rita trattoria is now open
Daniel Costa, Micah Joffe, Allen Anderl and team’s newest venture captures the vibe of a casual Italian eatery and brings it to Jasper Avenue. A little bit raucous (like all the best trattoria), bright and warm, on two levels with some bar seating too. The concise menu and wine list is all you want. The focus is pasta but we did start with exceptional lamb chops scotaditto—which means, basically, eat with your hands, so we did. Can’t wait to gather a few folks to order Domenica, Rita’s homage to the fabled southern Italian Sunday meal: ragu napolitano along with various braised meats and salad. Do save room for the torta di pinoli, the delicious pine nut tart with the texture of a blondie and flavours of the Italian forest. Make a reso here or take your chances with a walk in, Wednesday-Sunday, from 5pm.
don’t miss the vagabond summer pop up
There is exceptional food at the Vagabond Summer pop-up by Christine Sandford and Roger Letourneau. The menu changes often but, if you are lucky, this delicious lobster dish with a horseradishy mayo, served with Bonjour baguette, may be available. If it isn’t, don’t despair, these two are fabulous cooks, everything coming out of this kitchen is top-notch. Dessert? Don’t skip it. They do take a few resos (the pop up is inside Under the High Wheel, 8135 102 Street). Otherwise, wander over for delicious things to eat, Thursday-Sunday from 6pm.
glass of the sask at juu.ku starts august 15
Juu.Ku’s Wagyu Beef Gyoza in a Thai red curry coconut broth is up next in the Epcor’s Glass of the Sask Chefs Series. Chef Andrew Fung’s dish is available from August 15-25. You could also go home with a cool Glass of the Sask carafe (while supplies last). Want more info on Glass of the Sask and the Chefs Series? Visit here.
battle of the steaks on now
Team Ribeye at The Marc and Team Tenderloin at The Butternut Tree are facing off in the Battle of the Steaks. Here is how to get in on the action: post photos of your steak dish and tag both restaurants, to be entered into a contest for a $200 gift card (valid at both restos). Visit The Marc or The Butternut Tree for all the deets. Until August 31.
alberta open farm days is august 16-17
One of the best spots to experience farm life during the Open Farm Days weekend is at Chatsworth Farm near Vermillion. There will be cooking, butchery and equine demos, guided tours (of course!), a farmers’ market with over 25 artisans and live music from The Western Thistles. You could pre-order from the farm shop and pick up while you are there. Tons of kid’s activities too. It’s a lovely drive to spend some time with an amazingly enterprising family. Don’t miss it!
ice tropez est là!
Yes, the forecast says there is more warm weather coming—just in time to try the new wine cocktail Ice Tropez. Think red wine from the south of France infused with natural white peach and nectarine blossom—lightly sparkling, not too sweet and very refreshing. Find at Color de Vino, DeVine Wines, Keg n Cork, Highlands Liquor as well as Alchemy at JW Marriott. Check it out!
blindman at the mac
Great beer is brewed at Blindman in Lacombe. Imagine them paired with a stunning, three-course menu? Yes! The Fairmont Mac’s Brewmaster Dinner with Blindman Brewing starts at 6pm, Thursday, August 21, on that fabulous terrace.
Limited seats available. Tix: $79/p++.
riesling at relish with salivate wines
Join Christina Masciangelo of Salivate Wine Marketing for a guided tasting, 7:30pm, Wednesday, August 27 at Relish Bar & Market (9570 76 Avenue). Christina imports some of the best Riesling on the planet—be prepared to have myths dispelled and your mind blown. Tix: $78/p++.
tomato top100: honi honi’s mai tai
There are many outstanding drinks on the menu at Honi Honi, one of Canada’s best bars and nominators were quick to choose the Mai Tai as their number one. Best to make a reso, this tiki bar is the definition of intimate, in the best possible way.
recipe of the week: peach and burrata salad
BC peaches are spectacular this year and we recommend daily consumption, easy to do with this easy and delicious salad. Find peaches at Steve & Dan’s and the Red Apple farm stand at the Bountiful Farmers’ Market and burrata at the Italian Centre shops.
