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World's Largest Ukranian egg
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If we asked 100 U S citizens to point to Alberta, Canada on a North American map, we venture that 95% of them would be stumped. And, if we also asked those citizens the name of its capital city they would, sadly, be equally perplexed. More people could probably answer more about Viet Nam, Afghanistan and Iraq. But then Alberta is rarely on the nightly news since, thankfully, we never fought a war there.
To help improve our geographical awareness, Alberta recently sent a number of emissaries to Chicago’s Canadian owned Fairmont Hotel. A luncheon featuring specialty foods indigenes to our neighbors north of Montana was the vehicle that brought attention to travel destinations in the province.
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Chef Daniel Buss demonstrates
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In addition to importing Alberta foodstuffs, they imported Chef Daniel Buss, Executive Chef at the Banfshire Club, a Michelin awarded four-star restaurant at the Fairmont Hotel in Banff Springs. Chef Buss demonstrated the preparation of each of our four- course luncheon. The courses each incorporated products for which Alberta is noted. After every demonstration, members of Alberta travel lectured on vacation destinations within the province as we enjoyed the selection.
Chef Daniel Buss, Executive Chef of the Banffshire Club at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (one of only two restaurants in Alberta to be awarded the AAA-five Diamond Award for fabulous cuisine) loves his job. Asked what he likes best, he replied he likes being in charge and loves finding farmers that provide unique products. He was exploring products in Napa Valley, California at one point and tried to purchase some exceptional greens and have them sent to Alberta. The farmer in Napa set him straight by pointing out by the time the greens would be received, they would be not be fit to serve. Find local farmers to grow what you want, he was advised. As a result, Chef Buss is continually exploring local farms. He is a firm believer in local organic products.
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Poplar Bluff Farm Heirloom Potato & Smoked Trout Terrine
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The first delectable dish was a terrine of smoked salmon and smoked trout layered with potato and Swiss chard accompanied by a salsify sauce. This was followed by a farm raised pheasant torte with Canadian West Coast truffles. It was stupendous and quite exotic. Even though beef, pork and lamb are readily available in Alberta, the more unusual was offered. Bison tenderloin medallions were plated with wheat berry risotto, seasonal mushrooms and heirloom beans.
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"Dirty Willy" Farm Pheasant Torte
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Our fourth and final dish defies written description with its amazing flavor and texture - it was a delicious dessert. Honey cake that incorporated Highwood Crossing canola oil, Albertan honey, chocolate and pastry cream was the final flourish. Because there are strict import laws regarding the transportation of fresh produce across the US/Canadian border, huckleberries had to be substituted for the famous Alberta Saskatoon berries that were planned. We will just have to make a trip to Saskatoon to taste the “real” thing…and that’s the whole idea!
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Roasted Carmen Creek Bison Tenerloin
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With our palates educated by the Alberta specialty foods, it was time to learn more about travel destinations in Alberta. This was accomplished by our viewing film-clips showing magnificent scenery with brief appearances by Hollywood celebrities who, at one time or another, had starred in movies on location in Alberta. US movie-goers have seen Alberta as a backdrop for many films and don’t even realize it (The most famous, being “Broke Back Mountain”) And, when the likes of Bruce Willis and Robert Redford say that they loved Alberta, you know it’s something very special.
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All eyes are on the film clips of Alberta
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Edmonton, Alberta, likes to be known as “the festival city” because of its non-stop festivals. It is also a wonderful place to see museums such as Edmonton Park, Canada’s living museum that features more than 70 period buildings-from four different eras -on 58 acres. You can time travel from the Hudson’s Bay Company fur-trading fort of 1846, to the 1920s and ride a steam train, streetcar or horse drawn wagon. The park also boasts a carousel with 32 hand-carved horses. Visits to the Musée Heritage Museum, the Reynolds Alberta Museum, the Rutherford House Historic Site and the Ukranian Cultural Historical Heritage Village are a must. In addition, there is the Edmonton Royal Alberta Museum, the Alberta Aviation Museum, The TELUS World of Science, home to Canada’s largest planetarium, an IMAX theatre with even more attractions geared to visitors from childhood to the senior set.
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Edmonton
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We would be remiss not to mention that Edmonton is one of Canada’s gambling hot spots. There are seven casinos, five of which are located in the metropolitan area, the others, a short distance from the city center.
The sporting life in Edmonton includes many sport franchises including the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League, the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League, and more. In mid-November, do not pass up the chance to see the Canadian Finals Rodeo which is one of the largest rodeos in the world.
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Lake Louise
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The West Edmonton Mall really has to be seen and for much more than shopping. It boasts world-class attractions and is described as the greatest indoor show on earth: Spanning the equivalent of 48 city blocks, there are more than 800 stores and services, over 100 eating establishments, along with nine outstanding attractions including Galaxyland, an indoor amusement park; a National hockey league sized skating rink and The World Waterpark.
Nature’s abundance and luxury can be yours in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise and Banff with vistas beyond your wildest dreams. Rugged forests, alpine trails, crystal clear streams, panoramic vistas, pristine ski slopes and wildlife can be explored at a large number of outdoor destinations. Willmore Wildness Park is a 1,840 square mile park that is adjacent to the world famous Jasper National Park. It is located 250 miles northwest of Edmonton. And there are five star resorts, to boot.
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Huckleberries graced the Highwood Crossing Canola Oil Spice Cake
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There are The Bronze Mountains, The Silver Mountains and The Gold Mountains that offer hiking expeditions that lasting from one to several days. While some of the hiking trips are remote, undeveloped and challenging, others are less taxing, but all are beautiful.
Alberta is a paleontologists dream. The world’s largest dinosaur is claimed to be in Alberta. There are lots of “world’s largest” such as the largest bee and the world’s largest Easter Egg, Alberta South boasts numerous world-class attractions, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and several Museums and Historic Sites that offer hands-on educational, scientific and cultural experiences. Go on a dig for dinosaur bones, sleep in an authentic tipi or saddle up and ride the range on a working guest ranch.
Travel to Alberta is convenient by land or air. Flying into Calgary and out of Edmonton is strongly suggested. For anyone south of the Canadian border there’s so much to be gained by a trip into Canada and especially Alberta. And now, think of how intelligent you will seem to be when and if you are asked to point to Alberta on a North American map!
Information at: www.travelalberta.com
Photos: Diane Shrago
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