July News

July 1, 2012

Summer is officially here! As you get ready to celebrate Canada's birthday this long weekend, take five minutes to relax on your deck with an ice-cold cocktail and get the Latest SKOOP--All while you work on your tan lines.

Tapas with John Gilchrist ends with a toast of champage and very full tummies!

Beginning in May, 14 SKOOP members were treated to large plate tapas menus created just for them at four of Calgary's most buzzed about restaurants--Ox and Angela, Bistro 2210 and this past month at Petite on June 7th and Model Milk June 21st.

No need to wait hours for a table here with grumbling stomaches, these lucky members were personally welcomed by Calgary's best foodie, John Gilchrist and restaurant staff with cocktails in hand, ready to mingle amoung the others. After dinner and wine, the group was led on a tour through the kitchen to meet the owners and chefs who worked hard to make their night so special.

The response from members who attended the event was fabulous. We heard over and over that the tapas dinner series allowed them to try new restaurants they they may not otherwise have tried to get into on a regular busy night. It was said that the night provided a personalized and intimate atmosphere in which to enjoy the experience and that the amount of food that was served was well-worth the affordable price.

You can read more about SKOOP member Lisa Thomas's testimonial in June News here at https://www.theskoop.ca/blog/2012-06-01/june-news

From coffee lover to "coffee connoisseur"

There truly is only one word to describe the experience that SKOOP members had at Phil and Sebastian's coffee tasting and pairing class-- enlightening.

Even the most die-hard coffee lovers would have been surprised as Marda Loop's quirky and wonderfully charming lead barista guided the group through the art of comparing blends, grinds, consistencies and of course tastes using the traditional french press, pour over and aeropress brewing methods. As the group tasted each warm glass, they were treated to scones that seemed only to be baked from the pastry gods.

Feeling the caffeine jitters, each member was treated to a bag of freshly packaged coffee to take home.

A few things we learned:

Phil and Sebastian prides itself on its coffee philosophy of green coffee buying, custom roasting techniques and expertly engineered brewing technologies. Phil and Sebastian help support local coffee growers and their communities by traveling and seeking out the growers themselves and building close relationships.

If coffee tastes weak, acidic or watery, try using a finer grind to increase extraction. Ensure all coffee is properly saturated and stirred. Also ensure that brew time wasn't too short.

If coffee tastes bitter, heavy or flat, try using a coarser grind to balance extraction. Ensure coffee wasn't over-stirred and that brew time wasn't too long.

To learn more, visit https://www.philsebastian.com

Hennessy mixer and The Skoop's first big sponsorship!

June 15th was The Gerry Thomas Gallery June Mixer featuring Kaws Hennessy Cognac tasting presented by Charton & Hobbs. The Hennessy girls worked the room with their colourful bottles in tow while the bartenders poured combinations of Hennessy with apple juice, ginger, coke citrus, soda water with lemon and cranberry with lime. Guests also dabbled in the mouth-watering s'mores station set up by Fork and Farm Catering along with their delicious tapas. PARK ladies were also in attendance, showcasing some local designs as a preview for the next day's designer sample sale at the gallery.

After the mixer, we headed over to Jeff B. Wilkie's Birthday Benefit down the street at Belgo Brasserie. Over 600 guests were dressed in perfect Mad Men attire, having fun in the goofy photo booth and mingling into the night with only Calgary's best.

We were very excited to announce last month that The Skoop landed its first official sponsorship for the Big Boys and Their Toys luxurious charity event on June 16th. The highly-anticipated1960s-themed event held at the AirSprint Private Air Craft Hangar, was spearheaded by honorary event co-chairs Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson and Premiere Alison Redford in support of abused children within our city and province. Guests mingled with cocktails amongst 1960s super cars before the silent auction which included must-have items such as a Florentine excursion and a 1969 Dodge Super Bee Six Pack among others.

DON'T FORGET!

July 3rd, we will be drawing for the lucky SKOOP member who will win the chance to purchase two tickets to the sold-out Stampede Roundup show featuring The Tragically Hip, 54-40 and Matthew Good. This means you only have 2 days left so refer your friends to www.theskoop.ca!

More details here

Stay in the Loop!

July events coming soon...

Can't wait to meet you at the front of the line.