Flavourful Saskatoon, March 23, 2015


Urban Agriculture for Sceptics, Mar. 27
Noelle Chorney and William Hrycan will discuss the pros and cons of urban agriculture and field questions from the floor from 2-3:30 pm, March 27, at the Frances Morrison Library.

Transitioning to Organic Farming, April
Saskatchewan Organic is offering a series of one-day workshops across the province in April on how to profit from transitioning to organic farming.

Bizarre Beers, Apr. 1
This month's beer tasting at the Co-op Liquor Store is a series of weird and interesting beers from various breweries.

Famoso Pizzeria
I really enjoyed my mini pizza and chocolate gelato at Famoso Pizzeria. Good food and a nice, casual atmosphere (photos, except for the wine, are of Famoso Pizzeria).

9 Mile Legacy Brewing
Saskatoon will soon have a new addition to its craft brewing scene. 9 Mile Legacy Brewing, located in the Ideas Inc. building next to the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market, will be opening in late April and plans to sell growlers on site as well as draft to some local pubs. They’re planning a rotating line-up of ales with up to 4 available at any given time.


Chain Reaction Urban Farm
I was delighted to see a video on Facebook showing a local urban farmer trying out his new cargo bike. As Jared and Rachel Regier of Chain Reaction Farm explain, “We know that it is possible to farm by bike and we are serious about using sustainable farming practices right down to the way we transport our food and tools. We consider this our peaceful zero emission counter, or "chain reaction", to the failing fossil fuel driven economy.”

Torreón de Paredes Wine
I thoroughly enjoyed a tasting of 7 wines from Torreón de Paredes Winery in Chile on Saturday. The winery was started by Don Amada Paredes in 1979 when he was 73 years old! I particularly enjoyed the Chardonnay Reserva and am looking forward to purchasing the Pinot Noir Reserva Privada, which will be available at the Co-op Liquor Store in roughly two months’ time.

Talking about the Chardonnay (available now at Co-op Liquor Store), Javier de Paredes said, “We are very cautious not to overdo it. The oak should frame the fruit not kill it. The character of the wine is in the fruit.” Javier went on to say, “Our style of winemaking is on the softer, more mellow, elegant side.” 

The Co-op will also be bringing in Sweet Raquel, the winery's late harvest dessert wine. Torreón de Paredes wines are distributed by Doug Reichel, Fine Wines Sask.

Local Food Distribution
There are a lot of small local growers and a lot of people wanting to serve and eat local food. The challenge is often in helping the two groups to connect. A food distribution hub and business resources for small producers are part of the solution.

Interesting Wine Tours
I like to travel independently, but these Kutrubes wine tours in Georgia and Macedonia/Greece/Bulgaria look really interesting as they’re off the beaten track and include visits to wineries that might be difficult to visit on your own.


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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