All posts tagged with: cheese

Going out to your favourite restaurant can get boring after a while, even if they serve fantastic food. It’s fun when the menu is fresh, seasonal, and features something unique. Welcome to Salt Tasting Room.

Tucked away in Blood Alley, part of downtown Vancouver’s Gastown district, Salt Tasting Room is a paradise of small plate tasting experiences. Every night on the chalkboard menu are a variety of 10 cheeses, 10 meats and 10 condiments. The menu is always changing, meaning every time you go, you’re going to have a fresh new dining experience.

If you can’t decide what to have, choose the daily plate. There are three options: cheese, meat, or best of BC. The friendly staff will choose your selection for you, so it’s a complete surprise (yes, it’ll be good no matter what they choose).

Wines are paired based on your small plate selection. You can order a regular full glass of wine, or mix it up by having a flight of up to three different two-ounce wine selections.

In the lower level is a giant 30-foot long, wood plank table, perfect for a close group to get together in an intimate location. The basement is also home to the wine cellar.

The use of wood and soft lighting make for a pleasant ambiance. If you like a quiet, romantic place, Salt Tasting Room probably isn’t for you. It can get very loud and the tables are close together, so be ready to introduce yourself to the table immediately next to you.

Salt Tasting Room is located at 45 Blood Alley. Reservations can be made by calling (604)633-1912.

Food Quality: ★★★★

Originality: ★★★★★

Customer Service: ★★★★★

Atmosphere: ★★★★

Beverage Selection: ★★★★

Price / Value: ★★★★

Overall: ★★★★

The agricultural city of Armstrong, British Columbia is located at the north end of the Okanagan Valley and the southern tip of the Shuswap region.

This is the Victorian house I grew up in on Okanagan Street in Armstrong, BC, which my dad lovingly restored

Surrounded by the Spallmucheen, which means “beautiful valley” in the local Shuswap First Nations language, Armstrong’s commercial centre is home to 4,500 residents. The community was named after E. C. Heaton Armstrong, a baker from London, England, who helped develop the community and fund the Shuswap and Okanagan Railway in 1892.

Armstrong Elementary School; where I went to school

Throughout the community there are many historic buildings and landmarks including Armstrong Elementary School, built in 1921. The school remains today in full operation after extensive upgrades throughout the mid 1990’s.

The Village Cheese Company - the most amazing cheese curds!

The Armstrong name is well-known across Canada and the United States because of its award-winning cheese. Armstrong Cheese was originally founded in Armstrong, however after 100 years of operation, the plant was closed in 2004 after being purchased by Saputo Inc. Armstrong’s history of cheese making continues through a new venture, the Village Cheese Company.

Burritos are easy to make at home. They freeze well to make a fast, easy snack another day when you’re in a hurry.

• 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb of veggie ground-round
• 1 pkg burrito seasoning
• hot sauce (optional)
• 8 flour tortilla shells
• 1 can of refried beans
• cheddar cheese

In a skillet, brown ground beef. Drain off excess fat. If using veggie ground round, heat in skillet. Add in package of burrito seasoning as directed on package. To make it spicy, add hot sauce. Continue to cook for 6 – 8 minutes, until thickened.

Spread refried beans on tortilla shells. Next add the prepared beef or veggie ground-round mixture. Spread grated cheddar cheese over top.

Fold up 1/3 of the tortilla from the bottom. Next fold in each of the sides. While holding the ends of the burrito roll or flip the burrito over.

Tightly wrap burritos individually in plastic wrap. Place wrapped burritos into ziplock freezer bags. Place in freezer.

To reheat, remove from plastic wrap and place in the microwave for 3 minutes or until completely heated throughout.