I adore macarons, but what about macaroons? Compared to the dainty French treat, macaroons are much more down-home, red-state fare. There’s no fancy flair, no colourful pretensions, no curious flavours. (Rose? Lavender? Salted caramel brulée? Yummy, yes, but decidedly more […]
Food
Review: Allan Key Lime Pie Dessert Bites
I’ll admit that when I think of Allan, I think of candy canes and chocolate Easter bunnies. A bit of research revealed that the Allan Candy Company (allancandy.com) is a much more present force in our sugary lives than I […]
Review: Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake
In honour of the American election happening tomorrow, I thought I’d do my neighbourly best by marking the occasion with that most relevant of British treats, Romney’s Kendal Mint Cake. The Pitch: There’s a back story on the wrapper that […]
Review: Hardbite Schezwan Peppercorn potato chips
I did a double-take when I walked by the potato chip selection at Calgary’s Sunnyside Market. Hardbite’s folksy packaging has clearly had a major update, and this was my first time seeing it. Overcome with a sudden hankering for chips, […]
Review: Rickard’s Cardigan autumn spiced lager
“Waaaaarm up with an ice-cold beeeer!” hollered a tray-carrying vendor at a particularly chilly autumn CFL football game I attended last year, if memory serves. I loved his pitch, mostly because it’s so perfectly outlandish you can’t help but laugh, […]
Review: Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi
When I reach for a low-cal beverage (other than water, naturally), I typically grab a bottle of Coke Zero. I prefer Coca-Cola to Pepsi, so translating that preference to the low-calorie cola world is logical enough. But I’m also one […]
Review: Starbucks Via Pumpkin Spice instant coffee
When Starbucks first released Via, their instant coffee product, I tried the free samples offered by staffers at the store, who foolishly dared customers to tell the difference between a freshly brewed coffee and a cup of instant. While Via […]
Review: Crunchie Clusters
Like most humans, I like shiny things. While diamond-encrusted teeth and flashy gold chains don’t do anything for me, a pretty, shiny package in the grocery store – especially for a product I’ve never seen before – draws me in […]