Cuisine Inside Our Getaway Cities
2019 Aug 7th
August is the hottest month to get out and explore our great Country. Discovering the local cuisine is all part of the fun in a getaway vacation to a new city. The list of great cities is endless. Oceans, lakes, mountains, and prairies grace our great land. The seven cities we chose for an awesome August getaway are: The Sunshine Coast, Calgary, Saskatoon, Thompson, Niagara Falls, Quebec City, and Halifax. These seven destinations provide ample activities for young and old alike. And all of them have countless cuisine choices!
The Sunshine Coast lies just north of metro Vancouver, but this gorgeous part of the world is thinly inhabited compared to most of the BC cities around it. The Coast Mountains adorn the sky inland, as straights, inlets, fjords, and the Pacific Ocean zigzag through the luscious beautiful topography of the Sunshine Coast. The ride on the BC Ferries or a floatplane makes this destination fun and exciting just getting there!
Sechelt’s beauty is second to none. Hiking, biking, kayaking, diving, golfing, and dining are just a few summer fun activities one can do in Sechelt in August. Relaxing on the sand at Mission Point Park takes us back to our childhood summer holidays. Hidden Grove is a magical place! Bring your dog, they will have a blast as well!
We love dining at The Blue Heron Restaurant. On the waterfront at 5519 Delta Road in Sechelt, The Blue Heron provides incredible seafood and steaks. The outside patio has allowed The Blue Heron to receive the accolade of “Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest”. The Haida Gwaii Halibut topped with a pistachio crust, then broiled with a garden-fresh thyme sauce is a delight to the palate.
Slicing halibut, or any fish, can be a difficult chore. The MAC Professional Series 10.5” Slicer with Dimples fillet fish easily due to its reduced drag. This lengthy, slender knife slices through meats with little effort. On sale at only $229.95 allows anyone to become the best seafood chef they can be!
Moving east, Calgary isn’t the smallest city on our list at well over one million people inhabiting the town. But, Calgary has so much to offer Canadians looking for a cool getaway city with lots to do. The zoo is an obvious choice for the family, or animal lover. The observation deck at the Calgary Tower might be one of the best views in the world! Sailing in the Glenmore Reserve is more fun than you can imagine during the summer months!
The cuisine of Calgary is first-rate. The Savoury Pancake at Ten Foot Henry at 1209 1st st SW is simple yet superb! The 1930 comic strip Henry is where the 10-foot Henry statue in the 80’s was born. The statue is a Calgary classic. So too is the Savoury Pancake! Green Goddess dressing seems strange for a syrup for a pancake, but with its’ charred green onions and bacon involved in the batter, this savoury pancake will start your weekend brunch in the best of ways. Even better, add a Bloody Caesar, and explore Calgary and all its glory!
Pancakes, whether potato or buttermilk, requires a great skillet. The Le Creuset 12” Licorice Iron Handle Skillet looks and cooks magnificently! Having this beautiful skillet in your cabin will make cooking breakfast a pleasure. The long-lasting enamel is what brands Le Creuset so incredible. With this skillet, you will never over-crowd your pancakes. On sale at only $189.99, this skillet is a perfect addition for your stovetop needs.
Saskatoon is a neat city. The cultural heritage is spectacular to immerse yourself in this town. Aboriginal parks and museums are found in Saskatoon. Learning our Country’s history is always a valuable lesson on getaways. Then, there are the bridges! 8 bridges, 49 overpasses with 24 pedestrian crossings decorate this unique city. Taking a boat ride is an absolute must!
The restaurants, diners, and eateries in Saskatoon are one of the secret treasures of the city. Ayden Kitchen & Bar on 265 3rd ave has some of the best Perogies in the Country we think. Sunflower seeds and a seed pesto make these perogies quite unique. The addition of four cheeses with a confit of cherry tomato and the pearl onion take these little pillows of love to the top of the list!
Purchasing these Perogies at Ayden’s is a great idea. But, if you are a bit far from Saskatoon, not to worry, Williams Food Equipment offers the Hunky Bill’s Big Perogie Maker. 18 large perogies can be folded in a flash using the Hunkie Bill’s Perogie Maker. Every Eastern European family has their own recipe. Make it easier on the family with this press.
Thompson has grown into itself. A mining town from 1956, now a secret spot for nature lovers. The Burntwood River creates a beautiful landscape for the flora and fauna of Thompson. Hiking and playing on the river are great escapes in the summer. The weather averages 70.
In town, the restaurants are still growing. A fun thing to do is camp. The McCreedy Campground is a safe, clean, and inexpensive place to set up a tent with the family. Bring your own supplies and have a cookout. Two items we always bring camping are the Swiss Army Camouflage Huntsman and the Staub 4.75” Mini Cast Iron Frying Pan. They will be needed and used every time!
Niagara Falls needs no explanation. Niagara and Horseshoe Falls are true wonders of the world. The Cave of The Winds wooden walkways are awesome! There are many attractions and activities for all at Niagara Falls. Hotels aren’t too pricey lately. A nice, 3-star accommodation is running less than $200 currently.
With the Skylon Tower as the main upscale viewing point of the falls, the revolving dining room offers some hi-end dishes. We love the Duck Pastrami! Served during lunch or dinner, this pastrami of Muscovy duck breast is cured and smoked to perfection! The honey mustard is obviously made on site being that it’s so incredible! We could drink a bottle of that stuff.
Quebec City has such an old-world French flair that makes one transported back to 1608 France. Down some of Quebec City’s gorgeous streets, the Colonial feel is abundant. The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and the Citadelle de Quebec must be visited in one’s life. Montmorency Falls is as beautiful as Niagara.
Being French, the food is spectacular! Lègende is the best we believe. One of Canada’s best new restaurants since 2014, Lègende offers small plates for $15 to $24. A tasting menu is only $79 and worth every dollar! As with any great French bistro, the menu changes due to ingredients, season, freshness, and availability. Make a reservation tonight! 255 Saint Paul street is the address.
Our final getaway city to the east is Halifax. The cuisine here is unbelievable. With almost a half of million residents, Halifax has many incredible eateries. The Public Gardens, Citadel, museums, and Point Pleasant Park are only a few attractions and sites of Halifax. Be sure to ride the Harbour Hopper and roller skate Emera Oval!
Food wise, Halifax has it all! Our personal fave is 2 Doors Down at 1533 Barrington Street. Lunch, dinner, and dessert are provided impeccably here at 2 Doors Down. The Vanilla Bean Cheesecake is to die for! They even do it 3 ways!? Chocolate covered cornflakes with salted caramel. Or, Coffee ganache with hazelnut praline? Maybe #3 suits your taste with a strawberry rhubarb compote and brown sugar crumble!? Check out all three styles when you are on a Halifax getaway.
Cheesecake isn’t too difficult to make at home. Using the correct tools and utensils always help. You can go and buy a cheesecake or make the entire thing from scratch. Here is a quick and easy cheesecake recipe we love to make ourselves.
SIMPLE CHEESECAKE
INGREDIENTS
(Buying a graham cracker crust at the supermarket is ok with us), but here is how you do it:
CRUST
12 Graham Crackers(crushed)
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
½ cup unsalted, melted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
FILLING
2 ¼ cups room temp cream cheese
3 medium eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. Using a Le Creuset 10” Springform Round Cake, press the crust mixture on the bottom, and up the sides a bit of the pan. Mix the filling ingredients using a KitchenAid Onyx Black Pro 600 Series Stand Mixer set on low. Set the pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Wrap the sides with foil to protect the edges of the cake during baking the last 10 minutes (a total of 30 minutes in the oven). Set to cool thereafter. Place in fridge to cool further. Serve with fresh fruits or whatever you wish.
Have fun the rest of the summer! Eat and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Experience all the stunning cities you can in the Great White North during this time of the year. Getaway and explore all the cuisines you can!
Sechelt’s beauty is second to none. Hiking, biking, kayaking, diving, golfing, and dining are just a few summer fun activities one can do in Sechelt in August. Relaxing on the sand at Mission Point Park takes us back to our childhood summer holidays. Hidden Grove is a magical place! Bring your dog, they will have a blast as well!
We love dining at The Blue Heron Restaurant. On the waterfront at 5519 Delta Road in Sechelt, The Blue Heron provides incredible seafood and steaks. The outside patio has allowed The Blue Heron to receive the accolade of “Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest”. The Haida Gwaii Halibut topped with a pistachio crust, then broiled with a garden-fresh thyme sauce is a delight to the palate.
Slicing halibut, or any fish, can be a difficult chore. The MAC Professional Series 10.5” Slicer with Dimples fillet fish easily due to its reduced drag. This lengthy, slender knife slices through meats with little effort. On sale at only $229.95 allows anyone to become the best seafood chef they can be!
Moving east, Calgary isn’t the smallest city on our list at well over one million people inhabiting the town. But, Calgary has so much to offer Canadians looking for a cool getaway city with lots to do. The zoo is an obvious choice for the family, or animal lover. The observation deck at the Calgary Tower might be one of the best views in the world! Sailing in the Glenmore Reserve is more fun than you can imagine during the summer months!
The cuisine of Calgary is first-rate. The Savoury Pancake at Ten Foot Henry at 1209 1st st SW is simple yet superb! The 1930 comic strip Henry is where the 10-foot Henry statue in the 80’s was born. The statue is a Calgary classic. So too is the Savoury Pancake! Green Goddess dressing seems strange for a syrup for a pancake, but with its’ charred green onions and bacon involved in the batter, this savoury pancake will start your weekend brunch in the best of ways. Even better, add a Bloody Caesar, and explore Calgary and all its glory!
Pancakes, whether potato or buttermilk, requires a great skillet. The Le Creuset 12” Licorice Iron Handle Skillet looks and cooks magnificently! Having this beautiful skillet in your cabin will make cooking breakfast a pleasure. The long-lasting enamel is what brands Le Creuset so incredible. With this skillet, you will never over-crowd your pancakes. On sale at only $189.99, this skillet is a perfect addition for your stovetop needs.
Saskatoon is a neat city. The cultural heritage is spectacular to immerse yourself in this town. Aboriginal parks and museums are found in Saskatoon. Learning our Country’s history is always a valuable lesson on getaways. Then, there are the bridges! 8 bridges, 49 overpasses with 24 pedestrian crossings decorate this unique city. Taking a boat ride is an absolute must!
The restaurants, diners, and eateries in Saskatoon are one of the secret treasures of the city. Ayden Kitchen & Bar on 265 3rd ave has some of the best Perogies in the Country we think. Sunflower seeds and a seed pesto make these perogies quite unique. The addition of four cheeses with a confit of cherry tomato and the pearl onion take these little pillows of love to the top of the list!
Purchasing these Perogies at Ayden’s is a great idea. But, if you are a bit far from Saskatoon, not to worry, Williams Food Equipment offers the Hunky Bill’s Big Perogie Maker. 18 large perogies can be folded in a flash using the Hunkie Bill’s Perogie Maker. Every Eastern European family has their own recipe. Make it easier on the family with this press.
Thompson has grown into itself. A mining town from 1956, now a secret spot for nature lovers. The Burntwood River creates a beautiful landscape for the flora and fauna of Thompson. Hiking and playing on the river are great escapes in the summer. The weather averages 70.
In town, the restaurants are still growing. A fun thing to do is camp. The McCreedy Campground is a safe, clean, and inexpensive place to set up a tent with the family. Bring your own supplies and have a cookout. Two items we always bring camping are the Swiss Army Camouflage Huntsman and the Staub 4.75” Mini Cast Iron Frying Pan. They will be needed and used every time!
Niagara Falls needs no explanation. Niagara and Horseshoe Falls are true wonders of the world. The Cave of The Winds wooden walkways are awesome! There are many attractions and activities for all at Niagara Falls. Hotels aren’t too pricey lately. A nice, 3-star accommodation is running less than $200 currently.
With the Skylon Tower as the main upscale viewing point of the falls, the revolving dining room offers some hi-end dishes. We love the Duck Pastrami! Served during lunch or dinner, this pastrami of Muscovy duck breast is cured and smoked to perfection! The honey mustard is obviously made on site being that it’s so incredible! We could drink a bottle of that stuff.
Quebec City has such an old-world French flair that makes one transported back to 1608 France. Down some of Quebec City’s gorgeous streets, the Colonial feel is abundant. The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and the Citadelle de Quebec must be visited in one’s life. Montmorency Falls is as beautiful as Niagara.
Being French, the food is spectacular! Lègende is the best we believe. One of Canada’s best new restaurants since 2014, Lègende offers small plates for $15 to $24. A tasting menu is only $79 and worth every dollar! As with any great French bistro, the menu changes due to ingredients, season, freshness, and availability. Make a reservation tonight! 255 Saint Paul street is the address.
Our final getaway city to the east is Halifax. The cuisine here is unbelievable. With almost a half of million residents, Halifax has many incredible eateries. The Public Gardens, Citadel, museums, and Point Pleasant Park are only a few attractions and sites of Halifax. Be sure to ride the Harbour Hopper and roller skate Emera Oval!
Food wise, Halifax has it all! Our personal fave is 2 Doors Down at 1533 Barrington Street. Lunch, dinner, and dessert are provided impeccably here at 2 Doors Down. The Vanilla Bean Cheesecake is to die for! They even do it 3 ways!? Chocolate covered cornflakes with salted caramel. Or, Coffee ganache with hazelnut praline? Maybe #3 suits your taste with a strawberry rhubarb compote and brown sugar crumble!? Check out all three styles when you are on a Halifax getaway.
Cheesecake isn’t too difficult to make at home. Using the correct tools and utensils always help. You can go and buy a cheesecake or make the entire thing from scratch. Here is a quick and easy cheesecake recipe we love to make ourselves.
SIMPLE CHEESECAKE
INGREDIENTS
(Buying a graham cracker crust at the supermarket is ok with us), but here is how you do it:
CRUST
12 Graham Crackers(crushed)
1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar
½ cup unsalted, melted butter
¼ teaspoon salt
FILLING
2 ¼ cups room temp cream cheese
3 medium eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350. Using a Le Creuset 10” Springform Round Cake, press the crust mixture on the bottom, and up the sides a bit of the pan. Mix the filling ingredients using a KitchenAid Onyx Black Pro 600 Series Stand Mixer set on low. Set the pan on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes. Wrap the sides with foil to protect the edges of the cake during baking the last 10 minutes (a total of 30 minutes in the oven). Set to cool thereafter. Place in fridge to cool further. Serve with fresh fruits or whatever you wish.
Have fun the rest of the summer! Eat and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Experience all the stunning cities you can in the Great White North during this time of the year. Getaway and explore all the cuisines you can!
