LCBO Food and Drink Spring 2016

Brunch THE RETURN OF WITH SPRING ON THE HORIZON, HOSTING BRUNCH TAKES ON FRESH APPEAL— ESPECIALLY WITH RECIPES THAT MAKE FOR A MEMORABLE GATHERING, RAIN OR SHINE! BY ERIC VELLEND  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES TSE SHOT ON LOCATION AT EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS, TORONTO After surviving another cruel winter, Canadians are anxious to get the alfresco dining season underway. When cool evenings still preclude eating outdoors, use the first sunny weekend as an excuse to host a backyard brunch.     An inspiring table awash in colour, perfumed with flowers and shaded by an armada of umbrellas, sets the stage for a memorable midday menu. Greet guests with a new- wave Mimosa, spiked with tequila and tart with grapefruit juice. It’s the perfect libation to accompany light canapés of spicy scallop ceviche on cool cucumber rounds. There are eggs, of course, baked into buttered toast cups with tender spinach, sharp Asiago and crisp, salty pancetta. For dessert, celebrate the first finds of spring with a gorgeous tart of vanilla-scented rhubarb, creamy ricotta and flaky puff pastry. Savour your final sips of coffee and raise a mug to the end of hibernation.

Susie Arioli, Spring , 2015, Spectra Musique The irresistible Susie Arioli sings (and swings) on this feel-good album of jazz standards and originals, backed by a stellar musical ensemble and some terrific arrangements. A great brunch album, as effervescent as a cold Mimosa, as fresh as— Spring . SET THE MOOD BY ANN LOUGH

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70  FOOD & DRI NK SPRING 2016