Writers and thinkers were celebrated at a recent luncheon honouring the legacy of Albertan newspaperman Bob Edwards. The annual event raises money for Alberta Theatre Projects, a company that produces relevant, engaging plays and supports emerging talent. The Bob Edwards Award is presented every year during an afternoon gathering of approximately 300 people. This year’s recipient was CBC host
George Stroumboulopoulos. Other diners included local billionaire Brett Wilson; City Alderman Brian Pincott; MLA and two-time climber of Mount Everest Dave Rodney; award-winning author Andrew Nikiforuk; director of WordFest Anne Green; director of development for Calgary Opera Helen Moore-Parkhouse; Talisman lawyer Heidi Schubert; poet Richard Harrison; and Laura Wershler, executive director of Sexual Health Access Alberta.
While the setting was typical – Hyatt’s Imperial Ballroom – the menu was not. The signature multi-grain raisin bread arrived with an antipasto style selection of cured meats and Camembert cheese. Directly following was a mouth-watering salade niçoise, complete with lightly seared tuna and a healthy dose of marinated artichoke hearts. For desert, quark cheese with mixed berry compote and chocolate shavings was served.
By far the most irreverent of gala functions (Bob Edwards, deceased in 1922, was the master of ceremonies thanks to some local talent with a fake moustache and believable Scottish brogue), it was no surprise that Strombo would try to shake things up.
“It’s great when you are celebrated for the same shit you got in trouble for in high school,” said Stroumboulopoulos, who praised artists and national news services. “I’m really happy to be here at this fancy gala with all you ordinary Canadians,” he added.
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Recognized expert in hospitality Linda Garson filled Rajdoot Restaurant before leaving the continent last month. The Vine and Dine founder was chosen as one of six Canadians to partake in a special tour of Chilean and Argentine vineyards. She will return to host several wine tastings and appreciation courses.
At Rajdoot, six courses were offered with a perfect pairing for each. Garson is much revered for giving her guests a sneak peek of wines new to Canada. This time around, two beverages made their Canadian debut – Gnarly Head Cabernet Sauvignon, a jammy, easy-to-drink Californian, and Tuaca, a potent brandy-like liqueur from Italy with hints of vanilla and orange. The favorite pairing among guests was royal korma (a saucy vegetarian dish made with pistachios and almonds) served with Hugel Gentil, a sweet but smoky German-style French wine. Rajdoot’s signature butter chicken was also a big hit, paired with Lagarde Blanc de Noir – “not a little girl’s rosé,” claims Garson, “It’s rosé for red wine drinkers.”
Not surprisingly, the modestly priced affair ($50 per person) regularly attracts out-of-towners and business travelers. Guests included Ontario-based Aurele Gingras, Vancouver-based Margie Killin, and Bowden-based Rob Heerema, along with locals Marci Witham of Horizon North, Shannon McDougall of Coca-Cola, Trina Lewis of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Rob Onodera of BonVida Wines, and connoisseurs JoAnn and Norm Shannon.
The next Vine and Dine event takes place December 8th at Ruan Thai Restaurant.
Published in National Post, December 6, 2008
Writers and thinkers were celebrated at a recent luncheon honouring the legacy of Albertan newspaperman Bob Edwards. The annual event raises money for Alberta Theatre Projects, a company that produces relevant, engaging plays and supports emerging talent. The Bob Edwards Award is presented every year during an afternoon gathering of approximately 300 people. This year’s recipient was CBC host George Stroumboulopoulos. 
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