Hintonburg ArtsPark 2009
Given that I’m awaiting the next iteration of the iPhone 3G, this is going to be as close to live-blogging/live-tweeting as foodiePrints will get for the time being.
Around noon today, Jenn and I dropped by Hintonburg’s ArtsPark event in Ottawa’s Parkdale Market. It featured an art show, live music, a “Poetry Factory”, and several children’s activities. When we arrived, an entire orchestra was setting up in the drained wading pool in the “quad.”
Arts Park
Card
Today being Mother’s Day and the event being extremely family friendly, the park was packed despite the temperature falling to 5 C. Still, all the vendors and volunteers were warm, inviting, and friendly.
Of course, we at foodiePrints were more interested in the “Taste of Hintonburg” tables behind the stage.
Tables from left to right: Indian Express and some standard event barbecuers
There’s nothing quite like hot foods in a cold climate with live music playing.
At Indian Express’ table, we picked up what I think may be Alu Tikka on their take-out menu: 2 potato patties, served with curried chickpeas, and finished with yoghurt and a tomato-based sauce.
Alu Tikka
The sweet tomato-based sauce sauce and chickpeas were spiced, producing some heat, which was cooled by the yoghurt. The potato patties seemed to be made from shredded potatoes, herbs, and crushed whole spices.
Potato Pattie
They were sauteed to crust in a wok-like implement and served hot.
Total cost: $5
We also found the Indian Express-mobile parked next door.
Indian Express-mobile
Two doors down from Indian Express’ table, we came across Essence Fine Food Catering, who served a wonderful hot smoked brisket sandwich.
Essence Catering
Hot Smoke Brisket Sandwich
The sandwich featured beef brisket that was hot smoked over a period of 5 hours and then further slow cooked for another 4 hours in an oven. The smoking fuel was soaked oak. Needless to say, the brisket, which had fallen apart from the slow cooking, was very succulent. It was shredded and then dressed with a pomegranate barbecue sauce and served on a whole grain bun with mint slaw, shredded carrots and onions, and toasted sesame seeds.
Beautifully Layered Sandwich
It was delicious, smoky, sweet, and slightly tangy (not at all vinegary). The slaw added wonderful fresh aromatic flavours, which actually had me thinking of a Vietnamese bahn mi.
Again Total Cost: $5
mchenwears
Don’t worry, we didn’t just stop for the food. We perused the arts tables too, picking up an adorable print from local artist and freelance graphics designer Emily Chen.
Jungle
Emily is @mchenwears on twitter. Besides prints, she has a wonderful line of hand-printed tee’s, skirts, and t-shirts. Everything is also available for view online from her website, mchenwears.com, and for sale on Etsy.
There’s still an hour left! Go check it out!
