Monday, June 28, 2010

from trashy to classy


This weekend I'll admit I spent far too much time in the Gastown district.  I've clocked nearly 20 hours of volunteering for the Coastal Jazz Festival, working on the "Environment Crew".  First, let's clarify that the Enviro Crew is really just a euphemism for the garbage collection crew.  It's a dirty job, but somebody's gotta do it!

One thing I've learned (aside from some pretty handy trash compacting skills) was an awareness of how disconnected we become to our garbage once it hits the trash can.  I chastised myself for how little I pay attention to the amount of trash I throw out.  And it took two full days of cleaning up other people's garbage to give me that kind of perspective.

All things aside, though my weekend started out trashy (literally), it ended on a classy note. I had a chance to check out some great international talent at the jazz festival, followed by dinner at an intensely cool place called Salt.  The restaurant is tucked away in a seedy looking alley, though its interior is anything but.  The concept is to mix and match their fantastic selection of cheeses, cured meats and wines for the perfect platter.

[Blood Alley Square, home of Salt Tasting Room.  I see no blood, but I do see a salt shaker flag!]

[selected flights of wine, with condiments and cheeses - my mother would be so disappointed that I'm not eating vegetables]


[generous slices of camembert, salmon chevre and pancetta] 

[my obligatory chocolate fix - a dark chocolate terrine with rhubarb compote]

4 comments:

  1. wow, the meal you had looks absolutely scrumptious! i am loving the trashy to classy transition of your weekend. glad you had fun! :)

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  2. That place sounds amazing! I love hidden gems like that.

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  3. The meal looks mouth-watering. I love jazz festivals. Toronto's fest is currently underway.

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