LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2021

EDITOR’S NOTES

It’s time to try something new!

Summer has officially arrived, but here in Ontario we’re already well into patio, grilling and cold drink season. So, as we head into the dog days, it’s a good time to take a look at what’s new and trending and consider something beyond the tried and true. Start by checking out “Hip to Sip” on page 57, where our Drinks Editor, Charlene Rooke, with some help from a few of our contributors, breaks down a variety of drink trends that are worthy of your attention. From sake to tropical cocktails and flavoured ciders, there are plenty of enticingly fresh ideas. Maybe you prefer the classics but could be swayed to present them in a different way? “Jell-Oh!” (on page 129) is for you. Here we’ve transformed some favourite drinks into jellied versions of themselves—treats for the eyes as well as your tastebuds. And, if you are a wine enthusiast, there’s a whole host of new wines that we think you need to know about; turn to page 147 to read all about them. While hardly new, radlers have been rising in popularity in North America for the last few years, espe- cially when it’s hot outside. For “’Rad’ to the Bone” on page 110, we asked Jesse Vallins to create flavour twists on the classic style then develop recipes for perfect pairings hot off

the grill. Featuring big cuts made for sharing, these duos will be the stars at any backyard BBQ. And what is summer without a glass of chilled rosé and a burger in hand? No mere sipper, on page 96 we demonstrate just how food-friendly rosé can be by pairing five styles with five delectable and dinner-party-worthy gourmet burg- ers—try a different one each week! We know weekends are at the heart of summer’s allure, but we haven’t forgotten about weeknights—an area where we all need a little inspiration. Enter our talented recipe developers, who share with us some of their favou- rite easy weeknight grills, starting on page 137. Then, in “Herbal Remedies,” on page 67, we asked Michelle Rabin to tell us what to do with all those herbs you may have growing in your gardens. She came through with even more weeknight inspiration—each one a must-try. From cakes to icy cocktails to local treasures waiting to be discovered on your next road trip, there’s plenty more to inspire you in this issue. And even if you don’t try something new, we wish you a safe and happy summer in the long-awaited company of your family and friends.

PORTRAIT BY JAMES TSE

Digital exclusives Keep an eye on lcbo.com/ foodanddrink and @lcbofoodanddrink in July and August for bonus online- only recipes and menus that will carry you through to Labour Day.

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SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK