The Last of the Summer Crushers

BY TOM FIRTH

Despite roasting away for most of the summer months this year, as the mercury starts to move to cooler temperatures, there is still ample opportunity to enjoy a few afternoons or evenings chilling with friends, having a beverage, or getting in the back-to-school mood. On other pages in this issue, I’ve recommended some great wines for these days, but here are a few different products that might help change things up a little.

Good Mood Brewery Hibiscus and Rosehip Sparkling Hard Tea, Alberta

Big fan over here of Good Mood’s Hibiscus and Rosehip Cream Ale, so this was a bit of an easy undertaking to try. First off, this is more of a Hibiscus and Rosehip vodka soda rather than a harder tea, but still lively and fresh with sweet fruits, that bit of rosehip, and a crisp, dry taste. Nicely carbonated and ice cold out of the fridge – a great find to beat the heat. CSPC +838584 About $17-18 (6-pack cans)

Lucky Cat by Kaiun Sake, Japan

I do love sake simply for what it is. A delicious alternative to enjoy when the urge strikes. While there are several fairly strict guidelines for best service temperatures for sake, I found Lucky Cat was best enjoyed cool – but not cold, allowing bright citrus and tropical fruits to come through and preserve the silky textures and clean finish. CSPC +860885 About $42-45

Taylor Fladgate Chip Dry and Tonic, Portugal

As a port enthusiast, I was extremely hesitant the first time I tried a port and tonic cocktail, but they can be delicious. The sweetness of the port (Chip Dry is a drier, white port) is offset nicely by the bitterness of the tonic – but it’s also less intense than a gin and tonic. Crisp and fruity with great balance, this is a darn handy cocktail to have on hand. It can be consumed on the go, but it’s best in a glass with a bit of lime garnish and some ice. CSPC +861835 About $16-17 (4-pack)

Croft Pink & Tonic, Portugal

The port house of Croft pioneered the “pink” port style which bridged the fairly wide divide between uncommon white ports and the intensity of the deeply coloured ruby or vintage ports. Here, with tonic in a ready-to-go cocktail, it’s right at home. Bursting with strawberry and cherry type fruits with a nice zing from the tonic, it’s quite dry and easy to enjoy. Serve well chilled with a bit of berry fruit garnish if possible. CSPC +861836 About $16-17 (4-pack)

Rig Hand Garlic Vodka Caesar, Alberta

OK, here was something a little different. While premixed Caesars have been around since forever, one small, teensy-weensy problem is getting the full experience. The folks at Rig Hand now have a pre-rimmed, pre-made Caesar that has everything ready except the celery. It seems a little odd to see and drink from a less than pristine can, but for someone like me who only occasionally wants one, it’s a great way enjoy this classic cocktail using Rig Hand’s pleasingly flavourful, garlic-rich vodka. CSPC +864126 $5

Good food and deliciously fun nights out don’t stop for the summer, and we’re delighted to announce new dates, new pairing dinners, and new menus!

Check culinairemagazine.ca/events regularly, and email to be included in our bi-monthly updates to hear about events before the rest of the city. These evenings can sell out rather quickly!

Vine & Dine at Franca’s

Wednesday September 7, Thursday 15, and Tuesday September 20

Our evenings at Franca’s are always popular and we’re overdue a visit! They’re opening specially for us and we’re coming back for three nights of super delicious 6-course pairing dinners in September. One-Off Celebration Pairing Dinner Wednesday September 14 Hotel Arts are hosting us for a very special evening to celebrate the arrival of Prosecco DOC Rosé in Alberta! We’re starting around the pool for a welcome reception and canapes, and then moving into our private dining room for a superb six-course pairing meal.

Vine & Dine at Fonda Fora

Wednesday October 12, Friday 21, and Saturday October 29

We’re coming back to Fonda Fora for three Vine & Dine evenings of superb, authentic Mexican 6-course pairing dinners in their private dining room. All three dinners here last year sold out fast!

One-Off Fine & Dine evening at Delta South Wednesday October 19 One of the highlights of the lockdown was enjoying an outstanding Fine & Dine evening in Delta South’s Atrium with dinner on our balconies, and now we’re coming back for a one-off deliciously indulgent 5-course premium pairing meal with imaginative plates prepared using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in the Atrium’s Nakiska Ballroom.

“From the Farm” Vine, Dine & Demo at Sunterra Market!

Thursday October 27

A one-off special evening at Sunterra Keynote’s private demo kitchen where we’ll enjoy a six-course pairing meal featuring products from Sunterra’s own farms, and chef will demonstrate a part of each delicious dish and share their expertise!

New evenings are added regularly, so check them out and email linda@culinairemagazine.ca to reserve your places. We try to cater for all allergies.