Gluten-Free Goodness

Interested in taking a cooking class but worried you'll be up to your elbows in flour?  If so, we have good news; The Dirty Apron offers two classes that are entirely gluten-free.  Originally it was just a happy coincidence that neither menu contained flour, but they've come to fit perfectly with our belief that regardless of intolerances, allergies, or preferences, everyone should eat and eat well.  

Let's get to the menus, shall we?  Your first option is Ocean Potion 1, a class which showcases the world-class seafood we have here on the west coast.  Not only will you eat mussels, scallops, and halibut to your heart's content, but you'll also have the confidence and skills to prepare these restaurant-worthy dishes at home.  You'll be making:

BC Mussels in Tomato-Coconut Cream with Smoked Chili and Lime (Chambar-Style)

Maple-Seared Scallops with Warm Chorizo, Kalamata Olives, and Pea Coulis

Pan-Roasted Halibut with Lemon and Olive Oil-Crushed Potatoes

The second gluten-free option is Sea to Sky: Ocean Deep Mountain High.  This class highlights the abundance of local ingredients from this region's ocean, fields, and forests, with recipes that'll add a contemporary twist to your next dinner party.  Chef David Robertson's menu was created with entertaining in mind, and includes:

Bourbon Maple Roasted Quail with Herb Potato Rosti

Smoked Sablefish with Buttered Dungeness Crab

Roasted Loin of Venison with Borlotti Beans and Truffle Ragout

Now that your cooking classes are covered, we should also let you know that nearly every day we carry at least one gluten-free treat in our delicatessen.  Baked fresh by our in-house pastry chef, these range from Coconut-Lime Macaroons to Dark Chocolate Ganache Cakes with Fresh Raspberries.  They're so delicious, you may be battling with even the gluten-lovers to get your hands on one.  

Did You Know...

...that worldwide hunger isn't necessarily due to a lack of food, but rather what is available often goes to waste before it's eaten?  Instead of growing more food to feed the hungry, many are advocating for solutions that keep food stable for longer periods, as food spoilage is an issue faced in both the developing world and areas with plenty of refridgeration.  We've all been guilty of finding that soggy bag of spinach in the back of the fridge, haven't we?  

Here's a brilliantly simple idea by Kavita Shukla, and it's neither the result of genetic engineering or sterile laboratory tests.  Instead, it's based on a drink recipe from her grandmother, and uses biodegradable and organic materials to combat waste.  

Here's Kavita discussing her idea at a Tedx conference, and her talk will leave you with a lovely thought for the day - perhaps a piece of scented paper can help feed the world!

Cruisin' for a Bruisin' for a Cause

That's what Aprons for Gloves is all about.  Founded this year by a variety of professionals from the service industry, the group is organizing a charity boxing tournament to help out The Astoria Boxing Club, an influential non-profit in the downtown eastside that recently closed.  They want to assist head coach David Schuck launch the new Eastside Boxing Club, providing a space where he can continue his work as a mentor and trainer.  In AfG's own words:

There were so many incredibly courageous young kids that relied on the mentorship of the coaches to guide them through life, even outside of the ring.  When it was brought to our attention that the gym was in danger of closing, we felt that we had to do something to help.  The gym has since been closed, leaving these kids (many of which are troubled youth) without a place to go that offers a positive environment and instills good moral values and work ethic.  It was with this in mind that the Restaurant Rumble fundraiser was born!

A total of 63 contenders began a gruelling training schedule in April, and of those currently working on their upper-cuts, only 16 will make it to the Rumble on July 25th.  Eligibility for the final round is based on which contenders reach their $2000 fundraising goal first, so check out all the bruisers here, decide on your favourites, and help them slug their way to the big show by donating.  

Are you not a fan of being punched in the face, but a born entertainer?  You can try out to be a Ring Girl or Announcer on June 25th at The Cobalt, with prizes for crowd-chosen favourites.  

Tickets go on sale in June, with the final event held on July 25th at the Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre.  Help out this great cause and contribute today!

Have YOU found one yet?

Beer Lovers Unite...

...for Craft Beer Week is almost here!  With dozens of breweries participating in over 60 events around the city, you’re soon to be faced with more hops than you can possibly handle.  Nine days of beer heaven begin this Friday, May 18th, at the Roundhouse Community Centre.  Chambar's in on the action, too; during CBW ask for a pairing with their custom-brewed Chambar Ale, and as always, enjoy Chef Nico's renowned Belgian-influenced menu. 

Tickets to many events are selling out, so get yours today.  For those who prefer their evenings like a Belgian Lambic (a little more spontaneous), there's also plenty of ticket-less gigs to attend.  Either way, you're soon to be enjoying countless beers crafted by Canadian, American, and European brewmasters.  Have fun and as always, remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.