Flavourful Saskatoon, June 20, 2011

Foodie news and events in and around Saskatoon – Eastview Bakery, London Porter, beer and brunch, rhubarb and sorrel

Beers and Ales Newsletter
Cava Fine Wines and Spirits is building an extension to house an expanded collection of beer and ale. They’ll be launching a beers and ales newsletter in July to feature new arrivals and to encourage feedback and suggestions for new products.

Email info@cavasecreta.com to sign up for the newsletter.

London Porter from Paddock Wood
Speaking of beer, I visited Paddock Wood Brewery this past week and picked up a few beers, the perfect beverage on a hot day. I really enjoy their London Porter, a dark ale with a smooth, rich chocolate flavour.

According to Londonist’s History of London Porter, there’s a lot of confusion about the origins of London Porter. We do know that it was first brewed in London at the start of the 18th century and was extremely popular. It was “either named after the porters who loved it so much, or after the fact that it was ‘portered’ around in pewter vessels by pot-boys who would have delivered it to homes and businesses. Whatever the truth, both aforementioned types of labourer would have benefited from this healthy beverage, which enabled ‘London Porter drinkers to undergo tasks which ten gin drinkers would sink under.’”

Eastview Bakery & Bistro
There’s a new bakery in town – the Eastview Bakery & Bistro at 3010 Arlington Avenue. Erla Campbell, owner, says that the cinnamon buns and cupcakes (iced by her daughter) are two of the most popular items.

There’s a large seating area where you can enjoy a tea or coffee. The bakery is only 3 weeks old, so it will be interesting to see how it evolves.

Cava Caffe
Cava Caffe, next door to the Saskatoon Farmers' Market, is open for Sunday brunch during the summer. The menu includes breakfast sandwiches, Belgian waffles and frittatas.

Spring Sours
I love the tart flavour of rhubarb, and every spring I make rhubarb crisp. But this year I also followed a recipe in the spring issue of The Vegetarian Times and added some sliced rhubarb and raisins to a curried lentil stew. It was an excellent combination of sweet, sour and spicy.

Greek avgolemono soup traditionally relies on lemon juice for its fresh, tangy flavour. But I used sorrel from La Plaine Trail at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market instead. It was wonderful as the sorrel melts into the broth and pairs up well with the strands of egg.

Flavourful Saskatoon is a weekly Monday feature. Email me if you have products, events or places that you would like me to include.

Flavourful Saskatoon June 13, 2011

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