July 24

backyardchick
Edmonton’s best-known urban homesteader, Kevin Kossowan, has been issued a bylaw infraction ticket for keeping chickens in his backyard. It is illegal to have urban chickens, although the city is talking about a controlled study. Many cities allow backyard chickens, Red Deer for example, and many don’t. Nothing seems to polarize citizens more than the subject of chickens in the backyard. Here’s what we think; illustrations by Amanda Schutz https://thetomato.ca/2013-january-february/backyard-chicke
On Saturday July 26 take a drive to charming and historic Markerville on the banks of the Medicine River for a culinary day in the country. http://www.tasteofmarkerville.com.Start at the Country Food Market and Local Farm Showcase from 1pm-5pm, followed by Appy Hour in the Creamery Garden. Then stay for a long table dinner experience created by several Alberta’s most interesting chefs.
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/taste-of-markerville-long-table-dinner-tickets-12022633019.
tasteofedmonon_webCheck out these culinary adventures at the Taste of Edmonton Sipn’Savour tent this weekend: Thursday, July 24, Bacon & Bourbon, featuring Lindsay Porter, Mercer Catering. On the menu: bacon truffle-creamed corn with fresh thyme; Bourbon- glazed heirloom carrot salad with house-made ricotta and fresh radishes; donut with bacon ice cream and bourbon maple bacon sauce; bacon-wrapped pork cheek lollipop; and bacon pork riblets with a bourbon syrup and peach watermelon salad.
Tickets: http://www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/8528/

Friday, July 25 features a wild game and wild flower menu with chef Doreen Prei, Edmonton Petroleum Club, presented by Alberta Canola Producers. Taste forest mushroom and wild rice risotto with wild boar bacon and onion flower; field lavender cupcake with blueberry buttercream and wildflowers; Alberta elk with juniper blackberry sauce and forest greens; wild halibut smoked in wood chips, with wild flowers, garlic pesto, pine nut puree, and potato chips  followed by wild fruit and honey.
Tickets: http://www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/8529/

On closing night Saturday, July 26 the City Market Downtown  104 Street presents Blues and Brews with chefs Eric Hanson and Annand Ollivierre. Enjoy a southern inspired dishes such as blackened jambalaya, vegetarian etouffe, shrimp gumbo, Cajun crab cakes, spicy chicken po’boys and pork riblets with cornbread and gravy.
Tickets: http://www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/detail/8530/

cibobistro_webCelebrate the summer Italian-style with Cibo Bistro’s Ferragosto cocktail and beer tastings, music, prizes, face painting and, of course, delicious food. Sunday August 17, 3pm-7pm,  $45pp, kids under 12 free.
prova

There are a few spots left for Prova, Daniel Costa and Nicole Weinkauf’s Tuscan Tasting evening at Bar Bricco, Sunday July 27. Tickets $80, reserve.

the-wine-roomCraving bubbles? Look no further. The Wine Room (10525 Jasper Avenue 780-756-7666) is now using the unique Perlage system which keeps sparkling wines at peak drinking after opening. Bubbles ranging from San Venanzio Prosecco Valdobbiadene Brut, California’s Thomas George Pinot Noir Brut Rosé, Agusti Torello Mata Kripta Gran Reserva Cava, and from Champagne, Pommery Brut Royal and Krug Grande Cuvee are now available by the glass. Woo hoo!
rostizadoWe’re looking forward to the opening of Rostizado the new project in the Mercer Warehouse by the Tres Carnales dudes, especially because one of our favourite cooks, Jesse Chalmers, will be behind the stoves. Jesse, brother of Ben (corso 32) has had a long-standing interest, let’s say love affair, with the diverse cuisine of Mexico. Now he’ll get to explore them and we’ll get to enjoy the results. We’re hearing July 19 is opening date.
St Albert residents have been keeping a secret: Privada wine and tapas (100-21 Perron Street, St. Albert, 780-569-5479), open Wednesday through Sunday for wine and delicious small plates — loved the confit duck cassoulet and beautiful house-made coppa, elk pastrami and duck prosciutto. Farrow (8422 109 Street, 780-757-2600).