm Sunday, May 12. Cost is $39per person, call 780401-2222 to reserve.