January is a special time to go to the mountains, especially during Jasper in January from January 14-30. Retro Shred Cinema Ski (Jan 24) and Snowboard Nights (Jan 25); skating, sleigh rides and dog sledding at Pyramid Lake; as well as Jasper Dining Week, January 16-23. The Wine in Winter tasting is January 14 and Whisky & Hops-the Ultimate Aprés (tix, January 4) is on January 15. For info visit here.
Jasper Park Lodge has several cool events planned for this winter starting with the PJ Party with Kaitlyn Bristowe, January 7-9. The two-night package includes all meals (Sunday brunch with Caesar & Mimosa Bar anyone?) dance parties, classes, demos and live entertainment, $799/p+, click here to book. JPL will be featuring their very own JPL Lager and signature cocktail during The Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival, February 11-13.
Century Park Cellars (2349 111 Street, 780-395-0503) is having a drop in Gin Tasting on Friday, January 21, 5-7pm and a sit-down version on Saturday, January 22, 5-7:30 pm. They are also keen to host private tastings for between six to 14 people any night of the week. Great for book clubs, birthdays, office get togethers, from $25/p+. Call the store or email info@centuryparkcellars.com for more info.
Edmonton Public Library’s (EPL) teaching and community kitchen opens with a virtual launch on January 22. Check EPL’s website for more information about programming and hours.
Check out the Vinyl Swap with the Dead Vinyl Society, 3-6pm, Sunday, February 6, at Three Vikings (10713 124 Street, 780-249-6302, threevikings.ca). There will be Guinness and mimosas on special along with those delicious Danish pancake balls called aebleskiver. Giddy up!
Look what’s new on Whyte Ave! Café Bel-Air (8020 101 Street, 780-441-1149, cafebelair.ca) has moved into the La Boule space. Best known for their popsicles at the farmers’ market, this location offers vegetarian and vegan food and tea, coffee, pastries. The look is bright and sunny, all the better to enjoy their High Tea. The Butchers Son (10158 82 Avenue, 587-525-3869, thatbutchersson.com) is a proper German butcher in the Flirt Cupcake space. They offer a cut and wrap service for farmers and hunters too. The Next Act Group is opening a sandwich shop called Pals in the old Packrat Louie space. The Woodrack is now on the main floor of the Dominion Hotel (entrance off the alley, 102, 10324 82 Avenue, 780-977-3787, thewoodrackcafe.com). Open daily 8am-6pm. Bandits, the pandemic alternative for Smokey Bear (8223 104 Street, 587-759-0209, smokeybearyeg.com) continues to offer fried chicken and beers in the basement, Wednesday-Saturday, 5-9pm. Pact Coffee and Baked Donuts opens in the old Starbucks’ space and Mash Craft Beer and Craft Pizza in the Second Cup across the street, which makes pizza crust from Half Hitch Brewing’s spent grains. More on Mash in the next issue.
Darling Wine Bar that, yes, darling, spot nestled in Take Care (9621 82 Avenue, 825-512-5631, takecarecafe.co) is moving to a new (and as yet undisclosed at our press time) location. We will miss them at Take Care, there was something special and urban about a spot where you can have coffee and a haircut during the day and enjoy a wine bar at night. We’re sure the new spot will have just as much charm.
Heart of the Home (12539 102 Avenue, 780-705-4928, heartofthehomeyeg.ca) is going back to regular hours this month—closed Mondays, Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm and Sunday, noon-4pm. Closed January 31 for inventory. What about raclette and fondue for Valentine’s Day?
Jasper Beer & Spirits Festival at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge happens February 11-13 this year. For details and tickets visit here. And stay for the Superbowl Sunday Tailgate Party, $85/p+, call 780-852-6091 to book.