already autumn

Summer has come and gone with nary a word from myself. I suppose I was a bit busy .. alas no excuse - maybe this season will include more writing. With the arrival of fall comes the end to some things- most of the outdoor farmers markets will be wrapping up in the next couple of weeks. Be sure to get out and grab fresh, local produce, meats, cheeses, goodies, etc. We have seen many more markets pop up, as well as many more food trucks. And this fall we are going to see several new restaurants opening, more than one along 124th street. So as we say goodbye to summer, lets welcome fall with open arms. I love this season - the crisp air, the multicoloured leaves..the satisfaction of having had a great summer and expecting an even better fall!

Cally's Teas

Cally's Teas new shop has been open since the beginning of April and it is a delightful addition to the list of options of where to go for a tea or coffee break in the city. A moment talking with Cally and you understand why the room is full of bright colours.

The new space boasts not only many loose teas to choose from (my best guess would be that there are close to 100 choices) but also merchandise such as mugs, tea pots, stationary and chocolate!

I have decided to call this the Great Wall of Teas:

The two side walls are covered in beautiful wallpaper (shades of turquoise) while the back wall of the cafe space is bright fuschia.

The cafe area is small, but in a cosy, not cramped, kind of way. You can choose any type of tea you'd like and they steep it for you and serve it in a tea pot ready to be poured. There is a lovely selection of fresh baking including delicious scones and brioche that are served with jam and heavy cream. They have expanded the menu to include cucumber sandwiches, dippy eggs with bread soldiers, beans on toast, welsh rarebit, salad, and savory quiches and bread puddings. Cally grew up in England and is inspired by the feel of a village rather than the big city. I have enjoyed many high teas and I have to say that it is nice to sit back and feel comfortable, rather than all prim and proper.

The spread they set before us on Mother's Day was splendid. My favourite treat had to be the simple scones with strawberry jam and heavy cream as well as the cucumber sandwiches. I recommend the Windsor Castle tea for a perfect cup of tea (if you enjoy black teas that is). I recommend paying a visit to Cally's Teas soon, whether for a light snack (you can order just scones or brioche and tea) or something more. They update their facebook account regularly with special event info and menu changes: https://www.facebook.com/callys.tea

Zinc

On a sunny winter evening I enjoyed my first meal at Zinc. A beautifully set table with a great view were a great start to the evening.

My friend and I both ordered a "bite size" starter and main. We were happy to be treated to lovely fresh mini scones with creamy whipped butter before our orders arrived.

Our bites then arrived, beautifully plated together on two small plates. As an appetizer I ordered the Warm Onion Tarte Tatin:
Upside-down puff pastry tart with caramelized onions, "Paddy‟s‟ cheese, port reduction, and dressed organic leaves. It was good, but not what I was expecting. The beef entree I had was delicious. Served with creamy potatoes as well as some squash I was left wanting more.. next time I will go with the full sized main.

After each having two bite sized dishes we were both satisfied but decided we needed to try dessert as well and ordered the Callebeaut Chocolate Mascarpone Tarte with
Champagne Sorbet and Honey Marinated Berries to share.

It was lovely. Great ambience, service and of course the food was amazing. I am planning to return for a special occasion in the near future.

too much time on my hands

For the last two months I have been far less busy than the three months prior.. one job instead of two will do that. However I have neglected this! I even went to Calgary in January for a weekend and enjoyed a lot of great of food and coffee too - visiting Kawa Espresso Bar and Boxwood for the first time and returning to Farm and Jelly Modern Doughnuts both for the second time.
I've enjoyed meals here in Edmonton at my usual haunts - Corso32, Culina Muttart and Millcreek, MRKT, Battista's Calzones.. I also visited Highlands Kitchen on Sunday for brunch. The new owners have reintroduced weekend brunch and while I wasn't quite happy with my menu selection (baked eggs), I am pleased that they are offering brunch again.
With a dinner at Corso32 scheduled for next week as well as the hope of finally visiting Zinc, I hope to write again soon. Until then, eat and drink blissfully!

tis the season

Over the past month I have been accumulating Christmas gifts for loved ones. My quest began at the Royal Bison Craft Show where I was able to cross my sister off the list with the purchase of a unique shirt from Fridget Apparel. I also found an adorable shirt for my friends little one with the phrase "spread jam not war" on it.

Over the next weeks I made a few purchases at some chain stores but was ultimately trying to make my purchases at local stores, markets and craft shows. I stopped in at Kerstin's Chocolates on customer appreciation night and purchased several luxurious chocolate bars for the chocolate lovers on my list - and one for me too! I popped into Carbon Environmental Boutique on 104th and purchased a funky bowl made from recycled paper for one friend and a handbound notebook covered with a map of Japan for another. I picked up some apple jelly from Duchess Bakeshop for family to enjoy.

I was able to cross several people off my list after a visit to the Downtown Farmers Market, and a few more after visiting the Hand Made Mafia (although I admit I shopped more for myself there than for anyone else!) At the market I was able to find delicious fudge (Fudgalicious) that tastes almost like grandma's, roasted peanuts for my grandpa to enjoy and newget from The Newget Company in a couple of flavours I thought family would enjoy. At Handmade Mafia I purchased a beautiful spoon rest from a local potter as well as cute bookmarks with picture from Dr. Seuss and Richard Scarry books.

During the final week before Christmas I visited Queen of Tarts for several small fruit cakes and pack of sables(shortbread) and holiday nuts. And finally, on Christmas Eve, I got some gingerbread cookies and pinwheels from Duchess Bakeshop.

Whew - it may have taken more energy then just a trip to the mall, but in the end I feel like my Christmas purchases actually effected our local economy and the people I know that own many of these small businesses.