Aperol Spritz

When I first moved to New York, I was introduced to a fun new cocktail - an aperol spritz. Aperol is an Italian aperitif with a bit of a citrus flavour. A few months passed, and there it was again - at the top of a cocktail menu in one of New York's most popular speakeasy bars. The very next day, I was at a restaurant and heard a man next to me order a…I'm sure you can guess... aperol spritz! I came back to Toronto and decided to recreate the refreshing delicious drink for my family (even the LCBO made a big deal about the aperol)! Then, crazily enough, I went to a Charlie's Burgers dinner (see the droll worthy pictures below) and the aperitif was an aperol spritz.

If, unlike me, you haven't had or haven't heard about this drink, please order it or even better - recreate it yourself!

The recipe is on the back of the bottle:

Aperol Spritz
Ice
Slice of Orange

3 parts Procescco

2 parts Aperol

Splash of soda water

Charlie's Burgers: The Anti Restaurant

I wouldn't even dream of liking anything "anti-restaurant" until I met Charlie. Charlie Burger isn't a Charlie, or a Burger, but a somewhat secret dinner society. Foodies from around Toronto can sign up, fill out a questionnaire, and be invited (and hopefully picked) to attend a chef designed dinner at a secret locale in Toronto. I was lucky enough to attend one last summer, and again this past weekend. Once chosen, Charlie sends vague but mysterious emails to the attendees notifying them where to meet, who to look for (generally a guy sitting on a wine barrel), and what secret "pass code" (Ours was...I like my pasta cooked with west coast water). The meal was created by Chef Lee Cooper, of L'Abbatoir in Vancouver and was simply incredible. My foodie friend and I were overwhelmed with the foods originality, creativity, and the incredible experience overall.  Each dish had layer upon layer of flavour, and highlighted seasonal fresh produce and ingredients. Charlie's Burgers is not for the faint hearted - pigeon and lambs brains have been known to grace the menu - but-  if you love food, and are open to try anything, I highly suggest testing your luck and signing up at http://www.charliesburgers.ca/.

Learn more about Charlie's Burgers here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/revealed-charlie-burgers-true-identity/article588310/?page=all

Here are a few pictures and the menu.