LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2018

DRINK  TRENDS

AFTER

BY JAMES CHATTO RECIPES BY AMY ROSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE

SIPPING AT A GLASS WHILE NIBBLING SIMPLE BITES CAN TRANSFORM DINNER PREPARATION INTO A PLEASANT TIME TO RELAX AFTER A DAY AT WORK.

T

he best traditions are those that involve a measure of self-indulgence. Hence the enduring popularity of the Quebec ritual of cinq à sept , the couple of hours between the end of the working day and dinner when one can relax, maybe meet up with a friend, have a drink and a little some- thing to eat and enjoy a good conversation. If you work in an office, this probably takes place in a café or bar. But if

you work from home, as my wife and I do, it’s easier just to rendezvous in the kitchen. There we put together a small snack, pour ourselves a glass of wine or some other aperitif and start to unwind. It’s a highlight of the day. Here, as both illustration and inspiration, are a few ideas for creating just such a domestic cinq à sept , with four simple but delicious recipes matched to some favourite drinks.

FOOD & DRI NK EARLY SUMMER 2018 53