Photo by Rod Leland

My gastronomically-talented friends, the Lethbridge Personal Chefs, are holding an awesome free event at the Galt celebrating local producers. You’ll find yours truly there stuffing his face.

Amanda writes:

Hey foodies and fans!

Well, the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is nearly upon us, and we’ve teamed up with our friends at the Galt to bring you “A Night at the Museum“, a community-inspired holiday event to kickstart your Christmas shopping and holiday meal planning!

We’ve been all over Southern Alberta, visiting farms, meeting farmers and taking notes to make sure we bring you all the information you need to put a little more Lethbridge in your Christmas cooking. You’ll taste products from and learn more about:

• Vital Green Dairy and Sheep Farm
• Broek Pork Acres
• Pura Vida Beef and Poultry Farm
• Fairwinds Goat Farm
• Driview Lamb Farm
• J&M Farms
• Leffers Brothers Organics

…including where in town you can buy their stuff for yourself! You’ll be surprised just how easy it is to support your community and help Lethbridge grow (and just how good it tastes!). We’ll also have recipes for you to take home of all the goodies you’ll be trying!

The gift shop will be open, so check out its awesome selection of works from local authors, artists and artisans. Passholders get 20% off all gift shop sales for the one night only, so it’s a pretty great night to come in and consider getting yourself a Galt pass

It’s open to the public and there will be food, drinks and fun- what more do you need?? Tell your ma and pa, aunties and uncles, and come help us celebrate our amazing community!

Facebook event page

Lethbridge Personal Chefs

This is my friend, Chef Doug. He’s a (culinary) Olympian heading to Luxembourg. Think Iron Chef on hard mode.

He also made me the best damn Manhattan ever.

Overes can handle the heat (via Lethbridge Herald)

The LSA wants to send a huge thanks to Panago Pizza for donating Pizza coupons to be sold by the LSA as a fund-raiser! These coupons are $10 each and entitle you to any Medium Panago Pizza!

You can pick your coupons up at West 49, Infamous and Boarderline!

This fund-raising is going towards the costs of planning and developing our new skatepark! 100% of every dollar sold goes towards our new park, so come show your support and buy yourself some pizza coupons!

I like that idea (and pizza)! I agree with Wade Gallow that Lethbridge needs more recreational things-to-do for youth, and a skatepark is a great idea. Also, skateboarding is totally badass, even though I can’t even sit on a board.

Lethbridge Skate Association

The pub is only about a month old, so it smells of fresh paint rather than booze or anything else. Although it seems to be lacking some charm, I think given enough time it will grow into its skin.

The great thing about it is some of the drinks they have on tap – Kilkenny, Harp, Guinnes and Strongbow. Since we went on a Tuesday, it was a dollar off draft. Their menu also sounds really, really good, but a little on the pricey side. I was able to sample a deep-fried dill pickle and some beer-battered onion rings. Tasted great.

McGuinty’s also has a couple dart boards, which I am awful at playing. At least I wasn’t the only one to put a hole in the wall! But after a little coaching by a fellow that was playing next to us, my game improved (slightly). Now I’m not sure if he was drunk or just Irish, but he was a friendly sort and apparently taught folks to play darts. So thanks, whoever you are.

Long story short, the verdict is that I like it. I’m interested in seeing the Lethbridge Fire Dept Piping Band there in a couple of days.

Though, I’m not sure how the club hoppers and pub drunkards will relate, but I’m sure the amount of stabbings will probably stay the same.

McGuinty’s Irish Pub (via Facebook)

Since that dance class was offered as part of Lethbridge College’s Mind-Body-Home catalogue, I decided to explore some of the other evening classes they offer. In particular, the non-credit culinary courses really appealed to me, so I signed up for the next available class, which was Vietnamese cooking. I ♥ Vietnamese food!

Taught by Chef Heng Ng, the class was a demo for creating 4 dishes and an accompanying sauce:

• Green Papaya & Mango Salad
• Sizzling “Sound” Crêpes
• Glass Noodles with Vegetables
• Stir-Fried Chicken with Lemongrass
• Fish Dipping Sauce (refer to the crêpe recipe)

Although I tried linking to similar recipes as we received, you can find the actual ones in the Authentic Vietnamese Cooking book. They’re all very easy to cook!

Overall, I was very pleased with the class and loved being able to talk to a professional chef about food, one of my great loves (besides Natalie Portman). I’ll definitely be going again.

Culinary Careers

Join the Galt for this verrry special celebration of the Scottish poet’s birth. Try haggis, join in on the songs, and enjoy performances by the Lethbridge Highland Dancers and Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club, all followed by a Scotch Tasting [tickets at the event]. This year, event honours and commemorates long-time supporter Stewart Christie. You don’t have to be Scottish to attend!

Admission is $3 and kids under 6 get in free! Since scotch is an acquired taste, it’s best to train one’s palate by starting young.

Galt Museum & Archives

Tickets are only $10 in advance, available at The Wine Cavern. I’m so there.

Lethbridge’s International Beerfest

Last night, Scott (a.k.a. Heavy P) hosted an Oktoberfest party. We sat down to a feast of Oktoberfest sausage, sauerkraut, perogies and my special bacon+onion gnocchi dish, all accompanied by a wide assortment of fine European beers and great Bavarian music! The aroma in the household was very manly, to say the least.

And now if I may say so, Lethbridge is pathetic when it comes to Oktoberfest. As far as I am aware, the only event that transpired was one hosted by the Lethbirdge German-Canadian Club. I can guarantee you, if there were any Beer Wenches present they would look like this:

Only 40 years older.

I think next year, we’ll show Lethbridge how it’s truly done and have REAL Oktoberfest party: 1 litre steins, beer wenches, deliciously fattening foods and LIVE Bavarian music!

I already suggested this idea to Carli, and she responded, "That would be so much awesome. A sausage party is everyone’s party."

So since yesterday, my heart has been filled with glee, excitement and cholesterol. Thanks, Heavy P!

International No Diet Day aims to raise public awareness of the dangers of improper dieting, weight loss and weight obsession. INDD is an annual celebration of body acceptance and body shape diversity. This day is also dedicated to raise awareness of the dangers in diets. There are several goals to the INDD:

• Doubt the idea of one “right” body shape.
• Raise awareness to weight discrimination, size bias and fatphobia.
• Declare a free day from diets and obsessions to body weight.
• etc.

I guess I forgot about the twigs out there. Let’s go to Red Dog for some poutine and hot dogs. We can go back to eating healthy tomorrow.

International No Diet Day

But why have I not heard of this week before? Perhaps because it’s a tad boring with events like “Knitting Time’s Wool Challenge,” where there’s a contest to see who can knit a sweater in the fastest time possible. Though the Chili Challenge sounds like gastronomical fun, as does “Taste Of Downtown.” I was particularly interested in that until I found out it’s already sold out. I guess I’ll go back to licking the pavement and lamp posts.

Hopefully next year’s theme will be the 1920s, to commemorate our Red Light District. “The Point,” as it is called…and a favourite hangout of mine. Has anyone seen the twins lately?

Historic Lethbridge Week

In case you’ve been living in a void:

Composting is an important way to recycle — both at home and at work, where organic material is used and waste is created. It is estimated that about 50 percent of the total waste stream could be composted! Composting not only helps to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, it produces a valuable soil amendment which can improve the texture and fertility of the soil.

Unfortunately, I live in a condo and don’t have a backyard for a compost heap, so I’ll at least do a small part and not flush my toilet this week. Maybe I can grow some mushrooms.

National Composting Awareness Week

Many people have worked very hard on getting this project underway in the past two years and it is great to see something this positive bringing so many groups from around the campus together. Now, a campus wide composting project perhaps?

Since pictures are better then words:

CCG Site

Campus Community Garden

Individual Plots

Communal Plot

I first met Carli a couple years back, when she interned in my office. Unfortunately, she wasn’t one of “those” interns – the kind that gets you coffee and “muffins,” but I didn’t hold it against her. She’s a fellow web designer, anime geek and artist. She also makes great dip. And is a ginger.

She’s going to write about stuff, so welcome to Lethbian Love, Carli!

“Wild Goose Jack,” as he was known, is the grandfather of Canada conservationism. He established sanctuaries and wildlife refuges across Canada, and lectured on habitat preservation among other things.

For this reason, National Wildlife Week (April 5 – 11, 2009) was established in his memory. This week is a tribute to the man who created public interest in wildlife and habitat conservation.

Established in 1947, National Wildlife Week is celebrated during the week that includes 10 April, the birth date of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada’s conservation movement.

Although Lethbridge is in a semi-arid climate, we have many plants and animals native to our area, none of which I can name right now because I have drank too much wine. But if you have an interest in knowing more, I highly recommend taking a few hours to explore the Birds of Prey Sanctuary or the Helen Schuler Nature Centre.

Being a furry, I’m more than willing to explore and embrace a special wild place. Too bad chimpanzees aren’t native to Southern Alberta. Regardless, meat is on the menu tonight. I’ve got a stomach for conservation.

National Wildlife Week

In their newsletter, Kyle writes:

This afternoon’s Free Friday Tasting will feature 4 phenomenal Chardonnays from 4 of my favorite producers. first up are two great Californian Chards, one from James Cole, and one from Steele. Both are classic Calfornian-style wines, with buttery well-integrated oak, rich apple, and cream flavors. We also have a very top-end Grand Cru Chablis, from the Les Preuses vineyard, made by our top Chablis producer Jean Dauvissat. Finally, we have a Meursault from Francois D’Allaines. So two very good Californians and two very  expensive French wines, it should be a great way to start your weekend.

Since my grandmother tells me it’s forbidden to drink red wine today, white must be fine because not all grapes are sinners. So go forth, drink!

If you’re into gardening and interior design, like me, check out the Home & Garden Trade show:

Guests to the show can find a variety of exhibitors, ranging from flooring and cabinets to hot tubs and fireplaces to landscapers and greenhouses, and much more. It’s the largest Home and Garden show in Southern Alberta, and the variety of products is almost endless!

The show runs March 25 – 28 at Lethbridge Exhibition Park. Tickets are $5.

Home & Garden Trade Show

Discovery Hall (Thanks, Kim!)

Being half Czech, beer has played an important part of my life. In fact, it’s the national drink of the Czech Republic, much like wine is to France. And like wine, there are many varieties from different regions, each with their own recipe. “Pilsener” is a pale lager, developed in the 19th century in the Bohemian city of Plzeň.

My earliest memories of Old Style Pilsner are when I was a youngster, drinking a stubby in my crib. Those were the days when soiling your pants was the norm, not the exception. So here’s the story of my favourite beer as I know it.

Fritz Sick, whose product also fills a Lethbridge pool, founded Sicks’ Breweries Ltd. in 1901 with his son Emil. They originally brewed another beer, Alberta Pride, until prohibition forced them to cease production. When business resumed as usual, Pilsner was created as a replacement, using an old-style rice-base recipe. Thus, the House of Lethbridge brewing empire was born.

Although the brewery closed its doors many years ago, Brewery Gardens stands in its place to welcome visitors to Lethbridge. A monument to the House of Lethbridge exists as a reminder for us to “never forget.” Presently, Molson continues the production of Pilsner beer in both Edmonton and Vancouver.

The Pilsner label largely remains unchanged to this day. Fritz Sick’s daughter, Louise, designed the label to incorporate elements symbolic to Lethbridge and Western Canada – the Concord Stagecoach, the Purple Label airplane, transportation, Native life, Monks brewing beer, the House of Lethbridge and the rabbits, which no one can figure out. Attempts at modernizing the label have always led to revolt.

Pilsner is often mistaken by many to be a Saskatchewan product, due to its sponsorship of the Saskatchewan Roughriders CFL team. And indeed they have taken it as their own, giving it affectionate names such as “Saskatchewan Champagne.” This is a testament to the quality of a product that has withstood the test of time.

Pilsner has gathered a loyal following all across Western Canada. The pride of Lethbridge, it is a beer that transcends generations and classes and continues to inspire others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sKLzAiRlg0

It all begins at 7PM in the University of Lethbridge ballroom (adjacent to The Zoo) and tickets are $8 at the door. Best dressed will win $70 cash. There will also be an after-party at Studio 54, so look sharp and get crunk!

THE DEBUT (via Facebook)

Regardless, in 1978 the first TacoTime was opened on Mayor Magrath Drive, in the location currently occupied by The Front Row Pub. Heralding back to my youth, I can recall a time when my father, sister and I ate there. He and I both had a “Super Soft Taco” that was the size of a premature infant. I tore into mine and dad, who’s blind as a bat, accidentally picked up a real baby from the patrons sitting next to us! Good thing for hot sauce.

I know many of you don’t consider TacoTime to be “authentic” Mexican cuisine, but I challenge you to find any other restaurant that serves escamoles in their burritos!

TacoTime