I looked back on my year of blogging only to remember how an unexpected project at work derailed the first four months of 2016, severely limiting my free time to write. Although things calmed down in the spring, I’m not sure my work/life balance ever fully recovered.
At any rate – I never managed to put together a 2015 edition of my culinary highlights, so it’s a small victory that I am returning to some old habits.
Here are some of my favourite food-related memories from the past year:
Did someone say pizza? Love Pizza ended up being our go-to downtown addition this year. Great product, and a restaurant we can walk to!
I can’t say no to the Meatatarian
A Streetcar Named Dessert was a unique experience that married Sugared and Spiced cakes with an amazing musician in an unforgettable venue.
How do you choose?
This year’s Grand Taste Tour took us to Tangle Ridge Ranch where we enjoyed one of the best dishes I had all year.
Gnocchi with peas and pecorino
I attended my first Gold Medal Plates in 2016, and appreciated firsthand the skills and talent of all competing chefs. But I would be kidding if I didn’t say that the highlight of the event was a selfie with the gracious Olympic gold medalist Erica Wiebe.
#graniestphotoever
It was also the first year that I attended What the Truck?! as a “layperson”. The festival is a lot of work to produce, so I am grateful to the team for carrying the torch forward!
What the Truck?! at Northlands
A brief stop in Niagara this spring resulted in some wine education for both Mack and myself.
Green Lane Winery
We continued that education in the Okanagan that fall, and at Covert Organics, met a special strawberry patch.
Ain’t nothing like a fresh strawberry
In Chicago, I finally got to taste some of Rick Bayless’s food, and it lived up to my expectations.
Smoked pork queso fundido from Frontera Grill
Closer to home, we enjoyed some food with a view in Rocky Mountain House.
Prairie Creek Inn
I also found my new favourite restaurant in Calgary: Ten Foot Henry.
Salt roasted potatoes
In most cases, it’s not what we eat that we remember, but who was around us at the time to make it special. For example, while there were things I would have changed about the Culinaire Treasure Hunt, Mack and I had an absolute blast with our teammates Su and Allison.
Team High Viz!
In that same vein, one of the reasons I’ve grown to love Toronto as much as I have is because of my sister.
Cheering on the Raps at Jurassic Park
Thanks for joining me on another year of adventures. Here’s to 2017!
Only Here for the Food 