wine tastings happenings and events
The YEG Hospitality community has come out in droves to support the Jasper Hospitality Fund, through donations (Doughnut Party, Folding Mountain Brewery, Groupex, Jacek Chocolate Couture, The Marc, Meuwly’s and Restaurants Canada); events and popups (RGE RD barbecue weekend, Awn Kitchen, Vagabond Popup at Take Care) and product sales (Chartier Jasper Jam, Popowich sausages, Vines Wines Merchants). Thanks to the generosity of Edmontonians, the Fund sits at over $30,000. Coming up is the Sundance Ski Beer & Barbecue for Jasper from 11:30am, Saturday, September 14. Pop by for a dog or a burger and a beverage and Sosyal Scoops Ice Cream (visit the warehouse sale too). And, on Tuesday, September 17, JW Marriott and Bearhill Brewing are having an afterwork party (from 4pm) in the Ice District. Details are developing for both events. Be there to support Jasper hospitality workers!
Chefs and cooks enjoy one free knife sharpening at Knifewear Edmonton (10816 Whyte Avenue, 587-521-2034, knifewear.com) on Industry Mondays. And, on September 16, meet special guest, Japanese knifemaker Go Yoshizawa-san of Nigara Hamono.
The Canadian Liquor Store (101, 18003 105 Avenue, 780-760-0831, canadianliquorstore.ca) holds a Valpolicella Masterclass, on Wednesday, September 18, from 7pm-9 pm with Italian wine expert Marcia J. Hamm. Taste outstanding examples of Classico, Superiore, Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto wines. Tix: $40/p, visit canadianliquorstore.ca to book.
Taste the new releases of Argentina’s Luigi Bosca at a tasting at Vines in Riverbend (2331 Rabbit Hill Road, 780-434-9444, vineswinemerchants.com) with brand ambassador Lucimar Reis, Tuesday, September 24. Tix: $40/p, call 780-434-9444 to book.
Support Butchery Team Canada and their journey to the World Butchers Challenge at the Meat Up in the Market (Ritchie Market, 9570 76 Avenue), from 6pm-9pm, Wednesday, September 25. All proceeds to Butchery Team Canada. Tix: $100/p, from Acme Meats, includes one beer, food and entry to the draw for a hind quarter of beef ($1,400 value).
Love Aussie wine? Don’t miss this dinner. Yalumba Rare and Fine Wine Dinner at Hayloft Steak and Fish (639 Cameron Heights Drive, 780-249-0637, robertspencerhosp.com), 6:30pm, Thursday, October 3. Four delicious courses paired with eight wines aong with special guest winemaker Louisa Rose. Tix: $185/p++.
Join Jacqueline Jacek (Jacek Chocolate Couture) Aric Johnson (Folding Mountain Brewery) and Peter Keith (Meuwly’s) for The Ultimate Trio Tasting Experience, Sunday, October 6, at Folding Mountain Brewery, Hinton. Two sessions, noon and 3pm. Tix: $50/p, Jacek jacekchocolate.com. A portion of proceeds to the Jasper Hospitality Fund.
Check out the inaugural Foodies Fest, at the Expo Centre, Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6. Products to sample and buy and delicious food to eat, from merchants such as Fuge Sausage, Gie’s Cookery, Pyroghies Plus and Tanya-Ray smoked salmon spreads. For all the deets and to buy tickets, visit yegfoodiesfest.com.
Explore the offerings and samples at the Fall Walk Around Tasting at the Canadian Liquor Store (101, 18003 105 Avenue, 780-760-0831) Saturday, October 5, from 2pm-5pm.
Enjoy a dynamic night at Edmonton’s Kitchen Party, Thursday, October 10 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Eight terrific Edmonton and area chefs compete for the opportunity to go to the Canadian Culinary Championships: Jason Greene, Braven, JW Marriott; Eric Hanson, The Marc; Julia Kundera, Out of Bounds Restaurant; Doreen Prei, Riverview at Glenora Park; Naga Singh, Belgravia Hub; Tamara Solon, Chartier; Max Straczek, Pryo Wood-Fired Grill & Kitchen and Joseph Vuong, Café Bicyclette. Taste some of the best in Canadian wines, local craft brews and spirits. Enjoy outstanding entertainment by Jim Cuddy, Anne Lindsay, Devin Cuddy, Sam Polley, with special guest Martin Kerr. Kitchen Party supports MusiCounts, Spirit North and e4c Alberta. Tix
Mark your calendars for Castello di Volpaia dinner at RGE RD (10643 123 Street), Thursday, October 24. Special guest is the wonderful Federica Mascheroni, of the family who own this exceptional Chianti estate, which dates back to the 12th century.
Part Two of the 2024 Terroir Symposium happens November 2 and 3 in Calgary at the SAIT school of Hospitality and Tourism. Expect informative speakers and labs as well as innovative dinners with Bobby Cortez, Kiki Aranita and Mark Best, along with drinks entrepreneur Jim Meehan and aroma specialist, somm and sake master Francois Chartier. For all the deets and to buy tix visit terroirsymposium.com.
product news
Heart of the Home will be at the 124th Street Night Market on September 13 with the delicious Cawston Press drinks and Gourmet Du Village Dips. Selected Le Creuset items are 25 per cent off in September, in-store shopping only, as well as Zwilling Knife promos, including free sharpening clinics. Fall hours are Monday-Saturday,11am-5pm, Sunday, noon-4pm. Closed Labour Day and Thanksgiving Monday.
Vines Wines Riverbend (2331 Rabbit Hill Road, 780-434-9444, vineswinemerchants.com) is donating $5/bottle of the specially marked San Marzano Primitivo from Puglia ($19.99/b+) to the Jasper Hospitality Fund. It’s a super drinkable red, ideal for fall dishes, buy a case!
The Bountiful Farmers’ Market Gift Basket Giveaway (bountifulmarkets.com.) for September features five separate vendors. Enter to win by September 29. September 15 is the Culinaire Treasure Hunt at Bountiful. Deadline to enter is September 10 at culinairemagazine.ca/treasure-hunt.
Knifewear’s Fall Garage Sale (10816 Whyte Avenue) is November 4-10. Find excellent deals on all sorts of great knives, including one-of-a-kind, and special orders.
Send interesting food and drink news for Kitchen Sink to hello@thetomato.ca.