It’s always sad when someone you like leaves town, even when it’s for bigger and better things. It’s even sadder when you miss their going-away party. Such was the case for me and Nadine Thornhill last weekend. Knowing, however, that she is moving to California, the least I could do after missing her party was give her some wine suggestions for when she lands on the West Coast. I was lucky enough to be invited to meet Mark de Vere, Master of Wine, and to sample some Robert Mondavi wines over a meal prepared by the... | Continue reading article

To borrow from an upcoming post that will round up the food and drink options at this year’s Westfest, including a peek into the VIP area… …when people describe their experiences at street festivals, they usually mention what is being celebrated. In the case of the four days that comprised the tenth annual Westfest, it was Canadian artistic expression, so performance art from music to dance and spoken word. Westfest was founded in 2004 by producer and artistic director Elaina Martin. The inaugural festival was a one day event, drawing 5,000 people. Thereafter, it grew.... | Continue reading article

My ability to open a bottle of champagne on my wedding day notwithstanding, I am terrified of champagne corks. This fear has been the subject of many tweets, a blog post, and one in-person reading at Blog Out Loud. I have even tried to find Champagne gadgets that might remove the problem. It was with little hope of success then, that I approached The Final Touch Champagne Bottle Opener, a gift from my Twitter friend, @PrincessDoubt (she hung on to it for me for a year, randomly carrying it around with her in the hopes... | Continue reading article

I dread restaurant openings, especially soft openings. There is usually palpable unease when patrons walk in. Hosts dawn a false bravado, their being first to interact with potential regulars. Tables, from deuces to four-tops, are set for the first time. The hardwood beneath the chairs is immaculate. The shiny bar is newly stocked with booze. Everything gleams. Extra staff, from bartenders to dishwashers, is on hand, bulking up the front and back of house. It’s showtime! Why? Despite the advent (and popularity) of social media, the reputation of a new restaurant is still largely a... | Continue reading article

June is one of my favourite months of the year. The days are getting longer and with summer fast approaching, I can’t help but feel excited that the school year is ending. I’m looking forward to spending some time in the sun, enjoying the fresh air, and most of all, having the opportunity to explore our city’s street food scene. With the majority of food vendors operating mainly during the weekday lunch hour, it’s hard for both Don and I to drop by (him working in Quebec and me out in the west end). And... | Continue reading article

Ever heard of Edmontonian Herbert Marshall McLuhan? The “Canadian philosopher of communication theory?” How about the CBC Heritage Minute with a mustachioed intellectual, gesturing excitedly and explaining concepts like “the medium is the message” and “global village” to the camera? Yes? No? Well, he passed away 33-years ago. Mcluhan’s prescient writings on advertising and media, however, live on. And, thanks to the Estate of Corinne & Marshall McLuhan, you can read them in 140-character portions on Twitter (@marshallmcluhan)! This past weekend, I discovered such, attending the third annual Social Capital Conference, my winning a ticket... | Continue reading article

During the day, I see frequent mention of “streamlining” and “business process re-engineering.” Symptoms of a long embattled economy, organizations, both private and public sector, continue to look for efficiencies that translate into cost savings. The tenuous economy has repercussions. It may well be responsible for the increasingly confrontational dining out scene. Consider recent media coverage of dining room unrest. Chefs actively condemn murky, dark or strangely filtered smartphone snapshots of their plates. Some threaten to ban photography altogether. Restauranteurs publicly shame unruly patrons on Twitter: no shows with reservations; anyone that lingers after food... | Continue reading article

We here at foodiePrints like two things : Prince Edward County and cheese (ok, wine and beer and bacon, too but that’s not what this post is about). This weekend is the 3rd Annual Great Canadian Cheese Festival in PEC and we think you should head down there. You will find 125 cheeses to taste, and dozens of artisan products to sample. There are tastings and a dinner with Top Chef contender François Gagnon, as well as beer, cider and wines on offer. Tickets are available on line or general admission to the fairgrounds can be... | Continue reading article