Culinary Q & A with Thelma

What did you eat today?

In the morning I had an apple and some water….very bad for a pregnancy diet eh! I also had a bagel, then turkey, mashed potatoes, and greens for dinner

What do you never eat?

Ceasar dressing; very wierd taste plus I believe it takes etxtra care to make the best tasting ceasar dressing, which I’m yet to taste.

What is your personal specialty?

Our staple food from Zimbabwe which is Sadza- corn meal based paste molded solid some people prefer it very soft so it depends who’s eating. The best closest comparison would be polenta. It is ususally served with stews i.e beef, prok, chicken, fish, beans, with some greens such as collards, cabbage; there is a wide variety of veggies to choose from and bottom line is the sky is the limit with what you eat sadza with.

What is your favorite kitchen item?

my wooden spoons

World ends tomorrow. Describe your last meal.

My mother’s sadza with fried collards with onions, free run chicken or goat stew, buttermilk, fresh from my uncle’s cows or what we call lacto which is the warehouse manufactured and purified version of buttermilk, sugar bean stew

Where do you eat out most frequently?

Sadza and its varieties

What’s the best place to eat in Edmonton?

So here comes the big question, I actually would combine certain dishes from each place I’ve visited to make the best meal. I take the garden salad from Olive Garden and those darn bread sticks. Then some lamb from Gini’s place, blooming onions from the Outback.I’m not much of a sweet tooth so anything goes for dessert with the exception of brownies and any of these creamy desserts.
Ok truth is I don’t know maybe olive garden or the outback so far

If you weren’t limited by geography, where and what would you eat?

The best place I’ve ever eaten is Ted’s Montana grill in the US oh! Lord have mercy that place is heaven. I wish they would invest their business here in Edmonton I know people will love it. Everything is made from scratch in their kitchens which happen to have an open layout so you can sit and watch the chefs as they whip their magic.
This restraunt is rapidly expanding in eastern, central and southern states so if you happen to be around these take some time to check it out or visit here.

The Cooking Chronicles: Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

For a potluck gathering on Saturday, I decided to test out one of Giada de Laurentiis’ recipes in Food Network Favorites, a gift from May for my birthday this year. The Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce would be undoubtedly rich, but also comforting and a good make-ahead dish that could be prepared and then baked when needed.

As I started the recipe just an hour before I had to leave, my Mum had to lend me a helping hand. Between boiling the pasta, frying the pancetta then simmering the marinara sauce over the stovetop, and mixing the ricotta-parmesan filling, I should have given myself more prep time. Besides the many steps, however, it wasn’t a difficult dish to put together.

I ended up reducing the addition of red pepper flakes to one teaspoon, and I was glad that I did – the sauce had quite a bit of heat going for it already (apparently, “arrabbiata” is Italian for “angry”, encouraging the use of more spice). Also, for presentation and taste, I should have included more herbs or greens in the ricotta stuffing.

This Giada recipe is another winner! I really should buy myself some of her cookbooks…

Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce (half-consumed…I nearly forgot to take a photo)

Grant MacEwan Theatre Arts: “Little Women”

After dinner, the three of us proceeded to John L. Haar Theatre for Grant MacEwan’s production of Little Women. From the website:

“Set in New England during the Civil War, Little Women follows the adventures of four sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March – as they grow up. After their father leaves for battle and under their mother’s guidance, the girls must rely on each other for strength in the face of tragedies both large and small. The story will captivate audiences of all ages while telling of the sisters’ progress into womanhood with the added strains of the romance, illness, the pressures of marriage and the outside world.”

The success of this musical wholly depended on a charismatic and talented Jo, and here, the casting was pitch-perfect. Alissa Keogh had a believable headstrong, tomboyish charm, and vocal abilities that put her stage mates to shame. I mean the following as nothing but a compliment: her voice is made for the wholesome songs of the Disney canon, and I have no doubt she has a bright future ahead of her.

As for the rest of the cast, the choice of Yemie Sonuga of African descent was an inspired choice for Marmee (with the backdrop of the American Civil War), but it was a shame that her acting was uneven and forced. Jaclyn Nestman as Beth and Kristy Neufeld as Meg were quite good in their roles, however, and Matthew Van Boeyen did his best to play with dignity a man at least thirty years his senior.

As for the rest of the production, I have an admitted difficulty avoiding obvious comparisons with other adaptations, and in this case, it would be with the 1994 Winona Ryder film. While the play’s Amy was able to redeem herself, and win over the audience (unlike in the movie), I sorely wished for the impossible appearance of a young Christian Bale to reprise his role as Laurie. As in the movie, I still find Jo’s “hasty” marriage to Professor Bhaer an unbelievable, unsatisfying ending. Though Jo’s happiness in finding a connection with someone literary, who challenged her and supported her work as an author is understandable, I can’t believe this happy ending would come so quickly.

For a student production, Little Women was quite good, and it was a treat to watch Alissa Keogh perform, undoubtedly a star in the making.

Deli Counter Plus: Tesoro Cafe Bar

I remember initially reading about Tesoro Cafe Bar (11244 104 Avenue) in Vue Weekly, and being drawn to it because of its Thursday night special – two pastas, a salad, a glass of wine and gelato all for just $20. Well, as it seemed I would never make it there on a Thursday, I decided it might make a good location for our pre-show dinner on Friday, regardless of any particular deals.

Dickson, May and I walked in, and were immediately surprised by the interior of the restaurant. Like Caffe Sorrentino, Tesoro is another one of those quick bite establishments with prominent placement of a refrigerated deli case. Even with dim house lighting and tea lights on every table, Tesoro still gave off a cafeteria-esque vibe. The wicker-based chairs may have had something to do with that as well.

However, with the recent addition of a full sit-down dinner menu, we were willing to overlook the casual decor. The menu included the requisite pasta, panini and thin crust pizza options, as well as fancier fare such as osso buco, all priced under $20. On this night, I was swayed by the Gnocci Alla Margherita ($10.75), made with homemade tomato sauce and fresh basil, while Dickson chose the Gnocci Sanmaio ($10.75), made with hot Italian and Chorizo sausage, truffled mushrooms, tossed in a Rosé sauce, and May ordered the Panini Prosciutto Derosa ($7.75), which featured Italian ham, eggplant, and herbed ricotta.

Our food arrived promptly, and Dickson and I were pleasantly surprised at our portion sizes. As with our dishes at Olive Garden a few weeks ago, however, I much preferred his plate. The homemade tomato sauce with my gnocci contained some heat and flavour from the crushed red pepper and garlic inherent within, but was a tad too sour for my liking. The accompanying bread was also in need of a good toasting – drizzled with some olive oil, and placed on a panini press for two minutes, it would have been crisp and ready to soak up the excess sauce.

I wouldn’t mind returning to Tesoro on a Thursday evening to give their Pasta e Vino a whirl, but other than that, I think there’s better Italian to be found elsewhere.

Menu


Gnocci Alla Margherita


Gnocci Sanmaio


Panini Prosciutto Derosa

A Long Time Coming: The Copper Pot

For a special lunch on Friday, my coworker Sharon and I decided to “stay in” and dine in the restaurant located on the main floor of our building – The Copper Pot (101, 9707-110 Street).

While I’ve had take out from the restaurant in the past, I’ve actually never had a sit-down meal in the dining room itself. When new management took over The Copper Pot late last year, the specials board, usually prominently displayed outside its glass doors, disappeared, and we feared “new” meant “more expensive”. While costlier than take-out from the nearby Zuppa’s, I found out that an afternoon with a view is well worth the price.

I had made reservations for the two of us a few days previous, but it turned out it wasn’t really necessary. We were the second party seated just before noon, and were able to pick out a choice sunlit table overlooking the serene Ezio Farone Park. The decor was elegant and simple, and while the banquet fabric may need to be updated soon, I did appreciate the small touch of the copper-look salt and pepper shakers on the table.

The lunch menu was fairly standard – soups, salads, sandwiches and pastas making up most of the midday fare, and while nothing really jumped out at me, I was happy with my selection of the Turkey and Brie Clubhouse (sliced deli turkey, blackforest ham, brie cheese, lettuce, tomato and raspberry mayo served on multigrain bread), which included a side soup of the day. My dining companion chose the Chicken Supreme, a marinated, grilled free range chicken breast served with roasted red potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

Our food arrived at a record rate (Sharon had commented that this would not have been the case under the previous owner). My sandwich was two-tiered, with a generous amount of sliced turkey and ham adorning the bottom half, bracketed by crisp, perfectly buttered bread. The smoked chicken soup was perhaps a little spicy for my taste, but contained a surprising amount of meat for the serving. Sharon was also very happy with her meal.

The service was excellent throughout (our waiter asked “May I, Miss?” before removing our plates), and with a priceless view and a bill totalling only $14 before tax and tip, I would not think twice before dining here again.

Restaurant Interior (every table does have a view!)


Turkey and Brie Clubhouse


Chicken Supreme (I love the fact that the rosemary looks like it is lit from above)


Happy (and full) diners!

The Cooking Chronicles: Rustic Apple Tart

I’ve been craving a warm baked apple dessert for some time, and the Rustic Apple Tart recipe from Real Simple Celebrations (a similar one here) seemed straightforward.

The text recipe recommended the use of either McIntosh or Empire apples, and I chose the former. In hindsight, a type less tart, perhaps Gala apples, might have been better. Overall, it was a really easy pie to put together – the prepared Pilsbury crust pulled it together quickly without sacrificing the aesthetics of the dessert. While I would have preferred a thicker, more buttery crust, I can’t complain about the ease of packaged help.

This is something I’d definitely make again – it’d be a great close for a fall meal.

Rustic Apple Tart (or, as “rustic” as possible when Pilsbury is involved)

Food Notes

  • I finally visited Condon Barr on the weekend! The kitchen supply store with the tagline “Shop where the chefs shop” is not as much of a haven for me as it is for my Mum (she didn’t want to leave), but I did pick up a spring-hinged ice cream scoop, handy for creating those perfectly shaped and rounded muffins (a la Ina Garten).

  • Need a place to eat? Edmonton Dining is now accessible on your mobile device!

  • Featured in November’s Everyday with Rachel Ray, Mappetite, a neighbourhood guide of where to eat in New York City, and a fabulously green and clever idea for a beautiful centrepiece.

  • Via Wish, old news about eggs that reveal, through invisible ink, whether they have been soft, medium, or hard-boiled. Perhaps too much of a convenience, but it’s still pretty cool.

  • I recently flipped through Dish Entertains, authored by Trish Magwood, host of Food Network Canada’s Party Dish, and was disappointed with the content. I was hoping for more of her hors d’oeuvres and appetizers and less emphasis on sit-down dishes. On the other hand, I am very happy with Real Simple Celebrations, a great well-rounded starter book for anyone thinking about entertaining for the first time. It offers recipes that can be made ahead, chic decorating ideas, and answers to common questions about dinner party etiquette.

  • Just in time for the Christmas season, Costco is now selling Starbucks gift baskets. Priced at under $30, they’re not a bad buy for the coffee lover in your family.

  • One of the food bloggers I read is currently on a road trip through Atlantic Canada. She recently posted about a road side potato stand that operates on the honor system. Can you imagine?

“All the World’s a Stage”: Affordable Theatre in Edmonton

If you’re looking for something to do, and none of the current film releases strike your fancy, how about giving a live show a try? There’s a common misconception that theatre is expensive, but in some cases, tickets are cheaper than a trip to your average multiplex.

  • In-house productions put on by students in the Department of Drama at the University of Alberta are free – just check the schedule for updated show information and times.
  • Studio Theatre, cradle of amateur creativity, offers $5 preview Wednesdays. Their productions seem to be hit-or-miss, but when they get it right, there’s no better value for your money.
  • Teatro la Quindicina and Shadow Theatre, both housed at the well-worn but cozy Varscona, both offer 2 for 1 Tuesdays, and even better, pay-what-you-can Saturday matinees. Without question my two favorite local theatre companies, their productions are often witty, fun, and heartfelt.
  • Even the famed Citadel Theatre has affordable shows, in the form of pay-what-you-can Sundays. As long as you have time to spare (their wristband ticket distribution system will take up an afternoon in itself), you can inexpensively partake in any of their sterling productions. Vern Thiessen’s upcoming premiere of Vimy has been generating quite the buzz already.
  • Theatre Network at the Roxy also offers 2 for 1 deals on Tuesdays. With great in-house productions and out-of-town imports like Famous Puppet Death Scenes, it is one company worth keeping an eye on.
  • If comedy is your preferred genre, Die-Nasty, the weekly live improvised soap opera, and Oh Susannah, the monthly Euro-style talk show, may be the perfect indulgence. Wacky, unpredictable, and supported by the most committed regular audience I have ever seen, it’s a guarantee you’ll have a night out like no other.
  • There’s even the option to enjoy theatre from the comfort of your own home – Urban Tales 10: Bifurious, from Northern Light Theatre, claims to be the “First EVER Canadian Live Theatre Web-cast of a staged workshop”. Check it out here on October 27.

So no excuses – check out some live theatre today!

Random Notes

  • I’m so glad I’m not the only one – phantom vibrations, or “ringxiety” are becoming more and more common. One man they interviewed for the article made me laugh – he claims to anticipate messages on his Blackberry, “I’ll feel it, look at it. It’s not vibrating. Then it starts vibrating…I am one with my BlackBerry.”

  • Have you seen a hyphen lately? Editors of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary announced the dropping of hyphens for over 16,000 words.

  • Via the Globe & Mail, here’s a fun little blog about the “misuse” of quotation marks.

  • Would you like a side of snark with that card? Also gleaned from the Globe, the tagline for someecards reads, “When you care enough to hit send.” Amusing cards (and there are many) include, “I’m ready to change my Facebook status when you are”, “Your Starbucks drink order embarrasses me”, and “I’d like to offer moral support but I have questionable morals.”

  • Ticket prices for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games were released last week. Prospective buyers can now apply to be considered, and for over-subscribed events, a lottery system will be utilized. If you were curious, the gold medal game in men’s hockey will cost between $350-775.

  • Speaking of hot tickets, I have heard nothing but good things about NAIT’s weekly Student Showcase buffet at Ernest’s, put on by students enrolled in the culinary arts program. I called this week to make a reservation, but didn’t expect a date so far in advance – April 2008. I would imagine that by now, tables will not be available until the following school year. It had better be amazing.

  • Today happens to be my blog’s one year birthday! I didn’t quite make it to an average of one post a day, but I’m still happy with how far I’ve come since last October. Thanks for reading!

Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival 2007

After missing last year’s event, I made sure I marked off the date for the 2007 version of the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival.

I had some time to kill before having to meet up with Janice and May, so took some time to admire the view from the terrace of the Shaw Conference Centre. It was a beautiful fall day, and though the leaves had all but fallen from the trees, our river valley was looking glorious bathed in the warm autumn sun. I was able to capture a few shots of two hot air balloons just taking flight from a field near the Muttart Conservatory:

Picturesque

Up, up and away!

Just after five, the girls arrived, and we headed into one of the halls already buzzing with activity. After having our tickets scanned, we were handed a wine glass on our way in, and picked up a small program listing all of the vendors present. Pretty soon, however, we figured out that it was easier and more fun to simply wander the aisles without attention paid to labels and names.

The floor

Unlike the Taste of Edmonton, this festival charges a $15 admission fee. For what purpose, I still can’t figure out, as I can only imagine the hundreds of dollars each winery would have been charged to set up a booth. Tickets were actually a little cheaper though – 50cents each, with wine and food samples priced at a minimum of 2 tickets, but up to, as far as we could see, 20 tickets. May and I both snagged a few coupons from the local paper, so between the three of us, managed to redeem them for 60 free tickets, and only needed to purchase $20 dollars worth to supplement them. I’m sure for most patrons of this event though, being economical wasn’t on their minds – it looked as if most of Edmonton’s upper crust was present that evening (Hello, Louis Vuitton!).

Though wine (and spirits) should have been the main attraction (hence the name of the festival being wine & food and not food & wine), we necessarily gravitated towards the food vendors. We hadn’t had a lot to eat prior to meeting, so we figured some food in our stomachs would make the alcohol easier to process.

The Little Potato Company had the best deal hands down, selling samples of Piccolo Potatoes with Fresh Cream and Dill for just 3 tickets, and as a bonus, distributing two small bags of potatoes along with it, free of charge. The Grill had one of the most popular items on the floor – Blue Cheese Stuffed Mini Burgers. Presentation was of utmost importance at this event, and would put most at the Taste of Edmonton to shame. For example, B-Bim-Baab was offering mini portions of their namesake, hand garnished with sections of pickled carrots, bean sprouts, egg, and grilled beef. Of course, although there were some reasonably priced items to be had, there were also some duds – a small plate of butter chicken and rice was $5 from Khazana, while a combination plate from the Haweli booth was a startling 19 tickets.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Mini Burgers from The Grill

May poses with her Lobster Cakes from the Century Hospitality Group

For us, wading through the overwhelming number of wine merchants was a chore – as all of us are relatively new to the appreciation of wine, we didn’t really know what to sample. The importance of marketing to a wine label’s success was evident on this night – brands such as Funky Llama and House Wine (hee) distinguished themselves in part because of their stand out names. I was happy to see a few brands that I had noticed on past trips through liquor stores, and seized this opportunity to inexpensively give them a go.

Janice receives her first pour of the night

The 2006 Fat Bastard Rose from France was a bit weak for my taste, while the 2005 Voga Italia Pinot Grigio wasn’t bad. The 2005 Artezin Zinfandel from the Hess Collection was too rich for me, and definitely boasted of a dark, black cherry taste the purveyor had mentioned. Mystiq, a Cognac-based fruit cocktail, was a refreshing departure from wine, and was sweeter than the similar but more well-known Hypnotiq. My last sample turned out to be the most expensive of the evening, a 2003 Private Reserve Chardonnay from the Canadian Peninsula Ridge Estate Winery. At $5 for the 2oz. pour, the wine was well worth it – smooth, and with nary an aftertaste.

Cheers!

We didn’t make it out of the hall until nearly 7:30, in part due to the increasing number of people touring the aisles as the night wore on. I will be back next year, ideally with a knowledgeable oenophile in tow, and make sure to again arrive early, and keep an eye out for coupons in the paper.