LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2020

EDITOR’S NOTES

At last, summer is here!

The warm weather has arrived and it’s time for us to head outdoors for the next few months. We are eager to start enter- taining, but the ways in which we’ll be able to do that are still uncertain, so adapt- ability and scalability will be key. As with Early Summer Food & Drink , much of this issue was in development when COVID-19 hit, but we’ve had a bit more time to look at stories that were already developed and photographed and see how they could be reworked to suit our present lifestyle. For example, you’ll find five deliciously fresh punch recipes starting on page 70. They’re meant for times when you’re host- ing a crowd, but why not mix up a batch and keep it in the fridge? Just add the fin- ishing touches at cocktail hour and it will last you all week. The scrumptious recipes featured in “Bubbles & Bites” (page 76) make the easiest-ever party appetizers, but any of them could also double as a quick dinner for two, especially on nights when it’s too hot to cook. And despite the current challenges, you are likely still looking for thoughtful gifts, even if big gatherings are on hold and the gifts have to be dropped off on porches, decks or patios. Check out page 107 for the latest, greatest ideas. When it comes to food, whether you serve it at breakfast, lunch, dinner—or for dessert—does anything taste more like summer than a fresh, juicy fruit salad? Any of the options in our story starting on page 35 are worthy of your attention. No matter what, we know you will be grilling in the weeks ahead, and if you’re looking to spend a little less, consider chicken

thighs (page 99)—they’re versatile, packed with flavour and always great value. Or for those who prefer to avoid meat for any reason, we have a whole story’s worth of delicious meatless grills for the BBQ, start- ing on page 84. Getting out and about is normally one of the great pleasures of summer and we’ve highlighted plenty of don’t-miss destinations, some in Niagara (page 91), and others—with ice cream lovers in mind—all across the province, starting on page 22. We couldn’t be sure before our deadlines if they will be fully or even partly open quite yet, but we wanted to share these gems—either to visit now (hopefully!) or to add to your future travel wish-list. And last but not least, with this issue we are delighted to welcome to our mast- head and to our pages our new editorial team of Food Editor Eric Vellend, Drinks Editor Charlene Rooke, and Content Editors Suresh Doss and Victoria Walsh. Most of them will be familiar to you as longtime contributors to Food & Drink , but they will now have a hand in the devel- opment of our stories for each issue from initial brainstorming through to our digital and social experiences. We hope you enjoy the issue and have a safe and happy summer!

PORTRAIT BY JAMES TSE

Beyond print Stay connected with us through

@lcbofoodanddrink

our social channels for timely content and any updates on issue release dates. And don’t forget our digital issues can be accessed through lcbo.com/fddigital.

lcbofoodanddrink

LCBO

10

SUMMER 2020 FOOD & DRINK