Vox Pop with Mark Scholz

Greetings… April Fools’ Day was dandy—not because I managed to pull off a good fool’s joke on anyone. Yet, I’m sure Teri Farkas had it in the back of her mind that I was going to pull off a fool’s one-two on her and her family. Why? Well, it goes back a good while. Well over two years ago, Teri won the Hicks on Six/Edmonton Sun Christmas Charity Auction bid to have dinner with me at Culina Mill Creek. We made many, many attempts to coordinate the night but with no success.

Joe and Teri Farkas

It finally came together on April 1st of all days. I had the pleasure of meeting Teri and members of her family for a fine time at a great Edmonton restaurant. The feast was fantastic. We tried the seared black cod with a truffle Dijon vinaigrette… the pork tenderloin steaks with spicy Argentine chimmichurri sauce and couscous… plus the Alberta beef with blue cheese and chocolate sauce on dirty mashed potatoes. But, the one dish that really stood out for me was the rabbit. Who knew the Thursday special on April 1st would be rabbit loin/tenderloin roulade, racks of rib and chorizo sausages on caramelized butternut squash and apple with a pan jus. I wasn’t a fan of rabbit but that has all changed. The good folks at Culina Mill Creek brought in 10 rabbits from Paddle River, prepared them beautifully—oh so close to Easter. Poor bunnies… “bock bock.”

Culina Cuisine

Thanks to the Farkas family… to Graham Hicks for his unwaivering support of our community… and to Culina co-founder Ed Donszelmann for his hospitality. A wonderful night was had by all involved.
PS: Next door to Culina Mill Creek is one of the coolest rooms in town, the BiBO wine bar. Oh my—what a great spot. You can learn more about the Culina family of establishments by going to the blog www.backofthehouse.com
PPS: My fellow VoxPopper Marty Forbes kind of forced the “official” announcement that Graham Hicks is retiring at the end of the year. Marty’s cover story is the first of the accolades. In the days and months to come, there will be much to say about Graham and his contributions to the fabric of our city. But for now, I will enjoy every column he brings us till his final scribble. Good luck, Graham.

There’s a big night being put on by people who like to run, bike and swim a very long way. The Ironteam–Cops for Cancer is having a fundraiser on Saturday, May 8th. Join MC Nicola Crosbie from Global Edmonton and entertainer Wayne Lee for a night of good times. The event is being held at the River Cree Marriott Resort. Just go to www.ironcopsforcancer.ca. I have had the pleasure of being at one of this group’s events, and can promise you will have a great time with great folks.

TOGA TOGA TOGA. The 42nd annual Edmonton Rugbyfest kicks off at Ellerslie Rugby Park on Friday, May 21st. It’s hosted by Edmonton’s local rugby community which promotes the sport and its unique culture. It’s a brilliant spring tradition—a real sh*t-shaker deluxe. Teams come from all over the planet to compete. Games are free to watch. There are some ticketed events but they are worth every penny. Check out www.rugbyfest.ca. Contact Kristina Scade of the Rugbyfest Committee at 780.975.9433 or kristina@scadephotography.com for details and tickets.

Lynn Wells, a dear friend, sent me a note the other day:
Hey Mark,
I hope you can make it to this event. SpringtimeinAlberta… will wake up your Spring senses and bring a new dimension to 2010. It is the first outdoor event in the newly completed concert bowl at HAYLoft Acres. The land owner Uwe (oova) has been building the site for the past six years and is ready to present this grand opening festival. The landscape has been groomed to create a concert bowl complete with a new stage and a pond. To commemorate this event, he has put together at program of entertainment which is sure to impress. There will be a beer garden and a pig roast as well as other vendors. If interested, call Uwe at 780.922.3968.
The performers are all Alberta musicians and performances will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 15th. The site is easy to find. Follow directions on the poster to 52130, Range Road 224, south-east of Sherwood Park.
Cheers, Lynn

Sounds like a great time and wonderful place. Bands include Joe Public, John Spearn, The Low Flying Planes and the Celtic Fusion Illusion. Check it out.

The Spirit of Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon last month was a huge success. It’s a major fundraising event for McDougall House, a residential facility that offers counseling support programs to women in recovery from addictions. Among the models were Edmontonians Poll Station columnist Linda Banister and her daughter, Marina. For more information on the programs, visit mcdougallhouse.com or call 780.426.1109.

: Marina and Linda Banister

Finally… I am so glad the City of Edmonton has put up 40km/h signs in my part of town. What a great idea. Bravo. I hope it spreads to the entire city. Small point: Could you pave the streets as well? You have to drive 40km/h anyway so you don’t wreck your rims. Other than that… thanks. √