Wanderlust and Words

Seed Saving Workshop & Movie, Sept. 2 Join Prairie Garden Seeds at 7 pm , Sept. 2, for a Seed Saving Workshop  hosted by the Saskatoon Seed Library, followed by an open-air screening of the film Open Sesame: The Story of Seeds , hosted by the Saskatoon Food Council. Premier Showcase, Sept. 24-26 Premier Showcase will be held Sept. 24-26 with educational whiskey tastings and a winemaker’s dinner with Villa Maria Wines, New Zealand. Oktoberfest, Oct. 3 Oktoberfest will run from noon to 11 pm , October 3, at Prairie Sun Brewery. Proceeds will help support the Saskatoon Roller Derby League. Saskatoon Farmers’ Market Hours An online petition is requesting that the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market be open 6 days a week. It’s a great concept, but we would need way more vendors as you can’t expect farmers or food producers to sell and produce food at one and the same time. Farmers need to be in the field; bakers need to be in the kitchen. A local farmers’ market is not and shoul

Tomato Seed Saving Workshop, Aug. 27 The Saskatoon Seed Library is hosting a Tomato Seed Saving Workshop at 7 pm , August 27. You will help save seeds for the Saskatoon Seed Library as well as your own seeds for next year's garden and go home with fresh, locally grown tomatoes to eat. Fermenting Foods for Beginners, Sept. 20 Intuitive Path SuperFoods is offering a Fermenting Foods for Beginners class at 3:30 pm , September 20. You’ll learn the basics of fermenting foods and prepare 2 or 3 jars of fermented food. Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants across Canada  Eat North has published a useful list of vegetarian-friendly restaurants across Canada . Rebar in Victoria has so many options it’s hard to choose. Nourish Bistro in Banff is great, and I’ve heard very good things about The Coup in Calgary . Hopefully next time Eat North makes a list like this, they’ll include Nosh Eatery & Tap in Saskatoon . Smarter School Architecture Helps Kids Eat Healthier Food  I w

The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific , 12 kilometers north of downtown Victoria, is a public garden lovingly cared for by volunteers, students and staff. Every year the Centre holds a two-day Art in the Garden. Craft vendors set up booths along the paths in the garden, and floral art fills unexpected corners. The garden becomes a magical place full of natural and handcrafted beauty.   Bridges and stepping stones lead you across the stream in the Japanese garden. The garden is a joy to visit in every season of the year with heathers, rhododendrons, hostas and herbs. More Vancouver Island Garden Photos The Art of Stillness, Abkhazi Garden The Gardens at Government House, Victoria

Farmers’ markets make my heart sing. They represent grocery shopping at its finest: unique local products, personally presented with creative flair. The Tuesday market on Salt Spring Island is small, but we filled our bags and our arms with baked goods, fresh fruit and other goodies and the organic, freshly squeezed lemonade was a saving grace on a very hot day. Market vendors are creative and artistic. Market vendors are hard-working. Tony's Tarts Markets engage all the senses (wine tastings are a definite plus at BC markets). Mistaken Identity Winery Market stalls and products are beautiful. Market food is delicious. Market products are local and often organic or chemical-free. Markets are full of surprises. balsamic vinegar Support local entrepreneurs – visit your local farmers’ market. And, if you’re in Saskatoon, be sure to attend the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market’s 40th Anniversary Celebration on August 22, 2015. Bite Me Baker

Salsa Fiesta, Sept. 6 Mercadito Latino is hosting a Salsa Fiesta at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market starting at 10 am , Sunday, Sept. 6. There will be piñatas for the kids, Latin dance, music, and a salsa sauce cook-off. Growing Apples, Cherries & Berries, Sept. 20/23 The Crossmount Arts Barn is offering a presentation on the different types of apples, cherries and berries that can be grown in Saskatchewan on Sept. 20 from 2-3 pm and on Sept. 23 from 7-8 pm . Farm Deliveries Our Farm has been selling chemical-free vegetables on Broadway this summer (until Sept. 26). You can also purchase their vegetables online or through a CSA subscription. Their produce includes heirloom tomatoes, 5 kinds of potatoes, hot peppers, and various herbs. The Farmers’ Table is a group of Saskatchewan farmers who are selling their ethical, environmentally sustainable produce online. They are now making deliveries in Saskatoon. Their products include honey, lentils, barley, and vegetable

The gardens at Government House in Victoria, British Columbia, are a delight. There are not one, but two, rose gardens! There are ponds, winding paths, forested areas, a herb garden, and so much more. While you're there, be sure to visit the Cary Mews for tea and a visit to the Costume Museum.

Salt Spring Island Cheese YXEats, Sept. 2-6 Riversdale District is hosting YXEats , 5 days of special menus and daily deals at over 15 restaurants, as well as activities such as the Long Table Brunch, from Sept. 2-6. Long Table Brunch, Sept. 6 Join friends and neighbours at Riversdale’s Long Table Brunch from 11 am to 1 pm , Sept. 6. There will be one long, outdoor table with food provided by Little Bird Patisserie, Thrive Juice and Riversdale Delicatessen. Tickets are available from Picatic . Sustainable Gourmet Dinner, Sept. 19 The Saskatchewan Environmental Society is hosting their 10th Annual Sustainable Gourmet fundraising dinner on Sept. 19 at Marquis Hall, University of Saskatchewan. Café Noir Espresso  Check out the unexpected panini options at Café Noir Espresso: Chocolate Brie, Apple Pie, Spinach & Artichokes, and Chickpea Salad. In addition, they’re staying open until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays so that you can pick up a Dabba (supper box). Th

  Saskatoon Farmers’ Market 40th Anniversary, Aug. 22  The Saskatoon Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 40th anniversary from 8 am to 5 pm , August 22. There will be a corn roast and corn husking contest, a charity barbecue, beer garden, food samples, buskers and a clown. 19th Street will be shut down with Escape Sports hosting a sidewalk sale and displays. Woods Ale House & White Birch Catering  Chef Moe Mathieu and White Birch Catering have found a kitchen and will be catering for The Woods Alehouse . They are hosting a Brewer’s Dinner, Night of a Thousand Monkeys , on August 22 . Five versions of cask-condition stout that are flavoured differently will compliment or contrast with five food courses. I attended a White Birch Catering dinner a few years ago and enjoyed the beer and food pairings. Community BBQ & Garden Tour, Aug. 28 CHEP Good Food Inc. is hosting a Community BBQ and Garden Tour , starting at 11 am , August 28. The Chocolate Project Mos