What’s Cooking: May 3 – 9
April showers bring May’s flowers and we say plenty of goodness is in bloom. This week, we’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, beer and books, and the reopening of beloved maritime culinary delights. Read on to find out what’s cooking in Nova Scotia this week!
Welcome Back!
Whether you are new to Nova Scotia’s culinary scene or excited to rediscover it, step into spring as these spots reopen their doors for the season this week.
Blomidon Estate Winery (May 3): An 11-hectare boutique winery on the edge of the Minas Basin in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. Showcasing some of Nova Scotia’s oldest vines, you can find an array of reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines.
Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre (May 3): Along the shores of the Liscombe River, this lodge is surrounded by lush forests and carries distinctive charm. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or outdoor activity, Liscombe Lodge Resort and Conference Centre welcomes you.
Luckett Vineyards (May 3): Award-winning wines, bountiful charcuterie and cheese boards, and an iconic red retro phone booth are just a few things that make Luckett Vineyards special. Relax on their patio and take in the surrounding countryside views of the Annapolis Valley.
Chanterelle Restaurant, Inn & Cottages (May 5): Nestled near the North River in Cape Breton, this farm-to-table gem boasts instant charm and a welcoming ethos. Chef Bettina commits to locally sourced ingredients and with a rotating menu and each experience at Chanterelle compliments what is in-season.
L’Acadie Vineyards (May 9): L’Acadie Vineyards has garnered multiple prestigious awards, including recognition at France’s Effervescents du Monde and London’s Decanter World Wine Awards. Taste their certified organic and vegan wines at one of their recommended tastings on-site in the Gaspereau Valley.
The Long Table Social Club (May 9): A widely adored hidden gem with views of the Bay of Fundy, this spot boasts its kitchen parties featuring delicious meals and entertainment. Enjoy their local ingredients whether you’re dining in or grabbing to go for a picnic.
Be sure to stay tuned and follow What’s Cooking for more information on re-openings of seasonal restaurants, lodging, breweries, cideries and more!
The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fiesta like no other! Join Chef Chris Velden of The Flying Apron Inn & Cookery for a guided class on mastering the authentic cuisine on Friday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m. Chef Chris will assist you in preparing a four course meal with recipes to take home. Roasted prawns with green mole wrapped in a handmade tortilla and mexican street corn cake topped with caramel and whipped cream are just some of the delights you can expect.
Tickets are $95. To book call 902-633-2300. Join Chef Chris and the team at The Flying Apron in celebrating a fiesta to remember!
Good Robot Brewing Co.
Longing for the nostalgic charm of Scholastic book fair memories? Well fear not beer enthusiasts and book worms! Good Robot Brewing Co. has partnered with Books Beyond Bars, a local collective in Kjipuktuk/Halifax that provides literary resources to incarcerated individuals at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Burnside.
Drop into the book fair May 5 from 12 – 4:30 p.m. at Good Robot’s Robie Street location. Entry fee is pay what you can and all proceeds will be donated to Books Beyond Bars.
Annapolis Cider Company
Annapolis Cider Company encourages you to try something a little different this spring with the Sbagliato Spritz. While the word ‘sbagliato’ translates to ‘bungled’ or ‘mistaken,’ this tasty treat is anything but. The astringent yet sweet aronia berries inspired this botanical cider to be reminiscent of an Aperol spritz. It’s rich in red berry, crab apple and orange flavour, giving it a tart but refreshing finish. Pour over ice into a wine glass, and garnish with an orange wheel for a delicious patio cocktail in the spring sun.
Pick up your bottle at the cidery today!
Schoolhouse Brewery
Schoolhouse Brewery is tapping into education with a brew-tiful class to deepen your understanding of beer. The four-session Beer Sensory course is an exclusive experience guided by seasoned experts who will guide you through the intricacies that define each hand-picked brew. The price is $80 a person, and it includes aromatic analysis, flavour profiling and expert-led discussions. Whether you want to be the next upcoming cicerone or just love learning about beer, this course is for you. The dates are May 7, 14, 21, and 28 all going from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hurry and secure your spot as tickets are limited. Register at bit.ly/beer-sensory-course
- May 11: Happy Mother’s Day! Join White Point Beach Resort for an enchanting evening of Tidal Bay Wine & Tapas Event. Celebrate moms and mom figures with indulgence and education featuring in-house wine professional, Patrick Sullivan. To learn more and to reserve, call 1-800-565-5068 ext. 383 or email dining@whitepoint.com
- May 16: Join Benjamin Bridge at the winery for a two-part book club, where you will meet a wonderful local author, Amanda Peters, and dive into her debut novel, The Berry Pickers. Purchase your tickets now!
- May 17: Still Fired Distilleries will be hosting a Lequille Iced Tea party at Annapolis Brewing Company from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sip on some tea on tap and listen to live music from their very own staff. Visit Still Fired’s website for more details.
- May 25: Come indulge in an unforgettable experience at Argyler Lodge and Restaurant on May 25. Delight in the exquisite flavours of fresh, local seafood perfectly complemented by Nova Scotia’s finest wines. With limited seating available, secure your spot by calling 902-643-2500 or emailing info@argyler.com today.
Featured Recipe: Love & Sunday’s Fish Tacos
Who’s ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with some delicious fish tacos? This irresistible recipe from Thanh Phung of Love and Sundays highlights the festive flavours of fresh local haddock, crisp cabbage, carrots, daikon, aromatic herbs, and more, making it the perfect dish to enjoy on this lively holiday.
Local Source Guide:
Haddock: Fisherman’s Market International,Evan’s Fresh Seafoods & Restaurant, Afishionado Fishmongers, Clearwater Seafoods
Produce: Noggins Corner Farm Market, Stirling Fruit Farms Ltd., Masstown Market, Country Magic, or one of the many other Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia
Recipe & photography by: Thanh Phung, @loveandsundays