Introducing the Tomato Test Kitchen
Have you ever made a recipe that didn’t turn out? Find a recipe that doesn’t work? Has missing ingredients? Or, is missing a method? That happens to us all the time! Which is why we develop the best recipes we can for each issue, and test the recipes sent to us by chefs and contributors. Now you can, too.
Participate in our new workshop, The Tomato Test Kitchen, Thursday, January 23. Learn the best techniques, plus tips and tricks from Tomato editor Mary Bailey and research chef Brad Smoliak of Kitchen by Brad.
The evening will be a hands-on preparation and cooking class with wine, prizes and giveaways, $125/pp. Questions? Email hello@thetomato.ca. Purchase tickets.
Bar Bricco
We look forward to Daniel Costa’s new casual place on Jasper beside called Bar Bricco, taking its inspiration from the spuntino bars of Italy — small places to have a seat at the bar and “a plate of proscuitto, chicetti, little creative things, really good quality, yet a straightforward menu,” says Daniel.
“We’re focusing on sparkling, including Champagne and Cava, as part of an extensive good-value Italian list. We used the same architect again, Joe Johnson, Connect Architect. And, it’ll be dark, really dark.” Seats under 30, enjoy after work or late night, opening late January-ish.
Last chance to book French wine school!
Taste your way through France region by region and become a certified French Wine Scholar. The course is designed for those seeking in-depth understanding of France’s amazing oenological diversity. Enjoy the camaraderie and the savings (in wine costs) of a group class. Classes are offered by the Art Institute of Vancouver and held at the Edmonton Petroleum Club, with lots of parking! New format: weekly Monday night classes rather than full weekends, from January 13-March 24. Visit winecollege.ca to register.
Robbie Burns Nights
A Salute to Robbie Burns at Aligra Wine & Spirits (1423, Phase III, West Edmonton Mall, 8882 170 Street, 780-483-1083) Wednesday, January 22. Experience several different whiskies to discuss and compare in a relaxed atmosphere, along with some light foods. Visit Aligra’s website for tickets, $65, and details.
Enjoy Robbie Burns Night Wednesday, January 22, with special guest George S. Grant of Scotland’s Glenfarclas Distillery at the Edmonton Petroleum Club (11110 108 Street, 780-474-3411). Sample the 12-, 15-, 17-, 21-, 25-, 30-year-old Glenfarclas, The Whisky Exchange’s whisky of the year. Tickets $65, includes tax and tip, reception@edpetroleumclub.com.
Kitchen by Brad (10130 105 Street, 780-757-7704) and 7 degrees wine beer spirits (formerly Ashton’s Liquor) are hosting a Robbie Burns Night on Friday, January 24, with special guest Andrew Campbell Walls. Enjoy six whiskies paired with Scotch friendly dishes, including haggis. Reception, 6:30pm, followed by dinner at 7pm. Tickets, $150 plus GST, info@kitchenbybrad, space is limited.
Don’t miss Fine Wines by Liquor Select’s (8924 149 Street, 780-481-6868) Annual Tribute to Robbie Burns with Nick Lees. There will be a haggis, a piper, stories, songs, and some fabulous examples of single malt whisky. Always memorable, always a sell-out, don’t wait to get your tickets; Friday, January 24, 7pm, $70pp, 780-481-6868.
Celebrate Robbie Burns with Unwined Fine Wine, Spirits and Ales (512 St Albert Trail #2, St. Albert, 780, 458-4777). Enjoy unique whisky along with the Master of Malts, Andrew Walls addressing the haggis on Sunday January 26, with a special start time of 5pm. Tickets $35.
Pure prairie eating
Researchers at the Physical Activity and Nutrition for Diabetes in Alberta (PANDA) at the UofA have co-authored a cookbook based on foods we eat every day. The research project, led by Dr. Cathy Chan, was to develop and evaluate practical strategies to improve glucose control through healthy and physical activity.
“The Pure Prairie Eating Plan started as a student project in 2009,” says Dr. Rhonda Bell. “We found that over the long term it’s hard for people to translate recommendations such as ‘eat less saturated fat’ into their actual meals. This is an eating plan with a local focus for people who want to eat more healthfully. We focused on Alberta, to show people that the food they normally eat can fit into a regular pattern.”
The recipes highlight good food grown here — pulses, barley, grains and potatoes; lean meats and dairy; canola oil, vegetables, apples and berries. For more information, and where to buy, visit the website.
Canadian Culinary Championships
Cheer on Edmonton’s Gold Medal Plates champion chef Paul Shufelt as he vies for the national title at the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna, February 7, 8. For ticket and package information visit the Gold Medal Plates website or email ccc@goldmedalplates.com.