We are just back from a glorious vacation in Québec (Montreal and Québec City). While I would love to talk about the vibrant and historic old city quarters, the influence of explorer Jacques Cartier, the changing of the Guard at the famous Citadel in Québec City, or the 400-year dual culture and language struggle between French and English — I will leave all that for another day. Instead let me share my observations on the buying wine in these cities. More

A few weeks ago we ran across a recipe for Nanaimo Bars. Our first thought was, how on earth do you pronounce that and where can we get some now! The pictures of these snacks were all we could think about for days and not ever having been to Canada (unless Niagara Fall counts), we were unfamiliar with what we now know to be quite the indulgent treat. More

City: Vancouver, BC
Population: 3 million
Local specialties: Seafood, locally made cheese, and fresh produce

We're continuing our series of food-lovers' guides by sticking around in the Northwest for the moment. Vancouver, BC! We just visited, and it is a truly remarkable city. It's located on a major seaport, between the Pacific and the incredible mountains of Canada. It has a mild, moist climate, and fresh fruit and vegetables are everywhere, as well as just-caught seafood. It is also very diverse, and Asian cooking of all kind is very popular. Here's your open spot to discuss Vancouver and the best markets, artisans, and shops for food-lovers and cooks in this beautiful, food-loving city. More

We received this lovely, light-filled kitchen from Julie Van Rosendaal, a food writer, researcher, cook, and mother in Calgary, and we are so happy to share it with you just before the weekend begins. Julie says, "I have a relatively small but long, sunny, charismatic kitchen. A lot goes on there. I write, teach, and talk about food for a living, so people always assume I have a massive restaurant-style kitchen with lots of stainless and granite, but as soon as they see my kitchen, they love it."

We love it too! Read on to see more of Julie's kitchen, hear about where she sourced those countertops (science labs were involved!) and to see more of the little touches that make this kitchen such a lovely place to cook. More