Wanderlust and Words

Local News  Explore a slice of local history with an online slideshow of Saskatoon’s bygone bakeries sponsored by the Saskatoon Public Library’s Local History Room at 4 pm , Oct. 1 .  The Local Kitchen is once more offering public cooking classes. Make pasta and sauces on Oct. 1 and French comfort food on Oct. 14 .  Oh, what a treat! Stuffed squash and sticky toffee pudding with a whipped cream topping. Absolutely delicious and absolutely no work thanks to Hearth Provisions. Hearth Restaurant sells a selection of heat-and-eat dishes. They change every week, but it’s a great way to have a special supper from the comfort of your own home. You can also order from their take-out menu. Or you can eat in the restaurant – Sunday night is lasagna night.  9 Mile Legacy Brewing has won gold for its angus stout . The company is the only Saskatchewan microbrewery to win a gold medal for two years in a row.  Here and Elsewhere  Japanese curry sounds like a very dif...

Local News The Saskatoon Farmers' Market Co-operative on Koyl Avenue had strawberries from Raina's Organics this week - yum! Ayden Kitchen & Bar is holding a 4-course dinner with cider pairings from Crossmount Cider on Sept. 15. Call 306-954-2590 for a reservation. I've posted a list of nature and environmental programs for Saskatchewan kids from pre-school to grade 12 on EcoFriendly Sask . In the Kitchen “Sourdough is this one space where we all agree, as a society, that microbes are helping us do wonderful things .” Here’s an article outlining the science behind sourdough bread: from how it works to tips on the caring and feeding of your starter (how much water, type of flour). A chef takes cooking lessons for kids online and teaches them to make dinner, which presents some unusual challenges : “Chef Pascal," she says, "can you please slow down? My cat got out and I need to go grab him." How many cookbooks do you own and how do you us...

Local News  Broadway residents (and other organic vegetable lovers) will be pleased to hear that Our Farm will be back in its usual spot on Broadway and 8th Street (parking lot of St. Joseph’s Church) starting Saturday , July 3 , and right through until Oct. 3 . Pick up local, organic vegetables and other products from 8 am to noon. You can also shop online starting July 2 . I’m looking forward to finding out how the store works as sometimes they run out of something I really wanted. (This week's photos were  taken at past Our Farm markets and do not reflect current social distancing requirements that Our Farm plans to implement.) SaskOrganics is offering a webinar on fostering biodiversity on farms from 9:30-10:30 am , July 10 . The Local Kitchen is offering youth cooking classes this summer for ages 8-12 and 11-14. The Prairie Lily riverboat is back in action. Join them for a white wine tasting from 7-8:30 pm , July 8 . City Perks and Sparrow are slowly ope...

Local Happenings  I’m looking forward to trying out Beppi’s Gelato , opening Tuesday, May 28, at #1 – 616 10th Street East. The owner, Paola Chiste, studied at Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy. The gelato will be made in small batches using local ingredients as much as possible. Gelato cups and spoons will be biodegradable and there’s an additional charge for take-away cups. Locals Only is a partnership between AKA Artist Run and CHEP Good Food Inc. For nearly two years Elders, knowledge-keepers, youth, artists, and food activists shared conversations, meals, and ideas for engaging on issues of food security and changing neighbourhoods. They’re launching the culminating publication, a project archive, recipe collection, and proposition for continued dialogue and action from 1-4 pm , June 1 . Chef Simon will be offering cooking classes at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. The first class is from 12-2 pm , June 2 , and will be an Italian menu using Farmers’ M...

Local Happenings Kids ages 8-12 are invited to learn how to make soup on Wednesdays from 4-6 pm , May 8-29 , at the Mayfair branch of the Saskatoon Public Library. If you’re at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market , check out the new vegetarian pie options from Scratch Provisions : Caramelized Pearl Onion with Gruyere and Fresh Thyme and 5 Bean Chili and Cheese. Or, you can order quiche, such as Spinach, Dill, and Goat Cheese, from Prairie Pie Company for pick up on April 20. In the Kitchen Here’s how to tell if your eggs are still too good to eat : “If eggs sink to the bottom of a bowl of cold water and lie flat on their sides, they are very fresh. If they are less fresh but still good to eat, they will stand on one end at the bottom. If they float to the surface, they are no longer fresh enough to eat. This is because as the egg gets older, the size of the air sac inside increases, making it float.” Never got around to making a gingerbread house for Christmas? Then why not...

Bread & Berries, Oct. 28  Make bread and jam from scratch (you even get to grind the grain) from 12:30-3:30 pm , Oct. 28. Register in advance with stefanie@chep.org or (306) 655-4575 ($10 fee). Hallowe’en Spooktacular, Oct. 31  Little monsters, kittens, and mini-heroes are invited to attend a Hallowe’en Spooktacular at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market from 11 am-3 pm , Oct. 31. There will be age-appropriate activities, pumpkin painting, and trick or treating indoors from the market vendors. Prairie Pours, Nov. 3  The Glen at Crossmount is hosting Prairie Pours with alcoholic beverages from a variety of different local businesses from 6-11 pm , Nov. 3. Vegetarian Ukrainian, Nov. 8  Join Chef Jenni and learn how to make some Ukrainian classics on Nov. 8 at The Local Kitchen. Steep Hill Food Co-op Steep Hill Food Co-op has been in operation as a co-operative selling organic food for 40 years . That’s a remarkable achievement and well worth celeb...

Chili & Chat, Sept. 4  Riversdale residents are invited to enjoy a bowl of chili by Chef Jenni and discuss the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market role in the Riversdale neighbourhood at 6 pm , Sept. 4. Craft Beer Night, Sept. 5  Metro Liquor is hosting a Craft Beer Night from 6-9 pm , Sept. 5. Sign up in advance to check out beers from 9 Mile Legacy, Paddock Wood Brewing, and Prairie Sun Brewery. CHEP Workshops, Sept. 13, 20, & 27  CHEP is hosting two canning workshops: Pickling 101 on Sept. 13 and Jam Making on Sept. 27 . Contact stefanie@chep.org or call (306) 655-4575 to register. They are also hosting a Mexican cooking class with home cook Liliana Rodriguez from Texcoco, Mexico, on Sept. 20 . You’ll find all the details in CHEP’s September newsletter . Saskatoon Farmers’ Market  I was at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market on Sunday stocking up on food for the week ahead. I had a falafel wrap from Seif Kitchen (they do monthly lunches as well a...

From Belgian Beer to Whisky & Wine Take a look at the upcoming events at Saskatoon Wine Spirits Beer . There’s vegan wine and food (from Gud Eats) on Sept. 28, Belgian beers on Oct. 6, and Pinot Noir – the Heartbreak Grape on Nov. 2. Let’s Cook at The Local Kitchen  The Local Kitchen has posted its October cooking class schedule with everything from pumpkin and gnocchi to Italian and Asian flavours. September classes are nearly sold out so sign up soon if you’re interested. Seabuckthorn Days, Sept. 15-16 Celebrate Saskatchewan’s seabuckthorn harvest at Seabuckthorn Days , Sept. 15-16. There will be a talk by Dr. Raju Soolanayakanahally on the evaluation and development of new trees and shrubs, a gourmet luncheon, and lots more fun. Revolve Café  I’m intrigued by the concept behind Revolve Café . It’s a collective giving food entrepreneurs an opportunity to offer their product to the public without the financial risk of opening their own storefront. Food ent...

Whipping It Up in the Market Kitchen, June-August  Kids are invited to attend hour-long drop-in cooking classes at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market from 10 am-2 pm , June 3, 10, 17, & 24; July 8 & 15; and Aug. 19 & 26. Rhubarb Party & Contest, June10  The fresh fruits and vegetables are beginning to arrive at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market . I picked up asparagus, spinach, radishes, and red peppers on Saturday. June 10, from 12-2 pm , it will be Rhubarb Time!  at the Market. Sample the treats and enter the contest with prizes for biggest rhubarb leaf, tastiest rhubarb preserve, and tastiest traditional or non-traditional recipe. Chef Jenni  Jenn Sharp interviewed Chef Jenni for the Saskatoon StarPhoenix. Check it out. Picaro I had an excellent meal at Picaro on Thursday night. They have Parkerview Kombucha on tap along with lots of local beers, and the veg taco (roasted cauliflower, almond guajillo, ancho eggplant puree, sesame pickl...

It All Depends on the Weather  It’s hard to believe that last year I purchased locally grown tulips from Kaleidoscope Gardens in the middle of April. That certainly won’t happen this year with the continuing snowfall and cold temperatures. Adi says the tulips have only just popped out of the ground and it will be another 3-4 weeks before they flower. It’s a real challenge for farmers to cope with unpredictable weather, so let’s make sure we don’t complain if our seasonal favorites are a little later than usual. Fresh Cukes! Grandora Gardens is back at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market with fresh cucumbers. They also have hot pepper jelly and dried spices. Beer Makes You Smarter  9 Mile Legacy Brewing is hosting a series of talks : March 27, 7:30 pm – Ernie Walker, Local Archaeology & Wanuskewin April 24, 7:30 pm – Jeff O’Brien, Temperance & Prohibition May 15, 7:30 pm – Dianne Wilson, Early Riversdale Business 9 Mile Legacy Turns 3 9 Mile Legacy B...

Seedy Saturday/ Sunday  Seedy Saturday/Sunday events are always a welcome reminder that spring is on the way. There are two events in Saskatoon this year on Mar. 10 and 18 , but be sure to check out the other events around the province . Pierogi Making with Chef Jenni, Mar. 6  Try your hand at pierogi making on Mar. 6 with Chef Jenni at The Local Kitchen. Middle Eastern Pizza  A visit to Rotterdam’s Markthal was one of my main reasons for visiting Rotterdam . The architecture is interesting, but the market itself is, unfortunately, disappointing. It’s all tourist fixings and quick lunch stands – not a vegetable in sight. I had lunch at a Lebanese restaurant (it had seating unlike most of the others!) and enjoyed the manakish , which the servers described as Middle Eastern pizza. Food Docs  “What the current glut of food documentaries and series proves, in its own backward way, is that the conversation has shifted from celebrity chefdom and heavy...

Wasted, Jan. 16 Watch Wasted: The Story of Food Waste at The Two Twenty’s Community Film Night , Jan. 16. Glen at Crossmount, January  Glen at Crossmount has 3 upcoming events that may be of interest: Introduction to Cider , Jan. 23 Robbie Burns Day Lunch , Jan. 25 History of Wine Grapes , Jan. 30 Wine & Chocolate, Feb. 16 Enjoy a glass of wine and join Julianna Tan of Those Girls at the Market to learn how to make organic raw chocolates on Feb. 16 at The Local Kitchen. Kids in the Kitchen: Mexican, Feb. 22  Kids ages 12-14 are invited to make and eat a Mexican feast at The Local Kitchen on Feb. 22. Veggie fish & chips with mushy peas Volunteers Needed  CHEP Good Food Inc. is looking for volunteers to assist with an after-school children’s cooking program for grade 4/5 children. Chefs in Training sessions run once a week for 5 weeks at participating elementary schools, with several sessions running over the course of the year. If you ar...

Chef Jenni Launches Season , Dec. 23 Exciting news! If you love Chef Jenni’s cooking, you’re sure to want a copy of Season , a collection of stories and recipes featuring local ingredients. She’s launching her book at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market from 11 am-2 pm , Dec. 23. And, if you haven’t yet bought a copy of Renée Kohlman’s All the Sweet Things , here’s your chance. Scotch from the Islands, Jan. 12  Taste a sampling of Scotch from the Islands around Scotland on Jan. 12 at Co-op Wine Spirits Beer. Latte Art Throwdown, Jan. 20  Venn Coffee Roasters is holding a Latte Art Throwdown on Jan. 20. Email bear@drinkvenn.com to register or to watch. Cooking Classes  Cooking classes for January and February are now listed on the Simon’s Fine Foods’ website . There’s everything from Pulses, including chickpea pancakes and chocolate lentil brownies, to Young Chefs, Afternoon Tea, and Sushi. Is Your Snack Bar Really Healthy? Raising the Bar: Choosing Health...

I've been eating some very fresh eggs this week! Botté Chai Bar  Parviz Yazdani plans to open Botté Chai Bar , a Persian tea house and eatery, to share the culture and food of his country of birth. Hearth Restaurant  Beth Rogers and Thayne Robstad grew up in Saskatoon. After travelling and finessing their culinary skills, they moved back to Saskatoon and opened Caboose Catering in 2015 . They have now purchased the former Crazy Cactus restaurant on Melrose Avenue and hope to open the Hearth Restaurant in Spring 2018. Cooking with Chef Jenni, Jan. 10 & 25  Learn to make homemade perogies with Chef Jenni at The Local Kitchen on Jan. 10 . Or you can join Chef Jenni on Jan. 25 and learn to make some new vegetarian dishes . Karma Catering  Karma Conscious Café and Eatery has a catering menu with sandwiches, soups, salads, main courses, desserts, and drinks. Kernza  Tall Grass Prairie Bakery in downtown Winnipeg is selling sourdough bread m...

International Bazaar, Nov. 18 Saskatoon Open Door Society is hosting an international bazaar on Nov. 18. There will be food, crafts, and entertainment. Wine & Chocolate, Dec. 2  Sample Okanagan’s Karat Chocolate made by former Saskatonian, Julian Helman, paired with wine on Dec. 2 at Co-op Wine Spirits Beer. Helman was recently named the 2017 Chocolatier of the Year. Most Wanted Food Items  Saskatoon Food Bank and the Friendship Inn are always looking for donations. Here are lists of their most wanted food items: Saskatoon Food Bank (from peanut butter and whole-grain pasta to baby food and formula) Friendship Inn (from home-grown fruit and vegetables to monthly donations or sponsoring a meal) Getting Kids to Eat the Good Stuff Plants to Plates Activity Guide includes 8 food-themed sessions with hands-on activities to build kids’ confidence in preparing and growing food and making healthy food choices. It can be downloaded for free. Are Hydroponics...

Cider Day Saturday, Apr. 1  Crossmount Cider Company is hosting Cider Day Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm , Apr. 1. There will be cidery tours, guided cider tastings, and a spring craft market. Be sure to check out the newly opened Apple Crate Café while you’re there. Sweetsugarbean’s Book Launch, Apr. 24  The countdown is on. Renée Kohlman will be launching her cookbook, All the Sweet Things , at 7 pm , Apr. 24, at McNally Robinson Booksellers . There will be treats from the cookbook, drinks from Living Sky Winery, and a reading. Additional events are listed on the sweetsugarbean website . Imprint Plant-Based Foods Imprint Plant-Based Foods is a new Saskatoon start-up. Their goal is to offer alternatives to animal-based foods. They’re currently offering four vegan cheeses and plant-based protein burgers. April at The Local Kitchen  The Local Kitchen has started to list its April cooking classes . Lindsay Janzen ( Prairie Bella Gourmet Pasta ) will be demo...

All the Sweet Things  You can pre-order your copy of Renée Kohlman’s cookbook, All the Sweet Things, online . One hundred recipes for one hundred delicious treats. Collective Coffee's New Location Collective Coffee has a new location with a new menu but the same great coffee across from St. Paul’s Hospital at 210 Avenue P South (Monday to Friday, 7 am – 5 pm). The Local Kitchen March cooking classes at The Local Kitchen include vegetarian cooking in community with Slow Food Saskatoon, fusion mash-ups with Chef Tom Brownbridge, batch cooking with Caitlin Iles, and raw chocolate making with Those Girls at the Market. Saskatoon’s Best Vegetarian  Here’s a list of some of the best vegetarian dishes to enjoy in Saskatoon restaurants . Cheese Anthology  The Art of Eating offers an anthology of cheese, “a simple, practical guide for people who love cheese.” Find out about the mites that form aged Mimolette’s pitted surface, how Epoisse is washed first in water...

Canning Class, Jan. 19  Learn how to can berry jams and a simple tomato sauce at the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre from 12:30-3:30 pm , Jan. 19. Workshops at Intuitive Path Superfoods, Jan. 21-22  This month’s focus at Intuitive Path Superfood workshops is Healthy Digestion: Jan. 21, 1:30-3 pm – Probiotics 101 & Fermentation Jan. 22, 2:30-3 pm – Mind-Body-Food Jan. 22, 3-3:30 pm – Mind-Full City Centre Food Co-operative Town Hall, Jan. 24 The City Centre Food Co-operative is hosting a town hall to find out more about their community’s retail food needs and to get the community’s help in shaping their Pop-Up Produce Market. The Town Hall is scheduled for 6:45-9 pm , Jan. 24, in the City Park Collegiate library. Herb Garden Class, Jan. 27  The Glen at Crossmount is hosting a workshop on growing your own herbs from 1:30-3 pm , Jan. 27. Taste of Italy Wine Class & Tasting, Jan. 27  Learn about and taste Italian wines at the Gl...

Multicultural Cooking Class, Jan. 13  The Saskatchewan German Council is offering a Germany Meets Norway cooking class on Jan. 13 at Saskatoon Centennial Collegiate. Robbie Burns Day Celebrations Here are some options if you want to celebrate Robbie Burns Night on Jan. 25: Burns Night at Winston’s (over 25 scotch, scottish ales, themed cocktails, and haggis) Robbie Burns Day Dinner , Glen at Crossmount (food, music, entertainment) Scotch Tasting and Celebration , Saskatoon Co-op Liquor Living Well in Forest Grove  Two sisters have opened Living Well in Forest Grove . The store sells organic, non-GMO products “from spices, teas, dried fruits and trail mixes along with an assortment of organic and all-natural beauty products from soaps to multi-flavoured lip balms.” In addition, they offer homemade jewellery, children’s clothing and toys. ‘Chicken Fingers’ Made From Peas  For 8 years, the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre has been working on a...