Flavourful Saskatoon, January 30, 2012

Foodie news and events in and around Saskatoon – February brings apples, heart-shaped cookies, Townsite beer, and plans for a local bounty store in Prince Albert

Irish Music Night, Museo, February 1
Museo Coffee hosts Comholtas, Saskatoon’s Irish folk session music club on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:45-8:45 pm. You’re invited to come and enjoy the music and the locally-roasted coffee – there’s no cover charge.

February is Apple Month
The BC Tree Fruits Association was formed 75 years ago. In February, they celebrate National Apple Month to promote locally-grown fruit. Check out the association’s website. I particularly liked the section showing all the different apple varieties that are grown in BC. They also have lots of recipes – from Caesar Apple Salad to Peanut Butter Apple Crumble. While you’re cooking, your children can decorate an apple, upload the photograph and enter the Artful Apple contest. The winner will receive an Okanagan vacation package for four.

Apples can be found even closer to home in Saskatchewan. Have you tried the apple chips, apple juice, or apple cider vinegar from Petrofka Bridge Orchard? And be on the lookout for a new producer – Creekside Orchard in Melfort.

Valentine Treats
I’m sure there will be an abundance of edible treats for Valentine’s Day. Here are the first few that have come to my attention:

Effective February 1, Crave Cookies and Cupcakes will have chocolate cherry cake topped with dark chocolate ganache infused with kirsch. Or you can pre-order heart-shaped sugar cookies with the message of your choice.

Prairie Ink Restaurant (McNally Robinson Booksellers), is hosting a Valentine’s Day Dinner on Tuesday, February 14. There are vegetarian appetizer options as well as vegetable lasagna as a main course.

Souleio is offering a five-course dinner; a vegetarian option is available. Both dinners require reservations.

Local Bounty Store in Prince Albert
Karen Cay, a Prince Albert resident, has organized a potluck on February 26 at 12 noon at the Prince Albert Arts Centre to find out whether the community would be interested in forming a co-operative local bounty grocery store. Her goal is to provide residents with easy access to local produce in one location. She would like to have a certified kitchen in the back for preserving.

Townsite Brewing
Chloe Smith and Cedric Dauchot were brewing some great beer in Saskatoon last year. They moved to Powell River, BC, this summer and Cedric is now the brewmaster for a brand-new micro brewery – Townsite Brewing. They expect to start selling their first brews at the end of February. I really hope some of them make their way to Saskatoon!

Sea Buckthorn Berries
Did you catch my article about sea buckthorn products from Northern Vigor Berries? If not, here’s the link. I really enjoy this local fruit with a tropical flavour – and it’s really healthy.

It’s Our Choice: People-Friendly Urban Design
Food isn’t the only topic I’m passionate about – urban planning really matters! Take a look at my article about the choices Saskatoon faces as it evolves.

Flavourful Saskatoon is a weekly Monday feature. I also post regular profiles of culinary entrepreneurs, new restaurants and new food products.

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