the week that was and is - september 16th, 2009

We've had some great weather as of recent in Edmonton, so hopefully you have been enjoying time outdoors wherever you are. I've been trying to get out as much as possible so things have been slow around the homestead. Simple meals like yogurt, apples, and cereal don't exactly make for exciting blogging!

• Local blogger Sharon, Only Here for the Food, recently celebrated her 1000 post. Big congratulations go out! She has provided great insight into Edmonton's daily culture, covering everything from food to festivals. Here's to another 1000.

• I saw on Liane Faulder's blog that local catering company Krave is now going to supply some eats for WestJet flights departing from Edmonton. Come to think of it though, I've never flown on a WestJet flight that was long enough to partake in a meal.

• Received a flyer in the homestead mailbox today for the new Summer Side Asian Market. The website doesn't load, but the flyer advertises; 'an extensive collection of fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide range of specialty foods including East Indian, South Indian, Fijian, Thai, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese'. I'll have to pop by and see.

• A lot of buzz this week about the desire for a 1 cent per ounce soda tax.While many places already tax soda pop, 'A national tax of that amount would generate nearly $15 billion in its first year'. Holy money machine Batman!
  

• I always like reading etiquette guides but I don't know if I'll ever grow to appreciate every bit of wine etiquette. Don't get me wrong, I love wine, I just don't have 17 different glasses or serve every specific grape at its perfect temperature.
  

• I stopped in for my second visit to Cake Couture yesterday after receiving a heads up from Ellen that they would be baking Black Forest cupcakes. I have to congratulate the ladies at Cake Couture for remembering my search for Black Forest in the city, and the customer service to follow up. By the sound of things, business is steady at the shop and has proprietor Annie Dam busy with baking. So if you have a request, I'm sure a heads up would be really appreciated.

The Black Forest cupcake was really good. A delicious base hiding cherry goodness right in the center. The Irish Cream cupcake was heavy, delicious and bursting at the seams with a jackpot of icing hidden in the middle. The icing on the IC could have used a bit extra kick, as it dissipated into the richness provided by the base. Either way, I'd like to think if they ever need a hand, I would surely be willing to learn. In my books, Cake Couture is 2 for 2.

• I'm missed Monday's No Reservations - Tony goes to Sardinia to visit his wife's family - but Man V Food was there to make things ok. Adam Richman was in Hawaii to conquer a 4 pound pancake in under 90 minutes! Epic. I can't even imagine how much that would swell in your tummy.

• Speaking of TV shows, have you been watching Top Chef? Thoughts? I was really sucked in for the first episode, but number two felt a little sad. I also participated in the live blog chat by Food Network Canada during the initial airing, and while it was neat in that first-time way, I don't think it really added anything to the experience.

• And finally, pour a little beverage of your choice on the ground. After 26 years, Reading Rainbow is over. *sheds man tear