LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2021

INSIDE SCOOP

On the fiercely competitive gin shelf, one bottle stands out as a spring sipper: Levenswater Spring 34 Gin (LCBO 645697, $50.00). Inspired by the global pantry that is Toronto’s iconic Kensington Market, chief alchemist Paul Allamby took seven years to perfect the four-stage process of infusing 34 botanicals into a potato-based neutral spirit. It’s gorgeously complex, with notes of lavender and citrus, and an eye-catching peachy hue from beets, rosehips and saffron. Experi- ence this unique local gin in the Blush Hour (recipe on page 102), a Martini-style cocktail sweetened with elderflower liqueur and tinted with Campari. Spring awakening SEASONAL SIPS

t MISO white miso

t GREEK crumbled feta + grated lemon zest + minced garlic + chopped fresh dill Best on: chicken, lamb, potatoes paste + thinly sliced green onion Best on: fish, corn, asparagus

Colour is from beets, rosehips and saffron

t CURRY curry powder + grated ginger + minced shallot + chopped fresh cilantro Best on: shrimp, pork, cauliflower t HORSERADISH grated horseradish + thinly sliced fresh chives + chopped fresh parsley Best on: salmon, beef, beets

DINNER’S READY Compound interest Looking to upgrade weeknight dinners? It pays to have compound butter up your sleeve. Mash 1/2 cup (125 mL) softened unsalted butter with herbs, spices, cheeses or other flavour boosters. Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a piece of plastic wrap, then roll and twist the ends to make a sausage. Freeze up to six months and slice as you need, making sure it goes on piping-hot food so it melts properly. See above for some ideas to get you started.

Run by Toronto-based influencer Eden Hagos (@EdenTheFoodie), this popular account explores food cultures, traditions and flavours “through a Black lens.” You’ll find profiles of local chefs, spotlights on Black- owned food businesses and spirited recipe debates, not to mention drool-inducing photos of Jamaican patties, Trini doubles and Ethiopian platters. Who to follow: @BlackFoodie.Co

IMAGE BY EDEN HAGOS

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SPRING 2021 FOOD & DRINK