By Stephen Dafoe
St. Albert – The Enjoy Centre in St. Albert is the venue for a new event food and wine aficionados are sure to enjoy. Morinville resident Shani Gwin, owner of Gypsy Communications, is set to launch the first Sturgeon Valley Food & Wine Festival Oct. 27 with two sessions, one at 4 p.m. and one at7:30 p.m.
Gwin said tickets are $25 and available at the St. Albert Gazette offices or online at www.sturgeonfoodandwine.com.
Once participants arrive for their session they can purchase sample ticket coupons for .50 each and make their way around the festival trying a variety of food and drink options.
“I had the idea a couple years ago and always thought we kind of need something like this in St. Albert or the Sturgeon County area,” she said of the origins of the event. “We’re always having to drive into the big city of Edmonton to take part in these events. I just thought it would be a really good idea.”
The idea really solidified after Holes built their Enjoy Centre and Gwin realized it was the perfect venue for a food and drink affair. A great venue combined with a greater interest in quality food and beverage, thanks to the popularity of television’s focus on food, are ingredients Gwin is hoping will blend into a successful event.
“The market is filled with so many restaurants,” Gwin said. “It’s hard for people to figure out how to get people in to try their product. This is a real opportunity for people to come and do those things while still having a really good time being with other people in the community.”
Those who attend the event will receive a free wine glass and festival guide as soon as they walk in, the former to set the tone, the latter to outline what is being offered in terms of food and drink. Gwin said Don’s Bistro is one of the restaurants involved in the event. Others include The River House, La Crème Café, and Darcy’s Meat Market. On the beverage side are Alley Kat Brewing Company, Yukon Brewery and several wine and liquor distributors.
A complete menu and list of participants can be found at www.sturgeonfoodandwine.com.
Well, since a local business (Don’s Bistro) is there, I will be too. Besides Don’s has great food and why miss an opportunity to make new discoveries?